G'afternoon IDM list, here is the Merck newsletter for february/march...enjoy.
These two cds just came out this week:
Artist: Blamstrain Title: Ensi
Item Number: MERCK 013 Format: CD
This is the first album by Blamstrain, a young Finnish lad by the name of Juho. Heavily influenced by other notable Finnish acts like Brothomstates, Lackluster and Vladislav Delay; his album straddles the divide between idm and techno. We like to describe the music as splatterfuck smooth electronic soundscapes, with harsh melodies and crisp percussion. 9 tracks with a running time around an hour, this is a solid cd for dark nights and early mornings flying down the expressway, or whiling out in a field in the Finnish highlands watching the sky shift. Digipak
Artist: Esem Title: Serial Human
Item Number: MERCK 014 Format: CD
This is Esem's first album on Merck and second full release overall. He also contributed a remix of Machine Drum for Merck previously. "Serial Human" is not a sequel to his last album "Enveloped", instead it departs from its sound in the direction of more aural grit, and bit-crushed dsp crunch. Trying to not be pretentious, this CD is more based on a true story, compared to the dreamy nature of "Enveloped". Several of the tracks have been previously available on the net but all tracks have been remastered for CD. Another exciting new release from Merck, from a relatively unknown talent. Who would know that music this great could come from Bulgaria?
This is our next vinyl release that will be out March 1st:
Artist: Various Artists Title: Dosage
Item Number: MERCK DO Format: 12"
A new compilation 12" from Merck featuring: Xela, Logreybeam, Vae, Luminfire, Suki Takahashi, and Tstewart. Xela who has released on MAS/CCO opens the record up with his vocal cutup hiphop grabber filled with melodies and a background ambience. Then on to Logreybeam's remix of Machine Drum, dark bass and a jazzy riff mixed with glitch throughout. The A side closes with a classic breakbeaty darker track by Vae, punctuated by lush singing in Japanese. B side opens with a meaty piece by Arkansas's Luminfire, a mix of downsouth, piano riffs, and headnod. Then on to Suki Takahashi's opus, a now separated 5 member band from the Minneapolis area made this piece, it's got a definite hiphop feel crossed with indie, crossed with a lot of emotion. And finally a smooth closing ambient piece by Tstewart ( aka Machine Drum). This is a testament of the good things to come from Merck in 2003, and a kicking release not to miss. With special 300 limited portion of the pressing being on white vinyl.
These two vinyls came out in January:
Artist: Deceptikon Title: Lost Subject
Item Number: MERCK LS Format: 12"
Debut 12" from Portland based producer Deceptikon. Jazzy sample based hip hop beats with heavy emphasis on melody. No rhymes on this one, but the bobbing of heads shouldn't be strange to listeners of this slab of wax. Composed of six tracks made over the last several years. With a full album coming sometime in 2003, expect high quality stuff from this elusive northwestern producer and the Merck records crew. With a special limited portion of the pressing being on gold vinyl.
Artist: Frank and Bill Title: MA0x
Item Number: MERCK FB Format: 7"
Frank and Bill is made up of two Swedish fellas from the Stockholm area. Melodic, clipped up and rubbed down electronica with a bit of stuttering and non-traditional progression. Bill wrote these songs while his girlfriend at the time was away in England for several months. Though they are not together anymore , Bill still dedicates this single to her. Frank did all the mixing and mastering on the tracks. Together they make a tight duo, who has previously remixed Lackluster and MD for Merck, as well as co-produced a track with Brothomstates for his Warp release. This 7" has two 6 minute sides, 4 tracks total, so in line with Merck standards it's definitely not skimpy on the product.
We recently repressed these two vinyls and they are becoming available again:
Artist: Machine Drum Title: Half the Battle
Item Number: MERCK BA Format: 12"
Artist: Various Artists Title: Squadron Sampler
Item Number: MERCK SA Format: 12"
Next CD releases scheduled for May 1st:
Artist: Lackluster Title: Showcase
Item Number: MERCK 015 Format: CD
Merck is proud to present the full length album, Showcase, from Finnish electronic music composer, Lackluster aka Esa Ruoho. Prior to this Lackluster has done two vinyl releases and few compilation visits on Merck, plus some remixes. Showcase is a stunning collection of Lackluster's tracks from 1999 to 2001. With nineteen tracks, it doesn't only fill in the gaps between his previous albums Container, Spaces and Wrapping, but also expands the familiar LL sound with hints of electro, techno and even house. Enjoy!
Artist: Adam Johnson Title: Chigliak
Item Number: MERCK 016 Format: CD
"Chigliak" is Adam Johnson's first release on Merck and first full length ever. 2003 finds Minneapolis native Adam Johnson emerging as one of the midwest's most gifted and dynamic new producers. Increasingly adept at melding dub, electro, idm, and experimental influences into his own unique style. Adam can crunch the cranium as well as throw down the dance floor hustle. Elegant, crystalline idm rides shotgun with deep, bassline driven minimal techno in a 21st century electric soul stew. 16 tracks and 77 minutes long, this is a solid release brushing on many genres with Adam adding his own superb style to them all.
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Thanks for reading! Keep an eye on the site for details and updates.....
Email any questions to m3rck@m3rck.net
thanks
-Merck
www.m3rck.net