Uton / Sunhiilow ~ Garden & Cosmos (Split)

Three layers of styrofoam, paper and tape protected my copy of Garden & Cosmos, a sign of careful packaging, intimating a precise approach to music.  I didn’t get a sea star (missed it by just 4!) but that’s okay ~

Aloonaluna / Motion Sickness of Time Travel ~ Split

Collage is the key word for understanding this release.  First there’s Michael Tunk’s cover art, which attracted us in the first place.  Then there’s the label’s gallery page dedicated to the craft.  Now add the surreal and beguiling art of Lynn

Leafy Suburbs / Sacred Flower Union ~ Split

The ‘influences’ game is a tricky one when it comes to music writing. Too often a critic depends on the lazy shorthand of ‘RIYL’ type writing, the ‘equal parts this, equal parts that’ school of music journalism where instead of

SND / NHK ~ Split 12″

It’s the little details that make the big difference on this release. The defining point at where SND and NHK separate on this split release is when the former’s kick drum makes an appearance. It is so precise, so artfully