Maarten Schiethart - Reviews
Chouk Bwa and The Ångströmers
Haïtian big band trance frenzy on second album from Chouk Bwa and The Ångströmers
Melenas
Splashing dream-pop on third album which proves a change of direction for Spanish group Melenas
Automat
With personnel changes German supergroup Automat's fifth album proves dull and unimaginative
Bau
Pamphlet truths on poignant punk EP from Italian band BAu
Titi Bakorta
Backfiring melodies on stunning avant Afro-pop debut from Titi Bakorta
Black Dice
First LP after a ten year hiatus marks the return of witty and eerie New York City trio Black Sice
Batida (feat. Mayra Andrade)
Addictive single from Angolan-Portuguese musician Batida with guest vocals from Mayra Andrad which proves to be this summer's catchiest anthem
Solyst
Magical fourth album from Sølyst. the solo project of Kriedlier drummer Thomas Klein
Diemen Sniep
Enjoyable mini-album from US/Belgian foursome Diemen Sniep, who while having strong Sonic Youth and Swans' influences, also show some originality
Colver
Appealing 70's pop disco on new EP from Brussels-based outfit Colver
Peaches
Confrontational single sided 7 inch from Berlin-based experimental artist Peaches
Craig Fortnam
Glorious orchestral avant garde and tongue-in-cheek English pop on debut solo album from North Sea Orchestra frontman Craig Fortnam
Don Zilla
Baffling avant garde wizard electronica from Kampala-based musician and producer Don Zilla which is graced with a divine touch
Snapped Ankles
Environmentally=concerned third album from Snapped Ankles who mourn forest demise with a set of cracking tunes.
La Jungle
Urgent punk disco pop from French speaking Belgium band La Jungle
Various
Re-issue of abstract and new wave compilation from 1984.on Belgian label Crammed Discs
Motorpsycho
Dull and cliched harmonic rock on latest album from Norwegian band Motorpsycho
Last Days Of April
Appealing indie pop on tenth album from Stockholm popsters Last Days Of April who reveal increasing maturity
Eric Malmberg
Excellent seven inch single which takes two tracks from Swedish composer from a 2007 album
Jimi Tenor
Excellent anthology of unshelved material from the 1990s from Jimi Tenor who has helped to shape the course of electro jazz