Instrumental Albums

Anticipated Albums: Sleepmakeswaves- It’s Here, But I Have No Names For It

For many years now, Australia has been a haven for great rock bands. The list of great Aussie bands from Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, Sliverchair, Karnivool and more continues to impress. Even though they have been around for a minute (formed in 2006), I’m just now finding out about Sleepmakeswaves and I’m hooked. This fantastic 3 piece band is about to release their new album, It’s Here, But I Have No Names For It, and it’s one of the best instrumental albums I’ve heard in a long time. What you find on the album are 8 songs that take you on quite the listening journey into another realm. The cinematic sensibilities found throughout the album are oh so sweet. Then you have the elements of different rock genres mixed together to create a soundscape that makes it feel majestic. Sleepmakeswaves have really made an album that stands out not just as an instrumental album but, more as a piece of art. It’s hard to keep people’s attention these days but, these 8 songs will most definitely capture you. If you like bands such as Explosions In The Sky and This Will Destroy You than Sleepmakeswaves is the perfect soundtrack!

Sleepmakeswaves on Bandcamp:



Sleepmakeswaves- Super Realm Park:

Sleepmakeswaves- Ritual Control:

Instrumental Albums: Dave Lombardo- Rites Of Percussion

Drums and Dave Lombardo are like kindred spirits that are just meant to be. It’s one of those things in the world that makes absolute and total sense. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Dave play on a Slayer album when I was kid as well as the first time I ever got to see Dave play which was surprisingly at a Fantomas show before I saw him in Slayer. Dave’s been a busy guy for years from his time playing in Grip Inc, Fantomas, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, and more recently Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle and The Misfits. Now though, Dave really gets to expand upon all the years of great rhythms with his solo album, Rites Of Percussion. Interestingly, it was Mike Patton in the late 90’s that originally suggested Dave do a solo drum album.

Rites Of Percussion is not your average solo or instrumental album. Instead what you get is an album that is a real start to finish journey. The shifts, twists, turns and intense rhythms found throughout this record are heavy while atmospheric and experimental. The way these songs are crafted are extremely compelling and will have you listening that much closer to pick up on all the nuances and extra bits. Being a diverse drummer, Dave has mixed all sorts of styles of jazz, funk, tribal, rock, world music and different techniques into Rites Of Percussion. One of the things that I love most about this album is the experimentation. Adding different textures and sounds to the righteous rhythms gives these “songs” a hypnotic edge that you might find on a John Carpenter score.

Dave Lombardo is one of the most innovative drummers of the last few decades. He has solidified his place amongst the great rock and metal drummers ever. And all the other bands and projects he’s been a part of have helped to guide him to this place. Rites Of Percussion is one of those albums that is not only creative it’s full to the brim with different cryptic energies that make for some vivid imagery within. Do yourself a favor and take this album for a ride and let it lead you to wherever it takes you.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Dave Lombardo- Rites Of Percussion: