Rok Lok Releases
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- Stars Are Insane "Broken Heart Headquarters"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL130 } { cassette } { reviews }
What initially began as an idea to make another release in the spirit of 2014’s ode to lofi bedroom pop cassette release, “Pop Industry”, morphed into something else. More of a collection of there and now, snapshots of transitions in life. Not only the various rooms and environments these songs were documented but in the voice behind the songs, in myself I am reminded of the changes of self from when these moments were documented to now. As opposed to the mindset of a “proper” album, “Broken Heart Headquarters” offers various glimpses through years til now where the first of these songs was recorded in 2017. And some of the songs are closer to today’s date. Twelve songs that are each unto themselves time capsules. Lofi indie pop intermingling with slowcore and shoegaze/ambient vibes. “Broken Heart Headquarters” is limited to an edition of 30 cassettes with full color jcards and handstamped yellow cassettes with two inserts.
$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Stars Are Insane "Partial History Volume 2"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL129 } { cassette } { reviews }*Only 2 copies left* Since 1998 mostly while in pajamas and under the dark blanket of night in various homes, rooms and stages of life I have recorded music under the moniker of STARS ARE INSANE. Exploring a wide range of home recorded sounds of shoegaze, ambient, lofi, folk, bedroom pop, field recordings inspired by the likes of Flying Saucer Attack, Azusa Plane, Dump, Sentridoh, Yo La Tengo, etc. "Partial History: Volume 2" is a collection of 24 songs all culled from various EPS and compilation tracks that were all released as limited lathe cut singles, cassettes, cdrs, etc. Limited to an edition of 25 white clamshell cassettes with hand stamped labels and housed in a clear, vinyl cassette album box, insert with liner notes, download card and a one inch button.
$9.00 ppd $9.00 + shipping $9.00 + shipping - Anevayblue "Window Glare"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL128 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Following up 2017's "Trails" cassette, Anevayblue returns with a brand new six song effort called "Window Glare" that is a soothing tonic for these chaotic times. Intimate and brooding movements of shimmering ambient shoegaze. Reverb soaked guitars, synthesizers and drum machines mesh together to create a warm cloak of sound. Snapshots of sound in time taken to allow the listener a reprieve from the fast paced world we sometimes find ourselves in. Wavy warm sounds ebb and flow at an inviting pace and in its brevity this new cassette from Anevayblue, "Window Glare" will take you on a journey of introspective sound. "Window Glare" is limited to an edition of 20 black clamshell cassettes with black and white printed labels and housed in a full color j-card
Listen to ANEVAYBLUE "Window Glare" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Waiting For Calm And Then Letting Go"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL127 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Two years since the last release, long running home recording project Stars Are Insane is back with its eleventh full length effort titled "Waiting For Calm And Then Letting Go". A collection of ten songs that traverses an ambient soundscape accompanying experiences of loss, longing, reflection and then as the title states, letting go; finding new wings to soar upon. Where darkness smothers, the light of a new tomorrow prevails through the tiniest sliver; offering a hope perhaps unseen prior. Ballads of reverb drenched ambient shoegaze meshed with the intimacy of a spacey bedroom pop. For fans of Flying Saucer Attack, Dump, Sentridoh and Yo La Tengo. Limited to an edition of 32 white clam shell cassettes with full color glossy j-cards and painted/stamped labels.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Waiting For Calm And Then Letting Go" on Bandcamp - Kind Of Like Paris "Not What You Want It To Be EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL126 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
A few years back a three song cassette, containing short bursts of lofi, moody jangly indie rock. Those three songs were replayed and replayed, always wanting more. Back at Kind Of Like Paris has been consistently of late releasing various cassette releases and now this short run 7 inch vinyl release. For fans of Juniper, Lync and Bedhead. Limited to an edition of 50 vinyl records NOT lathe cuts, packaged in a numbered, screened recycled paper bag. Co-released with Useless Plastic Toys and Friendly Otter Records. Rok Lok will only have two handfuls of copies and will go fast!
Listen to KIND OF LIKE PARIS "Kind Of Like Paris" on Bandcamp - Orua "Tudo Posso"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL125 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
For two decades this little label of mine Rok Lok Records has existed to not only document the music that inspires me but to also document the individuals and relationships behind the music. Every release I have done has a story about it, a story that revolves around the bonds that I have been fortunate to form over the years with the inspiring individuals who create this wonderful music and this release is certainly no different. This release is collaboration between two people who I have admired for many years, Le Almeida of Orua/Transfusão Noise Records and Nevin of IFB Records. I first met Nevin many years ago when his then killer band Merkit came through town and played my basement. For years we traded records with one another connecting through the spirit of DIY. At a time when it seemed lots of folks were into punk/hardcore for the wrong reasons it was clear that where Nevin and all of his endeavors were coming from the true heart of DIY punk/hardcore. And I was first introduced to Le Almeida by coming across his old Blogspot web page for his label Transfusão Noise Records. Every single release blew my mind. How were there so many bands from Brasil perfecting a type of fuzzy guitar indie noise pop that I hadn't heard since the 90s, and Le's fingerprints were all over everything whether he sang, played guitar, produced, etc.. He and his friends were creating something new and beautiful, "our Noise" they so affectionately called it. We traded releases and I still treasure all of those early cd-r and tape releases he sent my way. Le was kind enough to allow me to include one his projects, Babe Florida on the "I Know Why They Call It Pop" cassette compilation. Over the years I continued to follow his work and watch it grow, always wanting to help document more of his wonderful music. Which brings us to Orua... Based out of Brasil, Orua is a psychedelic indie rock trio. Hypnotic, wavy noisy guitars and chilled tempos that meshes the spacey layered rock of Built to Spill or all the slower tunes of Pavement's "Wowee Zowee" with a slo-core touch of Duster and noise freak outs akin to Sonic Youth. Orua has been making a buzz recently thanks in part to their recent tours opening for Built to Spill who of which they are also members of in the current iteration of Doug Martsch's long running indie band. "Tudo Posso" is a four song slab psychedelic indie sounds that culminates into a foray of sprawling free jazz. Limited to an edition of 500 and with hand screen covers. Co-released by IFB Records and Transfusão Noise Records.
Listen to ORUA "Tudo Posso" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - World's Fair "We Can't Be Magic"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL124 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
Even though it has been four years since the release of their debut album "Leisurely", Long Island indie rockers World's Fair have been diligently tinkering away, crafting new sounds all while balancing the responsibilities, and other interests of life. In the time allotted for the band to come together to create the last few years they have put together a collection of ten songs for their sophomore album, "We Can't Be Magic". Continuing to build upon the hook laden, guitar driven indie rock that was captured on their debut, "We Can't Be Magic" adds to its sonic repertoire as the album's songs shift from experimenting more with layered pop structures, a stronger focus on vocal arrangements to slower tempos and even "quieter" moments while coming back to its trademark swirling, distorted guitar sounds that is anchored by precise bass rumbles and dynamic yet purposeful drumming. World's Fair creates sounds that are reminiscent of bands such as Archers of Loaf, Built to Spill, Swirlies, Yuck, Sebadoh and on this album showing some post hardcore influences such as Hum and Lync. "We Can't Be Magic"is limited to 250 copies A/B orange/black vinyl housed in a full color jacket with a full color insert and download code the cassette version is available on Reflective Tapes.
Purchase digital/Listen to WORLD's FAIR "We Can't Be Magic" on Bandcamp$12.00 ppd $12.00 + shipping $12.00 + shipping - Hiders "Slow Burn"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL123 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Following up 2014's wonderful "Bloom", Glasgow's Hiders is back with a brand new release called "Slow Burn". Featuring eight tracks of fuzzy guitar jangle indie rock Hiders builds upon the strong foundation laid down on the previous release. Waves of warm, dissonant guitar chords and churning bass rhythms move the songs forward with honest, subdued vocals bringing it all home. In a age where many vocalists reach for that higher register James Morgan makes an even stronger presence with his laid back almost ambient vocal melodies. Channeling the sounds of Sonic Youth, Polvo, North of America mixed with the pop sensibilities of The Posies, Hiders comes out swinging with this brand new release. Limited to an edition of 40 white cassettes with full color glossy j-cards and full color printed labels.
Listen to HIDERS "Slow Burn" on Bandcamp - Bird Songs "In & Of"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL122 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It seems as if every moment of every day we are inundated with a seemingly excess of sounds that it is almost hard to discern one from another. Bird Songs and it's five song cassette release "In & Of" while reveling in layering a variety of sounds ranging from field recordings, natural ambiance, tape hiss, minimal guitar melodies and drones each sound breathes freely. And at the moments where it seems as if all the sounds produced will cave in on one another it all melts away in a sea of calm much like in the aftermath a wave crashing upon the jagged rocks of a shoreline. Bird Songs should appeal to fans of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Azusa Plane and Love Letter. "In & Of" is limited to an edition of 30 white cassettes with full color j-cards and hand stamped/painted labels.
Listen to BIRD SONGS "In & Of" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "To Be There"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL121 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
A companion piece to 2017's "To Be Here", long running home recording project Stars Are Insane is back with its tenth full length effort "To Be There". On this new album Stars Are Insane marries the more melodic markings of its discography with the sonic foot print of the previous album that explored reverb soaked, ambient shoegaze creating a slo core opus. Serving as a collection of quasi love songs to not only others but the world around us and the experiences we have in them. Quelling the anxiety getting out into open spaces and embracing the fragility but recognizing the extremely fortunate nature of it all. "To Be There" is a collection of ten songs that celebrate the notion of being able to reflect and appreciate being there regardless of being removed from the moment.For fans of lofi bedroom pop/shoegaze/ambient like Flying Saucer Attack, Dump, Sentridoh and Yo La Tengo. Limited to an edition of 40 white cassettes with full color labels and full color j-cards.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "To Be There" on Bandcamp - Order Anura "Snails and Slugs"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL120 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It has been a few years since I first heard of Order Anura with its debut self titled cassette that I obtained in a trade with with the project's creative force Ivan Heemskerk. The brooding organ/keyboard drones mixed with lower register vocals and minimal yet reverb soaked drum machine produced beats offered something rather different than the sounds that was dominating the modern lofi/cassette culture movement. at the time. And in many ways the same could be said about this latest eight song effort titled "Snails & Slugs". Order Anura creates music that I would classify as a lofi brand of melancholy dream pop that is a cross between Cocteau Twins and lovesliescrushing. On the surface the music of Order Anura comes across as a soundtrack of a bleak landscape but upon engaging with this release a colorful world of varied tones and melody is revealed."Snails & Slugs" is an edition of 40 white cassettes with a glossy full color, double sided j-card and full color labels.
Listen to ORDER ANURA "Snails & Slugs" on Bandcamp - Love Letter "A Very Young Mountain"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL119 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
We last heard from Love Letter with 2015's "Collecting Loss" lathe cut 10 inch which saw the project implement a greater emphasis on vocal arrangements and what I have often referred to as a brand of lofi bedroom "lullaby pop", however, with this new release the project continues to veer into new sonic territories. "A Very Young Mountain" takes the hypnotic, reverb soaked guitar humming of the first two releases but crosses it with more of a field recording, patchwork approach to create a truly organic collection of sounds. Washes of furiously strummed guitar melodies, that bend within a multitude of colorfully shaped tones enveloped within a wall of sound that as it unfolds illustrates in mind perfectly the long journey of growth that a young mountain embarks on to one day reach the heavens-and we are all mountains or have the ability to be. "A Very Young Mountain" is simultaneously the sound of discovery, innocence, solace, longing, reflection, and transcendence all communicated through the canvas of sprawling post rock "anthems" of sorts. For fans of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Azusa Plane, Paper Armies and Mariposa. "A Very Young Mountain" is limited to an edition of 40 C-30 black cassettes with full color printed labels and packaged in a full color, glossy j-card with beautiful photographic artwork captured in the wild of the Pacific Northwest.
Listen to LOVE LETTER "A Very Young Mountain" on Bandcamp - Graham Repulski "The Photographer is Upset"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL118 } { lathe cut 5 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Prolific lofi bedroom pop project Graham Repulski is back at it again with two quick jabs of of hiss laden infectious indie rock. It is hard to keep up with the constant flow of output but for those tuned in have been treated to absolutely joyous tunes that should strike a chord with anyone who is interested in Guided By Voices or anything Pollard related for that matter. This is the second Graham Repulski release on Rok Lok, with the first being the "Success Racist" cassette which was released in 2015. "The Photographer is Upset" is a limited edition lathe cut 5 inch that is released in an edition of 20. Each lathe cut is housed in a chipboard arigato pak with custom collage artwork-no two paks are alike and stamped labels as well as an insert. "The Photographer is Upset" is cut in real time by Tyler at Audio Geography.
Listen to GRAHAM REPULSKI "The Photographer is Upset" on Bandcamp - Anevayblue "Trails"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL117 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Over the course of six songs Anevayblue takes the listener on a hypnotic, swirling journey through soundscapes where time almost stands still. There is the sense of longing, nostalgia, and just simply being offered by the hiss laden, reverb soaked bedroom shoegaze captured on Anevyablue's latest release "Trails". Stepping out from behind his usual role as a drummer for bands such as Shojo Winter and Crisis Arm, all six of this songs were written and performed by Kevin McVey. Using Anevyablue as vehicle for aural and visual expression, McVey is able to capture snap shot ideas of sorts life whether it is the most grandiose of dreams or the minutiae of the day to day rigor- it is all a process and "Trails" is one such documentation of those experiences. "Trails" is limited to an edition of 40 white cassettes with a full color printed labels and beautiful full color glossy j-cards.
Listen to ANEVYABLUE "Trails" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "To Be Here"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL116 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The ninth full length album, "To Be Here", from long time bedroom music project, Stars Are Insane goes in a completely different direction than the last album, "Pop Industry". Where "Pop Industry" was a document of lo-fi bedroom pop overload, "To Be Here" finds Stars Are Insane in more of reverb soaked, hazy serene back drop. "To Be Here" is a document of reflection, solace and longing, and how those ideas can co-exist but also conflict one another. On this cassette there are 10 songs that mix together elements of bedroom shoegaze, ambient, folk as and post rock/slow-core to create a tapestry of layered sound. The songs on this cassette are similar to the style of songs found on the "When Last We Met" EP which came out on Almost Halloween Records as well as the "Desert Blue" lathe cut postcard. "To Be Here" is limited to an edition of 40 white cassettes with full color, glossy j-cards and full color printed labels.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "To Be Here" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Desert Blue"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL115 } { lathe cut postcard } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The desert has become not only a place that I enjoy to spend time hiking and exploring as a individual but as a means of inspiration for life and art. For those of you who have been following Stars Are Insane releases over the last few years I imagine you have noticed the theme reoccurring. And this release is no different-after all it is a postcard! Sending a postcard image of my travels in Death Valley to you, and by way of the song "Desert Blue" it is my hope that you get a sense of what I felt traveling through this wonderful land. "Desert Blue" lathe cut postcard is limited to an edition of 10 and was cut by Greg over at Bee Vinyl. The front of the this lathe cut postcard features full color artwork of an image that I captured as I descended into Panamint Valley along SR-178 and features one track called, "Desert Blue". The reverse side is stamped and reads like a postcard. Each postcard is numbered and housed in a hand stamped envelope in a clear polybag. I apologize in advance for the high cost of this single song release but due to high manufacturing costs there is no other way. But I do strongly believe that you'll agree that it is such a unique item that it is worth it. In fact to prove that Rok Lok has never been about business we are losing money on each copy sold. That all being said "Desert Blue" is a excellent, unique piece to the Stars Are Insane discography. ATTN: buyers Lathe cut records are cut in real time so each record is different from one another in some way with its own unique imperfections at times. Due to the odd shape of the lathe cut postcard I would only recommend this purchase to this with adjustable tone arms.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Desert Blue" on Bandcamp - Katrina Stonehart and The Spookfish "Katrina Stonehart and The Spookfish"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL114 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to have a release from Katrina Stonehart be a part of the Singles Club Cassette Series as I had become so enamored with the music Drew Gibson had been creating under that moniker for sometime as well as his contributions with Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk. Not much has changed I suppose because, I am ecstatic to have this collaborative effort between Katrina Stonehart and The Spookfish be a part of the Rok Lok discography. The collaborative releases that are present throughout the Katrina Stonehart discography are something that I have always appreciated as not only a fan of the sounds created but the idea but forth in that it really destroys the stigma that gets attached to DIY/bedroom music of this kind, where instead of it being some sort of lonely, borderline anti-social, individual focused foray it really illustrates more of shared creative experience. Personally, it reminds me a lot of my youth when friends and I would have expansive ambient, noise jams just because not only did it feel good to chart sonic territory that wasn't mapped out prior for us, it was simply something that was fun to share together. The collaborative effort while bears resemblances to an artist's individual identity, when done well when the artists ideas converge it ultimately creates something new for all whom participate, and that is the magical prospect that collaboration within the style of music presents to not only the creators but the audience as well. About the music itself that is present on this cassette itself-Katrina Stonehart and The Spookfish two lengthy sides of hypnotic, ambient swirls of pulsating sound on one white C-45 that is packaged with a full color j-card, typewritten and painted labels limited to an edition of 40.
Listen to KATRINA STONEHART + THE SPOOKFISH "Katrina Stonehart + The Spookfish" on Bandcamp - Soda Lilies "Love Cemetery Tapes"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL113 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
In recent years the shoegaze label has been adorned by many bands and while appropriately falling under that umbrella whether it is modern recording techniques, cross pollination of other music styles, different types of effects pedals employed I have found that very few of these bands really capture the sonic aesthetic of the bands that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place. That is where Austin, TX based Soda Lilies succeed is that the sounds captured on their cassette "Love Cemetery Tapes" hearkens to a time when the sounds of My Bloody Valentine and Swirlies were defining a genre. "Love Cemetery Tapes" is eight tracks of hazy, tremolo bar bending waves of distorted guitar sounds mixed through awash of driving drums and layered, hushed vocal breezes. The sounds that Soda Lilies make evoke a warm feeling not only in the nostalgia of bringing the listener closer to a shoegaze-y experience of yore but because the sounds ebb and flow in such a manner. "Love Cemetery Tapes" is limited to an edition of 50 white cassettes packaged in a numbered full color j-card.
