the weather becomes a validly sensitive topic for 9 out of 12 months in the year. yesterday, three girls stopped me from acknowledging the crisp, cold air. it seems that references to winter are not allowed at the moment. the city isn't ready, and the wind whispers ideas of quietly escaping the peak when winter looms with dreadful grey clouds. I’m not so risk-averse. I’ve mentioned a few times: "I don't mind the bitterness of the blue" or "I like it when it rains." naturally, I know these feelings will fluctuate when the cold settles deeper in the bones after 4 p.m. sunsets. I’m preparing to move at a slower pace. 

I come bearing poetry and some tunes in muted blues & greys. 

poetics from Beirut by a band of three writers called Shatr Collective. the album features the music of Sarah Huneidi and voices/ poetry from Theresa Sahyoun and Nadine Makarem. for those who do not lyrically understand, the sentiments of the creators channel through the phonetics of the words used to describe their experiences of pain. to be played in silence. 

I have only recently discovered Skulk,  the musical fantasies of Katyayini Gargi, an artist based in Goa. something about this has blown my brain out and has since been shamelessly, repeatedly overplayed. pay attention to the lyrics and the keys scattering and tumbling over each other (the notes to this tune on Bandcamp have the spoken word if you'd like a read.) a tune for deep listening. she plays for the tenth episode of my bi-monthly radio show, Spicetape on Refuge Worldwide. this special edition airs on Monday 21st October. 

you’d want to bookmark/ pre-order this gem by Clinic Stars. the band’s debut full-length slow-core, crispy and ethereal dream-pop exhibits tendencies of a blistering frostbite. hazy guitar strumming over surreal atmospherics and vocals meant to stir the brain. the vinyl folds into a pretty little cover, a feminine figure with a little flame in hand, and the notes are soft, steady, and expansive. 

another grand The Necks pre-order on my list. I remember playing Sex by The Necks for the first time ever very clearly. the tune stretched on for an hour, changing ever so slightly, I leaned back, following the path with my eyes closed, dancing along the edges as it tickled my brain. the Australian band that has been around for more than 30 years, having released Sex in 1989 and even greater, exquisite compositions along the way. neither ambient, neither jazz, borderless music, experimentations, effortless loops, strung together for a very small, very affectionate eternity. excerpt sounds promising. 

warm greetings and thanks to all new readers. very excited to see this little space grow. enjoy the delicate tunes. xx