Dylan Baldi - "On The Way To Vesuvius"

Dylan Baldi, better known as the lead vocalist of the band Cloud Nothings, is an artist who set out to transcend his alternative rock background in order to explore the potential of experimental soundscapes and other styles.

His album "On The Way To Vesuvius," released in 2023, is a compelling collection of ethereal instrumental tracks that will take you on a journey through a diverse range of moods and textures.

The release unfolds over 7 tracks, which concoct a sparse yet rich soundscape. "Into the Green Swamp" combines swirling guitar arpeggios with organic ambient sounds, capturing the spontaneity of the performance. Another standout track from the album is "Punishing Daylight," where the artist experiments with harsh feedback sounds and glitchy chords, seemingly faltering and crumbling into one another. The composition gradually fades into a dissonant wall of noise, reminiscent of the works of renowned composers like LaMonte Young, who pioneered textural drone music and "non-musical" dissonance back in the 50s and 60s.

These are only some of the highlights of this record, which is an immersive experience that alternates hauntingly beautiful suspended moments with unsettling and discordant sounds. Check it out via Bandcamp.

For more music recommendations, check out our Spotify playlist!

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Dead Rituals explores the link between shoegaze and post-punk on "How Easily"

"How Easily" is a new single by Dead Rituals , the post-punk outfit led by singer-songwriter Andrea Caccese. With its unapologetic rawness, this song encapsulates the essence of punk while infusing it with the nuanced ambiance of shoegaze. From the opening notes, " How Easily " is relentless and energetic. The driving rhythm section provides urgency and momentum, with a throbbing bass line that drives the song. The wall of guitars takes center stage in "How Easily," weaving a hazy tapestry of distortion and melody. The sharp, biting guitar riffs surge through, contrasting with the ambient textures serving as a backdrop. Amidst the chaos, Caccese's guitar work occasionally dips into atmospheric textures, introducing elements of shoegaze into the mix. These ethereal moments contrast the track's abrasive nature, adding a touch of introspection and depth. Listen via Spotify or Bandcamp .

Dead Rituals released a stripped-down acoustic take on "How Easily"

Dead Rituals (artist-producer Andrea Caccese) released a single titled “ How Easily ” back in June. The song delves into the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future as we move on. "How easily we forget our hopes and dreams," Caccese sings with resignation - An attempt to reignite that spark that's slowly fading away as our days go by. While the lyrics might appear like a gesture of surrender, the instrumental has plenty of fight left in it. " How Easily " combines the mist of shoegaze with the roaring angst of post-punk, tipping the hat off to artists such as Slow Crush , Narrowhead , or even Nirvana . The newly released acoustic version of the song brings a contrasting view, stripping it all down to its bare essentials. With nothing but vocals and guitar, the urgency of the original remains, but a newfound level of intimacy takes center stage. Spotify / Bandcamp / Youtube

Dead Rituals deals with the pain of feeling trapped, with their shoegaze-inspired single “Prisoners.”

"Prisoners" is a hauntingly beautiful song by Dead Rituals . The track highlights the band’s post-punk edge while still bringing its shoegaze roots to the forefront. The throbbing bass line locks in with the drums, as the soaring guitar and vocals fill the room with so much ambiance and depth. The song speaks to the experience of feeling trapped in circumstances that seem impossible to escape. Despite its melancholy tone, "Prisoners" is ultimately a hopeful song. It acknowledges the pain of feeling trapped but also encourages listeners to break free from their self-imposed limitations. Overall, "Prisoners" is a moving and thought-provoking song that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a standout track in Dead Rituals' discography and a must-listen for fans of introspective indie music. Check out "Prisoners" on Spotify.

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