Trading on the atmos of airport destinations for a more unadorned concept, Donor Lens’ sophomore album Midnight Store is a subdued descent into a place where one can get it all. Contrasted with their debut, Miracle Lounge มิราเคิล เลานจ์, Donor Lens has proactively established more of a theme here that is accessible and in step with its central aims. There are moments when Midnight Store reminds me of the trip hop and downtempo stylings of artists I grew up listening to (mostly hailing from Europe).

This is the story of Charles the Great — or Charlemagne — the warrior-king, considered by many to be the Pater Europae (“Father of Europe”). Part work of historical fascination, part work of hagiography, this is not a simple celebration of Charlemagne the man or of his dynasty. It is rather an attempt to explore and exhume the world of the Carolingians, invoking Charlemagne’s experiences and accomplishments as the King of the Franks (and later as Imperator Romanorum).

"I know what I want to say. I think first about whether they’re the right words. But when the moment comes to speak, I can’t say it."

Gaze is the first in an upcoming series of mini-albums from BLUDHONEY RECORDS. This is also the first collaboration between w u s o 命 and Sangam. Serving as a gorgeous introduction to both artists’ respective work, Gaze feels like a prelude to a cyberpunk film. Clocking in at around thirteen minutes, though, this mini-album is short.

Released a little over a year ago, Before Sundown is an album for summer if ever there has been one. Its tracks are warm and at times they are even pensive. It may be the most thoughtful dose of classic vaporwave you will come across. Comprised of eight tracks that distill that fledgling feeling of hope one gets at the turn of summer, the album is lush and possesses a focused and consistent sound that lends itself to future listens.