Suburban Tours

Suburban Tours is a blog run by Hunter Peter Thompson (founder of Purr Tapes & Dreaming Android Films) which aims to bring forth aesthetic euphoria through sonic and visual mediums. Updated frequently with cassette reviews// digital tracks/albums// videos//art//interviews. ] Layout & Design by Quasikrystal

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Hey Friends. I don;t post updates on here anymore. I've switched my focus to my art & music, school, and running a label. If you want you can follow my personal blog where i post all of that stuff...

ooppaalliinnee.tumblr.com

Cheers,

Hunter

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Hunter, my name is Dan. I make music as Neo-Safari. Cassette Rewind included one of my songs in a mix they did. Needless to say, I really like your work. I am releasing a two song EP this summer and would like to work with you on some album art. Would you be interested? If you are, I will send you a private link to the two songs. I can't send a link to all my material on this ask me format, but if you go to soundcloud and seach user Neo-Safari you can easily find me

Woah I'm so sorry I missed this. I'd love to help out in the future if I can. Kind of fell off tumblr for awhile but been more frequent as of late so please feel free to message me again or shoot me an email @ [email protected] :)

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Peep this new video I did for Telephobia's "Climb" single from his upcoming full-length due sometime this summer on Oligopolist Records! Also grab a free DL here.

[suburbantours-blog]

Oliwa: 'Naturalia'

Even after listening for quite some time, I would have admit that ambient and drone music can be, at times, somewhat of an acquired taste. To me, it requires a tranquil patience and a willingness to let go and really give yourself --mind, as well as ears-- to the music. Too often do I hear ambient used in the context of "background music", and while this can be quite effective in many settings and situations, its stimulus can reach far beyond such simple restraints. As minimal and basic as the sounds can come across, they also have the ability leave infinite space for the imagination to wander, inspiring the listener to envision lucid landscapes void of worldly constructs and ideals.

Naturalia is the newest release from one of my favorite ambient/soundscape masterminds and Buenos Aires resident, Oliwa. A textural, 6-track journey that is more of a meditative experience than a transparent listen. Visceral tones penetrate deep into the inner cosmos of the listener, fringing in the space between earthy organics and the vast, consuming, emptiness of space. Each track brings forth a specific palette of color that flows through without the slightest resistance, often leaving behind an unknown,  feeling of elusive longing. Deep, lush synths drenched in reverb breathe a mysterious life into the listener with a reassuring yet haunting nature, while also providing room for unseen nostalgic interpretations to evolve and shape-shift with divine fluidity. Boundless conceptually, but also so incredible focused artistically. An amazing addition to an already impressive discography. I really can't say enough about this record... Truly a surreal passage away from reality if you're willing to open the doors of your subconscious. 

Stream/DL/Buy...

<a href="http://oliwa.bandcamp.com/album/naturalia" data-mce-href="http://oliwa.bandcamp.com/album/naturalia">Naturalia by Oliwa</a>

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Prism House: 'Reflections' EP

This submission from Brooklyn duo, Prism House, couldn't have come at a better time. As I've been struggling to find something truly refreshing in the somewhat endless sea of internet music and DIY producers, their Reflections EP has opened a new portal of possibilities...

Here we have an eclectic, electronic sound that catapults the genre into the future with a sporadic but cohesive approach. Backed by a visually stunning live show, these two bounce back twinkling rhythms intertwined with sprawling synth twitches and floor pounding percussion. Sampled chatters fly over and under while everything is on the move and constantly rotating around a glowing, spherical center. Their sound is that of glass being shattered into space with the sun shining through at every angle while airstreams bend and circulate at the dazzling speed of light. Orbital chaos coming together to create a crisp, cosmic ambience that reaches high into the aural heavens and pulls back infinite texture and color.

A much needed breath of fresh air. If you ever get a chance to see these guys--do not miss it! In the meantime, Stream/Buy their EP and stop by their sites to show some love.

<a href="http://prismhouse.bandcamp.com/album/reflections-ep" data-mce-href="http://prismhouse.bandcamp.com/album/reflections-ep">Reflections EP by Prism House</a>

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Floral: Suburban Tours Mix

Time to wipe off the dust thats been gathering over here the last couple weeks and get back to posting. While we've been busy over @ Purr Tapes gearing up our next release, the music inbox over here is starting to overflow, and there is just too much goodness not to share. So without further delay, lets get back to it!

