Carla dal Forno – Going Out

Castlemaine is about 80 miles north west of Melbourne in central west Australia and this is where you may find, Carla dal Forno. She began her music career in Melbourne in 2010, then relocated to Berlin to record in 2014, as COVID raged she was in London with her partner, they attempted to return to Melbourne and by late 2022 Carla was living in Castlemain. She says her new album, Confession is about quiet upheaval, about closeness that arrives late and unexpectedly. About stability rubbing up against desire. About the way friendship can suddenly tilt into something charged — and how that charge unsettles everything around it. I love what Carla dal Forno pursues with her music, at moments it’s familiar then again so mysterious – a delightful combination. 

From – El Cielo (The Sky)

From – El Mar (The Sea)

Both these cuts are not totally “Dubbed out” but certainly heading in that direction. From the artist is out of Spain and explains his album Decoy as 96 hours of inspiration and delirium locked in a room with an eight-track tape recorder and a few cheap instruments. Then From goes on to claim, “I play with pitched vocals until they are dehumanized, so I sound like ten different singers.” Intriguing music, almost naive at times, although I’m guessing that’s on purpose. This release is on Cimatario Fuexo Recordings who say “Calling at your house knocking on your door CFR brings what you need.” Cool artwork, too.

Tilly Vickers Willis – Do You Know

There is a nice back story to the album title, Silver Halide Film. To produce an analogue photograph, silver halide crystals are suspended in gelatin, and exposed to light, creating an image composed of metallic silver. Melbourne musician Tilly Vickers Willis tells us that her exquisite debut is about the depths of detachment and the sublimity of embodiment, is made up of similar elements. Tilly describes every track like a newly developed photograph, its own distinct, mysterious world, inky and wet to the touch, full of gorgeous, granulated textures. I do like Tilly’s husky voice which she uses carefully to full effect. The production by Dean Tuza is superb. A most enjoyable collection of songs. Bravo!

Mori Blanck – Syrup

Swedish composer and multimedia artist Mori Blanck says they are composing soundtracks for imaginary world and then assures us “Music by humans for humans, always.” I’m impressed by the album Blanck Lake and of course my Trainspotting brain does want to list a few references instead, take my recommendation, this is a worthwhile discovery. Mori Blanck has a few recommendation too, “Listen with a cup of Sejak tea, while taking a walk where you can breathe some crisp air, or on your daily commute.” Plus you need to know, there is a message on band camp that reads, “Feel free to use the music for your projects with credit. This includes live Streaming, YouTube content, Films, background music for your spaces and so on ~ All I ask is that you credit me!” Splendid! Cool artwork.

Inca Babies – Daniella

Oh yes, what a treat this is to hear pioneers of Manchester’s early post-punk scene, Harry Stafford alongside long-time collaborator Rob Haynes. Since reforming in 2007, Inca Babies have definitely proven they are far more than a legacy act garnering respect and accolades from all quarters. Renowned producer Simon ‘Ding’ Archer got behind the mixing board and infused Daniella with a tasty dub overtone. The original version was first recorded in 1986 at Cargo Studios for the album This Train in 1983. Daniella is available on the long-player, Reincarnation via Black Lagoon Records. An upcoming chat with Harry Stafford is in the works. Important note: you want authentic rock ’n’ roll, you gottit with Inca Babies. 

Arky Waters – OMG

Oh My God! Really perfect title! A dazzling production, unrelenting yet magnificently complex is this offering from young producer Arky Waters courtesy of our good friends at Sydney’s Mammal Sounds. Mr. Waters says, “This was a song born from a flash of inspiration.” He continues, “I was in the studio with a friend, and he showed me this OMG sample that I completely fell in love with. I went home and the song came together rather quickly, one of those bursts of inspiration moments. After that I spent a lot of time detailing the bass on this track, carving out all the different layers. I wanted it to feel really immersive and textural.” And what a brilliant job you did!

Big Kani – Take This

Continuing on with fractured beats and a full-on Dub exploration we bring you this corker from Big Kani out of New Zealand. A massive mix, a colossal 12” on the Move2dis imprint with the B side Manuscript equally as impressive, only different. File under Dubstep although both cuts could be labelled eccentric Electronica. I make no excuses, I love this one!

Servicioalcliente – Alien Tropical

Alien Tropical from the second album by Servicioalclient (Customer Service), the project of Colombian-born, Berlin-resident Juliana Martinez. I find something a little disturbing but completely enjoyable about her songs, especially when she writes, “I had been driving a lot at the time on the highway,” she recalls. “I depended on music I played in the car to manage my emotions and my thoughts on those long drives. Everything felt strange and unfamiliar on the highway, and I realized music was so psychological and my only tool to influence my feelings between highways and new places.” Curious sleeve illustration when compared to the artist photo portrait. Do not overlook this one.

Asara – Cute

This is the solo project of Sarah Pitet, who has been a member of the Parisian indie pop quartet Dog Park for the past four years. Asara says her debut single Cute addresses the difficulty and tenderness of watching someone cry. The disquieting sentiments in the song are emphasized with the accompanying video which you may find as unsetting as I did. No clues or giveaways, you gotta see it for yourself. Asara is a gifted multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and of course sings, rather effectively. Cute is available through French label Géographie. Keep an eye on Asara.

The Mistys – Nervous Mirror

Now to an outfit I have had on repeat play for a couple of days. I’m fascinated by The Mistys, I would love to witness how they put their music together – it’s so well-considered. After listening so carefully to their new album, Situations | Useless Mouths remember I suggest you not be deceived by his duo from Manchester, singer Beth Roberts and electronics artist Andrew Hargreave. I’m convinced they are fully aware of what they are doing and their influences, yet they have boldy forged ahead with their own distinctive sound. And what a gorgeous sound they make, here The Mistys give sometimes disgraced Pop music a shimmering new meaning. Moving, sentimental and oh so very listenable. And, always being the impudent Trainspotter I’m so pleased The Mistys didn’t head off into an Art Of Noise doodle at the end of Nervous Mirror. Then again, they would have buggered with it perfectly. Top notch!

Emily Magpie – Narcissus

Narcissus is from Emily’s latest album Howl due out in June of this year. Here is an artist I honestly feel I could write a long essay about. Her music is so damn intelligent, so beautifully wrapped in alluring production. Just when you think you have the essence of Emily Magpie’s work surmised she surprises with yet another twist or turn, not exactly a change of direction but a subtle maneuver to catch the listener’s attention. The Bristol-based artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist admits to crafting alternative pop that moves between worlds. I agree with that. Exceptional and competent. 

Space Scavengers – Path Memory

This cut is from an essential compilation, Heavy Dub Vol. 11. It comes to us from Cold Tear records out of Lithuania. The label was started in 2010 and since then they have been releasing exceptional music. Apparently there was no intention of producing a series of Dub compilation, but to everyone’s surprise they found musicians were not only lapping up their releases they wanted to be on them. This volume is no exception as you’ll hear on the cut I selected, Path Memory by Space Scavengers. There is always room in your collection for an album of tasty Dub. This one should not be overlooked.

Photograph by Lawrence Copper (1956 – 2020) “Ironing redux” 1995 Kodachrome print. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection