A collection of fave tracks by bands that haven’t been that busy lately (apart from Ulver and Helen…) or just disappeared in the last 10 years. This is pretty much the experimental rock sound of the 10’s that matters to me. It’s the sound of S. Francisco’s The Flenser (Planning for Burial, Wreck and Reference, Have a Nice Life…) and Denton, Texas Rich Loren Balling’s sonic tapestries released on his own labels Angel Coven, Small Doses and Handmade Birds Records.
R. Loren deserves a lot of praise as a truly unique force capable of putting together an all-star cast of amazing musicians and contributors every time his nettled psyche produces music ideas. For Sailors With Wax Wings these included: Ted Parsons (Swans/Godflesh/Prong), Colin Marston (Krallice/Behold…The Arctopus), Aidan Baker (Nadja), Simon Scott (Slowdive), Dominick Fernow (Prurient/Cold Cave), Vern Rumsey (Unwound) – RIP – , Hildur Gudnadottir (Múm/Throbbing Gristle/The Knife), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Jonas Renkse (Katatonia), Marissa Nadler, J. Leah, James Blackshaw, (and artwork by) David Tibet (Current 93) and Faith Coloccia (Mamiffer/Pyramids).
In fact, R. Loren would say that his labels, specially Handmade was a way for him to “collaborate with artists that I love, acting as a vehicle for that energy, whilst fostering a level of appreciation for art and music in my household that I feel will be healthy for my two daughters to grow up around.” Within the first year, Handmade Birds put out almost 40 releases. In May 2012, the label released the debut album of Texas natives Pinkish Black also featured in this mix.