Isis - Wavering Radiant

Blurping on Isis' latest in the Release of the Month article at TSB.

After their 10 year jubilee and related vinyl box re-releases, a Seldon Hunt documentary and a whole lot of patience and speculation, Isis astonished fan and foe alike with an album that recapitulated and expanded upon their decade of unique post-metal. Unlike its predecessors, Wavering Radiant revisits the strong points of a strong career, from Celestial to In the Absence of Truth, rather than building on the work of a single album. A more notable place is reserved for haunting vocals, while sturdy bass and subtle, supportive soundscapes (containing Rhodes-like accents) carry the weight of the sometimes uplifting, sometimes destructive guitars. Isis’ eye for detail and the progressive nature of this album makes it their most complete and refined work to date: a standout album in their already impressive catalogue as well as in the progressive post-metal genre itself. full article

written for and published by The Silent Ballet

Alva Noto - Xerrox Vol. 2

Blurping about strange German sounds on The Silent Ballet Release of the Month: January 2009 article.


If judged as a follow up to the first volume of the Xerrox series - or his latest album Untxt - it's safe to state that the album disappoints. Not a single beat, uplifting pattern or surprising sample is to be found on the second panel of Alva Noto's audible “new world” exploration. For the brave few who are able to discard their expectations lies the challenge to embark on an unguided tour through a sonic landscape of a post-nuclear holocaust. Resurrecting static and spasmodic digital conversations are duplicated (Xeroxed) over an uncatchable, extra-terrestrial bass, which tries to shift its shape into something sustainable on the monotone surface. Those who don't fear the dark side of the Xerrox premise might find themselves haunted by ghosts on radiation-infested tape, but redemption can be found in the rumbling aftermath of vibrant delays and noise-scaping waves of strings. Just make sure you check your oxygen level and Geiger calibration before you head out there.


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