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| Field Notes |
| to the Idaho House WLR028 (Digital Only) |
Chad Hanson's long-overdue follow-up to The Color of Sunshine bears the marks of musical maturity. Drawing on classic influences such as Everybody Knows...-era Niel Young, this second Field Notes album is a finely-hewn effort in timeless rock songcraft. We will release a small limited edition of CDs, due out early 2010.
The album is available now through most online digital retailers, and you can stream the album in its entirety using the Bandcamp player in our AUDIO section on the home page.
Availible now from
Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon, and others
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| Channing Cope |
| Plunge Into Contempt WLR027 (Digital Only) |
San Diego trio Channing Cope's third album is a dark and eerie ride into the melancholy and frustration that has hung over all of us during the Bush years. From soothing interlacing melodies to bouts of seething madness, this is something here-and-now for post-rockers, mathletes and indie kids alike.
It's also our first digital-only release. The future is now.
And it's here:
Availible now from
Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon, and others |
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| Lunch Buddy Program |
| Rest Stops & Roadmaps WLR026 (CD) |
WLR label founders (and 15-year musical collaborators) Ben Torrence and Robbie Hunt team up for their first release together since their former band City Of's self-titled CD in 2000 (WLR003). The result is a quirky pop album with nods to their punk-/math-/post- rock upbringing, lots of intertwining melodies, synchopation and vocal harmonies.
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon, and others
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| Bronze Fawn |
| Lumber WLR025 (CD) |
The debut album from this instrumental powerhouse is something special from the realm of post-Chicago instrumental music. An album that manages to flaunt its chops and impress fellow musicians without spiralling away from strong, memorable melodies, or propulsive beats. Members of The Building Press, Vermilion and Joules.
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon,
and others
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| Splinters |
| The Watchmaker WLR024 (CD) |
The 2nd album from WLR chief Ben Torrence combines intricate microsound percussion, progressive/minimal techno with a twist of funk, a couple of dashes of drone, and lots of melody.
"...a supremely enthralling headphone album" says Dave Segal, The Stranger
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon,
and others
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| Bookmobile+Zapan |
| Boopanschwing WLR023 (CD) |
Over two years in the making, Boopanschwing is a delicious pairing of tracks from a couple of Seattle's most enduring laptop acts, Bookmobile and Zapan. The album is a playful mix of thumping instrumental Hip Hop, down tempo, drum'n'bass and breaks, as well as some dashes of tranquility and straight noise. Lots of engaging sound design for the tech nerds, and oodles of catchy melodies to keep the indie kids smiling. The perfect soundtrack for your Summer.
Available in digital formats through
iTunes,
eMusic,
Amazon,
and others |
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| Choncey Langford |
| The Enthusiast WLR022 (CD) |
Choncey's first solo offering for Woodson Lateral is a spicy blend of sound design and dancefloor elements. Drawing on modern minimal-techno's throbbing low end and crisp hi-hats, he then clothes the stark structures of said genre with dense, undulating layers of dub bass, static-laced sound design, metalic scrapes, atmospheric synth lines, outright noise, and microsound's characteristic clicks and chirps. The result is a new direction in tech-house music that is equally at home bumping subwoofers on the dancefloor or in a relaxed evening headphone session.
Available in digital formats through
iTunes,
eMusic,
and others
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| Field Notes |
| Color Of Sunshine WLR021 (CD) |
This debut solo album of singer/songwriter Chad Hanson (a founding member of Mines and Dutch Flat) strips away much of the complexities and flashy sheen of his past bands to reveal the core of his musical personna- graceful melodies, a subtly insightful voice, and elegant, efficient song structures. An album of atmospheric pop for fans of Sufjan Stevans, Yo La Tengo, Low, Sparklehorse...
