Com Truise: Cyanide Sisters

Another man discovered because of the great Neon Indian. The first time I came upon Com Truise (Tom Cruise much?) came when he released two remixes of Sleep Paralysist, entitled "Sleep Paralysist (Com Truise 'Disorder' Remix) " and "Sleep Paralysist (Com Truise 'Eyelid' Remix) ," respectively. I quickly came upon his site: http://comtruise.com/ I found out about his EP and some compilations of various songs mended together into one. This man is pure gold. He's a treat to listen to from start to finish. Bringing people to a time of nostalgia is this man's goal, and he does a hella good job of showing that. The track most standing out for me on the EP was "Slow Peels." The sound of hiss in the beginning, which he later tells about what it is, truly brings back those old-school days of analogue TVs and the such. "Sundriped" does a good job of reaching a climactic role in the EP with its slow progression to a clash of sounds everywhere.  If you're not convinced yet of the epicness of this, get it here: http://comtruise.com/2010/07/cyanide-sisters-ep-2/ free of charge. C'mon, what would you do for nothing?



So, I now bring the rating. Com Truise's Cyanide Sisters EP gets a 9.1 out of 10. The new synth pop man is upon us! AND, check out his site at: http://comtruise.com/ There's loads of amazing singles there that won't disappoint.

Vinyls are the shiz.

Oh, and listen to his "Castles in the Snow" remix. I'd say it's better than the original.

Tycho: The Science of Patterns

Tycho is not well known. This is a fact. However, his entrance into the music scene has made him an amazing electronic composer. This debut EP, The Science of Patterns, brings to light Tycho's ideas, skills, and ambitions. The slow chimes and the slow ah's from the first song set the mood for the entire EP. The bass is nothing to fret about either. Cruise around town listening to some of these songs, and prepare to be stared at. The second track is, in my opinion, the most outstanding song of them all. Named "Human Condition", it climatically reaches its forte during the middle, with the continuous beat, and the amazing chillness. The spinning sounds that occur set it apart from the rest of the EP. "Systems" is yet another amazing song. The song makes you want to jump up and down, playing the song on repeat. I would know; I did it. Tycho truly made a masterpiece of a debut EP, and it paved the way for his other albums that would come in the future. The futuristic sounding EP is a memento of ambient music.

Tycho's debut EP, The Science of Patterns, gets a 9.1 out of 10. "In The End" is a bonus track of this ancient release. Be sure to get it.

Kids. Perfect for a chill EP.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses

Sunglasses' eponymous debut EP has not caused a large stir anywhere. Yet. The Savannah duo consists of college students bam bam (Samuel Cooper) and Baby Seal (Brady Keehn) with two totally different college majors. This EP is something to reckon with, however. Although only containing three songs (two are useless placeholders), the exploratory, eccentric and admittedly odd style grows on you. The tinkling chimes, the claps, the water dripping. All of these cause for a weirder experience than ever experienced before. "Referee" is my favorite track, having a slow and steady rise in action from its conception to its ending. "The words we spoke...of before", "the waves, they crash upon my shores" are just two sets of lyrics in the catchy tune. In all, Sunglasses' debut EP is best said as having tenfold the effects under the influence (not supporting doing drugs, just saying what I've heard).



Sunglasses' Sunglasses EP gets a 9.0 out of 10. By the way, here is their MySpace page so you can go buy the EP goodness. What's not to like about this EP, other than its shortness? 

Cults: Cults

The Cults are definitely still a cult. Secretive and sly, they barely hit over 200,000 plays on the internet music player Last.fm. The use of childish singing really helps bring out a unique band, along with the elementary style beats. The single, "Go Outside" with its "youuuuuuu" and "IIIIIIIIIIs" really work for the better. Since the EP is only three songs, not much can be said other than it tries to bring out the kid in you. I'd say it succeeds.

Cults' debut EP gets an 8.4 out of 10. Go get that FREE download from their Bandcamp page right here. As Cults have already said, "Go download it kids."

Let's prance around and look like idiots for the album cover! K!

Millionyoung: Sunndreamm

Millionyoung has been in the chillwave scene for as long as the other three more famous artists (Neon Indian,  Toro Y Moi, Washed Out), yet I don't think he gets the credit he rightfully deserves. Unlike the rest of the artists, Millionyoung hasn't been as publicized. Millionyoung's use of dreamy lyrics and beats has made it so that he's coined a new genre: dreamwave. The use of tambourines and fading noises brings to light an EP chock full of nostalgia. What can I say? I love nostalgia. All I can say more is that he really needs to release a full-length album and not continually keep us wanting more.

Millionyoung's Sunndreamm EP gets a 8.8 out of 10. Go check out his wonderfully designed website here to download the Sunndreamm EP and his "Feel The Same" single for free. And if you enjoy that, go buy the Be So True EP and "Gymnopedie no. 1" so he can make some more music for us.

Nooo, the nostalgia is getting out of my reach. Gotcha!

