Making an effort to listen to at least one new (to me) album each month.
For the other sad zoo animals out there looking to spice up their cages for an hour.
For the other sad zoo animals out there looking to spice up their cages for an hour.
SEPTEMBER
AWEDNY by Ahmed Fakroun
Did you like the musical texture of the Land Down Under song but wished it were sad Libyan disco instead? Well have I got the album for you. Seriously though, Njoom Al Leyel is one of the most gorgeous songs I’ve heard. Gives me shivers every time.
Favorite tracks: Njoom Al Leyel, Nisyan, Awedny, Ya blady
︎ BANDCAMP
AWEDNY by Ahmed Fakroun
Did you like the musical texture of the Land Down Under song but wished it were sad Libyan disco instead? Well have I got the album for you. Seriously though, Njoom Al Leyel is one of the most gorgeous songs I’ve heard. Gives me shivers every time.
Favorite tracks: Njoom Al Leyel, Nisyan, Awedny, Ya blady
︎ BANDCAMP
NOVEMBER
All the feels of the Joan of Arc/Kinsella bros Philly emo scene; rad female vocalist and one of the last live shows I saw before the shutdown.
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ BANDCAMP
PATIENCE by Mannequin Pussy
All the feels of the Joan of Arc/Kinsella bros Philly emo scene; rad female vocalist and one of the last live shows I saw before the shutdown.
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ BANDCAMP
DECEMBER
DEVIL IS FINE by Zeal and Ardor
High concept music project mixing American Black folk with black metal; totally delivers on the premise.
Favorite tracks: What Is A Killer Like You Gonna Do Here, Come On Down
︎ BANDCAMP
DEVIL IS FINE by Zeal and Ardor
High concept music project mixing American Black folk with black metal; totally delivers on the premise.
Favorite tracks: What Is A Killer Like You Gonna Do Here, Come On Down
︎ BANDCAMP
JANUARY
JAAGO by Lifafa
Vernacular electronic music project of Suryakant Sawhney; chill vibes and gorgeous lyrics.
Favorite tracks: Din Raat, Mere saath
︎ BANDCAMP
JAAGO by Lifafa
Vernacular electronic music project of Suryakant Sawhney; chill vibes and gorgeous lyrics.
Favorite tracks: Din Raat, Mere saath
︎ BANDCAMP
FEBRUARY
ON by Altın Gün
The 70s psychedelic revival in Turkish rock music right now is my jam, and I’d be wearing lines in the vinyl if I had a physical copy of this album (waiting til next Bandcamp Friday to order).
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ BANDCAMP
ON by Altın Gün
The 70s psychedelic revival in Turkish rock music right now is my jam, and I’d be wearing lines in the vinyl if I had a physical copy of this album (waiting til next Bandcamp Friday to order).
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ BANDCAMP
MARCH
GRAB THAT GUN by the Organ
This album fell neatly into my life when I heard that first driving bass line. Dunno how I missed it when it came out, but it’s here now and that’s what matters. Equal thirds Screaming Females, Joy Division, and it’s own dang thing.
Favorite tracks: Memorize the City, Sinking Hearts
︎ YOUTUBE
GRAB THAT GUN by the Organ
This album fell neatly into my life when I heard that first driving bass line. Dunno how I missed it when it came out, but it’s here now and that’s what matters. Equal thirds Screaming Females, Joy Division, and it’s own dang thing.
Favorite tracks: Memorize the City, Sinking Hearts
︎ YOUTUBE
APRIL
DUST by I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness
The dark indie pop post rock of your dreams.
Favorite tracks: 69th Street Bridge, Come Undone
︎ BANDCAMP
DUST by I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness
The dark indie pop post rock of your dreams.
Favorite tracks: 69th Street Bridge, Come Undone
︎ BANDCAMP
MAY
SAVAGE TIMES by Hanni El Khatib
Come for the punk bangers, stay for the disco tear-jerkers. Hanni El Khatib delivers again.
Favorite tracks: Mondo and His Makeup, Black Constellation
︎ BANDCAMP
SAVAGE TIMES by Hanni El Khatib
Come for the punk bangers, stay for the disco tear-jerkers. Hanni El Khatib delivers again.
Favorite tracks: Mondo and His Makeup, Black Constellation
︎ BANDCAMP
JUNE
ANTIPHON by Alfa Mist
My cousin rec’d Kamasi Washington and I realized I was woefully illiterate in modern jazz. Very chill jazz sophisticated through the lens of hip-hop; echoings of J Dilla.
Favorite tracks: Breathe, Keep On
︎ BANDCAMP
ANTIPHON by Alfa Mist
My cousin rec’d Kamasi Washington and I realized I was woefully illiterate in modern jazz. Very chill jazz sophisticated through the lens of hip-hop; echoings of J Dilla.
Favorite tracks: Breathe, Keep On
︎ BANDCAMP
JULY
WINDFLOWER by Herb Ellis & Remo Palmier
Jazz guitar album from the late ‘70s I’d never heard; melodic and exuding the feelings of death and renewal that come with spring.
Favorite tracks: The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
︎ YOUTUBE
WINDFLOWER by Herb Ellis & Remo Palmier
Jazz guitar album from the late ‘70s I’d never heard; melodic and exuding the feelings of death and renewal that come with spring.
