Caleb Peinado releases ‘Renoise 2’ as a follow-up to his debut album from 2021

Bringing listeners more of his jazzy-electronic experiments, the artist presents three new songs

Caleb Peinado is a debut artist from Olympia, Washington in the United States. After releasing his first album in 2021, he became known for his experimental electronic sounds with jazz twists. This April, he released his second album, Renoise 2 which incorporates his signature blending of genres. Bringing together motifs from leftfield, IDM, and jazz, his work spans across ambient themes and pays homage to UK label, Warp. As a label known for their work with Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Richard Devine, and Boards of Canada, Warp’s influence is evident in Peinado’s songs where you can hear clear traces of music trackers and music making methods that are often left behind in modern electronic music.

Acting as a sequel to his debut track by name, but also by album artwork, Renoise 2 uses meticulous sound-production processes to capture the detailed layers of the three tracks

Renoise 1 was Peinado’s debut album which released in 2021 and featured five different paced tracks which spanned the slower, more ominous themes of ‘Renoise Cmaj,’ all the way to the hyper-paced sound of the special effects in ‘Renoise Fmin.’ His experimental range shows an investment in the play and creation of electronic music, incorporating speed and urgency in his sound.

Acting as a sequel to his debut track by name, but also by album artwork, Renoise 2 uses meticulous sound-production processes to capture the detailed layers of the three tracks. ‘Nighttime’ takes on a particularly jazzy feel, whereas the bouncy and orchestral juxtaposition of ‘Bunny’ makes a pop-funk sound. Finally, the trilogy closes out with ‘Aqua Finale’ which merges the tones set by the first two tracks.

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Makoto Nagata provides 'Depth' on his latest release

Japanese track-maker Makoto Nagata is a relative newcomer in the world of electronic music, having just released three singles this year before the latest collection - an eight tracker titled ‘Immersion’ in December.

Not that you would notice this by listening to his work though which spans the worlds of IDM, future garage, ambient, and downtempo - flitting between them with aplomb. Different moments on the record could quickly draw favourable comparisons with the likes of Jamie XX, Burial and Brian Eno - clearly Nagata is taking his musical cues from some top-drawer electronic icons.

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There are some real sonic pleasures on display throughout, but the pièce de résistance of this offering is nestled right in the middle of the collection and goes by the apt title: “Depth”.

It’s an unashamedly bustling track, where emotive breath noises and sound design elements circulate between floating Rhodes, dance beats, and driving bass lines in an elegant sound that is reminiscent of the early dance forays of Four tet. Around the mid way point a throbbing bass synth takes centre-stage before a steady rise brings the main themes back in once more with some pitched vocal snaps that could easily have been straight out of the Kieran Hebden playbook.

It’s an enjoyable listen that shows more than a touch of personality from the producer - balancing sensory stimulus and fun, expertly crammed into a smart package of just over three minutes.

Buy or stream ‘Immersion’

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Video game music maestro Chip Tanaka is back with his new album ‘Domingo’

Three years since his debut release, legendary Nintendo composer and chiptune maestro is back with his second album ‘Domingo’

In 1980, armed only with a degree in electronic engineering and an unlimited imagination Chip Tanaka set off as Nintendo’s in-house composer for 8 and 16 bit video games. Best known for his soundtracks in the classic games: Metroid, Earthbound and Super Mario Land, he has also written music for anime and TV and developed sound hardware for NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and Game Boy. Tanaka was one of the key musicians that was featured in the mini-documentary series of influential Japanese game composers, ‘Diggin' In The Carts’. 

Featuring a colorful and quirky album cover, Tanaka released his debut album ‘Django’ under the music label Sporadic Vacuum in November 2017. His music is full of unpredictable sounds, largely influenced by reggae and dub, it has somehow blended in with the unique sound of Nintendo and rich chiptune stylings. 

His new release, ‘Domingo’ is composed of 11 conceptual pieces, each reminiscent of his childhood and the environment that surrounded him. The key theme being nostalgia for people and places that shaped him; imagery of the sea, night, space and retro computers. In his own words, “it is my own requiem of memory by creating the sensation of making something alive”. The new album includes a letter from Tanaka and a mysterious original sound source. 

