KFJC On-Line Reviews

It’s All Meat - “It’s All Meat” - [Hallucinations]

humana — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 02:35:33 +0000

This re-release of the classic album from 1970 is a refreshing blast from the past. Track 1 is the first single (released in 1969), and Tracks 10-15 are unreleased tracks and demos. Upbeat garage is the name of the game, with two psychedelic opuses (Tracks 4 and 9) that stand out from the rest. Explore why so many compare the sound of this Toronto band to the Doors and the Rolling Stones.

Moor, Andy, and Kyriakides, Yannis - “Folia” - [Unsounds]

humana — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:18:57 +0000

This third coming together of Moor (guitar) and Kyriakides (computer) is a fascinating sound excursion exploring the facets of a tune from the 16th and 17th century. Subdued guitar plucking surrounded by computer effects in the earlier tracks progresses to crackling sounds in 3, intensifying to a popcorn sizzling in 5, morphing into clicking sounds followed by field recordings of voices yelling in another language in 6, subsiding into glitchy percussive effects in 7 that close out the CD quite nicely and certainly leave you feeling that you are ???out of your mind??? as the name ???folia??? implies.

Traditional Fools, The - “Traditional Fools, The” - [Chocolate Covered Records]

humana — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:10:24 +0000

Pure as the driven energy–that is how I describe this delightful debut from the trio of David, Andrew, and Ty from San Francisco. Guitars, drums, and vocals will get you twisting to the garage punk vibe, and be sure to enjoy the maniacal cackle that begins the surf tune ???Surfin??? with the Phantom.??? Not a loser on here.

Kim Ki O - “Dans” - [Enfant Terrible]

lombard — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:57:43 +0000

On this new limited edition LP-only release Dans (KFJC is adding a CD promo copy), Turkish duo Kim Ki O presents us with some luscious early ’80s-infused electronic sounds. These ladies (Ekin Sanac doing synth, keys, vox and beats and Berna Gol on bass, vox and beats) started doing music together in the summer of 2006 and have had a number of self-released CDRs and compilation tracks before doing this full-length for Enfant Terrible. The name of the band means “Who is that anyway” in Turkish and it reflects the ethereal nature of the sounds. With a lovely early ’80s slow and somber electronic vibe (think Joy Division) combined with floaty, minimal lady vocals (sort of 4AD-ish like Cocteau Twins and Lush) , it’s similar to a lightly frosted cupcake that’s sweet, but not saccharine.

Kadet - “Thin Air” - [Current Recordings]

lombard — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:52:18 +0000

On the 2004 release “Thin Air“, musician and media artist Kadet (aka Kadet Kuhne) creates minimal electronic soundscapes using sounds from the installation Sensorium. Each piece represents a “room” in the installation and all are inspired by the RGB color spectrum. My ears picked up sounds of wind, concrete scrape, buzz, drone, and some lovely cello samples on “Skipsteria.”

Now residing in Oakland, Kadet Kuhne recently stopped by KFJC for a live performance and will have an interactive installation featured at the De Young Museum on Friday, September 10, 2010.

San Francisco Water Cooler - “San Francisco Water Cooler II” - [Sun Sneeze Records]

humana — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:32:34 +0000

The psychedelic sounds of this second album from the California trio are in keeping with the cool artwork on the record sleeve. The hazy vocals seem like they are coming through the depths of the water cooler that is the band???s namesake, and the guitars, keys, and drums accentuate the psychedelic vibe. Come, drink from the aural offerings of San Francisco Water Cooler!

Anderson, Vijay - “Hard-boiled Wonderland” - [Not Two]

Cousin Mary — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:23:33 +0000

Six (aka 2 trios) of outstanding SF Bay Area musicians come together in varying combinations under the leadership of percussionist Vijay Anderson. Many moods, very original sounds and improvisations that are very listenable. Especially like the guitarist, vibes are consistently good, percussion lays a very good base.

Moon Duo - “Catch As Catch Can/Set It On Fire 7″” - [Agitated Records]

humana — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Hazy male vocals plus steady guitar rhythms characterize these two peppy, psychedelic songs from the San Francisco band. Drums add a pulse that will invigorate any set.

Peaches/Effie Briest/Alan Vega 10″ [coll] - [Blast First Petite]

humana — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:46:51 +0000

Consider this a slice of trance (Effie Briest) sandwiched between upbeat (Peaches) and downbeat (Alan Vega) electronic music. Or, rpm-wise, a 33 between two 45s (with a locked groove thrown in). I have a slight preference for the Peaches song.

Range Rats, The - “Range Rats” - [Mississippi Records]

Thurston Hunger — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:09:44 +0000

Touted as a mix or punk and country, and born from a mid 80’s
tour panning for coin in Nevada mining towns, it’s hard to
resist the post Rats/pre-Dead Moon duo wearing reverb boots
and pulling six-string reins. To me, these songs felt more
like lost 1950-60’s era TV western soundtracks than country
per se. “Honky Tonk” nails a Rawhide-like solo to the swinging
doors. “Over the Gun” rides a boxcar of surf. Broken bottle
saloon slide guitar cuts in on “Prison Train.” Toody’s coyote
harmony yelp never sound better. Her torch on the trail work
on “Lonely” is beauty. Fred churns out sturdy riffs. These two
just have that sacred fire, if you try and play with it too
much, you become Deadbolt (not necessarily a bad thing.) Meanwhile
rolling, Roland?, rolling with the Range Rats was Rollie, a
defective deputy of a drum machine! Catch Rollie on the last
two tracks which were added for this release culled from tapes
on the trail. I preferred the human rhythm tracks, even though
they feature prohibition drums and dry cymbals. The fantastic
paperback pulp cover captures the music better than these words.
Play ‘em high…

-Thurston Hunger