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic, and others
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| Splinters |
| Metal Petals WLR020 (CD) |
The first release by WLR label head Ben Torrence under his Splinters tag. An album of spacious computer compositions that draw on minimal techno, microsound/'clicks'n'cuts' delicacy, and lush ambience. Tracks vary from hypnotic repetitive grooves to playful glitchy programming that never stands still. Subdued sounds for fans of Ben's work in Bookmobile and Lamplighter.
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic, and others
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| Treasure State |
| Migration WLR019 (CD) |
The second album from Treasure State further refines their minimal, earnest songwriting approach. Stripped-down and airy composition that puts each note and cymbal hit in its proper place, guitar arpeggiations that rise and fall, and vocals that that keep the fragility of the songs solidly intact.
[Note: Their first album (Retain The Risk) is available in our "Other Stuff We Sell" Section below.] |
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| Bookmobile |
| Keys WLR018 (CD) |
2/3 of Lamplighter return with their debut album. Keys blurs the lines between sound design and dance music, shifting between abstract soundscapes, giltchy speaker shredding, delicate clicks'n'cuts minimalism, tech-house groovers, and any other damn fool thing they felt like throwing in.
Available in digital formats through Bandcamp,
iTunes,
eMusic, and others
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| Little Grizzly |
| When It Comes An End I Will Stand Alone WLR016 (CD) |
Little Grizzly's 3rd and final album is a suitingly dark and heartstring-tugging endcap to their long carreer.
The band describe what they do as "loud folk music." To our ears, it's earnest, passionate americana- rock and roll in it's most pure and timeless form- songwriting that softly mines tender and tragic human experiences, then throws down exuberant walls of mighty guitar in sing-along anthems. The sound of singer/songwriter George Neal's distinctive southern voice and captivating storytelling give the songs an intimate and personal quality that make Little Grizzly's music a unique treasure.
[Note: We have two previous LGRZ releases available in the "Other Stuff We Sell" section below] |
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| Modernstate |
| Highwater Moonboot WLR015 (CD) |
Modernstate is the long-standing solo project of Dutch Flat drummer Sam Schauer, but this disc is the antithesis of DF's 'Ghosts' album- here Sam blends lush beds of guitar loops, keyboard melodies, Sam's storyteller vocals, casio beats, even a choir of friends. The result is something that brings to mind the moods of Arial/Papa M, the quirky experimentalism of Joan of Arc and the deadpan delivery of Leonard Cohen. |
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| The Dead Science |
| Submariner WLR014 (Vinyl LP) |
Limited edition of 600 on dark grey vinyl.
A stunning debut by this Seattle trio is equal parts explosive, sultry, creepy and transcendent. Combining smokey nightclub swoon, serious jazz chops, frenetic rock energy and haunting, dexterous vocals often likened to Chet Baker. The kind of album that can only be fully digested over time through repeated listens. A suiting work to be our first vinyl offering in years. CD also available on Absolutely Kosher records. |
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| Via |
| Deception Pass WLR013 (CD) |
On their debut full-legth, Via take the leads of the early Manchester scene (Joy Division et al) and brit pop, and fuse them with the heavy and harmonic elements of bands like Drive Like Jehu and Slint. The result is a distinct album that is both adventurous and accessable. |
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| The Dutch Flat |
| Ghosts WLR012 (CD) |
WLR keeps bringing the Rock with the debut from Portland's DutchFlat. The DF play driving, pulsating post-punk with interesting changes and dashes of mathy flair, but never lose their driving backbone or overtax the audience with self-indulgent complications. How the smart guys throw down.
