So far in 2022 a plethora of music and sound has come through ENCODER Sound for mastering. The work spans a wide spectrum of genre and approach from singer/songwriter and indie bands; to improvised chamber music and ethereal, instrumental pop; and a few electronics-based projects — some danceable, some noise-y, occasionally all of the above. There is never an unpleasant moment sitting and listening at ENCODER Sound and it’s always a pleasure to work with the hyper-creative music and sound artists of Boorloo. The following is a couple of highlights of the past few months, in no particular order.
Sage J Harlow’s variations without a theme (drones ongs) is out now on Edition Wandelweiser Records (EWR). A 7-piece chamber ensemble plays Harlow’s text score which boil down to four 20-minute movements in which the musicians construct and deconstruct improvised droning textures. The record was launched at PS Art Space in conjunction with the new release from Jameson Feakes, Josten Myburgh and Michael Pisaro-Liu, two scrolls from western australia (also on EWR). Both releases worth a long listen, details here.
Nika Mo entered into a hilarious, and I hope annual, EOFY Release Agreement with Lyndon Blue, the pair agreeing to release new music before the end of the financial year. Nika Mo’s 3-track EP Coffee Dreams leans into a lo-fi production approach and reinforces her incredible skills as a songwriter — masterfully conceptualised, written and performed.
This year’s run of singles from Web Rumors, Heaven released in February and Northern Service in May, dig into a proto-house, post-disco aesthetic. It’s undeniably fun music to listen to, features some nice hooks, and captures the energy of a time and place whilst skilfully avoiding pure nostalgia. Web Rumors leans further into the 80s on the upcoming 5-track EP Disciple, due next month on Group Therapy Records.
The recent releases from Jocelyn’s Baby, Did It Hurt You? and Are You Listening? are out now on Blue Grey Pink. Bold, honest and thought provoking lyrics adorn these well produced and performed indie tunes. The scene is set for the much anticipated debut record from the band, due sometime in 2022.
Blue Honey dropped their debut single Colin to high praise with a Triple J Unearthed Spotlight and Triple J play! The tune features an incredible vocal performance and well-crafted, poignant lyrics. Rumour has it new music is being tracked as we speak, I’m looking forward to whatever’s next from this band.
Pale Ribbons Tossed Into The Dark revealed The Creak, the first look at their debut, self-titled record. The tune dropped into the RTRFM Sound Selection that week. They play a unique 6am set in September for the Tone List and WA Museum Boola Bardip collaboration Sun Returns, details here.
The first single from 504’s debut record, Salvage Rhythms, is out now on Tone List. The full-length is due July 22nd and they’re launching it with a live set at Kinds of Light 2 — also playing are Alexandra Spence and Madeleine Cocolas, a huge night of music. I’m really looking forward to sitting back for an uninterrupted listen on release day, details here.
Once again, it’s great to work with the local music community and I’m looking forward to whatever I get to hear next.