Support the album on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify.

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TWYN Rips the roof off with 'Ravana'

TWYN is the collaboration between two reputable, highly accomplished multi-instrumentalists from Miami, Florida who have been making waves for some years in supporting roles, winning a multitude of industry awards and touring internationally. Jason Matthews (keyboardist) and Aaron Glueckauf (drummer) together create music that spans multiple genres and decades. With the use of the TWYN synth collection and the guidance of Matthews’ direction, the shape of their sound becomes timeless and modern at the same time, finding the space within to showcase their flare for playful, unique moments. The union of Matthews’ noodlings, cosmic explorations and epic explosions along with Glueckauf’s energetic drumming and precise programming leads to a pairing that puts together a well-rounded sound that fits perfectly. Whether they are making more downtempo or high-energy tracks you still feel like the duo are fully focused on their vision to create highly imaginative, experimental electronica brimming with energy.

‘Ravana’ is a power-house track that blurs the lines between multiple genres such as jazz, electronic and breakbeat. Opening up with a commanding presence of two opposing synth lines, one epic and uplifting the other forbidding and almost oppressive, causing instant drama and tension. This is what I love in music, ‘Ravana’ grabs your attention from the first second and takes you on a  thrilling journey throughout, with highlighted elements of jazz drums, cosmic fluctuations and playful textures that really brings the track to life. 

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Datach'i discovers the cycles of life with 'Akemies'

A few weeks ago we heard the first new music from veteran producer Datach’i in a few years, announcing to the world his return with an upcoming LP entitled ‘Bones,’ releasing the 26th July 2019 on Planet Mu sublabel Timesig. As mentioned in that review, Datach’i’s approach to this album was unlike any other in his now-sizable ouvre. With the recent passing of his father, he channelled thoughts and feelings into Bones that only significant disruptions such as this can bring.

Electronic music is almost intrinsically linked to repetition, to loops, to cycles. A form in which time bends back on itself, creating moments with no predetermined end. Datach’i employs this principle masterfully when he operates his custom-designed modular system, but in the context of this particular album, the producer born Joseph Fraioli reflects deeply on how this manifests in life: “It was something very much on my mind throughout recording this album, ends being beginnings and beginnings being the end. Cycles of time and how time works, it's all reflected throughout the album right down to how the tracks are ordered."

In particular, the opening track on Bones which we get to preview today, unmistakably captures how electronic music can reflect life in this cyclic manner. It’s a rhythmically mesmerizing start, intentionally obscuring the structure of various modulations to capture a feeling of perpetual movement. Fittingly, the track is titled ‘Akemies’, likely after Akemie’s Castle, a beautifully classic sounding FM synth module that propels the frantic synthetic percussion and kicks the album off with a bang.

Stream it above right now, and hop over to Datach’i’s bandcamp to pre-order the full album.

— review by autonomy

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From absurd to ambient Olof Cornéer travels to the other side of himself in 'The Last Days of New Glasir'.

Olof Cornéer is one half of the electronic duo Dada Life who primarily produce big room EDM/Electro House. Dada Life is a reference to the absurdist movement of the early 1900’s in Switzerland which makes a lot of sense when you sit down and strap in for any of their outlandish music videos and bombastic beats. Priding themselves on being uncompromising in their approach to derisory sensibilities, Dada life were consistent on delivering music that pushed the boundaries of the of the silly and well, absurd within EDM and Electro House.  

After taking some time out in 2014 to address some serious health issues Olaf started a new solo project in Night Gestalt which carries a narrative based around space exploration in reaction to the desolation of our planet. The concept albums are to be made in three parts, each telling their own story as part of a larger theme. 

‘The Last Days of New Glasir’ is the title track from the second album which was released on the 10th of May and I think it’s fair to say that Night Gestalt is as far removed from the productions of Dada Life as is the fictional ONE spacecraft Olaf imagined is from earth. 

The track with it’s free floating synth notation/melodies and vocals feels like that image we have seen a thousand times of a stunning isolated iceberg floating away into arresting oblivion surrounded by nothing except its own tragic fate. There are uplifting moments among some truly spectacular melancholy.

