It’s a total win-win so head to the Hidden Shoal Store and check the specials on the front page. The sale ends on the 1st of Jan 2012 and some CD stock is very limited so do be quick.

In 2009, Hidden Shoal continued to release stunning music from around the world, including debut Hidden Shoal albums from Hotels, HC-B, Tarcutta, Sleeping Me, City Of Satellites and Elisa Luu, sophomore albums from Jumpel and Wes Willenbring, a third album from Sankt Otten, and EPs from Stray Ghost and Down Review (a new collaboration between Arc Lab’s Medard Fischer and Near The Parenthesis’ Tim Arndt).

2009 was also notable for the release of our compilation album A Million Square Miles, a project endeavouring to showcase Western Australian talent to the US (the titular million square miles). After more than three years of sharing independent music far and wide, A Million Square Miles represented a key facet of the Hidden Shoal Recordings story. The album brings together a pair of tracks from each of the then eight WA-based artists on the Hidden Shoal roster: Mukaizake, Apricot Rail, Fall Electric, Glassacre, Toby Richardson, My Majestic Star, The Slow Beings and Tangled Star.

2009 also saw Hidden Shoal join forces with The Caribbean and Scott Solter in a single EP. This not only began a special relationship with the wonderful The Caribbean and created an ongoing avenue for them to release some of their more experimental offerings, but it also began the label’s relationship with Scott Solter, which eventually led us to Boxharp (Scott Solter and Wendy Allen).

HSR046:   Jumpel Deuxieme Bureau
HSR047:   Hotels Where Hearts Go Broke
HSR048:   HC-B Soundcheck For A Missing Movie
HSR049:   The Caribbean Scott Solter Re-Populates The Caribbean EP
HSR050:   Sleeping Me Cradlesongs
HSR051:   Tarcutta Tarcutta
HSR052:   Tangled Star That Time EP
HSR053:   Apricot Rail Apricot Rail
HSR054:   Down Review From Here, For Anyone EP
HSR055:   Sankt Otten Morgen Wieder Lustig
HSR056:   Elisa Luu Chromatic Sigh
HSR057:   Various artists A Million Square Miles
HSR058:   Wes Willenbring Close, But Not Too Close
HSR059:   Stray Ghost Each Paradise Is A Lost Paradise EP
HSR060:   Mukaizake Unknown Knowns
HSR061:   City Of Satellites Machine Is My Animal

Since starting up in Perth, Western Australia in 2006, Hidden Shoal has developed an enviable roster of genre-defying global and local recording artists. With 40+ acts from 10+ different countries ranging from the gorgeous neo-classical/minimal ambient of Antonymes through to the genius space-pop of Hotels and beyond the visionary team at Hidden Shoal continues to play an integral role in promoting exciting new independent music.

More news on the Tarcutta front – the wonderful US music zine DOA is currently running an article by Justin Buckley (Tarcutta’s guitarist) as part of their “Artists on Artists”series. Check out Justin’s piece here and while you’re there have a look at some of the previous articles – lots of wonderful reading.

Tarcutta -  Mount Bartle Frere  Tarcutta -  Mount Bartle Frere

After Tarcutta’s slaying of AC/DC in the charts you know where you have to be to get shook all night long.

Tarcutta- Liberace Fibonacci  Tarcutta- Liberace Fibonacci

Get the album here and prepare to fall in love again.

Tarcutta’s self-titled debut album will be available on CD at both shows, or you can grab it in CD and mp3 format from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Crushed and Reminded takes the listener on a multi-dimensional sonic rollercoaster ride, showcasing tracks from recent 2009 HSR releases. Moving from bitcrushed remixes through cinematic instrumental rock to deliciously mellow ambient electronica, Crushed and Reminded shines a new light across the breadth and depth of the Hidden Shoal landscape.

It includes stunning songs from 11 Hidden Shoal artists and bands: The Caribbean, HC-B, Sankt Otten, Hotels, Down Review, Tangled Star, Apricot Rail, Tarcutta, Sleeping Me, Elisa Luu and Jumpel. Dip in, then explore each artist’s album and EP releases to experience their full splendour.

“a gripping, adventurous and touching journey across their catalogue of ambient, shoegaze, post-rock and indie-rock releases. The perfect introduction for the artists and bands, or alternatively, the perfect sampler for those who cannot decide which of these fantastic bands to pay attention to at the moment” – Post Rock Community review of Limit of Maps, volume 3 in the free sampler album series.

Crushed and Reminded is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store, along with volumes 1 to 4.

HSL comprises the constantly growing catalogue of over 600 tracks from the critically acclaimed Hidden Shoal Recordings music label. This wonderful selection of music covers a broad spectrum of sounds and styles, from filmic ambient instrumentals through to inventive indie rock and beyond. HSL provides a unique one-stop licensing source, handling both the master and sync rights.

