“And if the fight should be at sea I have kinds of many machines most efficient for offense and defense; and vessels which will resist the attack of the largest guns and powder and fumes.

I have means by secret and tortuous mines and ways, made without noise, to reach a designated spot, even if it were needed to pass under a trench or a river.

I will make covered chariots, safe and unattackable, which, entering among the enemy with their artillery, there is no body of men so great but they would break them. And behind these, infantry could follow quite unhurt and without any hindrance.”

Translation of Leonardo’s résumé

tumblr_l2n1pvcJBg1qzv802

Grails – “Doomsdayer’s Holiday”
Doomsdayer’s Holiday

Though slightly terrifying, this is a great opener. The slow-burn east-west fusion of Burning Off Impurities is completely absent, replaced by monolithic riffs and crashing cymbals. The off-kilter arrangements return in the next track, but “Doomsdayer’s Holiday” is a great shock to the senses; it makes you pay attention, because you’re afraid the music might reach out and strangle you at any moment. (insound)

tumblr_l2ktyrB9Ar1qzv802

Air – “Modular Mix”
Premiers Symptomes

Although Air has pretty much completely abandoned the sound of their early days (this collection of singles came out in 1997), this is still my favorite album of theirs. And “Modular Mix,” their first single, is one of their best songs. It’s funny how I can dislike much music that is superficially similar to these tracks (Thievery Corporation comes to mind) — but the difference in quality really is there, in my opinion, even if the laid-back vibe is identical.

I did not usurp the crown. I found it — in the gutter.

Napoleon, in Waterloo (probably not a real quote)

tumblr_l27vd3YG4Q1qzv802

Yellow Swans – “Our Oases”
At All Ends

Only noise fans need apply. At All Ends is a surprisingly approachable album, like a very noisy hybrid between Growing and Tim Hecker. It’s still abrasive and loud as hell, but in songs like “Mass Mirage” you have periods of unexpected calm and a current of melody running beneath the whole thing. Definitely a must-listen for fans of drone and noise. (insound)