Shamanic Technology - Doorways Out Now!

Hi everyone,

Just a quick message to let you know that the new album by Shamanic Technology, is now available from Boomkat and Shamanic Technology, is now available from Boomkat and



Textures range from the sinister to the playful, with dynamic twists and euphoric turns occurring on a track by track basis. A lively tapestry of electronic pulses, vacuums of nostalgic synths, intricately placed found sounds and contemporary beatwork, finds Shamanic Technology bracketed by luminaries including Plaid, Boards of Canada and Bola – with particular emphasis placed on the anthemic quality of the latter.

Yet “Doorways” is undoubtedly the work of Shamanic Technology, Hare is no mere copyist. There’s an invigorating edge threaded throughout this record, one which finds it blooming into all sorts of wonderful directions. Glowing with melody and glistening with creativity, this record isn’t just fresh. It’s Herb Fresh….

Tracklist

1. Rites Of Passage
2. Shamanic Technology (Floating in Ayahuasca)
3. Ode To The Machine
4. Strange Glass Feeling
5. Thought Bubble Experiment
6. Phonic Sky
7. Electronic Therapy
8. My Shadow Casting
9. Xtractions
10. mIrRoRs
11. Moments Of Reflection
12. Pathseeker
13. Toy Vision
14. Nostalgia

"Doorways passes muster with ease, its fourteen tracks consistently strong. There are no weak links at all – each cut has enough going on to maintain interest. Particularly good are “Electronic Therapy”, with its Boards of Canada-ish muted melody, the joyous “Pathseeker” and the fittingly titled closer, Nostalgia." Music, Musings & Miscellany

For interviews, photos, information etc. please contact info@herbrecordings.com

www.herbrecordings.com
www.myspace.com/shamanictechnology
www.myspace.com/herbrecordings

Shoosh Review At Boomkat

Shoosh is a trio of musicians, combining guitars and Americana-influenced songwriting with all manner of perplexing electronic programming and treatments. 'Snake Eyes' is a little like Sparklehorse or perhaps Benoit Pioulard - all distorted and twisted out of shape, with a squeaky, obfuscated vocal in place to remind you that you're listening to an actual song rather than the Fennesz-influenced soundscape it might otherwise resemble. The vocal will almost certainly take some getting used to in fact, but once you're accustomed to the sheer oddness of Neil Carlill's delivery (imagine a cross between Dose One and Mark E. Smith) there's an awful lot to like about this record - in a world crammed with electronically treated songwriting efforts, Orpheum Circuit somehow manages to sound like it's really out there on its own.

Boomkat

Shoosh - Orpheum Circuit Out Now

Hi Everyone,

just a quick note to let you know that the debut album by Shoosh titled Orpheum Circuit, is now available in digital formats from Boomkat.

Orpheum Circuit is the debut album release for the inventive, electro-folksters Shoosh. Fronted by 90s' indie pioneer Neil Carlill, who was formerly the lead singer with Delicatessen (rough Trade) and Lodger (Island). Their sound is a unique blend of american folk, modern ambient and surreal, dadaist lyrics, that are delivered in a highly distinctive and thoroughly compelling style. Carlill is backed up on acoustic guitar by Ed Drury, a composer with over 60 titles to his credit and Craig Murphy on synthesizers. Murphy has released under various names including Solipsism (Electronica) and ch.pm (Ambient).



So far Shoosh have one release to their name in the critically acclaimed 2007 Awkward Silence 3" Split, mini CD, currently available from Boomkat, Bleep etc. This release has seen the band likened to such luminaries as Pink Floyd, Animal Collective, Mercury Rev, David Bowie, Current 93, Bob Dylan and Neil Young to name a few! Despite these welcome comparisons, Shoosh have undeniably managed to carve a new niche out all for themselves.

Tracklist

1. Elastic Soil Video
2. Snake Eyes
3. Come In From The Cold
4. Mock Table Rakes
5. Boo Ssh
6. Peddle Picnic Wires
7. Space & Thyme
8. Pestilence
9. Overthrow Turn


Shoosh - Elastic Soil by Myppa from Myppa on Vimeo.