There would be no more perfect of a way to re-grease the wheels than to share this amazing mix curated by one of our favorite producers (and friends), Portland's Nathaniel Young, aka Floral. The exclusive mix showcases an array of texturized beats, spanning hip-hop to laid-back house, that seep into each other with not so much as a flinch in between. Hazy washes of cool air and syncopated rhythms keep the pulse as a perfect setting is put into place. The mix even includes the previously unreleased Floral track "Init". A perfect listen for a misty spring eve or a foggy dawn commute. Stream/download the mix below and be on the lookout for new Floral material very soon!

Suburban Tours Mix by F L O R A L on Mixcloud

Suburban Tours Mix by Floral MP3

Track-list after the jump!

Astro Nautico - 4 Billion Miles (Interlude)

Lotide - Quiet Lines

Mathbonus - The World is Full of Subtext

Microburst - 3Bear

Clay Wilson - End Gap

Kouta - Granola

Floral - Init

Insightful - Fever

Alphabets - Sleepcitystatic

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Spazzkid 'Desire' Cassette and Fundraiser!

[Originally posted on Purr Tapes]

Hey friends, here to let you know about our next release, which is an extra special one! We are very proud to announce that we will be releasing the incredible new Spazzkid full-length, Desire. Not only will we be doing a hand-made, limited-edition cassette run, but we have also joined forces with the producer in efforts to raise some money for his future endeavors. Already making waves with his bright and dynamic sounds, the LA transplant, Mark Redito, furthers his array of sounds with his newest album. Whether it's the catchiness of his emotive pop melodies or his head-bob inducing beats, this album solidifies his presence in the glowing scene of genre-bending electronics.  

This tape will be a part of the wonderful perks you can receive when you donate to his cause! All you got to do is head over to the fundraiser page, take a look around at all the limited-edition gifts you can receive, and decide how much you'd like to give. You'll have the satisfaction of helping out one of our good friends and one of the most talented artists around right now. After the fundraising campaign is over (April 1st), the tape will be available for immediate purchase through Purr, but these are sure to go fast so hurry up and get your copy! If you still aren't convinced, have a listen to the "Kokeshi Doll" single from the new album and prepare to get hooked!

love + purrs y'all

h&k

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[Fresh Cut] Sundrenched: 'Emerald.EP'

Florida's Ray Wilson, aka Sundrenched, has easily been one of my favorite artists who dabbles in the zones of beats and brilliant ambience. After our label put out his smoothly retro-fied Exercise Tapes cassette (Late 2011), we maintained contact and kept tabs on each others projects. Back in November he dropped his Beat Studies, Vol. II, which was another step solidifying his mastery of beats, sampling, and texture. After that release he seemingly went quiet, sparsely posting snippets to his soundcloud that appeared to have no home. Never the less, the sounds remained mystifying, sounding better than ever as an evolution was taking place...

The result is the Emerald.EP. 7 tracks that collectively run just shy of 12 minutes. As if ripped straight from old cassettes that have been tossed in ocean waves and then baked in the sun on humid, sandy shores, each track is a branch reaching out into warped worlds filled with warmth and color, creating something much more emotive than previous works. It's like looking straight into the future with the mist of the past comforting you and pulling you forward, leaving you in a place where time is ultimately of no importance. The sonic influences used here sprout from across the map but meld together with one solid vision that stands apart from similar artists who attempt to grasp the organic. Sounds that may reach deeper into the mind and soul of a humble and driven individual whose artistic sight has no perceivable bounds. So what's next for one of the sunshine-state's most promising talents? I guess it may be hard to tell, but if this concise showcase is any indication, we have so much to look forward to...

<a href="http://sundrenched.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-ep" data-mce-href="http://sundrenched.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-ep">Emerald.EP by Sundrenched</a>

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Riot Meadows 'M E T A' mix for Suburban Tours

Pretty ecstatic to present yet another mix curated by one of the most inspiring and creative artists I know of right now. Riot Meadows released his stunningly blurred opus Temporal Drift Tape in the eve of 2012 and since then i have been patiently waiting for more material. As we have been able to maintain an artistic discourse over the past few months, he was kind enough to share this mix which may shed some light on the eclectic spectrum from which he draws inspiration. Regardless of reason, M E T A is an excellent showcase that travels throughout hazy electronic worlds, past and present. It even includes the unreleased RM track "Explosion Head's Floating Hat", which could be a portal into the future of this lush, expanding project. I recommend dimming the lights, throwing on some washed-out visuals, or just closing your eyes to drift away into realms of light and colour... 

Riot Meadows - M E T A mix (mp3)

Endless thanks to Riot Meadows for this contribution and stay tuned for more details regarding his next album...