Listen to SODA LILIES "Love Cemetery Tapes" on Bandcamp - Blueblack "Destroy"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL112 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Rising up from a seemingly never ending sea of melodic punk and hardcore bands in the landscape of Long Island underground music , Blueblack's massive, clamorous din stands out. And not like some irritating sore thumb, or even a local curio but as welcome breath of fresh air. Blueblack is a powerful, instrumental experimental post rock trio that creates powerful waves of distorted sound interlocked ever so deftly with hypnotic rhythms that comes off like an amalgamation between Mono, Swans, Neurosis, Russian Circles and Reighnbeau. Carving out a niche for themselves within the local scene as a result of their uncompromising sound and an admirable commitment to the rigor of playing heaps of shows, Blueblack is making their mark in a region that seldom awards those whom stray from the sound du jour. "Destroy" is a thunderous 7 song effort that builds upon the foundation laid with their self released eponymous cd. There are lush, subdued moments coupled with bombastic distortion overload that bears a tinge of psychedelic, hazy riffing. "Destroy" will soothe you right before it ,without apology, "destroys" you. Limited to an edition of 50 black cassettes with black & white labels and glossy double sided j-card.
Listen to BLUEBLACK "Destroy" on Bandcamp - Atariame "Weirdo Goes to the Disco"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL111 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Just like any label Rok Lok receives truckloads of demo submissions and it usually takes me months to get a chance to listen to them. After listening to one unsavory demo after another I about to scream "uncle" but then it happens- I open the email and I listen to a demo that just knocks my socks off. And that is precisely what happened when I listened to Russian based Atariame. I was greeted by a brand of dark, droning, new wave/synth pop stylings with tinges of bedroom shoegaze-y esque folk. All of these sonic elements remind me of I Break Horses, Sea Oleena and even Rok Lok alum White Blush. Atariame's lush, dreamy sounds have recently left the bedroom with a recent tour of eastern Europe and the American cassette edition of "Weirdo Goes to the Disco" will only to continue to introduce Atariame to new listeners. "Weirdo Goes to the Disco" is limited to an edition of 40 white C-45 cassettes with full color labels and glossy full color double sided j-cards.
Listen to ATARIAME "Weirdo Goes to the Disco" on Bandcamp - Nearr "Introduction To..."
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL110 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
One of the most truly inspiring aspects of lo-fi bedroom music is that it is something that isn't exclusive to one region. Where ever someone resides and has the desire to express themselves through creating music there is a commonality inherent just in the act of doing so and that is beautiful. And through a network of like minded individuals whom share the sounds the create in the privacy of their homes we get to see how amazing it is that mankind despite many differences still have such common experiences such as music and art that we can share and appreciate. That brings me to Ukraine based home recording lo-fi/shoegaze/dream pop project Nearr, that despite being separated by 4,755 miles away, the project's creative mind Eduard Tokuyev is able to create sounds that resonate in my so much that in a way Nearr feels like home. Bringing together a mixture of sounds that recalls The Cure, Cocteau Twins, and Talk Talk as well as contemporaries Vehicle Blues and Trudgers. "Introduction to..." is a sixteen track compilation that hand picks the best representations of Nearr's discography. This release is limited to an edition of 30 white clam shell C-60 cassettes with full color, numbered card stock j-cards and full color labels.
Listen to NEARR "Introduction To..." on Bandcamp - Snow What "It's Over"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL109 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
All good things come to an end is that the cliche? When a band that is as good as Snow What it is natural to want them to keep churning out the tunes forever but such is life. Sadly this is indeed because "It's Over" is the final release from indie rock pop mavens Snow What. But the sadness is replaced with joy as "It's Over" is a damn fine collection of 19 songs, the perfect swan song that sees the group perfecting their style. Rok Lok was fortunate enough book many shows for Snow What over the years in addition to releasing their demo cassette and their LP "So Far So Good". I have said it before and I will say it again, if you dig indie rock like Guided By Voices, Sebadoh and Chisel there is absolutely no reason why Snow What shouldn't be your new favorite band. "It's Over" is limited to an edition of 50 white clamshell cassettes with full color labels and full color, numbered j-cards.
Listen to SNOW WHAT "It's Over" on Bandcamp - Kkidss "Anemia"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL108 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Kkidss are back with another release on Rok Lok! Picking up where the last cassette, "Candy" left off "Anemia" finds Christopher Edwards (the brilliant mind behind Kkidss), expanding his sonic repertoire as his brand of lofi bedroom folk/ramshackle pop finds veers of into more of a shoegaze/noise pop edge at times. Edwards seamlessly melds together dark, introspective lyrics with hiss laden acoustic guitars, tremolo overload ed distorted guitars, a swooning voice, tape manipulation, and dirgy drum machines. Kkidss is reminiscent of a cross between Smog, Two Dollar Guitar and Sonic Youth. Eighteen lofi bedroom popgaze churners packed into one C-60 cassette. "Anemia" is limited to an edition of 40 home dubbed (in real time) white cassettes, full color printed labels, and a full color, numbered j-card.
Listen to KKIDSS "Anemia" on Bandcamp - The Only Ghost in Town "Peculiar Smiles:2010-2015"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL107 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
I recall where I first met Dan Saraceni-it was at the Rok Lok Records 10 Year Anniversary Showcase at the Knitting Factory. We spoke briefly and then we later started chatting on Myspace and email, mainly talking about our mutual love of the band Further but quickly that spread into all things lo-fi, indie rock, indie pop and shoegaze. Not too long after Dan showed me the first track he recorded for his new project The Only Ghost in Town and I was blown away. It sounded like all the bands he and I would talk about rolled into one. That track "Like Candy" was included in the debut release from The Only Ghost in Town, "The Summer Was Over Before It Began". I would go on to release several more excellent releases for The Only Ghost In Town, and the project has matured a great deal releasing several other great cassettes on other labels. Time has expired and as such has seen these early releases from The Only Ghost in Town so I saw it fitting to talk Dan into releasing a cassette that collected all of the eps, comp tracks and rare tracks. Fortunately he agreed to allow me the honor of releasing "Peculiar Smiles: 2010-2015" cassette. This releases features material from the "Hidden East Coast EP", cd/lathe cut 7 inch, "I Live in the Capital of Pain: Singles Club #2" cassette, compilation tracks, and a few previously digital only releases. For fans of those who dig indie pop/lofi/shoegaze stuff like Veronica Lake, Lenola, Further, etc. This cassette is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed (in real time) C-60 white cassettes with full color j-cards and printed labels.
Listen to THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN "Peculiar Smiles: 2010-2015" on Bandcamp - Shojo Winter "Eternal Snow"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL106 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The American underground has been experiencing an intense renewed interest shoegaze with young bands sporting Fender Jazzmasters, cranking up the reverb level and playing really loud. REALLY loud. And Hemet, CA's Shojo Winter is no exception. Featuring members of the monolith of sound shoegaze quartet Crisis Arm, Shojo Winter hammers out a loud shoegaze/post hardcore hybrid much like contemporaries Nothing while mixing it with a melodic-ism that is reminiscent of The Cure. "Eternal Snow" is the debut release from Shojo Winter and its four songs are a hypnotic, hazy journey and it is limited to an edition of 40 home dubbed (in real time) C-30 cassettes with printed labels and glossy, numbered j-cards.
Listen to SHOJO WINTER "Eternal Snow" on Bandcamp - Graham Repulski "Success Racist"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL105 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Philadelphia's Graham Repulski has been establishing himself as one of the most prolific voices in the lofi DIY underground and "Success Racist" is his latest full length effort. Reveling in a lo fi collage pop sound that is reminiscent of Guided By Voices and Moviola. Super short bursts of basement dwelling hiss and reverb drenched pop bliss that borders on being a psychedelic experience. Lo fi pop overload! "Success Racist" is limited to an edition of 40 with full color labels and numbered full color j-cards.
Listen to GRAHAM REPULSKI "Success Racist" on Bandcamp - Kkidss "Candy"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL104 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
A couple of months ago we saw the debut release from Canadian bedroom pop/folk artist Kkidss with the release of the cassette "Hot Trash" which may be one of the most well received releases in the history of the label. And that speaks volumes of the artistry of the mind responsible for Kkidss, Christopher Edwards. Tinkering and recording in his bedroom at a furious and soon to be prolific pace, Edwards, has put forth another 18 song long play cassette called "Candy". Lo fi bedroom pop/folk excess but never, ever wearing out its welcome. In fact the only thing that may wear out is the cassette and from constant repeat listens! Kkidss plays lo-fi bedroom pop with folk mixed with more noisier leanings akin to Smog, Simon Joyner, Two Dollar Guitar and even Sonic Youth on a few of the more indie guitar rocking tunes. Limited to an edition of 40 home dubbed (in real time) white clam shell cassettes with full color labels and full color numbered j-cards.
Listen to KKIDSS "Candy" on Bandcamp - Shivering Window "Days I've Lost/Clean Hell"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL103 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
I have made it no secret that the fertile lo-fi bedroom pop/scene of Califonia has had a profound influence on Rok Lok since the beginning and it continues to do so. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to have my good friend Matthew Gray and his project Shivering Window contribute to the Rok Lok Singles Club cassette series and since that release I have been itching to do something else. Shivering Window, ever so prolific it was only a matter of time before things fell into place. The gloomy, bedroom pop of Shivering Window after a litany of cassette only releases was just begging to be thrown onto vinyl and that time is now. Shivering Window puts forth two songs that encapsulates everything that this Long Beach, CA bedroom pop project is all about but continues to evolve into new sonic territory. Shivering Window excels in creating moody, minimal melodic jabs of lo fi bedroom pop. This 7 inch is a split release effort with the wonderful Juniper Tree Songs and is limited to an edition of 200 copies on black vinyl pressed at Palomino Records. Full color fold over covers made at Moxicopy.
Listen to SHIVERING WINDOW "Days I've Lost b/w Clean Hell" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Kkidss "Hot Trash"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL102 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Have you ever gone walking and in your travels come across a old cassette laying on the ground? And when you have did you ever wonder what could possibly be on that cassette? Or perhaps cleaning out the contents of home you just moved into and found a old cassette in the attic?In my mind the 18 track full length effort, "Hot Trash" from British Columbia based Kkidss, is what could be potentially on the cassette tape. Christopher Edwards, the mind behind Kkidss writes somber, introspective cuts of loner, lo-fi bedroom folk that recalls the sounds of John Thill, Simon Joyner and Smog. Edwards' lyrics dig, and jab hard, in a unsettling almost confessional style motif. "Hot Trash" relishes in lo-fi, home recording excess being 18 track long album but never over stays its welcome or never feels as if it is treading familiar territory. "Hot Trash" is limited to an edition of 40 white clamshell C-60 cassettes with full color labels and full color, numbered cardstock j-cards.
Listen to KKIDSS "Hot Trash" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Winter Postcard"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL101 } { lathe cut 5 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Losing myself in American Transcendentalist literature and the romanticism of the American West I have vicariously seen that world through the lens of being fortunate enough in my life to tour the country with bands that I have played in, as well as traveling and camping with my family for much of my youth. In recent years I have be doing more traveling, for weeks at a time with my better half traversing the various terrain of the west coast and it has intensified my profound love for this region. I have fallen in love with the desert, the canyons, the Pacific Ocean, the mountains-every inch of it and it has inspired the last several Stars Are Insane releases in particular, "When Last We Met" EP cassette on Almost Halloween Time, and now this 2 song ep, "Winter Postcard". Comprised of two quiet, layered bits of acoustic guitar, electric guitar swells and keyboard drones inter-spliced with field recordings "Winter Postcard" serves as a document of the experiences I had in California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada this past winter. "Winter Postcard" is a lathe cut 5 inch limited to an edition of 20 with full color labels, and it is packed in a beautiful arigato pak and come with a full color insert as well as a download card. Each lathe cut 5 inch is cut in real time by Tyler at Audio Geography.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Winter Postcard" on Bandcamp - Restaurnaut "Birth"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL100 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Based out of Chino Hills, CA Restaurnaut sounds like an indie jug band as it revels in playing a unique, hodge podge brand of bedroom pop that is as infectious as it is adventurous. With a ukulele, a drum machine, layers of vocals and touches of keyboard, Restaurnaut's Nick Dolezal creates a brand of lo-fi bedroom pop that has a folk ting at times. Restaurnaut recalls the sounds of Furniture Huschle, Half Handed Cloud, and Charlie McAlister, while lyrically it recalls the social mindfulness and political consciousness of Plan-It-X artists in the late 90's. With cassette releases via Almost Halloween Time and Dolezal's own Kerchow Records, Rok Lok is thrilled to give "Birth", recorded in the summer of 2013, the proper release it deserves. "Birth" is comprised of ten infectious, folky bedroom pop tunes which are all packed into C-30 white clamshell cassettes with full color labels and full color numbered j-cards. Limited to an edition of 40.
Listen to RESTAURNAUT "Birth" on Bandcamp - Rayning "Refraction"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL99 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Originally released in 2013 as a digital only format, Rayning's "Refraction" is a seven song album that revels in a wall of sound shoegaze/post rock motif. Layers of trance like guitar and keyboard drones swell creating a hypnotic yet calming state for the listener. Locked in loops of waving sound in lieu of drums acts in percussive manner moving the songs along at a pace in which swirling, swells of sound envelope all around the compositions. The sounds are calming yet there is also a grittiness present albeit not too intrusive or abrasive that is indicative of Rayning hailing from Detroit, MI. Channel the sounds of lovesliescrushing, Paper Armies or Former Selves as well as putting their own unique stamp on it, Rayning travels down the shoegaze road less traveled and the outcome is one that creates an overwhelming immerse and ethereal experience with results that are nothing short of breath taking. Rok Lok is ecstatic to give "Refraction" is its proper due with a physical release as cassette limited to an edition of 40 home dubbed (in real time) black cassettes with full color, numbered j-cards, and full color labels.
Listen to RAYNING "Refraction" on Bandcamp - Love Letter "Collecting Loss"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL98 } { lathe cut 10 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Building upon the foundation that was laid with two cassettes, "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know" and "Gentle Memories", Love Letter is back with a six track effort called "Collecting Loss". This time around Love Letter takes snippets of the cinematic aural post rock sprawl approach that was captured so well on the first two cassettes and marries it with a touch of "pop" flair. "Collecting Loss" finds its songs more traditionally arranged and most noticeably in the Love Letter discography with vocals being adding to its sonic repertoire. Don't let the words "structure', "pop" or "vocals" think that Love Letter has turned upside down because that simply isn't the case, it is just that Love Letter has morphed into something else while still being what it was before, washes of layered, reverberated guitar melodies and drones meshes with field recordings, vocal whispers and strummed guitars. This six song ep is akin to a lucid dream that one may experience on a windy autumn night. "Collecting Loss" examines the untainted innocence of youth and how once that innocence is lost it can never be reclaimed. For fans of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Azusa Plane, Paper Armies and Mariposa. "Collecting Loss" lathe cut 10 inch is limited to an edition of 15. Each lathe cut 10 inch is cut in real time by Graham at 2208 Records and is on clear polycarbonate with printed black & white labels. Each lathe cut record is packaged in a numbered chipboard jacket with full color artwork and includes a insert, download card, a love letter, a handmade decoder postcard and a bracelet made by Andrew and Kerry of Love Letter.
Listen to LOVE LETTER "Collecting Loss" on Bandcamp - Cestine "Other Half/Bright Encounter"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL97 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Together, Dominic Coppola and Theodore Schafer form the experimental/ambient duo that is Cestine. Seemingly out of nowhere their 2013 digital only debut release, "Pressed" impressed me so with its minimal, drone compositions that I reached out to them to express my interest in their work. At some point I offered an interest to document Cestine's work on Rok Lok and sometime later here we are with the duo's latest work "Other Half/Bright Encounter". This two song cassette showcases two lengthy tracks of minimal ambiance that is performed with such a mature sense of timing and restraint, where the natural dynamics of the compositions just flow. Cestine locks into warm sounds of droney waves and builds upon layers in such a subdued manner that one is enveloped in a calm of manipulated synth drones, and honed improvisation. Not a single sound ever feels rushed or cluttered-even the field recordings explored are done so in a manner that is not obtrusive to the overall aura of the work. The spaciousness achieved by Cestine reminds of the work of Widesky, R. Sawyer or Steve Reich. "Other Half/Bright Encounter" is an immersive, introspective experience that commands a listener's attention to fully appreciate but at the same time doesn't give into the lure of lengthy, self indulgent forays sound experimentation but rather a more focused and refined sense of minimal composition. "Other Half/Bright Encounter" is limited to an edition of 40 cassettes (home dubbed in real time) packaged in full color, numbered j-cards and painted/stamped labels.
