Ghost Cinema - "Ghost Cinema"

Bandcamp is a pretty amazing tool.  In the few years since I first heard of the site, it has lead me to discover countless bands & musicians I would have never known existed.  Take Munich electronic producer Ghost Cinema, for example.  I found Ghost Cinema's debut release last spring while sifting through the electronic music section on Bandcamp, and was immediately captivated.  I have listened to the entire album all the way through dozens of times, entranced by the bubbling synths & murky snare hits.  I immediately scoured the information superhighway for anything I could find on this producer or album, but to no avail.  There isn't any information about Ghost Cinema on Bandcamp, and an internet seach proves similarly futile.  With under 100 listeners on Last.fm, it's safe to say that Ghost Cinema remains unknown to a good deal of the world.  However, a few more releases with as much to offer as this promising debut should shine a spotlight on this mysterious German producer.  If you enjoy downtempo electronic music somewhat akin to what the Tri-Angle label offers up, spend some time with Ghost Cinema.

GHOST CINEMA - "GHOST CINEMA"

Self-released 2013

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Cloudkicker - "Let Yourself Be Huge"

Cloudkicker is the alias of Ben Sharp, who has been making music under that name for 7 years now.  Mixing metal, electronica and post-rock into a blurred concoction that soothes as much as it riffs, this particular EP reminds me of a reflective instrumental version of Minus The Bear in some places with some finger-tapping goodness.  Cloudkicker's music has taken on many forms over the years, but this release is definitely my favorite.  Not as aggressive or pummeling as some of his other works, this mini-album is truly where Cloudkicker comes into his own as an electronic producer.  If you like Tycho, you'll swoon over Cloudkicker.  Listen to this on the beach with a summer sunset behind you and experience bliss.

CLOUDKICKER - "LET YOURSELF BE HUGE"

Self-released 2011

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XXYYXX - "XXYYXX"

Marcel Everett, known more commonly to music fans as XXYYXX, is a wunderkind producer.  Seamlessly blurring the lines between hip hop, garage, dubstep and chillwave, Everett has created something new out of a familiar pastiche akin to sonic spiritual brethren Clams Casino.  Seeing him open for CHVRCHES last year at the tender age of 17 was touching, as Everett seemed emotionally overwhelmed at the positive crowd response he received.  He mentioned that it was the largest crowd he had ever performed in front of, but listening to this self-released album, it's easy to predict plenty of similarly big things in the future for this young gentleman.  His recent remixes for Usher, Beyonce & Waka Flocka Flame should be an obvious indicator of the brightness of his rising star.

XXYYXX - "XXYYXX"

Self-released 2012

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Clams Casino - "Instrumentals"

"Instrumentals" is a curious album.  Originally intended as a series of beats for rappers such as Lil B, Soulja Boy and A$AP Rocky, the chillwave beats are finely-crafted enough to stand on their own.  Grime and dubstep influences seep into the mix, creating a result that is both moody and ethereal.  Clams Casino, aka producer Mike Volpe, has created his own brand of chopped-and-screwed goodness here.  Standout tracks like "All I Need" and "Illest Alive" (which contains a fantastic Bjork sample) are sleek enough to relax to, while at the same time maintaining enough composition and originality to  keep the listener attentive.  A fantastic album to get lost to on a sunny day as much as it is a chillout record, "Instrumentals" is a fine showcase for Clams Casino's talent at the board. 

CLAMS CASINO - "INSTRUMENTALS"

Self-released 2011

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