LOVEBYRD - s/t EP on Ongakubaka Records!

We're psyched to announce that the second release on Ongakubaka Records is also the first ever release from Southwest Germany's LOVEBYRD! We fell in love instantly with their laid-back psychedelic sound, and we think you guys will too. Whether it's the intergalactic space travels of "Spinning Around", the Temples-esque grooves of "Shot From the Sun", or the epic prologue and closing track, it's refreshing to hear a confident female-led psych band come out of the gate swinging. The digital version is available RIGHT NOW over at bandcamp, and the cassette, limited to 100 copies, can be preordered now (shipping 1/9/15). Check it!!!

- Dan

VIDEO: The Dunes - Badlands

I know tomorrow is Christmas, but if you're planning on doing a ton of peyote and going out into the desert to find God or something, Australian heavy psych-rockers The Dunes should be on your playlist. You can find "Badlands" on The Dunes' bandcamp page, or just lean back and soak in this trippy music video. It's like a spaghetti western filtered through the aesthetic of Lynch and Buñuel! I can't think of better holiday gift.

- Steve

Best Albums of 2014

Welcome to the 8th (and hopefully not the last) OngakuBaka Top 10 albums of the year list. Before we jump right in to our picks, we’ll explain the guidelines for the selection process. 

 1. These records are in no particular order. 

2. No live records, “Best of” collections, box sets, or re-issues. The albums chosen had to be material released in 2014. 

 3. This is a collaborative effort between the two of us, and if we didn’t agree that an album deserved to make the cut, it didn’t make the list. 

 4. There are plenty of full-lengths we never got a chance to listen to, forgot about, or never had time to fully digest, so don't freak out if you don't see your personal favorite in our list. 

 With that said, here are our honorable mentions for 2014:

Tobacco - Ultima II Massage
Jesuslesfilles - Le grain d'or
Cool Ghouls - A Swirling Fire Burning Through the Rye
Temples - Sun Structures
The Cosmic Dead - Easterfaust
Godflesh - A World Lit Only By Fire
Shellac - Dude Incredible

And now, without further ado, our top 10 records of 2014:


1. Holy Wave - Relax

2. Kikagaku Moyo - Forest of Lost Children

3. Amen Dunes - Love

4. Ty Segall - Manipulator

5. Run the Jewels - RTJ2

DOWNLOAD

6. Goat - Commune

7. The Cult of Dom Keller - The Second Bardo

8.  Protomartyr - Under Color of Official Right

9. Parquet Courts/Parkay Quarts - Sunbathing Animal/Content Nausea (we cheated)

10. Swans - To Be Kind

Brian Chippendale and Greg Saunier - s/t

A great collaboration between Brian Chippendale of Lightning Bolt and Greg Saunier of Deerhoof. An epic improvised drum battle released by Famous Class Records in conjunction with the Death By Audio mini-doc on both drummers. Pay what you want over at bandcamp for the audio and a download code for a video of the performance, and check out the documentary, "Checking in at 20," below. 

- Dan

The Baron Four - Out Of The Wild Come​.​.​.

It's nothing but hits on this debut LP from the UK's The Baron Four (ex-Thee Vicars). Early '60s beat garage-worshipping tunes that'll have you throwing your panties. The album is available digitally via bandcamp and the vinyl can be ordered through ebay (?????).

- Dan

Mugstar/The Cosmic Dead - Split 12"

Two intergalactic tracks from the two of the UK's greatest rocketeers traveling today. Epic 20-minute  psych/kraut explorations occupy each side of the 12". Good luck choosing a true "A-side" on this one. Streamable below and purchase-able from Evil Hoodoo (all orders from their bigcartel comes with a limited handmade cotton sleeve).

- Dan

OUT NOW!!! Wett Nurse - Hissy Fit

The day has arrived!!! Our first release from Portland's garage shimmy shakers, Wett Nurse, is officially in the mail! We are incredibly encouraged by the number of orders we've received and we have copies headed to Australia, Canada, France, and alllll over the United States. Thanks to those who have supported us so far. Grab a copy over at our bandcamp page and stay updated via the Ongakubaka Records Facebook page. We're working to get another release out there asap, so stay tuned!!!