Favorite tracks: The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
︎ YOUTUBE
AUGUST
SPACE ECHO by Various (Analog Africa)
“The Mystery Behind the Cosmic Sound of Cabo Verde Finally Revealed!” There’s so much good ‘70s electronica from Africa, and this fantastic compilation of different artists with a very insane backstory is a must-listen.
Favorite tracks: Dia Ja Manche, Mino Di Mama
︎ BANDCAMP
SPACE ECHO by Various (Analog Africa)
“The Mystery Behind the Cosmic Sound of Cabo Verde Finally Revealed!” There’s so much good ‘70s electronica from Africa, and this fantastic compilation of different artists with a very insane backstory is a must-listen.
Favorite tracks: Dia Ja Manche, Mino Di Mama
︎ BANDCAMP
SEPTEMBER
DROWNER’S WIVES by Monte Luna
Old school garage heavy feeling; just some good dark psych metal.
Favorite tracks: Night of Long Fangs, The Water Hag
︎ BANDCAMP
DROWNER’S WIVES by Monte Luna
Old school garage heavy feeling; just some good dark psych metal.
Favorite tracks: Night of Long Fangs, The Water Hag
︎ BANDCAMP
OCTOBER
CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS by OM
I’d never gotten to hear this album before! It’s perfectly emblematic of why I fucking love them. Search the reddit thread of stoned grad students pouring over the lyrics to add the cherry on top.
Favorite tracks: At Giza
︎ YOUTUBE
CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS by OM
I’d never gotten to hear this album before! It’s perfectly emblematic of why I fucking love them. Search the reddit thread of stoned grad students pouring over the lyrics to add the cherry on top.
Favorite tracks: At Giza
︎ YOUTUBE
NOVEMBER
THE JUNE FROST by Mournful Congregation
Textured metal outfit from Australia with the range of black metal but the tone of doom.
Favorite tracks: The June Frost, Descent of the Flames
︎ BANDCAMP
THE JUNE FROST by Mournful Congregation
Textured metal outfit from Australia with the range of black metal but the tone of doom.
Favorite tracks: The June Frost, Descent of the Flames
︎ BANDCAMP
DECEMBER
LIFE METAL by Sun O)))
As someone put it recently, this album is the soundtrack to the big bang. Monoliths & Dimensions always overshadowed it before, but after really giving it the time of day I say why pit two kings against each other. I think actually they were talking about M&D with that quote. Y’all ever been sent that meme with Sunn O))) and a vacuum cleaner that’s all “where’s the difference?” Not to take the funny seriously, but the difference is my cats lose their g-damn minds when the vacuum is on but absolutely vibe when Sunn O))) blasts through the airwaves – which, luckily for them, is much more often than when I vacuum.
Favorite tracks: Aurora
︎ BANDCAMP
LIFE METAL by Sun O)))
As someone put it recently, this album is the soundtrack to the big bang. Monoliths & Dimensions always overshadowed it before, but after really giving it the time of day I say why pit two kings against each other. I think actually they were talking about M&D with that quote. Y’all ever been sent that meme with Sunn O))) and a vacuum cleaner that’s all “where’s the difference?” Not to take the funny seriously, but the difference is my cats lose their g-damn minds when the vacuum is on but absolutely vibe when Sunn O))) blasts through the airwaves – which, luckily for them, is much more often than when I vacuum.
Favorite tracks: Aurora
︎ BANDCAMP
JANUARY
LIBERTY BELL by DARKSIDE
Dark electrowave - not a genre of music I generally flock to but I could and have listened to this song on repeat for days.
Favorite tracks: Liberty Bell
︎ BANDCAMP
LIBERTY BELL by DARKSIDE
Dark electrowave - not a genre of music I generally flock to but I could and have listened to this song on repeat for days.
Favorite tracks: Liberty Bell
︎ BANDCAMP
FEBRUARY
WHAT’S YOUR PLEASURE by Jessie Ware
2021 is beginning with an attempt to branch out more. I have difficulty connecting with pop music… but you give me a new disco record titled from a Hellraiser quote and I’ll fucking stan.
Favorite tracks: What’s Your Pleasure, The Kill
︎ YOUTUBE
WHAT’S YOUR PLEASURE by Jessie Ware
2021 is beginning with an attempt to branch out more. I have difficulty connecting with pop music… but you give me a new disco record titled from a Hellraiser quote and I’ll fucking stan.
Favorite tracks: What’s Your Pleasure, The Kill
︎ YOUTUBE
MARCH
“Motorcycle” starts out doom, then gets stoner psych, then goes full dark hippy butt rock guitar riff with dreamy vocal goodness. The rest of the album loses the butt rock but you bet your butts my neighbors are tired of hearing it.
Favorite tracks: Motorcycle
︎ BANDCAMP
VEILS OF WINTER by Blackwater Holylight
“Motorcycle” starts out doom, then gets stoner psych, then goes full dark hippy butt rock guitar riff with dreamy vocal goodness. The rest of the album loses the butt rock but you bet your butts my neighbors are tired of hearing it.
Favorite tracks: Motorcycle
︎ BANDCAMP
APRIL
CELESTIAL by ISIS
A standby of post-metal glory that I’d never really heard in its entirety til now. “C.F.T” is my favorite, but as an avid Earth fan it’s the easy choice. Perfect soundtrack to the warming spring nights, which in the words of a dear friend, are “for acid and metal.”