Listen to CESTINE "Other Half/Bright Encounter" on Bandcamp - Jan "Let It Ride"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL96 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
As someone who has been doing this label for as long as I have seventeen years to be exact I honestly can't recall a period of time that has excited me as much as the last few years have. And that excitement is in large part to the sheer breadth of "home recorders" and bedroom musicians. So many interesting and daring creative ideas have been documented and shared with the world. As much as I always speak my love of the 90s lo-fi and home recording tape movement I have to speak as highly of how through the ease of home recording technology (heck many of us walk around with a personal studio of sorts on our smartphones) and how the internet has allowed like-minded creative folks-artists, labels and zines and listeners network with one another to share their niche oriented music. What does all of this have to do with the music Dayton, OH's Jan you might ask? Well, through the lo-fi and cassette forums of the Reddit community I was introduced to the music created by John Rademaker, the creative force behind Jan. "Let It Ride" is a diverse collection of home recorded sounds that finds the project alternating through personas that are more ambient and bedroom guitar folk oriented while other tracks delve into forays that are more electronic, chill-wave tinged. Rademaker tastefully meshes together found sound with well placed drones and swells, which creates a sound that sounds very organic and not contrived at all. "Let It Ride" ebbs and flows and hosts a variety of sounds-guitar, keyboard, treated vocals, field recordings and electronic triggered percussion but never crowds the listening space rather creates lush environments for the songs to roam around in. For fans of The National Park Service, Screen House Music, and Tortoise. "Let It Ride" is a 7 song mini album that is limited to an edition of 40 home dubbed cassettes (in real time) with full color, numbered cardstock j-cards and stamped labels.
Listen to JAN "Let It Ride" on Bandcamp - Mormon Toasterhead "Memory/Monument"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL95 } { double cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The last Mormon Toasterhead release on Rok Lok, "Summer" was more of a document of fragile, sappy immediate bedroom pop and while the double album "Memory" and "Monument" certainly have their elements of reveling in pop, however, the main focus seems to be more about mood and environment. Both of these albums excel at displaying emotive sprawls of ambient, minimal soundscapes. A keyboard drone here, a simple chill percussive loop there, sounds that crackle, and spaced out melodies over there- "Memory" and "Monument" play as brooding soundtrack to ones life and I think with these two companion albums that is exactly what Mormon Toasterhead's Ben Klawans was hoping to achieve. The compositions presented here shine in their use of space and creating emotion and depth without needlessly layering sounds. If you enjoyed 2013's "Change Change Change" cassette on Ritual Tapes you will see "Memory" & "Monument" as a continuation of what that tape so fantastic. "Memory" & "Monument" are two companion albums that are double cassette release packaged in a double wide norelco box features full color j-cards for each album and comes with full color printed labels. Limited to an edition of 35.
Listen to MORMON TOASTERHEAD "Memory/Monument" on Bandcamp - Little Whirls "Sedateness At the Movies"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL94 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Hailing from the land that brought us hefeweizen and Krautrock, Little Whirls shows the world that Germany can produce incredible indie rock as well! Reveling in a treble happy, lo fi aesthetic Little Whirls puts forth simplistic songs that are rich in melody-simply put lo fi pop music perfected! "Sedateness At the Movies" is a collection of seven tunes that the show influences of Guided By Voices, The Clean and Teenage Fanclub on their sleeves but don't come across as simply a lo fi karaoke without any nuances of their own as in a time of impersonal, slick sounding music Little Whirls are response to make pop music personal again. This isn't just nostalgia-this is making music that is worth caring about again. It is separating music lovers from lame record collectors and hipsters alike as this is the sound of people who are creating something they are passionate about and sharing it with individuals who are passionate about the act of being passionate engaged and investing in listening to music. "Sedateness At the Movies" is done all for the love of pop. It is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed yellow tint clamshell cassettes with full color, numbered j-cards created by the band themselves with hand stamped labels.
Listen to LITTLE WHIRLS "Sedateness At the Movies" on Bandcamp - Love Letter "Gentle Memories"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL93 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The second release from Love Letter from Rok Lok this year is a testament to just how much the sounds that this project creates resonates in me that I feel the urge to document as much of it as I can. "Gentle Memories" offers two lengthy tracks that ebb and flow in a dense mix of monolithic waves of reverberated guitar driven crescendos, the juxtaposition of howling guitar echos and lush, ambient drones, distinct introspective guitar line melodies and found sound natural ambiance of field recordings. With over thirty minutes of pure aural bliss, Love Letter continues in the patterns found on the prior cassette release of "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know" but takes the listener to new places. I encourage you as a listener and lover of music to clear your mind of all the noise that our daily lives bring, imagine a place or a feeling you want to explore and let Love Letter's "Gentle Memories" be your guide. "Gentle Memories" serves as a "love letter" of sorts to the core of one's self and the journey that we all embark on from birth to death. Love Letter plays a form ambient, droning shoegaze/post rock that is a mix between Paper Armies, Mono and Godspeed! You Black Emperor. "Gentle Memories' is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed (in real time) cassettes packaged in full color, numbered j-cards with hand painted/stamped labels.
Listen to LOVE LETTER "Gentle Memories" on Bandcamp - World's Fair "Leisurely"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL92 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
There is a notion within the realm of indie music that generally the energy captured from the impulse of youth far outweighs the results of a more mature pensiveness that can only come with time. Many artists go through this growth from being raucous, bottled lightning catching punks to being more thorough in mapping out their work, and speaking for myself as well as my friends in World's Fair whom I have played in other bands with over the years this perhaps sums up our album "Leisurely". Unlike our past bands we didn't rush into playing shows, recording or heck, even naming the songs- we just let things unfold naturally. We laid down the tracks for the album in January of 2013 and over months and months we added layers, tinkered and such with an album that we felt that we would be happy with not just in a fleeting sense but something that can be looked upon with later on with no regrets. The pace we have moved at can be described as nothing other than "leisurely", hence the name of the album. World's Fair is an amalgamation of our prior works but churned out into something that feels fresh and exciting to us-not simply just treading familiar sonic territories. Culling influence from bands such as Sonic Youth, Polvo, Swirlies, Built to Spill and even contemporaries such as Yuck- World's Fair hones its sound around distinct, swirling guitar driven indie rock that is centered around pulsating drums and over driven bass sounds. "Leisurely" is limited to an edition of 100 pieces of blue with white splatter vinyl pressed by our friends at Palomino Records. It is packaged inside a silk screened chipboard jacket and includes a full color insert and download card as well as a one inch button and sticker. Co-released with Mystery Trails Recording Co. Packaging and design by Mike Ciaravino
Listen to & Purchase WORLD'S FAIR "Leisurely" on Bandcamp - Hiders "Bloom"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL91 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It is hard to imagine that something so cohesive and full sounding as Hiders is the result of one damn fine song writer, James Morgan. Under the name of Hiders, Morgan pens hypnotic, driving indie rock churners that reminds of a cross between the clanging, dissonant guitars of Sonic Youth, Polvo mixed with the pop song sensibilities of "Frosting on the Beater" era Posies, all anchored by hushed, melancholy vocals. At times Hiders tends to focus on repetitious melodic grooves rather than cramming tons of changes, notes and parts , so in this sense there is a bit of Lungfish. Anyway you slice it Morgan knows how to write songs that are strong melodically yet does so in a way that is a bit more sonically unique than what is commonly associated with pop music. Hiders is a perfect balance of noise, rock and pop. "Hiders" is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed (in real time) cassettes with ful color, numbered j-cards.
Listen to HIDERS "Bloom" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Pop Industry"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL90 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
For those of you who have been following the Stars Are Insane discography here comes the curve ball. However in a way it really shouldn't be as hints of pop have been sprinkled all throughout the discography but perhaps never as overt as it appears on "Pop Industry". The story behind the eighth full length album from Stars Are Insane has origins in a completely different project of mine, Dude Japan, but to be exact the ashes of that project. In 2012 as Dude Japan broke up I found myself writing pop songs and not having a band at the time it started to make perfect sense to me to use that as a spring board for a new Stars Are Insane album. For me "Pop Industry" is a tribute to the lo fi indie pop/rock that I grew up with in the 90s such as Further, Guided By Voices, Eric's Trip, Sebadoh, etc. as it focuses on meshing together immediate pop sounds with field recordings. While "Pop Industry" may come off as a drastic stylistic shift from the more shoegaze/ambient motifs that have been explored on current Stars Are Insane releases it becomes more of just an extrapolation of an influence that has always been present in the project. Employed to document these sounds were an array of hand held recorders, boomboxes, 4 track, laptop, cell phone, etc. "Pop Industry" is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed cassettes, with full color, numbered card stock j-cards and hand stamped/painted labels.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Pop Industry" on Bandcamp - Love Letter "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL89 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Listening to "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know" by Love Letter is akin to waking from a dream so vibrant but as you wake trying to reveal every layer of the slumbered experience becomes difficult. You try to slowly replay every bit and piece from the dream but you are left with such gaping holes that you just want to go back to sleep so you can perhaps reconnect with a memory of it. The washed out, shoegazing drones of Love Letter engages on a hypnotic level where every time a new layer is revealed. Washes of sound just pour over you with each listen with layers of fuzzy, blown out waves of guitar drones that focus on creating a mood as opposed to commanding one's attention with a melody. And that is not to say Love Letter is devoid of melody or harmony for that matter because that would be absolutely an incorrect assertion, it is just how those familiar sonic ideals are expressed are done so in manner that is different and more focused in enveloping the listeners attention in rewarding experience that while esoteric in nature is one that has powerful results. The sounds of Love Letter reminds me a lot of Paper Armies, Asuza Plane and Mono to create a wonderful shoegaze/post rock hybrid. "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know" is limited to an edition of 50 home dubbed cassettes with full color , numbered j-cards and hand stamped labels.
Listen to LOVE LETTER "It Brought Us Something We Had to Know" on Bandcamp - Snow What "So Far So Good"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL88 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
It has been a couple of years since Snow What released their fantastic demo cassette on Rok Lok and in the time that has passed they have played a few shows and heck, even recorded two (yes TWO) albums. And we are delighted to team up with our friends at Party Ngg! to release this full length 12 inch "So Far So Good Snow What". If you dig melodic indie rock that is reminiscent of Guided By Voices, Sebadoh and Chisel then you will absolutely LOVE Snow What! Limited to 400 copies on black vinyl pressed at Archer in Detroit with art by Jeff & Justin from Merry Christmas and jackets will be screened at VG Kids. Recorded by Eric Truchan of Brick Mower
Listen to SNOW WHAT "So Far So Good" on Bandcamp$9.00 ppd $9.00 + shipping $9.00 + shipping - Orange Aurora "Dracula Coil"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL87 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It is certainly no secret that I have a soft spot for bedroom shoegaze and so it shouldn't be a surprise that Orange Aurora was a project that I feel in love with almost immediately. Eric Angal's the creative force behind Orange Aurora creates an enthralling brand of bedroom pop/shoegaze that is reminiscent of Vehicle Blues, Secret Shine, and Drop Nineteens. Some of the more expansive, ambient sprawls remind me of lovesliescrushing or the Azusa Plane. Drenched in layers of reverb, washed out vocals and a wave of melodic, yet fuzzy guitar tones reel you into a ep's worth of tunes that will lock in your attention. With the accessibility of digital recording there has been a flux of home recorded shoegaze/bedroom pop-some of it great and some of it not as such. Orange Aurora relies less on trickery and focuses more on building rich, infectious melodies and mesmerizing sense of tone, which separates him from the herd of current shoegaze "DIYers" . "Dracula Coil" is a six song ep that is packed into one C-20 black clamshell cassette home dubbed in real time and comes with hand stamped labels and full color, cover stock numbered j-cards. "Dracula Coil" is limited to an edition of 50.
Listen to ORANGE AURORA "Dracula Coil" on Bandcamp - The National Park Service "Winter Clothes"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL86 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Since 2011 Cleveland, OH based The National Park Service, the project of one Bill Delaney has been quietly building a extraordinarily prolific discography of home recorded forays into ambient folk, drone, disjointed guitar driven indie rock, and sound collages that excel in reeling in a listener to experience moods not only in a internal, introspective sense but from an environment standpoint. Perhaps it is the literature major in me that sees The National Park Service as an aural extension of Transcendentalist ideals. Since the project's inception Delaney has predominately relied on releasing and sharing his music in the digital format via Bandcamp. Currently he has sixteen releases solely available in the digital format though given Delaney's penchant for churning quality music in droves that number could certainly expand considerably by the time you read this. However, a mutual comrade within the tape label community, Lilly Tapes & Discs, was the first to bring the music of The National Park Service to folks in a tangible form first with the split cassette with Squanto and the concurrent collaborative cd-r with Squanto in 2012, and then a couple of months ago with the beautiful full length cassette "I Was Flying". And now Rok Lok Records is thrilled to offer The National Park Service's music in a physical form as well because while the digital format is certainly great to share music it is my belief that to truly appreciate Delaney's masterful compositions one must listen to all the songs in a unedited sequence, which is an experience that only a physical format such as a cassette can truly offer. And once you put "Winter Clothes" in your cassette player you will know this first hand to be true, and it becomes apparent that The National Park Service isn't a collection of home recording experiments but a work with a very calculated purpose. "Winter Clothes" is the fourth physical release within the vast output of The National Park Service, and it is a work that meshes ambient soundscapes, layers of wavy guitar sounds and melodies, dissonant guitar noodling, knob twisting and glitching electronic sounds, and isolated, introspective slices of minimal bedroom folk to create a multi-layered experience that will captivate a listener for multiple sittings. "Winter Clothes" is limited to 50 home dubbed cassettes with stamped labels and full color, numbered j-cards.
Listen to THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE "Winter Clothes" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane/Monogamy "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL85 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This has been a split that I feel even though really came together in a few months in reality was a couple of years in the making. For some reason I felt when I started corresponding with D Alffred Lyons (Monogamy) that our two projects would do a split release at some point. We have had such a mutual respect for each other's projects that it just made sense. On my side, my Stars Are Insane project offers two songs that focus on building ambient sounds underneath layers of minimal guitar melodies, warm synth drones, and volume swells. If you enjoyed the Stars Are Insane entry in the Singles Club Cassette Series last year then you will certainly enjoy this side of the split. On the flip side Monogamy gets things started with a fuzzy guitar, low end heavy post punk romp which eventually explodes and crawls into a loose, lounge piano crooner before culminating with a power violence/electronics skronk fest. Monogamy's three tracks continue in the tradition of what I love about this project-you never know what you are going to get! This home dubbed cassette is limited to an edition of 50 with full color, numbered j-cards and hand stamped labels. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE/MONOGAMY "split" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane/Morgue Toad "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL84 } { lathe cut 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This record represents many things for me. Firstly, the songs I have contributed to this record under my prolific Stars Are Insane moniker were written as a tribute to my dear friend Jason Rosenthal who recently passed away and left this earth far too early. Secondly, this serves as a document of the friendship I have with my buddy Manny who is the wonderful mind responsible for the brilliant Morgue Toad. Furthermore this split record between Stars Are Insane and Morgue Toad, to me represents not only my friendship with him but my continued relationship with the many great talented individuals I have met from the Los Angeles DIY/lo fi/ambient/indie scene. For those who have been following my Stars Are Insane project know full well that I never stay in specific place sonically, and with these songs I offer one striped down acoustic tune that was record in my bath room and the other is a short ambient folk/collage style instrumental. And on the flip side Morgue Toad offers two raw tunes of isolated bedroom lo-fi folk that reminds of stuff like Paste and stuff that could've easily been on the Union Pole label in the 90s. This lathe cut record has been cut by 2208 Records and is limited to an edition of 20 copies and is packaged in a full color fold over cover with a double sided insert, and a download code. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani. Morgue Toad insert and label art provided by Manny Sifuentes.
Listen to STARS ARE INSANE/MORGUE TOAD "split" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane/Morgue Toad "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL84b } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This limited edition cassette version was created to satisfy the request of those who missed out on the lathe cut 7 inch version. This record represents many things for me. Firstly, the songs I have contributed to this record under my prolific Stars Are Insane moniker were written as a tribute to my dear friend Jason Rosenthal who recently passed away and left this earth far too early. Secondly, this serves as a document of the friendship I have with my buddy Manny who is the wonderful mind responsible for the brilliant Morgue Toad. Furthermore this split record between Stars Are Insane and Morgue Toad, to me represents not only my friendship with him but my continued relationship with the many great talented individuals I have met from the Los Angeles DIY/lo fi/ambient/indie scene. For those who have been following my Stars Are Insane project know full well that I never stay in specific place sonically, and with these songs I offer one striped down acoustic tune that was record in my bath room and the other is a short ambient folk/collage style instrumental. And on the flip side Morgue Toad offers two raw tunes of isolated bedroom lo-fi folk that reminds of stuff like Paste and stuff that could've easily been on the Union Pole label in the 90s. This cassette version is limited to an edition of 25 copies and is packaged in a full color, numbered j-card with painted labels . Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani. Morgue Toad insert and label art provided by Manny Sifuentes.
- White Blush "White Blush"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL83 } { cassette } { reviews }
The sounds that Carol Rhyu creates with her project White Blush puts me into a state of borderline hypnosis every time I listen to it. And that is not to say it is boring or sleep inducing-in fact quite the opposite as every time I listen to it a new nuance is revealed to my ears. The balance of pop mastery and creating layers of intoxicating sounds is something that White Blush excels at. Mixing together the lush sounds of dream pop/shoegaze and synth driven New Wave with layers of electronic derived ambiance, White Blush, sounds like a meshing of such artists as I Break Horses, Stereolab, M83 and certainly a touch of The Cure and Depeche Mode. The warmth of ambient synth vibes, and slightly distorted bass under tones, propelling drum machine driven beats are all anchored by Rhyu's voice. This five song cassette will certainly leave you wanting more from White Blush. An edition of 100 pro duped/imprinted cassettes with full color j-cards.
