TWG009| Guardia - Imprints

We at TWG have a certain love for the experimental. So it was with the most enthusiastic of handshakes that we welcomed ‘Imprints’ and its creator, Styles Munson aka Guardia, aboard the S.S. T.W.G for an extremely versatile chunk of defining chiptune with all the markings of a scene classic. 

‘Imprints’ has been three years in the making, and it really shows. Melding the progjazz meanderings of Zan-Zan-Zawa-Veia with accessible and hook laden motifs, hip-hop beats and cursory mastering of almost every genre under the sun, Guardia’s 10 track opus is full of jaw-dropping moments. From the trip-hop 5/4 swagger of ‘God Guard’ to the tropical meanderings of ‘Particu’, the driving beats of ‘Shako’ to the subtle and soft ebb of ‘Globetrotter’, every second of ‘Imprints’ is nothing short of astonishingly eclectic, emotional and ingenious.

Melding on the most part elements of pop, jazz, hip-hop, downtempo and a healthy serving of experimental thinking, Styles creates a lavish soundscape wherein every track works as a singular entity and also as a complete package; a set of tracks so strong each could individually be a single but as a whole they form a cohesive slab of vibrant, ground-breaking and breath-taking chiptune.

Stylistically unique, undeniably fresh, and magnificently ambitious, we here at TWG are incredibly proud to present what could quite possibly be the release of the year. Immerse yourself and submit~~~

Grab the release for free here! 

Be sure to check back soon for a limited run of tapes in the coming weeks... 

Tracklist:

01. Arks

02. Clang Clan

03. Press 5

04. God Guard

05. Particu

06. You Were Born In The Bronze Age

07. Globetrotter

08. The Titles

09. Shako

10. Salvo 

News| 14.08.2013

So, due to a heavy two weeks of planning, again, here is some more news! I’ll make it up to you next week with a preview of a rather large upcoming compilation… |suspense|

But first. This week marks the release of the Chiptune=Win [that thing whose blog I’m lead editor for] and Pxl-Bot’s [that label I co-founded and co-run] joint compilation, Pxl-Win! Taking 15 tracks from the Chiptune=Win Volume 2 entries, curated by myself and Pxl-Bot’s Commander In Chief Alex Kelly, with an extra two tracks from two of our scene bessies, expect some insane quality; KoolSkull doing Converge-meets-grindcore, Corset Lore coercing tears from your eyes and Let’s Disinfect writing the chiptune horrorpunk anthem of the year (among other things).

Speaking of Let’s Disinfect, the coming days [read: very fucking soon] will see him release his new and self-titled album on TWG! As we’ve already announced this, we’ll make up for it by showing you the artwork>>>

Also, Guardia’s 'Imprints' is due out soon. Again, if you want a teaser head here, otherwise, mark the 26th in your calendar!

EDIT: Also, silly of me to not mention before, if you missed it because you were at BRK or just pure negligence  check out TWG006, Origami Repetika's 'Into The Ether'. Childhood innocence and emotive melodies over complex structures. Do not miss out!!!

Elsewhere in chiptune:

The J. Arthur Keenes Band recently released his debut full length, 'Mighty Social Lion',  but I’ve probably said enough about that already.

Canadian XyNo has released another belter of a release with ‘Hexagon Chainbreak’, including a remix track of our very own Turtlesaur and covering a shit ton of systems too. Check that out.

Time signature molester MicroD has released a new album, ‘Radical D’. Expect the same levels of mind fuckery and composition mastery as always.

The annoyingly under-rated WMD has put new music out, on EP ‘Songs About Ruby’, this fortnight too, featuring dark ambient tones and tomes of atmosphere. A hauntingly beautiful piece.

And finally, our very own Breakbeat Heartbeat has another fantastic release out this week, with the stunning ‘Hold On’.  As astonishingly good as always!

So, until this Friday’s WeeklyTreat, by a multi-aliased chip scene veteran, enjoy your week! And don’t forget to tune in to the Pxl-Win listening party where myself and Alex will be on air talking shite about shit. Also the new music and stuff.

News| 01.08.2013

At a slight loss regarding what I should review this week, I’ve decided to bail instead. It’s a slow week anyway. So instead, here is a list of worthwhile releases that have been out in the last few weeks…

But first! Some important news regarding TWG: We have three new exclusive-to-TWG releases set to come out this month!

First we have ‘Into The Ether’ by warm analog manipulator Origami Repetika, bringing another small slice of gorgeous melodic tunes and stunningly subtle atmosphere. Out this weekend!

Secondly, we have ‘Imprints’ by experimental chiptster Guardia; 10 tracks, lusciously demanding melodies and enough hip hop swagger to fill a mixtape. For a taste of what’s to come, you can listen to an unmastered version of one of the tracks, ‘God Guard’, right here! Also, sneaky peeky at the artwork>> 

Also this month we’ll be bringing you a release by Horrorpunk chiptune king Let’s Disinfect!. The release is self-titled, and if the already released track from it, ‘Contact!’ (which can be heard here) is anything to go by, expect the usual singable punk heavy chip anthems.

As well as these releases, we have PLENTY more in the pipeline, so keep tuned….

Elsewhere in chiptune: 

Nonfinite released a fifteen minute dub/techno/chip-electro mix, entitiled ‘It Does Not Follow’. expect the usual level of insane quality and panache as you would do from a Nonfinite release.

In celebration of Frank Twisk’s, organiser of EINDBAAS, 30th birthday, Lunar Park (aka Monodeer), Men of Mega, xyce, Ultrasyd and RoccoW have teamed up to release a tribute called ‘The FrankTwisk Ep’. 5 original tracks and 5 remixes, if you haven’t checked it out already, jump on it! Happy Birthday man! 

Ricky Burgal, recently released his debut release on Love & Tonic Records. ‘Assorted Women’ features wonky beats, swagger and bludgeoning groove. I highly recommend!

Also, if you haven’t already, check out the last two releases reviewed here, StormBlooper’s ‘Jawn-Dis’ and seatrash’s ‘Sedition’. The former is hyper cyberpunk unce, the former understated melodic genius.

And, finally, small plug, I recently repackaged all my previous releases and some B-Sides under a release called ‘past’ and put out some demos and WIPs of my upcoming full length under ‘present’.

So, until tomorrow’s WeeklyTreat, (which is being supplied by ELECTRIC CHILDREN), all the best, and if you're attending BRKfest this weekend, I hope my jealousy stings you. And have a good time of course x~