The crew over at Warp HQ have lined themselves up a shaking schedule of damn fine electronica for 2004. Judging by their forthcoming release schedule and tours planned, Warp are set to really spank the world of electronica into even a finer shape that its in right now, so much so, I'm reduced to doing a bullet point type round up. If you want to receive their spiffy new style html newsletter each month (and I suggest you do) then get yourself over to WarpRecords.com and sign yourself up.
!!! Lp is almost here: On the back of the huge Me and Giuliani... single, !!! (or Chk! Chk! Chk! as they are becoming known out loud) are in the process mixing down their debut album. Their December gig in London has been etched into the wall as one of the finest displays of live post electro clash/rock (or whatever) seen over the course of NY's assault on these shores. Destined to be huge, we are waiting patiently for any promo material...
Boards of Canada: Yes its true. There's a new Boards of Canada LP coming this year. Who knows when, but feel free to satisfy your thirst by sampling their remix efforts on cLOUDHEAD's new single on Mush Records.
Jimmy Edgar: We've said it before, but Jimmy Edgar's new 4 tracker release is a might fine piece of slamming vinyl. Check "Access Rhythm" for sure.
New Savath & Savalas album: Fan's of Prefuse 73 will be pleased to hear that Scott Herren's continuing to push it out there. The new album from his side project of Savath & Savala's is a collection of Catalan folk songs, inspired by his time spent in Barcelona. One for the Tortoise fans - John McEntire has engineered the LP.
Squarepusher LP & Single: Big news and more on this very shortly - the new Squarepusher album Ultravisitor is due in March and is self-described by Tom as his best work yet. Feature length news and an album preview coming shortly!
Beans' mini-album : Any Anti-Pop Consortium fans out there will be pleased to know that instigator, Beans has a mini-album due out on February 9th. Now Soon Someday features 6 tracks and exclusive remixes from hip hop commanders Prefuse 73 and El-P. Word has it that Weatherall, Missy, Radiohead and DJ Shadow are huge fans of Beans high-end electronic production rhythms and bullet like vocal delivery.
Warp's recently launched and wave stirring digital download service Bleep.com has burst onto the scene and is an absolute must for internet bookmarking. Besides being able to find each and every Warp release available for mp3 download, you can sample, search and listen away to your hearts content. Visit it.
There's also plenty of live Warp tour dates happening in the UK over the next few months - Jimmy Edgar, Beans, Plaid and Squarepusher all on the road. Check out the Warp event listings below.