Ambassador Engine is the works of Aaron Landgraf. He has been very very lax about his presence, however he already has four releases under his belt [and he offers them all for free download via his myspace page]. He recently released a track “Nowhere Near the Beach” through my favorite Colorado Label, Patient Sounds, for their first label compilation [also available for free download via their blog].

The latest Ambassador Engine release, Live Dismally EP, is a really great piece. Standing out from his previous works, the release doesn’t lack cohesiveness; in fact, the EP stands out the most to me. More dance, more gaze, more movement. Dig it. Also, Aaron sent me a new track “Destroy Everything” this morning. Wow.

“Nowhere Near the Beach” from Patient Sounds Sampler Vol. 1

“Niigata (July 16, 2007)” from Live Dismally EP

“Destroy Everything” (unreleased)

This is Matt. He and I played in the band Castles in high school. It faded into many other projects over the years, but he is now creating music under the moniker M. Pyres, as well as running his own cassette label, Patient Sounds. Patient Sounds is home to M. Pyres, Cochise, Lush Cola (Tim Perry of Weed Diamond), as well as Seattle’s own Cradling and Martha! Mother. Matt has played a large role in guiding my eager listening ears. Making mixes of his music and friends’ music, as well as many other bands from which I still draw influence.

About a year or so ago, he started telling me about this great scene on the east coast: Underwater Peoples, Kurt Vile, Woodsist, Mexican Summer, Real Estate, Julian Lynch. Starting to dive in further now, Lynch’s tunes are making my days brighter than a Gaga stage setup.

Julian’s music has a nice stripped-down quality to his music at most times. When there is any sort of build it really isn’t one instrument standing alone as a lead. The songs will move as if they are but one machine with synchronized limbs. His recordings remind me of some of the things Matt and I have recorded together and separately: definitely tape and definitely cared for, but not overanalyzed. As well as touring most of the summer, Julian Lynch has two upcoming releases: Droplet on a Hot Stone 7″ out through Underwater Peoples and Mare LP out through Olde English Spelling Bee.

You can order his releases here
and look at his tour poster here.

‘Droplet on a Hot Stone’

‘Just Enough’

Cradling, formerly Uesa Guilbe, is comprised of John and Davis. We filmed them on 4/20/10, yeah I know, in Davis’ Capitol Hill home. The filming of this video was less of a routine filming, and more of a gin-infused hangout; a hangout that took us well into the night and culminated with the band banging out songs in Davis’ kitchen. Press play and relive the day for yourself, with a soundtrack! Below I have posted some additional tracks from Cradling’s upcoming release, ‘Wild Runner’, which will be coming out this summer on Patient Sounds Silent Farm Recordings.

‘haul and form’

‘alkaline movements’

‘with grace’

‘the waltz 2 (won’t rest)’