Tag: Ambient

January 5, 2024

Song of the Day: Rhythm Saints - L.A. Story (Hundred Thousand Lights)

While the alternative rock revolution was exploding all over the 90s, another musical genre was becoming ever more expansive in the same decade–electronica. Faith-based artists were pursuing new subgenres from house to techno/rave to EBM and lots of other styles. One pioneering artist in the house genre was Rhythm Saints, comprised of husband Stephen Nixon and wife Lee-Jane Nixon. Although Stephen was British born, the couple were based in Los Angeles, whence their inspiration for this track emerges. While most of the album channeled house and progressive house sounds, this track (incidentally the only one I could find from their debut via YouTube) dabbles pleasantly in ambient as well.… Continued →

December 22, 2023

September 29, 2023

Song of the Day: Steve Scott - Heaven Hears the Heart That Breaks

British-born poet/artist/performer Steve Scott has been involved in or connected with Christian alternative music since 1983, having emerged from Croydon (South London) via the Bowery (New York City) before winding up in Sacramento, CA with the Exit Records scene there (Seventy Sevens, Charlie Peacock, etc.) where his debut album Love in the Western World was produced by Steven Soles (of Alpha Band fame). His solo work was a gleefully artistic take on new wave and/or post-punk with literate lyrics that pointed to his art school upbringing.… Continued →

June 16, 2023

Song of the Day: Ambient Theology - Humanity

Ambient Theology was an (wait for it . . . ) ambient side-project from the people behind Virus and The Bubblebaby Experience. It wasn’t ambient in the Brian Eno elevator music sense–having a much more rhythmic feel to it–but it was ambient electronica nonetheless, perhaps more akin to the “ambient techno” genre. This project only released one self-titled album in 1995, although there were at least 5 other full-length albums released via the various other projects. Ambient Theology was an interesting concept. Since electronica is more often than not dominated by instrumental music (sans vocals), the ‘theology’ portion came in the form of well-written, deeply thought out devotionals.… Continued →

December 17, 2022

October 20, 2022

REVIEW : LN - Monkeys & Spoons

It’s so great to have Gary Murray and co. back to making music again after almost a decade of quietude. Gary had to retreat for a few years beginning in 2014 while taking care of aging parents and other personal matters. Monkeys & Spoons certainly reflects that solitude, as well as the grief of losing someone you’ve had close. While the album cover nearly depicts contents of jazz fusion or post-rock (both Koinonia and strangely, Talk Talk are evoked by the artwork), don’t be led astray there.… Continued →

April 3, 2022

May 7, 2021

Revival Hymns Releases Brand New EP

Revival Hymns just dropped a brand new 3 Song EP titled “Birth Pains”. This is their first new music in over 7 years. The indie/shoegaze band has garnered much interest here in the states by way of Finland/Germany where the members reside. You can listen to the new song “Praise for the Bereft” below. “Incredible”, “Breathtaking”, “Inspiring” are not words to merely toss casually at artists in regards to igniting false hype around something a journalist may find especially appealing (or a record label deems “Important” for us as writers to check out).… Continued →

October 2, 2020

Song of the Day: Azure Skies - Forward Contamination

It’s hard to believe this release is nearing 20 years old. Although I’ve been hearing about it for years, I only recently acquired a copy for myself, and it sounds just as innovative and fresh now as it must’ve done when it first dropped. I’m not sure how many industrial music fans we have at IVM, but this is the real deal. It’s not metallic industrial, nor dance stuff, just harsh, sonic, rhythmic experimentations. And what really caught me off guard was how much this album infuses ambient sounds.… Continued →

July 10, 2020

Song of the Day: Millipede - Diplopoda Crawl

Instrumental music and Christianity have always shared a wonderfully curious relationship, adding a twist to the age old question, “what makes music Christian (or not)?” While attempting to answer that questions is always interesting, and dare I say, fruitful, it would take up much more time and space than what we are afforded here. Nonetheless, it seems appropriate to quote Johann Sebastian Bach: “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”… Continued →

June 24, 2020

January 5, 2020

New Album: Stephen Keech - Moon

This past Friday, Stephen Keech released his newest album, “Moon”, which has been in the works for nearly 4 years! According to Keech, the album is inspired by the archived footage of the Apollo missions. The album features 5 tracks and is available wherever you get your music online.… Continued →

