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the wind is piercing through this frail, veiled shell
howling over the spent trees and bodies
caressing the grasses like blades of fire
ever restless, ever searching, ever lost, ever frigid...
This site is a project of love dedicated to the broad category of "atmospheric music". Shoegaze, dreampop, ambient, postrock, slowcore, folk, and everything in between. Thanks for reading... |
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| Wednesday, August 01 |
| · | New Interview with Richard Amp of AMP (0) |
| Friday, July 06 |
| · | Ulrich Schnauss Interview (534) |
| Wednesday, June 27 |
| · | Wall of Sound Festival Sept. 22, 2007 (0) |
| Tuesday, June 12 |
| · | New Review (0) |
| Thursday, May 17 |
| · | New Interview with C. Charles Bowden of Other Desert Cities (530) |
| | Older Articles |
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Somewhere Cold
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Return of the Prodigal Son
Posted by: Jason on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 09:11 AM |
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Hello all out there in Somewherecold Land. This is Jason and I am officially back from my hiatus. I will be posting reviews of the new God is an Astronaut and a few other wonderful diddys soon. Thanks for remaining loyal readers while Brent and I go through graduate school :). I miss the music and now I'm back!
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New Writer and New Reviews
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 01:17 PM |
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Somewhere Cold is proud to announce the addition of a third writer on our little roster. In addition to Jason Lamoreaux, who will return to the site after a break to pursue his PhD studies, and Brent Diaz, who has remained on the site on a part-time basis as of late, we welcome RICK ARNOW. Rick is an experienced music writer who has written for such zines as Delusions of Adequacy and 1340mag. He truly is a veteran of the shoegaze/dreampop music scene, having followed it closely since its inception. Rick also writes and performs in his own shoegaze/dreampop band, Expect Delays, who can be heard on Myspace (and whose EP we actually reviewed if you search our review archives).
Rick's writing style is refreshing in his ability to be informative and broad-minded in terms of his knowledge of indie-music, while being descriptive and succinct, all at the same time. Check our Reviews section for his first contribution to our site, and be on the look out for more of his reviews in the coming weeks and months.
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News about the upcoming Au Revoir Borealis CD, and more...
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 06:44 AM |
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 Here is a message that was sitting in our Myspace Inbox this morning. It's from Au Revoir Borealis, one of those bands who has released a limited repertoire of exquisite music. The band's few songs have featured some very thoughtful lyrics, arrangements, and performances that will definitely appeal to listeners with fine tastes. The news, regarding Au Revoir Borealis' upcoming full-length release, is so delicious that I just had to repost the whole message here (with the band's permission):
"RELEASE DATE:
The new album, Dark Enough For Stars, will be available worldwide on September 30 if all goes well.
PREORDERS & BONUS CD:
We will begin taking preorders sometime around mid August and will ship them in time so that you have your copy before it becomes available to the rest of the public on September 30. Those who preorder the album through our website will get a limited edition bonus CD of live intimate acoustic demos and outtakes from the new album.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
We were honored to have some very special friends contribute to this record. They are as follows:
Anna-Lynne Williams (of Trespassers William)
Jessica Bailiff
Gary Murray (of LN)
Colette Alexander (touring cellist for people like Josh Groban and Jens Lekman)
John Somers (of Slumber Party)
Allison Minando
Anderson Reinkordt (of Man's Last Great Invention)
Rachel Allison
NEW SONGS POSTED ON MYSPACE:
We've posted two more songs to our Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/officialborealis) page. They are titled "Genius of Escape Who Will Startle & Amaze" and "Stella, My Brightest Star". Jessica Bailiff lended her lovely voice and Collette Alexander played cello on "Stella..."
OFFICIAL TRACK LIST:
1. The Winter Room
2. Dark Western
3. The World Is Too Much With Us
(Featuring Anna-Lynne Williams)
4. Bella Ballerina
5. By The Stream
6. Art of Film
7. Genius of Escape Who Will Startle & Amaze
8. Stella, My Brightest Star
(Featuring Jessica Bailiff)
9. The Key
10. Breeze In The Tree
11. Maps of The Sky
(Featuring Gary Murray)
12. After The Snowstorm
WEBSITE PROBLEMS:
Our site went down due to a conflict between the registrar and the hosting server. We're working to resolve this problem. In the meantime, you can reach us on this site or at http://www.uttereast.net/tempaurbsite/index.html. We apologize for any inconvenience. Hope to be back up soon.
