This is Todd at A Different Drum and it’s time for another update.   Though I haven’t been in the office many hours the last couple of weeks, there are some new releases you should know about, and I’m trying to keep the music coming for those of you who are so supportive of the my efforts to keep the business alive.

New Arrivals:

Galaxy Hunter “Sleeping Child” $15 — This band has been the best-selling artist in the “space synth” sub-genre that A Different Drum has ever stocked.  I think it sells well because these guys include some vocals in with their bouncy, sci-fi tinged synth music which is often missing from other releases in the genre.   Their 2nd album again features some vocal performances that blend a man that talks and a woman with a very nice voice that often comes in on the chorus.   Listen to samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SSR00010/Galaxy-Hunter-Sleeping-Child

A.M. Samurai “The First Element” $15 — This is another new space synth release from one of the rising labels in that scene, Space Sound Records.  This is more the traditional approach for the genre where the beats and general arrangements sound very retro, like classic Koto or Laserdance, and the melodies are carried by the synths rather than voices.   You can listen to samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SSR00009/A.M.-Samurai-The-First-Element

Phaser Kontrol “Electro Warriors” $15 — This is a new electro / industrial dance project from Italy featuring music programming by Lorenzo (Voyager) from Syrian plus some rough-edged vocals by John Torso.  Basically, it sounds something like Syrian’s “Alien Nation” album, but with a different singer that has more of an industrial edge.  The tracks are upbeat and have a grinding dance sound.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here (watch the video too):
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PO1002-09/Phaser-Kontrol-Electro-Warriors

Kevin Lux “Talk About It” (CDR) $10 — This is an electronic artist that has been putting out new tunes and cranking out albums since the 90’s, focusing on the old-school Kraftwerk sound, with plenty of robot vocals effects and bouncing, utterly synthetic beats and synthesizer melodies.   You can check out the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PulseCD020/Kevin-Lux-Talk-About-It

Cosmic Armchair “A Different View” (CDR-EP) $10 — This is a rarity– an underground synthpop act from Singapore!  This act features traditional synthpop musical structures and a good female lead vocalist.   This 5-track introduction to the band will be of interest to new music explorers and collectors.  Give them a listen and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CA2009/Cosmic-Armchair-A-Different-View

That is all for this week’s new arrivals.   Other new items are on the way, including a new single by Mesh, from what I’ve seen announced.  So, hopefully as the summer winds down and the autumn approaches, we’ll have a chance to pick up some exciting new music.

On another note, I don’t remember if I mentioned this little no-budget video before.   A few weeks ago when I was feeling particularly melancholy about the clouded future of A Different Drum and was looking back at the history of the business, I wrote a song called “Somnuis Finis”.   My son Dylan and I then made another no-budget video for the track.   I’m actually quite proud of it.  Though the song is rough and intentionally “whiny”, I think the video turned out interesting, and I love the ending guest vocalists by Sheri Shaw.     Check it out :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4dCSv_C7HQ

And with that I wrap up another update.  I hope to be in touch again soon!  Thanks for your support!
-Todd