“Kepler’s Star Catalog” · Starscream
from Future, And It Doesn’t Work

[DL]

Here’s another post I almost missed before midnight. Truth be told, I’m actually pulling an all-nighter because I’m in the process of remixing this very track (shh) so it’s all I’ve been listening to for the past day or two. This and The Boats, odd as that might sound. It’s a shame I have to keep this brief because I really would like to write more about these guys. In my opinion, Starscream is on a very short list of bands pushing the Chipmusic movement forward in a really positive and healthy way. By pairing chip sounds with genres that the majority of Chipmusicians tend to steer clear of, they challenge the common perception of the form by outsiders and insiders alike. Not necessarily giving their peers permission to venture down less-traveled roads but reminding them that they can (and should).

Of all the tracks on this release, I feel Kepler has the strongest emotional core (the other 4 come in a very, very close 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th). It’s tough to pick. You should definitely click through the album link and download the whole thing if you haven’t already done so. It’s one of my favorites from the past year.

“Flora/Fauna” · Anamanaguchi
from Power Supply

[DL]

I’ve got less than a minute to get this in before midnight. I picked this one because they never play it and it’s really, really good. Even my friends who have no patience for Chip have enjoyed this one.