Amoeba berkeley Staff

Felix
Amoeba Berkeley

Out Of Vienna / Berg - Webern - Schulhoff (CD)

Leonkoro Quartet
A new ensemble based in Germany, the Leonkoro Quartet has released their first physical recording on Alpha Classics and it's a gem to hear. At the time this CD was recorded, all four members were in their 20's (one member had just turned 20) yet they chose to perform four challenging pieces for their debut release. Each of the three composers represented here were closely associated with avant-garde music so raising the bar of difficulty, not only in their playing but also by making demands to their audience, is not something the Leonkoro Quartet was at all skittish about. Right away, in their opening piece, the quartet takes the reins in Alban Berg's "Lyric Suite" which was composed so as to describe a passionate yet tragic love affair. It's an astonishing 6 movement composition which the Leonkoro Quartet manages to take full ownership of. Brief musical lines are endlessly morphing to serve the piece and refuses to become a static background and instead, grows into a living entity. Handling these quick, sudden shifts not only physically but also with expressive intent, are brilliantly accomplished by the L.Q. One noted example is the subtle eeriness of the violins in the opening of movement three and is soon joined by the delicate pizzicato from the cello but the kaleidoscopic way each instrument changes emotive outbursts throughout the Allegro misterioso 3rd is remarkable to hear. Whatever Berg is expressing here, the L.Q. allows the complex music to sound lucid and exhilarating at the same time. But each movement presents us with new and disparate sensibilities which logically coincides with tragic love affairs, creating a thrilling friction by forcing the listener's brain to constantly reorient itself. Beautifully played with impressive fluidity by the L.Q. In the second piece, the quartet leans toward lighter emotions in Erwin Schulhoff's Five Pieces for String Quartet. Keep in mind that all of these pieces represented on this disc are in line with the German expressionist movement where musical phrasings are expressly magnified while seeking to unmask the subconscious mind. In other words, the listener might be surprised by what they feel. In Schulhoff's piece, whimsical phrasings are heightened to an almost cynical bent. The sweeping gestures of the strings are playfully exaggerated but brilliantly played by the LQ. Each of the 5 movements present the listener with juxtaposing ideas as if the listener were walking in and out of contrasting rooms. The remaining 2 pieces by Anton Webern are astonishing to hear but both present significantly different musical styles. One aspect they do share is a profound emotional intensity unlike any music you have ever heard. Especially with the effectively brief, Five Movements For String Quartet piece. Each of the 5 movements are around one to three minutes in length but the method in which each instrumentalist plays their respective devices are played in multifarious ways. The wide variety of tiny discrete bursts as well as outbursts of sound are meant for more of an internal or cognitive expression. Sentimental lines are jettisoned in favor of laconic phrasings. Emotions are severely truncated throughout this intense composition and the L.Q. tackle these challenges with pinpoint precision. Amazing to hear each member's virtuosity! The final piece was composed much earlier in Webern's career and well before he decided to focus on dissonant music. Langsamer Satz is the epitome of what "yearning for a loved one" should sound like in music. Melodic lines are magnified and full of expressive feeling where the tremelo of the strings are accented with strength and accuracy. The Leonkoro Quartet has given us a wonderful introduction to their prowess and mastery of their instruments. I can't recommend this CD high enough! Read more

Symphonies In 3 Movements - Charlotte Sohy, Milhaud, C.P.E Bach & Stravinsky (CD)

