Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

I’m always impressed with new music. Soul Spear caught me off guard, however, as I didn’t know what to expect. The artwork for “Built With Girders” was really cool, but the sound on my computer didn’t come through very well at first. It was because I didn’t plug in my speakers, and that’s my fault. Once I got things working, I was really impressed with the layers of EDM that Soul Spear puts through on this release. It starts with an orchestral solution then moves into a deep entrancing rhythm and flow of sounds that you will absolutely get lost in. Just when you think that you have figured out what Soul Spear is doing with their tracks, they throw a wrench at you and switch up the electronic soundscapes. This record really puts on a showcase of musical prowess, but not without showcasing layers of traditional digital music. There are moments that you swear you heard something before, but right when you try to figure it out, things switch up and you get a new sound, and a new laye...

Electronic music is always a fascinating landscape. With the release of “Starchildren” Armada Named Sound pushes through the crowded genre to bring you an interesting take on the sound. Mixing several different elements of music, not just electronic, you get a boisterous sound. I love the mix, fusing the best part of several genres into an electric and dare I say eclectic release. You really get a feel for the record with “Afterdrive” which ushers you in to the sound you’re going to get. It highlights good production values, and layered sounds that truly bring out pop and EDM but without relying on just one thing. Often times with electronic music, you get repetition over quality, but not here. Armada Named Sound really pushes several elements together to get you to a sonic boom of cool. I love the way it all fits together. The songs come together like a puzzle, everything having its own place. “Starchildren” really takes on a good cohesive unit through 4 tracks of excellent trac...

In Seattle I worked for a snowboard company, and my coworker would always play electronic music. He was a dj and he was working on all sorts of different tracks, remixes, and ideas for beats while working on tech there in our small offices. Back then he introduced me to a lot of electronic music, and a love for the genre started to blossom. Fast forward to today, and I hear a lot of music on a regular basis, and the one genre that always has a way of introducing me to new melody, musical notation, and creativity is electronic. Suffice to say Worldwide Groove Corporation's release of “Standard Chill” does an absolute grand thing to pull my heart strings and those of anyone that likes electronic, digital, and ambient music. This record brings together tracks from a variety of musical genres but with an electronic feel, and it’s every bit iconic. Every track has something new to offer, and it’s not all digital, it’s got some amazing elements of jazz, rock, and more. The vocals fea...

It’s not fair for anyone to just call this band by a one genre name, it’s truly not just one sided. Garden On A Trampoline finds a way to shove the emotion found on Deep Elm mix in a little Jade Tree magic, and shove over Smoking Popes for a shot at the top of alternative rock’s indie crown. Ok, maybe that’s a bit much, but what can I say, the band has really got me tapping my toes to their infectious sound. For whatever reason I decided to listen to “keeping me inside” first, and was immediately brought back to my bedroom in Culver City circa 1999. Why is that important? Because that’s when I dropped $300 on music from the aforementioned record labels, and caught wind of all types of underground music, some of which reminds me of what this band has done with this record. Going back to the start, “Allodynia” starts with what very well may be my favorite instrumental. The first 40 seconds alone is enough to create an ethereal vision for you, as the melting of emotions comes through....

After writing 17,000 words today, I wasn’t prepared to review a record, then “die:rot” hit the speakers, and my mood shifted. Bottoms latest release is a mix of electronic music, and pure exuberance. The opening track alone had me awake and alert, and into something quite new. The mix is solid, throwing together sound design that is definitely on par with some of the best electronic music I heard last year. However, where others seem to just throw in some random beats and underline them with signature time, Bottoms changes the formula. Within the first track alone you get several changes in terms of sound, design, and noise. The elements put together are layered, and flow to tell you a story that is quite impactful overall. If the first track doesn’t grab you up front, then the second and third tracks will change your mind. “Boring” and “Gasoline” take away the first track and create lavish new elements, while distributing the tropes of electronic music you’d come to expect. It’s d...

