Ethan McCarthy‘s myriad recordings under his classification of ‘Noise’ are what many of us might name Harsh Ambient or Ambient Drone. Dystopian, disturbian, yet with elements of clarity that break through the crushing sound (and occasional soundbites of sex), many fans will have encountered these often challenging passages through his work with Primitive Man and here with his solo project Many Blessings. Sophomore album Emanation Body (Translation Loss Records) embraces more atmospheric airs whilst retaining much of that visceral anger. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Ambient Drone
ALBUM REVIEW: Windy and Carl – Allegiance and Conviction
“Ethereal Rock?!”, I hear you exclaim. Oh aye. Look, just stick with me on this. The U2-esque jangling chords of Celtic Rock – check; the delicate, swirling atmospheres of Ambient Drone – check; the drifting, gossamer beauty of the heavenly hereafter – check. See? Told you. Michigan duo Windy Weber and Carl Hultgren, purely known as Windy and Carl, have been quietly growing this subtle monster for two decades and latest album Allegiance and Conviction (Kranky Records), written and composed over six years, musters all of the above criteria in a realm of sinister grace. Continue reading