- Dan

Drakkar Band - Drakkar 74

Originally only released on cassette back in 1973, the "Holy Grail of Cambodian pre-Khmer Rouge psych music" is getting the vinyl treatment from Hong Kong's Metal Postcard Records. Drakkar (The Drakkar/Thra Kha/Dra Kha Band) was one of Cambodia's up-and-coming bands before communism came in and destroyed nearly a third of the country's population. Drakkar's lead singer was able to survive the work camps by playing Santana songs for the guards. A pretty incredible story. Stream the release below and head over to bandcamp to grab one of the LPs (limited to 500 copies). There's also a documentary coming in 2015 about Cambodia's rock n roll scene called "Don't Think I've Forgotten" that I can't wait to see. Watch the trailer.

- Dan

Volage - Heart Healing

For their debut LP, Volage has traded in the fuzzy sounds of 2013's Maddie EP for much cleaner production and earnest songwriting. Their sound floats somewhere between 60s psychedelia, garage, and straight up pop punk, and they show some great range within the record's 11 tracks. There's also elements that remind me of Ty Segall's record from this year. Just a great all-around record. Pick up the LP from Howlin Banana Records.

- Dan

Sitar Outreach Ministry - Revolution in Dimension 5

Excellent transcendental noodling out of Indiana. Wander the far reaches of your mind with Sitar Outreach Ministry's 9th album, released on cassette, in limited supply, on Magnetic South. Take it for  spin below.

- Dan

Bad Axe - Coachman b/w Poor Man, Run

Hot and heavy rock n roll rippers out of early 1970s Chicago. This long-lost 7" has gotten some new love thanks to Permanent Records (and Acid Archives), and it's one of the better re-issues you'll hear this year. The b-side is streamable below, but the a-side is even more killer so you're going to have to grab a copy from Permanent Records before they run out. Only 300 pressed. 

- Dan

Wett Nurse - Hissy Fit on ONGAKUBAKA RECORDS!!!!!

YOU READ THAT RIGHT! We're extremely excited to announce that Ongakubaka is taking the big leap to small independent record label!! Our first release, of what we hope will be many future releases, is a 6 track EP from Portland's (formerly Marquette, Michigan) WETT NURSE! Hot hip-shaking garage tunes for those cold winter nights. You can stream it below and order a copy, limited to 100, via our new bandcamp page (we've also created an Ongakubaka Records Facebook page. Give that shit a like). We'll be shipping worldwide by 11/25. So support the band! Support the label! i.e please buy this so we can continue to put out more jams!

Kill West - s/t

Reverb-drenched psych garage goodness out of Buenos Aires. Came across this one earlier this year, but was happy to see a submission from them in my inbox this week. Can't turn this one up loud enough. Cassette available through Volante Discos. Highly recommended.

- Dan

The Omecs - s/t

Catchy psychedelic garage tunes out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The scene continues to grow in that city, and if I didn't know better, I'd think Grand Rapids moved to the California coast. Surf solos and hip-shaking rhythms. Hurry up, grab your girl, and get to the dance floor for this one. The cassette drops in a week on King Pizza Records, but you can stream it below in the meantime.

- Dan

Ak'chamel, The Giver of Illness - My Form Has Been Extinguished (VHS)

Texas experimental psych collective, Ak'chamel, The Give of Illness, are back with an ambitious and exciting new release. It's a 60 minute original film on VHS that they describe as a "visual/audio document following a faceless shaman who becomes engaged in a cosmic quest to incarnate the primordial spirits of destruction and chaos present in the universe from the beginning of time.", but it could be better described as an absolute mind-melt that you need to see immediately. Check out the excerpt below, and pick up a copy, limited to only 50, over at Lighten Up Sounds.

- Dan

Heaven's Gateway Drugs - Apropos

Heaven's Gateway Drugs have a new album dropping in a few days, and it's been getting some heavy rotation over here. If you dig The Kinks, Zombies, Byrds, BJM. or Black Mountain, you'll be giving this one plenty of play as well. Stream three of the tracks now and preorder a copy over at bandcamp to be entered to win a pretty sweet t-shirt. Get on it.

- Dan

VIDEO: The Janitors - Here They Come

Ominous vibes out of Stockholm, Sweden. Over the last few years, The Janitors have established themselves as one of the headiest psych acts around, and the pairing of their new single and video certainly increases their potency. You can stream the rest of their newest 12" EP and pick up a copy (limited to 500) over at the Bad Afro Records bandcamp.

- Dan

Dreamtime - Serpents Tongue

Serpents Tongue is the latest single from Australian psychedelic rock titans (and Ongakubaka favorites), Dreamtime. If you dig the riff heavy psyche rock of groups like Black Mountain and are looking for something a little more experimental and out there, you'll love this band. Serpents Tongue is available for streaming on Dreamtime's Bandcamp page, and you can snag a download code, which includes the single and a pair of awesome live improv tracks, by purchasing some merch. Give Dreamtime all of your money so we can bring them back to the states again on their next tour.

