[2005] Zu & Mats Gustafsson - How To Raise An Ox

If there was any doubt that Mats Gustafsson had the required talent to work alongside a jazz band with math-rock leanings (and therefore, constricted to a measure) while retaining the freedom of his intense sax delivery, How To Raise An Ox single-handedly dissipates them all. This incredible collaboration shows the best of Zu in terms of math-rock and free improvisation while leaving enough space for Gustafsson's short and energetic sax outbursts, complimenting without overshadowing the Italian collective.




Buy it directly from Atavistic Worldwide here.

[2007] The Austerity Program - Black Madonna

With obvious nods to artists and bands like Shellac and Glenn Branca (specially the former), The Austerity Program still manages to distance themselves from both projects by creating a less dense, energetic series of (mostly) instrumental songs with a strictly followed sense of dynamics and bizarre rhythm. Nothing much else can be said about this project aside that, as a duo, the resulting product is worth paying attention to.

Download it here: [320][V0]

Buy it directly from Hydra Head Records here.

[2010] Ultralyd - Inertiadrome

Latest (and among the best) release of Ultralyd, this time they went for a catchier take on their style, and while shorter than their previous albums, it makes for a great album. One of my favorites back in 2010, Inertiadrome has a cheerful tone, with a few hints of krautrock repetitiveness here and there, and definitely a perfect starter for these looking to get into this band.

Download it here: [320][V0]


Buy it directly from Rune Grammofon here.

[2005] Friendly Bears - On Oceans, Light, And Sleep

Free-jazzy, avant-prog band from the United States,which released an album with Infidel?/Castro! a while ago already. Similar to Tartar Lamb (Toby & Mia's (also from Kayo Dot) side project) at their softest moments, it delivers fast-paced, frantic sections on short notice, mixed with female vocals from time to time. So far their only LP, which is a shame considering how good they are. This album was released 5 years after their original forming, so they've mostly been a live band; for instance,  not too long ago they did a show along with Tartar Lamb as a support act.

Downnload it here: [V2][V0]


Buy it directly from Amazon here. Sold out on Pralaya Records.

[2003] Cheer-Accident - Introducing Lemon

Progressive rock (with a touch of RIO) meets math-rock, meets indie rock. Thymme Jones' main band, Cheer-Accident is easily one of the best, most underrated progressive-rock bands of the last decade. This album is their most known release, in which remarkable drumming (without being too showy) and occasional brass instruments add their quota of amazing melodies, paired with mellow, sometimes cheesy lyrics. There's many highlights in this album, for instance Zervas and While. In reality, most of the song bleed into the next one, making it better to listen to it in its entirety to fully appreciate it. All in all this is great music that deserves more attention, very unlike most bands in their genre, considering their humorous approach and emphasis on 'telling' rather than 'showing'. It reminds me of Art Bears a lot, not much in the content though (or even musically), but the spirit behind it.

Download it here: [V0]

Buy it directly from SKiN GRAFT Records here (page 8).

[REQUEST] [2002] The Flying Luttenbachers - Retrospektiw IV

Second compilation of non-album tracks, previously unreleased by The Flying Luttenbachers, the first one called Retrospektiw III and released under the same label, ugEXPLODE.

Download it here: [192][V2][V0]