28th May 2008
Kirameki is a collaborative project between _ of Japan, and * of the United Kingdom, the bloggers have already picked up on how fantastic the _ debut album was, as you can see here. Needless to say, if you enjoyed _ then you will undoubtably enjoy what is on offer here. It is certainly more hectic and 'full' than the _ debut, but for fans of sampled electronica, interspersed with upbeat dance tracks, then this is definitely one to give a go!
RRR044 is also a welcome to Campfire Fight, the name fits like a glove. This album of blissful instrumentals probably sounds better played in the middle of your local forest just after dinner. In fact, Rack & Ruin don't usually promote breaking the natural sounds of natures beauty, but this is so fitting then I think exceptions can be made.
Eight days is a long time in the life of Rack & Ruin, and whilst family visits have slowed the uploads down to the site, the submissions are still coming in thick and fast. Immediately, and as promised, we welcome back The if people were paper, with an earlier recording, this is entitled "Feed a fever starve a cold" (RRR043), it is perhaps more poppier than the previous offering, but it is still more experimental (with a folky edge) than a lot of the straight pop albums. Check it out!
20th May 2008
There is something in the water in Ohio. First we had "The if people were paper" joining us, and now we are pleased to welcome, Dark in the Fields, with his debut EP (RRR042), "Safety in Basement". Another Cincinnati native, and another record worthy of merit. Psych pop bliss. The full length will be one to look forward to!
RRR041 brings the fascinating (and mysterious) _ to Rack & Ruin records. This thirty three track album is full of blissful, organic soundbytes, snippets, and fragments that come together in beautiful unison. This record would not look out of place being advertised on Boomkat, and as they would probably say. "Highly recommended".
16th May 2008
Rack & Ruin new boys, The if people were paper, have announced their first ever live show, taking place at The Mad Frog in Cincinnati, Sunday June 29th, at 5:30pm - if you're in the area, head along!
15th May 2008
RRR040 is a (new) treat from Jason the Swamp. This collection of B-sides, rarities, and snippets appeared unexpectedly out of nowhere, and are guaranteed to brighten your day tenfold. Jason the Swamp's other EPs have been snapped up willingly, and I don't really need to say much more to ensure that this is grabbed by the masses. 16 beautiful tracks, also included is the excellent (and previously unavailable) "Panda Bear in the City", with its Panda Bear meets Lullatone sound is the track that introduced many to Jason in the first place.
Exciting times at Rack & Ruin towers (aka my living room). The debut EP on Rack & Ruin from Harold Nono entitled "The death of barra" (RRR039) is now available for download. It truly is an honour to have this EP linked with ourselves. Harold's album "To The River Lounge" (Bearsuit Records) was only reviewed last month in muso bible, The Wire, so to have an EP here is very exciting indeed. The Wire, described the album with such phrases as "eerily intriguing", "gothically disquieting" and "nuclear catastrophe", without a journalism degree, I am struggling to better those comments for this EP - so I will stick with the simple..... "outstanding".
14th May 2008
Moon Runners have just announced three dates, the first of which is advertised below. Check out the Live area for more gigs.
13th May 2008
RRR038 sees Roger Haddad making a welcome return to Rack & Ruin. This EP from 2007, is a total contrast from his earlier effort. But what a gorgeous contrast. If you liked black, then you will like white. If his other EP was music to ensure that you were awake and functioning, then this is music to chill to. Another strong EP for you to download.
RRR037 sees the arrival of Detroits auger shell. This stunning double EP is an uplifting hopeful soundscape of pure beauty. We are fortunate enough to have two more EPs waiting in the wings, and after this effort, I am fairly confident that more people will be checking back to grab the next offerings.
The long awaited debut from DaNile, finally arrives on Rack & Ruin records, in the shape of RRR036, "Ducky Sees...", this beautiful effort would not look out of place amongst Minnesotas slowcore/sadcore scene. Reminiscent at times of the likes of Bunkbed, this effort is a very strong debut.
12th May 2008
Another new and very welcome arrival at R&R, comes in the shape of Auburn's "Memoirs of a Fallen Bomb", this excellent guitar driven ambient EP, RRR035, "This Semester Is Going To End Us On International Levels", calmly plucked strings, with shimmering textures. Yum.
When I was 14 years old, I was making ninja swords out of wood, and pretending that I was Sho Kuzugi in the back garden. How times change. Nowadays it seems that 14 year olds, put out warped crazy experimental records. Cincinnati's "The if people were paper" project, join R&R with this splendid offering, RRR034, "Rotten Sugar".
10th May 2008
From one return to another. Rob Bridgett has created a bit of a buzz since his first album went up on the site. A number of messages received were related to how good that album was, and so for those people, I bring you RRR033, "Pacific". If you weren't one of those people, then you soon will be. Thinking mans ambience at its best.
RRR032 welcomes para contra to the ever growing (and increasingly exciting) roster. When R&R was born, it was born with the focus on opening the doors to exciting bands, making exciting music. Things are falling into place. This improv, free jazz, experimental album was put together by three guys with different musical leanings, coming together to make dense, cryptic, and twisting music. Beautiful.
RRR031 sees the return of the delightful joyous indie pop sounds of Dublin Duck Dispensary, and what a return! An EP with a song sung from the perspective of 70s childrens classic, Mr. Benn, was always going to be a winner. Improve your summer by downloading this beauty.
7th May 2008
As I sit by the window, the sun is blazing in from outside, the day is good, and this Keep away from heat... EP has still managed to improve a great day. This three track EP is a great sample, as to what to expect from the forthcoming album to be released on Ammonite Records. Part experimental pop, part kraut, part post-rock elements, mixed together to make pure bliss.
RRR029 sees the release of the first EP from Billy Say, entitled "The Canard Illusion". Stark, barren, minimal and highly experimental soundscapes, that are only missing numbers being read out, to make the listener wonder if he's stumbled across some lost recordings a la The Conet Project. Headphones are a necessity to take in all the textures involved.
Scott Milligan, aka The Macadamia Brothers was interviewed for the Death To Music blog, talking about music, the process, and the future. Including his new release on Old Life Records.
4th May 2008
Rack & Ruin would like to welcome the excellent Rob Bridgett to our little family. With the welcome, comes RRR028, Arkhives. Primarily this album is full of dark ambient soundscapes that could come straight from a horror movie. Like all good horror movies, the mood is uplifted towards the end, and we can all sleep easy.....for now. Haunting, brilliant, and highly recommended.
RRR027 is another from the puppyhead archives. We guarantee more playful tinkering, and childlike pleasure for your ears can be received, by simply clicking the picture below.
We're back, after a short bit of R&R (no pun intended). Our newest offering (RRR026) is the excellent debut album, Hi, from Gnouli Monsters. His South EP isn't a real indicator of what is on show here, a large portion of this album is 1980s-esque Synth. How can you resist?