- Steve 

VIDEO: Ancient River - Dead Friend

New track and road trippin' video from Gainesville, FL zoners, Ancient River. These dudes are always kicking out the jams both on the road and in the studio. Be sure to catch them at one of the dates listed below. Their previously unreleased first album, Before Dawn, will be available as a tour-only cassette for the rest of their trek around the US. Preview it over at bandcamp.

- Dan

9/18 Salt Lake City, UT :: Diabolical Records 

9/20 BOISE, IDAHO :: The Crux  

9/25 Seattle, WA :: The Josephine 

9/26 Portland, OR :: Hanesha Lounge 

9/27 Eugene, OR :: Black Forest 

9/30 Sacramento, CA :: Witch Room October 2014 

10/1 San Francisco, CA :: SF Desert Stars Festival Pre-Party Elbo Room 

10/2 Santa Cruz, CA :: Henflings Tavern 

10/5 Los Angeles, CA :: TBC 

10/6 San Diego, CA :: Merrow 

10/7 Long Beach, CA :: The Prospector 

10/8 Phoenix, AZ :: The Lost Leaf 

10/10 Albuquerque, NM :: Burt's Tiki Lounge 

10/11 El Paso, TX :: Monarch 

10/13 Fort Worth Texas :: Lola's 

10/14 Houston, TX :: Mangos 

10/15 Austin, TX :: Hotel Vegas 

10/17 Little Rock, AR :: Vinos 

10/18 Tulsa, OK Soundpony Lounge 

10/19 Oklahoma City, OK :: The Conservatory 

10/21 Birmingham, GA :: The Bottletree 

10/22 Atlanta, GA :: CLUB 529 

10/24 Savannah, GA :: The Wormhole 

10/25 Fort Lauderdale, FL :: Poorhouse

Divine Intervention Now - Mirth Control

Got a pretty incredible surprise in the mail the other day from Philly duo, Divine Intervention Now (see image below). To all of you collectors out there, I'm sure the actual contents of the SD card hidden within a micro pink bible are pretty much irrelevant, but I can promise you the 6 track EP inside is well worth a listen. Acoustic guitar and Philip Mahoney's monophonic vocals lead the way on the record, but there's an excellent variety of instrumentation within. Their "manic-depressive" doomfolk is unlike anything else you've heard, and their knack for creating memorable releases (check out the "USBug Drive" release from a few years back) will always have me looking forward to their next great idea. I beg of you, support this band. Stream it below, and head over to bandcamp to grab a copy of your own for only $10.

- Dan

Coffee Saucers - Keys

Loud and proud fuzzy French Coachwhips-esque garage tunes (much like that Dragster band I posted a few months back). Clocking in at just over 3 total minutes, this 3 track "EP" isn't nearly enough. Luckily, we'll get to hear another minute or two I'm sure on their upcoming split 7" on DĂ©sobĂ©issance Records.

- Dan

The Gumbo Ya-Ya's - Superstitious Kisses

Cape Town, South African free-spirited garage punk tunes with a little bit of rockabilly blues leanings. Grab the name-your-price download for now, and stay tuned to their Facebook for updates on the physical releases, which are coming soon on the newly formed French label, Dirty Slice Records (cassette), and Angry Africa Records (vinyl). Check the killer video below for "On My Mind" by the always reliable The Attic Video.

- Dan

Different Skeletons - Devils

Toronto garage twangers, Different Skeletons, are back with a brand new full-length record. This cassette, limited to 200 copies, sees the band continuing in the direction heard on their 2012 release, Without Country, with some cleaner production, a more traditional pop sensibility, and hooks aplenty. Stream it below and head over to bandcamp for a name-your-price download. 

- Dan

Joel Gion - Apple Bonkers

The debut solo record from Brian Jonestown Massacre's tambourine and sideburn extraordinaire has officially dropped in the US/UK. 10 tracks of playful 60s psychedelic pop bliss. Stream the whole thing below and pick up copy through Reverberation Appreciation Society/The Committee to Keep Music Evil/Burger Records.

- Dan

Augenwasser - Fireworks

 Hazy lo-fi/folk/psych tunes out of Switzerland. The cassette tape hiss, the melancholy vocals, and the seemingly off-the-cuff guitar lines give the album the intimate feel you always hope to run into with solo bedroom-recorded releases. I'm especially enjoying "Liquid Ecstasy", "New Seas", & "Dreams Forever". A run of 50 tapes are available through Hot Dogma Records. Shoot an email to hotdogmarecords@gmail.com to grab a copy.

