It’s a Friday and I’m diving into Ampwall, what a treat! As a musician, band person and listener I am so excited that this platform has materialized.
The homogeny of streaming services and lack of opportunity to connect adventurous listeners to exploring new bands and music has never been more challenging for artists that don’t have significant resources. There’s a lot of good comes from hearing music or getting some exposure to bands that don’t neatly fit into an algorithm, I’m still exploring all the nooks and crannies here at Ampwall but so far I’m really impressed by the features, the service and mostly the community.
My name is Dave Panx and I’m just throwing some thoughts out there, if you’d like to connect please send me an email davepanx at gmail.com
This is what I’ve discovered so far and some random releases that have come across my leisurely clicking through the search & explore feature.
So this week I’m listening to:
Creatures - Sad Valley Sky King - One of the first things I listened to on Ampwall, love this! The tagline “Weirdo indie rock'n'roll for weirdos” hooked me instantly. I’m getting subjective hints of personal faves like The Flaming Lips, Ween, Mercury Rev, Broken Social Scene. Lots of fun to wonder about the tracking and effects use that was put into this. Some songs pummel while others wistfully wrap you in its envelope.
Vita est CIRCO- Honeybee Rocket Scientists - From New Zealand! About half of this album is some good times punch-in-the-nuts rocknroll party club music. Garagey, surfy, punky, and big humor too. The other half is more lush and introspective, I dig that kinda stuff too! I love a band that thrashes about and doesn’t take itself too seriously. These 2 people seem to have a great time making kick ass tunes. Favorite tune on this release today is : Really Cheap Wine, way better than the Charlie Parr version
Microcosm - Roger Moutenot - This really hit the spot when I was sinking into my Friday morning. Appropriately spaced out, textured and atmospheric it breaks back and forth between some electro-scapes and swirling analog jams. Most of the songs are under 3 minutes, which I enjoyed. Hints of psych and pop make this a good clean sweep for a solid listen all the way through.
PAREIDOLIAS - Loolowningen & The Far East Idiots - This was quite a ride, I was in it to win it and this was one of those albums that captured me, got me into a parachute ready to bail by the 4th song but when I didn’t was paid handsomely by the finish. I liked this release a lot, not so much the 2020 release. I'll go back and give it another listen. This is some vocal driven art sound expression with hints of humor and interesting vocal acuity. Plaintive and aggressive at the same time.
N as in Nina / In Panorama - The Robe - this one caught me up because,.. dude,… the album art is outstanding! The only description is “Collaborative single with J.B. Bennett” so that’s cool. Kind of reminded me of bands like Sparks and Flash And The Pan with a groovier rhythm section. Good times!
Chariots of Fire (2016 Remaster) - Apollo Up! - I didn’t realize this was a posthumous release but I liked it a bunch so included it anyway. For me, it’s like early Elvis Costello had a baby with the Hives and then the Hellacopters and The Strokes shared DNA in a test kitchen. Some Dead Boys some Lords, all the coolest rock hooks you could imagine plus authentic Rock Action! Wish this was still a band I could catch at a club.
Ok I guess I used up my words and wit for today. Please support Ampwall and the artists who have put some time and effort into making this a killer scene.
DP