Various Artists – Give and Take – 14th July 2012

Cat #: 064TZM

Give and Take is a compilation project initiated by us because we (Nervhous Records) think local Malaysian bands deserve the attention and exposure. We asked our friends’ bands to record a song for this compilation and this is the result. So, the bands on this disc represent just a small slice of the ever-growing local DIY music scene. As the title suggests, we need to have tolerance and respect towards each other and at the same time be opened to others, not only our little hc/punk friends circle.

This is a co-operative release between Nervhous Records, Red Ink Entertainment, Pissart Records and tenzenmen

Boyz and Girl – 8th July 2012

Cat #: 096TZM

This four-piece shoegaze outfit quickly raced to the forefront of Taipei’s fast growing independent music scene – and for good reason. The completion of their warmly received eponymous freshman album has cemented their place in the hearts of an ever-growing fan base.

Though Shoegaze is hardly a new phenomenon, Boyz & Girl has found a contemporary home in the genre, due largely in part to their fresh sounds and mature songwriting. The raucous yet dreamy guitars of Jon, pieced masterfully with Sonoko’s artistic drumming and Guo Guo’s steady basslines, creates an impeccable balance with the juvenile youth and innocence discovered through BenBen’s vocals.

Nikko – Gold and Red – 3rd July 2012

Cat #: 106TZM

‘Gold & Red’ is an album characterised as much by its melodic grace as by its pervasive sense of doom – recorded in the cavernous orchestral hall of Brisbane’s historic Old Museum with Cameron Smith (Velociraptor, No Anchor), mixed by Aaron Cupples (The Drones, Paul & Dan Kelly, SNOWMAN) and mastered by Nao Anzai (Laura, Because Of Ghosts, These Hands). The nine songs here recognise a growing maturity and depth that has been brought to life by the considered approach to the compositions.

NIKKO:
Ryan Potter – vocals, electric & acoustic guitars
Sam Whiting – bass
Jackson Briggs – electric guitar, slide
Blair Westbrook – drums, percussion

Piano by Daniel Kassulke
Violin by Adam Cadell
Cello by Elanor Khan

Recorded by Cameron Smith at The Old Museum & Browning Street Studios in Brisbane, June/July 2011

Mixed by Aaron Cupples

Mastered by Naomune Anzai at Reel 2 Real Mix Master

Photography by Archie Moore
Layout & Design by Sam Whiting & Bronte Coates, with thanks to Trent Evans

Special thanks to Daniel Kassulke, Cam Smith, Nao Anzai, Adam Cadell, Elanor Khan, Jacinta Walker, Trent “Big Dog” Evans, Shaun Tenzenmen, Bronte Coates, Luke Smith, Tom Noakes & all of our wonderful friends & family, anyone who’s ever bought a recording, come to a show or let us sleep on their floor, and the Brisbane & Australian independent music community. Cheers!

Alternative China – 2nd July 2012

Alternative China tumblr

Underground Baby, Liz Tung, World of Chinese, Live Beijing Music, Jia Huizhen, XP, Split Works, Chui Wan, Deadly Cradle Death, Yan Jun, Raying Temple, Soviet Pop, Torturing Nurse, Li Jianhong, Joshua Frank, Hot and Cold, Howling Into Harmony, Jingweir, Hot Cat Club, Xiao Rong, Brain Failure, Cocktail 78, Sikhara, Perpetual Motion Machine, Xiao He, Layabozi, Beijing Daze, David O’Dell, Inseparable, Old What Bar, Misandao, Red Rock, Yaogun, Jon Campbell, Artspace China, Rainbow Danger Club

Hira Hira – Now Here Nowhere – 1st July 2012

Cat #: 103TZM

Life is hard for Hira Hira and they certainly let you know about it on their debut record Now Here Nowhere. Written over the past twelve months, the album touches on themes of cats stuck in trees and probably other things as well.

During the summer they spent 10 days out in the middle of the cheese capital of Australia to swim in waterholes, get sucked on by leeches and record the album. What they came away with was a raw and loud affair. An honest reflection of what the band is.

It should be mentioned that you can listen to the tracks, maybe show them to other people on your website/radio/home stereo and that maybe, if you’re around come to a show and buy heaps of merchandise.

All songs written by Hira Hira
Recorded by Mike Morgan
Mastered by Andrew Edgson @ Studios 301

Duck Fight Goose – Sports – 1st July 2012

Cat #: 097TZM

Sports is the first full-length from widely touted Shanghai artists Duck Fight Goose, fresh from their invite to SXSW and History 7” release earlier this year.

The eleven-track album combines elements of ambient post-rock and math-rock, with heavily textured songs that build layers upon layers before blooming into complex psychedelic mosaics.

Sports represents a creative leap from Duck Fight Goose’s first release, the straightforward math-rock EP, Flow, and has been roundly acclaimed in the Chinese press as one of the best albums of 2012.

Little Shadow – Possessions – 9th June 2012

Cat #: 105TZM

These six tracks on Little Shadows debut release, Possessions, evoke memories of later Hopesfall, Cursive, and at their more dischordant and punishing, a more melodic Nation Blue. All of this is coupled with vocalist Cam Gillard’s stories being told with a balance of layered analogies, and brutal honesty, whilst delivered in a more angelic and balanced tone than his previous work. It’s a fine moment for a relatively fresh band when they can set the benchmark for their peers in such a seemingly effortless manner.