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ YOUTUBE
CELESTIAL by ISIS
A standby of post-metal glory that I’d never really heard in its entirety til now. “C.F.T” is my favorite, but as an avid Earth fan it’s the easy choice. Perfect soundtrack to the warming spring nights, which in the words of a dear friend, are “for acid and metal.”
Favorite tracks: Drunk II, Patience, F.U.C.A.W
︎ YOUTUBE
MAY
SUNSHINE RADIO by Tommy Guerrero
Forced chill on my brain. The relaxed but slight melancholy hits right in the fog-filled weirdness of Northern California redwoods and beaches for me.
Favorite tracks: By the Sea at the End of the World, Future Deserts
︎ BANDCAMP
SUNSHINE RADIO by Tommy Guerrero
Forced chill on my brain. The relaxed but slight melancholy hits right in the fog-filled weirdness of Northern California redwoods and beaches for me.
Favorite tracks: By the Sea at the End of the World, Future Deserts
︎ BANDCAMP
JUNE
SICODELICOS by Los Destellos
Psychedelic cumbia supreme. A compilation of tracks from the 60s-70s and a great reminder to dig for older stuff since I’ve been enjoying contemporary bands like Bicicletas por la Paz.
Favorite tracks: Guajira Sicodélica
︎ YOUTUBE
SICODELICOS by Los Destellos
Psychedelic cumbia supreme. A compilation of tracks from the 60s-70s and a great reminder to dig for older stuff since I’ve been enjoying contemporary bands like Bicicletas por la Paz.
Favorite tracks: Guajira Sicodélica
︎ YOUTUBE
JULY
ZEROIN by Dopesmoker
Stoner doom metal that comes on like a fever. I could listen to the track ‘Bush Woods’ on repeat for the rest of my life, and did for most of July.
Favorite tracks: Bush Woods
︎ BANDCAMP
ZEROIN by Dopesmoker
Stoner doom metal that comes on like a fever. I could listen to the track ‘Bush Woods’ on repeat for the rest of my life, and did for most of July.
Favorite tracks: Bush Woods
︎ BANDCAMP
AUGUST
AUTOMATIC WRITING by Ataxia
It’d be a lie if I didn’t admit August was characterized primarily by falling into my old habit of doing nothing but blasting Sackcloth and Ashes by 16 Horsepower on repeat ad nauseum. But coming in for the buzzer shot is this fantastic fugue state of an album. Not being big into either Fugazi or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, I wouldn’t have checked this out if I’d known the lineup involved… but man I’m glad for whatever reason I found it. The devastating melancholic and headiness of the melodies and lyrics infected the fuck outta my brain.
Favorite tracks: Addition
︎ YOUTUBE
AUTOMATIC WRITING by Ataxia
It’d be a lie if I didn’t admit August was characterized primarily by falling into my old habit of doing nothing but blasting Sackcloth and Ashes by 16 Horsepower on repeat ad nauseum. But coming in for the buzzer shot is this fantastic fugue state of an album. Not being big into either Fugazi or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, I wouldn’t have checked this out if I’d known the lineup involved… but man I’m glad for whatever reason I found it. The devastating melancholic and headiness of the melodies and lyrics infected the fuck outta my brain.
Favorite tracks: Addition
︎ YOUTUBE
SEPTEMBER
MANANA DOMINGO by Puente Celeste
I love his sparse, interesting rhythms throughout this whole album -- a song here is a bit Klezmer, a few songs there are a bit syncopated... Overall he captures incredibly nuanced emotions. “Chiquita” and “Toto” are captivating. A recommendation from a friend that has become a rotation standard.
Favorite tracks: Chiquita, Toto
︎ YOUTUBE
MANANA DOMINGO by Puente Celeste
I love his sparse, interesting rhythms throughout this whole album -- a song here is a bit Klezmer, a few songs there are a bit syncopated... Overall he captures incredibly nuanced emotions. “Chiquita” and “Toto” are captivating. A recommendation from a friend that has become a rotation standard.
Favorite tracks: Chiquita, Toto
︎ YOUTUBE
OCTOBER
EMPRESS RISING by Monolord
“Riff infested masterpiece” indeed. The time had never been right for Monolord and I in the past, but boy howdy how the times have changed! They’re touring in March with Firebreather and I want to go so bad. C’mon, pandemic!
Favorite tracks: Empress Rising, Watchers of the Waste
︎ BANDCAMP
EMPRESS RISING by Monolord
“Riff infested masterpiece” indeed. The time had never been right for Monolord and I in the past, but boy howdy how the times have changed! They’re touring in March with Firebreather and I want to go so bad. C’mon, pandemic!
Favorite tracks: Empress Rising, Watchers of the Waste
︎ BANDCAMP
NOVEMBER
BUSSE WOODS by Acid King
More like Bussy Woods, amiright? A solid classic of the stoner metal canon that I finally really heard and fell in love with. Not a single miss in the 45mins and 52sec playtime. I might have
listened to this album on repeat for the entire month. I might recommend you do the same.
Favorite tracks: Drive Fast Take Chances, Carve the 5
︎ BANDCAMP
BUSSE WOODS by Acid King
Favorite tracks: Drive Fast Take Chances, Carve the 5
︎ BANDCAMP
DECEMBER
ABYSSAL TRIP by Spelljammer
It was only a matter of time I guess until I became wholly Riding Easy Records-pilled. My early 20s were all about Sargent House, my mid 20s Southern Lord, and now it seems I’ve found the record label for my early 30s. Just some bottomless, bottomless stoner doomy sludge.