The video for Elastic Soil is by Myppa

www.shooshmusic.com
www.myspace.com/shooshmusic

www.herbrecordings.com
www.myspace.com/herbrecordings

Shoosh - Orpheum Circuit Out Now At Boomkat

Fantastic 4 - DJ Mag

Kingbastard EP Now At i-Tunes

Hello,

the new Kingbastard EP [B a s t a r d i z e] is out now at






2007 is barely one month old, yet it is full steam ahead over at Herb Recordings. Along with Rubens' forthcoming debut, the Bastardize EP" by Kingbastard represents a busy start for the innovative Scottish label. This Ep is a quick-fix of frenzied beats, effervescent melodies and a lo-fi style production.

A number of tracks here, recall some of Richard D. James' acid-style sounds (especially those Anologue Bubblebath records). Opener "[Tripod]", for example, fearures a dirty melody and some mid-90's style beat production. Ending with a combination of vitriolic beats and a dark theme, ensures this Ep is off to an impressive start.

"[Boxclever]" is probably my favourite track here, it is certainly the most instant. Rapid beats are laced with a lethal melody, that proves to be an intoxicating blend. There is a fantastic middle section, where the beats merge into a triple drill style beat, that is both innovative and appeasing work.

"[Parenthesis]", meanwhile, is a large sounding number thats starts with hisses of static and computer bleeps. A beat soon pushes its way through the digital mass, along with some euphoric synths, that soon develops into a captivating tune.

As the name suggests, "[Data Rape Function Creep]" is a deranged track, thats uses a plethora of bit stream beats, dark drones and eerie sound clips. It vaguely recalls those industrial machine build-up's that Autechre are renowned for.

"[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]" surprisingly changes tact. While the 4 previous tracks are beat-laden and instantly gratifying, this one harks back to some of Kingbastard's work, on the "Run:>Ep". It is a sad sounding collage of cloudy sampled textures and melancholic synths. A perfect reference point here would be Radiohead's "Treefingers" from "Kid A". It's is not as instant, but repeated listens reveal a certain degree of emotion.

Thankfully, it is just a temporary moment and Kingbastard hasn't got all depressed on us. He is soon back with his signature buoyant beats and acidic melodies. The bizrrely titled, "[Got Milk_Duckstomping]", with its upbeat nature, works in perfect contrast to the sad synthscape of "[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]", and ends the Ep on an optimistic note.

The "Bastardize Ep" is a definite progression for Kingbastard. The beats are innovative and the melodies plentiful. There is some terrific work here, most notably "[Box Clever]", "[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]" and "[Data Rape Function Creep]". 2007 could very well be the year of the bastard!.

Boring Machines



The [B a s t a r d i z e] EP is currently available on a limited edition CD direct from the Herb Store


cheers
herb

Rubens Single Release Date

Hello,

the new Rubens single going out on 7 inch vinyl is being released on August 6th.

A Side - Puggies
B Side - Vertical Hold

Herb002

Distributed globally by Amato Distribution

Tronic Gig

Kingbastard - Upwnstairs (Video Animation)

Animation by Drew Matson

Music by Kingbastard

Herb Announces Deal With Amato Distribution

Hello,

we're pleased to announce that we're now working with Amato Distribution. Amato will now be distributing our music on all media formats such as CD, Vinyl & Digital globally on an exclusive basis.

Forthcoming Herb releases through Amato are

Rubens - Carnivalesque CD
Engine7 - Me, But Perfect CD
Shamanic Technology - Doorways CD
Kingbastard - [B a s t a r d i z e] Vinyl
Skytree - Winding Of The Dragon TRacks CD
solipsism - solipsism CD

Xfm Dublin Playlist March 07

Solipsism: "Wax" [Electricity Flows In Squares] Herb
Robert Leiner: "Dream Or Reality" [Visions Of The Past] Apollo
Ceephax: "Tx Highway" [Ceephax Volume 1] Rephlex
Patscan: "Tiki Champer" [Muddled Up] Concrete Plastic
Atom Tm: "Get Down" [Son Of A Glitch] Rather Interesting
Jolly Music: "Daddy" [Jolly Music] Nature
Isolee: "Schrapnell" [WeAreMonster] Playhouse
System Exclusive: "Orange" [unrealeased] http://www.myspace.com/systex
Amen Orchestra: "Noan Ame 17" [17 Waves] Art-Tek
Christ: "Stained Century" [Blue Shift Emissions] Benbecula
Tetsu Inoue: "Smile" [World Receiver] Infraction
Pub: "Shattered" [Legless] Ampoule
Adrien75: "Highway One South" [Coastal Acces] Source Records (Germany)
Yard: "Canopy" [Northern Cedar] Concrete Plastic
Gate Zero: "Bright Reflection" [Black Dust] Fax
Stasis: "Inside" [Inspiration] Peacefrog

