YlangYlang
Interplay

DE279 - US - 2020Group Rhoda, the solo project of Mara Barenbaum, returns to Dark Entries with ‘Passing Shades’. An integral member of the Oakland electronic music scene, Barenbaum has been writing, performing, and plunging into oneiric depths as Group Rhoda since 2009. This is the project’s fourth LP, and the third time Barenbaum has collaborated with Dark Entries; previously on the Max & Mara LP ‘Less Ness’ in 2013 and the Group Rhoda LP ‘Wilderless’ in 2017.Passing Shades is an investigation of the metaphysics of loss and the transitory nature of the material world. But it is not a grim collection; over 8 songs, Group Rhoda diverges through synthesizer-laden symphonics, four-to-the-floor inflections, and cosmic musings. Barenbaum’s striking voice and singular songcraft guide us through this labyrinth. Arpeggiated waltz “Flow” channels wisdom sought through martial arts; “Earthly Ark” sets a Margaret Atwood poem from the God Gardener’s Hymn Book to somber electronics. The vocoded canticle “Nevermore” is dedicated to the memory of a beloved cat. ‘Passing Shades’ is both mystifying and revelatory. Folk forms are echoed only to detour into the alien. Each song functions as both a fragment of a larger puzzle and a koan unto itself. ‘Passing Shades’ was mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios. The sleeve was designed by Eloise Leigh, and features a hazy, clouded sky.

ABT077 - CA - 2020The Break by Σtella

Kippis, hold on! Cold Blow is proud to announce the 12-inch re-issue of Andy Romano's sought-after Italo disco EP "Every Time Feel Allright"! The EP has been remastered by the legendary Ed DMX, with all-new artwork by Ed Cheverton. The EP’s titular opening track is a Mike Mareen-esque roller with a playful call-and-response between Andy’s passionate vocals and robotic synthesisers, making it a master class in Italo disco. The instrumental version follows, perfect for those just beginning their personal Italo journey. On the B-side, we are treated to a slightly more modern twist on the classic style. Starting with L’amour Robotique, a dramatic-romantic instrumental of robotic love, perhaps reminiscent of the classic Spacer Woman by Charlie. The final track Sayonara Robot sweeps us to the Far East with its percussive synth leads, rolling bassline, and vocoder vocals declaring “I am the robot, Sayonara Robot!” Originally released not in the 80s but in 2010, "Every Time Feel Allright" was part of a wave of releases by the young Andrea Cofrancesco from Rome. After discovering the world of Italo disco, Andrea was instantly mesmerised and became obsessed with emulating the rough, sometimes sloppy, but always unique sound of 80s Italy. Mastering his craft, Andrea went as far as cataloguing specific sounds by year while finding himself most influenced by 1983 and 1985. Through many solo releases, the young producer eventually wrote and produced songs with his idols Fred Ventura and Clay Pedrini, culminating in his success. Today, Andrea works as an illustrator and concept artist, and can be found on Instagram as @andrewcockroach.