Bandcamp Friday Recommendations: May 2021

It's Bandcamp Friday, which means it's time to open thy wallet! Need help figuring out what to purchase today? Below is a list of some recommended independent artists that deserve your ears and your support.

A. Iwasa's Picks
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La Armada - La Armada
Genre:  hardcore punk

From what I understand, La Armada was the Domincan Republic’s first punk band.  I find this shocking because their sound is full on hardcore.  They were able to immigrate as a band to the US, where I first heard them in Chicago.  Words can’t describe how excited I am that they posted some of their old material here!  Originally all vocals were in Spanish and pissed as can be, for all the right reasons.

https://armadahardcore.bandcamp.com/album/la-armada
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Death Rides West - Celluloid
Genre:  cowpunk

Generally I find cowpunk bands to be a little too country and not enough rawk (like their ancestors in country rock), but this does not apply to Celluloid.  They were a blast live, and the country elements on the tape weren't as obvious to me.  They definitely had a good balance in their influences to make fresh and original sounding music.
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https://celluloidseattle.bandcamp.com/album/death-rides-west

Songs from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - Sue and the Namies
Genre:  Surf

Surf was probably the first subgenre of rock I liked, though I’ve never aggressively sought  out the bands.  Same goes for Sue and the Namies, who were opening for Los Dune Bums, the band I went to see in Arcata. (and if they had an account on Bandcamp, I would be writing explicitly about Dune Bums right now!).  Also claiming the no wave mantle, they are reminiscent of the surfier beginnings of new wave’s B-52s, and as goofy in a fun way.  

https://sueandthenamies.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch
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How Should I Know? - Stripes
Genre: Indie Rock/Shoegaze
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I’m very glad I dragged my feet in making a post about this group of young Tucson rockers because this album just came out and its leaps and bounds better than their first tape, which was amazing in and of itself.  More shoegazey than the more straightforward rock they were making before, it's exciting to hear the direction they are taking, and I’m looking forward to hearing how their sound continues to evolve.
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https://stripes520.bandcamp.com/album/how-should-i-know

Copout - Copout
Genre:  hardcore punk

I can’t remember if this was one of the bands I was looking for that brought me to the Memphis Punk Archive bandcamp, but they were my favorite on the page.  An amazing example of how scenes can flourish off the costs without their due.

​https://memphispunkarchive.bandcamp.com/album/copout-ep

New Tape - Black Dog
Genre:  Metal

Oakland house punx who make metal; I think it’s clear that when people who aren’t trying to be stereotypical nor trying to be different frequently make the best music.  Especially a group that comes out of a house show scene.  There’s just something more accessible and down to earth about such bands.

​https://blackdog1.bandcamp.com/album/new-tape-2
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Andres' Picks
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Two Minds - Sheep, Dog & Wolf
Genre: Avant-pop

Sheep, Dog & Wolf is a one man orchestra from Wellington, NZ. This album brings together elements of minimalistic jazz, electronic and R&B, to name a few, through beautiful and intricate compositions. Although this album was finished in 2016 - and released last month - the lyrics seem more than fitting for the times we live in, touching on subjects like isolation, anxiety and trauma, with a very uplifting and fresh approach.

https://sheepdogwolf.bandcamp.com/album/two-minds
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Passage to Hell - Spyroids
Genre: Synthwave / Punk

Passage to Hell does justice to its name, throwing at you some heavy synth punk bangers covered in grimy dark humor. Feels like the Residents spawned a kid that just wants to party and get into fights. It’s a short 8 minute EP that will leave you wanting more.

https://blankpublishing.bandcamp.com/album/passage-to-hell
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The Grotto Screams - Altar of Eden
Genre: Post-punk

Lo fi noisy deathrock coming out of Austin, TX recently pressed on vinyl from last year's release. A must have for all tomorrow’s goth parties.

​https://drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-grotto-screams-lp
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Parisa's Picks
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We Are an Island, but We're Not Alone - Comorian
Genre: Comorian music

The first ever international release from the island of Comoros, A vivid portrait of everyday life from one of the smallest countries in the world, telling stories of pain and loss ("My Friends Went Abroad & Were Swallowed By The Waves") and ultimately, rejoicing in love ("Love Must Come Before Things").

https://comorian.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-an-island-but-we-re-not-alone
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12 Winter Moons Comes The Witches Brew - Arkheth
Genre: Experimental black metal

There's been a lot of genre-melding in the black metal world, seeing crossovers between other subgenres like death, hardcore, thrash, etc. This album, however, offers something I'd never previously heard on a black metal record...SAXOPHONES! If you've ever wanted to hear blast beats paired with blaring horns, symphonic thrashing, wonky avant-garde compositions, and nauseatingly psychedelic atmospheres, then this record is for you. (Simply put, this record sounds like the album art.)

https://arkheth.bandcamp.com/album/12-winter-moons-comes-the-witches-brew-experimental-black-metal 

​Pakistan Is for the Peaceful - Ustad Saami
Genre: Traditional music

Ustad Saami is the last living Surti master, a precursor of the ancient, Islamic devotional music of qawwali. He is a virtuoso in the truest sense of the word. Beyond his vocal mastery and forty-nine note range, he sings with an honesty that connects us with the ancestors of this style of music that dates back to the 13th century. This legacy must be cherished to keep this traditional alive, if not just to awaken something sacred in our souls.

https://ustadsaami.bandcamp.com/album/pakistan-is-for-the-peaceful 

before the sunrise the moths will devour me - FriendPR
Genre: ethereal wave

Really pretty bedroom goth/ethereal wave/dream pop from a new dynamic duo in Tucson, AZ. Catchy synth hooks with lyrics that evoke the mood of a dusty, cool desert summer night. 

friendpr.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-sunrise-the-moths-will-devour-me
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VIbe Vol. 2 - IAMDDB
Genre: Neo-soul

The waviest neosoul from Manchester, IAMDDB effortlessly breathes in the space between soulful singing and a brazen hip-hop attitude. An artist to keep your eye on, (hopefully) soon she'll get the recognition she deserves. 

https://iamddb.bandcamp.com

Live at Isolated As Fuck Fest - shipwreck detective
Genre: ambient

A minimal, spacious yet richly textured ambient mix for when you're also feeling isolated as fuck. Found this mix from a fantastic blog/newsletter called White Crate that highlights the best music coming from the Bay area, highly recommend subscribing there to find more great independent artists too!
 
https://shipwreckdetective.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-isolated-as-fuck-fest 
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​Check out more Bandcamp Friday recommendations from our December, February, March and April blogs!