Favorite tracks: Lake
︎ BANDCAMP
ABYSSAL TRIP by Spelljammer
It was only a matter of time I guess until I became wholly Riding Easy Records-pilled. My early 20s were all about Sargent House, my mid 20s Southern Lord, and now it seems I’ve found the record label for my early 30s. Just some bottomless, bottomless stoner doomy sludge.
Favorite tracks: Lake
︎ BANDCAMP
JANUARY
U-MEN
Thanks to fellow cartoonist CJ Joughin for unearthing this proto-grunge Seattle punk gem. Great energy, great textures -- melodic guitarwork and sometmes goofy sensibilities hits that Meat Puppets-loving hole in my heart. “Gila” and “The Fumes” are right up there for me. Blasted this while reading through a lot of Grant Morrison’s New X-Men, enjoying the synchronicity. There’s a recent 3LP compilation that’s very tempting...
Favorite tracks: They!, The Fumes, Gila
︎ BANDCAMP
U-MEN
Thanks to fellow cartoonist CJ Joughin for unearthing this proto-grunge Seattle punk gem. Great energy, great textures -- melodic guitarwork and sometmes goofy sensibilities hits that Meat Puppets-loving hole in my heart. “Gila” and “The Fumes” are right up there for me. Blasted this while reading through a lot of Grant Morrison’s New X-Men, enjoying the synchronicity. There’s a recent 3LP compilation that’s very tempting...
Favorite tracks: They!, The Fumes, Gila
︎ BANDCAMP
FEBRUARY
VISIT MALPHINO by Malphino
The cumbia undertows pull me in and away from metal every so often, and this is a fun and charming album. A diaspora band mixing tastes and textures from around the world to create a high-concept but groovy af soundtrack to a fantasy world. It’s a jam, listen to “Ototoa” and then give the rest a go.
Favorite tracks: Ototoa
︎ BANDCAMP
VISIT MALPHINO by Malphino
The cumbia undertows pull me in and away from metal every so often, and this is a fun and charming album. A diaspora band mixing tastes and textures from around the world to create a high-concept but groovy af soundtrack to a fantasy world. It’s a jam, listen to “Ototoa” and then give the rest a go.
Favorite tracks: Ototoa
︎ BANDCAMP
MARCH
Again, Riding Easy Records-pilled. This band was described as “Sabbathy Afrobeat” and that’s a vibe they deliver on, wholly. The psychedelicized heavy rock riffs are elevated by the nuanced and exciting rhythms, and the lyrics hit the right level of spacey darkness for my heart. Blast this record to call down the spring equinox.
Favorite tracks: Cutting Through the Tether
︎ BANDCAMP
RITUAL DIVINATION by Here Lies Man
Again, Riding Easy Records-pilled. This band was described as “Sabbathy Afrobeat” and that’s a vibe they deliver on, wholly. The psychedelicized heavy rock riffs are elevated by the nuanced and exciting rhythms, and the lyrics hit the right level of spacey darkness for my heart. Blast this record to call down the spring equinox.
Favorite tracks: Cutting Through the Tether
︎ BANDCAMP
APRIL
Time for some solid sludge. The first 30 seconds of this album are pure bliss: sinister piano turned into darkly descending sludge riffage. I bet these guys are a riot to see live-- the slow, doomy songs balance well with the faster riffs. If you like Red Fang this is a band for you. And googly-eye-encrusted tubeworms is always a good design choice.
Favorite tracks: Namekuji, The Saturn Superstition
︎ YOUTUBE
IV by Part Chimp
Time for some solid sludge. The first 30 seconds of this album are pure bliss: sinister piano turned into darkly descending sludge riffage. I bet these guys are a riot to see live-- the slow, doomy songs balance well with the faster riffs. If you like Red Fang this is a band for you. And googly-eye-encrusted tubeworms is always a good design choice.
Favorite tracks: Namekuji, The Saturn Superstition
︎ YOUTUBE
MAY
My taste intersects Blues at this particular weird-Americana crossroads. Thoughtful lyrics, bountiful minor-key guitar picking. The texture added by the percussionist expands the sound across the hills of the mind
Favorite tracks: King Clone, Past the Ditch
︎ BANDCAMP
DESERT DREAMS by Lonesome Shack
My taste intersects Blues at this particular weird-Americana crossroads. Thoughtful lyrics, bountiful minor-key guitar picking. The texture added by the percussionist expands the sound across the hills of the mind
Favorite tracks: King Clone, Past the Ditch
︎ BANDCAMP
JUNE
Growing up in the '90s and early '00s meant often having isolated tracks but not full albums. My sister, fellow comic artist The Gorgonist, texted me about us doing a harp/violin cover of "This Corrosion" recently and I realzied I'd never really sat down with this whole album. Making up for lost time in my 30s, as happens. Late '80s Goth rock standard, deep vocals, echoing snare hits, and all.
Favorite tracks: Flood II, Lucretia my Reflection
︎ YOUTUBE
FLOODLANDS by Sisters of Mercy
Growing up in the '90s and early '00s meant often having isolated tracks but not full albums. My sister, fellow comic artist The Gorgonist, texted me about us doing a harp/violin cover of "This Corrosion" recently and I realzied I'd never really sat down with this whole album. Making up for lost time in my 30s, as happens. Late '80s Goth rock standard, deep vocals, echoing snare hits, and all.
