People absolutely love bragging about their music tastes, especially if they happen to be obscure in that respective mind. It seems that lately, as society progresses and moves at a rate faster than ever, there is a seemingly new competition on whose taste is the ‘least listened to,’ ‘least known’ and entirely ‘original.’ However, what many of these people fail to realize – or deny the fact – that music is becoming less and less original, and the sounds musicians have created will one day run out.

This creates a sense of urgency to scout for the ‘newest thing’ or ‘blasts from the pasts’ while the creators devote time to something that these people would love and devour for the short term, always looking for their next and newest fixation. While this is all very general, and there are ins and outs that can be explored, that is not the overarching impact. Admittedly, this music can be hard to listen to, as it is so outside the box and so new. Even if the band or songs aren’t new, its specific sound is far from the norm. This type of culture revolves around how divergent it is from popular tastes. 

To say you are a fan, enjoy this music, and are able to discuss its nuances, gives some a sense of superiority, as being able to enjoy it sets one apart from the rest. It shows a level of ‘maturity’ and taste, that this person enjoys more ‘refined’ things – things that are not enjoyed by ‘common people.’ There are worldly numbers of different tastes and preferences on this massive spectrum. However, appreciating the music you find is key. There is so much knowledge and culture out there, and such little time.

Altin Gün, a Turkish psychedelic rock band, also known as Anatolian rock, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, recently released their newest album titled Åsk, which perfectly fits their description. Although I don’t understand Turkish, it’s one of the best-sounding albums I’ve heard in a while. This release and discovery of new music that is outside the box reopens a whole new world every time something is found that is not sung in English, how simple that might be. Once more, it is prevalent on how much is actually out there, waiting at our fingertips, just a click away. This album’s sound bears similarities to some of The Last Shadow Puppets, which is headed by The Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner. It has the cadence of Cage The Elephant, a much loved indie band, and the energy of The Psychedelic Furs – a renowned post punk band of the 80’s. 

All this brings about a question: is it so bad that sounds are starting to combine? There is simply more music of a particular genre and sound to listen to. There is more diversity and accommodation of people and their interests. Just like the universe, our knowledge and methods of media expand. When it is said that sounds will one day run out, that is an exaggeration. Music has been around since humans could open their mouth and tap on things. Just because of the Information Age, it won’t go away. 

Although time marches forward and many view the past as a better place to stay, that their grass is greener on the other side, Åsk shows that similar sounds are sounds meant to be heard. That originality is still loved by those who crave more.