Bar Avni / Orchestre National
Represented in this disc are 3 largely famous composers and one who is generally, if not entirely, unknown.  Because I've become a sucker for listening to specific pieces with no knowledge of ever hearing it before, I became intrigued with this 3 movement opening piece by the French composer, Charlotte Sohy (1887-1955).  It's a gorgeous late-romantic orchestral piece that is expertly performed by the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine or ONBA, based in Bordeaux, France. The orchestral members are aficionados when it comes to playing, specifically, French music.  Leading this orchestra is the NKOTB (in the conductors world), Bar Avni, a 37 year old Israeli woman who has won multiple conducting awards.  This 3 piece work signifies how rich and expressive the ONBA can sound in regard to orchestral phrasing.  There are remnants of Berlioz and César Franck in Sohy's work as a flair for drama is not lacking.  Written under the specters of World War 1, Miss Avni's direction of the ONBA is distinct with lustrous colors but always with a strict rhythmic flow.  I found it interesting that in the final moments of the 2nd movement, Sohy seems to have adopted a smidgeon (10 seconds?) of an aria from Berlioz's "The Damnation de Faust". It was just enough of an ingredient to heighten the beauty and whimsical flair.   Sohy's final movement showcases gutsy melodies with a somewhat anxious edge to them that were perfectly in line with the current stressful period.  The turbulence felt from this movement is marvelously curbed with exceptional confidence while the final moments combust with a burnished glow.  Simply gorgeous to hear! The following 4 minute Darius Milhaud 3 movement piece, also composed during WWI,  reduces symphonic thinking into a tiny, absorbable framework.  Atonal phrasing gives way to a light texture. Idyllic melodies clash with dissonant colors resulting in a highly interesting, but fleeting piece. The remaining two well-known works (CPE Bach: Symphony 1 & Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements) are performed with an abundance of lustre and a burnished shimmer, an immediate trait also when hearing C.P.E. Bach's well-known piece composed in 1775. In Stravinsky's piece, and the final work on this recording, I felt a furbished glow where dynamic rhythms are beautifully balanced with the isolated colors of the orchestra. Although the rhythmic phrasings are aggressive, the ONBA under Miss Avni's direction, manages to create a luscious and sleek effect.  I would love to hear the ONBA perform more Stravinsky pieces because in this piece, they have a wonderful way of isolating Stravinsky's nostalgic style into detached structural objects, allowing the orchestra to take greater ownership of the piece. The orchestra's interpretation, under Bar Avni's direction, shoulders the expected demands brilliantly.  Shrewd playing throughout this recording! Read more

Elsa Barraine: Symphonies 1 &2, Song-Koï, Les Tziganes (CD)

Orchestre National De France /
French Resistance composer Elsa Barraine, who defied the Nazis by strengthening her left-wing politics, wrote music as a means of defying the perpetrators. She has composed dozens of major works which most of the public (including moi) have never heard. Just a few recordings of her music have been released after her death in 1999 but the 4 pieces on this current disc is a wonderful introduction to Miss Barraine's sophisticated style. The opening 8 short movement piece entitled "Song-Koï (Le Fleuve rouge)" was written in 1945 as a tribute to Vietnam’s declaration of independence from France. This piece is basically a political connotative description of an isolated stream (river) flowing towards a massive, unstoppable body of water (the ocean), implying a revolutionary movement towards freedom and independence. Her use of impressionistic colors is wonderful to hear and she also borrows heavily from neoclassical composers like Stravinsky. The Orchestre National de France conducted by the 46 years old Romanian conductor, Cristian Măcelaru, does a remarkable job by seamlessly shifting from dissonance to melodic beauty. The fourth movement of the opening piece is where the listener can immediately hear obvious remnants of Stravinsky and throughout; especially with how Miss Barraine treats the percussion where it's used as unexpected accents. She uses angular shapes as musical momentum along with instilling zesty discord for emotional tension. Barraine's following work (Symphony 1) begins with an eerie beginning and eventually turns into enraged phrasings where turbulence steps in. She uses the heaviness of the brass section as a percussive element with aggressive and rhythmic cadence which is also a Stravinsky trait. I love the ending of this movement where the winds swirl around in an uncanny weirdness. For myself, one of the more pleasant surprises in this symphony is the adagio where heavy Mahlerian phrases are beautifully executed by the string section. The effect is so gorgeous, almost as if a strong sense of compassion and empathy has suddenly overwhelmed your judgement. Miss Barraine as well as the execution of her writing by the Orchestre National de France manages to expertly balance traditional structure with musical color. The following 2nd Symphony or entitled; "War", was written in 1938 and does an extraordinary job in expressing the anxiousness most likely felt by anyone who happened to be alive during such a tumultuous time. I thought that the "Funeral March" or the second movement had sounded more beautiful than sad with a gorgeous violin solo towards the end. Balkan and Spanish folk elements play a large role in the final piece of this disc. "Les Tziganes" (1959) is full of color by the brass and winds and grandly accented by percussive elements. Elsa Barraine is simply a wonderful composer who deserves to be heard. There is nothing here one needs to fear in this recording for simply opening up your heart and mind is the only requirement. I'll confidently say that after listening to this CD, Elsa Barraine is a grossly overlooked composer who should be heard. Furthermore, there should be more of her music made available for us to hear! I'm extraordinarily grateful that Warner Classics decided to team up with the Orchestre National De France under Mr. Macelaru's direction to make such amazing music! We want more of Miss Barraine's music please! Read more

Bach: Goldberg Variations - Live At Carnegie Hall (CD)

