Spring Thaw, Things Are Blooming
Boy, it sure has been awhile.
Don’t worry! We’re still here, and coming out of our winter hibernation, we’re loaded with SO MUCH TO DO THIS SUMMER. In theory, we’re going to be sending the catalog numbers into the 20s, which is very exciting.
The first thing on the agenda is a long overdue release of Quistum’s Involved EP, which has been floating around Chicago and the internet for awhile now, but will for the first time be available here on June 8th.
After that, we have a split cassette release (our first foray into tape!) by Famous Laughs and Ganges. Handmade, full of excellent tunes. In the next few days we’re going to be throwing up the dry wall for their artist pages, so you’ll be able to find out a bit more on both bands soon. This tape is going to rule though. 30 minutes per side. This one comes out June 22nd, with a release show featuring both bands on June 24th in Chicago at The Box Social.
If those two releases aren’t enough, we are very excited to announce the release of a whole slew of things from fellow Chicagoans The Midwest Hackers. Primarily a vehicle for Danny Hynds’ songwriting, The Midwest Hackers have been writing and recording for at least the last five years, combining shoegaze-pop with ambient patience, and often mesmerizing visual art, courtesy of Jeph Porter. We are going to be releasing a bunch of older material that hasn’t been readily available anywhere, as well as an upcoming full-length, Dream Response, and an album paired with photos Danny has taken - the details are emerging piece by piece, and soon this puzzle will be complete, upon which you will revel in its beauty and complexity.
On top of that, local Orchid comrade Sea Priest will be making their debut in the form of a cassette tape. Robert Wyatt melodies, Talk Talk vocals, mixed with a good dose of beats and synthesizers, this is sure to be a real head-ripper. Even beyond that release, Sea Priest and Famous Laughs are doing a split later on down the road.
Of course, how could I forget to mention that on July 14, Bastille Day, we will be releasing a digital EP called You Know Better from Ruthless Antarctic Empire. As with all digital releases, this will be available for a donation of your choice. This EP is a succint introduction to a band I can only hope will continue to record music.
Thanks for sticking around. We promise, its going to be a lovely summer.
