Record Of The Week

Novachild – Ainikki

Novachild the artist was born 1998, and is the artist name of American Bruce Rich. He started out me exploring software-based synthesis and getting involved in music communities online. And Since then, he has released over 100 songs, evolved his aesthetic and punched up his studio. He is now recording other bands, producing remixes and performing visuals on multiple screens.

This latest release, is a mixture of singles from 2010-2011 and also two new songs. The song Come Again is a remix of an older Novachild song that never saw the light of day….until now. The other new song Semra was written for his wife.

There is a good mixture of sounds on this release, electronica, IDM, ambient. What I do like about Novachild is how he can change genres and keep it really interesting.

The name of the album and title track, Ainikki, is a loose, slightly distorted ambient piece named from a character from the Kalevala, Finnish folklore. She was briefly mentioned, the sister of Lemminkäinen, as a bit of an arrogant hero. She was a bit of a tattle tale.

I only got to know about Novachild a few months ago and I have been impressed with the range of sounds and musical styles that he plays on his releases.

And the good thing is, he isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, as I write this, he is working on his next release.

RECORD OF THE WEEK

North Atlantic Drift – Canvas

In the summer of 2011 in Toronto, Mike Abercrombie & Brad Deschamps decided to get together. Both were seeking an electronic project of sorts, but didn’t quite know what they would create. Mike was already creating some electronic music and Brad was playing in the post rock band called Epigram.

The first track that they recorded was From The Static and that seemed to work for them so they continued creating sounds, resulting in this release. Most of the percussive sounds that are sampled on the album are from cardboard box hits, hand clasp, shakers etc then heavily processed with effects. They then spent 6 months in a basement studio working out what would eventual become the album, Canvas. They chose the band name not only because it represents where they are from, Canada, but also it seems to fit the dark, ethereal soundscapes we produce.

Canvas is 8 tracks long and is just over 51 minutes long, there is not a bad track on the album. Go check out for yourself, they have the album as a free download on Bandcamp.

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Errors – Have Some Faith In Magic

Glasgow, Scotland based Errors have just released their third full release on the Glasgow, Scotland based record label Rock Action Records. The latest release of course features electronics and guitars and acoustic drums. But a new addition to this release is the use of vocals. They are not out and out vocals but more an extra instrument at their disposal, it is used with good effect. I played Tusk and Magna Encarta on my show but i could have chosen from any of the tracks on the album and been happy to play them. 9 tracks in total coming in at just under 45 minutes. Errors supported Mogwai last year here in the USA and they played Austin, it must have left a lasting impression on them as one of the tracks is called Barton Spring. So if you like electronic/synth sound with guitar and drums then this is for you.

RECORD OF THE WEEK

Condre Scr – You Are Genius

Condre Scr has been off the radar for the last few years, but that doesn’t mean they have been inactive.

With their unique blend of harrowing harmonies and delicate melodies, You Are Genius is a fitting follow-up to Jar Marsen . They remain true to themselves and their sound, the album is a winding path between hope and darkness. In a beautifully hand-made packaging, this is an album that belongs in the collection of anyone that considers music to be an artform and not an item destined for commercial consumption.