Yunchan Lim
There were some peculiar thoughts that abruptly came to me which have just as quickly vanished while initially hearing Yunchan Lim's live performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations at Madison Square Garden on CD. Strangely, only one observation has somehow managed to stick with me despite its absurdity. Unexpectedly, I was thinking of the advent of bebop where a pulsating rhythmic beat had transformed jazz from dance music into a high-art experience. And that swing music with its predictable beat was played by big bands to keep people moving. This thought was combined with the fact that Bach originally wrote the Goldberg Variations in the 1740s for a count who suffered from a severe state of insomnia. But Yunchan Lim's delivery, even during the slower movements, leans towards a rhythmic articulation, allowing the syncopation to pop. That sometimes crisp, driving momentum is exactly what gives it that pulsating feel making this 18th century keyboard music feel incredibly alive, modern and kinetic; almost playful like. Mr. Lim's playing, at times, has managed to push and pull the momentum of the music, transforming dotted notes into an expressive, continuous flow. When combining these descriptions towards bebop or even swing, there is an ultimate shared trait; namely, propulsion. Throughout Lim's performance, he has managed to create a continuous, shimmering wave of phrasing for which Lim's left hand acts as the driving rhythm section, creating a steady pulsating pulse allowing the listener to be locked in. Listening to the 5 minute 13th variation, there is a subtle but shimmering sparkle to his rhythmic hand that enables the mood to lift towards an upbeat bent that I hadn't realized was lacking until now in many previous interpretations I've heard. Even during the slower 15th variation, dotted notes somehow sparkle with a lustrous appeal. Yes, the engineering on this recording managed to do an amazing job yet Yunchan Lim's touch is inexplicable and second to none in regards to maintaining the listeners keen interest, even during the slower variations. Also, in spite of the melancholic moodiness of Variation 25, or sometimes referred to as "The Black Pearl" movement, Mr. Lim dots his isolated notes with just enough gleam so as to somehow help maintain forward momentum. The brilliantly performed variation 20 reminds the listener of Lim's unrestrained spontaneity as the briskness of played notes pulsate with gorgeous ease. I certainly am hoping, dear reader, that you can grasp how upbeat and joyous this particular interpretation of the Goldberg Variations actually is. If you had found yourself stuck from exploring more interpretations of Bach's masterpiece, even after hearing Glenn Gould's historic performance decades ago, well it's finally time you break out of that mindset and add Yunchan Lim's Goldberg Variations to your library. Although different, he's just as impressive. Read more

Forgotten Melodies (CD)

Alexander Malofeev
Alexander Malofeev, a 24 year old Russian pianist who ditched Russia in 2022 for Berlin due to his critical stance on the Ukraine war, has finally released his debut recording on Sony Classical after winning a couple of highly regarded international competitions at such young ages (13 & 15). Here, for his initial release, he has chosen to represent 4 highly regarded Russian composers, (Glinka, Medtner, Rachmaninoff and Glazunov) an impressive challenge to say the least! After hearing both CDs several times, I eventually understood why he (or his agent) elected to release over 2 hours of piano solos for the public to hear. My assumption is due to the effect of Malofeev's delivery, at least in accordance with these compositions, is one of lushness, opulence and especially grandeur and needs to be fleshed out in order to be appreciated. Malofeev presents each of these pieces, which the classical enthusiasts have known most of their adult lives, with a sense of grand elegance that is truly remarkable to hear. His appregio's at certain points are performed as if he were playing a harp; like for instance in Medtner's final movement of his "Forgotten Melodies" (used this to entitle his release) Malofeev's flourishes are done with true elegance. Sure, this is such a small example but something as small as this stands out because Malofeev is a true master at his craft. Throughout the chosen 8 movements of "Forgotten Melodies", a piece I've never heard before, there are nostalgic melodies of longing for a preferred affection as Malofeev plays with impressive perception. I say impressive because he was only 23 when he performed this. The texture of his playing is rich and highly sophisticated for the piece moves from lively dance-like phrasing to dark introverted brooding but accomplished with tremendous grace. His opening piece "The Lark" by Glinka is a 5 plus minute piece that I will never be tired of hearing over and over again. Malofeev's tone colors in Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Sonata on the second disc reveals how particularly sensitive he is in regards to the wide variety of emotions he conveys through his change of tempo and rhythm. These are deep reflective multi-layered polyphonic textures that Malofeev plays with astonishing ease. The initial slow moving Etudes-Tableaux 3 movement piece is so gorgeously played but without any theatrics or showmanship. One can hear a tad bit of Malofeev's breathing during the somewhat chaotic 3rd movement which only adds to the contiguity of the moment. And the shimmering effect of Glazinov's last 4 pieces on this disc exudes impressionistic colors to Malofeev's wide and rich palette. The salon-style dotted notes to Glazinov's "Valse No.3" is played with rhythmic fluidity while maintaining energetic resilience. This 2 CD debut release by Alexander Malofeev is a remarkable journey for anyone willing to hear passionate Russian music performed at its ultimate highest level. Read more
Erok
Amoeba Berkeley