Favorite tracks: Flood II, Lucretia my Reflection
︎ YOUTUBE
JULY
Hot, sweaty summer makes the sticky bluesrock tones a home. On the cusp of being too, but kissed enough by dark to keep it on rotation as I sat in hot fog in the Blue Ridge Mountains, explored Richmond cemeteries, and packed up my life to move back to the PNW.
Favorite tracks: Burning Down, Serpent in the Sky
︎ BANDCAMP
SVVAMP by Svvamp
Hot, sweaty summer makes the sticky bluesrock tones a home. On the cusp of being too, but kissed enough by dark to keep it on rotation as I sat in hot fog in the Blue Ridge Mountains, explored Richmond cemeteries, and packed up my life to move back to the PNW.
Favorite tracks: Burning Down, Serpent in the Sky
︎ BANDCAMP
AUGUST
Just when I think it's slipping into hippy buttrock, this album slows down to psychedelic postrock, or shifts the vocals to a pop-punk cadence. I've listened to Black Mountain spottily for a while, and this album was no exception. Flagged it in August but didn't really grock until late November, when the cosmic tones finally had room to fill.
Favorite tracks: Cemetery Breeding, Space to Bakersfield
︎ BANDCAMP
IV by Black Mountain
Just when I think it's slipping into hippy buttrock, this album slows down to psychedelic postrock, or shifts the vocals to a pop-punk cadence. I've listened to Black Mountain spottily for a while, and this album was no exception. Flagged it in August but didn't really grock until late November, when the cosmic tones finally had room to fill.
Favorite tracks: Cemetery Breeding, Space to Bakersfield
︎ BANDCAMP
SEPTEMBER
In my thirst for the richly dark Americana of 16HP, I'll take a sip of some sugar now and then. Aside from the tender two songs in the album's center which you can pass me on, this is a solid lineup of catchy blues/folk hooks and lyrics far better than the song arrangements. Don't mix close to 16HP if you want to enjoy, but I can't deny that despite its lackluster arrangement, "Hammers & Nails" is a joy and was on repeat for many trips across the city as I got set up in my new place. "Dirt always tells, dirt always tells."
Favorite tracks: Hammers & Nails, Dry Dirt
︎ BANDCAMP
SPIRIT'S FURNACE by The Bones of J.R. Jones
In my thirst for the richly dark Americana of 16HP, I'll take a sip of some sugar now and then. Aside from the tender two songs in the album's center which you can pass me on, this is a solid lineup of catchy blues/folk hooks and lyrics far better than the song arrangements. Don't mix close to 16HP if you want to enjoy, but I can't deny that despite its lackluster arrangement, "Hammers & Nails" is a joy and was on repeat for many trips across the city as I got set up in my new place. "Dirt always tells, dirt always tells."
Favorite tracks: Hammers & Nails, Dry Dirt
︎ BANDCAMP
OCTOBER
Branching out, as it were, and incorporating more electronica into my listening habits. Psychedelic enough to let me in the door, this album echoes of krautrock and trip-hop/nu jazz. The organic textures keep me in, strung along by the driving electronic undercurrent to dark mind-melting landscapes. Vibes well with Zombi and Forest Swords.
Favorite tracks: Glass, Elements of Matter
︎ SOTU
POSTHUMAN by Trees Speak
Branching out, as it were, and incorporating more electronica into my listening habits. Psychedelic enough to let me in the door, this album echoes of krautrock and trip-hop/nu jazz. The organic textures keep me in, strung along by the driving electronic undercurrent to dark mind-melting landscapes. Vibes well with Zombi and Forest Swords.
Favorite tracks: Glass, Elements of Matter
︎ SOTU
NOVEMBER
Blackmetal live is so compelling to me, but I struggle ever putting it on at home, which means I miss out on a lot of incredible albums. Panopticon melds their Appalachian folk into their cascade of heavy guitar and drums so richly, tying in vocal clips of coal miners illustrating the horrors and exploitation they face. "Autumn Eternal" is another solid album to get through the darkening days of the end of the year.
Favorite tracks: Bodies Under the Falls
︎ BANDCAMP
KENTUCKY by Panopticon
Blackmetal live is so compelling to me, but I struggle ever putting it on at home, which means I miss out on a lot of incredible albums. Panopticon melds their Appalachian folk into their cascade of heavy guitar and drums so richly, tying in vocal clips of coal miners illustrating the horrors and exploitation they face. "Autumn Eternal" is another solid album to get through the darkening days of the end of the year.
Favorite tracks: Bodies Under the Falls
︎ BANDCAMP
DECEMBER
Fully back on my bullshit with this one. Gritty, catchy hooks and garage whine for days. Inarticulate as I may be, this is an explosively fun album that makes me wish I were on some basement stage hollering along with them. Solid end to the year... looking forward to new tunes to blast in 2023.
Favorite tracks: Choke, Mall Walker
︎ BANDCAMP
MUSHROOM DEATH SEX BUMMER PARTY by Wine Lips
Fully back on my bullshit with this one. Gritty, catchy hooks and garage whine for days. Inarticulate as I may be, this is an explosively fun album that makes me wish I were on some basement stage hollering along with them. Solid end to the year... looking forward to new tunes to blast in 2023.
