Website
Thursday 29 December 2016
Wednesday 28 December 2016
Saturday 24 December 2016
Reviews - Dementio13 | Ashley Reaks | Pulco
It’s that
time of year again. It’s raining, a big
fat bearded man sits children on his knee and promises them gifts and adults
sit in front of the TV with alcoholic beverages that they don’t really enjoy to
watch endless repeats of The Wizard Of Oz/The Sound Of Music/Miracle On 34th
Street (delete as applicable). Have you
bought enough presents for your music loving loved one? Here are three albums that you may like to consider filling the proverbial
stocking with.
Dementio13 –
Broxen (Tanzwuth Recordings)
DL
8.5 / 10
Out Now
Post-rock electronica soloist
Dementio13 has been around for a while releasing EPs and albums of terrific
quality, each time sounding better and better, Broxen is no exception. An artist that is continually evolving,
Broxen brings forwards tracks of increased maturity and addiction. Influences from krautrock are obvious and the
occasional oddness only helps to ensure that the Wales based Wiganer doesn’t
fit into any shaped box.
Album opener, No Maps sees the
gorgeous vocals and words of Jo Whitby whose warming tones mould perfectly
around the scattering percussion and addictive backing. From there things launch straight into the
experimental with Jacques De Vaucanson, and there lies the beauty. Paul Dementio is prepared to gamble.
With third track In Patterns the
pace is lifted significantly to a dance orientated gurgle and effervescent
beat, and the eclectic mind-set of Broxen is confirmed. Slightly madcap synthed voices complete the wonderful
composition.
Call it lo-fi, call it D.I.Y.,
call it whatever you will but Broxen is a fine collection of mixed beats,
styles and ideas from a man not prepared to stand still and spread his electro
wings. With further collaborations from
Rob Halcrow (Picturebox), Manfred Hamil (The Shed Collective) and Colin
Robinson (Big Block 454, Jumble Hole Clough) included together with a fine
appearance from Squarepusher on album closer MIDI Sans Frontieres, this is an
album that has already received widespread acclaim and reaction.
Ashley
Reaks – Growth Spurts
DL
8.5 / 10
Out Now
A second
album in one year and a further one already top go in 2017, Ashley Reaks is
currently rich in creative form, although when isn’t he?
Growth
Spurts presents ten tracks of pure originality and uniqueness once more. From the gnarled, screaming like a scene from
The Exorcist to its many experimental punk-jazz overtones Growth Spurts is a
journey of incredible proportion.
Several appearances by guest vocalists including poets Kevin Boniface on
Candy Shaped Bananas and Mike Watts on the hilarious Talk About Lucky add
further talent to the one already brimming from Reaks.
The Gentle
Art Of Ignoring incorporates freestyle jazz sax and piano which might otherwise
have you reaching for the Valium but with the masterstroke addition of words
from Sylvie Hill make sit one of the many highlights.
In much the
same way that Ashley’s critically acclaimed collages invoke emotion upon
emotion, so too do his music which explores every pore of your being. If you’ve never heard his work before then
Growth Spurts is as good a place to start as any and will undoubtedly have you
wanting for more.
Pulco –
Chrome Toe (Recordiau Prin)
CD / DL
8.5 / 10
Out Now
One of the
albums of the year (Farmyard And Animal), two Eps and a re-release of his
Shakin Stevens cover Merry Christmas Everyone clearly isn’t enough yearly
output for Pulco, so here comes another album.
The lo-fi,
home produced noise is described as “a confusing mix of broken synth, found
sound, glitch guitar and dark uncomfortable rants”, and you can’t really argue
with that. Chrome Toe sees Pulco at his
most creative and experimental whether it be the sound of a food whisk or
general random noise and cut-ups.
From opener,
Highform its clear this is no ordinary album and ‘extraordinary’ doesn’t do it
justice either. The world of Pulco on
Chrome Toe is a fascinating place to be – sometimes joyous, often disturbing
but always enthralling – and brings together fourteen tracks which will
challenge any listener.
Imagine a musical
collage of out of control instruments and an artist who has nothing to prove but
everything to offer. Technoleg Bwyd sees
a sea shanty theme sung over maritime ramblings and obverse synths. Hypnic Jerk probably contains everything including
the kitchen sink and Pop Nature is anything but as it waves more reverb than a
big reverb stick.
Amazing
stuff from a true original.
Friday 23 December 2016
Thursday 22 December 2016
Listen! - Cling - Moving
Reverbnation
If you enjoyed this article please follow hiapop on Twitter here, and Like on Facebook here.
Amy Gives Us Her Sweet 16 (ish) From 2016
' Top 16?' I
hear you ask...Yes, Top 16...I had originally intended to do a short, sharp Top
10, however, this year has been stellar for album releases so I went a bit easy
on myself and allowed an extra six to be included 'cause i'm a bit cheeky like
that (insert sarcastic smile/winking emoji here...).
