New Batch – Sacred Phrases
1.29.16 by Mike Haley

In the shadow of last night’s shit show of GOP debates and miscellaneous conservative nonsense, Sacred Phrases is kind enough to bestow on the world some much needed positive energy. That should not be interpreted as an announcement of uplifting, jubilant musical formulas. The two new cassette tapes from the prolific pairing of German Army and Andreas Brandal deal deeply with ominous and sour blueprints. The tone is obviously doom and gloom, but far from pithy platitudes and desolate outrage. GeAr and AB’s anesthetic bleakness is vivid and alive. They are downers that bring hope.

German Army is a marathon machine with a wildly copious discography. Yet somehow the quality control is an impeccable beast. And “Yanomami” may be one of their best. Each track trenches into your skin, hunting and gathering goosebumps. T(he)y furl a collection of beats around skeptic vocals and illusory rhythms to soundtrack vacant gas stations and sketchy European post cards. “Yanomami” is full of smoke and has no time for filler. Each of it’s ten tracks are present and sticky with purpose.

Norway’s Andreas Brandal is no stranger to the world of blank stare sounds. For about 20 years Brandal has been leaving a trail of stale bread crumbs on imprints like Stunned Records, Sweat Lodge Guru, DumpsterScore, Lighten Up Sounds, Tranquility, his own Twilight Luggage, and many others. “The Thursday Curses” is a selection of austere mood music. Lurching through a premium of plaster-like drones, Andreas Brandal dredges up paralyzing vibes. Another beautiful cassette added to his long list.

Both tapes are available from Sacred Phrases in editions of 100 copies.