Listen to WHITE BLUSH "White Blush" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Mormon Toasterhead "Summer"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL82 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The word "sappy" adorns the Bandcamp page of Mormon Toasterhead, a recording project of young song writer Ben Klawans and I see that description as a positive as opposed to knock against it which perhaps it is meant to imply. I feel "sappy" in relation to Mormon Toasterhead is appropriate but a endearing strength. Mormon Toasterhead creates fragile bedroom pop/folk that mixes together natural ambient sounds and field recordings to help serve the songs as snippets of life experiences. Stylistically Klawans shifts back and forth from simplistic bedroom pop, acoustic crooning to more experimental shifts with ambient instrumental forays or reverberating piano exercises and even bedroom Casio tone pop. Mormon Toasterhead's flair to mix all of these styles reminds me a great deal of James McNew's project, Dump, which has been a long personal favorite as well as inspiration of mine. I also sense the aesthetic of early Mountain Goats tape days at times or even a touch of Daniel Johnston's pop sensbilities when I listen to "Summer", a collection of ten songs that seem to echo the longing and eventual loss that one comes to experience with the season. An edition of 40 home dubbed cassettes, C-45 black clam shells with full color, numbered card stock j-cards.
Listen to MORMON TOASTERHEAD "Summer" on Bandcamp - Abandoned Houses "Untitled Spirals"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL81 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
In many ways life is a bout movement and the different experiences we have in these movements whether it is in body, mind or spirit. The music of Abandoned Houses is a document of such experiences, as its fuzzy, lo fi bedroom loner pop/folk approach is more of necessary lens than an chosen aesthetic. Abandoned Houses' music is captured in a field recording-esque approach as every song has been documented as such. The mind behind Abandoned Houses, Mike Ciaravino, states the "mantra" if you will of the project rather poignantly on the Abandoned Houses Soundcloud page in saying "Obsessed and inspired by places that are desolate, abandoned, falling apart and being reclaimed by nature. I travel around wherever I am and write and record music in the places I find, capturing a collective essence in recordings and photographs. They are all unique and contribute in different ways to the music and sounds I create." "Untitled Spirals" is a collection of five songs that pull at the heart with longing and in its desolate veil provides comfort in the hope of a better tomorrow. Abandoned Houses is rich melodically and pulling together subdued sound to create sounds that are more textured than they appear from the outset. Coincidentally, the fuzz captured as a result of the recording style employed by Ciaravino, meshes exceptionally well with this aforementioned texture to offer it a unique nuance. "Untitled Spirals" is an edition 50 numbered cassettes with hand assembled card stock, hand stamped an die cut sleeves as well as stamped labels and a insert. Fans of Abandoned Houses should seek out Ciaravino's other work with CMR, World's Fair, and Glasses. Artwork/packaging by Mike Ciaravino
Listen to ABANDONED HOUSES "Untitled Spirals" on Bandcamp - Swim Ignorant Fire "Belly of the Whale"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL80 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Chicago based Swim Ignorant Fire is a project of the creative, talented mind of Stephen Holliger, that explores the dynamics of ambient swells and post rock inspired soundscapes. The layers contained within each song have an organic drone about it that always has a concise yet subdued guitar melody lingering about with the occasional burst of noise. This is an absolute beautiful, hypnotizing C-45 with full color labels on top of black clam shells and packaged in a black norelco case and full color glossy artwork. Full color posters are available for a limited time. An edition of 65 of home dubbed cassettes.
Listen to SWIM IGNORANT FIRE "Belly of the Whale" on Bandcamp - Imaginary Pants "Channels/Seacliff"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL79 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
Words don't do justice to describe the great emotions I feel about being a part of this release. For starters it feels great to document more of the great music that my friend Jon Manning (Sandy City, Blanket Truth, Lost Sound Tapes) creates but it feels even greater knowing that I am also helping document music that the other half of Imaginary Pants, Rose Melberg, has created. To put things in perspective, as of this writing I am 35 years old and I have been listening to music the Rose has written/recorded with her various projects (Tiger Trap, The Softies, Go Sailor, Gaze, as well under her own name) since I was a 16 sixteen your old indie rock kid in highschool. If a past version of me got knowledge from the future about this release he (I) would be freaking out. Fanboy nonsense aside, it feels great to simply document great music by people such as Rose and Jon who have an impeccable track record of being a part of some of the best indie pop music my ears have ever been fortunate enough to hear. "Channels/Seacliff" is a two song 7 inch that is an indie pop lover's dream come true with an old school large center hole (a first for Rok Lok!) and it is limited to an edition of 500 copies. It is packed in a full color fold over cover.
Listen to IMAGINARY PANTS "Channels/Seacliff" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Kind Of Like Paris "s/t EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL78 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Sometimes I feel as if my favorite music comes in super short bursts of energy, especially when it comes to pop music. And that is something Lansing, Michigan's Kind Of Like Paris does exceptionally well. Short bursts of breezy, jangle/noise pop that is a cross between stuff like Lync, Light Sleepers and Juniper. A more obscure take on the tried and true noise pop genre as it takes more cues for the indie underground of the 90s Pacific Northwest than it does the C-86 route which seems to be all the rage these days-which is good but it is refreshing to hear a project like Kind Of Like Paris that approaches pop song form from a completely different angle. Kind of Like Paris on this cassette delivers 3 short tracks that will be replayed and replayed. And with each play through a new nuance will stick out, revealing that a great deal occurs during the short duration of these tracks. This cassette is limited to 40 black home dubbed cassettes with hand stamped labels and numbered black & white j-cards.
Listen to KIND OF LIKE PARIS "s/t EP" on Bandcamp - v/a "I Know Why They Call It Pop: Volume 2"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL77 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
When I did the "I Know Why They Call It Pop" cassette compilation a few years back I honestly didn't know how people would respond to it. Fortunately people responded very, very well and almost immediately people were asking when I would do a second volume. I felt as if the time had to be right, I didn't want it to be some annual sort of predictable kind of thing that became not special because the whole idea of this was make a compilation be special again because I feel as if the compilation format had lost its luster. The time is right for a second volume to "I Know Why They Call It Pop" and without further delay here is a list of the artists that will be featured all with exclusive tracks: Bare Pale, Abandoned Houses, Imaginary Pants, Gelatin Kids, Daniel Fromberg, The Only Ghost in Town, Ron Beaudet, Exit Bag, Former Selves, Bearchild, Cola, Nicole Kidman, Hanna Elson, Kent State, Shivering Window, Monogamy, Ramon Speed,Brahms, Outside the Museum, Secret Beach, Uncrushworthy, Morgue Toad, Tereshkova, Math and Mike Naideau. This cassette is pro duplicated with imprinted orange cassettes packaged in a case with a j-card in a edition of 125. Pressed by National Audio Company. Artwork/layout by Alexandra Dolan Mescal.
Listen to I KNOW WHY THEY CALL IT POP: VOLUME 2" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Forget February"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL76 } { lathe cut flexi w/ cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
With the next Stars Are Insane full length, "Pop Industry", waiting in the wings to finally be released I have approached another stopgap of sorts with this brand new release, "Forget February" which a ultra limited single sided lathe cut 7 inch flexi. "Forget February" is a slice of melancholy bedroom pop that hints at the sounds to be found on the forthcoming "Pop Industry" and is limited to a edition of 10 red 7 inch flexis. Each record is numbered and packed in a beautiful full color card stock cover. Also included is a hand stamped cd-r with three exclusive bonus tracks not on the flexi packaged in their own sleeve. Each flexi has been cut in real time so each record has its own unique flaws. I will be very honest there is a considerable amount of surface noise on these flexis and is more of a charming odd curio in the Stars Are Insane discography. I have found that the records sound best when manually placing the needle on the first groove as opposed to using the automatic arm. "Forget February" has been cut by Rah Rah Records. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
Purchase Digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Forget February" on Bandcamp - Bare Pale "If It Is"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL75 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This one caught me by complete surprise and that is perhaps why I enjoy so much. And it doesn't hurt that Bare Pale writes infectious, fuzzy noise pop melodies that get stuck in your head instantly. Based out of London the trio of Bare Pale plays a hybrid of reverb soaked shoegaze and wonky lo fi indie rock, that reminds me of a cross between Swirlies, "Isn't Anything" era My Bloody Valentine, Blaise Pascal, Sammy and Teenage Fanclub. "If It Is" offers up six tracks of undeniably pure noise pop bliss and it reminds of the one cassette that I would listen to over and over again in my walkman because it was so damn good. After listening to "If It Is" you will not only find yourself listening to it over and over again but you will want more from Bare Pale. And seeing that this is just the beginning, hopefully they will answer that call.
"If It Is" is limited to an edition of 100 pro duped/imprinted cassettes with full color j-cards.
Listen to BARE PALE "If It Is" on Bandcamp - Squanto "A Gift and A Favor"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL74 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Historically speaking my experiences with independent music on Long Island has been that of encountering bands of varying genres but generally music that is loud and essentially "rock" based. While not as fast paced as city life Long Island does tend to have an energy about itself and I think that is certainly reflected in the music here. Escaping from suburban drudgery and letting it all out through a shitty PA at a bar on Thursday night. Long Island finds a way to come together and celebrate life through anthem filled music. However, there is an isolation about suburban life that tends to be over looked- it is in a way tailor made for those of us who spend Friday nights home drinking 7-11 coffee and listening to ramshackle folk records. And generally speaking I think the music that reflects this isolation is if not seldom explored but at the very least seldom shared in the public light here on the island. This island is so diverse in its make up and being surrounded by water, it becomes a part of the DNA of being a Long Islander. This constant juxtaposition of suburban life, that is in the shadow of the big city that is New York City against having a history wrapped around it that is rich in fishing, beaches and such is constantly looming whether we address it or not. How does any of this relate to Squanto you may be wondering- well as someone who has grown up and lived in various parts of the Island I feel this music, whether Ben Lovell (the mind behind Squanto) intends it or not, tells another tale of Long Island that doesn't get told too often. We have heard our outspoken, shared experience of suburban anthems of angst and youthful exuberance but what Squanto does is through the vehicle of loose ambient/folk music is paint a picture of the isolation, the inward personal journey that is also reflective of the experience that many of us have with Long Island. "A Gift and A Favor" is a collection of five songs that in their airy like composition seem to roll off the tide of the Long Island Sound, with gentle finger picked acoustic guitar melodies that sublimely segment with corresponding guitar harmonies, swelling ambient sounds, and hushed, layered vocals against a back drop of natural ambiance, and found suburban and nature sounds. Squanto provides a soundtrack for the suburban experience that is positioned far from the noisy traffic jams of the LIE and the gleam of strip malls in our every line of sight. In some ways I feel as if the music of Squanto is auditory equivalent what Transcendentalist literature offered, as through these series of loose sounds that Lovell weaves together the listener is being offered a contemporary notion of stepping away from all the clatter of the world around us and honing in that personal, momentary experience and the subtle sounds that occur. "A Gift and A Favor" is experience that you will take in and revisit many times, and upon which new layers will resonate with you as a listener. All of Squanto's music is breathtakingly serene, and I highly recommend that you seek it out through Lovell's own Lilly Tapes and Discs label whom is gracious enough to co-release "A Gift and A Favor" with Rok Lok Records. This home dubbed cassette with full color j-cards and custom labels is limited to a edition of 65.
Listen to SQUANTO "A Gift and A Favor"" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan "Simple Living (reissue)"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL73 } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Originally released in 2010 as a hand stamped CD-R in a polybag in a edition of 110 copies, Dude Japan's "Simple Living" has been repackaged and reissued as a CD in a jewel case with full color artwork and disc face. But in addition to the new look of "Simple Living", three bonus tracks have been added as well! Both of their tracks from the split 7 inch with Weed Hounds and their cover of Velocity Girl's "Sorry Again" from "Dead Broke Tape Comp 4" cassette have been tacked on to make "Simple Living" even better! This reissue coincides with the release of Dude Japan's final ep, "Will You Meet Me There" and their upcoming reunion show. Buzzing guitar indie rock for fans of Superchunk, Velocity Girl, Built to Spill, Further, Tiger Trap, etc. Limited to 200 cds. Artwork by Tyler Kuliberda. Layout by Darren Nanos.
Purchase Digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Simple Living (reissue)" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan "Will You Meet Me There?"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL72 } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Over a year removed from the band's final show, Dude Japan's final recording, "Will You Meet Me There?" is here! These songs were written as a direct response to the approach that we took in putting together our full length album, "The Things That Matter", where instead of focusing on how the songs would work as a cohesive presentation, we simply just wrote songs. Not with a thought on where they would end up or how they would sound together. And in that regard I am glad that these songs represent the exit of the band as it displays the band just having a good time and writing songs because it is fun. Heck, isn't that what it should be about anyway? To my biased ears "Will You Meet Me There?" sounds like a marriage of the immediacy displayed on the earlier eps and the more refined aspects of our pop song writing that took place on the full length. It has the hallmarks of the signature fuzzy guitar tones and strong melodic leads and layered vocals that folks have come to expect from Dude Japan. Sonically, and lyrically "Will You Meet Me There?" offers proper closure to a band that wrote a bunch songs, and had tons of fun in a short period of time. For fans of Superchunk, Velocity Girl, Built to Spill, Tiger Trap, etc.
"Will You Meet Me There?" is limited to 200 cds with full color artwork. The cd exclusively features a cover of Small's "Vega & Boston". Artwork/layout by Alexandra Dolan Mescal.
Purchase Digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Will You Meet Me There?" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan "Will You Meet Me There?"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL72b } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Over a year removed from the band's final show, Dude Japan's final recording, "Will You Meet Me There?" is here! These songs were written as a direct response to the approach that we took in putting together our full length album, "The Things That Matter", where instead of focusing on how the songs would work as a cohesive presentation, we simply just wrote songs. Not with a thought on where they would end up or how they would sound together. And in that regard I am glad that these songs represent the exit of the band as it displays the band just having a good time and writing songs because it is fun. Heck, isn't that what it should be about anyway? To my biased ears "Will You Meet Me There?" sounds like a marriage of the immediacy displayed on the earlier eps and the more refined aspects of our pop song writing that took place on the full length. It has the hallmarks of the signature fuzzy guitar tones and strong melodic leads and layered vocals that folks have come to expect from Dude Japan. Sonically, and lyrically "Will You Meet Me There?" offers proper closure to a band that wrote a bunch songs, and had tons of fun in a short period of time. For fans of Superchunk, Velocity Girl, Built to Spill, Tiger Trap, etc. "Will You Meet Me There?" is limited to 34 numbered cassettes with full color j-cards. The cassette exclusively features a cover of Sleepyhead's "What's Gonna Set You Free? Artwork/layout by Alexandra Dolan Mescal
Purchase Digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Will You Meet Me There?" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "#1 Hero You Are the Best: 1998-2012- A Collection of the Rare & Unreleased"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL71 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Sometimes I can't believe that I have been doing the Stars Are Insane project as long as I have. And furthermore I am surprised that I have accumulated so many songs that didn't have proper homes. Quite frankly there was stuff that I either knowingly omitted, forgot about or wasn't around yet when I issued "So. I Dreamed of Noise" 4x cd-r discography in 2006 so it seemed fitting that I put together a release of this nature. Especially since post "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster" my main focus of output has been compilations and a lathe cut 7 inch of which only 10 copies were made it felt right to harness all of those obscure tracks under one roof before the next two "proper" Stars Are Insane releases come out this year. "#1 Hero You Are the Best: 1998-2012- A Collection of the Rare & Unreleased" compiles seventeen Stars Are Insane tracks all from different periods of the project's history. It isn't intended to be viewed as an album but more so as a collection of ideas. It captures some of the more current Stars Are Insane motifs but some of the old ones are present to whether it be out of tune acoustic guitar emo crooning, layers of tape hiss, noisy guitar skronk fests, etc. Yes, some ideas are not perfect or as refined as I'd like or in some ways even lasting to me, but regardless all of these are pieces of the puzzle that is Stars Are Insane so just as purely an archival piece this release is important to the discography. Featuring covers of songs by Further, Sebadoh and Hayden only solidifies some of the core influences and aesthetics that have been adorned by Stars Are Insane since its inception. "#1 Hero You Are the Best: 1998-2012- A Collection of the Rare & Unreleased" is limited to 20 stamped cd-rs packaged in full color, numbered pocket sleeves with a fold out insert. It is house in a poly bag. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani.
Purchase Digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "#1 Hero You Are the Best: 1998-2012- A Collection of the Rare & Unreleased" on Bandcamp - Eureka California/Good Grief "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL70 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
Two awesome offerings of indie rock on one 7 inch!! Eureka California hail from Athens, GA and they played fuzzed out garage pop that reminds me of stuff like The Summer Hits, Comet Gain and the sort of sun baked noise pop that is associated with the west coast. Short bursts of anthemic fuzz pop that will beg multiple listens before you put the record back on the shelf. On the flip side Liverpool's Good Grief gives us a one, two punch of indie punk rock that reminds me of Superchunk and New Sweet Breath. Good Grief get your attention with super melodic tunes that feature a driving low end and hooky guitar lines as well as powerful vocals. This 7 inch is a co-release between Happy Happy Birthday to Me, and strictly no capital letters. It is limited to 500 copies all with silk screened covers.
Listen to EUREKA CALIFORNIA/GOOD GRIEF "split" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Vehicle Blues "Singles Club #11"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL69 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
While there is certainly nothing wrong with music that exists merely to entertain, it truly is magical when one hears a song that has such a profound impact on them emotionally that they are changed for the better. And that is what my relationship with the music of Vehicle Blues is. I recall vividly my discovery of Vehicle Blues in that I was conversing with Kevin Greenspon regarding stocking his Bridgetown Records releases in my distro. I sampled the mp3s the site had to offer and yes, there was a Vehicle Blues track and I dug it. I stocked pretty much all of the releases and unless my memory is ultra fuzzy I remember at the time originally being more excited for some of the other releases I was stocking. It wasn't until I was sitting down with Vehicle Blues' "Changer" and then "Punks on Transit" where I found myself completely enveloped in the sonic tapestry that the Blues mastermind Gabe Holcombe was creating. Neither of those releases left my cd player and I couldn't wait to hear more. It was as if I was fiending. By the time the "Koz Park" cassette hit, my 24-7 obsession with Vehicle Blues was official. And perhaps obsession is a poor choice of words but I honestly couldn't recall having a desire to listen to anything but Vehicle Blues. When everything else in my life felt incredibly wrong, anytime I was within an earshot of Vehicle Blues' music everything felt right. There is just something about getting lost in the sound of Vehicle Blues, every little nuance just wraps around my being. Whether it is the layered tones of hypnotic guitar fuzz, or the hushed melancholy of Holcombe's voice. The pulsating, almost primitive "Psychocandy" esque drum machine sounds . Or how songs would morph from fuzzed out pop nuggets to sprawling canvases of reverb drenched noise. All of it is just sonic beauty and it couldn't have revealed itself at a better time in my life. I am thrilled beyond imagination to have Vehicle Blues be a part of the Rok Lok discography and share music that is so important to me on a personal level with others in the hope that they have their own experience with this wonderful music. If you like fuzzy, loner bedroom pop/shoegaze then you need to give Vehicle Blues a spin. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered cardstock j cards.
