Tiny Fingers

The Fall, the new album from Israeli band Tiny Fingers (it's their fourth), has totally blindsided me. The swirling, atmospheric intensity that comes with these coalescing psych squalls, complete with organ, took my breath away. 'Traveller Sound' emulates the dizzying acrobatics that Battles do so well; the proggy flourishes and indulgences on tracks like 'Dispatcher' fly the freakout flag as diligently and mind-meltingly as The Mars Volta (whom thee band has supported in the past). But it is how good these intricate instrumentals build and breathe that is stunning - from the frenetic, kinetic title track to the contemplative yet bombastic 'Music For The Sun' (which seems to tip the hat to Yes, Pink Floyd, Eluvium and Explosions In The Sky, all through a very idiosyncratic filter). The Fall is breathtaking and transcendental - I haven't said enough about it. Let's hope this record explodes, because Tiny Fingers are that good.

Eluvium Washes Nightmares Away

You guys up for chilling out this weekend? Here are a few tracks that should facilitate that. It's been almost four years since Portland native Matthew Cooper dragged out his Eluvium wares in their full glory. The wait is nearly over, with double album Nightmare Ending coming out next month. Three of the tracks have leaked their way onto the interweb over the past couple of months, and their dexterity, intricacy and beauty have been dearly missed. For Eluvium isn't just the type of music you wished they played at your local cafe, although you definitely do wish that (I used to frequent one cafe until they started playing Nelly Furtado because, and I quote, "it's the best music for a hangover"...fuck...). No. I talk about immersive worlds being created by music quite often on Sonic Masala, and Eluvium is one of the few artists that truly embodies that. There is no stasis, or inertia, or ephemeral anger - it is all pulsing along at a calm rate, impressing a peaceful tranquillity through you. It's rare that such relaxation can come from sound without it sounding hokey or coming pre-packaged with incense sticks. Eluvium is worlds apart, yet deserves to be within all of our own.

Nightmare Ending comes out on Temporary Residence May 14. Pre-order the double LP here and receive a limited edition Giclee print. But really, it's all irrelevant - you need this in your life. Listen to the three tracks below, in isolation, on headphones. Let all manner of stresses and responsibilities wash away. There is nothing overtly spiritual about this - it just is.

Asfandyar Khan Take The North Wind

You might remember right back at the inception of Sonic Masala (all the way back in the heady days of 2010) that I was enamoured with an EP out of Pakistan called Snow Makes Things Perfect (check it out here). The artist behind this wonderful ambient suite of sound was Asfandyar Khan. Its been a while, but Khan is back with another EP, The North Wind, and it's not as good. Why? Because it is far too short! The four songs on this release go just over 11 minutes altogether, and this floats by. It's an inimitably replayable disc that's for sure. Khan has created a minimalist soundscape that is better than prescription drugs. If you cant transport yourself to a better life armed solely on this EP, you aren't trying hard enough.

Grab The North Wind here.

Asfandyar Khan - Warp

Glacial sine waves from Pakistan

Snow Makes Things Perfect is the creation of Asfandyar Khan. The Pakistan-born mood-makers wears his influences on his sleeve - Eluvium permeates this entire album - and in doing so has created one of the most ambient releases of the year. Snow Makes Things Perfect is so ambient in fact that it is near translucent - although short in essence, with only 6 tracks, the release crackles over you like a glacier, endeavouring to entrap you in a timeless otherworld that couldn't be any further removed from Khan's hometown of Islamabad than if it was created on Neptune. Its a very intriguing listen, one that creeps over and into you after a few listens. An impressive listen, and along with Mike Mokotow from last month, showcases the lengths that one can go to from the confines of the bedroom, leading into new worlds.

Asfandyar Khan - North Sea Troubadour