Hey friends, 👋🏽 Happy Friday the 13th 🕷️🕸️! Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to this space, welcome to Black Noise, where I, Saint Virgil, bring you into the realm of music that doesn’t always find its way into the spotlight. Here, we venture beyond the mainstream, and if you’re here, it means you’re ready to discover something fresh, something off the beaten path and not recommended by a music algorithm. I’m so glad you’re joining me on this adventure!
This week was a wild one because I finally experienced Peter Cat Recording Co. live! Let me tell you, it was a spiritual experience. If they’re playing near you, do whatever you can to see them. It’s something you won’t want to miss. On top of that, I got through a hefty chunk of my Notion listening list—yes, that massive list I’ve been curating since 2016. I’ve made it my mission to catalog every single album I’ve ever heard. Honestly, losing that list would be devastating—like the burning of the Library of Alexandria level bad! Luckily, I still have it, so let’s dive into the eight albums that left the biggest impression on me this week. Ready? Let’s go.
Peter Cat Recording Co. – Bismillah
Genre: Indian Pop, Alternative/Indie, Jazz Fusion
Released: June 7, 2019
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
This album has been a favorite of mine for a while, but seeing Peter Cat Recording Co. live brought a whole new dimension to it. Bismillah is an intoxicating blend of jazz, Bollywood, indie, and soul, each track offering something different yet cohesive. The way they experiment with genres while maintaining a unique, unmistakable identity is rare. It’s one of those albums that feels like a journey, where every track feels like a new stop on a fascinating, unpredictable trip.
Standout Tracks: Memory Box and Heera
These two tracks stand out for their seamless blend of jazz and Indian pop, with lush, cinematic melodies that sweep you off your feet. Memory Box is an especially emotional ride, and I can't wait to hear it live again.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire
This album is a certified classic in my books. You need to experience this one, preferably in one sitting, to truly appreciate its brilliance.
Felt – Felt
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Jazz-Rock
Released: March 9, 1971
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
Here’s a rare find from the early ’70s that I stumbled upon, and wow, what a trip. Felt’s only album mixes psychedelic rock, blues, and jazz, creating a rich soundscape that’s both experimental and grounded. The vocals aren’t the strongest, but the musicianship more than makes up for it. There’s a raw, youthful energy in this record that’s hard to come by nowadays, and every listen reveals something new.
Standout Tracks: Look at the Sun and World
Look at the Sun is a psychedelic dreamscape, while World brings in bluesy guitar riffs that hit just right. These tracks show off the band’s versatility, keeping things unpredictable in the best way possible.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat
This album feels like a hidden gem from the past. If you love your rock with a dash of jazz and psych, give it a spin.
TAMTAM – Ramble in the Rainbow
Genre: Electronic, Soul, Synth-Pop
Released: January 19, 2024
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
This Tokyo-based quartet has truly hit their stride with Ramble in the Rainbow, their first international release. Mixing elements of jazz, soul, and psychedelic pop, TAMTAM offers an album that’s both soothing and trippy in equal measure. Kuro’s vocals glide seamlessly between Japanese and English, adding a dreamlike quality to their already atmospheric sound. The grooves on this EP are infectious, and it's no surprise that they're starting to break through globally.
Standout Track: Ramble in the Rainbow
This title track wraps you in a haze of sound. It’s like a late-night drive through the city, with neon lights reflecting off the wet streets. Absolutely hypnotic.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat
This EP has the potential to be a sleeper hit. If you haven’t heard of TAMTAM yet, now’s the time to start listening.
BY.ALEXANDER – 000 Channel Black
Genre: Nu Jazz, Jazz Fusion, IDM, Downtempo
Released: August 27, 2020
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
If you’re in the mood for something that pushes the boundaries of jazz, this one’s for you. BY.ALEXANDER, a former hit-maker for some of hip-hop’s biggest names, completely reinvents himself with 000 Channel Black. It’s a heady mix of nu jazz, IDM, and downtempo beats, with an underlying sense of unease that keeps you on your toes. It’s experimental but accessible, making it one of those albums you just have to sit with to fully appreciate.
