Spooling through the world’s best tapes
From improvisations that capture the archaeology of the internet to werewolf inspired black metal played with Cajun instruments, roaming synths, sidewinding freakouts and clipped nails, Daryl Worthington dives into the latest cassette releases
Daryl Worthington speaks to Turmeric Acid about telepathic collaborations, and reviews tapes of free-wheeling hardanger and Andean flute improvisations, sat nav fall outs, ecstatic noise and more in March’s dive into the cassette scene
In September’s report from the cassette fringes, Daryl Worthington explores Beirut-founded label Ruptured, and reviews tapes of blistering noise, slinky punk-funk, library music and the self-proclaimed best producer in the Middle East
Among drone-folk trips and joyously messed up noise jazz, Daryl Worthington finds the cassette scene has taken a political turn, whether immersive electronics fighting for free time, nostalgia-busting collages, or colonialism attacking text-sound compositions
Daryl Worthington speaks to a tape label expanding the possibilities of footwork, and reviews some of the most intriguing tapes of the Autumn, from world-building electronics to light triggered synthesis and a trumpet/cello/drums power trio
Daryl Worthington speaks to Constellation Tatsu about a decade of releasing music on tape, and looks at some of the most exciting music on cassette this month, from Paraguayan harp to paranormal cut-ups, four track riots to glistening synths and brutal electronics
In the first of a new series on the current Russian alternative music scene, Richard Foster looks at the influence of the social network VK, the power of sentimentality, and making an “alternative Internationale”. And provides an introductory music sampler
Nigerien ensemble Tal National create joyful, extended, hypnotic grooves that draw from their home country's varied musical traditions. With their first internationally distributed album just released, founder Hamadal Moumine speaks with Richie Troughton about selling his own group's CDs at roundabouts and taking their sound to the wider world