That's the news for now. More updates to come. Stay Tuned.
Love & Honor,
Steph
Steve
Tom
Phil"
While I was perusing the Au Revoir Borealis Myspace, I noted that Anna-Lynne Williams, a singer whose vocals on the latest Trespassers William release were gorgeously moving, had released a solo CD this spring. I don't yet have this release in my hands, but the songs found at her myspace site (http://www.myspace.com/annalynnew) are very very promising.
Finally, I have posted a new review of a split EP between A Death Cinematic and Beyond the Black Ocean. And life seems to be giving me a little bit of time to contribute to the site, so more reviews are immanent.
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Long Message about two Non-Shoegaze Releases you might be interested in...
Posted by: Brent on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 07:14 PM |
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So, I have to admit...I love the Castanets. They can do no wrong, can they? This band from San Diego (I think, or wherever) has released three gorgeous CD's (the latest one I criminally didn't review due to it coming out as I was in the clutches of grad school), as well as few other tidbits (7", split EP, etc). Their music is haunting, morose, creative, fun, and oftentimes thoroughly rattles the forms of convention. Part country, part folk, part drone, part weirdness, part poetry, part electronic, part soothing, part horrifying, their music is nonetheless unique. And now, they have a DVD coming out on their label, Asthmatic Kitty (I feel weird calling the Castanets "they", because it's really one guy, Ray Raposa, who I had the pleasure of meeting a few summers ago...super nice guy, that Raymond). The DVD is called Tendrils, and as you might suspect, it completely defies the convention of what a DVD should be. It's not a DVD of Raposa strumming his guitar in some smoky bar somewhere on the corner of civilization. Rather, it appears to be a collection of interpretations of Castanets songs from his buddies, all accomplished artists in their own right. In between the clips of songs are random interviews (not of Raposa!) and all kind of other strange tidbits. Check it out at pitchfork.tv (only for this week! quickly go and check it out), and search for Castanets. Raposa only makes a quick visit during the entire DVD, so if you're looking for his odd but powerful voice you'll be scratching your head. But that's what the Castanets do best: unnerve and yet engage our senses in beautiful ways.
You also need to go and check our Portishead's Third. Now. Just buy it. What can I add that hasn't already been said by other more able music writers? Their fragile and suffocating music on their latest disc is instantly recognizeable as something special. They crack out the retro drum machines and snyths, play fractured electric guitar parts, and sing with a rare humaness over this bed of unsettling music. A truly creative and powerful work!
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New Reviews!
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 07:18 AM |
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 Hi everyone, over the past couple of weeks I have posted four new reviews. New amazing releases from favourites Yellow6 and Hammock have been reviewed, as well as two EP's from up and coming bands, NYC's Dead Leaf Echo and Miami, FL's Music for Films. I'm convinced that all of these releases is worth your listening ear, as all of these artists have worked hard to create some beautiful, effortless-sounding art. I'm really excited about each of these bands, and I know that you'll appreciate the art they've offered to us listeners. Keep checking back, as we have some more interesting CD's to tell you about soon.
Finally, Happy 5th birthday, Olivia....
Image of Hammock by Thomas Petillo.
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New Interview with Auburn Lull!
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 07:39 AM |
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Auburn Lull is a fascinating band playing a dream-like brand of music. Featuring dense atmospherics and patient compositions, Auburn Lull has amazed listeners for quite some time...in fact, it's a bit of a crime that we haven't interviewed them until this time! As the band gears up to release a new full-length CD, Begin Civil Twilight, the band answered some questions for us. Read the interview with this leading band here.
(photo by Serra, taken from Auburn Lull's myspace)
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Spring Cleaning...
Posted by: Brent on Friday, March 07, 2008 - 10:44 AM |
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Hi everyone,
You may have noticed a few little changes to this site and the myspace site. I have finally gotten around to cleaning out a few bugs and preparing to contribute more articles and ramblings. Perhaps the biggest announcement is that you can finally read our 2007 Awards (in the Hall of Fame section). I also have a new email that you can reach me at (take a look at the Main Menu).
In music news, you may know that Hammock is gearing up for a spring release, while Stars of the Lid is touring North America. Auburn Lull and The Colour Revolt are also in the midst of releasing CD's that you should check into. And finally, for today only, you can catch Sigur Ros DVD, Heima, on youtube.
Stay warm, my friends, hunker down...a storm is coming...