If you’d like to be kept up to date with all HSL news, please join our mailing list or keep an eye on the pre-launch HSL website.

“Be enchanted by the ultra culture mash up of see in the dark instrumental gravity, swirling pop and grandfather wise folk hop.”

Yes please. Doors open 7:30, entry is just $5.

Head to the Hidden Shoal Store for a copy of Tarcutta’s awesome self-titled debut.

You can buy Tarcutta at the Hidden Shoal Store.

Tarcutta -  No Light No Shade Tarcutta – No Light No Shade

The album is available on CD and digitally through Hidden Shoal Recordings. Brisbane fans can also get hold of the CD exclusively through Rocking Horse Records.

Tarcutta – Flaghags Must Die Tarcutta – Flaghags Must Die

HC-B Black HC-B – Black

The Tarcutta and Apricot Rail debut albums and Down Review’s single and EP are available from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Tarcutta – You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz Tarcutta – You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz

Tarcutta is available in CD and mp3 format from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Tarcutta Glassed Tarcutta – Glassed

Tarcutta, Apricot Rail and Sleeping Me’s debut album Cradlesongs are all available from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Tarcutta No Light No Shade Tarcutta – No Light No Shade

Tarcutta is available from the Hidden Shoal Store.

Tarcutta Glassed Tarcutta – Glassed

Tarcutta is now available in CD and mp3 formats. Check the Hidden Shoal Store for all availability info.

Tarcutta Liberace Fibonacci Tarcutta – Liberace Fibonacci

On their self-titled debut, Tarcutta transport the listener on a compelling ride through a breathtaking musical landscape. Right from the scene-setting intro of opener ‘Mount Bartle Frere’ to the raw, explosive power of finale ‘Flag Hags Must Die’, the band render their songs with astonishing detail and clarity, cramming more melodic ideas into each song than most instrumental bands manage in whole albums. Single ‘You Gotta Crawl…’ unfolds into being with a luminous pattern on 12-string electric guitar, the low hum of Hammond organ, and a delicious brushed drum figure. Delicate Hammond organ runs are gradually stirred in before the song changes direction and builds into an eddying spiral of tumbling melody. Elsewhere, ‘Liberace Fibonacci’ thrills with its awesome organ riff, before taking flight through a series of dizzying twists and turns. And luminous centerpiece ‘No Light No Shade’ features a spine-tingling guest vocal from Jess Cornelius (Teeth & Tongue) and a wonderfully bluesy coda.

“…it blossoms and terra-forms through a myriad of mood enhancing manoeuvres as it accelerates through a mind blowing odyssey of lysergic tipped star crested sound-scapes that at various points see it embroidering upon its rich tapestry elements of psyche, jazz and progressive space rock, in short it’s a six minute trip to enlightenment.” – Losing Today on Single ‘You Gotta Crawl…’

Tarcutta will be launched and officially released on CD at Melbourne’s East Brunswick Club on July 23rd. The album is distributed in Australia through Hidden Shoal Distribution and in the US and Europe via n5Mailorder. The album is also be available digitally through the Hidden Shoal Store and all good third-party digital music stores (iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, LaLa etc). Check the Hidden Shoal Store for all CD and digital availability info.

Stream the album in full here and read a press release here.

Tarcutta – Mount Bartle Frere Tarcutta – Mount Bartle Frere

If you can’t make it to the show, Tarcutta is available for streaming and in CD (from tomorrow) and mp3 format from the Hidden Shoal Store.

And of course the album will be launched and officially released on CD at Melbourne’s East Brunswick Club on 23rd July with support from the wonderful Radiant City and a guest appearance from Teeth & Tongue. You’d be soft in the head to miss this gig if you are anywhere near Melbourne next week. Tarcutta are a force to be reckoned with live, and anyone who has heard the new album knows that they have the musical magic to back it up. Add Radiant City to the night and the story writes itself. Be sure to get down early as the night will mostly likely sell out.

For those who just can’t wait for the official CD release, you can grab the album digitally via the HSR Store or the usual third party digital stores (iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, etc).

Tarcutta – Evan and Luna  Tarcutta – Evan and Luna

Of course the wonderful n5Mailorder in the US continues to distribute (wholesale and retail) Hidden Shoal releases to the US, Europe and Asia. And if digital is you thing then head to the Hidden Shoal Store to buy direct or hit any major digital retailer and you’ll find the full catalogue available.

Enjoy!

Tarcutta is available in mp3 format from the HSR Store, where the album can be streamed in full, and is launched on CD at the East Brunswick Club on Thursday July 23rd.

Tarcutta Liberace Fibonacci Tarcutta – Liberace Fibonacci

On their self-titled debut album, Tarcutta transport the listener on a compelling ride through a breathtaking musical landscape. Right from the scene-setting intro of opener ‘Mount Bartle Frere’ to the raw, explosive power of finale ‘Flag Hags Must Die’, the band render their songs with astonishing detail and clarity, cramming more melodic ideas into each song than most instrumental bands manage in whole albums.