Pre-Historic Metal (2026) (LP)

Darkthrone
This recent thrasher is a divisive one. I love every track myself but it’s not for everyone. Sometimes I’ll chant “Siberian Thaw” to get amped up! That’s a track I command you to play backwards. The high pitched yowls of Fenriz remind me of their earlier record Underground Resistance (2013). There’s more synth and space rock mixed in with the sickest blistering riffs. Read more

“Now that I have your attention, what do I do with it (1986/2026) (LP)

Septic Death
This reissue seemed to come out of nowhere. Legendary artist Brian “Pushead”Schroeder’s killer hardcore punk band are back from the grave and ready to party. It’s a 40th anniversary re-release.Snag a copy of this speed core banger only available in brick and mortar shops. Read more

Coronach (2026) (CD)

Hellripper
I love thrash metal but even more if it’s Aberdeen blackened thrash! James Mcbain as Hellripper is a one man riff -assault! The album incorporates cello, piano and violin. Perfect for bus rides and dog walks. Read more

Difficult People (2015/2026) (BLU)

Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner are two comic geniuses in my opinion. The wokeness is refreshing from this LBGTQ friendly TV program. A pre “Oh Mary”Cole Escola,trans actress Shakina, Andrea Martin,James Urbaniak plus so many other amazing comedians contribute to this hilarious show. Yes that’s right you can stream it for now,but the way censorship is headed I think physical media is more important than ever. If you are a fan of The Best Show podcast, Tom Scharpling wrote a brilliant episode with Mickey Dolenz. I think this show is criminally underrated tv viewing. Read more

Dark Horse (2011/2026) (BLU)

Todd Solondz has had an inconsistent career. Half brilliant,half missed the target. If you think Happiness (1998) is brilliant then you may understand the rich tapestry of sarcasm in Dark Horse (2011). A Kevin James type named Abe played by Jordan Gelber is the man child protagonist. He’s all about “Thundercats not anything weird like Star Trek” to quote the film. It’s a quirky love story with Selma Blair and an imaginary cougar played by Tony Award winner Donna Murphy. Mia Farrow and Christopher Walken are Abe’s suffering parents. One aspect I enjoyed was how whenever Abe visits Toys R Us, everything is blurred for corporate censorship. There’s also chipper pop songs that magnify the bleakness of suburbia like half of Solondz’s work. Read more

The Manitou (1978/2026) (BLU)

This is one of those must see cult films by William Girdler, the same director as Abby (74) and Grizzly (1976). Tony Curtis seriously hams it up! Tom Burman did the creature effects of the pint sized supernatural backne demon. Perhaps you know Burman’s work on The Devil’s Rain (1975) or Sloth from The Goonies (1984).”Susan Strasberg shoots lightning from her fingers. There are so many unintentionally funny and campy scenes. If that’s not enough we also get Burgess Meredith in a wacky role. Scream Factory put out the last special edition blu but this time Severin owns the rights and is handling the restoration. Read more
Niaz
Amoeba Berkeley

Absurdity

Splinter (CD)

Sneaker Pimps
A predecessor of Sneaker Pimps' timeless Bloodsport, this album delivers the gut-wrenching trip hop that will guide you through whatever crisis happens to be plaguing your tortured soul: ideal for trudging through rainy days and/or periods of irremediable desolation. Chris Corner's vocals will soothe you carelessly. Read more

Fenian (LP)

Kneecap
In my opinion, Kneecap's best work yet– the perfect blend of energy and boldly relevant political commentary, not to mention several tracks that tug at the heartstrings. Featuring a collaboration with Palestinian rapper Fawzi, this album left nothing to be desired. Kneecap harnesses the power of music to educate the masses, empower social movements, and resist colonization of language and culture (Tiocfaidh ár lá!). Read more

From Under The Cork Tree (LP)

