Tag Archives: artoffact records

The Tear Garden – Astral Elevator (Artoffact Records)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description:

The Tear Garden, the legendary experimental project of Edward Ka-Spel (The Legendary Pink Dots) and cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy), is set to release their highly anticipated new album, Astral Elevator. This record marks a significant return for the duo, delivering a soundscape that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As with their past work, the album is a journey through surreal, often haunting electronic textures and Ka-Spel’s distinct, poetic lyricism and mysticism.

Produced entirely by The Tear Garden themselves, Astral Elevator is a testament to the enduring creative partnership between Ka-Spel and Key. The album also features contributions from a stellar lineup of guests, including the late Dwayne Goettel, who provides a poignant and powerful presence. The sound is further enriched by the talents of Randall Frazier and Dre Robinson, and the entire experience was brought to its final form by the expert hands of Greg Reely on mixing and mastering.

In addition to the album’s release, fans can look forward to a full visual experience. The stunning artwork for Astral Elevator was created by Simon Paul, perfectly capturing the album’s ethereal and otherworldly themes. Furthermore, videos directed by Cory Gorski will accompany the singles due out during the album cycle.

Astral Elevator marks not only a return for The Tear Garden, but also their first record for Toronto-based Artoffact Records, home to many of cEvin Key’s other projects.


Produced By The Tear Garden
Edward KaSpel and cEvin Key
with Guests Dwayne Goettel , Randall Frazier and Dre Robinson
Mixed and Mastered by Greg Reely
Artwork by Simon Paul

‘A Return’ video by Cory Gorski. youtu.be/Uv8TTeUHVpU
‘In the Name Of’ video by Randall Frazier youtu.be/M0y7b4wQr38?si=62yGmokf8PBJ4lVA

War Crier video by Cory Gorski youtu.be/pAoNDK3wjj4?si=vv3xnplhIQR1fIcy

OvO – Split (Artoffact Records)

Posted by John Lithium on

Label Description: OvO and Mai Mai Mai, two essential figures of the Italian experimental underground, join forces for an exceptional split album. These artists have continuously pushed the boundaries of musical genres, exploring extreme and uncharted sonic territories.

Formed in 2000, OvO is a noise rock duo consisting of Stefania Pedretti (guitar, vocals) and Bruno Dorella (drums). Their music—both tribal and apocalyptic—is a relentless sonic assault, an audacious fusion of noise rock, sludge metal, industrial rock, and avant-doom. Renowned for their intense live performances and strong DIY ethos, OvO remains a unique force in extreme music.

Mai Mai Mai is the project of Toni Cutrone, a Rome-based musician and sound explorer. Blending traditional Southern Italian folklore with industrial drone, proto-techno, and heavy sonic textures, Mai Mai Mai crafts immersive performances that transport audiences into a ritualistic exploration of ancestral sounds.

After making a strong impression at Roadburn Festival 2023, OvO and Mai Mai Mai now unite for a one-of-a-kind split vinyl, merging their singular sonic worlds. On Side A, OvO unleashes four new tracks, raw and abrasive, pushing the limits of their chaotic and untamed noise rock. On Side B, Mai Mai Mai delves into experimental and electroacoustic realms, weaving an immersive and dense atmosphere filled with ritualistic sounds and electronic manipulations.

The visual identity of the release is enhanced by a striking cover artwork by tattoo artist Arthur Tête de Mouton, perfectly complementing the explosive encounter between these two visionary forces.

plateau – Kushbush + Music for Grassbars (Artoffact Records)

Posted by John Lithium on

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Label Description:

PlatEAU’s 2007 release, Kushbush, is a psychedelic, dub-infused electronic album that blends ambient soundscapes with heavy, bass-driven grooves. The project, spearheaded by cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy and Phil Western, delves into themes of altered states and introspection, combining lush synth textures, hypnotic rhythms, and distorted samples to create a trippy, immersive listening experience. With its laid-back, smoked-out vibes, Kushbush is a sonic journey through hazy atmospheres and experimental beats, reflecting the duo’s unique fusion of industrial influences and chillout music aesthetics.

Music for Grassbars, released by platEAU in 1997, serves as the debut album for the duo, laying the groundwork for their distinctive sound that would evolve in later works like Kushbush. This album explores a more minimalistic and experimental approach, characterized by downtempo rhythms, ambient textures, and an eclectic mix of organic and synthetic sounds. With its playful track titles and dub-inspired grooves, Music for Grassbars captures a sense of curiosity and exploration, offering a lo-fi, laid-back soundscape that’s equally suitable for contemplative listening or background ambiance. It’s an early testament to platEAU’s ability to blend electronic innovation with a relaxed, hazy atmosphere.