2016 has
been an odd year, a year of significant loss, but, also a year of significant
releases - Yin and Yang as they say, a year of true opposites. We've seen the return of some big
players: Radiohead, DJ Shadow, David
Bowie, Kathleen Hanna, and Aphex Twin to
name but a few, but we've also seen some lesser known artists expand and grow with their recent
releases: Kevin Morby, Mitski, Mourn,
Summer Cannibals...anyway...here's my Top 16 of '16!
1.
Savages - Adore Life
This is
probably the most interesting band around right now and Gemma Thompson is
probably the most interesting guitarist around right now. This album is in my Top 10 of all time nevermind this year. Do yourself a favour and at least listen to
this band if you haven't already.
Stunning.
2.
The Julie Ruin - Hit Reset
Never have we needed Kathleen Hanna more -
questions about her relevancy are, well, irrelevant. A more than welcome return for this band -
sounding catchier (check Sara Landeau's guitar work on this record) and more
honest than ever. 'Mr So and So' is
without a doubt my favourite track on this album as it verbalises my
experiences as a (female) musician DOWN. TO. A. T. (it also name-checks my favourite
band which is always a plus!). I could
write for days about how important KH is, and how relevant The Julie Ruin are
as a band, but I won't as this is a band
you need to 'discover' and get angry
with on your own terms.
3.
David Bowie - Blackstar
It's hard to
ignore the significance of this album, and there are no words that I can write
that haven't already been written about this record, but, I will say that this
is by far my favourite Bowie album, and it's poignancy never fails to leave a
tear (several tears) in my eye.
4.
Angel Olsen - My Woman
This is a
great album. Not my usual listening
choice genre-wise, however 'Shut Up Kiss
Me' is one of THE most infectious songs I've heard in a long time, don't get me wrong, this isn't a one song
album this is a very solid album start to finish.
5.
Summer Cannibals - Full of It
The third
album from these Oregonians sounds bigger and fresher than their previous
releases. Their recent signing to Kill
Rock Stars is promising - keep an eye on this band.
6.
Suede - Night Thoughts
I got pretty
excited as a long time fan of Suede when
I heard they were doing a soundtrack (of sorts)...and I wasn't
disappointed. This is Suede back to
their cinematic best and 'Night Thoughts' is definitely up there with 'Dog Man Star'.
7.
Kevin Morby - Singing Saw
I'd never
heard of Kevin Morby until this release and in a way I'm glad I hadn't as I
don't think this album would've had the impact it did. The production on this record is amazing -
probably the best production I've heard this year - it's an absolute pleasure
to listen to.
8.
Body/Head - No Wave
Kim
Gordon. Enough said.
9.
The Thermals - We Disappear
I feel like
this band should be more well known, these guys and gal are so underrated and
probably one of the most consistent when it comes to quality. 'We Disappear' is second only to 'The Body,
the Blood, the Machine' in their repertoire - brilliant album. They also happen to be the second bunch of
Oregonians on this list...so many great bands have hailed from Oregon, The
Thermals are no exception.
10.
Beverly - The Blue Swell
This is what
I imagine sunshine to sound like if it were to start making a sound...it's so
breezy and light and happy - this album rarely left my turntable all summer.
11.
Mourn - Ha Ha He
12.
TacocaT - Lost Time
13.
The Duke Spirit - Kin
14.
VHS - Gift of Life
15.
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of
Denial
16. Mitski
- Puberty 2
Honourable mentions (in no particular
order):
Roly Porter
- Third Law
Bleached -
Welcome the Worms
Glass
Animals - How to be a Human Being
BadBadNotGood
- IV
King Gizzard
and the Lizard Wizard - Nonagon Infinity
Xiu Xiu -
Plays the Music of Twin Peaks
Omni - Deluxe
Wye Oak -
Tween
The Empty
Page - Unfolding
S U R V I V
E - RR7349
Exploded
View - Exploded View
The Kills -
Ash & Ice
Weaves -
Weaves
Wednesday 21 December 2016
Monday 19 December 2016
Review - Tensheds – The Dandy Punk Prince
Tensheds – The Dandy Punk Prince
CD / DL
Out Now
8.5 / 10
Review by Liz Keating.
‘The Dandy Punk Prince’ is the third album from the classically
trained Matt Millership, otherwise known as Tensheds. Recorded almost entirely
on a 180-year-old grand piano, with the addition of drums and a bit of
harmonica, this is a genre-defying adventure through the mind of Tensheds. Here
is a man who likes to colour outside the lines. In fact, he makes a point of
it.
‘The Dandy Punk Prince’ opens with ‘Shooting Myself’, all
theatrical mesmerising piano work and ominous toms. At first almost a whisper,
Tensheds’ voice soon stretches and unfurls itself into a rasping powerhouse laden
with misery. ‘You can almost see the scars where I cut a hole in my chest /
tried to let my body breathe, exorcise the demons at rest / cos they’re eating
me from in my soul when your face shows no interest’ he laments. It’s a curiously
downbeat choice for an opener but it certainly grabs the attention and is
merely a hint at the varied capabilities of Tensheds. Further evidence of his
classical leanings is heard later on in the beautiful ‘Fabric of Time’.