Favorite tracks: Choke, Mall Walker
︎ BANDCAMP
JANUARY
TURKISH LEATHER by Ritual Howls
That post punk sound I can’t say no to. Anything that starts with that guitar tone is like catnip to my ears. The beautiful guitar melody climax of ‘Helm’ elevates the drone. This is definitely my album of the month, but King Dude’s Sex and Body Maintenance’s self-titled are notable mentions.
Favorite tracks: The Taste of You, Helm
︎ BANDCAMP
TURKISH LEATHER by Ritual Howls
That post punk sound I can’t say no to. Anything that starts with that guitar tone is like catnip to my ears. The beautiful guitar melody climax of ‘Helm’ elevates the drone. This is definitely my album of the month, but King Dude’s Sex and Body Maintenance’s self-titled are notable mentions.
Favorite tracks: The Taste of You, Helm
︎ BANDCAMP
FEBRUARY
2023 starts out with heavy droning. Splashes of post-punk darkness weave throughout gothy, ambient blues in this album. I did listen to Trouble Every Day on repeat for a few days after catching a lovely screening of the film, and it finds a fit home with Jay Jayle.
Favorite tracks: As Soon As Night
︎ BANDCAMP
NO TRAIL AND OTHER UNHOLY PATHS by Jay Jayle
2023 starts out with heavy droning. Splashes of post-punk darkness weave throughout gothy, ambient blues in this album. I did listen to Trouble Every Day on repeat for a few days after catching a lovely screening of the film, and it finds a fit home with Jay Jayle.
Favorite tracks: As Soon As Night
︎ BANDCAMP
MARCH
The sun came out and shot me back to more classic Cumbia, this time from the kings 70’s Peru, Los Mirlos.
Favorite tracks: Sonido Amazonico
︎ SPOTIFY
CUMBIA AMAZONICA by Los Mirlos
The sun came out and shot me back to more classic Cumbia, this time from the kings 70’s Peru, Los Mirlos.
Favorite tracks: Sonido Amazonico
︎ SPOTIFY
APRIL
Caught one of their live album performances at The Tractor (for Lightning at the Door) and was impressed to see Allan Van Cleave strike up the bow on stage. I had missed this album release in the pandemic of it all, and the heavier tones connect much more than Lightning at the Door. April’s honorable mention: Spirit Possession (that fingerwork!)
Favorite tracks: Saturnine & Iron Jaw, The Children of Coyote Woman
︎ BANDCAMP
NOTHING AS THE IDEAL by All Them Witches
Caught one of their live album performances at The Tractor (for Lightning at the Door) and was impressed to see Allan Van Cleave strike up the bow on stage. I had missed this album release in the pandemic of it all, and the heavier tones connect much more than Lightning at the Door. April’s honorable mention: Spirit Possession (that fingerwork!)
Favorite tracks: Saturnine & Iron Jaw, The Children of Coyote Woman
︎ BANDCAMP
MAY
Dark, atmospheric, glitch-pop with lyrics of quiet interiority. Gay yearning and droning for slightly brighter spring weather.
Favorite tracks: Ossuary, No Eyes
︎ BANDCAMP
BATHS by Obsidian
Dark, atmospheric, glitch-pop with lyrics of quiet interiority. Gay yearning and droning for slightly brighter spring weather.
Favorite tracks: Ossuary, No Eyes
︎ BANDCAMP
JUNE
“4 Tones to facilitate travel through time.” Ambient, thoughtful, transportive music to dissolve to. It’s a masterful classic.
Favorite tracks: Just listen to the whole thing, man
︎ BANDCAMP
TIME MACHINES by Coil
“4 Tones to facilitate travel through time.” Ambient, thoughtful, transportive music to dissolve to. It’s a masterful classic.
Favorite tracks: Just listen to the whole thing, man
︎ BANDCAMP
JULY
The dark psychedelia mixed with post punk noise of Cult of Dom Keller carried my summer depression. I used this album as an incantation to summon writing muses.
Favorite tracks: Psychic Surgery
︎ BANDCAMP
THEY CARRIED THE DEAD IN A U.F.O. by Cult of Dom Keller
The dark psychedelia mixed with post punk noise of Cult of Dom Keller carried my summer depression. I used this album as an incantation to summon writing muses.
Favorite tracks: Psychic Surgery
︎ BANDCAMP
AUGUST
The effervescent drums crash like Shoegaze rain over doom metal drone dreams. Ideal double-header with ethereally apocalyptic Divide and Dissolve.
Favorite tracks: Eternal Return
︎ BANDCAMP
RETURN TO ANNIHILATION by Locrian
The effervescent drums crash like Shoegaze rain over doom metal drone dreams. Ideal double-header with ethereally apocalyptic Divide and Dissolve.
Favorite tracks: Eternal Return
︎ BANDCAMP
SEPTEMBER
The recurring lyrics woven throughout the indie punk confessionals build a more anthemic current that pulls at my heart.
Favorite tracks: 100 Punk, 10/10x (Iron Out The Crease)
︎ BANDCAMP
I CAN'T EAT NEARLY AS MUCH AS I WANT TO VOMIT by Shutups
The recurring lyrics woven throughout the indie punk confessionals build a more anthemic current that pulls at my heart.