M E T A  track-list after the jump...

1. Meat Beat Manifesto: "The Woods" (“Transmission” single/1996)

2. Ray Lynch: "The Pleasure of Oh" (Deep Breakfast/1984)

3. Egyptian Lover: “$” (Get Into It/1990)

4. Carlos y Gaby: "In the Whirl Emote" (All City 5/10 EP/2010)

5. Amorphous Androgynous: "Mountain Goat" (Tales of Ephedrina/1993)

6. Upper Astral: Side 1 excerpt (Astral Massage/1987)

7. Susan Davis: Side B: Imaging excerpt (Images Are M.E./1986)

8. r i o t _ m e a d o w s: "Explosion Head’s Floating Hat" (previously unreleased/2013)

9. Looks Realistic: "Sleep Cadet" (Where Does It Come From?/2013)

10. Mark Bradley: "Full" (Temple Music/2012)

11. Richard H. Kirk: "Clandestine Transmission" (Virtual State/1994)

12. Peaceful Alternatives: Excerpt (Rustic Mountain Idyll/1986)

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[Fresh Cut] TAPES: 'Infinity' EP

The elusive Knoxville producer Tapes is back at it with his brand new 6-track EP entitled Infinity. This release takes the artists skills one step further with a bright array of sample-chopping mastery and hazy syncopated beats. With odes to pop, hip-hop and chillwave all balancing on the beams of modern electronics and classic ambience, the tenacity of these tracks is hard to ignore.

But make no mistake, this affair is neither one-sided or short-handed. The intricacies of the sounds are given just the right amount of breathing room and travel fluidly over unique sonic landscapes. Where "Slow Touch" captivates with its incredible sampling technique and warped re-workings, "Fr U" does just the same with its vast emotionality and warm washes of texture. The closing title-track really ties it all together and is a promising look ahead at things to come. The release is available via "pay what you will" on the camps and below, don't miss this...

<a href="http://cassettetapes.bandcamp.com/album/infinity" data-mce-href="http://cassettetapes.bandcamp.com/album/infinity">INFINITY by Tapes</a>

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Orca Life Mix for Suburban Tours

Proud to present another exclusive mix curated by another one of my favorite artists, Orca Life. What I like about this mix is it's eclectic nature and how much ground is covered in a short time. Rather than letting one song lead into another, Orca Life chops tracks and mixes them creating new and innovative sounds from a plethora of talented musicians. A very inspiring take on what a "mix" is and can be. Download/stream for free below and check the track-list after the jump...

Orca Life Mix for Suburban Tours MP3

Also be on the lookout for more Orca Life news on Suburban Tours soon!

1. Dirty Projectors - Offspring Are Blank (Orca Life Remix) 2. Coolrunnings - Belewe 3. Walsh - Ruby Spire 4. Julia Holter - Marienbad 5. Holly Herndon - Movement 6. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Like A Sundae 7. Analog Rebellion - Holy Atmosphere 8. Tim Hecker - Rainbow Blood 9. Tame Impala - Be Above It 10. Spook Houses - Try Pt.1 , Pt. 2 11. Touche Amore - Gravity, Metaphorically 12. Cloud Nothings - No Future, No Past 13. Skrillex - Leaving 14. Four Tet - 0181 15. James Ferraro - E 7 16. Symmetry - Behind The Wheel 17. Gold Panda - Marriage (Baths Remix) 18. Born Gold - Sky Bicycle 19. The xx - Angels (Yalls Bootleg Do Up) 20. Heat Stroke - There It Is 21. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) [Little Dragon Remix] 22. Grimes - Skin (Four Tet Remix) 23. Nicolas Jaar - Why Didn't You Save Me

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FLORAL: 'DIEM' EP

A lot of things happen throughout the course of the day. Maybe not so much these huge, grand events that we are always waiting for, but infinite small intricacies that we often overlook. The simple routines and patterns that we all get locked into, or are battling against. The familiarity of our surroundings, or maybe the fresh intrigue of new and lost ones. All of us seemingly moving in unison at points, but always with our own objectives, motives, agendas, and so on...

DIEM is the latest release from Portland producer, photographer, and artist Nathaniel Young aka FLORAL. It's a beat-driven journey that, in 5 parts, takes us through a beautiful sonic interpretation of a day in existence. Starting with "Mornings" and ending with "4:00am", the EP plays like an entire track with hardly any stop in movement, perhaps another correlation to the indefinite spinning of earth. Multiple electronic genres are touched upon while the flow remains smooth and seamless. From down-tempo stylings to more UK-garage type influences, these 5 songs cover a lot of ground without ever missing a step. A concise but wonderful triumph both conceptually and aesthetically.

