Bandcamp Reviews: Island Apes, Olga Anna Markowska and John Sellekaers

Every Friday, I plan to buy one or two "new to me" releases on Bandcamp. ”New to me” is something I just now discovered or finally bought. Whether it be from 1972 of 2025. I will then listen to these releases for a couple of days and then post my unfiltered thoughts*. So, at the very least there should be a post a week (with some exceptions of course).

*there is no such thing as bad music – just music you dislike. So you won't ever see me saying something is bad etc – just why it didn't work for me.

Just to get it out of the way, the first two reviews are not drone – though the second one has some striking similarities and the third one is definitely drone

Island Apes by Island Apes

Based on the first few tracks, this review could be summed up as:

Modern grunge mixed with slightly left to center approaches that at times borrows from psychedelia and post punk. Which honestly sounds great - its straight forward enough to be catchy but also quirky enough to not be commercial (nothing wrong with that - it just isn't what I am looking for).

And like I said, that should be the end of it but then something odd happens. An unexpected dubbed out track occurs – what makes it even stranger, is that it follows a post punk freak out of sorts. The next track should have carried on that spirit but instead the listener gets re-centered. The change of approach doesn't stop there.

Previously, grunge inspired rock was front and center but now, it is more space rock and more psychedelic. The mixture has changed –– instead of modern grunge, it is a merger of genres that avoids the cliches while delivering pure (slightly left of center) rock bliss.

Worth your time

ISKRA by Olga Anna Markowska

This is a curious release. Not because of the music but because of my reaction. First and foremost, the music is stunning and simply gorgeous. Even more amazing is that this is their debut release.

So why curious? Because I just don't know how to classify this. Drone does not fit but there are drones, modern classical sorta fits but only partially, ambient isn't quite right because it doesn't do it justice or possibly modern chamber music but that doesn't quite fit either. The only conclusion is that this release is all those things – it cannot be pinned down.

So let’s stick with what I do know, Olga Anna Markowska is beyond masterful. The music can serve as furniture music but it can also be engaged with fully. This is the kind of album that has challenging parts but is easy for the non inclined to enjoy and appreciate. Anytime I put this on, the mood in the room quietens and time seems to be disrupted. Very easy to get lost in and lose your troubles.

Essential

Territoires anonymes by John Sellekaers

Full disclosure: John is a friend; I have released music by him, collaborated with him and been in a musical group with him. However, I did purchase this release - per my review policy.

This is drone music that hovers below the surface – rumbling and pushing away the light. The music is full of anticipation and subtle sounds (that you may or may not have heard). This is headphone music - sounds move from ear to ear, faint crackles appear and images are conjured up. There is a method to the noises, drones and the deepness of the music. This is sound sculpted - everything in its correct place without feeling forced. Organized chaos perhaps.

Recommended

Photo by Daniel De Los Santos, Port Lavaca, TX