News and Reviews

New release: Combustion EP by Jed Rabid

09.03.2013

We are once again elated to announce the second release of another of our debutant artists, this time around, Jed Rabid.

Combustion is a slow brooding EP of 5 tracks that ignites your auditory senses with Jed Rabid's unique style of dark melodies and Dubstep-like drumming, which at times almost has an Industrial feel to it. Through the well flowing movement of the tracks he offers the listener some thoughtful social commentary and ends with, perhaps, his final philosophical view on things.

Combustion is a great follow up on his first EP, Subconscious, and well worth the listen.

Style: Dubstep, EBM, Breaks

Download album here (51MB).

New release: Mechanosensitive by The Shimmer Effect

23.01.2013

It has been just over a year since the release of their debut album and it is with much anticipation and excitement that we announce the release of The Shimmer Effect's second album, Mechanosensitive.

This album is a real gem and grows on you with every spin of its 9 solid tracks. What will immediately come to your attention is the much slower, and much more thoughtful, pace of the songs than that of their first album, Uranometria. There is an overall ambiance to the album that gives you the sense of travelling deep into a dark futuristic underground city where a brooding menace of mechanical villains are battling the shimmering guardians of light in a desperate fight over good and evil, and for the obvious need for people to have light down there.

Not taking anything away from Uranometria, which is a classic in its own right, but there is a definite maturing in sound and overall execution that can be heard and felt throughout this album. Mechanosensitive would make a great soundtrack to a futuristic thriller or perhaps, even better, the soundtrack to the sci-fi adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.

Style: Trip-hop, Down-tempo, Glitch, Ambient

Download album here (83MB).

2013, a new year, new horizons

07.01.2013

2013 is here if you have not yet noticed or heard about it on the news.

May it be a year of great things for everyone, especially for those artists who share their creativity and labours of love with us all for free.

Here's to them and you!

^

Chief

Choose the right music for your at-home poker game

04.12.2012

Music is a key part of life in many different situations and an at-home poker game is no exception. When you invite a bunch of friends round to your house and choose to have a game of poker, the music that you play can add a lot to the atmosphere. That is, if you get it right, as it can also detract from the atmosphere in a big way. This is why it is important to choose the right songs to play during a poker evening. In order to make sure you all have the best possible time, here are some ideas to consider before you embark upon a evening of music-filled poker.

It is a good idea to vary the music throughout the night. In the run-up to the game, play something energetic and upbeat. You want to get everyone in the mood to play poker, from those who regularly play on sites like Partypoker, to others who are not as experienced. This will get everyone excited for the game to come and ensure that there is a good atmosphere in the room. It will also get people's energy up and prepare them for what could be a long game.

Once the game begins, you will want to slow the pace down with music that is more relaxed and mellow. This is because those taking part in the game will want to concentrate on their cards and formulate their game-plans. Mellow music will also calm players down when tensions rise and ensure that the game is enjoyable rather than stressful.

However, after the game has finished, the player who came out on top may want to celebrate their winnings. This calls for more energetic beats, that bring a real party atmosphere into the room.

When choosing music for your poker night, why not have a little fun with song names or lyrics, picking ones that talk directly about poker or its processes. How about Motorhead's 'Ace Of Spades' for something upbeat:



Or some of Frank Sinatra's 'Luck Be A Lady', for those mellower moments:

New release: Mountain by The X-Structure

18.10.2012

The X-Structure returns to us with a story of the Mountain. As always with The X-Structure there is more to it than it seems.

The album has a different sound to their more recent albums and brings something back from their earlier days yet with glimpses of where The X-Structure are now. Mountain is a welcome addition to this unique band's growing collection of genre-defining music.

Style: Electronica, Down-tempo

Download album here (41.4MB).

New release: 32 Miles by Alchesound

29.07.2012

We are excited to announce the debut album release by J-bay resident, Alchesound.

32 Miles, is a laid-back ambient trip through the consciousness of Alchesound, mystical and magical at times, filled with smooth futuristic lounge-like intermissions, dream sequences and adventure game-like sub quests.

Being one part of The Shimmer Effect the distinct drumming prowess of Alchesound can be heard throughout the album and, along with the rolling bass-lines, adds a depth to the tracks in true trip-hop style.

This is a fantastic debut release and we are sure to hear much more from this talented female South African electronic music producer.

Style: Electronic, Ambient, Down-tempo

Download album here (105MB).

New release: Wild Places by The X-Structure

30.05.2012

We have always had our suspicions about The X-Structure, them being a wild bunch, especially that Starrzan fellow, and now with their new album, Wild Places, they have proven our suspicions to be spot on.

This wildness they speak of is not something reckless or uncontrolled, but rather something of a deeper, inherit nature that was purposed before the begining of time. Sound deep enough? Wait till you hear the deep basslines played by the one known as Epic, Epic Beard. The deep grooves will touch the depths of your soul while being accompanied by a procession of oscillating arpeggiotic chaotic ordered dissonant melodies that runs with it like a cool summer's breeze and lightens up the dark sky with rays of pure glorious light. Well it's something like that at least.

Style: Down-tempo, Electronica, Trip-hop

Download album here (68.5MB).