“a gliding, circling instrumental… a massive, yet light-footed piece of music… fine proof of more elegance and grace to come” – Luna Kafe on Single ‘You Gotta Crawl…’

Tarcutta is now available in digital format from the Hidden Shoal Store and all good third-party digital distributors. The album will be launched and officially released on CD at Melbourne’s East Brunswick Club on July 23rd. The album will be distributed in Australia through Hidden Shoal Distribution and in the US and Europe via n5Mailorder.

Stream the album in full here and read a press release here.

Tarcutta – Mount Bartle Frere  Tarcutta – Mount Bartle Frere

Pop along to the HSR Store to download the Tarcutta single for free until the release of their self-titled debut album on June 23rd. Sleeping Me’s Cradlesongs is available from the HSR Store in both CD and mp3 format.

Tarcutta You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz Tarcutta – You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz

‘You Gotta Crawl…’ unfolds into being with a luminous pattern on 12-string electric guitar, the low hum of Hammond organ, and a delicious brushed drum pattern. Gradually, delicate organs runs are stirred in before the song seems to fall away, then changes direction and builds into an eddying spiral of tumbling melody. All three instruments bob and weave expertly before building into a subtle climax that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. After over six minutes the song gradually rumbles to a close – leaving your jaw on the floor, hungry for more.

“a truly lovely instrumental tapestry… bewitching and addictive” – Luna Kafe

Tarcutta draw inspiration from rock, punk and post-rock to create their own distinctive and emotive blend. The subtle ebb and flow of their compositions, the complex interweaving of guitar, organ and drums, and the raw immediacy of the playing, captured live in the studio, distinguish Tarcutta as an essential band. Inspired by Sonic Youth, Theodore Adorno and sporadic bushwalking, Tarcutta formed in North Fitzroy, Melbourne in late 2004. Peter Barrett (drums), Justin Buckley (guitar) and Justin Wheelahan (Hammond organ, piano) recorded their self-titled debut album at Head Gap studio, Melbourne with Casey Rice, who has worked with Tortoise, Dirty Three and Hidden Shoal’s very own Fall Electric.

‘You’ve Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz’ is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store until the digital release of Tarcutta’s self-titled album on June 23rd, followed by a CD release in July.

Read a full press release here.

Tarcutta – You’ve Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz     Tarcutta – You’ve Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz 

Tarcutta’s single, ‘You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz’, taken from their self-titled debut album, is available for free download from the Hidden Shoal Store from next Tuesday, 19th May.

Plus, if you sign up to the Hidden Shoal mailing list this month, you’ll be in for a special surprise in the last week of birthday celebrations. All subscribers will get a free digital album voucher for use in the HSR Store. So if you’re not already on the mailing list then sign up here and we’ll send details out to all subscribers at the end of the month.

“Finding Hidden Shoal Recordings could rightly claim to be in the top 10 best things that ever happened to me, such is the quality and diversity of their roster”– Boring Machine Disturbs Sleep

“they continually showcase new, innovative artists to the masses” —The Silent Ballet

“This generation’s 4AD” – New York radio host and promoter DJ Mojo

The label will host a birthday bash at the Velvet Lounge in Mt Lawley, Perth on the 13th of May. Special guest DJs will be spinning sets curated from the Hidden Shoal catalogue, including previews of some exciting upcoming releases. There will be giveaways, CDs available, and a bevy of local HSR artists to touch! The evening will also feature a special performance by the wonderful pairing of Tristen Parr (Fall Electric, Schvendes) and Stina Thomas (Fall Electric, Stina).

During May the label will be running a number of promotions, including CD giveaways and HSR Store vouchers, as well as in conjunction with a number of other music sites and radio stations. Mailing list subscribers will be in for an extra special range of treats so be sure to sign up and get ready for the goods. All details will be revealed during the month, so stay tuned!

Read a full press release here.

Tarcutta draw inspiration from rock, punk and post-rock to create their own distinctive and emotive blend. The subtle ebb and flow of their compositions, the complex interweaving of guitar, organ and drums, and the raw immediacy of the playing, captured live in the studio, distinguish Tarcutta as an essential band.

“a truly lovely instrumental tapestry… bewitching and addictive” – Luna Kafe

Their self-titled debut album was recorded live at Head Gap studio, Melbourne by Casey Rice – who has worked with Tortoise, Dirty Three and Hidden Shoal’s very own Fall Electric – and mixed at Rice’s Yarraville studio, Classixx. Album centrepiece ‘No Light No Shade’ also features vocalist Jess Cornelius (Teeth & Tongue).

Tarcutta is released by Hidden Shoal on June 23rd, preceded by the single ‘You Gotta Crawl Before You Walk Before You Waltz’ on May 19th.

A full press release is available here.