[B a s t a r d i z e] EP Out Now At Beatport

hello,

the new Kingbastard EP is now available at Beatport



Also available at a limited edition CD direct from the Herb CD Store



2007 is barely one month old, yet it is full steam ahead over at Herb Recordings. Along with Rubens' forthcoming debut, the "[Bastardize Ep]" by Kingbastard represents a busy start for the innovative Scottish label. This Ep is a quick-fix of frenzied beats, effervescent melodies and a lo-fi style production.

A number of tracks here, recall some of Richard D. James' acid-style sounds (especially those Anologue Bubblebath records). Opener "[Tripod]", for example, fearures a dirty melody and some mid-90's style beat production. Ending with a combination of vitriolic beats and a dark theme, ensures this Ep is off to an impressive start.

"[Boxclever]" is probably my favourite track here, it is certainly the most instant. Rapid beats are laced with a lethal melody, that proves to be an intoxicating blend. There is a fantastic middle section, where the beats merge into a triple drill style beat, that is both innovative and appeasing work.



"[Parenthesis]", meanwhile, is a large sounding number thats starts with hisses of static and computer bleeps. A beat soon pushes its way through the digital mass, along with some euphoric synths, that soon develops into a captivating tune.

As the name suggests, "[Data Rape Function Creep]" is a deranged track, thats uses a plethora of bit stream beats, dark drones and eerie sound clips. It vaguely recalls those industrial machine build-up's that Autechre are renowned for.

"[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]" surprisingly changes tact. While the 4 previous tracks are beat-laden and instantly gratifying, this one harks back to some of Kingbastard's work, on the "Run:>Ep". It is a sad sounding collage of cloudy sampled textures and melancholic synths. A perfect reference point here would be Radiohead's "Treefingers" from "Kid A". It's is not as instant, but repeated listens reveal a certain degree of emotion.

Thankfully, it is just a temporary moment and Kingbastard hasn't got all depressed on us. He is soon back with his signature buoyant beats and acidic melodies. The bizrrely titled, "[Got Milk_Duckstomping]", with its upbeat nature, works in perfect contrast to the sad synthscape of "[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]", and ends the Ep on an optimistic note.

The "Bastardize Ep" is a definite progression for Kingbastard. The beats are innovative and the melodies plentiful. There is some terrific work here, most notably "[Box Clever]", "[Goodbye Mr Bendigo]" and "[Data Rape Function Creep]". 2007 could very well be the year of the bastard!.

Boring Machines

Electricity Flows In Squares Out Now At i-Tunes

solipsism - Electricity Flows In Squares Cat. No. Herb0023





Herb Recordings is a label that is all about innovation, cutting edge programming, deft production and the exploration of fresh sounds in and around the electronica genre. It is important, therefore, that (Herb Owner) Craig Murphy, using his Solipsism guise, sets the standards and provides the benchmark for the rest of his stable to adhere to.

Starting of as a solo project, Solipsism has since evolved into a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Ed Drury, to the point that he is now a full-time member.

"Electricity Flows In Squares" is the 3rd Solipsism release and is an experiment of dance music that gets your brain thinking, rather than your feet moving. In other words, don't expect dumbed down beats and half-hearted synths, this one is for the purists. Right from the outset, on "Bad Circuit" it's apparent that there is something different about "Electricity Flows..". The melodies are light and float in the mix, while they are contrasted by precise beat work. "Bending Light" reinforces these sentiments and sees the duo create a mixture of a euphoric melody, overlapped with twinkling textures, with robotic drum patterns

However, it is on tracks such as "Glass Rod" and "Electricty Flows In Squares" that this combination strikes the perfect balance. The former uses 3 or 4 psychedelic melodies that float, overlap and merge together, evoking images of space. This is contrasted with a series of harsh, mechanistic programming. These conflicting styles shouldn't work, but Solipsism pull it off and it's impeccable. The title track, meanwhile, employs the crisp production techniques of Bola, but are equally as innovative in their own right. The machine-like precision is intact as the etheral synths swell around it.