- Dan

Leather Slave - S/T

Leather Slave's self-titled debut came with a nice press kit that mentioned, among other things, how they sound like Brainbombs. I guess that's a decent starting point-- they certainly have that "shit did I just blow a speaker... oh it's supposed to sound like that" quality to them. For lack of a better term, Leather Slave adds a little more traditional rock n' structure to the mix so what we're left with is a band seemingly dedicated to mimicking the sound of animals being mutilated by power tools set to a catchy 4/4 beat. The lyrics and vocals really put things over the top though. Instead of singing, Leather Slave favors calmly telling you about how they're going to kill you and wear your skin. It's a great contrast, and really drives home just how unsettling this band can be. This band embodies everything raw and primal about rock music. Crank this shit up and scare your parents.

Leather Slave's album is out on Permanent Records on September 2nd, and limited to 300 copies (100 of those are only available at Permanent records in LA/Chicago)

- Steve

Bicycle Day - I Had A Place To Be

Excellent debut full-length from Oakland-based trio, Bicycle Day. Textbook Cali garage/psych w/ surf guitar riffs and slapbacked vocals. For fans of Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall, obviously. Keep an eye on their Facebook for updates on a physical release. 

- Dan

Druggy Pizza - Chili Cheese Crust

Finally got around to checking out the new EP from the Dusty Mush side project, Druggy Pizza. 6 ultra scuzzy garage punk jams on a super limited run of 30 fluorescent green cassette through the newly formed Dirty Slice Records. Download it for free and pick up a copy of the cassette over at bandcamp. 

- Dan

OWN BOO - S/T EP

Psychedelic pop/new wave female-led fivesome out of Brescia, Italy. This quick 4 track debut EP requires an immediate second spin through to be fully appreciated. Track 2 is my new jam (video below). Pick up the cassette through Mirror Universe Tapes here or the 12" Italian pressing here.

- Dan

VIDEO: Allah-Las - No Werewolf

An absolutely mesmerizing spinning sand art video for the instrumental b-side of the first single off the Allah-Las upcoming sophomore LP, Worship the Sun. On repeat.

 - Dan

Strange Lords - S/T

Waylon Thornton has started a killer new project with Andrew Seward (ex-bassist of Against Me) on drums. Groove-heavy fuzzy surf goodness. This one will be getting some heavy rotation. Keep an eye on their Facebook for updates on a physical release. For now, stream it away.

- Dan

SUNFIGHTER - Golden Eagle of Illumination

Hypnotic psychedelic exploratory sounds out of Philly. Unfortunately, this super limited cassette is already sold out over at Bookmaker Records, but you can stream it in its entirety and check out the wonderfully mesmerizing video for the album below.

- Dan

Exocomet - S/T

Exocomet is a Brooklyn-based, post-punk/noise band. It's tough for an album like this to really stand out, but Exocomet pulls it off. Instead of relying solely on experimental weirdness, the band layers bizarre free-form guitar and keyboard noise over tight, lock-groove rhythms to create a rare blend of creepy and atmospheric sounds that you can actually bob your head along to.

- Steve

  

Golden Dawn Arkestra - s/t EP

The Golden Dawn Arkestra were one of the very few bands I wasn't familiar with before heading into Austin Psych Fest back in May, but, in retrospect, they turned out having one of the most memorable sets the entire weekend. Visually, they overwhelm with their multicultural garb, hypnotizing dance moves, and general otherworldly stage presence. Audibly, they're all over the map as well. Afrobeat. Psychedelic. Surf. Funk. If I was a Nigerian Bourbon Street snake-charming Old West lawman tripping on acid, this is the only record I'd ever listen to. Their Kickstarter-funded debut vinyl EP is soon to see the light of day on August 19th. Give 'em a like on Facebook to stay updated. Hey look, I made it through the entire post without comparing them to Goat.

- Dan

VIDEO: Joel Gion - YES

Peep the trippy new vid for the lead track from the upcoming debut solo LP from Joel of BJM. Apple Bonkers will be co-released by The Reverberation Appreciation Society and The Committee to Keep Music Evil, with a limited edition cassette on Burger Records, this August 18th(UK)/19th(US). Pre-sales begin on July 22nd. Get on it.

