Danimal Cannon and Zef - "Parallel Processing"

GameBoy rockers Danimal Cannon and Zef have teamed up to produce an epic, driving album called "Parallel Processing". Filled with 8 lengthy and thoughtful tunes, many of which use two DMGs, it's definitely worth your time. Following Danimal Cannon's impressive debut "Roots" from 2011 and Zef's "Blackout" from 2012, I'd say this new record pushes them both forward in a good way. "Rhapsody" is a nicely progressive, melodic highlight. The collaboration between these guys ends up working very well, with plenty of hard-hitting composition to keep you moving. You can snatch it up over at BandCamp.

http://danimalcannon.bandcamp.com/album/parallel-processing

4mat - "Sans Titre"

4mat (Matt Simmonds) has had quite a productive year. His new album "Sans Titre" marks his fourth release this year, and it's another solid effort that continues to push the chiptune medium. It's quite something to compare 2010's "Decades" with these twelve new songs, which succeed in progressing Matt's style with polished, cool, and even experimental elements. Far surpassing the previous LP "Origins", the new release is fresh and thoughtful, with lovely production and great songwriting.

Highlights include the riveting "Popsnare" and very pretty "You're All I Have", the latter including some nice acoustic guitar sampling. Also, "Tropics" is a hard-driving banger with a cool drum beat and a sweet melody. Overall, "Sans Titre" is a solid return to form for 4mat, and there's not a bad track in the whole bunch. I highly recommend it, and it's one of my favorite albums of the year.

[You can check out the album here: http://4mat.bandcamp.com/album/sans-titre]

Review - "Strike EP" (Covox)

Thomas Soderlund, also known as Covox, is a force to be reckoned with. He's been releasing intelligent GameBoy music for years, churning out a high-quality release every once and a while. Thankfully, his latest is no exception. "Strike EP" is a strong EDM-influenced collection of new tunes, showcasing an evolution in style and a mastery of technique.

"Adult Checksum Corrupt" is a very cool and effective opener, with plenty of interesting chip sounds and a heavy drop towards the end. Throughout the EP, Covox also layers some simple electronic beats over his GameBoy compositions, which works well with his hard-driving, atmospheric style. "A Billion Suns" is another highlight, working the build-up and boasting a couple of sweet melodies.

Although the digital release of "Strike" only has three tracks, they're all nicely full, and the solid fourth tune "Borgarsvin" is freely available from Soderlund's SoundCloud page as well.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up... I've really been enjoying what this guy has to offer. Covox is firmly in control of his craft and once again proves his relevance here.

SCORE: 8.0 out of 10 - "Solid"

[You can check out the EP here: http://www.bleepstreet.com/?post=bleepst21-covox-strike-ep]

Pixelh8 - "Greatest Hits"

He's been making simplistic, catchy chip music for years as Pixelh8, with three full albums and another in the works, and now Matthew Applegate has finally released a Greatest Hits album. It's about time, I'd say. I've been a Pixelh8 fan for years, and "The Boy with the Digital Heart", while not perfect, is still one of my favorite chiptune albums. Cleverly titled "The Best 8 Bits", this new collection takes some of Pixelh8's best for an eight-track highlight of the past six years or so. Narrowing things down to eight might be a bit sparse, however, and I would have included "A Party without You" and "Read Only Memories" instead of "IED" and "Kilobyte Rider", which weren't too remarkable.

Even so, this release has some of Pixelh8's best work, including the lovely "Super Fantastic Turbo Magical" and tender closing track "You Were Born to Save the World". Do yourself a favor and give it a spin.

Applegate has also been working on a new LP called "Hard Reset" which is due later this year, so keep an eye out.

You can stream or download the album here: http://pixelh8.bandcamp.com/album/greatest-hits-the-best-8-bits

Review - "The World's Smallest Violin" (J. Arthur Keenes)

J. Arthur Keenes is something else. Setting himself apart from many other chiptune artists with his well-produced, stylish, and uncommonly cool offerings, his latest EP makes for another highly enjoyable listen. "The World's Smallest Violin" marks a definite maturity and progression in songwriting for Keenes, who delivers a dose of brilliant bedroom-produced tunes in five tracks.

Interestingly, the classic GameBoy which was so prominent in Keenes' earlier work takes more of a backseat role here, but the additional and varied instrumentation, including a classy use of electric guitar, does not disappoint. The opening track "Monsters" includes a lovely chorus, which is further complimented by calm, unique vocals. The lyrics are fairly vague and hard to decipher, but the atmosphere conveyed here is consistently excellent. "Southern Accent" ratchets things up with an impressive, extended instrumental section led by a rocking guitar and carefully-calculated percussion. The short, sweet theme of "Trying Not to Hide", on the other hand, brings the EP to a close quite well.

With an appeal not limited to his clear 8-bit influence, J. Arthur Keenes has crafted an awesome set of songs with "The World's Smallest Violin". Although starkly different from past releases, the new style sounds great and is totally worth your time. And oh, that cover art!

SCORE: 8.6 out of 10 - "Great"

[You can stream or download the EP here:     http://thejarthurkeenesband.bandcamp.com/album/the-worlds-smallest-violin]

Bubu - "The Daydream Elevator"

Armed with a Nintendo GameBoy and a sweet talent for making lovely music, nineteen-year-old Barnabas Fekete has now unveiled his first proper album under the moniker Bubu. Entitled "The Daydream Elevator", the new release is a beautifully happy collection of well-written chiptunes. Whether it's the hopeful melodies of "Happiness Like This" or the thumping vibes from "Lemonade", Barnabas must love what he does. Clocking in at eight solid tracks, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up, especially if you're feeling a bit depressed. With a spirit such as Bubu's cheery, trusting outlook, why should a little sorrow get you down?

You can stream or download the release here: http://bubu.bandcamp.com/album/the-daydream-elevator

Review - "Of Atoms and Stardust" (Auxcide)

I'm a little late in getting around to posting about this one, but better late than never. Sacramento-based artist Auxcide has finally unveiled his debut LP, entitled "Of Atoms and Stardust". Set up as a sort of concept album about the cosmos, the eight tracks included here are suitably epic, utilizing the combined sounds of two GameBoy Advance SPs.

Beginning with the quick one-two punch of "New Cosmos" and "Aphelion", the album skyrockets into a great start, boasting grand melodies and an almost orchestral flair. "Aphelion" in particular is my favorite tune from the record, based around a soaring, catchy theme that makes a great impression. Another high point comes in the form of the bass- and buildup-heavy "Selene".

Although there are some weak spots, and the final mixing job leaves a lot to be desired, "Of Atoms and Stardust" makes for an enjoyable and unique listen. Props to Auxcide for an impressive, solid debut.

SCORE: 7.5 out of 10 - "Good"

[You can stream or download the album here: http://auxcide.bandcamp.com/album/of-atoms-and-stardust]