japan

Here's a somewhat unexpected, gloriously faded '70s summer groove from Kyoto's Hotel Mexico. We're certainly fans of their previous jams, but this one's just on another level. So much dope stuff coming out of Japan these days. Thanks to DDW for the heads up: mp3:

Here's the latest soothing/soaring dreamscape from Japan's Jesse Ruins. The floating "Sofija" is marked by slightly softer synths and gentler unintelligible coos than the driving, M83-esque "Dream Analysis," but it's just as moving. No word of an official release for this one yet, but we'll keep you posted: mp3: __________ previously: mp3:

Here's a characteristically gorgeous new exploration from Portland's Grouper, made exclusively for Antiopic's expansive and amazing Benefit for the Recovery in Japan charity compilation. The hushed, haunting "Cassiopeia" is a somber piano dirge that finds Liz Harris at her most fragile, but, like all of her most moving work, also possesses the faintest glimmer of hope: Grouper :: Cassio

Grouper's Alien Observer Thanks to an anonymous commenter for pointing out that Grouper's much anticipated new 2xLP A I A can now be previewed at Amazon UK. Head over there to listen to clips from Dream Loss + Alien Observer. In other Liz Harris news, she has contributed a new song called "Cassiopeia" to Antiopic / Thrill Jockey's massive 5-hour Benefit for the Recovery in Japan compila

The Morning Benders have released a new EP featuring remixes from Star Slinger, Twin Sister, Wild Nothing, and more, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund. The Benders' Chris Chu says: "Last week we were scheduled to go to Tokyo to play our first show ever in Japan...