I know, my title doesn’t make as much sense as you may have hoped for, but don’t worry, when you actually sit down to listen to the new Secant Prime release, you’ll get it. “Made” the first track that I heard from the release blew me away, as if I was going through a time warp. This electronic release is a wakeup call, and the first good electronic release of 2015 for me. I heard a TON of records in 2014, but this year has started a bit slow for me. I’m glad that Secant Prime’s latest hit my speakers, because it’s definitely a top notch release and you’ll hear it flowing through insane tracks, layered beats, electrical circuitry, and attention to details that you normally don’t get from music of this style. I was impressed with how things moved from frenetic to peaceful, to thought provoking. The record has a good balance to it, and there’s no sound wasted here. It doesn’t just seek to please your ear as much as it is made to create harmony and chaos into a painting that you’ll see...

Bernie Journey is set to release one incredible track of music on December 30th 2014. The track entitled “Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking?” is a dance, pop, electronic single that took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting the song to be so catchy, but by the mid-point I was singing along and really enjoying the music. It’s an ethereal mix of pop sensibilities with electronic music precision that is definitely going to get you moving a bit. The single is reminiscent of the 1980s for me, with clear vocals, sung over hypnotic electronic elements, and that classic dance pop sound. It just seems like it fits so well in the past, that you’ll be thinking this is a hit from another generation. However, it’s new, it’s well done, and presents a vibrant end to the year. The track itself is a compelling one, bringing together a collaborative musical process that is often missing with electronic music. If you’re a fan of pop music, this is definitely going to be hard to stop listening to. Be...

Not since I first heard the soundtrack to Mega Man 2 have I been so enthralled with electronic music. This year has been great for digital music, and I have been given a lot of options to listen to, and here is just another example of great music moving through the internet and other arenas. Bombs Dropping “Winter 2014” is a mix of electronic dub, club, or whatever you want to call it and it’s definitely a fine production. It starts heavy with “Fame”, before it starts dropping digital bombs, as it were. There’s a lot of bouncing on the record, but there’s steps that are going to take you out of the old techno raga and put you in touch with a new wave of digital creation. I love the tracking on “Cold Front” which feels like something right out of a video game from the PS3. It feels organic, and it has a strong electronic vibe that is definitely well worth your time. You’re going to be thrown back into the industrial era of rock music that made games like Quake so exciting. Don’t m...

20 seconds into the latest from Mary Keey, and I’m a fan. I was blown away at 40 seconds in, and may very well have found my favorite electronic record for 2014. As a music writer, I listen to all sorts of music, and electronic is definitely one of the most eclectic genres, but this is something altogether new, and emphatic in the electronic world. This record comes off hard up front, then mellows into a variety of tracks that are unique, and flow through a very unique release. “Electricize Me”, is not a one trick pony, it’s a full scale record that has various inclusions from the world of digital music, and it is perhaps one of the finest mixes I’ve heard in a long time. “Apollo” opens things up in such a heavy manner, that you immediately take note of the record’s presence. After the initial introduction, you are taken through both dance elements, electric elements, and singing that fits right into the mold of EDM, with so much ease. There’s something special here, especially whe...

Shane Sebastian complete floored me with the track “LA LA”. I wasn’t really sure what to expect upon first hearing the track, and as soon as it got into gear, I was sold on the song. Within a minute, you’ll find yourself swimming in a world of emotion. It’s a lovely tune with some very introspective and eclectic moments. I loved hearing the balance here, moving through a strong vocal arrangement, and good sound amidst layered music. You will find that the song really comes alive around a minute, as things really come together in such a strong manner. You may find yourself thinking about David Bowie in how the vocals are dynamic on this tune. They elevate the song to another level, and definitely brings forth a great emotional connection. Acoustic guitar work, electronic elements, and powerful vocals lead through “LA LA”, and it’s hard to really put your finger on. So many pieces come together here and the song really shines. Shane Sebastian has a real winner here, and I am comple...

