Switched on Ra (2021)
Over the course of the past decade, Bitchin’ Bajas have built their analog synth drone sound upon a foundation of archetypal experimental music. On their glowing sixth LP, Switched on Ra, the trio covers eight Sun Ra essentials, and reconfigures the jazz giant’s limitless free jazz into psychedelic ambient compositions.
Hidemi (2021)
Jazz saxophonist, Patrick Shiroishi, has created a career exploring the history of Asian-American oppression. On his latest album, Hidemi, Shiroishi delivers one of his most personal albums to date, with a focus on his grandparents and their time spent in a Japanese internment camp circa World War II. Hidemi incorporates the healing power of spiritual jazz as Shiroishi travels through his family’s resilient history.
Galloping Through a Wormhole (2021)
Parlour Tapes co-owner, Zach Moore, has a background as a trained double bassist, and has frequented Chicago’s performance art circuit as a member of Mocrep. On his solo debut as ZM, Moore masterfully performs a wide variety of genres over the span of a spectacular 64 minute composition. Galloping Through a Wormhole unfolds gracefully while fluctuating between large instrumental arrangements and layers of tranquil minimalism.
WEWEREFRIENDS (2021)
On WEWEREFRIENDS, experimental noise mastermind RXM Reality shifts his sound from extreme abrasiveness and replaces it with drawn out layered vocals and cohesive song writing. It’s his second album of the year, and reveals an unexpected emotional and more human side of his unique compositions.
Stepping into Tomorrow: A Profile on DIY Experimentalists Leah & Blake Saint David
Chicago producer, Composuresquad, has been a leader in the local DIY nightlife scene for years. He is one of the top sought-after DJ’s in city limits, and has hosted many of the most memorable events that have occurred in the past decade. On the latest edition of “The Junkyard,” Composure sets out to interview Leah and Blake Saint David, two members of a versatile rising collective of DIY artists that are on the verge of re-defining experimental music in the 312.
Painful Enlightenment (2021)
Whether they live in her native Chicago or Eastern Europe, fans of Jana Rush have patiently awaited her second album for four years. Jana’s debut, Pariah, was a fresh take on footwork, blending soothing synth melodies with unsettling rigid basslines. On her follow-up, Painful Enlightenment, Rush steps away from her juke/footwork foundation, and explores human emotion through a combination of jungle and harsh noise.
Canal Irreal (2021)
Over the course of his 30 year career, hardcore punk vocalist Martin Sorrondeguy has developed one of the most revolutionary voices across the nation’s DIY community. The Los Crudos/Limp Wrist frontman recently joined forces with members of beloved veteran Latinx hardcore outfit, Sin Orden, and together they formed a new act, Canal Irreal. The supergroup’s self-titled debut falls somewhere between no-wave, punk and metal, with nine tracks that unfold like a masterclass in fast-paced noise rock.
World Premiere: The Rejected Jet Puff Fader Cover Story
Jet Puff is a part-time rapper from Chicago. His most recent full-length album, "Shotgun is a Beautiful White Bird", runs across nine tracks packed with introspection and brilliantly articulated observations from his everyday life. "World Premiere: The Rejected Jet Puff Fader Cover Story” is an in-depth interview with the elusive rapper, further exploring his approach to music and artistic aspirations.
NO BORDERS IN MUSIC
We are excited to open our newest section, “The Junkyard”, a place in which artists, writers, creatives, nerds, and generally passionate folks will have a platform to publicly unload their own unique experiences with music and related culture via Total Trash. To kick things off, we are grateful to give the floor to Kia Abhari, an Iranian-born rapper/producer and visual artist. No Borders in Music is a first person reflection about Kia’s infatuation with hip-hop, and the greater impact it has made on his life since he was a child.
Ice in the Desert (2021)
Seven years ago, David Ashley launched his career as a multidimensional artist, slowly releasing a collection of unbelievably versatile projects. His skill as a lyricist runs hand-in-hand with a brilliant and natural ability to observe societal shortcomings with great perception. On his captivating new project, Ice in the Desert, the seasoned rapper/producer delivers a strong debut as Convertible Ashley, beginning an exciting new chapter in an already promising career.