It's not all accuracy and precision, though, "Flying" is a hovering ambient passage, that shimmers with a warm, analogue soul, while "Plug Me In" comes across like an updated version of the "A Clockwork Orange" main theme.

"Electricity Flows In Squares" has an nostaligic feel to it, advancing on the themes explored by artists such as Bola, Autechre and Bochum Welt. The pristine melodies posses a real other-worldly quality and are perfectly contrasted by the accomplished, mechanistcic programming. It is an engaging listen that begs for an emotional response.

Boring Machines


enjoy the fresh herb!

Rubens CD Out Not At Norman Records

hello,

you can now order the new rubens album from Norman Records

cheers
herb

Boring Machines Top 10 Of 2007

Boring Machines


1. Tobias Lilja : "Time Is On My Side" (n5md)

2. Slow Dancing Society : "The Sound of Lights When Dim" (Hidden Shoal Recordings)

3. Romance of Young Tigers : Self-titled Ep (Self-Released)

4. Solipsism : "Electricity Flows In Squares" (Herb Recordings)

5. Explosions In The Sky : "All of a Sudden, I Miss Everyone" (Temporary Residence)

6. Wes Willenbring : "Somewhere Someone Else" (Hidden Shoal Recordings)

7. SubtractiveLAD : "No Man's Land" (n5md)

8. Sankt Otten : "Wir Koennen ja Freunde Bleiben" (Hidden Shoal Recordings)

9. ((Konntinet)) : "... If Anything Should Happen" (Self-Released)

10. Rubens : "Carnivalesque" (Herb Recordings)

Shamanic Technology Review

Boring Machines

Having described the music of Shamanic Technolgy on these pages as "brilliant anthemic and euphoric electronic music", "Doorways" is an album that I have been anticipating for some time now. A mix up of some sorts at the Herb HQ meant it was delayed for a good few months. But it is now out there and the overall signs are good, it has been worth the wait.

For the uninitiated, Shamanic Technology is the work of Bournemouth based producer Chris Hare and the project was designed to allow him to break free from the shackles of dj'ing in the UK club scene. "Doorways" is his answer to those rigid club rules and is an album in a similar head-nodding vein to labelmates Rubens, only it is presented in a much darker manner.

The crystal clear production and crips beatwork immediately sets this album apart and is testament to the 2 years it took Hare to write and record. Recording as Shamanic Technology has allowed Hare to breathe and develop a largely distinctive sound. Of course, everyone has their influences and "Doorways" vaguely recalls the likes of Plaid, Boards of Canada and even a bit of Amon Tobin.

There is a sense that a lot of thought has went into this album in terms of making a unique sound, with Hare expanding on the template outlined by the aforementioned artists. Psychedlic melodies collide with broken (but clear) beatwork and frequent spoken word samples that gives this album a dynamic aura. More often than not, "Doorways" sounds fantastic.

Last December Herb Recordings donated an mp3 of "Electronic Therapy" to this site for people to sample the mood of the album. It was an excellent choice because it is indicative of Shamanic Technology's overall sound. One of the more accesible numbers, back in December I described it as a track full of "satisfying and snappy beats and urgent synths" and I stand by this statement. It also reinforces the anthemic quality of Hare's music.

"Pathseeker" shows Shamanic Technology in a different light and is more playful in nature. Basing the track around a hazy, floating melody, the meticulous programming provides a perfect backdrop. The crackling beatwork of "mIrRoRs" further enhances Hare's reputation of adept producer, while listening through headphones reveals several subtle enhancements that may go unnoticed on first listen. "Toy Vision", meanwhile, features a twisted toybox melody that soon mutates into a segment of synth bubble melodies and elastic beats. The simple but full-bodied sound quality helps to propel this ambitious number forward.