<a href="http://floralbeats.bandcamp.com/album/diem" data-mce-href="http://floralbeats.bandcamp.com/album/diem">DIEM by FLORAL</a>

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Hotwax Mix for Suburban Tours

I've really been getting back into mixes lately. It seems I've once again gotten out of my tendency to play entire albums and get tired of them way too fast. It's nice to be able to kick back and let something ride and not have to worry about changing it up or playing it out. Mixes keep keep things fresh and mysterious and can sometimes cover a wider palette of sonic colors.

Today, I'm proud to present a mix that Floridian electronic producer Hotwax put together exclusively for Suburban Tours. In his words, "The theme I was going for in this mix was to put together some recent favorites of mine that emanated chill beats, smooth grooves, and good vibes." Well, after bumping this one a few times, i can say it's a job well done. Its chill enough to put you in a summer mood, but with enough vibrant rhythms to keep your feet tapping and head nodding. Standouts include Toro Y Moi, Nightheat, LAY BAC, Elite Gymnastics and many more...

Stream/download the entire mix here...

All thanks to Hotwax for putting this great mix together, and be sure to keep tabs on all his sonic adventures here. Check out the track-list with short descriptions on why these tracks made the cut after the jump!

1. How To Dress Well - & It Was U (Elite Gymnastics remix)

I've kind of been going through a minor HTDW obsession ever since Total Loss came out, including accidentally getting the album on vinyl (which was due to a shipping error that I actually don't regret now that I have a copy), and while I didn't like the sparseness of the original version of this song, Elite Gymnastics added just enough to make it a new favorite.

2. James Deen - Cavern #1 (Hotwax remix)

James Deen is a real cool dude/internet friend of mine who I've collaborated with a few times, this being the end product of our most recent collab. He's been real prolific lately putting out a bunch of EPs, including a split with Imprintafter, and I actually put another one of Deen's songs from that Split EP later on in the mix.

3. LAY BAC - Gone B/C

I haven't been a loyal fan of Lay Bac, though I really did enjoy their song Stay Out Tonight when it first came out, and I was really digging their album Shimmer that just came out as well. This ended up being my favorite track from it.

4. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden (Shisa chopped n screwed edit)

While I enjoyed the original version, I think Shisa actually gave this track a better groove by slowing it wayyy down. I don't normally mess with chopped and screwed remixes but this one takes the cake in my book.

5. Toro Y Moi - Never Matter

Simply put, Chaz put out another solid, entertaining, danceable album. I knew I had to include one of his songs in this mix, but I was so torn between so many songs before I ended up with this one. I'd highly recommend Cake, Cola, and Say That as well.

6. Gold Panda - Burnt-Out Car In A Forest

Ever since I discovered Gold Panda about a year and a half ago I've been addicted to his brand of beats with Eastern instrumentation. His Trust EP he just put out seems like a turn to the direction of Microhouse and less on obscure samples but it's still undeniably GP and still thoroughly enjoyable.

7. Kindness - Gee Up

I've still been bumping this album since it came out mid last year. Something about the way Kindness blends elements of chillwave, funk, R&B, and disco that struck a chord with me. House was arguably my favorite track of last year, but this track fit with the vibe of the mix better, so there you have it.

8. Grouper - Alien Observer (Teen Daze remix)

Teen Daze is the master of remixes, and he's also basically responsible for me discovering the glory that is Grouper as well, so kudos to him making a killer dance/bass tune and helping me discover what is now one of my favorite musicians.

9. Mister Lies - Lupine

This guy knows how to finely craft some very intense yet chilled out electronica. Like most people I discovered him through his Hidden Neighbors EP and was sold right away. I'm really looking forward to his debut when it comes out on Lefse. All the singles he's released so far have been superb, this being no exception.

10. Hotwax - Slow Down

Shameless self-promotion, I'll admit it. Hopefully I'll have the patience to put together an EP soon enough rather than just putting out a new song immediately after I finish it, but we'll see.

11. Nightheat - '89

Nightheat surprised me last year with their Dayheat EP, and now with their Woodworks EP they just released in January, I'm convinced these guys are an act to be on the lookout for. '89 and Words (Turn Around) were both standout tracks from that EP, and their brand of synths and vocals really personifies that vintage 80's sound without being too similar to acts like Com Truise and the like.