Fall Out Boy
It seems no one can agree on which Fall Out Boy album is the best, but I can certainly give my opinion on it: From Under The Cork Tree showed me the cure to growing older. Everyone loves Dance and Sugar, but every single one of these 13 tracks are a testament to what it means to be young and longing for a feeling, a time, or a version of yourself you may never have access to again. Ideal for playing at full volume on your speakers, jumping around in your room till you can't breathe, then crying a little before spinning around again. I don't care what anyone says about "true" emo: if you were the type of outcast kid to lean your head against the window of the bus with both earbuds in, this album was made for you. Read more

Who Let The Dogs Out (LP)

Lambrini Girls
This duo will electrify you with every track on their debut studio album, and their refusal to shy away from calling out the ugly underbelly of society is nothing short of inspiring. Yet another stellar example of music as a force for social and political change in an explosive, high-energy way. Ideal for emptying your rage against the current world order. Read more
E. Lit
Amoeba Berkeley
Just a hip hop kid tryin' to make a living

Video Tape Club (LP)

Chong Wizard
Chong Wizard has a history of curating great conceptual hip hop albums that tie together a wide range of unlikely collaborators. What other producer could convince rappers like Recognize Ali and Daniel Son to rap about Star Wars on a mixtape, or transform a series of Infinity Stone themed EPs into a full comic-themed rap universe? This latest offering from Chong Wizard is loosely themed around VHS tapes, with a dusty analog sound that almost sounds like it was sourced from a video store. Exciting verses from Elucid, Estee Nack, Open Mike Eagle, Chris Crack, Myka 9, Doseone, Nolan the Ninja, ICECOLDBISHOP, AJ Suede, Tha God Fahim, Michael Christmas, Phiik & Lungs, and more. If you have memories of tossing in a rap tape and marveling at the range of different talents on display, this album is likely for you. Read more

Crayola Circles (LP)

Fatboi Sharif & Child Actor
Fatboi Sharif has been making waves in the indie hip hop scene as of late. The kind of waves that form a whirlpool that’ll lead listeners straight into the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. One of the most abstract and original styles out there, with strange poetic lyrics and downer vocals that often break down into off-key pseudo singing. A truly unique rapper like Sharif needs an equally original producer to channel his talents, and Child Actor steps up to the task here, with a scattered collection of mysterious and minimal beats that sound like a broken radio channeling different emotions. This album’s a short burst of unfiltered creativity that leaves you wanting more, even when you know that your mind would never be able to handle it. Read more

Out of Style, Out of Service (LP)

Gel Roc & Ariano
Gel Roc has held it down for LA’s Massmen/Project Blowed for many years with a staggering level of consistency. Each of his albums feels just as fresh and original as the last, with each new producer that Gel Roc works with unlocking another side of his creative output. This latest album produced by Ariano feels quieter and more vulnerable than some of Gel’s other recent work, but the shift in sound winds up bringing out some of the harder styles in Gel’s rapping. Excellent guitar and indie pop influenced beats that feature nods to groups like Radiohead, with some solid guest features from Pigeon John, Mestizo, All City Jimmy, Zane One & Brevi. Loaded with style and substance, and served with purpose from an OG of the LA hip hop scene. Read more

People Are Not Your Friends (LP)

Another Planet & Steel Tipped
Another Planet (aka NYC rap duo Phiik & Lungs) are a force to be reckoned with, and this latest offering produced by Steel Tipped Dove is bound to shift tectonic plates with each listen. These two trade rap bars with a relentless hunger reminiscent of Company Flow, and wage war on every track through breathless verses. Steel Tipped Dove’s production is some of the best that Phiik & Lungs have rocked over to date, with noisy and uncompromising sounds that really bring out the edginess of the raps in question. This album starts throwing punches from the opening notes, and then proceeds to 13-point combo the competition out of existence. Read more

Kingdom Music for the Hard Rocks (LP)

Cargo Cults
This latest collaboration between Atoms Fam rapper Alaska and Wrecking Crew member Zilla Rocca is a testament to growing old. These are raps that fully embrace staying home and watching TV shows on the couch. Alaska mourns friends that have passed on unexpectedly, not from violence but from bad diets and DNA. Fortunately for us, Alaska still knows how to kick some raps in his old age, and Zilla Rocca’s beats are a perfect ode to the boom bap styles they grew up on. A bunch of talented MCs drop by to join Alaska in reflecting on the passing of time, including the legendary Breeze Brewin on the song “Old Fogeys”. A very relatable album to a middle-aged hip hop head like me. Read more