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| Lamplighter |
| A Three Point Perspective WLR011 (CD) |
This trio of musicians orginally began playing improvised music together as Recidivist before turning full-time to this, their computer-based alter-ego. Big hip-hoppy beats, glichy bits, piano samples, dashes of Drum'n'Bass, synths, and tranquil compositions mesh together in this eclectic electronic release. |
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| Bobby Karate |
| Hot Trips Cold Returns WLR010 (CD) |
One of Seattle's most respected and prominant ambassidors of the glitch and microsound realms of the laptop revolution, Bobby Karate's long awaited full-length debut is a detailed and delicate orchestra of pops, clicks, buzzes and bleeps. Minimal, airy and beautiful. Bob your head and pretend you're german. |
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| Mines |
| The Way the Wind Whips the Water WLR009 (CD) |
Mines debut full-length combines catchy pop vocal melodies with adept musicianship and sophisticated songwriting for a perfect comprimise between your sing-along side and your post-rock leanings. For fans of stuff in the vien of Pinback, Unrest, and The Coctails. |
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| The Building Press |
| Amplitude of Frequencies Over Time WLR008 (CD) |
These guys are for real.The Building Press' debut full-length is a showcase of their air-tight, punchy, mostly instrumental, mathy post-punk. Recommended for fans of stuff along the lines of June of 44, Shellac, Faraquet, and the Oxes. Hypnotic and taut. |
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| Various Artists |
| Mass Transit WLR007 (CD) |
A solid collection of 15 of our favorite bands from the Northwest. A ton of great tracks from a bunch of fine folks you'll be seeing more of in the future. From Indie Rock to Abstract Electronica, Math Rock to Alt-Country, Drum'n'bass to pop. We are oh so proud of this one. Bands include The Sweet (Dead) Science, Wimbledon, Mines, Hello From Waveland, The Building Press, Deception Pass (now Via), The Dutch Flat, Lamplighter... |
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| Recidivist |
| Self-Titled WLR006 (CD/R) |
The sole release from the full trio- Mostly consists of completely improvosed material in a post-punk, post-rock, pre-jazz(?) vein. Also a couple of computer compositions for good measure. Limited Run. |
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| Recidivist |
| Out of Elements WLR005 (CD/R) |
This is Ben's first solo disc. Sample-based computer creations with an emphasis on frenetic drum'n'bass. Intricate programming and some ambient elements as well. A prelude to Lamplighter, but essentially the first Splinters album.
This release has been re-issued as a FREE Splinters mp3 release on our offshoot netlabel, Cosmeceutical™. Get it HERE |
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| Recidivist |
| ...a Collection WLR004 (CD/R) |
This is Choncey's solo disc. An engaging mixture of improvised guitar, ambient elements and drum loops. Synchopated beats suggestive of hip-hop and drum'n'bass lay a backdrop for beautiful guitarscapes. Along with WLR05 this was a sign of things to come as a precursor to Lamplighter. |
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| City Of |
| Self-Titled WLR003 (CD) |
Relaxing and quirky. Dreamy and intricate. Pop, math-rock and slow-core with a gifted female singer. For fans of Beekeeper, Yo La Tengo and Low. Two-thirds of City Of now comprise Lunch Buddy Program. |
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| Her Number 13 |
| Watch the Fig WLR002 (7) |
This band should not be forgotten. Released in 1995, this defunct trio from Eugene, Oregon served up 5 great songs in a Polvo / Sonic Youth-ish style. Drummer Cord Amato went on to the band Wow and Flutter. |
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| Bicker/Artless Motives |
| Self-Titled / Peace Through Corndogs WLR001 (LP) |
Old emo-pop from Bicker and fun speedy punk/ ska from Artless Motives. Eugene, Oregon is where it all started. Out of print. |
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| Other Stuff We Carry |
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| Various Artists (Reason Y Compilation) |
| "Summer Solutions" RY001 (CD) |
This compilation, put out by the good folks at Reason Y.com in Atlanta has tracks by 16 bands that cover musical styles from indie pop to punk to math rock. A nice variety with solid tracks for all indie tastes. Classy artwork and a plump full-color booklet give you a handy guide for your musical journey. |
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| Little Grizzly |
| "Forever and Now" QPR011 (CDEP) |
A precursor to their final album, this 5-song EP includes 2 tracks from When It Ends... (WLR016), 4-track renditions of Elaine and Mockingbird Classes, and a 5th exclusive track.
