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.

Toads Giving Birth = Psychotropic Yet Awkward

Birthgiving Toad - from that title alone I knew I was leaving Planet Earth for a while. On the Danish solo artist's For Awkward Company record, you will be treated to some seriously warped rock - like Yes, if they were rather found of licking a - yep, got it! - birthgiving toad. Its a gross thought. The album, though, is very interesting, hallucinogenic, and overall a bit of fun (and a Sly & the Family Stone cover to boot! Yea, you have no idea what's been tossed into the blender on this one...)

(And if you are wondering why I have a picture of Australian rugby union fullback Kurtley Beale here, it's because I typed in birthgiving toad into google pics, and amidst the gross anatomical process of toads giving birth there was this one. I laughed for quite some time. That is all. The actual album cover, and a couple tracks, are below).



Birthgiving Toad - Waxtipede
Birthgiving Toad - Tiny Rocker