Paradigms II compilation from PFR Records
An album that explores heavy shoegaze, psych and post-punk from across the globe.
Paradigms II is a new compilation of note for fans of heavy shoegaze, psych and post-punk. Released by PFR Records, an artist-run label based in New York, Paradigms II brings you nine gems hiding in plain sight from Tokyo, Honolulu, Portland, New York, Boston and Stockholm.
PFR Records is the passion project of TJ Perrin. The label is a music collective turned indie record label that has been growing steadily with artists and releases from across the globe.
“I made this compilation because I was seeing bands in New York City, Sweden and Japan that just felt like they belonged together,” TJ explained. “The label focuses on the music I love: psych rock, shoegaze, deep house, minimal techno, ambient… always with an experimental touch.”
PFR’s roots as an audio-visual artists’ collective were the foundation for what has become a record label. “Every scene starts with community,” said TJ. “In the early days, my friends and I were making music and constantly meeting artists we really believed in. A lot of that music would never have seen the light of day if we hadn’t encouraged each other to finish it and release it. There just wasn’t a clear platform for it, so we made our own.” PFR maintains its community spirit by sharing resources, knowledge and other support between artists.
Paradigms II opener “lit et toi” by Yuètù of Tokyo (above) is sparkling shoegaze with a dark undertow lightened by child-like vocals. Fans of deary might appreciate this one.
“Brita Filter” by GC Candy of Honolulu is a Smashing Pumpkins-esque tune. Stockholm’s Kungens Män closes out the compilation with an unreleased seven-minute psych-kraut jam “Ringhals 7”. TJ’s own band Duel Ferns also appears on the compilation with their new track “Glass House” produced by TJ Freda of Gift at Red Convertible Studios in Brooklyn.
Fans of ‘blown-out guitars, hypnotic overdrive, and emotionally charged songwriting’ will like what the Paradigms II has to offer. Of note is the number of women among the acts, including artwork and design by Julia Schimautz, the all-female ReRun Lance and lead singers for Skye Matlock, Dyr Faser, Duel Ferns, Yuètù, and GC Candy.
The compilation has a tinge of 90s that brings a certain comfort of cool to it, harkening back to an various artists comp CD you might have pulled out of the new stacks at your college radio station in 1997. And that’s no dig, by the way.
Paradigms II was released on 20 June 2025 as a limited edition LP on Bandcamp and digitally everywhere you can stream.
If you’re wondering about Paradigms I, PFR released it in 2020 and it explores the label’s interest in techno, offering a whopping 36 tracks of electronica from the US, Germany, Netherlands, France, England and Sweden. A Paradigms III is likely to emerge in the future and explore another genre of interest to the label, either ambient or psych rock. Follow PFR Records on Instagram to stay tuned.