Favorite tracks: 100 Punk, 10/10x (Iron Out The Crease)
︎ BANDCAMP
OCTOBER
Got to see them performing live with airplanes blasting behind them and cheap beer splashed everywhere, as God intended. Witnessing the heavier guitar live really sold the more ethereal pop, and I found this album on repeat for most of the fall.
Favorite tracks: Moon Dust
︎ BANDCAMP
APOCALIPSTICK by Cherry Glazerr
Got to see them performing live with airplanes blasting behind them and cheap beer splashed everywhere, as God intended. Witnessing the heavier guitar live really sold the more ethereal pop, and I found this album on repeat for most of the fall.
Favorite tracks: Moon Dust
︎ BANDCAMP
NOVEMBER
Tracing post punk influence on Shoegaze led me down through the 80s and up to this treasure. Waves of dark noise with the added complexity of fun twang and catchy lyrics. Nowhere by Ride is a softer Shoegaze compliment out of time.
Favorite tracks: Deadbeat, In Your Heart
︎ BANDCAMP
EXPLODING HEAD by A Place to Bury Strangers
Tracing post punk influence on Shoegaze led me down through the 80s and up to this treasure. Waves of dark noise with the added complexity of fun twang and catchy lyrics. Nowhere by Ride is a softer Shoegaze compliment out of time.
Favorite tracks: Deadbeat, In Your Heart
︎ BANDCAMP
DECEMBER
Had a blast sharing tunes back and forth on the bus out of Guatavita back to Bogotá, and Quiero Club was a delightful new find. Irreverent Mexico City punks not afraid of a dance beat.
Favorite tracks: Go!, Frogger
︎ BANDCAMP
WOF by Quiero Club
Had a blast sharing tunes back and forth on the bus out of Guatavita back to Bogotá, and Quiero Club was a delightful new find. Irreverent Mexico City punks not afraid of a dance beat.
Favorite tracks: Go!, Frogger
︎ BANDCAMP
JANUARY
The nuance and emotion in Hammed Sinno’s voice, man. The slick production of this album heighten the instrumentals and textures in a way I was not expecting. Recommend checking out this beautiful analysis and translation of the lyrics.
Favorite tracks: Djin, Falyakon
︎ SPOTIFY
IBN EL LEIL by Mashrou Leila
The nuance and emotion in Hammed Sinno’s voice, man. The slick production of this album heighten the instrumentals and textures in a way I was not expecting. Recommend checking out this beautiful analysis and translation of the lyrics.
Favorite tracks: Djin, Falyakon
︎ SPOTIFY
FEBRUARY
Breathy, textured pop. Missed seeing him in town a few days after I fell in love with this album. Sensitive hymns for lengthening days.
Favorite tracks: LFO, Colores Del Mar
︎ BANDCAMP
PHASOR by Helado Negro
Breathy, textured pop. Missed seeing him in town a few days after I fell in love with this album. Sensitive hymns for lengthening days.
Favorite tracks: LFO, Colores Del Mar
︎ BANDCAMP
MARCH
Acccoustic and improvised samba, with bassa nova and rock touches here and there; Jorge Ben's soulful vocals reach transcendence in falsetto. Here with a rougher, raspy vulnerability that contrasts with woodwinds, compared the studio polish of Samba Esquema Novo that hauntingly competes with them. One of the world's great records.
Favorite tracks: Oba, Lá Vem Ela; O Telefone Tocou Novamente
︎ YOUTUBE
FORCA BRUTA by Jorge Ben
Acccoustic and improvised samba, with bassa nova and rock touches here and there; Jorge Ben's soulful vocals reach transcendence in falsetto. Here with a rougher, raspy vulnerability that contrasts with woodwinds, compared the studio polish of Samba Esquema Novo that hauntingly competes with them. One of the world's great records.
Favorite tracks: Oba, Lá Vem Ela; O Telefone Tocou Novamente
︎ YOUTUBE
APRIL
Okland crust! Pair with a romp through the California central coast for an ideal late April experience.
Favorite tracks: Flowers of Flesh and Blood
︎ BANDCAMP
FLOWERS OF FLESH AND BLOOD by Skaven
Okland crust! Pair with a romp through the California central coast for an ideal late April experience.
Favorite tracks: Flowers of Flesh and Blood
︎ BANDCAMP
Limiter
(2024)To be announced soon!
Circuit Breaker
(DC, 2023)DC comics' first trans masculine superhero, created by A.L. Kaplan.
Julian "Jules" Jourdain is a transgender man from a Basque rancher family who grew up in a desert town off US Highway 50--"The Loneliest Road in America." Jules loved giving tours at his hometown's Historical Reenactment Society, which spotlighted the town's claim to fame: when Super-Villain The Turtle brought locals to a standstill with his Still Force powers, and The Flash (Barry Allen) sped through to save the day. But everything changed when the Lazarus Rain raged across Earth, granting new superpowers to some and changing the existing abilities of others. Jules suddenly found himself with a connection to what his town most feared: the dreaded Still Force.