‘Sexshaker’ includes a prominent harmonica cleverly
manipulated to sound like an electric guitar. While it lends an anarchic, brawling
feel to proceedings, it does begin to grate slightly towards the end. The
patient thrumming of the bass is unleashed into a great walking bassline during
the chorus and thereafter allowed to wander freely towards the end of the song,
further adding to the chaos. Performed live, surely this is the kind of song to
tempt even the most downcast gig-goer into the beer-soaked masses at the front.
The single ‘Milktrain’ is mired in bluesy feeling with the
leaden pounding beat of the drums and piano lending a sense of reticence to Tensheds’
otherwise apparent eagerness to ‘start a new life in freedom town’. The
delicate piano interlude reinforces this feeling, giving extra layers of
melancholy to the song. ‘Doghouse’, however, is the highlight of the album –
fun, full of confidence and swagger. All the themes for a ‘classic blues song’
checklist are present and correct here – beer, women, a jailhouse, railroads,
fights and even a three-stringed guitar. It builds momentum into a rioting
crescendo, all cascading piano and crisp ride cymbal. The verse of this song
was stuck in my head for a very long time, and it made me happy.
Immediately following on from this is the delicious lulling
groove of ‘Powder Blue Leather Pinned Mohair Noose’. The noise and energy of
the song repeatedly surge and then fall away again as Tensheds performs an
incredible rambling world-weary monologue rife with dark and almost dystopian
imagery. ‘Enjoy it while you’re sleeping’ he warns. As the song fades out you
might wonder if he’s out there somewhere still talking.
Penultimate song ‘Exile’ has the kind of epic sound you
might expect of an album closer, a ballad gathering layers of pace and hope
throughout, with Tensheds’ voice starting to soar towards the end.
Album-closing duties fall, then, to ‘Ice Cream Jesus’ with Tensheds sounding
fragile and vulnerable. The depth of the lyrics and the sincerity of their
delivery found me in quite an introspective mood, reflecting on the sheer
quality and variety of material on this album. Tensheds is certainly a unique
talent and, while his music resides in a very definite niche, it is one that
will surely expand given the melting pot of genres and creative genius bubbling
away inside.
Review - The Ree-Vahs! – Yee-Ha With The Ree-Vahs!
The Ree-Vahs! – Yee-Ha With The
Ree-Vahs!
DL
Out Now
8 / 10
Traditional Geordie folk band return with their second album.
With 2014s Geordieland album came traditional Geordie folk
with a modern twist. Tales of everyday
love and life sung in a regional accent with the backing of some very talented
musicians to say the least. Yee-Ha
continues where the last album left off, but this time round songs have matured
in complexity and as a result offer an album which lends itself to far greater accessibility.
Lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Andy Lee has a
knack. A knack of writing delicate,
soaring and heartfelt words which tell stories of real sounding people and real
sounding situations. Either Lee has had
a very full life to date or he has an incredible story-telling imagination –
whichever it may be his descriptiveness is a delight to hear and often pulls at
the heartstrings.
Album opener, Sunshine is a terrific upbeat track telling the
tale of young love and making a future together. Its jam packed with evocative scenarios and
some fine musicianship particularly in the shape of Chris Haigh whose contribution
on fiddle via a midway solo is wonderful.
A honky tonk piano moment and some superbly timed pauses compliment
Lee’s vocals precisely.
The Geordie accent adds a further facet to the tracks,
helping preserve something that can be so easily lost in modern life and
further enhancing the traditional aspect whilst keeping a modern sound. Love In A Lifetime contains one of the finest
lines you may hear this side of Xmas with “I took out a
wonky, shonky, pay day loan at a million per cent. I wish I’d sold me soul to
Satan. I’d have room left for me rent. “
Anyone who doesn’t get a lump in their throat when they
listen to Hundreds And Thousands surely has no heart. A real man would say that the words are
beautiful, a lesser man would say they were soppy – the former would be correct
– as a couple recount circumstances of their meeting and their commonalities. Musical Chairs is again a heartbreaker of a
song centred around a trial separation where each party sees things very
differently - “Broken down toys aren’t the
problem you know? They’re a symptom of being alone. For someone to leave you,
you have to be there when they go.”
Stirring stuff.
There’s a slightly less abrasive sound to Yee-Ha than there
was to Geordieland and it’s the little things that have made all the
difference. There’s more emphasis on
individual musicians and quite rightly so, and the production is often right in
the mark.
The album slowly unfolds and builds, and it is easy to
imagine it telling the story of just one couple from the beginning to the end
of their relationship. Album closer
Grandma’s Song is a fitting yet timely reminder that life is frail and for all
the expectations and hopes we have, it can all end too soon.
Don’t be put off by the sound of a traditional folk
album. Yee-Ha is something rather
different, and if you like your songs to have a narrative then this could be a
surprise.
Published on Louder Than War 10/12/16 - here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)