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The End of an Era
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 12:08 PM |
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Hey everyone, thanks for visiting the site even though our updates have slowed quite a bit in the last few months due to personal commitments. I'm just writing to let you know that Jason, who's been an integral part of this site for quite a few years now, is stepping down as a contributor to Somewhere Cold. I wish Jason all the best in his PhD studies!!!!!
In the meantime, keep on checking this site and the myspace site for any other updates. Thanks!
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We don't just write about music...
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 10:07 AM |
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We make music, too!
Just released last week, The Sting Theory compilation boasts assorted artists using guitars in experimental ways. This two disc set has original tracks from our very own Jason Lamoreaux as The Corrupting Sea, Scott Cortez from Loveliescrushing, Thisquietarmy which is a side project of Eric Quach of Destroyalldreamers, A Lily, and a wealth of other new and familiar artists for those into ambient and experimental guitar music.
You can purchase the disc at www.dreamlandrecordings.com. Two discs chalk full of music for a very reasonable price!
Here is what Zac Keiller (of Dreamland Recordings) has to say about the disc...
"String Theory represents an extensive selection of the most original guitarists I have come into contact
with over the past few years. Split over two discs, these 30 tracks represent a varied selection of styles,
textures and techniques, all with the common ground of the guitar. The majority of these artists are
based in Melbourne, but other Australian cities and overseas players are represented as well. Some
artists have been developing their work for years, whilst others are relative newcomers and remain
obscure to a degree. String Theory serves both as an introduction to new ears and a tribute to the
instrument's most original exponents."
More information coming soon about this unique project!
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New Release from The Sound Gallery
Posted by: Brent on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 07:13 AM |
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The Sound Gallery's third release "Umbra" is now available. The Sound Gallery is a fascinating project from music veteran Herb Grimaud Jr. Somewhere Cold has worked with The Sound Gallery in the past, helping to release his amazing Phos release. He's back with an EP of all new material, so please go to the sites listed below and check him out. High quality music! you will fall in love with!
It is a (6) track record w/ 42 minutes of Dark Ambient music.
Track list :
. Breaking The Sun
. The Portal
. Could Feedback
. Saturn's Ring Finger
. Extravehicular
. Umbra
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbra
You can purchase it via paypal @ www.myspace.com/thesoundgallery
$10.00 - CD
$2.75 shipping in the States
or
$10.00 - CD
$5.00 shipping out side of the US
Stop by www.myspace.com/thesoundgallery & listen to the title
track "Umbra" on the media player.
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New Reviews: Odessa Chen and Stars of the Lid
Posted by: Brent on Thursday, August 23, 2007 - 10:28 AM |
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 We have two recent reviews up of two of our favourite artists. Odessa Chen is a singer/songwriter from the San Francisco, CA area, and she's just released her second full-length, The Ballad of Paper Ships. Her chilling songs and beautiful voice won us over again, and we're delighted to reintroduce you to her.
We've also recently reviewed the latest disc from ambient masters Stars of the Lid. These well-known artists need no introduction, but just in case you've waited to buy their recent double-disc, go read and our review and kick yourself for not buying it sooner.
Thanks for checking out our site. We strive to bring you the best and most interesting music in our little subgenres that we can find. Poke around the site...you may just find your latest musical obession somewhere in our reviews or interviews. Take care!
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Interview with Orange Yellow Red!
Posted by: Jason on Friday, August 10, 2007 - 09:33 AM |
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Hello again! Yes, we are actually posting updates regularly before semester starts and we have some room to breath. I have for you a new interview with Philip and Emma from Orange Yellow Red. Their brand of shoegaze is, well, incredible. Highly recommended. Go to the Interviews 2007 section to read the interview or click on the picture.
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Interview with Caspian
Posted by: Jason on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 07:59 AM |
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I have posted a new interview with Philip from the band Caspian. Philip talks about the formation of the band, equipment, and the hopeful future of the band. Go to the interviews 2007 section or click on the image to read.
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Review of Orange Yellow Red: Demo
Posted by: Jason on Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 09:59 AM |
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I am calling this disc a demo, but it sounds like a major label release. Perfect in its execution, these five songs are a dream-pop lovers fantasy. Orange Yellow Red will hopefully become signed soon and bless us with a full-length release. Go to the reviews section or click on the picture to read the review.
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Review of Caspian: The Four Trees
Posted by: Jason on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 08:07 PM |
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I have posted a new review of Caspian: The Four Trees. This debut album is epic, intricate and, frankly, amazing. Check out the review and buy the disc!
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