Witch Gardens - “Aunt Shae/Mean Colleen”

As you may have noticed, Witch Gardens are no stranger to this blog. The signature harmonies and old-fashioned summertime melodies of this Seattle four-piece have earned a special place in my heart. After taking some time to record their upcoming full-length I’d Rather Be Alone, the band has released three tracks that appear on their new 7” record called R-I-P.

“Aunt Shae/Mean Colleen” is the lead single from the EP, and is one of the band’s finest, albeit longest tracks to date. After an intro that wouldn’t have felt out of place on Animal Collective’s Feels, Witch Gardens breaks into more familiar territory with their catchy female-led vocal hooks and traditional sunny melodies. As a statement of purpose, the song lyrics announce that the band has “Something to show you, it’s not a costume… it’s a lifestyle!” Just when you think the song is over, “Mean Colleen” picks up the tail end—a coda that works as a stand-alone pop single in itself.

The suite is coupled with two shorter but equally cheerful songs called “Bakers Dozen” and “Standard Poodle.” All three tracks are currently available for free download on bandcamp. However, I recommend buying the 7” vinyl record from Portland’s Water Wing Records. Keep a keen eye out for the music video for “Aunt Shae/Mean Colleen,” as well as Witch Gardens’ forthcoming full-length I’d Rather Be Alone.

Angel Eyes - “Off the Floor”

If you were into collecting obscure psych tapes back in late 2010, you may have stumbled across a cassette release called Dire Dish. This debut drone-pop album from the mysterious Australian artist called Angel Eyes was released under the radar on Not Not Fun.

Now, Angel Eyes has a new full-length cassette called Vice to Vice, which is currently out on the Moon Glyph label. This dreamy collection of burned-out alien drone-pop jams is the work of Melbourne’s Andrew Cowie. As if he’s transmitting a murky sludge of ancient extraterrestrial wisdom into the caverns of primordial life, Cowie’s warped vocals, distant drum machine taps, and dizzy synths immerse the listener in waves of color and ambient bliss.

Listen to “Off the Floor,” the almost-danceable seven-minute space jam that lifts you high in the sky onto a bed of pink fluffy clouds infested with neo-reptilian tentacles. Or should I say, wherever your imagination takes you.

Vice to Vice is currently available for sale as a limited edition cassette, with a run of 150 tapes from Moon Glyph. The tape features six spacey tracks, with cover art by Suzanne Pfutzenreuter. Get ‘em while they’re hot.

KWJAZ  - “A Certain Sprout”

Those who were brave enough to face the cold San Francisco rain last night were treated by an intimate performance of diverse experimental music at Hemlock Tavern, all thanks to the SF based electronic musician Peter Berends, who performers under the moniker KWJAZ. The show also featured an astounding acoustic set from his Not Not Fun label-mate Weyes Blood, as well as performances from Horsebladder and Queen Victoria.

As a former band member of Rangers, KWJAZ specializes in creating long-from, dynamic instrumental soundscapes, blending obscure samples with organic sounds. Armed with a table stacked with a mad scientist’s collection of petals and knobs, samplers and computers, Berends performed a continuous set of ambient jazz grooves with sonic surprises around every corner. This is the type of performance where it is perfectly acceptable to close your eyes and let your mind drift.

Posted above for your listening pleasure is a bonus track from the CD version of his self-titled debut, currently available on Not Not Fun. “A Certain Sprout” is significantly shorter than any other tracks he has released thus far, but nonetheless dreamy. The enchanting jazz melody dazzles the airwaves and tickles the spirit, but certainly leaves you thirsty for more. If you enjoy what you hear, I highly recommended listening to the deeper, twenty-minute arrangements that are present on the album.

Here is an excerpt from “Once In Babylon”: