Hey everyone!
Today, I’m (Lost Colossus) really excited to share a brand-new selection of albums curated by dARKVICe someone I deeply appreciate. You might know them for their work as an archivist on ListenBrainz, or maybe you’ve discovered their music through Bandcamp. Or perhaps you met them online and thought, “What a truly kind-hearted person!” As for me, I met this true music lover on Twitter ! Let’s take a deep breath… and dive into this eclectic selection that will have you discovering and rediscovering some truly remarkable albums !
As always these records are making their way into the Dungeon !
Unlike many enjoyers of vaporwave, Macintosh Plus was not my gateway into genre—this was. The echoes and loops of the tracks always brought my mind to some long-forgotten mall where the music still plays over a dying sound system, reverberating throughout the once crowded hallways and shops. The addition of Sonic R samples immediately grabbed my attention, as well as a surprising use of bass in “food_court” (admittedly not always audible depending on your audio setup). R.E.A.L’s use of more tender songs, such as “escalator_down(d r e a m s)” would go on to be a staple of his discography, and it’s a welcome addition to the album. While ｐｏｌｙｇｏｎｃｅｉｌｉｎｇ is far from unique, especially almost ten years later (curse the endless passage of time), this album has stuck with me all these years later, and I consider it an essential listen to anyone who loves vaporwave.
After a few months of listening to nothing but vaporwave, I thought I had an understanding of the basic vibe of the genre. Then MALLSOFT ODYSSEY came along and showed me how little I knew. The album starts with a upbeat hip hop vibe that gradually slows down as the album progresses, particularly throughout the Berlin Window Shopping section. The energy does return a bit near the end before delving into an almost haunting transmission. What’s interesting about this album is that your listening experience changes depending on whether you listen to it on cassette or digital, as the track order is different on both versions, with the cassette release completely removing the previously mentioned Berlin Window Shopping.
While MALLSOFT ODYSSEY showed me how much energy could be brought to the genre, KYS City revealed to me a different path. This album is all over the place in the best way; “Ｃ：／／Ｔｅｍｐｌｅ ｏｆ Ｓａｄｎｅｓｓ．ｅｘｅ” opens with a very enchanting and mystical sound, only for “地下鉄” to pull us into the dark and monotonous reality of KYS City, and that’s what I think makes this album work so well. You get a sense of ups and downs, high energy with somber lows, almost a reflection of life itself. This album pulls you into the eponymous city and does not let go until it is done with you, and it’s a journey I have taken time and time again.
Look, if any of you know me, you knew this was coming. How could I not pass up on an opportunity to talk about an album that became an obsession? While I knew of Macroblank for a few years by this point, I didn’t fully invest in barber beats until early-to-mid 2024. I often compare this album to Burial’s second album Untrue, because like that album, 起源不明 changed my perception of the genre entirely. This album stands out due to how diverse it is; “Apophenia” starts off smooth, only for “My Art Keeps Me Sane” to feel like the opening to some 80’s sitcom I’ve never heard of. From there the album feels inquisitive, invoking a sense of uncertainty, while later on feels almost reassuring, even diving into the mellow and relaxed. All that fades away as the album comes to an end, leaving us once more with the feeling that all is not as it seems.
Bonus
This Is Island Music compilation on Aether Select
For an album featuring 猫 シ Corp., Ursula’s Cartridges, Donovan Hikaru and other mainstays of vaporwave, this album still feels like a hidden gem. This Is Island Music is a love letter to the island lifestyle of the tropics, and it (at least to this mid-westerner) captures that feeling perfectly. Its mostly relaxed tone is blended with some fun and upbeat tracks, complimenting the theme of the album while still sprinking in some traditional slow jams. The perfect listen for a laidback day on the beach.
Bonus (again)
Bushido Beats 武士道ビート by undersaken
undersaken was my first real barber beat experience, and while he got me invested in the genre, this album is what made me a fan. I’ve often called this a modern-day samurai soundtrack; a wonderful combination of bass, beats and Japanese-influenced music. Some albums can fall victim to a somewhat disorganized sound, be it an odd track order or sonically dissonant, but each track flows seemlessly into the next, creating a beautiful listening experience from start to finish.
Thanks to dARCKVICe for sharing their favorite albums with us. Don’t hesitate to follow them on their social media ! (by the way dARCKVICe is also one of the people behind Dreamcorp. Records Inc.)
Follow dARCKVICe : BLUESKY/ BANDCAMP
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