"Doorways" is a distinctive statement form Shamanic Technology. Amid the gifted production style, clear-cut beats, interesting vocal samples and darkened melodies, a huge amount of ideas are bursting to get out. At times it's playful, elsewhere it's trippy and others it's downright evil sounding. But the overall ambition ensures that "Doorways" remains an eventful experience and it serves to stretch electronica into some uncharted territories.

Rating - 80%

solipsism - Free EP

solipsism have made an ep available for free download, that's inventively titled "Free EP" It's basically some of the tracks that were recorded while they were working on the electricity flows in squares ep that never made the final release.

 

Download 01. Fragments

Download 02. This Is Our Tree and We're Not Getting Out Of It

Download 03. I Believe In You

Download 04. Distant Shores

Download Free EP Artwork

Herb Digital

Herb Digital is the new section of the website and the new branch of Herb Recordings that will be dealing exclusively with digital releases. When Herb started in January 2006, we launched with great aplomb in the digital market and after a very successful first year, we decided to continue our policy of giving new and emerging artists their chance in this market. Many of our digital release will also go out on other formats, namely CD and vinyl. However, we feel that the rapid growth of the digital market is the ideal platform now for giving new material it's first break, as well as giving established artists the opportunity to join the revolution.

If you are an artist interested in joining Herb Digital then please email us at

info AT herbrecordings DOT com

We will not be dealing with enquiries through myspace, forums etc. so please just contact us directly about it.

cheers
herb

solipsism - Electricity Flows In Squares

The new solipsism EP "electricity Flows In Squares" is available now at

Beatport



Tracklist

Wax
Bad Circuit
Flying
Bending Light
Glass Rod
Electricity Flows In Squares
Plug Me In

"Electricity Flows In Squares" has an nostaligic feel to it, advancing on the themes explored by artists such as Bola, Autechre and Bochum Welt. The pristine melodies posses a real other-worldly quality and are perfectly contrasted by the accomplished, mechanistic programming. It is an engaging listen that begs for an emotional response."

Boring Machines

Electricity Flows In Squares Review

http://boringmachines.blogspot.com/2007/02/solipsism-electricity-flows-in-squares.html#links

Herb Recordings is a label that is all about innovation, cutting edge programming, deft production and the exploration of fresh sounds in and around the electronica genre. It is important, therefore, that (Herb Owner) Craig Murphy, using his Solipsism guise, sets the standards and provides the benchmark for the rest of his stable to adhere to.

Starting of as a solo project, Solipsism has since evolved into a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Ed Drury, to the point that he is now a full-time member. Murphy, himself, counts Frank Zappa as his main influence and in collaborating with Drury, a man with unlimited musical knowledge, Solipsism can tap into the diverse and other-worldly nature of the prolific experimental genius.

"Electricity Flows In Squares" is the 3rd Solipsism release and is an experiment of dance music that gets your brain thinking, rather than your feet moving. In other words, don't expect dumbed down beats and half-hearted synths, this one is for the purists. Right from the outset, on "Bad Circuit" it's apparent that there is something different about "Electricity Flows..". The melodies are light and float in the mix, while they are contrasted by precise beat work. "Bending Light" reinforces these sentiments and sees the duo create a mixture of a euphoric melody, overlapped with twinkling textures, with robotic drum patterns

However, it is on tracks such as "Glass Rod" and "Electricty Flows In Squares" that this combination strikes the perfect balance. The former uses 3 or 4 psychedelic melodies that float, overlap and merge together, evoking images of space. This is contrasted with a series of harsh, mechanistic programming. These conflicting styles shouldn't work, but Solipsism pull it off and it's impeccable. The title track, meanwhile, employs the crisp production techniques of Bola, but are equally as innovative in their own right. The machine-like precision is intact as the etheral synths swell around it.

It's not all accuracy and precision, though, "Flying" (first previewed on this site a few months ago), is a hovering ambient passage, that shimmers with a warm, analogue soul, while "Plug Me In" comes across like an updated version of the "A Clockwork Orange" main theme.

"Electricity Flows In Squares" has an nostaligic feel to it, advancing on the themes explored by artists such as Bola, Autechre and Bochum Welt. The pristine melodies posses a real other-worldly quality and are perfectly contrasted by the accomplished, mechanistcic programming. It is an engaging listen that begs for an emotional response. In a word : Tremendous.


Rating = 88%