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| Little Grizzly |
| "I'd Be Lying If I Said I wasn't Scared" QPR010 (CD) |
The 2nd Album by Little Grizzly released in 2001. Loaded with great sing-along rock anthems and weathered, wise tales of human sorrow and triumph. Unbounded energy, heart and passion. What rock music is all about.
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| The Purrs |
| "No Particular Bar, No Particular Town" PRS002 (CDEP) |
Order this release and recieve a free copy of the Purrs first EP!
The Purrs are a local four-piece band that play atmospheric pop- warm, mellow, and psychedelic- like garage rock in slow motion.
"It’s sweet, slow, building, reverb-heavy, and maybe sounds like a higher pitched Jim Reid, had he held down the angst on Darklands."
-Kathleen Wilson, THE STRANGER |
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| PlentyFace |
| "The Singing Gag" PF01 (CD) |
PlentyFace is the solo project of former Wimbledon frontman, Earl Muehlenbach. This is what happens when you give one wise, talented, good natured chap a slew of electronic beat-making gizmos, keyboards, guitars and bass, put a vocal mic in front of him, and give him unlimited studio time. Vocals that run the gamut from sweet crooning to rapid-fire rants that will make your head spin. Fun, dancy, deftly layered, and finely crafted pop/ska/spazz-tech. |
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| Trail vs. Russia |
| "The Anvil" OGR01 (LP) |
Vancouver B.C.'s mighty Trail vs. Russia's debut LP, released early 2002 on One Gold Ruble Records is a hard-hitting masterpiece. A driving rhythm section keeps undulating time like a frieght train while sharp, angular guitar stabs keep you on your toes. As close as you're going to get to their mesmorizing live shows which leave audiences in bewildered awe. Hand-screened cover. |
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| Channing Cope |
| "Sugar In Our Blood" NPR005 (CD) |
San Diego trio Channing Cope serve up a long 6-track EP worth of their brand of lush, urgent, swoon rock. Tracks that embody the right balance of intimacy and edge, comfort and tension. Beautiful digipak packaging. Soon to be repressed on the reputable 54º40' or Fight! label, grab this first press classic while we have 'em. |
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| Treasure State |
| "Retain the Risk" m5 (CD) |
Released in 2002, Treasure State's debut album painted a stark and airy world of instrumentation in which Robert Mercer's sometimes fragile, sometimes forceful voice take on an immediacy and intimacy seldom found in traditional "rock" bands' hit-you-over-the-head approach.
A focused and compelling album that got our attention. Minimalist post-pop to tear down your guard. |
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| Farmdragon |
| "Self-Titled" FD01 (CD/R) |
Local duo Farmdragon combine smooth pop songwriting with a lighthearted-to-moody mix of electronic percussion, lots of guitars, and keyboards resulting in a groovy concoction. If you appreciate everything from The Flaming Lips to Motley Crue, Classic Rock to Hip Hop, you are bound to dig this. |
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| Various Artists |
| "Fourthcity Compilation" FC014 (CD) |
From Fourthcity,the crew that gave you the West Coast Laptop Battles, this comp features loads of local electronic talent. Artists: Scape, Former Selv, Bumblebee, Zapan, AbsoluteMadman,Naoto Yamazaki, YItEarp, Bob 2.2, Balsa, Antiscience, DJN, Void Stars, Nth808, Kris Moon, Bethurum, Atlas, Variform, and Lofreq. |
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| Wimbledon |
| "Cumershl" BRR007 (CD) |
Wimbledon are a band that will always have a special place in our hearts. The Seattle quartet was at the core of the rise of the Beep Repaired label/collective. They were a rare band who knew how to combine genuine art and genuine fun. This disc showcases their playfully complex pop-jazz-punk-post-rock. If you've always wanted a Joan of Arc album that got drunk and stopped taking itself so seriously, or you appreciate quirk in your pop ala Sea And Cake precursors Shrimpboat, you would be wise to add this to your collection. Members now play in Plentyface, Pomeranian, Free Jail, Somerset, Correspondents... |
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