Listen to VEHICLE BLUES "Singles Club #11" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Singles Club #10"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL68 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Since 2011's "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster" I have been rather busy with the Stars Are Insane project. From contributing a few compilation tracks, a lathe cut 7 inch, re-issuing "The Empty House" in a proper album form, releasing the "Partial History" selected works release, playing the first live show since 2005 and working on a new album called "Pop Industry" it is safe to say that things are happening. In addition to all of that I have been able to document these four brand new songs to be a part of the Singles Club Cassette Series. Whereas the forthcoming album "Pop Industry" is a document of fuzzed out bedroom pop, this Singles Club cassette is a offering of four sprawling, ambient shoegaze soundscapes. An exploration in the relationship and correlation between the volatile yet soothing forces of nature and the human experience. For those who have been following the varied sonic history of Stars Are Insane I find these songs to be a marriage stylistically speaking between "Anonymously Yours" and "9 Untitled Songs" while being new, not solely clinging onto past aesthetics. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered cardstock j cards. Photography by Lisa Barone. Layout/packaging by Mike Andriani.
Purchase Digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Singles Club #10" on Bandcamp - Ron Beaudet "Awkward Age"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL67 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
After years of getting bombarded with really, really awful demos in the less than one month I received two exceptional ones, the first being one from Tereshkova and the second was from Ron Beaudet and both have found homes for their fantastic music here at Rok Lok Records. Ron Beaudet is based out of Worcester, MA and puts an isolated North East stamp on the genre of slacker pop with his full length "Awkward Age". Brimming with pure undeniable pop sensibility layered in reverb, the sounds Beaudet captures on "Awkward Age" is a mix of Beach Fossils, Comet Gain, and Wavves. Songs about longing, being carefree and young and of course, the summer- this a picture perfect indie pop album and I think you'll agree too. Limited to an edition 40 numbered black clam shell home dubbed cassettes with black & white card stock j-cards and stamped labels.
Listen to RON BEAUDET "Awkward Age" on Bandcamp - Shivering Window "Singles Club #9"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL66 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The term "lo fi" gets thrown around a lot and perhaps because there is still a renewed interest buzzing around in that everything 90's is "cool" again. A lot of contemporary bedroom musicians have boiled down lo fidelity and the overall aesthetic to a science . And while this rebirth of lo fi, if you will, has spawned some fuzztastic pop gems one element I do have to say that has been absent is the more earnest, dare I say emotional element. I know the past decade has dragged the term "emo" through the mud so much that anytime emotion is mentioned in correlation with music one can't help but squirm. Trust me there are no flailing on the floor antics here, Shivering Window combines heavy doses of tape hiss with heavily reverberated guitars and crooning vocals. Imagine if Lou Barlow's Sentridoh and East River Pipe had more of a shoegaze leaning and that will give you an idea of what to expect from Shivering Window. Just as he has done on his previous two cassettes, including a split with Vehicle Blues (both on Juniper Tree Songs label) Matthew Conrad Gray's Shivering Window offers two songs on this Singles Club entry that will draw the listener in with a sound that is haunting yet soothing at the same time. These fragile songs reek of pure sincerity and are wrapped in a tapestry of swirling guitar sounds with hushed yet guttural vocal performances. Shivering Window has only been recording for about a year and the output thus far has been nothing short of superb. This cassette is another step in the evolution of a project that I think all will come to know and love if they don't already. It is a thrill to be a part of documenting the wonderful sounds of Shivering Window. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to SHIVERING WINDOW "Singles Club #9" on Bandcamp - Katrina Stonehart "Singles Club #8"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL65 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
For the last couple of years I have been very interested in the beautiful racket that has been coming out of the "Windy City". A seemingly plethora of fuzzy bedroom pop, shoegaze and noise seems to be from Chicago rather often, and quite frankly there is just so much good stuff it is hard to name them all. For my money Lillerne Tapes, Solid Melts and Teen River have been touchstones of sorts for this type of music and one artist that has appeared on all of these labels (and more) is Katrina Stonehart. The borderline ambiguous project of Drew Gibson who is one of the brilliant minds behind Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk and two of the aforementioned labels, Solid Melts and Teen River. Katrina Stonehart's music is generally focused around very fuzzy guitar sounds that are sometimes a part of really melodic and catchy reverb soaked bedroom pop. And other times the sound of Katrina Stonehart is an excercise in daring, sprawling soundscapes. I am very happy to have both of the Katrina personas, so to speak coalesce on this cassette and be a part of the Singles Club series. Three untitled tracks of lo fi hypnotic fuzz that is somehow very catchy. I have admired what Drew has done with his various projects and I am very honored to have him lend some of Katrina Stonehart's music to be a part of this series Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to KATRINA STONEHART "Singles Club #8 on Bandcamp - Tereshkova "Romance Space"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL64 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
After years of receiving one horrible demo submission after another one day I got an email from Jeff Lane to check out his project Tereshkova. I went in with the lowest expectation given the inordinate amount horrible demos I have encountered in my time, however I was immediately blown away by what I heard from Tereshkova. And exactly what I heard was some wondrous textural yet minimal at times a shoegaze, ambient and dream pop hyrbid. Tereshkova deftly switches back and forth from breezy, synth driven layers of ambiance to pure reverb drenched bedroom pop. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand painted labels and full color, numbered j cards. Artwork by Ariel Lane. Layout/packaging by Mike Andriani
Listen to TERESHKOVA "Romance Space" on Bandcamp - Kent State "Singles Club #7- Behind Closed Doors"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL63 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
About a year ago a good friend of mine turned me onto a band on Last FM thinking I would dig them and suggested that it may be a good idea that this band eventually put something out on Rok Lok. That band is none other than Kent State! What originally started out as basic introductions and discussing a mutual love of Guided By Voices, Sebadoh and the assorted like led to this moment. At some point I let it be known that when the opportunity presented itself that I would love to release something for Kent State, and when the Rok Lok Singles Club Cassette Series the timing was perfect. Kent State has given me the pleasure of adding four of their fantastic songs to the Rok Lok discography. "Behind Closed Doors" is a four song ep of romping, non stop lo fi indie rock/punk rock tunes. These tunes are raw yet very catchy and covered in layers of reverb like a mix between Guided By Voices, Television Personalities and Husker Du. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to KENT STATE "Singles Club #7: Behind Closed Doors" on Bandcamp - Mike Naideau "Singles Club #6"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL62 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
A few years ago I started developing a relationship with the Long Island label Life On An Island, a label who I admire a great deal. In some ways I feel our two labels a very alike- we take pride in documenting the music that our friends are creating here on Long Island but also representing a very diverse range of sounds. Most of my dealings with Life On An Island were through Mike Naideau, who also plays in the wonderful band Giant Peach whom you should all be aware of. My first introduction to Naideau's music was however the home recorded music he did under the name of Blood Soda and then later his own name. Naideau has a knack for mixing fuzzy guitar tones, intelligent lyrics, and field recordings to create a brand of psychedelic bedroom pop. In some ways you can certainly see what Naideau does bring creatively to the table in Giant Peach but here you get to witness it do its own thing. In Naideau's entry in the Rok Lok Singles Club he contributes two tracks of fuzzy bedroom art rock/pop that reminds of Polvo as well Libraness- the solo project of Ash Bowie of Polvo. Limited to numbered 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and black & white, numbered j cards.
Listen to MIKE NAIDEAU "Singles Club #6" on Bandcamp - Hanna Elson "Singles Club #5"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL61 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It is funny how one can find out about music these days. Perhaps it is unpopular opinion but I'd say there is a glut of music out there and the vast majority of is really bad. Trudging through the far reaches of the internet to find sounds that isn't some form of regurgitated, vapid nonsense is rather difficult. And that brings me to coming to find out about the music of Hanna Elson because her music is anything but vapid. One night I was browsing Last FM (yeah I know sooooo old) and I noticed that a few artists were listed as similar artists as Destructasaurus Rex so at the point my curiosity was piqued because if that were true I needed to hear this! These artists- Scraps E Flat, Honey Graffiti, Mia Miaou and then Hanna Elson were all monikers of Elson herself. And while the music I heard wasn't anything like D. Rex what I heard was music that was pure and had a very strong aesthetic about itself. There is a raw honesty and a sense of desperation heard in Hanna Elson's music that I seldom hear yet long for very much so. It is music like that this that keeps me interested in the whole darn thing, just hoping that someone will come along and make music that is free of all the trappings that most musician types fall into. This is the sound of someone making honest, from the soul music and I feel fortunate to share a small taste of Hanna Elson's music with the world. Hanna has a vast discography of songs that are available for free download on Last Fm and Bandcamp under her various different incarnations, and I highly recommend that you take a listen it is all wonderful music. If you are a fan of fragile, broken bedroom folk like Freakwater, Azalia Snail, or Julie Dorion , I implore you to give a listen to the music of Hanna Elson. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to HANNA ELSON "Singles Club #5" on Bandcamp - Kevin Greenspon "Singles Club #4- Empty Minutes"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL60 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
For the last couple of years I have had a great deal of admiration for Kevin Greenspon as not only a musician and label operator but also as a friend and as a result I have to say it is an absolute honor to release a few pieces of his music on Rok Lok Records. Kevin's label Bridgetown Records, has been releasing one amazing release after another and can certainly be credited a large part for not only reigniting interest in cassettes but influencing Rok Lok a great deal. In delving into Bridgetown's discography I unearthed a many great and unique sounds but something unlike any other relationship I have ever shared with music rushed over me when I got to the Kevin Greenspon releases in the label's discography. Greenspon is able to create layers of texture and melody that resonate in a way that most music of the ambient/shoegaze/drone ilk never even come close to ever attaining. While many of Greenspon's contemporaries create random, almost cold layers of sound; he himself actually constructs songs that move along and take you the listener along for a ride. Perhaps the veneer thrown up is that the music is subtle and bare but there is a lot going in these songs and with each successive listen something new will grab you. Instrumental music has never spoken to me so loudly. "Empty Minutes" is a three song ep that is a part of the Singles Club Cassette Series and if you are a fan of Greenspon's work I think you'll be thoroughly pleased with this new offering. And for those not familiar- strap yourselves in for an experience. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to KEVIN GREENSPON "Singles Club #4" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "You Are Not Good Enough (For Me)"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL59 } { lathe cut 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Sometimes as individuals we go through almost crippling experiences that seem like we can never recover from but you fight through and come out stronger in the end. This ultra limited 2 song, lathe cut 7 inch is a document of one such experience in my life. Listening to these songs now, the person I was and what I was feeling in the song "The Ghost's Holiday" seems almost foreign to me now but rest assured it comes from the heart that emotion was very much alive. The b side features a cover of the Further's "Alternative Ulcer". Taking Stars Are Insane back to its roots both of these songs were recorded live with an acoustic guitar, voice and microphone in my bathroom last summer. This 7 inch lathe has been cut by Corporate Biz Records and is limited to 10 copies. Each record is packaged in a numbered fold over cover with its own unique Polaroid artwork-no two covers are a like. Also included is a full color 11x17 poster, and a digital download card. Each record also has custom hand stamped/painted center labels. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani. *ATTN BUYERS: Lathe cut records are cut in real time so each record is different from one another in some way with its own unique imperfections at times. I have found that the record sounds best if you manually place the tone arm on the first groove as opposed to an automatic arm drop
- Snow What "Demo Tape"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL58 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It has taken far too long for my liking to make this release a reality. My good buddy Patrick who runs the fantastic Stumparumper Records is also responsible for the wonderful indie pop/rock trio of Snow What. Buzzing guitars, endearing vocals and just short bursts of pop euphoria that reminds me of a mash between Chisel, Sebadoh, The Orange Peels, as well as Allen Clapp & His Orchestra. The recording of this demo struck me in a manner as if it was blasting out of my cassette deck if I was in high school in the 90s. But it isn't the 90s and that is what makes it even all the more awesome that a indie rock band of the caliber of Snow What exists in this day and age. And not only do they write great pop songs, Snow What is also a terrific live band so catch 'em if you can. This cassette is limited to 50 hand numbered pieces and comes with a black and white j-card as well as hand stamped labels. Artwork by Patrick Kelley
Listen to SNOW WHAT "Demo Tape" on Bandcamp - Make It Plain "Somersault"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL57 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
It is wonderful sometimes to sit back and watch something grow. Metamorphosis is certainly strange but beautiful thing. Truth be told when I first heard Make It Plain's initial demo it didn't leave much an impression on me. It wasn't as if the songs weren't good, it just felt as if something was missing. Something that I felt was there but just wasn't hearing- then it hit me. I vividly remember going to see Deep Pockets and Weed Hounds play at Mr Beery's and as it turned out Make It Plain were the first to hit the stage. Everything about that night was right- the vibe in the venue was aces, the beer specials were a treat and then Make It Plain just killed it. Everything about the set was perfect and the things I walked away from that set were that A) I really appreciate bands who don't over play and let the melodies/vocals carry the songs B) Kristin MacDougal (Make It Plain's lovely vocalist) has an absolutely wonderful voice and C) Make It Plain write exceptional pop music! And now with this two song 7 inch, "Somersault" and also their forthcoming split 7 inch with Deep Pockets (on Dead Broke) Make It Plain are about to let folks outside of Long Island be aware of all those facts and more. Without being tied down to tired cliches, "Somersault" has a spirit that reminds me the carefree nature of 90s indie rock while sounding relevant for 2012. Make It Plain remind me of a cross between Velocity Girl, Lush, Red Dye No. 5 and Rainer Maria. This record is limited to 200 pieces with full color double sided covers and it is another co-release with my buddy Andy at strictly no capital letters. Pressed at Palomino Records. Covers at Moxicopy. Layout by Hugo Fitzgerald.
Listen to MAKE IT PLAIN "Somersault" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Monogamy "Singles Club #3"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL56 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The third entry in the Rok Lok Singles Club cassette series is from Monogamy, the brainchild of one D. Alfred Lyons. I first came across Monogamy when the two of us started trading emails back and forth about music and such. I came to stocking Monogamy's full length cd-r/zine "Posture Smiles Upon You" in my distro and I was awestruck with the wonderful hodge podge, cut and paste style of the music found on the album. Shifting from lo-fi field recording type stuff, folk and bedroom pop, Monogamy covers a lot of ground. There is the ever present conflict of toe tappin' catchy, oddity and grating somehow all happening at once. It is music that forces you to be involved in the process, making a decision whether you are a part of it or not rather than it just being wandering off in the background. And that is what I love about Monogamy's music is it brings music back to feeling rewarded as a listener, as you are participating in the process. Monogamy sounds like all of your favorite Shrimper, Sonic Enemy and Unread Records releases all in one. For fans of Refrigerator, Paste, Palace, and Lou Barlow's Sentrdidoh. Limited to 50 copies with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to MONOGAMY "Singles Club #3" on Bandcamp - The Only Ghost in Town "Singles Club #2- I Live in the Capital of Pain"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL55 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The second installment in the Singles Club cassette series is from an artist who certainly is no stranger to the Rok Lok discography. New Jersey based The Only Ghost in Town continues to unleash pop gem after pop gem. As showcased on 2010's "The Summer Was Over Before It Began" cassette and 2011's "Hidden East Coast EP", The Only Ghost in Town has carved out a niche of writing a brand of tremolo happy, wobbly shoegaze tinged indie rock/pop. For fans of Further, The Summer Hits, Lenola, and Veronica Lake. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN "Singles Club #2" on Bandcamp - Outside the Museum "Singles Club #1"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL54 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The first entry in Rok Lok Records Singles Club cassette series is from the wonderful indie pop/folk song writer Ben Catt who for the last few years has been releasing music on cassette, cd-r and digitally under the name Outside the Museum. Shifting from gently strummed acoustic guitar numbers to more ambient approaches, Catt displays masterful skill in writing what can be best described as serene rainy day music. Sounds that get you straight to your core. This four song cassette showcases moody indie pop/folk at its best. If you are a fan of Jens Lekman or Mt Eerie than I think you will absolutely love Outside the Museum and I strongly recommend you seek out his other releases, they are time well spent. Two of the songs here, "Old Age" and the "The Dying Light", are earlier versions of two songs that appear on his new album "Souvenirs" which was released by Catt's own Correspondence Tapes. Limited to 50 cassettes with hand stamped labels and full color, numbered j cards.
Listen to OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM "Singles Club #1" - Giant Peach "Callous & Strange"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL53 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
*4 copies left* Long Island indie rock trio Giant Peach first came to my attention well over a year ago with their debut cd "Glow Away, Ghetto Away" which was solid in its approach to to noisy yet melodically rich brand of tunes. And then this past year my mind was absolutely blown when I heard their new EP "People Don't Believe Me". It took me a matter of minutes to look into my crystal ball on see a Giant Peach release in the future on Rok Lok! And that release is "Callous and Strange" which is a four song 7 inch, that captures Giant Peach at their best. This bass-less trio plays noisy guitar indie rock that is a wondrous mesh of Polvo, Helium, Bettie Serveert, "Electropura" era Yo La Tengo and Rainer Maria. This 7 inch is a co-release between Rok Lok and a label that I have admired for a long time, Life On An Island. This 7 inch is limited to 250 pieces with a full color fold over cover, insert, download code and a full color silk screen poster. Pressed at Palomino Records and covers at Moxicopy. Artwork/layout by Frances Chang.
