My personal aoty, and a glorious debut. I want to hear them do more Bartok.

Somewhat unnerving, but in quite a fun way. Sounds like rust.

While not David Sylvian’s most experimental record, Secrets of the Beehive remains fresh and tasteful nearly 40 years later.

Bookended by two stunning compositions (Gotham Lullaby and the title track), Monk’s Dolmen Music flits from the heart achingly beautiful to sounding like a zebra in heat.

An album for the depths of Winter. I haven’t felt longing like this since I first met Byron.

If I saw anyone singing this on TikTok I’d probably scroll or hit the « not interested » button. Somehow, though, Grouper is nothing short of spellbinding here.

Kind of boring in parts, also very beautiful in others. Not exactly memorable, but it’s a nice time spent with masters of their craft, even if they’re not firing on all cylinders.

For the love of God turn that sax down.

You ever walked alone through the woods as a storm rolls in? The gloom, the wind in the boughs, and the urge to keep looking over your shoulder are all present here.

If you like spending the best part of an hour teetering on the edge of paranoia, this one’s for you; if you’ve just microdosed at your corporate spreadsheet job, it’s probably not.

Post-Industrial reflections on life, death, and ascension.

Borderline liturgical in tone. Mournful not maudlin.

Painful and beautiful and sometimes sexy. It’s gonna zap you. It could only be Xiu Xiu.

A masterclass in creating and manipulating atmosphere. Atmosphere not as ambience, but as a firmament. Async is akin to Julian of Norwich’s hazelnut, or Blake’s world in a grain of sand.

Kristin is not afraid to go there, and she pulls it the F off.

We’re so lucky to share the earth with her.

Ciśnienie take musical ideas as far as they can, and then bludgeon what’s left with spiked bats. Good shit.

This is lovely. Great production. Kind of like early Cocteau Twins brought into focus.

Lost me a little at the end.

I’m getting salvia flashbacks, plus the guy’s a fucking chode.

It’s basically the same shit 10 times. Go to any open mic in a West Country pub instead.

I’ll stick to White Light from the Mouth of Infinity.

What can I say? The OG goth baddie really gets me going.

Okay, if rather flat. Vaguely reminiscent of Gran Turismo loading screens.

Sounds like banging k while riding a horse through a damp forest. Good stuff!

The highs feel like getting lost in a painting. Ts is sublime.

Play this real loud when I’m on my deathbed.

Bit of everything on here. Doesn’t always work, and it comes across as kinda dorky at times, but it’s certainly thoughtfully constructed.

Will be enjoyed again and again.