CAROLINE – Murmurs

Artist: CAROLINE
Album: Murmurs
Label: Temporary Residence

Japan’s Caroline is one of those truly rare voices that warms the heart and the soul at the same time and then casually leans over and whispers in your ear sweet nothings that sends a shiver down your spine. It’s just that pretty! Innocence becomes her on this her absolutely enchanting debut album. Even though it’s on Explosions in the Sky’s label this release could be equally at home on Morr, home to Lali Puna and Styrofoam. Organic loveliness abounds, encapsulating everything that is good, both beautiful and unique about similar artists Bjork, Imogen Heap (or Frou Frou) and Emiliana Torrini. That the album lacks samples amongst the densely layered beats and acoustic instrumentation, only ads to the fairytale her voice resides in. Cinematic, soft and brilliant, ladies (and gentlemen) I give you your latest crush.
~ Reviewer: Riaan (Canned Applause)

PSYCHIC ILLS – Dins

Artist: PSYCHIC ILLS
Album: Dins
Label: The Social Registry

As a faithful Galactic Zoo Dossier enthusiast, I’m sure I’m not the only one bopping my far from numbing yet head in approval of what’s seeping out of modern psychedelia at the moment. Last year brought a whole bunch of nostalgic highlights, including tour mates Aerial Pink’s “Worn copy” (and this year again’s “House arrest”) and Dungen’s “Ta det lugnt” (and not to mention the extremely prolific various incarnations of Acid Mothers Temple). Starting off like Clinic gone psychedelic, Psychic Ills are carving their own vision into our third eyes and injecting a new groove into our stream of consciousness. With lessons in 60’s/70’s Krautrock and a few obvious psychedelic influences (e.g. early Syd Barret era Pink Floyd) and a healthy dose of existentialism, they dance like the neo-hippies they are, staring at their shoes and swimming in sounds that sometimes border on evoking insanity. With a clearer headspace I might add that they’re a culmination, a heady mix of The Pretty Things, Can, Jesus and The Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, but I encourage you to dose yourself some “Dins” and a pair of headphones and experience it for yourself. A prescription is not necessary.
~ Reviewer: Riaan (Canned Applause)