NP152 Bebe Fang C152

Dutch duo Bebe Fang shares members with Eklin who released a cassette recently on Night-People as well. Bebe Fang although stripped down in comparison to Eklin in number of members has many similar aesthetic and sonic tendencies. They present the same kind of foreboding but elegant glacial ambiance but with a different sense of minimalism and soulfulness. The mood is always in a state of flux with Bebe Fang never quite settling always subtly evolving depending on the listeners thought or vision moment to moment. At times unsettling in tune with vintage horror soundtrack vibes and at others hypnotic and almost heavenly the greatness lies in the subtle details of Bebe Fang's music.
LISTEN

NP151 Golden Hours " Floating Weeds" C20

Golden Hours is long running Portland based flower pop guitar band with ties to Eggy Records, The Polyps, The Woolen Men etc. who predate much of the recent resurgence of this sound. Distinct pop and twee flavors of sound ride around on the upbeat waves of guitar, keys, and distortion. A rock solid effort with no overt posturing to retro tendencies, just honest well made creatively written catchy indie pop, that rides a little bit like other excellent contemporary lady fronted post punk/twee/ etc groups like Grass Widow etc. A really killer follow up to the excellent "Spooky" cassette that came out on Eggy awhile back. If you missed that def. check this one out.
LISTEN

NP149 Sore Eros " Sickies Volume One" C32

Very siked to get a chance to release something by our western Mass. friends Sore Eros, a great live band thats even better on record and always pushing the limits of their sound and song writing. A band truly doing their own thing in a time of much retro posturing. The articulation of their sound and approach is always interesting because it embodies so many sources of potential influence and sound language. At times folky, sometimes rocking, always seeping with dreamy atmosphere and warm psychedelic melody their representation of pop music radiates, resonates, and sparkles like big sun on syrupy water. This cassette is very well recorded and even professionally mastered. One of the finest NP releases thus far.
LISTEN

NP148 Hot & Cold " Conclusion Introduction" C20

Hot & Cold are two brothers Simon and Joshua Frank who divide up time in Beijing and NYC/Toronto respectively. This tape had its origins on the very stellar Rose Mansion Analog label out of Beijing and we felt it fitting to re-release it state side to try and increase its profile as this is an excellent collection of tracks for this young duo. Some cool Martin Rev. fuzz tones shake over propulsive post punk bass and drum machine pop to create some weird cross section of south east Asian style psychedelic garage groove and loner darkness ala 39 Clocks and the like. Killer.
LISTEN

NP147 The Pink Noise C26

With previous vinyl releases on prolific contemporary indie labels like Sacred Bones, Kill Shaman etc. Montreal's Pink Noise are not an unknown presence in underground music circles. This new cassette plays out similar to a 7inch in duration but packs a solid punch of glittery psychedelic synth punk and raucous post punk nihilism. Coming off even a bit more odd then previous releases this current material has a cold annihilated feel similar to early Chrome. Visions of late night drugged out concrete jungle lurking come to mind.
LISTEN

NP146 Bomber Jackets " Larching" C32

Bomber Jackets made their release debut recently on a split 7" with the Rebel that is out on Savory Days and Kill Shaman and this tape gets deeper into the odd world they create. Consisting of members from the excellent UK group the Pheromoans and with ties to other recent NP release Charcoal Owls this cassette offers further necessary obstruction of contemporary art punk and synth aesthetics. Crisp odd synth pop tones collide against the distinct vocal style represented on many of these fellows other outputs. Overtly a hard to pin down affair as would be expected but with of course no disappointments.
LISTEN

NP145 Alps "Golden" C32

Newcastle NSW AU main man Chris Hearn, long time solo ripper and old school vegan punk with a deep record collection who hits US tours traveling by Greyhound. Like the wild mind behind them his recordings tread all territory from ambient synth to fuzzed out garage punk steps out with his first release on Night-People, but sitting solid in a discography that is as deep as it is diverse. Chris released a killer solo LP last year himself under the Past Futures label that is as good as anything we heard from down under last year which is a high mark for how much great music is being made in Australia these days. This tape sits like a nice extra chapter to that LP and retains Alps diverse approach.
LISTEN

NP143 The Garment District " Melody Elder" C40

Melody Elder is the debut release by Pittsburgh-based The Garment District, the new musical project of multi instrumentalist Jennifer Baron, who was a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records). Recorded both with Kevin C. Smith in Friendship, PA, and in her home-base Golden Mountain studio. Sometimes hazy, sometimes articulate, the songs and sound collages of Melody Elder lie somewhere at the intersection of pop music sensibility, soundtracks, experimentation, and synth-driven ambience. Making an appearance on Melody Elder is Jennifer's cousin Lucy Blehar on lead vocals, and legendary Television Personalities/Swell Maps' member Jowe Head on bass. A truly distinct new voice and musical presence is presented by The Garment District.
LISTEN