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Datach'i finds another way to process death with 'Bones'

Longtime electronic producer Datach’i has a new album coming titled ‘Bones’, and while new music by great producers is usually cause for celebration, for Datach’i, it is a sombre moment. The album is a deeply personal reflection, made during the producer’s father’s battle with cancer and recent passing. The album releases 26th July 2019 on Planet Mu subsidiary label Timesig, but today we get to hear the 4th track from the album, ‘Rockledge 3A.’

You may think that writing music during such a difficult moment in life would produce decidedly darkly coloured music, but Datach’i shows us that there are other ways to process death. The intimacy of Rockledge 3A is readily apparent; however, it is also surprisingly upbeat. Synthetic polyrhythms abound, and warm, analog chords create an all-encompassing optimism, perhaps channeling an appreciation for what once was, rather than dwelling on what is no longer. Like Datach’i’s last album, ‘System,’ Bones was written, sequenced, and produced entirely within his custom-built modular system. Typically, modular-based music tends to lean on the side of dense and technical, but Datach’i’s musical touch instead imbues Bones with an emotionally rich palette. Clearly, he would rather prioritize sensitivity and intuitive appeal over rugged complexity, and it makes for a wonderfully listenable introduction to the album, despite, or perhaps in common cause of, the heaviness of its subject matter.

You can stream Rockledge 3A above, and if you like it, be sure to pre-order Bones via bandcamp for access to limited edition bonus materials, including the chance to win a TipTop Audio 'One' Modular sampler.

— review by autonomy

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Trentemøller aims for something different with 'Sleeper'

At this point in his career, what hasn’t Trentemøller accomplished? Throughout his ouvre, the Copenhagen-based musician has never failed to evolve his sound with each release, while at the same time maintaining the musical sensibilities that has made his sound his very own. That balance of exploring new forms and staying true to himself has only grown his fanbase over the years, as evidenced by a completely sold-out world tour in support of his last album. Today, we get a taste of his first original music since 2017 with the single, ‘Sleeper.’

As you may have guessed from the lush-yet-bleak video above, Sleeper lives far from the banner of ‘indie-electronic’ that has acted as a catch-all for Trentemøller’s various sounds thus far. While he has always had a preternatural knack for arranging compositions that build to satisfying crescendos, Sleeper also progresses in a decidedly orchestral manner. In fact, we don’t even hear a percussive element until halfway into the track, and even then, it is only minimally audible. But Trentemøller hallmarks are yet ever-present, from his signature detuned synths to his lush, harmonic atmospheres. All of these elements coalesce into a beautiful, if subtle, reflection that feels at once melancholic and nostalgic. In other words, it fits its title perfectly.

You can stream Sleeper over on Spotify, or download a copy for yourself on Trentemøller’s Bandcamp.

— review by autonomy

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Rising star Catching Flies set to explode

Out now, listen here: http://radi.al/CFNewGods Follow Catching Flies: iTunes/Apple: http://radi.al/CFNewGods/opt/0 Spotify: http://radi.al/CFNewGods/opt/1 Amazon: http://radi.al/CFNewGods/opt/2 Google: http://radi.al/CFNewGods/opt/3 Deezer: http://radi.al/CFNewGods/opt/4 Facebook: http://radi.al/CFFacebook Instagram: http://radi.al/CFInstagram Twitter: http://radi.al/CFTwitter Youtube: http://radi.al/CFYouTube  Soundcloud: http://radi.al/CFSoundCloud Bandcamp: http://radi.al/CFBandcamp New Gods’ marks the welcome return of the London artist whose music draws from a wide-ranging palette of influences including jazz, soul, hip-hop, house and electronica and has previously seen him handpicked by Bonobo to provide support on his World Tour. ‘New Gods’ perfectly encapsulates what Catching Flies is all about and sees him collaborating with two of London’s brightest stars: Jay Prince and Gilles Peterson favourite Oscar Jerome.

Multi instrumentalist, producer and DJ, Catching Flies, aka George King, has achieved a great deal in his musical career already. His tunes have received millions of hits and listens, he's got support from the UK's top DJs and taste makers and he's toured the world over supporting some of the biggest DJs and artists.

