For those who think that the zine is only a recent, Western phenomenon, look no further than the Malaysian zine Mosh to have your expectations demolished. This political, punk-rock zine out of southeast Asia is celebrating its tenth anniversary and thirteenth issue this year, thanks to creator Nizang and an increasingly organized zine-writing community in and around Kuala Lumpur.
God of Shamisen: Metal Makeovers of Japanese Folk Traditions
Growing up on a US military base in Japan, Kevin Kmetz overcame his gaijin status to become a master of Tsugaru-shamisen — but his band’s metal-infused genre-bending has drawn the ire of more than a few purists.
The Groove Seeker: Majeure’s Timespan
On a weekly basis, The Groove Seeker goes in search of killer grooves across rock, funk, hip hop, soul, electronic music, jazz, fusion, and more.
Majeure: Timespan (9/14/2010, Temporary Residence Limited)
Majeure: “Teleforce”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/02_Teleforce.mp3|titles=Majeure: “Teleforce”]Majeuere is the side project of A.E. Paterra, drummer and one half of Pittsburgh-based electronic prog-rock duo Zombi. Much like the Lovelock moniker of bandmate Steve Moore, Majeure doesn’t stray too far from Zombi’s glimmering, cinematic, sci-fi synths, stabbing analog Moog lines, and minimalist Krautrock grooves. But for Paterra’s debut release, Timespan, the drummer brings a whole new meaning to the long player. The album is a grand, three-track journey through the nebulous ocean of space — an ambient and energetic sci-fi rock record in a musical universe where the Solaris and Bladerunner soundtracks merge into one.
Behind the Counter: Stormy Records (Dearborn, MI)
Each Tuesday, Behind the Counter speaks to an independent record store to ask about its recent favorites, best sellers, and noteworthy trends.
Stormy Records in Dearborn, Michigan was created to serve the Detroit area with a diverse selection of hard-to-find records. That simple mission, along with the unwavering passion of its two proprietors, Windy and Carl (also the ambient duo Windy & Carl), has sustained Stormy for more than a decade. Though the “weirdo music” that fills the shelves leaves some customers feeling entirely clueless, its specialized focus fosters a tight-knit community. Get to know Stormy, and check out photos of Windy and Carl’s favorite records.
Concert Photos: Fang Island @ Lincoln Hall
Fang Island released its self-titled debut album in early 2010 on Sargent House. The Brooklyn riff masters have been touring on the strength of that record, and they recently made a stop at Lincoln Hall in Chicago for a raucous set of shredding and sweating. ALARM contributing photographer Elizabeth Gilmore was there to document the show.
Gallery Spotlight: Gallery Hijinks
The Mission District in San Francisco has been a relentless spotlight for arts and culture since the 1970s. Initially home to various Latino populations, the neighborhood has featured vibrant murals to express its residents’ social, political, and community concerns.
During the past 20 years, the area has attracted aspiring young people of various ethnicities due to its relatively low cost of living. More recently, the Mission District has grown into a progressive independent arts district. Although the area continues to boast its unyielding street art, it also has become home to an array of creative businesses and alternative art spaces. One of these businesses is Gallery Hijinks.