NP143 German Army "Papua Mass" C40

Germany Army comes from mystery periphery LA zones, transmissions from submarine or some Hollywood studio closet, who knows. The Kill Shaman axis might have some hidden knowledge on the subject of said origins but we can't figure it out. Regardless this cassette gets deep into a mutant lab rat labyrinth of synth tones, concussion drum machine hiss, and warped spoken vocals. Post punk poetics ranting in some forgotten dream hole speaking to the speakers up close and personal.
LISTEN

NP142 Naked on the Vague- “Midnight” C32

This tape is a soundtrack for the 12 Dark Noons film which was a sort of collaboration filmed last summer in Australia between Future Primitive Films in the directors seat with assistance by NOTV, Sacred Bones and Night-People. A bit different then NOTV’s other material having more in common with the Blood Sessions era of the bands material then the newer full band sound. A largely instrumental synth guided affair retaining the distinctive brooding and eclectic quality of their other releases.
VIDEO

NP138 Lantern- “Stranger I Come/Stranger I Leave” C26

Lantern is Zachary Fairbrother Philly by way of Montreal resident backed up in the full band mode by Emily Robb and Sophie White. Lantern’s bluesy infused earlier efforts in loner rock built up a bit of buzz in the internet media zone but this full on noisy blast of full on Stooges/Denudes/Bo Didley heavy proto punk garage psych will surely turn even more ears to this new talent with serious rock n’ roll moves. Co-Released with Sweat Lodge Guru.
LISTEN

NP137 Chrome Dome- “s/t” C16

Chrome Dome a trio from Melbourne AU, channeling dark brooding synth punk into an intense droned out assault on the senses. After a slew of great down under releases, Chrome Dome finally have a chance to hit the international radar and no contemporary band in the contemporary minimal synth/cold wave/synth pop vein deserving it more. Great well recorded material bleeds from this magnetic tape, and Night-People is so excited to help spread the word.
LISTEN

NP136 Street Gnar- “Poking the World with a Stick” C32

Street Gnar is Case Mahan from Lexington KY, first coming to our attention after a great tape released on killer Portland label Eggy Records ended up in the mailbox. Fast forward a few months and we have Case’s newest and finest release yet. “Poking the World” has everything we like about catchy rock music; an experimental edge with lots of variety, good song writing with plenty of hooks to keep the tape rolling. Taking cues from a deep variety of music, Street Gnar is a great blend of Cleveland style proto punk snarl, Krautrock groove, and Kiwi pop keeping it easy.
LISTEN

NP135 Trailblazer- “Successor” C32

Trailblazer is the solo project of Lexington KY resident Coleman Guyon who did a prior 7inch on Chicago label Moniker Records. Trailblazer creates blasted anthem drum machine driven walls of dreamy sound from voice, synth and guitar that pour out melodic repetition that would fit right at home with late Spacemen early Spectrum, Kraut punks La Dusseldorf, and the best of the Creation records jams. The motorik back beat present in these tracks makes these tunes perfect for long drives, summer nights, and general getting blissed out. Video:
VIDEO

NP134 Three Legged Race – “As Ed Sunspot” C20

Three Legged Race is Robert Beatty, Lexington KY resident connected to Resonant Hole, Hair Police and piles of amazing visual artwork. On this cassette Three Legged Race creates shimmery piles of syrupy synth layers and electronic blooms that create whole new systems and universes of sound, weaving and merging between each other to create an eclectic evolving listening experience. Three Legged Race is one of the true masters of contemporary synth music and this cassette is one of his finest moments thus far.
VIDEO

NP133 Blanche Blanche Blanche- “Songs of” C32

Blanche Blanche Blanche hail from Brattleboro VT and have a recent 7” out on Feeding Tube Records that was cut from the same recording session as the tracks on this cassette. With some recent press attention stemming from the 7” and some recent videos made by the band for some of their songs, this release will be sure not to disappoint new fans of the group. BBB make a very distinct blend of pop music. Jazzy retro synth arrangements create a backdrop for catchy monotone vocals that often dual between vocalists, creating a sort of minimalist post punk reference point for these often goofy and very enjoyable tunes. One of the best and strangest bands witnessed live in recent times, BBB are truly distinct and fun. Upcoming LP on Night-People this summer.
LISTEN

NP132 Cellophane Spill- “s/t” C26

Cellophane Spill coming out of Austin TX has ties to Switched On, Mutating Meltdown, Low Red Center, Answering Machine Records, and represents a new voice in the quickly growing vintage synth obsessed underground. Cellophane Spill not only represents a progression but a full evolution towards something truly strange and exciting. One of the most original and exciting statements ever issued on Night-People Cellophane Spill must be heard, because it defies expectation and description. Was this music even created by humans?
LISTEN

NP131 Eklin- “Onwa” C45

Eklin are a Dutch band who inhabit a sound space almost completely free from reference or genre specificity. There minimalist Kraut rock like rhythms pounds out deep melodic grooves that make room for singer Lo’s haunting choruses. With the addition of glacial synths, extra percussion elements, and minimalist guitar flourishes, “Onwa” becomes an album of distinct voice and beauty that resides within a contemporary artistic originality that is rarely achieved by “new” music.
LISTEN

