Gem Vision - Lynx

Justin Kelly's Watercolor Records has been on another hot streak, relinquishing four new tapes recently that are all worth a good listen. I've been making my way through these releases, and already shared Jason Urick and Cex's ridiculously good dub edit cassette. Next up is a release from the label owner himself, a new Gem Vision album.

Gem Vision has typically taken a more ambient form on past releases, but Lynx is the first beat-oriented affair from the Baltimore sound collagist. Describing these cuts as beats is a term I'll assign quite loosely, as Lynx isn't for the traditionalist.



Lynx was created just like any good beat album should - with some serious record crate digging. Kelly admits the process might not have been typical though, as he tells me he began by going to record shops looking for the most cheesy album covers he could find. From there it was all about re-contextualization, or as Kelly describes, "sampling and then destroying the sample and then finding some way to make it work."



The result is Lynx, almost 40 minutes of lo-fidelity light radio jams and obscure 80s re-imaginations that feel like a roller rink daydream. Some of the ingredients described include "Total Funk Recall", "Scrambled Romantic Saxophone", and "Don't Care Jive".

Lynx is available on cassette and as a free download from Watercolor Records.

Approximat​e Infinite Daydream

One of the best parts about Baltimore's music scene is the abundance of variety and creativity when it comes to different genres and sounds. Contemporary ambient music is a genre that's been particularly bountiful as of late around town, and Approximat​e Infinite Daydream is a new series that aims to highlight this burgeoning realm.



Created by Matthew Papich (Co La, Ecstatic Sunshine) and Neal Reinalda (Daytime), the concept is not your typical concert series. All of the performers will be solo acts, and all of which are of the more ambient and experimental variety. Also important to note - these shows will not take place in typical concert venues, but rather in more common spaces not generally used for shows. Current planned sites include Fox Court at the BMA (The Echo Spot), Gottlund Verlag HQ in rural Kutztown PA, the Soft House, and more.



As for the music and the specific concept behind this series, Reinalda states "Many of the practitioners of this new music are interested in creating music for specific contexts, often domestic. This tendency follows a certain tradition related to Ambient Music, and more specifically, to Eric Satie’s “Furniture” or “Furnishing” music. As dictated by Satie, this music is intended to function in a space as background, unobtrusive yet distinct. The sound is constructed to play a role in, and transform its’ surroundings, sometimes even evoking a specific mood or feeling. Our goal is to explore the role context plays in relationship to this music, specifically the role of domestic space and time and its relationship to various forms of visual and aural works."



Artists involved include Eachothers, Bear & Pieces, Comeback Ranch, Jared Paolini, Narc, Dead Drums, Co La, Daytime, Dustin Wong, Ken Seeno, and Gem Vision, and more. The series starts with a book release/primer on April 28, and you can RSVP right here.

Gem Vision - Space Heater

Baltimore's own Gem Vision is the work of Justin Kelly, who is also responsible for the always radical WTR CLR. In 2009 Gem Vision released both More and Ambien, the former being the inaugural release in WTR CLR's catalog. At the very end of 2010 Justin passed along to me Space Heater, a new release under the Gem Vision moniker that also features help from David Jacober and Zachary Utz (Holy Ghost Party, Dope Body).



"Untitled 1" is a somewhat calm and peaceful exploration into tones and textures. The feeling of warmth and familiarity are present, but never overwhelming, almost like a recurrent dream that you hope makes an appearance each night. When the mood shifts, there's moments of not knowing where you stand, but the floor is just as quickly put right back beneath your feet. While the feeling of each note seems to be felt heavily, each is enforced with such careful delivery that it's sure to have you off to the clouds.

Space Heater was recorded last winter in Baltimore using a Tascam four track recorder. It's a collection of three improvised compositions, and clocks in at over 17 minutes all together. It's available for free download from WTR CLR now, get on it.

Wigflip End of Summer Comp 2010

Our neighboring sound-seekers over at Wigflip Records continue their aural onslaught of gorgeous tunes with a fresh compilation to help commemorate the end of summer. In addition to some new jams from some local and familiar favorites, this compilation features some stellar new tunes from afar.



This is my first run-in with My Friend Wallis, which is the project of Crystal Dorval who resides in Vancouver, Canada. Above is "Be Free", a steady romp through the clouds that is chock full of ethereal pop bliss. Highly recommended for the Indian summer days of October, and another stellar addition to the Wigflip family.



Another radical new find is the work of Acid Flashback. A somewhat mysterious entity based out of both Atlanta and Toronto, their contribution to the compilation is certainly a highlight. "Big Dreams" recalls the head-bobbing 60s pop nostalgia found in Run DMT's "Spruce Bringsteen" (also on this comp), adding layers of even more dreamy vibes.

These new find are paired with some gems from some of our favorites including Dead Drums, Happy Family, Semya, Do While, Gem Vision, and more. Download the entire compilation for free right here, and check out the full track list after the jump.

Tonight: Comeback Rach, Eachothers, Turquoise Cats, & Gem Vision at the Soft House

Comeback Ranch is having an album release party tonight at the Soft House, playing along with Turquoise Cats, Eachothers, and Gem Vision. Free CDs and tapes will be given out to attendees, and it will be the first chance to check out the spaces new loft/balcony.

Hear some tunes from Turquoise Cats and Comeback Ranch after the click.

Latest tracks by Comeback Ranch

turquoise cats - slumtown symfunny by thef401tress