#echoinghalls

Artist: K.

Album: The Death Of A Loved One

https://thebible777.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-of-a-loved-one

Perhaps the most gripping and intriguing minimal ep of 2014. Never to my knowledge has such captivating and beautiful music been made with nothing more than vocals and bass. No effects, no post processing, just pure songwriting and the emotional stream of consciousness from Alex Chaney, known by his befittingly simplistic moniker K. K's vocals are powerful, solid and not intimidated. He's not afraid to seamlessly blend light, breathy calming vocals with a screaming, potent wail. Hes not afraid to bear his soul with these tear-jerking lyrics either. The album opens up with the haunting line “I fell in love with a girl that committed suicide. Maybe if I told her what she meant to me she'd still be alive. I was waiting for the right time, but it never came and now it never will. Now I'm sitting here considering the same option.” Blunt and harsh, heart-wrenching and direct. 

You can listen to more of K's music here:

Artist: DKDB不気味な(or just DKDB)

Album: L8 Nite JP. Club

https://soundcloud.com/dkdb-waves/sets/l8-nite-jp-club

“My name is DKDB不気味な(or just DKDB) I make music for sad kids who enjoy rundown Japanese malls.”

DKDB is a vaporwave producer who sends his airy, nostalgic music from the astral plane (as a vaporwave fan and a dnd nerd I am loving this so far)

The album opens up with a sample of some Japanese dialogue. I can't understand it but the imagery is very well defined by it (as to be expected from these kind of projects)

Vol 1. the opening track has a comforting jingly melody that whisks us away to a pleasant, relaxing dream. The chimes and bells sound over slowed down vocals and wobbly, chopped up progressions. Dreams is surprisingly less dreamlike than its previous track. Its beautiful piano melody sounding through a haunting saxophone refrain would be enough to be hypnotic, but the sharper chops and jarring samples keep the song too grounded. Just as I'm leaning back and starting to really dive into the track its over. Being one of my favorite tunes from the album, I would have enjoyed an extra minute at least of this song.

FISHING is a nice change of pace. It knows exactly what it wants to be and isn't afraid to hit you with its groovy bassline. Its funky, dancy and upbeat. FISHING stands out because you rarely have this kind of energetic vibe in vaporwave music. That said, Vol2. That album's closer is much more prototypical. It gets back to the chilling sax howls and slower, wobbly ethereal nature.

What stands out about DKDB is his use of unexpected samples. He keeps things much more lighthearted in nature. There's an almost childlike presence. His mixing and production abilities are definitely up to par for the genre. If you don't understand vaporwave, or you confused and asking yourself “whats with all this weaboo anime stuff” than this album is probably not for you.

If however you find yourself at home in the 80s reminiscent virtual plaza, than you can listen to more of DKDB's music here:

https://soundcloud.com/dkdb-waves

He also runs his own net-label called Goon Squad for helping produce talented musicians.

Check it out here:

Artist: KR the MC

Album: The Vision part 1

https://soundcloud.com/krthemc/sets/the-vision-pt-1

The first thing that hit me when I pressed play on this vicious EP is that KR is not afraid to showcase his amazing flow. The vocals hit hard and with admirable intensity. But its not all about exhibitionist singing, the hook is fantastic too. A very strong opener, visions gives you the perfect middle ground between Quasimoto's slow-paced dry delivery and MC Ride's in-your-face violent screaming. The harmonies were also interesting. It was something I didn't expect and hadn't heard many rappers experiment with. Done will, it added an extra aspect of power. Similar vocal effects are apparent on later tracks, especially Damien where its used to simulate a chaotic devil's voice. The first three tracks are solid and each have their own groove that come at you hard. Visions is intense, fast and chaotic. Driven is equally quick-tempered but more skillful and executed with more finesse, and Damien is dark, twisted and powerful with a chilling piano refrain. Dabs however is underwhelming by contrast and fails to introduce its new elements while retaining the same level of excitement and interest.

Prison was also one of the weaker tracks. Personally I really hate skits in rap albums, but the banter is admittedly enjoyable in the beginning and the instrumentals are some of the heaviest yet. KR raps as both himself and an impersonation of Karl Rove, which is too silly in my opinion to be taken seriously, but the parts in which KR is himself are solid and keep me interested (the references are still undeniably hilarious). Lullaby is an emotional cascade that features the most gritty vocals on the album, but lingers on a similar piano driven down tempo vibe presented by prison. The only thing preventing me from enjoying this track is the feeling that I've already heard this song before. Silver Lining answers this with a much appreciated change of sound. The first guitar driven track and with a vocal style not yet heard on The Vision pt1. The album thus far showcases a subtle self-awareness and uses it to provide and excellent sense of timing and pace.

KR's flow, vocal delivery and mixing are undeniably amazing. His instrumentals are great and fit his sound well. The sample work is well done and the vocal effects keep it interesting. If you haven't yet, give his music a listen.

You check out more of his music here:

https://soundcloud.com/krthemc

http://www.krthemc.com/

Like him on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/KRtheMC

Follow KR the MC on Twitter!

Artist: Flurothyl

Song: Sphere 3

https://soundcloud.com/flurothyl/sphere-3

Experimental electronic musician Flurothyl has released a wide arrange of unique and interesting sounds. Released earlier this year, Sphere – 3 is a hypnotic and mysterious piece that would find its home in a sci-fi murder mystery or some kind of deep space horror opening. The looping, warping drone melody that plays throughout the song is haunting to say the least. It hides in the back behind the drums, which only servers to add to the atmospheric chill that it sends down your spine. At 0:40, a strange siphoning sample sounds (alliteration much) that stands out to me more with each play through. Its odd, only plays once and leaves me with a sense of disorder, that something is very much out of place. This song builds a mood and an environment that you can't help but get wrapped into. This kind of captivating imigery is something to be admired. Flurothyl thus earns a strong recommendation from me.

You can check out more of his music here: