It’s pretty easy to get trapped into playing down Calgary when it comes to the local music scene. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re actually quite fortunate and really do have an amazing pool of talented musicians right in our backyard. Not literally… well unless of course Chad VanGaalen happens to be hanging out on your lawn… and who knows maybe he is. If so tell him we say hello. Now all of this is really just a roundabout way of getting to the real point of this post; Black Mold. This would be the name of Chad VanGaalen’s new side project. See, told you I would tie this together.

The new album Snow Blindness is Crystal Ants is set for release on August 11th through Flemish Eye. Fortunately, there are two tracks available now to wet your… appetite? whistle? I’m not quite sure what’s being “wet” here but I do know these are sounding mighty good. Here’s a quotable to ponder, and then on to le musique.

The product of several years of late-night instrumental experimentation, mainly on vintage analogue and hand-built modular synths, Snow Blindness… is at times glitchy and unpredictable while at other times Teutonic and sparse. Elsewhere, other songs utilize 8-bit beats & warped synthesis to create multi-layered rhythmic patterns.

Black Mold – Tetra Pack Heads - {Snow Blindness is Crystal Ants, Released: Aug. 11 2009 }

Black Mold – Metal Spider Webs - {Snow Blindness is Crystal Ants, Released: Aug. 11 2009 }

Okay we’re back! So I thought it was time to show a little love for local record label Flemish Eye. Why you ask? Well for the past 5 plus years Flemish Eye has been working hard to promote and distribute the cream of Calgary’s indie musical crop. This list is highlighted by heavyweights like Chad VanGaalen, Women, Azeda Booth and Ghostkeeper (to name only a few). Running a label, giving artists a reason to stay Calgary and being a generally positive voice in the scene is no small feat. For this, label owner Ian Russel and all-round handy guy Jamie Cullen deserve a tip of the proverbial hat.

Azeda Booth – Fiji Inn Hearts – Album: Tubtrek { Free Download! }

Chad VanGaalen – Willow Tree – Album: Soft Airplane { Released: 2008 }

If you’re a fan or a new comer to any of this, we recommend checking out the Flemish Eye Ball at the No. 1 Legion this Saturday. You’ll get a healthy selection of all the labels artists (Chad VanGaalen, Women, Pale Air Singers, Black Mold, Azeda Booth, Ghostkeeper, No More Shapes & More). They’ll be performing… live… just for you! Tickets are $25.00 and available at Sloth, MegaTunes or online.

Here’s a couple music samples to get you… y’know… jazzed.  Much love.