Panda Bear is the brain child of Noah Lennox. Don’t remember that name? Well, he’s the founding member of Animal Collective, and the guy has been pushing music for quite some time. In this release he takes a bottle, smashes it open, and then makes art of the pieces. I mean that in a musical way, as this is an experimental EP that delivers on all the right pieces, and creates an image of the artist that you are not going to find with other albums right now. “Mr. Noah” is an EP that is all over the place in consideration of arranging music. It doesn’t have a set genre, although the electronic vibe is definitely in place here. You get a mosaic of sounds when you listen, and it’s very creative, and personal on many levels. “Faces In The Crowd” stands out as my favorite track, as it goes up and down in terms of sound design and features some very interesting notes. I like the way it flows through the noise and comes together with vocals that are all but poignant, and saturated underneat...

Kava took the idea of recording tracks in 3 cities, each one for each member’s home town and created what very well may be the most creative use of electronic music you’ve heard in a minute. “Transmissions” is set to be released in 11/11, and it’s by far one of the coolest fusions of digital music you’re going to hear this year. It’s presented with a certain passion that really comes through on the record. I found myself not only listening to this at home with my cats, but also streaming it on my phone while I did a quick session at my local skate park. There’s a vibrancy found here that moves your ears , with some robotic elements that rival some of the artists you may already know. I thought “Elevation Repair” was right out of the book of Gandalf’s Beat Machine, but right when I wanted to peg this as a comparison, there’s a balance that shocks the system and creates something new. I like how you can’t predict where the tracks are going, and there’s a fluidity to this that is very...

I was introduced to Sienná through the first musical notes on the upcoming single “I Know Why”, and was completely stunned. There’s something elegant about the musical production at first glance. You’ll hear a very melodic point, before you are lead down a line of singing and other elements that create a lavish picture. It’s this ethereal relationship that comes through with vocals and sound design that is really well done. It’s got a mix of pop, electronic, digital, and organic sounds that work very well here. You really get this compelling sound and design that flows so well together. You are not going to be disappointed upon listening as it starts to become clearer through the track. By minute 2, you are enthralled, you are in love, and you can’t let go. There’s a symbiosis at work here, something that only the best artists can produce, and that’s iconic here. It’s not a noisy track, it’s moody, it’s eclectic, and it is definitely one of the better sounding songs I’ve heard in a...

I was immediately blown away by Vin Deca’s production on “Electro Positive Plus”. Not since Kavinsky have I heard of a unique mix of music that is by far compelling and artsy in so many worlds. This is beyond the genre of dance and electronic music, as it fits into a whole new element of musical creativity. I’m honestly not sure how to really explain the layers that are created here as the positivity shines through and through. On the record you are going to hear the traditional beats you may have grown accustom to in regards to dance or pop music, but right when you think you’ve got Vin Deca figured out, he throws you a curve. When you listen to tracks like “Avec Plaisir” you really denote that. I loved the way the flow turned around and then struck a new element throughout. It is an energy filled track that really needs your attention. The rest of the record is compelling too, and it flows through ambience and rhythm that is very much on par with what you would expect from a ja...

Daniel Angelus, one half of Surrender Hearts, has unleashed one of the most atmospheric records I’ve heard in a long time. The EP is called “Dream Pop” and it takes notes from a lot of bands, and artists, but it’s truly its own. It’s a complex electronic debut that takes layers upon layers to work within. You’ll listen to it and pick up on a lot. You will not be able to take this straight through, you will need to rewind and listen to the tracks again and again to pick up on all the little things that are being pushed in your ears. It’s like a cloud of music comes through and blinds you, only to play on your ears and create something grand. It’s with the track “Touched By The Death” that the EP really starts to shine, even though the opening track is a good one as well. However, it’s within the scope of the second track that I’m brought back to different times. You play this and close your eyes, thinking about your past and you start to see a cinemascope play forward. I for one saw...