The one thing that has evaded him thus far is that illusive first full length album. However as 2018 inches to a close, Catching Flies is set to remedy that. With his album release on the horizon, Flies drops a tantalizing teaser in our above track, 'New Gods', featuring a pair of similarly rising stars, collaborating with singer Oscar Jerome and rapper Jay Prince.

Catching Flies, who usually operates alone, blending through the genres of jazz, soul, hip-hop, house, electronica and more delivers a tightly produced track in 'New Gods'. The trio each have ample time to shine as Jay Prince raps about life eternal, Oscar Jerome provides a soulful backdrop, all the while Flies sounds linger, guiding the listener from laid back electronica beats building to a crescendo of jazzy guitar/bass expressions.

The whole thing evolves over a mere 3 minutes time and leaves you longing for more. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a bit longer before his album drops, fortunately though, for those new to Catching Flies, like myself, our man George has more than an ample supply of music available online to satisfy that longing. Catching Flies has previously released an EP, another mini EP and loads of highly acclaimed DJ sets (such as the ‘On Deck’ Thump Mix) and mixes (such as his Solid Steel Radio Mix on Ninja Tune). He even has a monthly radio show on London based Radio station Radar Radio.

If you need any more help tracking Catching Flies as his star rises higher and higher, click onto platforms below:

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A lesson in Minimalism from Swedish producer- Fabian Rosenberg

Listen on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/album/1TeZVCipUw2FNEZ0lfGyyq?si=Yw3h8MT6RM-H-JuWOxW19g This EP is the journey I had to take when I transitioned into making music instead of performing music composed by others. Because of an injury I had to find my voice through sounds rather than my instrument. This was more than two years ago and this music has been on my computer since. This was prior to making Amsterdam Sessions with Sjors Mans. I've been going back and forth on whether this would stay on my computer forever or not. But in the end I had to share it one way or the other. I'm extremely thankful that piano and coffee records believed in the material and pushed me to release it at times where I had doubts. My hope with this EP, Amsterdam Session and the material I'm working on right now will paint a picture of how I've evolved as an artist. If you'd listen to the three compilations of music you would hear me learn how to play the piano, take my first baby steps as producer/audio engineer and finally slowly find my way back to the trumpet. I'm super nervous to share this (as always). I really hope you will find it pleasurable. Or at least not horrible  I'm quite proud that it finally off my hard drive and is flying free!

Fabian Rosenberg, is a Swedish artist located in Stockholm. He has roots in the jazz tradition as a trumpet player but he moves seamlessly between being a producer, pianist and composer. His intimate piano compositions and field recordings blend together with acoustic instruments and electronics, a hybrid process used to create his signature haunting ambiance and heartfelt melodies.

His pseudonym Klangriket has received international recognition as ”a breath of fresh air” in ambient and contemporary classical music circles. Among his soloworks there have been several international and local collaborations, with artists such as Sjors Mans, Dominique Charpentier and Jakob Lindhagen. Just earlier this year, Rosenberg and Mans recorded ”The Amsterdam Sessions” a beautifully delicate 5 track album that was the result of four days spent in Mans’ Amsterdam studio. During this time, they improvised and experimented as much as possible, while taking turns on different musical instruments. The result is a deeply personal sound that serves both as a conversation between two talented, creative minds and as an homage to the power of collaborative improvisation.

Continuing down this path of musical exploration and boundary dissolving sound experimentation, Fabian presents his latest offering in the form of a 4 track solo EP entitled: ‘Tjärn’. Written mostly in 2016, the release represents Fabian’s journey in finding his own voice as a composer and producer; creating a new identity away from his background as a jazz trumpeter. The closing track “Skogsrå” not only brings the riveting album to a contemplative conclusion, but also represents a kind of fresh shift in Fabian’s creative process. As he explains “Skogsrå is one of the first pieces of music where I explored beats and how one could make beats that wasn't locked in to being a drumkit. I couldn't let it get buried on a hardrive somewhere, so I decided to release it along with three compositions I made around the same time. It's been long overdue!”

Head over to Bandcamp and grab the ‘Tjärn’ EP. Out now on Peruvian imprint ‘Piano and Coffee Records’.

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