all that you want from me you can take it away

Lusine - Double Vision
With a track so ridiculously chill, I just might get double vision once I get high on this drug called good music. A distant beat that palpitates in the quiet of the night, lingering for a while and drifting away just as you think it has settled. Fantastic for a late night jaunt.

André Obin - Soft Rain
It has a intro very similar to another song but I just can't put my finger to it. Whatever it is, sparkling lux synths dominate this outstanding track, along with whispered lyrics that you can't quite decipher its meaning. Multi-layered electronic sounds draw you magnetically into its glorious procession, providing a sort of secret warmth that you'd like to embrace.

Susumu Yokota - Tobiume
This is like dope from the land of the rising sun. I think one can vaguely sense the progression towards the end amidst the constant repetition of hollow synths.

fall left me with this winter so cold

Photo from Bunny Bissoux.

Oh my, it's been a while. How I've missed talking about music. I apologise to the few readers I have for the lack of posts, been a whirlwind of crap since the last post. Was pretty hectic as I was doing some last minute preparations for my europe trip and then now trip's cancelled cos Eyjafjallajokull erupted, and thereafter, busy with trying to get my insurance claims going. Now I'm planning for Japan, trying to leave asap, and fingers crossed, hope nothing like Eyjafjallajokull happens again, otherwise I'd lose faith with travelling and just stick to staying in this island city.

jj - Let Go
Let Go is from their 2nd album, simply titled "jj n° 3". Gently led into by what probably are harmonica samples, we are presented with a stunning introduction to a song that borders on folk, classical, balearic and electronic, maybe even more. Seemingly like a mish mash of genres, everything somehow dovetails beautifully into an enchanting song. Subtle with alluring vocals, the duo of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander show no signs of letting up.

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive
Have a good listen to the latest outfit to hit the electronic scene in UK. A disco-esque vibe that resonates as they barely sing above the synths effortlessly, the pulsating and solid beat akin to sparkling stars in the galaxy apt as they sing of stars in their eyes.

Lusine - Jetstream(mp3)
More ambient music for the senses, the echoing synths going off like dominoes in an ethereal soundscape as tinkly sounds like wind chimes join in the musical medley and permeates the snug cocoon formed by the wonderful sounds, definitely a treat for the sonic palate. Take a walk down the neon lit streets of Tokyo on a cool evening, as streams of people go by, cars flash past, you realise you're only but one amongst many in this metropolis.

you must speak your life into existence

Holly Miranda - Waves (mp3)
Very beautiful song, brought to life by her drawn out vocals and well-written lyrics. Poignant song on love lost that's so affecting, supported by very subtle drums and the tambourine(?). As she goes on "I don't know, I don't know", it makes one wonder about the unpredictability and incomprehensibility of love.

The Low Anthem - To Ohio
Deep raspy vocals on this melancholic song by The Low Anthem. A folk song sung with such measured elegance and with really brilliant orchestration, I look forward to their next album.

Sun Airway - Waiting on You (mp3)

Lusine - Twilight
As the description of the video goes, "What do you know about the ancients? / What do you know about the future? Vilja Larjosto intones as the song walks on air, evoking an appropriately thoughtful mood to match the songs titular half-light." Down-tempo ambient song vocally led by her, produced by Texan native Jeff McIlwain also known as Lusine, the song is a respite from the plethora of purely ambient songs. Shimmery melodies syncopate as buttery vocals waft from the speakers, she intones and she murmurs; she leads and she follows. Some may say it's placid, but I can feel the warmth of the subtle layers of production rushing through me, vivid images conjured up in my mind. Exquisite.