Of the Lion - Indigo

This past Friday, Of the Lion (project from Collington drummer, Nathaniel DeLeon) dropped their first single, “Indigo”. The song is immensely enjoyable and catchy. Vocally, I’m reminded a bit of The Wallflowers and Hillsong United’s Joel Houston. Musically, the verses are laid back and fairly ambient, leading into choruses that drive more and more as the song progresses. Looking for a new artist to get into this year? Of the Lion sounds very promising and I look forward to hearing what else is in store. Check them out HERE and/or at the video below.… Continued →

August 21, 2019

Unwed Sailor release new single (FREE for limited time)

Instrumental indie rock/post-rock supergroup Unwed Sailor have just released a new single, and for a very limited time it’s a “pay what you want” download. The band had this to say about the track: “Gone Jungle is a stand-alone single that we recorded shortly after mixing our latest record, Heavy Age. It’s a nice mid-point between Heavy Age and what’s to come musically from Unwed Sailor.” Download the track here, and throw ’em a buck or two if you can afford it: www.unwedsailor.bandcamp.comContinued →

July 8, 2019

May 5, 2019

March 13, 2018

February 4, 2018

Black Pages - Back Down

Black Pages' "Back Down" is a Refreshing Wave of Experimental Art Pop

We haven’t heard much from James McCurley’s solo project, Black Pages, for several years. His first EP was a promising mix of ambient, pop, and singer/songwriter, but his new single, Back Down, takes things up a few notches. Much like his previous tracks, Back Down is largely subdued and a bit pensive, though it feels a bit more stream-of-consciousness as well. Pop sensibility is mixed with a manner of progression, with no discernible chorus, changing tempos, and vocals reminiscent of Silver Sun Pickups. It’s proof that pop music does not need to be predictable nor inane.… Continued →

January 7, 2018

CHPTRS Release New Ep Titled "Chapter Two"

CHPTRS which features Josh Auer of Pax217, Avner, and recently The OC Supertones (2010-2017), has a new group called CHPTRS that is an ambient, experimental, indie rock duo. They released Chapter One back in fall of 2017 and now Chapter Two has been made available. Check out these two great eps over on MusicBed right here. You can also stream via Spotify below… Continued →

January 1, 2018

December 25, 2017

68 - Two Parts Viper

Best of 2017: Casey Gallenberger

Here is my “deluxe” review list for 2017 – 20 great albums paired with 17 EPs you shouldn’t overlook. This year, we saw strong releases from veteran acts and new groups alike, and they certainly weren’t confined to one genre. Hopefully you can find a new artist through the list below – and please let me know your opinions in the comments! *Denotes IVM Artist Albums 1.*’68 – Two Parts Viper This abrasive return to form by one of our generation’s most iconic rock duos manages to top their previous release, with a succulent mix of rock, grunge, hardcore, funk, and plenty of passion.… Continued →

December 23, 2017

Author Set to Release Sophomore Album on 1/1

“Is It Far // Or Is It Close” Due 1/1/18 Minneapolis-based indie act Author has announced their first new album in just about three years. “Is It Far // Or Is It Close” is due 1/1, but the band has set up pre-orders and has three tracks up for preview. “IIFOIIC” sees Author dabble with the ambient, post-rock leanings found on their debut, “Of Brighter Days”, this time incorporating some electronic elements as well. Add in the band’s penchant for technical, noninvasive drumming and they’re set to open up 2018 on a strong note.… Continued →

November 2, 2017

Disgyblaeth Releases "Revelation"

A new ambient/unblack metal band Disgyblaeth has released an EP, titled Revelation. The band released the EP through Vision of God Records’ subsidiary, Christian Metal Underground. Yet another project of Thomas Eversoul, of the projects Grim and Orationem, he’s no stranger to the unblack metal scene. The EP is available for purchase on digital and pre-orders are available for physical. Continued →

October 28, 2017

October 14, 2017

August 12, 2017

August 4, 2017

Introducing: The Mountainous (Experimental Post-Rock)

K. Gautier now has an experimental instrumental post rock project under the name “The Mountainous“. The music is a post-rock ambient dreamscape. They just released “Here is Repose” Ep that you can listen/purchase below. It is also up on all digital networks including Spotify. You can read a recent interview with K. Gautier right here. Continued →

August 1, 2017

July 22, 2017