Ólafur Arnalds produces the sort of gorgeous music Iceland seems to be noted for. He comes from an electronic/techno background, but his understanding of composition shows in his delicate compositions.
Art-Rock
[Video] Morte Macabre – Symphonic Holocaust
Morte Macabre are a supergroup made up of members of Swedish bands Landberk and Anekdoten. Deep prog rock roots here.
[Video] Heldon – In Wake Of King Fripp
I never quite agreed with Heldon (a.k.a. Richard Pinhas) being labeled as the French Robert Fripp. He’s his own man, and has come up with some rather amazing sounds on his own. Still, it’s quite something to hear Richard perform this paean to Frippertronics.
惘聞 (Wang Wen) – My Crime
Some sublime instrumental post-rock out of China. These guys need a much bigger following.
The Skopje Connection – Branko, Branko, Branko (Live)
Three of the finest musicians Macedonia has to offer combine with Dutch cellist Ernst Reijsinger for an amazing concert I was privileged enough to attend.
The lineup for the evening:
Dzijan Emin – Melodeon
Luca Aquino – Trumpet
Georgi Sareski – Guitar
Ernst Reijseger – Cello
Enrico Blumer deserves a load of credit for making this collaboration happen. He has been a gift to the Skopje music scene.
[Video] The 8th Likely Faces – 誰１人愛してくれない (No One Loves Me)
There seems to be absolutely no information on this band except for an entry at their label, Branco Records, out of Japan. This was originally a private pressing, and it reminds me of some soft, hazy, prog-psych, with touches of bands like The Flower Travellin’ Band.
[Video] Qayaas featuring Umair Jaswal – Pukaar
[Video] Bi Kyo Ran – Omoi-Ire
If you could harness a King Crimson-esque rhythm section, violent horns and chanting reminiscent of Magma, you would have Japan’s incredible Bi Kyo Ran. Truly, the love child of Crimson, Magma, and maybe Fela Kuti.
[Video] Decibel – Flamel´s Bebop
This comes as a pleasant shock. Decibel were one of the great legendary RIO bands to come out of Mexico. Apparently, they’re playing music again!
[Music] Finnegans Wake – 4th
Finnegan’s Wake is the name of at least one other progressive rock band, but this one hails from Belgium, though now resides in Brazil, and is led by Henry Krutzen, who founded the band in 1993, and it reminds me of a chamber-rock band, not dissimilar to Rock-In-Opposition bands like Henry Cow or Art Zoyd.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 