Newer Music:

Molchat Doma : Monument

This week, I thought it would be fun to highlight some interesting recent records from artists and bands
from outside of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Perhaps my favorite international band I’ve come across in the past year is the Belarussian quartet
Molchat Doma. The band formed in Minsk in 2017 and released their first two records on a German
label, building up a sizable following touring Europe over the past few years. Last November, they
released their third album Monument on ubercool American indie label Sacred Bones Records.
Monument features some of the purest 80s-style synthpop since the genre heyday. The album channels
equal parts Joy Division, early Depeche Mode, and early The Cure. It makes one wonder why more
bands aren’t deploying these infectious post-punk synths.

Standout Tracks: Utonut; Discoteque; Ne Smeshno; Otveta Net

Altin Gun : Yol

Next up is Altin Gun, a Netherlands-based band with members of both Dutch and Turkish descent. In
just a few years, Altin Gun has increased their profile substantially with their brand of Turkish pyschrock.
This genre of music is sometimes referred to Anatolian Rock, a blend of Turkish folk and rock music.
The six-member ensemble released their latest album Yol this month. The record has a fun, funky 70s
vibe perfect for a pleasant background music experience.

Standout Tracks: Ordunun Dereleri; Kara Toprack; Yuce Bag Basinda; Macka Yollari

Nana Yamato: Before Sunrise

Last month, promising 20 year-old Japanese artist Nana Yamato released her buzzed about debut DIY
pop record. Yamato has a distinctive, cute voice; the production and instrumentation throughout the
record are competent and engaging; and she has written a collection of straightforward, warm pop
songs that showcase her talent well. K-pop has successfully made its mark on the American pop culture
scene in the past few years. Like Korea, Japan has decades of pop music output worth exploring for any
music fan.

Standout Tracks: Do You Wanna; Gaito; Fantasy; Under the Cherry Moon

Yaeji : What We Drew

The last few years has seen the emergence of some excellent female electronic artists out of South
Korea. The DJ and producer Peggy Gou, now one of the most famous DJs in the world, has released

some of the best dance music of the past few years, including a strong DJ Kicks compilation record. Park
Hye Jin released a great dance music EP last year called How Can I. And the artist Yaeji, released this
solid electronic record What We Drew last summer, landing herself of many year-end best-of lists. The
lead single Waking Up Down was one of the catchiest songs of the year in any language.

Standout Tracks: Waking Up Down; In The Mirror; What We Drew; When in Summer, I Forget About
the Winter;

More Related Music You Should Also Check Out: Peggy Gou : Once EP; Park Hye Jin : How Can I EP ;
Yaeji : EP2; Kikagaku Moyo : Forest of Lost Children