12. James Deen - All That I Need

Here's that other JD song I was mentioning. While he had tended to rely on glitchy loops to build most of his earlier work, the songs on that Imprintafter Split, and this one especially, really showed me that JD was able to take things to the next level. Great vocal samples, tremendous bass, and an awesome groove made this track a standout for me.

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Once Kingdom: 'Herbs' EP

As the title might suggest, there is an overwhelming natural and simplistic feeling to this newest EP from Swedish producer Niklas Dahlstrand, aka Once Kingdom. Nearly every track is slathered with melancholic guitar chops and angelic vocal coos, and although this music will go down as being "electronic", there is much more depth here. Instead of settling for over synthesized samples and textures, this release takes the high road with eyes open to the organic.

There seems to be themes of isolation, as well as exploration. I get the sense of a "lone wolf" approach, as if lost somewhere in a beautiful world of color and emptiness with no one and nothing around but the captivating and expansive void of time. Like sitting on the top of a mountain as the winds roll over the hills and breathe soothing rhythms into the air. Definitely a standout of 2013 so far, name your price below...

<a href="http://oncekingdom.bandcamp.com/album/herbs" data-mce-href="http://oncekingdom.bandcamp.com/album/herbs">Herbs by Once Kingdom</a>

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Suburban Tours & Prism present: Heart Beats

So far 2013 has been as promising as i hoped it would be and Suburban Tours is finally becoming the blog i had always hoped to run. Sharing music and art never gets old for me and the support i've been given has been phenomenal, so thank you all!

2013 also brought Prism to life, a place where Krystal Perez (my partner in crime) shares some of her favorite tracks with daily postings. With our tastes falling in similar fields lately, we decided to team up and make a mix of some of our favorite tracks right now. We believe it to be a showcase of some of the best musicians in the vast array of electronic and beat music. Hazy instrumentals, bright sample-chops, and chilled-out vibrations over 21 tracks from 21 artists.

[cover design by Quasikrystal]

Heart Beats is a collection of sonic adventures, all released within the last few months, that represents a great period in music and so much of the aesthetics we live in. 

Check out the track list and download the entire mix after the jump...

Heart Beats .zip

<3h&k

[suburbantours-blog]

[Introducing] Floridas

We are quite a ways from summer, but i'm pretty sure that I've found something to warm up with on these colder days. Somewhere Else // If You Want is a brand new 2-track digital release from fresh western Canadian producer, Floridas, and it's a bright and sunny affair. 

As a pacific-northwest transplant who grew up on the tropical beaches of Florida, i can attest to the raw nostalgia of these sounds. Fun and lackadaisical but so pure with intent and meaning. These two tracks capture the breezy air of far off places filled with youthful adventure and innocence. A perfect blend of modern electronic pop with chilled-out balearic signatures. A wash of warmth in the sea of winter.

<a href="http://floridas.bandcamp.com/album/somewhere-else-if-you-want" data-mce-href="http://floridas.bandcamp.com/album/somewhere-else-if-you-want">somewhere else // if you want by Floridas</a>

[suburbantours-blog]

(CLASSIC MAGNETICS) Mt. Tjhris: 'Amethyst Cave' Cassette

Today began to stumble on in a creeping fashion. It's been dark and grey throughout, I ran out of coffee, and searching for a real job has been fruitless. I've wandered throughout the house, in and out of my room, checked an empty mailbox in the rain, trying to fill a restless void. After organizing my cassettes and rearranging my room, i decided to sit down and draw in attempts to breakthrough the haze of the day. I pop open the deck of my stereo and slip in a tape...

Why I originally chose to jam my Amethyst Cave cassette by Mt. Tjhris is a bit unclear. Perhaps i was searching for guidance or direction. Maybe even inspiration. Maybe i just wanted to feel submerged in something otherworldly. Luckily, that is what this album does perfectly. Lush, dripping synths consume the mind with vivid visions that perfectly conjure up the creative process of the listener. Dark, dissonant and vibrant all at once, shooting droney earth sounds through violet crystals that drench consciousness with clarity. This tape is one of many great purchases i have recently made from Holy Page. Each release they put together seems to be better than the last. With a very keen sense for graphics and shimmering aesthetics, their layouts are works of art in themselves. Getting their 4 tapes for $15 deal is proving to be a glorious decision. I strongly advise it to any and all magnetic connoisseurs...

<a href="http://holypagerecords.bandcamp.com/album/amethyst-cave" data-mce-href="http://holypagerecords.bandcamp.com/album/amethyst-cave">Amethyst Cave by Mt. Tjhris</a>