“Music” Archives

Thangorodrim’s Tolkien-inspired “dungeon synth” can get cheesy at times, but the epic fantasy vision is winsome in its own way.

Both songs showcase the band’s blend of shimmery, ethereal textures and towering walls of sound.

For fans of thoughtful, atmospheric indie-rock, Starsabout’s debut full-length is the real deal.

This ambient reimagining breaks down Vangelis’ original score and weaves it back together in new, intriguing ways.

Some of Makeup & Vanity Set’s most ambient and surreal work in some time.

One of the worst NES games has one of the best NES soundtracks.

An absolute cracking album that reminds you of favorite ’80s alternative heroes without ever feeling derivative.

The four volumes explore a wide range of electronic music, from vaporwave to digital hardcore to surreal ambient.

Arguably the most difficult Perturbator release to date — but also one of the most intriguing.

These instrumentals make you realize how limited the term “hip-hop” has come to be understood.

Tholen’s first album in four years finds him pondering marriage, being an artist, and the mysteries of God’s divine will.

Dirk Serries’ acclaimed ambient project underwent some pretty dramatic shifts as evidenced by these early recordings.

These songs move in directions that are more interesting than the simple “shoegaze + metal” equation implies.

Peru’s Resplandor helped open my eyes to the true global nature of shoegaze.

Pulls together disparate threads of jazz, hip-hop, and electronica, with a large dose of anime aesthetic.

An immaculately produced album of ambient electronica.

Evocative ambient music with hints of nocturnal mystery and intrigue.

Subdued, empathetic music for those times when you need a thoughtful, comforting presence in the room.

Sparse, intimate folk/slowcore, nocturnal cinematic ambient, airy electronic music, and anime-inspired future funk.

1998’s “Rustic Houses, Forlorn Valleys” and 1999’s “The Cycle of Days and Seasons” can be ordered from Norman Records.