Blood Sugar Summer unleashes one of the most opulent tracks with the release of the “The Most Photographed Woman On The Planet”, and it’s completely awe inspiring. This epic track is going to completely floor you. You’re going to find that the lyrics are compelling, and draw you in. They paint you a picture of beauty, vanity, and loss. The song structure is very much synth, pop, and somewhat gothic in feel, and it just focuses on movement forward. It’s orchestral in a way, and it blends together in such a manner that is just absolutely intriguing. You will definitely find yourself listening to this song over and over again, trying to capture the essence of what is there. Blood Sugar Summer creates such a spectacular movement here that it’s hard to really categorize them in one area. They found a way to blend synth and goth rock into a very eclectic manner that you will have a hard time not liking. It’s a track that has many layers and builds into something absolutely stunning to sa...

Phillip Presswood creates music that is absolutely different than what you may expect from artists today. It’s pop, but not in a traditional sense. There’s an orchestral sound that comes through the music, and when the vocals come in, you get a sense of a greater genre, one that is transcendent. It’s easy to peg this as one thing, but there’s so much complexity here, it’s quite fascinating. You’ll find that the prolific artist has created a number of records, and songs that all capture the emotion and raw power of music at the core, and then unleash an artistic spin that is missing from a lot of today’s music. It’s with “At The Water’s Edge” that you first get a glimpse of the power of Phillip Presswood’s production quality. The track comes from “Beauty For Ashes”, his latest record coming soon. It’s a viscerally charged track that will absolutely floor you with a sense of musical integrity and composition that is just vital to your ears. I found it had moments of great power, pres...

Figures of Light always surprises me. They continually transcend genres, and don’t want to be put into a box. Every release they unleash on the masses has something new to say, and features a different style. Instead of just being a punk band, garage rockers, or any other formulaic artist, they take the rule book and shove it in a meat grinder. What comes out is genius, and the electronic music they have released with “The Open Door” is going to punch you in the mouth if you’re not paying attention. The starting track leads you through a simplistic opening, and then drops you into an abyss of techno mastery. “The Open Door (For Lou Reed)” features DJ Chrisz (on all tracks) and gives you an introduction to what’s to come. Imagine a roller coasters steady progression up to the highest peak and the calm before it drops you into freefall, and you get this track. It’s a starting point that builds slowly and calms you a bit before you inevitably move into what will cause you to wake up. ...

The initial mix of “Ever Since” that comes permeating through your speakers is enough to change your life. I immediately stopped what I was doing, and listened closely to the digital mash up that would come through the reverb of the piano and eclectic sound design. The first minute of this track will give you a sense of exploration and then right when you think you’re going to get bored, the beat and frequency changes and you’re presented with something abstract, new, and compelling. The opening track is one of the best representations of digital music I’ve heard in a long time, and Revise starts to chase what very well could be the best mixed media record I’ve heard in a long time. The ambient music on the record is integral to the sound that Revise creates. I love the pieces, and there are moments when I don’t want to stop the looping, and instead I just want to fly free within the parameters that are set. This happens on several tracks, but it was with “Don’t Look Down” that I j...

Opien immediately grabbed my attention with their layered digital music approach. The mix is not something that you will find emulated often, because it’s done in such a unique state. It’s on par with Tiny Victories, Kavinsky, Joy Electric, and even Postal Service, but it’s all different too. Guitar work, percussion, and different elements seem to filter through the mixes, including the ending of “Peace of Mind” which definitely feels transcendent for the style. I found myself lost in the way it flowed, and the lyrics which paired the various sounds into a nice package. Ton the latest release, “Atlanta”, the listener gets thrust back into the 1980s post punk world, and it’s very good. It’s not quite new wave, and it’s not quite electronic only, it’s something modern, and something enjoyable. It’s a serving of 10 tracks done in a unique manner, but with ethos that are on par with the alternative rock radio that you might have found in the past. This is on par with Richard Blade’s lu...