Listen to GIANT PEACH "Callous & Strange"$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Stars Are Insane "The Empty House"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL52 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Originally recorded in July through October 2001 "The Empty House" comprises the songs that was supposed to make up what would have been then the follow up to "Gay". However for whatever reasons the songs went unreleased until they were later collected on the four cd-r set "So. I Dreamed of Noise". A few songs even appeared on the recent select works compilation,"Partial History". Now eleven years later this batch of songs are being released in proper album form. These 13 songs represent an end of a very productive era for the Stars Are Insane project. And while I still write and release music under the name the years 1998-2001 were easily my most productive years with the project.In some ways these songs sum up that time period perfectly and I am happy to share them in manner that is on their own and not a part of a collection. The songs have been re-sequenced to be heard in the order they were meant to as opposed to how they appear on "So. I Dreamed of Noise", thus creating more of a proper album flow. This hand stamped cd-r comes packaged in a DVD case with full color artwork and a full color insert. Each sleeve is numbered and this release is limited to 25 pieces. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "The Empty House" on Bandcamp - Brick Mower "Why Are We Doing This?"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL51 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Based out of New Brunswick, NJ the power trio of Brick Mower has been a obsession of mine from the first second I heard their incredible "Floors EP" on Stumparumper Records and Viking On Campus. And with each subsequent release and live show since I was chomping at the bit for an opportunity to release some music for them. It is a honor and privilege to be able to be a part of sharing Brick Mower's rad music with the world. Brick Mower plays a brand of fuzzy guitar indie rock that I can't get enough of. If you dig catchy indie rock/punk stuff that is like Superchunk, New Sweet Breath, Small and fluf then say hello to your new favorite band. "Why Are We Doing This?" is limited to 200 copies and is packaged in fold over cover and includes a insert. Pressed by Palomino and covers made by Moxicopy.
Listen to BRICK MOWER "Why Are We Doing This?" on Bandcamp - The Only Ghost in Town "Hidden East Coast EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL50b } { lathe cut 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Following up last year's awesome full length cassette "The Summer Was Over Before It Began" and a few exclusive compilation appearances including the "I Know Why They Call It Pop" tape on Rok Lok, The Only Ghost in Town is back! This time with a limited two song 7 inch lathe cut record that is limited to an edition of 20. Included is a download code that includes a bonus track. Each record has been hand cut by the folks at Corporate Records and is packaged in a full color fold over sleeve. The "Hidden East Coast EP" is chock full of quintessential bedroom shoegaze/indie pop filled with clanging guitars and rich vocal melodies that exude youthful longing- The Only Ghost in Town creates mix tape worthy tunes to perfection. If you dig stuff like The Summer Hits, Further, Veronica Lake, Lenola, etc then you'll love what The Only Ghost in Town has to offer. Cut by Corporate Biz Records. Limited to an edition of 20. *ATTN BUYERS: Lathe cut records are cut in real time so each record is different from one another in some way with its own unique imperfections at times. I have found that the record sounds best if you manually place the tone arm on the first groove as opposed to an automatic arm drop.
Purchase digital/Listen to THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN "Hidden East Coast EP" on Bandcamp - The Only Ghost in Town "Hidden East Coast EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL50a } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print }
*This is the cd version*
Following up last year's awesome full length cassette "The Summer Was Over Before It Began" and a few exclusive compilation appearances including the "I Know Why They Call It Pop" tape on Rok Lok, The Only Ghost in Town is back! This cd version is packaged in a jewel case with full color artwork. The "Hidden East Coast EP" is chock full of quintessential bedroom shoegaze/indie pop filled with clanging guitars and rich vocal melodies that exude youthful longing- The Only Ghost in Town creates mix tape worthy tunes to perfection. If you dig stuff like The Summer Hits, Further, Veronica Lake, Lenola, etc then you'll love what The Only Ghost in Town has to offer. Limited to an edition of 100 copies. Pressed by Kunaki.
Listen to THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN "Hidden East Coast EP" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Partial History"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL49 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ Out of print }
Since 1998 I have been recording material via 4 track under the name Stars Are Insane creating sounds that fit into the shoegaze, lo fi bedroom pop, ambient, and folk genres. The first four albums "Gracias", "Anonymously Yours", "Justin Age 8" and "Gay" were all released on home dubbed cassettes on Rok Lok from 1999 to 2001 and are all long gone. In fact I don't even have copies for myself any longer! I have continued to release stuff over the years and with the exception of "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster" all of them are out of print and that kind of bums me out because I'd always like to share these old recordings in some manner. So with "Partial History" on one disc I have picked some of my personal favorites from the Stars Are Insane discography to create a single disc "best of" or selected works if you prefer. There are 19 tracks and this cd-r is packaged in a full color glue sleeve with a insert and a hand stamped cd-r. This is a limited edition of 30 copies and each sleeve is numbered. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
- Dude Japan "The Things That Matter"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL48 } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It seems like every single Dude Japan release takes forever to come out which I think is probably a bi-product of eagerness more than anything. Since our "Simple Living" ep came out this past spring we have been eager to release our first full length and finally here it is. Unlike our previous material where it was just to write songs that we wanted to hear and play with "The Things That Matter..." we consciously tried to put together a album where there was a flow and every song's relationship to one another made sense. We couldn't be prouder, we feel we have created a varied album beginning to end. "The Things That Matter" is a story of triumph, tragedy, hope, fear, longing and love. Fear not indie rock fans; Dude Japan have not gone prog or anything like that. The same buzzing guitar, catchy Superchunk meets Velocity Girl meets Further meets Built to Spill indie pop rock is still there but with a bit more variety. We think you'll enjoy it. "The Things That Matter..." features artwork by Book Store bassist Jonathan Kaplan who previous did the artwork for the "Teenage Summer EP". This is a limited cd pressing of 200 copies and all CDS come packaged in a jewel case with full color artwork and a tray card.Pressed at Kunaki. Artwork/layout by Jonathan Kaplan
Purchase cassette version on Keep It Together Records
Purchase digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "The Things That Matter" on Bandcamp - Deep Pockets "Demo"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL47 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
There has been a nice little renaissance if you will of great indie rock here on Long Island with new bands starting to sprout up who sound like they came via a time machine circa 1994. And one of those newer bands are none other than Deep Pockets. Formed by Matt and Darren of Everything Sucks , Conor of Thought & Memory and Justin (formerly of Gracer); Deep Pockets play jangly, melodic 90s styled indie rock that recalls bands like Pavement, Silkworm and Sebadoh. For months these sounds were stewing in a basement in Hicksville and now Deep Pockets are ready to share their four song demo with the world. This debut release is limited to 200 pro duped/imprinted fire engine red clam shell cassettes and packaged in full color j-cards with a blue swivel case. Comes with a download code. Split release with Just A Audial.Pressed at National Audio Company and j-cards made by Moxicopy. Artwork/layout by Darren Nanos.
Listen to DEEP POCKETS "Demo" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL46 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This is the album I truly thought would never see the light of day... I started writing the bulk of these songs around late 2004/2005 but after many false starts and scrapped recordings, the album I conceptualized is a reality. The music found on "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster" retains many of the signature Stars Are Insane shoegaze meets folk sonic ethos however the focus on this album is subtlty. For fans of Dump, Sentridoh, My Bloody Valentine, Sun Kil Moon, Red House Painters, etc. Each one of these hand stamped cd-rs are packaged in a hand painted gate fold cd wallet in a plastic sleeve and each is numbered. This is a limited edition of 50 copies. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
Purchase cassette version on Hi Shadow Records
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "A Plan...A Perfect Disaster" on Bandcamp - Yes Sensei "In Excelsis"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL45 } { cd } { reviews }
* 3 copies left* It is true; after ten long years- three full length albums, a 7 inch, compilation appearances, tours and hundreds of shows Long Island post punk band Yes Sensei is calling it a day but not before they send everyone off with a fourth and final album. It sounds cliche but this is easily Yes Sensei's most realized work. The trademark noisy off kilter guitar work and grooving percussion and bass is still there but mixed in with a complexity never before heard in the band's discography. The band's sonic repertoire has expanded with mixing together the influences of Sonic Youth, Unwound, Polvo and The Minutemen as well as Glenn Branca and The Ex. Yes Sensei is able to create jarring, abrasive sounds that still retain a strong melodic sense. In a bizarre way Yes Sensei certainly is fun. Artwork for "In Excelsis" is provided by Scott Malosh who previously did the artwork for the band's third self titled album. Each cd is packaged in a jewel case with full color artwork. This is a limited cd pressing of 200 pieces. Pressed at Kunaki. Artwork/layout by Scott Malosh.
Purchase digital/Listen to YES SENSEI "In Excelsis" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - v/a "I Know Why They Call It Pop"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL44 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Growing up as a teenager in the 90s trying to find my own voice creatively and a means in which to share my music and art, however limited it may have been, to others seemed futile until I was exposed to the indie rock/lo fi movement and stuff like Sebadoh/Sentridoh, K Records and probably most importantly; Shrimper Records. This label issued so many incredible releases in those golden years from the aforementioned Sentridoh, Dump, Mountain Goats, DiskothiQ, Refrigerator, Paste, Franklin Bruno- I could go on forever it seems. Artists that were recording with ever means they had. And what may have lacked in recording quality or even sometimes technical skill, it was always made up for fully with the passion displayed and that is what really drew me to the music on this label. At a very crucial time in my life as a artist struggling to find myself in a common place alongside whatever mainstream music was happening or even larger "indie" rock of the time I was exposed to very real and personal music that people were creating and in turn sharing with everyone around the world. Tape labels from all corners of the globe of people creating music similar to what I was doing was nothing short of mind blowing. Something that Shrimper excelled in, but certainly weren't the only label to do so, was releasing compilations. There was a time were compilations represented something special in independent music and weren't just a marketing tool. I remember that time vividly and I wanted to do something to document artists who maybe just make one song for the heck of it or musicians that just record music in their pajamas or whatever. Music that is detached from the silliness of a scene or even the rigors of being an active band. People that like to create but just do it when they want and just because it is fun. At the same time I wanted to pay tribute to the music I grew up with, 90s compilations, and Shrimper Records amongst the other labels who issued music that changed my life. Thus, "I Know Why They Call It Pop" compilation was born, modifying its name from the fantastic Pop Narcotic comp "Why Do You Think They Call It Pop" and taking on the cassette format as its presentation-to all the tape traders and tape labels, this one is for you. "I Know Why They Call It Pop" is limited to 100 pro duped/imprinted yellow cassettes packaged with a black & white j-card and yellow insert. Also included is a download code! The artists included in this compilation are: Tiny Sheep, Sloane Peterson, Babe Florida, Blanket Truth, The Only Ghost in Town, Hi Guy, Screen House Music, Tyler Kuliberda, Sure Toss, Destructasaurus Rex, Jerk Weed, Beta Male John Wayne, Swell As Hell, Shaolin Finger Jab, Golden Gurls, Animauled, Howard the Duck, Big R, Stars Are Insane and Little Swimmers. Pressed by National Audio Company and j-cards made by Moxicopy. Artwork by Rachel Wolf. Layout by Darren Nanos
Listen to "I KNOW WHY THEY CALL IT POP" tape comp on Bandcamp - Sandy City "Surfin' WA"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL43 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
This is a record that came to be because within minutes upon hearing the tape version of "Surfin' WA" on Fox Pop Tape Company, I absolutely had to do something for this band. Yeah, the lo fi aesthetic is something that I enjoy but what really made me go ga-ga for Sandy City is that their music is really fun which is something lots of bands sadly lack. And man, are the tunes ever catchy-just super infectious little jams that I found myself humming for days on end. I guess what also helped is having a great appreciation for the people involved in the band as individuals and the various creative endeavors of theirs that I have admired for some time now. From Jon and his wonderful Lost Sounds Tapes label and his Blanket Truth project. Chris with his lengthy list of amazing bands, Indie Pages and his Jigsaw Records label and its accompanying walk in store in Seattle which everyone should hit up-the list goes on; these cats are doing stuff, keeping it real and having fun in the process and are happy to share it with everyone. So need further convincing why this record should find its way on to your turntable? Let me tell you...Sandy City play upbeat lo fi indie/surf punk that is a cross between Cause Co-Motion!, Eric's Trip. Crayon, and the Beach Boys. I even hear some early Tullycraft in here. Solid stuff. The record is limited to 300 pieces and is a one sided 12 inch with a silk screen on the b-side. It is packaged in a fold over black & white cover and includes a insert with a download link. 270 are screened with white ink and 33 pre-order editions were made with gold ink and a numbered sleeve. Pressed by Rainbo Records. Covers printed by Sav On Printing.
Listen to SANDY CITY "Surfin' WA"$9.00 ppd $9.00 + shipping $9.00 + shipping - Dude Japan "Teenage Summer EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL42 } { lathe cut 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Previously released on Rok Lok as a cd-r limited to 50 copies, Dude Japan is thrilled to offer their debut effort to fans on a extremely limited vinyl format. The "Teenage Summer EP" is four tracks of lo fi indie pop rock that tips its hat proudly to bands like Further, Sebadoh, Velocity Girl and Eric's Trip. For those of you unfamiliar with the lathe cut record process our friends Keenan and John at Single Piece Slate couldn't have said it better, "Lathe cutting is a process of actually manually cutting the grooves into a blank record, instead of pressing a plated master into mold-able plastic like at a pressing plant." If you have more questions please be sure to visit their website and read their FAQ. This release is strictly limited to 50 pieces all on clear vinyl and comes with hand stamped labels and full color covers which are numbered. Additionally there is a digital download code. And to be clear this 7 inch does not include the 3 bonus tracks included on the tape version on Dead Broke Records. Lathe cut by Single Piece Slate. Artwork/layout by Jonathan Kaplan
Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Teenage Summer EP" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan "Simple Living"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL41 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Taken from the same sessions as the material found on the split 7 inch with Weed Hounds, Dude Japan is back with a six song ep called "Simple Living". Dude Japan continues to create their own blend of super melodic, buzzing guitar indie rock pop bliss culling influences from such bands as Velocity Girl, Superchunk, Further, Tiger Trap, and Built to Spill amongst others. "Simple Living" is chock full of toe tapping and head bopping goodness! This cd-r is hand stamped and is packaged in a thick full color sleeve in a polybag with a insert. This is a limited edition of 110. This ep includes a Tiger Trap cover! "Simple Living" is available on cassette from Lost Sound Tapes. Artwork by Tyler Kuliberda Layout by Darren Nanos.
Purchase cassette version on Lost Sound Tapes
Purchase digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Simple Living" on Bandcamp - The Only Ghost In Town "The Summer Was Over Before It Began"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL40 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Every release I do is an absolute labor of love but this release definitely holds a special place in my heart. The Only Ghost in Town is a solo project by my friend Dan who is better known for holding down the low end in the excellent New Jersey based indie rock band By Surprise. Dan and I started exchanging emails back and forth discussing our mutual interest various indie rock and indie pop bands as well the aesthetic of lo fi culture. After awhile he let me know about this little project he had been cooking up. Within the first 15 seconds of the song "Like Candy" I was absolutely hooked on every fuzzy guitar note and reverb soaked vocal melody. And with each subsequent song that he sent me it just got better and better. To the point where I told him I had to release the songs in some manner on Rok Lok. We discussed it and felt that the cassette format would be ideal for this music. Personally, it brings me back to my roots of getting interested in DIY music by consuming Shrimper Records tape releases. The Only Ghost in Town plays super infectious lo fi indie pop/shoegaze that is in the vein of bands like Further, The Summer Hits, Drop Nineteens, Veronica Lake and Jesus & Mary Chain. Short bursts of fuzzed out pop tunes that begs multiple replays. This pro duped tape is imprinted on white clam shells and packed in beautiful full color artwork. Limited to 100 pieces. Cassettes made by National Audio Company and j-cards printed by Moxicopy. The second pressing is a edition of home dubbed, numbered clear clam shell cassettes with full color j-cards and white labels limited to 20 copies. The second edition includes a bonus track previously only available on the self released cd-r edition.
Purchase digital/Listen to THE ONLY GHOST IN TOWN "The Summer Was Over Before it Began" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan/Weed Hounds "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL39 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Long Island indie rock unite!! Dude Japan plays 90s styled lo fi indie rock/pop like Velocity Girl, Further, Superchunk and Tiger Trap. While on the flip side Weed Hounds play a style that is a mix between Swirlies, My Bloody Valentine and Dinosaur Jr. A limited pressing of 300 with full color covers and a insert. This is my second co-release with my buddy Andy Malcolm @ Strictly No Capital Letters. Pressed by United Record Pressing and covers made by Moxicopy. Artwork by Rachel Wolf Layout by Darren Nanos.
Listen to DUDE JAPAN/WEED HOUNDS "split" on Bandcamp - Fellow Project "Boots"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL38 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This one has been a long time in the making. Joe & Tia of Fellow Project have been long time friends of mine whose music has inspired me for about 12 years now. I have always wanted to do a record for Fellow Project and for whatever stupid reason it took me this long to make it happen. And I couldn't be more excited to share these four brand new amazing tracks with everyone. 4 tracks of rocking indie rock with great lyrics and vocals. Take the lyrical gusto of Lou Reed channeled through stuff like Television and The Feelies with a bit more of a modern approach. I even hear some Cursive and Grifters in here. Indie rock that actually rocks. Features members of Bridge & Tunnel, and Yes Sensei as well as ex On the Might of Princes. A limited pressing of 300 with full color covers and a insert. Pressed at United Record Pressing and covers made at Moxicopy. Artwork/layout by Tia Mellinger. Insert by Jason Lubrano @Righteous Indignation.
