Various Artists - Taxidermy of Unicorns

Not so much a V/A release, or a compilation, as a single thematically consistent collaboration, separated into compartments. Taxidermy of Unicorns from Watery Starve Press is a double split release combining four of the brightest female voices in the experimental art scene today. Birds of passage (Alicia Merz), Je Suis Le Petit Chevalier (Felecia Atkinson), Motion Sickness of Time Travel (Rachel Evans) and Aloonaluna (Watery Starve's Lynn Fister) each bring their respective vision to bear on what becomes an expansive, and nicely cohesive, vision of forward looking experimental folk. While each half of tape works nicely with the others, there's ample space for each artist to weave their signature sounds. I like great art no matter who makes it, but I'll readily admit, it's fun to see these women staking out their turf.

Edition of 200. A whole lot going on here for sure. Double cs in tall case wrapped in yarn with a leaf. Included with purchase an oversized booklet style set of notes and art. Included in the innermost pages, an original collage from Lynn Fister. Grab directly from Watery Starve.

Sparkling Wide Pressure - Covered In Blue Colors

Those devotees of Frank Baugh's Sparkling Wide Pressure, project (of which I am one, hence the blog name) should be comfortable, and well pleased with his latest release Covered In Blue Colors, from Watery Starve. Crisp and wonderfully intense guitar collage, played gently over a bed of smeared vocal melody and transportive ambience, all imbued with the same raw unfiltered hues of rural america I have always derived from his work. As I listen, the only way I can attempt describe the sound is, in some way, as damaged. In the sense that sometimes broken, rusted, imperfections can be more emotionally powerful than the purest note. And even further, perfect notes juxtaposed against imperfection an even deeper connective experience. Each Sparkling Wide Pressure release delivers that sense to me. A celebration of the perfectness of imperfection, and a deep connection to the moments represented. Essential tape.

Handcrafted edition of seventy five. Each jcard a unique and original work of printed watercolor and collage from Lynn Fister. Grab direct from Watery Starve.

Various Artists - Shadow Colors And Maybe Insects

Charming introductory V/A compilation of droning forest strangeness and synth blissery from new San Francisco based, Watery Starve. If the opening act is bellwether of upcoming editions, Shadow Colors and Maybe Insects forbears an exciting future. Stellar mix of established acts, from Former Selves and Inez Lightfoot, to Quiet Evenings and Je Suis Le Petit Chevalier, channeling a variety of nostalgic, sentimental, and spectral sounds. Transmuteo does a bit of show stealing with an incredible track of shamanistic earth rituals, which alone would justify a purchase. Grabbed my walkman and enjoyed perfect vibes on an afternoon walk through the autumn woods.

Beautiful physical product. Watercolor collage pro print by Lynn Fister, personal note included. Grab one before they get scarce direct at Watery Starve.