Wild Nothing: Evertide

Since Pitchfork already made an impressionable review on Wild Nothing's Gemini debut album (that artwork is holy gajeebus, godly), which might I say is very accurate, I thought it would be good to move onto their latest release, their EP Evertide. Wild Nothing has always been a type of shoegaze band. I never knew how many people were in the group exactly, up until listening to Evertide. I know now that there is more than one person part of the band. The Blacksburg Virginia native is just a normal person with a hunger for nostalgia. The rocky lyrics being "It was the hungriest night I ever knew" show the pain and misfortune endured by someone. The single of the short and satisfying EP has to be "Golden Haze" (reference to Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze anyone?). The repetition of the beginning beat, the monotone singing of Jack Tatum, and the lyrics all have a part in making it a memorable song for everyone to enjoy. People take for granted singing ability nowadays because voice synthesizers and other devices can be used to enhance singing (fuck you, T-shit Pain). Wild Nothing uses his chill voice to portray the lyrics, which adds a nice touch. The three part is satisfying, but it will leave you wanting more.

Wild Nothing's debut EP Evertide gets an 8.9 out of 10. Go get Gemini if you haven't already, as well as the remix of "Cloudbusting" on his vinyl with two other chill songs.

I like me that scene.

Teen Daze: Four More Years

After some time without a chillwave review, let's have a chillwave EP review! Let's first post what Teen Daze hoped in accomplishing after releasing this debut EP:

"Sometimes things go easier than they should. Sometimes, it’s sunny out, and it feels like summer, but it’s the middle of February. Sometimes, you wake up and realize how much good you have in your life. Sometimes you just want to fall asleep to something that reminds you of falling asleep on the beach. “Four More Years” is a blending of these things. It’s a soundtrack, it’s its own narrative. It doesn’t shy away from noting its influences, and yet it brings something new to the table. It’s a chillwave, glo-fi, dance, electronic, soul, sample-heavy, reverb-drenched record. This record was meant to be something that brought positivity to the listener. This is a record that is meant to encourage love, relationship, and at the same time, it’s just a dance record. Either way, it’s meant to put a smile on your face, and is to be enjoyed with summer vibes in mind."

Is it really all of these things? I would say yes, without a doubt. Teen Daze is the true meaning of the chillwave genre. Sure, these are great summer tunes; but who's to say you can't listen to these during the fall, winter, or spring? I know I will. Since Teen Daze perfectly explained their EP, let's talk about their single, "Saviour." The quick beat starting right off the bat with some repetitive lyrics (not bad at all). The mixture of influence from Washed Out can definitely be heard in this song, probably explaining why it's the single. The whole EP is a very good result of some talented people with a sure fire future ahead.

Teen Daze's debut EP Four More Years gets an 8.7 out of 10. Can't wait to see more from these guys.

Dude, WTF is up with those trees?! Mindfuck.

Small Black: Small Black

Onto another obscure band. Small Black has never been on mainstream news for their songs, though I think they should be at times. To be perfectly honest, I bet most people only discovered them after listening to their remix with Washed Out. I know I did; however, I am glad I did. Another eponymous album, Small Black is often placed into the chillwave and glo-fi genres; with good reason, of course. The tape style of music they incorporate into their music really brings into light a great EP. Small Black has really outdone themselves, be it with their "You'll See It" remix, or just their entire EP in general.

Small Black's eponymous seven song EP gets a fantastic 9.1 out of 10. Be sure to be on the lookout for their upcoming debut LP, due out this October 26th, as well as check out their own blog for other goods right here.

Fruity Colors.

Slow Animal: Slow Animal

An eponymous debut EP, Slow Animal shows just how the amateur should start. Containing four songs, Slow Animal bring together garage rock and surf-rock with a whole new meaning. I will admit, I'm not that big of a rock fan (if you couldn't already tell by my reviews); Slow Animal has changed my perception on these things. The slow beginnings quickly turn into energetic, albeit somewhat random tunes at times. Enough of this, though. Onto the rating.

Slow Animal's self-titled EP, Slow Animal, gets an 8.8 out of 10. Free download available at their bandcamp page, located here.

Blurriness is the way to go.

Washed Out: Life of Leisure

Ernest Greene's Washed Out has made a name for himself with his critically acclaimed EP, Life of Leisure. Categorized as a man of the "chillwave" genre, Washed Out is sometimes portrayed as one of the founders of the rapidly becoming popular genre of "chillwave". The EP, from start to finish, includes various euphoric sounds that almost warp the listener inside the music, to another place in time. Mixtures of catchy beats and rhythms pave the way for the entire EP. Feelings of nostalgia continuously bombard the listener's mind, hence the name Washed Out. Ernest Greene states that he one day started posting up songs on his MySpace page, hoping to get a few likes and approvals. Instead, a music producer one day stumbled upon on Washed Out's premature tracks and was amazed at his findings. Wanting to listen to more, Ernest Greene was asked to produce more tracks. Ernest Greene got to work. This EP and his other work, a cassette released tape, High Times, are the fruits of his labor. The catchy beat to the first song on the EP, "Get Up", continues on throughout, all the way to the very last song, "You'll See It". By far the most popular (and for good reason) song on the EP is "Feel It All Around". The simple, yet elegant lyrics tell of a troubling past and according to Greene himself, he says "I was going through a rough time in my life." The feelings of sorrow when the song was made definitely help change the mood of the song, giving it an incredible boost in a tad ironic way. By the time you are done listening to the EP fully, the reader will be left asking themselves, "where can I get more?" I guarantee it.

Washed Out's Life of Leisure EP gets an astounding 9.4 out of 10.

Sexy time.