NP130 Robedoor- “Rock Bottom” C36

Long time LA dungeon pysch trio Robedoor have been honing there long form psychedelic drift for some time now, continually moving towards a more guitar and drums based sound in their own distinct way. What is always at play is a heavy sense of dread, created by a massive fog of dense psychedelic sound and ambience, but residing as well is a sense of space and minimalism that draws comparisons to late night trippers like Denudes and Taj Mahal Travelers.
LISTEN

NP129 Daughters of the Son- “Orphans” C26

Minneapolis long time psych drone rockers Daughters of the Sun follow up their recent and now sold out Not Not Fun LP with this cassette of eclectic jams. This tape features their distinct rock out mode but spends more time hovering around in the deep space of ambient synth with drum work outs, and blissed psych workouts. If you dug the Not Not Fun material this won’t disappoint.
LISTEN

NP127 Goldendust- “Digital Skies” C16

A cassette precursor/demo to a Night-People LP coming out later this summer, Goldendust are the Midwest’s finest purveyors of minimal synth bleakness, catchy synth pop gloom, and lingering soundscape isolation. This duo has horded and honed there analog synth and electronic library to create something mesmerizing and of its own will. Upcoming LP on Night-People this summer.
LISTEN

NP126 Sewn Leather- “No Need for Reverse Talking” C26

Sewn Leather’s back at it in the Night-People fold. What remains of his dirt party crust anthems has been distilled into more long form instrumentals, dubbed out industrial sludge, and apocalyptic synth psychosis. Don’t get it wrong the new material hits even harder with an emphasis on guitar and synth playing. The finest Sewn Leather recordings yet, on par with recent Dog Leather collaborations.

NP125 The Savage Young Taterbug – “Theme for Gasoline Weirdo” C16

Back in Iowa City after some recent weary road damage, Charles Free keeps his cosmos osmosis Americana gritty and grimy on his latest “Theme for Gasoline Weirdo”. Bringing in a new phase as the dandelion greaser, letting his long hair get short, and his white suite turn grey, Charles lets the tape roll over and over itself as the broken radio plays. So if you dig this dude’s style you won’t be disappointed, and if you don’t then you don’t but that’s ok too.
LISTEN

NP123 Charcoal Owls - "Remastered Gardens" C32

Charcoal Owls is R. Walker from Night-People’s favorite current UK band the Pheromoans and Tom James Scott who does solo material with the Bo’Wevil label. Been sitting scratching my head trying to figure out what to say about Charcoal Owls and there tape Remastered Gardens it sort of defies description. A collage aesthetic pervades throughout and a kind of spoken word approach with a bit of fractured story telling seems to create a majority of the structure. This release is very composed, it almost seems theatrical in its composition how sounds and rhythm align with words to create a subtle but developed musical narrative that makes more sense musically then literally. Probably the weirdest Night-People release, but definitely one of our favorites.
LISTEN

NP110 Sleep Over - "s/t" C20

This Austin three piece comprised of members: Christa Palazzolo, Sarah Brown, and Stefanie Franciotti is as fresh of a new band as they come. Featured recently on the sold out Bathetic tape comp "Dark as Night". Sleep Over has a dreamy psychedelic pop/ druggie elctro pop sound that eludes to a sort of ethereal but dynamic minimalism that is as deep and heavy as it is lite and airy. Something beautiful and haunting runs through these four tracks to create a stunner of a first release by this great new band.
LISTEN

NP108 Rene Hell - "Baroque Arcade" C20

Will anyone ever fully catch on, be able to keep track of, or catch up with Jeff Witscher’s mysterious output? like trying to understand alien technology, like feeling space and time itself like a drug, this cassette of new Rene Hell material falls easily amongst Witscher's best offerings and falls like a prelude to his upcoming LP on Type. An intense abyss of ambiguous voices, decaying rhythm tracks, synth ambience, super hi fi production and panning techniques, Baroque Arcade endlessly stretches out from the speakers like some new world being born.
LISTEN

NP105 Dirty Beaches - "Night City" C32

This all instrumental Dirty Beaches cassette has us really excited about the kind of depth and space that is created in the approach to this project, with a Debut LP coming out on Night People later this year the amount of variety being showcased in recent recordings and demos leads us to think that something truly great is coming together. Night City stretches out like an endless shimmering world of cinematic movement and light, layers of synth and organ jamming glide over a steady backdrop of analogue rhythm machines and textural ambience. This cassette is as good as anything released on Night-People and is the kind of music that could complete any moment or movement in travel to the extent of just simply listening to this while getting from any point A to point B.
LISTEN

NP102 EMA - "Little Sketches On Tape" C32

EMA is Erika Anderson of the recently broken up long running west coast band Gowns. Despite being recorded when Gowns was still active this cassette seems the perfect moving on of sorts for Erika's vast creative potential. This release of solo guitar, piano, voice, and tape collage couldn't be blessed with more heartfelt beauty, it seems almost impossible as is, the amount of intimate feeling that resounds in the tape. The tape itself taking on properties of the composition used as an instrument in and of itself to accompany Erika's amazing voice and lyrics. This release took a long time to fully come together and actually come out, it was well worth the wait, it doesn't get any better then this.
LISTEN