Standout Tracks: Trumpets and Bloom in Paris
Trumpets delivers an emotional gut punch, while Bloom in Paris feels like the soundtrack to a futuristic city at dawn, filled with mystery and intrigue. Both tracks are unforgettable.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Absolute Fire
This is one of the most exciting jazz releases I’ve heard in years. It’s boundary-pushing in all the right ways.
Papa Wemba – Emotion
Genre: Pop, African, World
Released: March 13, 1995
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
Papa Wemba’s Emotion offers a brilliant blend of traditional African rhythms with Western pop sensibilities. The Zairean icon’s charismatic voice soars over lush instrumentation, with tracks like Yolele showcasing his knack for melding soukous with international influences. The album’s production is clean, but Wemba’s raw energy cuts through, giving the songs a powerful emotional core.
Standout Tracks: Yolele and Rail On
Yolele is a standout, blending upbeat rhythms with heartfelt lyrics, while Rail On strips things back, letting Wemba’s stunning vocals take center stage.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 Warm Glow
This album is full of gems, especially if you’re a fan of Congolese music or African music. While it may not be flawless, its highlights are worth your time.
Mammal Hands – Animalia
Genre: Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz
Released: September 15, 2014
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
Mammal Hands’ debut album Animalia is a spiritual journey wrapped in layers of jazz fusion and world music influences. It’s the kind of album that transports you somewhere far away with its cinematic scope and ethereal soundscapes. Every track feels like a carefully crafted piece of art, with just enough space between the notes to let you breathe and take it all in.
Standout Tracks: Kandaiki and Mansions of Millions of Years
Kandaiki is driven by hypnotic piano and drums, while Mansions feels like a distant memory you can’t quite place. Both tracks are haunting and beautiful in their own way.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 High Heat
This is a jazz album that truly stands out from the crowd. If you’re in the mood for something meditative and immersive, this is a must-listen.
The Smashing Times – Bloom
Genre: Alternative Pop, Indie Folk, Jangle Pop
Released: October 28, 2022
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
The Smashing Times have a knack for crafting dreamy, off-kilter pop songs that feel like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. Their second album, Bloom, is a quirky collection of jangle-pop and indie-folk gems, with an underlying warmth that feels like a cozy blanket. Every track feels like a little story, filled with whimsy and charm.
Standout Tracks: Diana and Mother Nature’s Son
Both tracks are jangly, melodic, and irresistibly charming. Diana is one of those songs that will get stuck in your head in the best way, while Mother Nature’s Son feels like a throwback to the heyday of indie pop.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 Warm Glow
If you’re into jangle-pop with a touch of nostalgia, this is your album. It’s light, breezy, and endlessly replayable.
Pasteboard – Glitter
Genre: Shoegaze
Released: December 21, 2005
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Bandcamp
Shoegaze fans, you’re in for a treat. Glitter is a cult classic that has quietly gained a following over the years, and it’s easy to see why. This album drapes you in a soft, warm blanket of sound. Every track feels like a comforting memory, long forgotten but still lingering somewhere deep in your mind. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to zone out and just let the music wash over you.
Standout Tracks: Flipper and Starcharts
Flipper has this incredible, minimalist drum beat that lulls you into a trance, while Starcharts is the grand finale with its soaring, distorted guitars. Both tracks are hauntingly beautiful in their own right.
Black Noise Rating: 🔥🔥 Warm Glow
While not for everyone, this album is a gem for shoegaze fans. It’s like a long, comforting walk through a foggy day, familiar yet mysterious.
That’s a wrap for this week! ❤️🔥 Thank you so much for reading this issue of Black Noise. ❤️🔥 Your support keeps this community alive and kicking, and hey, if you enjoyed this volume, why not share it with a friend? Or better yet, an enemy—maybe some good music will turn them into a friend! 😉
What albums have you been spinning lately? Drop a comment or hit me up on social @st_vrgl —I’d love to hear what’s been on your radar. Until next time, keep those speakers bumping and your minds open to new sounds. This is your host Saint Virgil signing off. Stay noisy, my friends! 🤘
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Substack playlist with all the tracks from previous volumes. Enjoy!
Wow, great post! Papa Wemba was the only one I've even heard of...Homework assignment accepted! A few recent releases floating my boat: 100% Sahara Guitar by Etran de l'Air, My Anti-Aircraft Friend by Julie, and Wasteland Baby by Kal Marks.