0039: Dean Rivers – Anhedonia (2021)

Definition of an·​he·​do·​niaA psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in normally pleasurable acts.

It was six years ago as I sat in the darkness of the Texas hill country. Santa Rosa Records was merely a fantastic dream in my head. I knew not how or when, but felt that it had to be done. So I opened my heart, and here we are six years later with yet another beautiful release sitting upon the table.

On this day, July 28th, in the year 2021, Dean Rivers released his debut EP Anhedonia on the independent label, Santa Rosa Records.

The prodigious project is a throwback to those now dead and gone, yet intertwines a new and fresh sonic vibration. A vibration dripping with elements of psychedelia, rock and roll, and avant-garde experimentalism.

The five track EP is a nostalgic slow dance through the bizarre fabric of our universe.

No matter how hard the journey becomes, or how far the path takes you, just remember that there is and always will be beauty in this world. And artists like Dean are living proof of this overarching universal truth. Now, strap in, and prepare yourself for a trip of lifetime. There will be turbulence ahead.

Anhedonia is now available everywhere music is distributed. Stream it today on YouTube or iTunes. And be sure to give Dean a follow on Spotify.

“I wasted all my life, just to sit in front of you.” – Streams of Consciousness, Dean Rivers

Folk Revival Ft. Jeremy Summer, Soul Zimon & His Kozmic Combinations

Sunday at the Cottage by Jeremy Summer is quintessential old time folk music. A faded minimalistic vision set upon a metaphysical plane complete with old overalls and a strawberry rhubarb pie cooling on a windowsill.

The sound is a stripped down jamboree complimented with a ripping and roaring banjo, an erratic spoon percussion section, and a gritty voice that pierces through the vail and seems to penetrate the inner cavities of the mind.

Jeremy Summer is based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Keep up with him on Bandcamp.

A folk ditty, however hard or little it tries, will always be a sentimental reflection to the romantic. Never forget the bathetic tunes of the underground. For this is folk, and folk will never die.


From the mystical forests of the north, with roots in folk, blues, and rock, Wheel of Fortune by Soul Zimon & His Kozmic Combinations is the latest track from the Americana project.

The track is influenced by an atmospheric acoustic sound, complete with a raw voice and melodic guitar, straight from the dirty swampland.

The sound encapsulates that old western wasteland feeling, perhaps because it was recorded in a small cabin using simple instruments and recording gear.

I cannot help but stop and listen to a hauntingly nostalgic tune. Never forget the unforgettable and persistent tunes of days now dead and gone. For this is folk, and folk will never die.

Zoning Out with Chicago Hartley, Joshua Jones, and VAAAL

Chicago Hartley

Chicago Hartley is a psychedelic project in pure low fidelity by the innovative Swedish music producer, Jimmy Ledrac.

“Zoning Out”, a track by Chicago Hartley, will bring a tear to the eye if you let it. Indeed, it pulls on the heartstrings and brings one to a somber state of meditative solitude.

The wailing organ and eclectic soundscape brings an ornate and colorful element to the psychedelic hammond laden tune. It’s a true treat for the connoisseur of sound vibration.

Joshua Jones

The UK native Joshua Jones delivers his latest track, “Just Like You.” A rare rugged gem from the wasteland of psychedelia.

Growing up in various regions of the UK from the vast coasts of South West Cornwall to the small islands of Herm and Guernsey located in the English Channel off the coasts of Normandy. Jones found a pastime in writing and recording music early on.

By the close of his teenage years, Joshua planted roots within the bustling city of London, working in a West London music studio. There he spent countless nights honing his craft.

Joshua currently resides in Stockholm where he continues to write and work on his music. In short, Jones delivers raw emotion that has left us all wanting more.

Spotify Bonus Track Ft. David Per Martensson & VAAAL

VAAAL is part artist, mad scientist, producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and synthesist.

His self-titled debut album is a deep dive into his dark and twisted fantasy world, full of handmade instruments, experimental sound choices, and cinematic, epic valleys and peaks.

Bowed string instruments, analog synthesizers and the granular essence of love bathed in real spring reverb makes this piece a meditative experience of reflection and true gratitude.

From the deepest ambient drones and textural soundscapes to high-intensity percussive explosions and bombastic orchestras, this album is a trip through the multiverse and beyond.

Le Cirque Ft. Johannas Kabaréorkester, Casachanclas, Train Fantôme

The opening song we have for you today, entitled “Lindansen”, is a lovely eclectic tune, indeed a cryptic waltz dancing its way into the carnival of the bizarre. A premeditated sonic routine of sorts, subjugated by the supernatural.

The waxing and waning soundscape sweep the listener off to a far away sonic festival complete with a troupe of dancing elephants and a one-eyed cycling monkey dressed up as a mime.

A public freak show of the sublime. A true peek behind the facade of the circus.

The track is about the feats of tightrope walker Johanna as she amazes yet horrifies the audience with her dance with death. 

Johannas Kabaréorkester is based out of Sweden. Give the artist a sub on YouTube.


Casachanclas is an indie rock collective emanating timeless vibrations of a voracious nature. The project is out of Berkeley, California.

The band binds elements of indie, surf, and dance music.

Their first self-produced EP came out July 1st.

“Bliss” is a harmonic desert rock, guitar driven track depicting lucid dreams of a catatonic sort.

It’s got a slow and steady assent with pixelated drum machines, a funky bass, voluptuous vocal melodies, and eclectic piano accents. The cyclical soundscape intertwines harmonic vocals and a hair-raising guitar of grit.

Feel free to settle down light one up and take a load off. And be sure to keep up with the Casachanclas on YouTube.


Freak folk extraordinaire Train Fantôme is an eclectic artistic duo out of France. Their latest track is a psychedelic slow dance into the underworld of all that is roots music.

I played this song for my three year old niece. And she said: “leave this song on”. And then she danced through the living room while making up her own lyrics of toddler gibberish. She loved it. And if she loved it, then so will you. Now, lend an ear.

Train Fantôme is made up of Lise Dua and Antoine Nouel, and this track is off of their upcoming album “Nous sommes dans un rêve”.

The vocals are a sweet and refreshingly delicate aromatic fragrance coupled with an eclectic assortment of subdued instrumentation. Little more than a fragmented dreamscape smelling of fresh cut grass on a warm spring time afternoon. A true treat for the romantic at heart.

If you want to hear more, Train Fantôme can be found on YouTube. Don’t forget to give the project a sub. And as always, keep on keeping on.