Its with a bit of sadness and relief that I announce that Life Aquatic will no longer be an active blog. I guess to a large degree I’m just not inspired the way I used to be to find new music and post it to the world on a regular basis. Another factor would also have to be that I just don’t have as much time any more. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who supported this blog, came out to some of the events, bought some of our records and in particular the artists who submitted their music. Being such a small and simple blog I really did not expect it to become as big as it did. I have met so many great souls along the way and am honoured to have been given a chance to get involved in music. 

The label will still continue to sell the records that we have released and I will continue to write for Portals, which will at least keep my mind sharp. 

I will still be contactable at my email address jarred [at] lifeaquaticblog.com and I might occasionally post things on the facebook page.

Its been a fulfilling journey. Thank you kindly. 

Jarred 

Charles Murdoch // Ravel
 

This time Brisbane’s Charles Murdoch heads to the 808. Deep drawn out bass and his great hi hat rhythms make up most of this piece, besides the reverb drenched chords that sit politely as spectators. Follow this cat on the cloud. [photo]

mp3 : Charles Murdoch // Ravel

HxH // Hoodyweather

Rhythmic intelligence is apparent in the dull toms that compliment the kick pattern. Small doses of conga are provided at various stages throughout. The melody is provided by super choppy remnants of a Neighbourhood track. HxH is Rodney Hazard x Kareem Hawkin. [photo]

mp3 : HxH // Hoodyweather

GULLY // Blanc

Some more urban minimalism that catches the ear. GULLY from Canada uses a blunt kick, hi hats, some fumbling toms and a little finger snap to create an entire piece. He periodically adds those wispy synth chords that you want to hear more of. He should have a tape out soon called Gully Heat Waves. [photo]

mp3 : GULLY // Blanc

Charles Murdoch // Ahama

Brisbane’s Charles Murdoch first popped up with his clean cut UK bass inspired sound with his track Ecoiv. His latest piece is even more accessible to a dance crowd than his previous work. Beginning with some pop sounding synth arpeggios he soon strips those out for a head nodding groove and tender vocal samples. [photo]

mp3 : Charles Murdoch // Ahama

Curls // Welcometothejungle

Starting off with odd lullaby plucks and a tap rewind, Curls is quick to add the jungle 808 kick drum rhythm and the ominous bomb alarm. Shortly after which the song because all wet and drippy with those drawn out meditative chords.  [photo]

mp3 : Curls // Welcometothejungle

C.Z. // Throw Sum 1’z

Straight off the M|O|D II release comes this bumping track by C.Z. from Fort Lauderdale. M|O|D is blowing up fast including infamous clan members like Trap Arnold and Lil’ Texas. I think Ben from Live For The Funk said they were like the odd future of trap. Could be in some ways, except that they aren’t really trying to get on MTV, yet. This track is the last one on the M|O|D II mixtape and incorporates some dark reverbed 808 toms as a melody which fit around the Young Joc vocal sample perfectly. trap trap trap. [photo]

mp3 : C.Z. // Throw Sum 1’z

Rainbow Chan // Sweet Tooth (Guerre Remix)

Two of Sydney’s favourite obscure electronic artists and songwriters Rainbow Chan and Lavurn Lee a.k.a. Guerre come together on this remix of Rainbow’s stunning dark pop track Sweet Tooth. Guerre keeps this piece as reserved as possible using Ifan Dafydd-esque chords and sampling style while leaving large amounts of breathing space. A blunt kick and a single clap command the rhythm as sharp hi hats dance about in between. Download the remix over at Rainbow’s bandcamp, accompanied by a remix by Sydney lords Albatross [photo]

mp3 : Rainbow Chan // Sweet Tooth (Guerre Remix)

I will be co-presenting the Sydney launch of one of a terrific album called Commitments by one of my favourite humans, Trent Gill aka Galapagoose with my good friends at The Gate at Serial Space in Chippendale. Supporting acts will be Guerre and a super exciting new Sydney outfit Cliques, consisting of members of Seekae and 48/4. Also, at one point in the night I’ll be DJing (whatever that means). Australians can buy Commitments here and internationals from here or digitally from Beatport. The launch is this Sunday so join the facebook group and attend the shiz out of this!