Album Review - Various Artists "Tide" - A Sampler from Perelandra Records

The music industry of old is barely a shadow of its former self. The tide has turned. More and more indie labels have sprung up in the decade-plus since music took over the digital realm. And among these independents you will find some truly interesting new sounds. Such is the case with Tide, a sampler of artists and music from the Perelandra Records label. Here is why you should listen.

First and foremost, this album is free. Legitimately free. So after you've read through the song-by-song review, go and download it. Perelandra Records mission statement is simple: 

"We're a net-label interested in wholesome talent in the electronic family. We love artists who blend the cutting-edge with the traditional; old with new. We're here to promote and distribute music we find engaging and dynamic, and we want to reach those who appreciate true musical talent. Our desire is to expose the diversity of digital/analog musicianship to the masses."

It is the second line, "artists who blend the cutting-edge with the traditional; old with new" which stands out here, because among the nine performers across the eight tracks included on Tide, are some truly stellar listens, genre bending songs and at least two artists who I can honestly say now rank among my favorite new listens this year.


Daniel Capo "No Sleep" - This one begins with a gentle, ethereal build. It would not be out of place to be heard on the syndicated radio programme, Music from the Hearts of Space. This is indeed appropriate music for cruising through space, with its mellowness inducing tones. A very gutsy move for Perelandra to open on this one.

Avantagonist "Electric Monk" - A jazzy piece accentuated with cool electronic effects supporting the percussion and guitar. This is more than enough reason to consider checking out more music from this artist.

freezedream "Slow Motion Moments" - A dreamy, organic blend of live and electronic instruments. There is no electronic fakery of the sound of fingers changing positions on the fretboard of the guitar. Piano and a semi-distant female voice adds further depth as the song progresses. New Age-y without the crystals. More of this, please.

Positive Infinity "Famicom Blues" - You had me at the title. This is the best example of chiptunes accented jazz I've ever heard. Chipped sound waves flutter in and out as live guitar and drums propel the piece. Can't remember the last time, if ever, I've heard a live guitar trade licks with a chip set. Props on the jazzy shuffle beat provided by a Game Boy. With just enough 8-bit to flavor it and some serious grooving going on, this song is an excellent example of the further maturation of the chiptunes genre and what capable musicians are able to accomplish using instruments that most people would consider to be non-traditional. One of my favorite tracks on the album.

Jay Tholen "Little King" - Starts off interesting; the vocals were unexpected after four instrumentals. This one feels both experimental in nature as well as rooted in dance and New Wave soundscapes of the 80's. There are detectable video game and chiptune elements but they are subtle. On first listen, I wasn't sold on the vocal delivery, but subsequent listens have changed my mind. This one is very different, but cool.

Agent Entropy "Founding Fathers of Insect Politics" - Let's bask in the awesome of that title for a moment, shall we.

...

This one starts out chippy but it quickly evolves into broader electronica modes. The marimba-like tones are a great inclusion. The song is very interesting, as it almost evolves away from the chip set beginnings, while still acknowledging them despite the progressing. It begins a sudden ramping up of speed as it approaches the finish.

Skylarkk "Sunrise Hunt" - The live drums among the 8-bit voices of this song were an inspired choice to include. This is a perfect example of how and where chip music is evolving, especially in a purely electronic music way. There is nothing wrong with lo-fi purism, but man this is good.

Zef featuring Stemage "Drifting Deeper" - For whatever reason, this was the first track I previewed from Tide when I heard about its release. That was a good call. My absolute favorite song of this set, it also led top my learning about these two talented musicians and opened my ears to one of my favorite albums of the month. It would not be out of place for this song to be heard in the End of Line Club on the game grid of Tron. "Drifting Deeper" starts off very chip-like but mutates into so much more. This is a cyberpunk movie's opening credit bed in search of a film. It might also be the first time modem-like sounds have been played this effectively within a song. Ultimately, it is the marriage of electronics and guitar which makes this rock like it does. It is fair to say a full length album collaboration from Zef and Stemage is something I'd get in line for.

Based on the strengths of what you have been listening to, I am looking forward to hearing more from the Perelandra Records family of artists. And while independent labels and artists such as these are the future of a new era for popular music, they will only thrive because of the people who listen. Don't let these songs go sound unheard. Hopefully by now you have stopped reading and downloaded Tide for yourself. If you haven't, do it. Do it now.

Tweet

Follow @LinerNotes