Purchase digital/Listen to FELLOW PROJECT "Boots" on Bandcamp - Damezumari "Hope Inscribed on Handbills"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL37 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Following up their split lp with Fire Team Charlie as well their jaw dropping appearance at last year's Rok Lok Fest, Oklahoma's Damezumari are back with a brand new 4 song 7 inch. It is no easy to feat to keep hardcore/screamo interesting when there are literally thousands of bands across the world mining for gold in the scene, so it shouldn't be taken lightly how Damezumari continue to hammer out technically proficient yet melodically sensible tunes that always sound fresh and demand repeat listens. For fans of early Hot Cross, Off Minor, Four Hundred Years and Sinaloa. The record is a pressing of 492 on black vinyl, 6 on white vinyl, 1 on grey and one black/white swirl. Thy are packaged in a silkscreen envelope and come with a insert. The color breakdown on the covers is 160 in red ink, 151 in blue ink, 171 in black ink and 26 in mixed color ink. This a co-release with UK based Too Cool To Dance Records, so for anyone overseas please contact them. Pressed by Musicol and covers/inserts made by the band.
Listen to DAMEZUMARI "Hope Inscribed on Handbills" on Bandcamp - Dude Japan "Teenage Summer EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL36 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
With no disrespect to the post punk/screamo/hardcore that I absolutely love and have supported over the years but my main musical love has always been and always will be lo fi indie/pop rock and shoegaze. Growing up in the 90s indie rock just spoke to me very loudly, and while I was able to touch upon my love lo fi and shoegaze interests with my Stars Are Insane project I have always wanted to start a project that paid homage to the lo fi indie pop rock that I had consumed my teenage years with and finally, Dude Japan is that project. Culling influences from bands like Sebadoh, Further, Velocity Girl, Tiger Trap and Eric's Trip this debut effort from Dude Japan unleashes four tracks of pure lo fi indie pop rock bliss. Recorded by our good buddy Wooly, the master mind behind Destructasaurus Rex. Beautiful artwork by longtime friend and former Bookstore bassist Jonathan Kaplan. This hand stamped cd-r limited to 50 copies comes packaged in a full color gatefold sleeve and includes a limited edition, numbered full color poster. Artwork/layout by Jonathan Kaplan
Purchase cassette version on Dead Broke Records
Purchase digital/Listen to DUDE JAPAN "Teenage Summer EP" on Bandcamp - The Third Memory "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL35 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
After a long delay, finally The Third Memory's follow up to "Et de cela rien ne ressort"is here. While most bands have been reduced to manufactured, caricature-like chaos and screams, The Third Memory proves that there is true energy, and passion remaining hardcore. Taking nods from bands such as La Quiete , Tristan Tzara and Orchid, The Third Memory create brand of hardcore that is chaotic yet hypnotically beautiful. Frantic screams against a backdrop of wavering guitar sounds and propulsive drumming, The Third Memory remind me of the raw beauty that hardcore can possess as means of expression. While lots of hardcore/screamo these days tends to be rather forgettable to my ears, I still get goosebumps listening to their first album and I am honored to continue in sharing their music with the world because it continues to get better and better. It still amazes me how through distributing their first album, loving it, chatting with their guitar player Julien and finally issuing it on vinyl that they came over here to the States two summers ago to tour with Cease Upon the Capitol. Those few days spent together will be remembered as some of the best days of my life. And it is nice to know that no matter how the journey of life and the struggles that it offers us at times that through thick and thin we were able to find a way to make this project happen. I want to thank React With Protest, Sadness of Noise, Petit Chantier Records, and Desertion Records for being so patient and helping me issue this album.This LP is limited to 600 pieces all on black vinyl with a full color insert packed in jacket. Pressed at G/Z.
Listen to THE THIRD MEMORY "s/t" on Bandcamp - Marshall Teller/Halftime Parade "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL34 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
In many ways I feel as if this is the most important record I have ever done. The spirit of this record sums up what Rok Lok Records has always been and will always be about- friendship and the exchange of ideas. For the last several years I'd have been exchanging words via letter, email and even in person with my buddy Thomas (who happens to play in both of these bands). He started mail ordering records from me several, several years ago and quickly we became good friends. Now, I am able to document his art and ideas proving that this international network we have may not be changing the world but it is allowing us in small pockets to live meaningful lives that are defined by art, music, and the exchange of ideas. It makes me proud to be apart of something that is documenting the positive aspects of the human relationship.On this split record we have two of the finest British imports since Benny Hill (sorry,bad inside joke!), Exeter's own Marshall Teller and Halftime Parade offer up an incredible slice of wax. Marshall Teller plays gruff vocal yet melodic indie punk that meshes together the influences of Leatherface, Broccoli, and Small Brown Bike.While on the flip side Halftime Parade does an absolute brilliant job of cherry picking the best aspects of Urusei Yatsura and Pavement to make this best indie rock my ears have heard since the 90s. This record has a pressing of 300 all on black vinyl with a insert. 30 test press editions were made with hand stamped labels and hand stamped card stock covers with alternate artwork, for Marshall Teller's appearance at Rok Lok Fest. This record is co-released with UK based SNCL. This record was pressed by Musicol and the covers and inserts were made by the bands.
Purchase 7 inch @ Interpunk
Listen to MARSHALL TELLER/HALFTIME PARADE "split" on Bandcamp - Yes Sensei "3 Songs"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL33 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Yes Sensei continues to hammer away with their bombastic, noisy post punk that channels the influences of Sonic Youth, Unwound and The Minutemen. Three brand new songs packaged in lime green silkscreen card stock cover with hand sewn lyric booklet. This is limited to 300 pieces and is co-release with our friends Thomas and Hannah at RUSSIAN FOLK STORIES whom all folks from Europe should order their copies from. Pressed by Musicol. Covers screened by the band and inserts made by Russian Folk Stories. Artwork/layout by Justin Derosa. Photography by Patrick Oehler
Purchase digital/Listen to YES SENSEI "3 Songs" on Bandcamp - Loma Prieta "Last City"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL32 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Hailing from Oakland, CA Loma Prieta rips through 10 tracks of mid 90s inspired chaotic, screamy hardcore on their full length "Last City", that will surely appeal to fans of Swing Kids, Orchid and Gravity Records releases. My relationship with Loma Prieta began when I started trading records with their drummer Val who runs the excellent label Discos Huelga whom along with React With Protest haved teamed up with us to release "Last City". Through trading records with Val, at one point we finally met in person when Loma Prieta were on tour and I saw them tear shit up at ABC No Rio. It made me happy to not only meet Val but also it was a real treat seeing this band travel from California and watch kids go totally beserk for them making Loma Prieta feel at home. Later that year when The Third Memory and Cease Upon the Capitol were touring I saw Val again at the show as he just so happened to be on the east coast. From there it was obvious that I had more than just a "contact" in this scene but a real friend whom I respect as not only as a person but an artist. And that is what this is all about to me. As a 30 year old still involved in DIY, it has to be more than just a love of the music and art, there has to be some sort of passion on a human level. Life is a bit crazy sometimes but when you surround yourself with people and art that is inspiring the world makes a bit more sense. So with that being said I am greatly honored to have Loma Prieta be a part of the Rok Lok family. With so much music these days just being background noise Loma Prieta is a breath of inspired air that reminds us all why hardcore can be a relevant means artistic expression. I am also greatly honored to share this co-release with Lars and his mighty React With Protest label. I have a great deal of respect for what Lars has done for the international DIY community over the years. Support what he does, it is well worth your time and money. "Last City" has a pressing of 600. 100 on clear vinyl. 400 on black vinyl. 100 European tour editions with silk screened covers were made. Pressed at GZ. Jackets made at Iconomnnimedia
Listen to LOMA PRIETA "Last City" on Bandcamp - Yes Sensei "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL31 } { cd } { reviews }
Just about three years in the making, two bassists and two drummers after the fact- the new Yes Sensei album is here. This the most ambitious and sonically diverse recording to date from these long time Long Island noisemakers. Mixing the jarring post punk of Unwound and the tonal trickery guitar rock of Sonic Youth and the rhythmic mayhem of The Jesus Lizard. Yes Sensei has created their most melodic yet chaotic work yet. A pressing of 1000 pieces. Pressed by Iconomnimedia. Artwork/layout by Scott Malosh.
Listen to YES SENSEI "s/t" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Damezumari/Fire Team Charlie "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL30 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The story of this release really begins last year when I received a stack of records in a trade that a did with UK based Sticky Translucent Goo. One of the records I received was a 10 " record by Damezumari called "hithering and tithering waters of." The record absolutely blew me away with its strong sense of melody yet while being musically challenging from technical and rhythmic standpoint. It easily my favorite record of 2006. I became so obsessed with the record that I just had to inquire about helping release one of their records. When I was told that a split LP with Fire Team Charlie was in the works and that furthermore Sticky Translucent Goo was involved I jumped at the opportunity. And now the record that I dreamed about is a reality. Damezumari plays tightly knit, dynamic hardcore that is a cross between early Hot Cross, though not as abrasive mixed with more tuneful modern post hardcore such as Life at These Speeds. And with all of this talk of Damezumari I don't want that to overshadow the fantastic batch of songs that Texas based Fire Team Charlie contributes to this split. Fire Team Charlie play passionately sung mid west emo that is beautifully frantic at times and recalls taut stop/start hardcore of Yaphet Kotto as well as the melodic anthemic clamor of Sinaloa or even a pinch of Rites of Spring. This project is an absolute joy
for me to be a part of for so many reasons,and I encourage everyone to pick up a copy. This is co-release effort with Sticky Translucent Goo and is limited to 500 pieces. Each record is packed with hand screened cover and lyric booklet. Pressed by United Record Pressing and covers/inserts made by the bands.
Listen to DAMEZUMARI/FIRE TEAM CHARLIE "split" on Bandcamp - Olde Ghost "Totally"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL29 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This record is so important to me for a number of reasons. First and foremost because it culminates the friendship that began between myself and Will Cole of Handstand Records (as well as Olde Ghost)almost eight years ago. I was about ready to release Explosivo! "The Uh Oh EP" and at the time Will was doing his Megabeef zine. Will had been corresponding with Beaker from Explosivo! and I guess sent him a few tracks, which prompted Will to get in touch about getting a copy of the CD for review and even to wholesale some for his distro. Ever since Will and have stayed in touch trading emails and records and such. And now I am able to share with you folks an amazing slab of wax by Will's band Olde Ghost. Furiously blasting through five rock tinged hardcore tunes that brillantly mixes the post hardcore of Drive Like Jehu and early Rye Coalition with New England screamy hardcore like Transistor Transistor. Olde Ghost also features ex-members of Books Lie, The Fiction and Excitebike. This is a co-release project with Handstand Records that is limited to 500 pieces. 300 on black vinyl, 100 on blue/white exclusive through the Rok Lok mailorder and 100 on green/white exclusive through the Handstand Records mailorder. Pressed by Musicol. Covers screened by the band.
Listen to OLDE GHOST "Totally" on Bandcamp - The Third Memory "et de cela rien ne resort"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL28 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
It was almost two years ago when I received a number of releases from the French label, Impure Muzik, as part of a trade to distribute their releases here in the States while Joss over at Impure Muzik distributed Rok Lok releases. While all of those releases I received from that trade were very enjoyable the one that struck me the most was a CD by The Third Memory titled “et de cela rien ne resort”. I was simply blown away by the visceral power displayed in the music. It was a chaos that I found hypnotically beautiful. Right around the same time, especially through my intense networking and trading routines I became obsessed with European hardcore, namely the passionate bands that were sprouting up all over France- Belle Epoque, Daitro, Gantz, Iscariote, Amanda Woodward, and so many others. But for me personally The Third Memory was at the top of that list. In the last few years I have felt American DIY punk/hardcore has become rather stagnant in terms of creating anything new or even modifying things a bit. Bands seem to be frozen in time, and while The Third Memory isn’t reinventing the wheel they have put their own unique spin on screamy hardcore. So with my love of European hardcore unable to be contained I wanted to do release something that would not only document my love for the band but my love for European hardcore but also to document the strength of the DIY international network because fact is if I never traded records with Impure Muzik I would have never heard The Third Memory. Enter our buddies Ryan and Roy at I’ve Come For Your Children, another label who values international networking as much as international music. When I decided I wanted to issue “et de cela rien ne resort” it was an absolute no brainer to co-release this project with them, and in the end it proves that the DIY network can work in the United States if we leave our desire to cash in on the scene behind. The music- The Third Memory excel at laying down passionate screamy hardcore that takes cues from bands like La Quiete, Tristan Tzara as well as Orchid. The emotion conveyed through the twelve scorching tracks on this album tears down any walls that language my place in front of us. This is hopefully the first of many European bands to be released on Rok Lok and I am honored to share The Third Memory with everyone. This LP pressing contains a non CD bonus track. beautifully screened covers and inserts. 500 were pressed. 400 on black vinyl and 93 on clear/white splatter vinyl. 7 on clear pink lemonade splatter. 5 test presses were made. Pressed by Musicol and covers screened by Ryan Lewis.
Listen to THE THIRD MEMORY "et de cela rien ne resort" on Bandcamp - On the Might of Princes "Where You Are & Where You Want to Be"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL27 } { CD } { reviews }
{ out of print }
In teaming up with our friends at Eugenics Record Label to make the On the Might of Princes reissues a reality we have been able to bring "Where You Are and Where You Want to Be", which is an absolute masterpiece to be a part of the Rok Lok discography and I for one couldn't be more thrilled. "Where You Are & Where You Want to Be" is one of the best 48 minutes of music ever commited to tape and is an absolute must for anyone's collection. Years before screamo became the popular movement that it is today On the Might of Princes was treading those grounds and leaving an impression like no other. Originally released by Creep Records and the legendary Traffic Violation Records, this deluxe reissue of "Where You Are & Where You Want to Be" has been remastered and has had three bonus tracks as well as multimedia section with a video and a link to a site with exclusive content-video, streaming audio and photos. This deluxe reissue comes with a beautiful 24 page booklet that is wrapped up in a striking UV coated O-card. This album is chaotic, it is driving, it is dynamic and above all it is cathartic experience like no other. Mixing post punk influences of Fugazi, Cursive, and Unwound with the screamy hardcore styles like Saetia or Raein, On the Might of Princes created music that needs to be heard. This has been one of my favorite records of all time. Pressing of 2,000. Pressed by Iconomnimedia. Packaging by Wells Tipley.
- On the Might of Princes "The Making of a Conversation"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL26 } { CD } { reviews }
Finally. After years of being out of print, the album that started Rok Lok is back in print and in a big way. With the help of our friends over a Eugenics Record Label we have put painstakingly amount of effort to make the reissue of the debut album from On the Might of Princes all that more special, and fans of the band will appreciate that. "The Making of a Conversation" has been carefully remastered so it could be heard the way it was intended to. Additionally there are now three bonus tracks as well as multimedia section with a video and a link to a site with exclusive content-video, streaming audio and photos. This deluxe reissue comes with a beautiful 24 page booklet that is wrapped up in a striking UV coated O-card. On the Might of Princes later became known for their dynamic approach to screamy hardcore that melded meldoicism as much as it did dissonant guitar textures, but "The Making of a Conversation" is the beginning of the story that finds the band utilzing a more accessible post hardcore song structures 'ala Sunny Day Real Estate while intertwining with influences ranging from Fugazi to I Hate Myself to Failure. The process of putting these reissues has been a long one but easily one of the most rewarding experience in doing this label. This is the record that changed my life and I am proud to share it with you all once again. Pressing of 2,000. Pressed by Iconomnimedia. Packaging by Wells Tipley
Listen to ON THE MIGHT OF PRINCES "The Making of a Conversation" on Bandcamp$8.00 ppd $8.00 + shipping $8.00 + shipping - United States "Divorce Songs"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL25 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
For various different reasons I am very proud to have this record be apart of the Rok Lok discography. First off my kinship began with these guys as they all were an integral part of the Long Island DIY as well as being apart of some of the most important bands to me personally. From The Assistant, The Insurgent and Scent of Human History, all of these bands had a profound impact on me. In fact when Yes Sensei teamed up for a tour with Scent of Human History in Winter 2004, our personal and creative relationships and above all respect for each other grew so much that I knew that one day I'd get the opportunity to document one of their bands. And now that day has come with United States and their wondrous anthemic post punk portrait of city life by way of the highly anticipated full length, "Divorce Songs". Another reason why this record is so special is because it marks Rok Lok's first international co-release as we have teamed up with UK based Life in a Box. This transatlantic co-release proves that yes, DIY networking does work and punk should have nothing to do with moving units. Richard at Life in a Box and I have been exchanging dialogue for well over a year now by networking, trading records and supporting each other's projects in our respective communities, and now we have come together to bring forth this massively tuneful yet jagged collection of songs that should appeal to fans of Fugazi and "Sister" era Sonic Youth.This LP consists of a pressing of 300 with 100
on solid white vinyl. All with a full color sleeve,and glossy insert. 30 pre order editions were made with numbered sleeve, colored vinyl & pin. Pressed at Musicol. Jackets by Iconomimedia and inserts by Fat Rat Press. "Divorce Songs" was pressed on the CD format by Iron Pier. Artwork/layout by Justin Derosa
Listen to UNITED STATES "Divorce Songs" on Bandcamp - Brrr "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL24 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
While on tour this past summer I had the privilege of witnessing this amazing band steal my heart with their sincere, fragile songs. Needless to say it was the highlight of my summer excursion and I'm very pleased that they are the first release from a non Long Island band on Rok Lok. Taking nods from indie pop wonders such as Mt. Eerie and Thanksgiving, Brrr provide the perfect rainy day soundtrack with their memorable, melancholic vocals and the cast of wandering accompaniment of strings, horns and various percussion.This 7 inch is limited to 300 with 100 on clear vinyl with beige labels with blue ink all packaged in sweet handscreened cover. Twenty pre-order versions were made with limited edition hand numbered antique gold sleeve, hand stamped cd-r & pin. 30 test press editions with an alternate cover, handstamped labels and gold sleeve were made exclusively for the band's string of Spring 2006 tour dates. Pressed by Musicol.
