Tag: Ambient

Charity Empressa is essentially a solo project of Eric Campuzano (The Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, Stranger Kings, ex-Starflyer 59, Cush) with a revolving cast of support and collaborators. While the list of those giving input is lengthy, among them are Troy Daughtery (Hoi Polloi, Duraluxe), Wayne Everett (Prayer Chain, Lassie Foundation, ex-Starflyer 59, solo), Frank Lenz (Fold Zandura, solo, ex-Starflyer 59), Andrew Prickett (Prayer Chain, My Brother’s Mother), Herb Grimaud (the violet burning, Raspberry Jam, Stranger Kings), Josh Hagquist (ex-Dogwood, The Beautiful Mistake), and many others.… Continued →

My Epic have released “Loriella: The Film” and it is available now to view on YouTube (Watch Below). The live recordings have also been released through all digital networks as of last Friday! Go give it a listen and see why My Epic are one of the most cherished and well loved indie rock bands on the planet. If you haven’t given one of the best albums of 2024 a listen, go find “Loriella” today!… Continued →

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 →

The new group MorZan featuring Jyro and Jerome of Mortal & Fold Zandura, have posted a special LIVE EP from their set recently at House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. from November. Check it out below or on your digital network of choice. Who here wants some NEW music from this group?… Continued →

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 →

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 →

Emotional, ambient, heavy, screamo act out of Detroit, MI. Featuring members of Kept on Hold.

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 →

Finnish post-rock/indie act, Revival Hymns, just posted their new 8 minute epic song on all digital networks and streaming sites. Listen to the full song, below. Thoughts? Download more songs here.… Continued →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Dreaded Dale have just posted their brand new song in lyric video form that you can view below. The song is titled “Psalm” and it takes on a sort of Progressive Post-Hardcore meets Spoken Word like feel. It’s a great little track and I think many of you will enjoy it. Song is available now on all digital platforms and streaming sites.… Continued →

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 →

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 →

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.com… Continued →

After almost 5 years post-metal/ambient British Columbia's The Monarch release new song "Merely Death"

Post Hardcore band, Holding Onto Hope, have just reemerged from the shadows to drop an alternate version of their 2011 “Self Titled” full length over on bandcamp right here for download. Listen below. How many of you would like to see more music from this project? [Thanks Steven G]… Continued →

"Ultraviolet" tackles big questions of faith head on with a wall of reverb, lyrical poeticism, and a fair share of experimentation.

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 →

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 →

Author's sophomore release takes the best of "Of Brighter Days" and tops it off with synths and 80s influence for an album that's full of energy and technicality.

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 →

“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 →

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 →

Hotel Books' latest release manages to hit me where it hurts the most.

"In Prayer" is a soothing and succinct release from the husband-wife duo Salt of the Sound that expands on their signature elements.

Dallas indie rock outfit Little Image emerges with a vibrant and dynamic debut that blends influences of From Indian Lakes with elements of ambient and traditional emo.

Seeker & Servant are almost there to the $6000 goal they’ve set for their new album. The group now has a deal where if you donate $25 or more to their GoFundMe campaign, you’ll get a vinyl copy of the new album. Do it! … Continued →

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 →