New Music: Ortrotasce - S/T LP (2014)

Thanks to the generosity of one Mr. Joey Buttons, owner of the relatively new Disko Obscura label, I've been granted early access to the next record to join his line-up of analog synth diamonds -- and it's the bomb.

Ortrotasce is the project of Nic Hamersly who, if you follow contemporary minimal synth artists, you are likely to have heard of by now. After a slew of web releases, a few tapes, and a 7" on FlexiWave, the time has finally come for a full-blown LP. The album represents a collection of tracks that Nic recorded across the US from 2012-2013, now mastered by A.J. Tissian, who has done work for Martial Canterel, Xeno & Oaklander, and Automelodi, just to name a few.

As an avid follower of Ortrotasce's music, I was quite pleased with the selection of tracks for this LP. In my quite humble opinion, Nic is one of the most versatile artists in underground electronic music today. Whether it's minimal, electro, ebm, coldwave, synthpop, cosmic, or even the more post-punk gothic stylings of his other project, Warmline (briefly reviewed here) -- it seems he can do it all. Tip 'o the hat to Disko Obscura for managing to corral and showcase a wide array of stylings, without sacrificing the cohesive feel of an album.

This has easily ranked among my most eagerly awaited releases, and I'm sure many of you already agree. Below you will find 2 free downloads provided exclusively for Crispy Nuggets fans. They do have excellent taste, afterall. The LP should be sent out from the pressing plant to European distros on May 7th, and the remaining copies will ship to Joey out of San Francisco on May 12th, then out to customers on the 16th. Please contact Joey for details. He'll start taking US pre-orders on the 7th! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1. World Un Related (free download!)
A2. Diffuse
A3. New System
A4. Shatter
B1. The Body (free download!)
B2. Losing Mind (listen on Soundcloud)
B3. Expanding Room
B4. Passion
B5. Exit

Please like and support this artist and label:
Ortrotasce on Facebook

Disko Obscura on Facebook 

Bonus! Ortrotasce performing "World Un Related" live at my underground synth night here in Orlando (best viewed in 720p):

(direct YouTube link)

The Klingons - Analog-Digital (1982)

So, probably by now you've looked at the cover image and thought to yourself, "I don't give a damn what he has to say, this tape looks awesome". And actually that's a fair assessment, but just lend me a minute of your time to read on. Great news to follow.

Yes, this impossibly obscure tape from the UK is indeed awesome. Ironically named, as what was once analog will now be presented to you digitally. Catchy minimal synth throughout, the kind that only the early 80s can deliver.

What's even more exciting, however, is that Marc from Anna Logue Records has reached out to the artist and will be re-issuing this tape on LP! More info here. Update: this and more is now reissued through Vinyl On Demand in an amazing Scottish Minimal Synth compilation, more info here.

A few quick notes: Track A7 here is not listed on the tape, it's just a 30 second instrumental bit at the end of the A-side. Also, the very last track "Trad. Arr." will not be making it to the re-issue, so that's a special treat in your download below. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Society
A2 - R.A.M.
A3 - Analog-Digital
A4 - Confusion
A5 - P.C.M.
A6 - A. Survivor
A7 - Untitled
B1 - Outcry
B2 - Vortexian Fall
B3 - Trad. Arr.

Download