Jules proved himself a hero that day, as the same power that The Turtle once used to take over his town enabled him to save it from destruction. Emboldened by his new abilities, Jules took the heroic name Circuit Breaker and vowed to protect his home and the world beyond with an eye toward environmental justice. (From DC’s Book of Pride)
“8 Seconds of Still Force” from Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1
by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ Buy Lazarus Planet (hardcover)
︎ Buy Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
“Subspace Transmission” from DC Pride 2023
by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ Preorder DC Pride 2023 (hardcover)
︎ Buy DC Pride 2023 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ Preorder DC Pride 2023 (hardcover)
︎ Buy DC Pride 2023 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
“Invitation to the Speedster Ball” from Titans Beast World: Central City Tour
by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ preorder Titans Beast World (hardcover)
︎ Buy Titans Beast World: Central City Tour (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ preorder Titans Beast World (hardcover)
︎ Buy Titans Beast World: Central City Tour (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
Poison Ivy #13
(DC, 2023)There sure is nothing quite like a romantic night with your sweetie in the swamp to make your mouth water. It’s the dawn of a new day as Pamela Isley makes her return to Harley and Gotham City with a lovestruck Janet-from-HR in tow. The tension’s so thick you could cut it with a fan boat’s propeller!
Written by: G. Willow Wilson
Pages 13-19 Art by: A.L. Kaplan
Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
︎ Preorder Poison Ivy Vol.2
︎ Buy issue 13 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
Stuff of Nightmares
(BOOM!, 2022)In the premiere of Stine’s reanimated reimagining, the monster you enounter isn’t the one you thought it’d be—you might be familiar with the classic tale of a mad scientist hell-bent on creating life, but what these two demented brothers have created is something else entirely! Get ready for a darker, more gruesome, and even more terrifying series for horror fans who are ready to face their fears in… STUFF OF NIGHTMARES!
Written by: R.L. Stine
Inks by: A.L. Kaplan
Colors by: Roman Titov
Letters: Jim Campbell
︎ Buy Stuff of Nightmares now
︎ Buy issues 1-5 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
MAW
(BOOM!, 2022)What happens when one woman becomes the real monster society has always made her out to be? Dragged by her sister Wendy to a feminist retreat on a remote island of Antgitia, Marion Angela Weber is seeking perspective and empowerment, but a disastrous first night leaves her frightfully changed. In the aftermath of an assault, Marion begins to transform as an unspeakable hunger crawls through her body. When the townsfolk recognize there's something different about Marion, they react with suspicion, then violence, while ignoring the monsters already among them.
Written by: Jude Ellison S. Doyle
Inks by: A.L. Kaplan
Colors by: Fabiana Mascolo
Letters: Cardinal Rae
︎ Buy MAW now
︎ Buy issues 1-5 (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Tricksters, “Loki the Matchmaker”
(Archaia, 2021)Can the Norse trickster god, Loki, get the legendary god of thunder, Thor, to embrace his feminine side? When Thor’s hammer ends up in the possession of the King of the Giants, only his clever brother will be able to aid him in retrieving it, but only if Thor can use his brains rather than his brawn.
Written by: Robin Kaplan
Art by: A.L. Kaplan
︎ Buy The Storyteller: Tricksters
︎ Buy The Storyteller: Tricksters (digital)
︎ Buy The Storyteller: Tricksters Vol.4 “Loki the Matchmaker” (digital)
︎Find your local comic shop
Full-Spectrum Therapy
(webcomic, finished, 2015-2019)
A rough draft of the story ran as a webcomic from 2015-2019. The pages below reflect an updated version currently being queried.
Two delinquent boys struggle to connect and reconcile their shared trauma amid psychedelic alien encounters in post-invasion Nevada.
By: A.L. Kaplan
💬️ Read the finished first draft online
(webcomic, finished, 2015-2019)
A rough draft of the story ran as a webcomic from 2015-2019. The pages below reflect an updated version currently being queried.
Two delinquent boys struggle to connect and reconcile their shared trauma amid psychedelic alien encounters in post-invasion Nevada.
By: A.L. Kaplan
💬️ Read the finished first draft online
Water
(webcomic, unfinished, 2010; 2014-2015)35,000 feet below the surface in the Challenge Deep, a scientific crew struggles to adapt to their alien environment while collecting footage of the little-understood ecosystem. Lured in by the presence of an unprecedented bloom of ctenophores, they soon discover that there are more than just wayward jellyfish in the bowels of the abyss.
By: A.L. Kaplan
💬️ Comic archive TBA
ABOUT
A.L.Kaplan is a cartoonist and designer in the Wild West with a degree in psychology from UCSC and a focus on telling queer narratives in sci-fi/horror settings. He enjoys biking around the country and blasting doom metal to his plants and cats. Creator of the fist trans male superhero for DC-- Circuit Breaker. You can find his comics work published in Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 (DC, 2023), R.L. Stine’s Stuff of Nightmares (BOOM!, 2022), MAW (BOOM!, 2022) and The Storyteller: Tricksters (Archaia, 2021). Currently available for comics covers and interiors: alkcomics @ gmail dot com.
"Al Kaplan, who provides our art, uses a whole other bag of tricks to supply the narrative with an unnerving aspect. Off-kilter angles are presented, the comic book equivalent of dutch angles and unnerving closeups. These are counterbalanced by interesting establishing shots from a distance — a tree, a bar, the ocean from a cave — that gives the book the pacing of an avant-garde cinematic tone-poem, establishing rich humanity and cold distance of atmosphere. This mirrors the tragic distance with which society views sex crime, a reality at once undeniably human and personal but clinically inhumane."
- AIPT on MAW #1, 2021