- Dan

Dragster - Ganja War

Posted the video for the closing track of this cassette a few weeks back (seems to be missing from their bandcamp?). Hard-hitting fuzzy garage punk out of Rennes, France. Grab a copy, limited to only 50, over at Six Tonnes de Chair Records. You can stream it below in the meantime, and be sure to check out the video for "Lou L'enfer Chasseur de Dragons" if you missed it the first time around.

- Dan

Balduin - Post From Mars

Super polished psychedelic baroque pop from Switzerland. Balduin is a veteran of the psych scene, with quite a few self-released and small label releases over the last decade+. He even used to drop off his newest singles over at our Facebook page years ago. To be honest, he had completely slipped my mind until I received a press release for this new release on The Active Listener. This entry in "The Active Listener introduces" series compiles some of his best tracks from his self-released EPs and full-lengths. A solid soundtrack for some hot summer whimsy. 

- Dan

The Meats - Raw Meats

The cool thing about living in Milwaukee is seven months of the year are spent in a dark, dreary, polar vortex wishing you were dead. SO MUCH FUN. Thankfully when it warms up this is actually a pretty rad city to live in. Now that Milwaukee has thawed out I've been looking for a fun summer record to put on while I get drunk and listen to my neighbors argue. The Meats debut album has been the perfect soundtrack for doing just that. Raw Meats is classic no frills garage rock in the same vein as The Oblivions and The Black Lip, played by group of expats in China. A few members even used to call Kalamazoo, Michigan their home. I swear somebody must be putting something in the water there. Anyway, if you dig insanely catchy lo-fi jams, don't pass on The Meats.

- Steve

The Oblique Mystique - Sweet'In-Law 7"

Got this in the mail a few weeks back from Canadian artist/musician, Patrick Lundeen. His Montreal-based band, The Oblique Mystique, has released a new 7" of off-center, home-recorded, lo-fi garage tunes to chew over. Grab a copy of the 7" here, and check out some of Patrick's killer artwork over at his tumblr.

- Dan

The Beds - Ride Again

The Beds (ex-Slow Warm Death) from Philly have created one of the more blown-out records you're going to hear all year. Seven hard-hitting jams buried beneath a sierra of fuzz. You can trudge through the post-punk sludge by picking up 1 of the 100 cassettes available through Ranch Records. 

- Dan

Piresian Beach - I CANNOT SEE FOR MILES

New EP from the one-woman band out of Budapest. Six lo-fi psychedelic tunes with a bit of garage and surf thrown in the mix. No physical copies as of yet, so pay what you would like over at bandcamp for now.

- Dan

VIDEO: Dragster - Lou L'enfer Chasseur de Dragons

These French garage burners have cited Coachwhips as their primary influence, and it certainly shows on this track from their upcoming cassette on Six Tonnes De Chair Records. John Dwyer style yelps with a Fort Thunder level of noise. On repeat.

- Dan

V/A - Poncho Records Compilation Vol. 1

A great compilation from Poncho Records that showcases the recent psych-pop explosion out of their hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 12 of the 19 total featured bands are also based out of the capital city. Stream it below and pick up a copy (first run limited to 30 tapes) through the Poncho Records bandcamp.

- Dan

Lasso - Golden Lasso

Lasso just might be the best Midwest band you've never heard, and their latest release Golden Lasso is easily the band's most accomplished work to date. Golden Lasso builds on the group's blend of southern-fried psych-rock by adding little touches of bossa nova and orchestral pop. Golden Lasso may not have the grit of some of Lasso's prior releases, but it's certainly for the better. The arrangements and Andy Catlin's ethereal vocals are flat out gorgeous. If you're a fan of Deerhunter and/or waking up naked and confused in the middle of the desert after an acid trip, you absolutely can't miss out on Golden Lasso. The album is available as a pay what you want download on bandcamp, or as a $5 cassette/download code combo.

- Steve

VIDEO: Dusty Mush - There Was More Future

Another killer video from The Attic Video for another killer track from Dusty Mush's debut 12" EP on Howlin' Banana Records. Stream it below and pick up a copy on clear wax over here.

- Dan

Pridjevi - s/t

Excellent female-led psychedelic 3-piece out of Croatia. I've been waiting to find something like this in my inbox for some time now and I fell under their spell almost immediately. There's a literal WORLD of influences on this record. Baroque pop. French pop. Tropicália. All of which provide the record with an immersive dream-like listening experience without having to rely on layers upon layers of reverb. Highly recommended. Stream and download link below. 

- Dan

Download Pridjevi