Listen to BRRR "s/t" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "So I Dreamed of Noise"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL23 } { four cd-r set } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Just about two years in the making the four disc Stars Are Insane collection, "So I Dreamed of Noise" is here! Captured here are the out of print Stars Are Insane albums reissued and remastered in addition to an album's worth of unreleased and live material. This collection also comes with hand stamped covers and a informative 24 page booklet chronicling the history of this long running 4 track recording project that has mixed the lo fi sincere acoustic melodicism of early Sebadoh with the noisy, shoegazing guitar drones of My Bloody Valentine to create something rather unique. Limited to an edition 30.Rubber stamps made by Moon Rose Stamps. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
Purchase Digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "So. I Dreamed of Noise" (unreleased/live disc) on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Nine Untitled Songs"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL22 } { cd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
“Nine Untitled Songs” is the first Stars Are Insane release since 2001's out of print “Gay” and was written to have it's compositions selected for use in an original film. Following in the tradition of previous Stars Are Insane releases the songs captured here showcase a wide palette of minimalistic ambient sounds that linger and slowly ebb and flow to create songs out of mere washes of sound. Taking nods from such shoegazing noise torch bearers My Bloody Valentine as well as contemporary atmospheric indie rock giants as Explosions in the Sky, Stars Are Insane is able to take sounds and found melodies that may be deemed useless by the casual songwriter and cultivates such lush compositions that bears more resemblance to atmospherics rather than just songs. “Nine Untitled Songs” should serve as primer to new fans and as an aural listening pleasure to long time fans of this cult four track recording project. Each one comes in an intricate handmade package. Made in two separate editions of 50 with varying colors of sleeves for a total of 100. Artwork by Sarina Latorre Packaging by Mike Andriani
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Nine Untitled Songs" on Bandcamp - Destructasaurus Rex "100% Mad Indie Rock Flava"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL21 } { cd-r/dvd-r } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Destructasaurus Rex are concerned with encountering and delineating the archetypes that connect them to this particular art and music, in an unconscious and natural way. In David Kavanaugh's “A Brief Intro to Life on Earth,” the footage comes from the same area where Destructasaurus Rex create music, this little innocuous area of Long Island. The journey inward, to the source of the world, metaphorically, with a microscope, to discover the deep space of life, birth, creativity and magic which is the very nature here, is expressed in their organic noise language. “100% Mad Indie Rock Flava” consists of 4-track “field recordings” of the artists confronting theological mystery and self actualization on a musical and artistic dialogue. Destructasaurus Rex also created all the visual art for this release from concept to execution. This is a project that I am extremely proud to have as a part of the Rok Lok family. Included is a full color booklet, a slip cover box as well as clam shell case for the accompaning DVD. Limited edition of 100. Artwork/packaging by Jonathan Kaplan and Wooly
Listen to DESTRUCTASAURUS REX "100% mad Indie Rock Flava" on Bandcamp - Empty Silos Echo War "Inner Working Mechanics of a Failed Construct with Puritan Cement"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL20 } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print }
“Inner Working Mechanics of a Failed Construct” is more than simply a follow-up recording to the Empty Silos Echo War debut, “Semantics.” It is quite literally its companion piece, a sister record, with most of the compositions and arrangements completed during the same time period as those on "Semantics" though they would not appear so on face value. These songs were finally committed live to record six months later, with Phil Douglas of Latterman fame. Explosive rhythms, electrified guitars and voices make up landscapes that are violent and ecstatic, often in the same instant. Many of the same themes as the first record are explored, but while the “Semantics” LP was recorded largely as an exercise in chance and improvisation, “Mechanics” had a specific design and intent, straight from its initial conception. The trio retained more of a set structure of instrumental roles as well, all the while pushing to truly know their own limits as players in this highly cinematic work. For these reasons, in an effort to offset the record from its elder sibling, these songs were recorded entirely in the digital domain, but with the same minimal overdubbing as allowed on the last release. The most exciting possible soundtrack for driving and sleeping, if such a thing exists, this shit will make you squirm nervously in your chair and rock restlessly in your sleep. I am really proud of this release and the accomplishments the band has made as being recognized as one of Long Island's finest forty minutes to be spent. I remember falling in love with this album when it was just a short run cd-r release on Children's Revolt for their summer 2004 tour. Pressing of 500 with varying colored sleeves and insert. Previous pressing of 100 cd-r on Children's Revolt. Pressed by Fat Rat Press.
Listen to EMPTY SILOS ECHO WAR "Inner Working Mechanics of a Failed Construct With Puritan Cement" on Bandcamp - Imagine if the Sun Fell "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL19 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Imagine if the Sun Fell is the cooperative moniker used by members of Empty Silos Echo War when issuing solo work. This piece of vinyl documents the brooding instrumental serenity of the work of Jeremy Nissan of Empty Silos Echo War. For fans of the aforementioned band's "Semantics" LP will have their ears thoroughly pleased from the first drop of the needle until the end on this amazing 7 inch. All this packed in an attractive textured sleeve with silver ink. This is a split release effort with our friends at The Children's Revolt. 300 pressed on black vinyl with red and black labels and insert. Only two test presses were made. Pressed at Musicol and covers made at Fat Rat Press. Artwork/packaging by Ryan Andrews and Jeremy Nissan.
- Death Cycle/Solidarity Pact "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL18 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
First off this is the first collaboration with our friends at Burn It Down/Rebuild. Death Cycle features members of Kill Yr Idols and plays a Catharsis meets “Pain of Mind” era Neurosis style of hardcore crossed with modern d-beat hardcore like Thought Crime. The Solidarity Pact play in fast as fuck Kid Dynamite meets Infest vein. This is a pressing 500 with 190 on grey/black swirl, 8 on grey/green swirl, 2 on solid green and 300 on black vinyl. All come in a texturized sleeve with insert. 4 test presses were made. Pressed at Musicol and covers made at Fat Rat Press. Artwork/layout by Pat Schramm
- Empty Silos Echo War "Semantics"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL17 } { 12 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
The full length vinyl companion piece to the "Mechanics" CD is a sonic exploration in lingering melodies, textural soundscapes and the extrapolation of minimalistic song structures. Empty Silos Echo War is easily one of the most interesting bands to ever come from Long Island channeling the sounds of a more energetic Godspeed! You Black Emperor with the avant garde expermentialism of Steven Reich to create a sound that is unique to the ever so talented members of this band. Rok Lok's first LP release is a split release effort with The Children's Revolt and The Tone Library Collective. Awesome hand screened covers in variety of different colors. We pressed 190 on translucent blue wax, 10 varieties of blue/black marble, and 300 on black vinyl with black and silver labels. 3 test presses were made. Pressed at Musicol and covers screened by the band.
Listen to EMPTY SILOS ECHO WAR "Semantics" on Bandcamp - Yes Sensei "We Who Transplant Sustain"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL16 } { cd } { reviews }
The second Yes Sensei release is more of everything. More focused, dynamic, noisy, experimental, grooving, just more of the elements of Yes Sensei expanded. "We Who Transplant Sustain" is raunch statement from the Long Island quartet who refuses to allow Punk culture to be pigeonholed. This sophomore effort does it's best to challenge any perception one may have. Influenced by The Minutemen, Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth and the free jazz stylings of Ornette Coleman, Yes Sensei somehow creates their own brand of music that redefines energy.1090 pressed with a clear tray. Pressed by Iconomnimedia. Artwork by Jen Layout by Austin Lawther.
Purchase Digital/Listen to YES SENSEI "We Who Transplant Sustain" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Yes Sensei "What I Do Best is What I Do Worst"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL15 } { cd } { reviews }
Even though the process of putting together the first Yes Sensei record was a tedious one I was very glad that our record finally made it out. And while the band has evolved from the more primitive noisy Unwound and Jesus Lizard esque renderings found on this debut perfectly documents what the band was like in it's original three piece line up with Paul Como on bass. Eight tracks of noisy dynamic indie rock. A split release effort with The Children's Revolt. 1100 pressed with a clear tray. Artwork/layout by Austin Lawther. Photography by Matt Roren. Artwork by Jen Carnovale
Purchase Digital/Listen to YES SENSEI "What I Do Best is What I Do Worst" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - End I "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL14 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Originally planned as the second release for Rok Lok but after constant money issues and more pressing commitments the long awaited End I 7 inch finally came out. It took many people by surprise that End I is the solo moniker used by Lou of On the Might of Princes and this 7 inch features two beautiful songs penned and performed by himself. We pressed 300 of these all on green wax with totally sweet looking blue and silver labels.The first 100 come with a lyric insert. Only two test presses were made. Pressed at United Record Pressing and covers made by Fat Rat Press. Artwork by Juhaeng Lee Layout by Austin Lawther
- Bookstore "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL13 } { cd } { reviews }
Proud. That would be a word to describe this release as not only does the music help paint a more diverse picture of Long Island but heck Jon K. did a nice job on the layout of this sweet record. Bookstore was definitely one of the most revered band in the little eastern Long Island scene. Something about their catchy indie rock tunes sent the kids into a fervor. Suddenly you didn't have to be pointing to the sky and piling on to enjoy a band. Come on who didn't absolutely love the sincerity of "The Aquarium Song"? For fans of Built to Spill or The Lemonheads. 1100 pressed with eight page fold out and a solid white tray. Pressed by Media Technologies. Artwork/layout by Jonathan Kaplan.
Purchase digital/Listen to BOOKSTORE "s/t" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Nakatomi Plaza/Latterman "split"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL12 } { 7 inch } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This was a fun record to do for a few reasons. First off it was collaborative effort between us, BD Records and Sot Records. And secondly it featured two of my favorite bands who summed up the beauty of modern DIY punk at the time. Nakatomi Plaza who played dynamic emotion filled indie punk rock that always reminded me of bands like Knapsack and Small but I'm an old geek so I guess Braid would be a more hip reference. And those kids in Latterman have always made me giddy with their posi themed tunes about friendship and smiling. Who cares if people thought they sounded like a happy Hot Water Music? We pressed 200 on red , 200 on clear and 600 on black wax plus 3 test presses. Pressed at United Record Pressing and covers made by Fat Rat Press. Artwork/layout by Austin Lawther.
Listen to NAKATOMI PLAZA/LATTERMAN "split" on Bandcamp - Space Robot Scientists "We've Got a Time Machine"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL11 } { cd } { reviews }
Over the years music reviewers have gone to countless lengths to find comparisons to Space Robot Scientists and have always come up short handed. Yeah while they've gotten some of the influences right as Public Image Limited, Wire, Devo and Atom and His Package but it just doesn't really do this unique trio justice. On the sophomore effort from Space Robot Scientists there are sounds that revel in the angular noisy post punk while others mingle in a electro-Clash dance music playground. 1000 made in one pressing with 800 clear purple trays and 200 with clear trays. Pressed by Media Technologies.
Listen to SPACE ROBOT SCIENTISTS "We've Got a Time Machine" on Bandcamp$6.00 ppd $6.00 + shipping $6.00 + shipping - Stars Are Insane "Gay"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL10 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
Man o' man was this a difficult one for me to do. This was a collection of some of the most personal and emotionally draining songs I've ever written and it shows. The music really speaks for itself I feel. 50 made in one edition and 20 made in a second edition with pink hand spray painted cassettes. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani (re-released on the "So..I Dreamed of Noise" collection)
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Gay" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Justin Age 8"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL09 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
On the third Stars Are Insane release I teamed up with Jason from Power Lloyd to create to rather quasi psychedelic noise jams and sonically interesting "pop" songs. These recordings were the precursors to the Stars Are Insane live experiments. 50 pressed in one edition on silver hand spray painted cassettes. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani (re-released on the "So..I Dreamed of Noise" collection)
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Justin Age 8" on Bandcamp - V/A "The Hope Machine"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL08 } { cd } { reviews }
This was a compilation effort I put forth to help document the out east show scene on Long Island that was occurring at the time. I think this comp does a good job in letting people know that Long Island was more than just Punk and Hardcore anthems. 23 track comp Featuring: Knox Overstreet, 3 Mylile, Bookstore, With Every Idle Hour, Music, Nakatomi Plaza, Space Robot Scientists, #12 Looks Just Like You, Prescott C, Pale Marble Movie, 48 in the Basement, This Year's Model, Fire Engine Red, De La Hoya, Lord Humongous, The Waiting Process, Bo Coach, Latterman, The Backup Plan, Flight of the Navigator, Feelings in Demand, Akimbo, and Bunsen Honeydew. Plus it was fun having members from the bands help assemble all 1200 of these fuckers. Pressed at Aidemedia Solutions. Artwork/layout by Jonathan Kaplan.
Listen to V/A "The Hope Machine" on Bandcamp$5.00 ppd $5.00 + shipping $5.00 + shipping - Stars Are Insane "Anonymously Yours"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL07 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
No one could keep me away from that darn four track. These are easily some of my favorite Stars Are Insane recordings as I really started to find my own unique voice. Most of the songs on this release are instrumental and are experiments in dense melodies in rather meandering soundscapes. Some rather interesting clicks and percussive sounds on guitar helped moved these songs along. 12 made in the first edition with green labels and 20 made in a second edition with blue labels. Different inserts made in between editions. 20 made in a third edition with new j-cards and labels. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani (re-released on the "So..I Dreamed of Noise" collection)
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Anonymously Yours" on Bandcamp - Explosivo! "The Uh Oh EP"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL06 } { cdep } { reviews }
{ out or print }
I was so stoked to do this record as it featured members of two of my favorite LI bands ever, Splurge and The Howards! "The Uh Oh EP" is six tracks of melodic punk with elements of Weezer floating around that is catchy as fuck. Plus there is a wheelchair on the cover. If I remember correctly Dean spilled Scotch on some of the CD sleeves when we were assembling them. Or was that me? I should also mention that the guys at Fat Rat Press did a dynamite job on the CD sleeves while Wells from Traffic Violation did a killer job on the layout. Explosivo! has gone on to form the fantastic Small Arms Dealer (Deep Elm Records) and currently Iron Chic and Wax Phantom. 1080 pressed with recycled card stock sleeves in a plastic sleeve wallet and a lyric sheet. Pressed by Discount Duplicators and covers made by Fat Rat Press.
Listen to EXPLOSIVO! "The Uh Oh EP" on Bandcamp - Bo Coach "The Mustard Tape"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL05 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
What do you get when you throw the influences of The Pixies and Velvet Underground in a blender with some noise, lofi tape hiss and some suburban indie rock kids with sweaters? One of my favorite releases from one of my favorite LI bands ever! Bo Coach was a short lived indie rock experiment that was always on the brink of disaster. Bo Coach was more than a band it was a way of life. At some point this stuff will end up on CD with some various bonus stuff that I've seem to have accumulated over the years. A first edition of 50 copies on a semi gloss paper finish and a second of 25 copies on flatter, non gloss paper. An arbitrary number, pressed by the band, exist on cd-r with a bonus track.
Listen to BO COACH "The Mustard Tape" on Bandcamp - Pale Marble Movie "s/t"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL04 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This was my pre-Yes Sensei project and we did our best to play heavily reverberated sometimes jangly noisy indie rock. We mixed the influences of Sonic Youth, Hum and My Bloody Valentine to create our sonic goodness. Unfortunately this release is out of print forever. I guess you had to be there. One edition of 50 copies all with lavender labels, the first 15 with separate insert. The first twenty five copies came with a Rok Lok sticker. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani
- De La Hoya "Has No Credibilty"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL03 } { cdep } { reviews }
{ Out of print }
Originally pressed by Traffic Violation and Crap Records this is the first CD from Brooklyn's now defunct melodic hardcore punk kings, De La Hoya. For years De La Hoya contributed to the DIY hardcore punk community with it's fast paced melodic tunes that were ripe with not only political but social relevant lyrics. Was in your face as much as it was catchy. This pressing consisted of 1100 in the same plastic sleeve wallet packaging as the first pressing.
Listen to DE LA HOYA "Has No Credibility" on Bandcamp - Stars Are Insane "Gracias"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL02 } { cassette } { reviews }
{ out of print }
This is the first of many solo efforts birthed via my trusty Fostex 4 track recorder. "Gracias" is a collection of ten minimalist, droning songs in the vein of My Bloody Valentine. However underneath the fragile veneer of digital delay drenched drones lie some rather sweet lingering melodies. One edition of 15 copies and second edition of 20. all with green labels.A third edition of 20 with revised full color,numbered j-card and hand stamped labels. Artwork/packaging by Mike Andriani(re-released on the "So..I Dreamed of Noise" collection)
Purchase digital/Listen to STARS ARE INSANE "Gracias" on Bandcamp - On the Might of Princes "The Making of a Conversation"
From Rok Lok Records
{ RL01 } { cd } { reviews }
{ out of print. }
Before their Revelation Records triumph "Sirens" this was the record that started it all for one of the most powerful bands ever. With it's sincere emotive lyrics and intense guitar dynamics On the Might of Princes forged it's own unique identity onto melodic hardcore. Seeing this band perform live was a life changing experience for myself and others who witnessed those early performances. "The Making of a Conversation" is the audio documentation of the early period of this band's greatness. For those unfamiliar with the band's music, imagine Fugazi mixed with Sunny Day Real Estate. One pressing of 1200 with full color artwork and clear tray. Pressed at Discount Duplicators. Artwork by Scott Altman. Photography by Meg Steffans. Layout by Austin Lawther.
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