EP REVIEW | The Baltic – Archipelago EP (Misra Records).

ARTIST: The Baltic

RELEASE: Archipelago

RELEASE DATE: 20/06/16

RECORD COMPANY: Misra Records 

Colorado based psychedelically charged four piece ‘The Baltic’ released their latest EP entitled ‘Archipelago’ to the masses back on the 20th June 2016 via Misra Records (under Sub Pop’s umbrella). Their sound expertly shimmies through experimental reverberating tones, laced with dream pop swirls, psychedelic sonic highs & melodious guitar progressions that seem to hang suspended within a blissfully ethereal musical bubble. The band are made up of Graham Epstein – drums/vocals, Adam Dankowski – guitars, Josh Kaplan – bass & Ari Kononov – guitars.

‘Archipelago’ is available to buy/download right now from: thebaltic.bandcamp.com/album/archipelago

READ ON –

 

Luscious ethereal tones float into earshot as the opening salvo’s of the ‘Archipelago’ EP are unfurled. Opening track ‘Turquoise’ permeates through an acid blotted landscape with its 60’s psychedelic edge as the hazy vocals are carefully added to the musical ether, accompanied by throbbing bass frequencies & a skittish percussive pattern. (As a side note; a musical doff of the cap has to go to the ‘Beatles’ on this opening track, as the verse progressions (which drag up way too many of their song titles to name off hand) are curiously reminiscent to the aforementioned band & although that may seem like a good comparison to some, for me, it kinda takes the shine off of those brilliantly executed shoegaze inspired chorus parts that make this opening track a tale of two halves as far as I’m concerned!) Up next, ‘Bloom’ breathes a more psych rock tinge to proceedings. It’s jam packed with experimental psychedelic twirls, faultless instrumentation and those vocalisations are stacked with melody.

‘San Francisco’ pulses beautifully arranged reverb drenched guitar lines, steadying drum patterns and addictively harmonious bass progressions with another impressive vocal performance that collectively produces what is the most dream pop orientated track on this entire release! Gone are the sonic experimentations & the 60’s revivalist tones, and whats left is a beautifully arranged track that is wholeheartedly relevant in todays revived dreampop/shoegaze scene.

The EP’s penultimate track entitled ‘Fortitude’ screams into the ether on a wave of glorious frequency laden noise as ‘The Baltic’ bring their shoegaze tendencies to bare for all to hear. It’s opening bars are layered with fuzzy reverberating guitars, throbbing baselines, shimmering tambourines and melodious vocals, reminiscent to those early UK based shoegaze stalwart’s ‘Ride’. It took a while but ‘The Baltic’ are finally allowing us to hear their gauzy side. This is my favourite track on the whole release and a solid recommendation from me. The albums closing piece is called ’72 Hours’. Shimmering tremulous guitar lines float into earshot and gracefully sweep you up, bringing you with them on a stunning hallucinogenic psych-gaze trip that expertly loops and arc’s through blissful layers of beautifully golden sonic frequencies, carefully following the throb of the infectious bass progressions & the hypnotic percussion as you meander through the musical ether. A fitting explosive ending to a slow burning but thoroughly enjoyable EP.

4/5

LINKS:

thebaltic.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/thebaltic/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular experimental Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the unsigned or small independent label based shoegaze, ethereal dream pop, post punk, post rock & modern psych rock from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | Sexores – Red Rooms.

ARTIST: Sexores

RELEASE: Red Rooms

RELEASE DATE: 17/07/16

RECORD COMPANY: Coypu Records.

Following on from their stunning full length album release entitled ‘Historias de Frió’ back in 2104, the brilliant Barcelona based darkwave outfit ‘Sexores’ have returned with a blissful six track release entitled ‘Red Rooms’. With an intriguing sound thats full of noisy ambient swirls, ethereal vocalisations and dark repetitive percussive arrangements all gloriously intertwined with soaring walls of layered reverberating guitars, ‘Sexores’ have the ability paint stunning sonic pictures with their music. The band are made up of Emilia Bahamonde – vocals/guitar/programming & David Yépez – drums/programming with various touring members and guest musicians (including Alexander Kretov of UMMAGMA fame) appearing on the album. ‘Red Rooms’ was released back on the 17th July 2016 via Coypu Records and is available to buy/download on various formats right now from: sexores.bandcamp.com

READ ON –

 

Ethereal vocals coupled with a wall hazily layered guitars announces the arrival of track one ‘Sasebo’ and we’re instantly pulled into a beautiful world of sneaking drum patterns, underlying synth swells and hypnotically cascading piano progressions. The vocals are simply mesmerising as they cut through the swirling instrumentation and instil a gentle calmness over proceedings. Up next, ‘Sea Of Trees’ is a classic slice of beautifully arranged dream pop thats centred around a cascading synth line, a repetitive drum pattern and another blissful vocal performance courtesy of Emilia Bahamonde. ‘Me And The Void’ saunters into earshot riding an explosive drum pattern, dark throbbing bass frequencies and synth swells to die for. Emilia’s vocals shine as they pulse wave after wave of golden hued frequencies through the controlled reverberation and on into the maelstrom of fuzzy tempestuous guitar lines.

‘U.S.S.R Girls’ leans more into the realm of dark electronica with its sequenced synth progressions and repetitive drum patterns whilst the albums penultimate track, the impressive ‘Daywalkers’ instantly flatters with its floating boy/girl vocal attack, courtesy of Emilia & Alex Kretov (Ummagma), coupled with those beautifully arranged synth lines & its glorious instrumentation breaks. The album closes out with the highly atmospheric instrumental piece – ‘Loner’. A dark & foreboding reverberating drone opens proceedings before we’re treated to a slow, repetitive drum pattern and stuttering piano stabs. ‘Loner’ sounds like it belongs on a late 70’s sci-fi soundtrack as it deftly meanders through ambient sonic peaks and throughs, never losing its edge and all the while building slowly into a stunning cacophony of blissful atmospheric noise.

A fitting end to an absolutely stunning album!

4/5

LINKS:

sexores.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/sxrsxrs

twitter.com/sexores

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

EP REVIEW | Sidechick – Home Recordings.

ARTIST: Sidechick

RELEASE: Home Recordings

RELEASE DATE: 13/05/16

RECORD COMPANY: Unsigned

Released to the masses back on the 13th May 2016, ‘Home Recordings’ are the tentative first steps by a band who create stunning musical soundscapes that are heavily steeped in melodically astute, fuzzy alt-gaze promise. ‘Sidechick’ are a Texas based trio made up of Stephen McElwee – Guitar & Vocals, Austin Yates – Drums & Kelvin Givens – Bass and their debut three track release is available to buy/download right now from: sidechick.bandcamp.com

READ ON –

 

‘Home Recordings’ unfurls with excellent ‘Prisms’, a two minute plus instrumental masterpiece thats filled with golden hued guitar lines, steadying percussion and throbbing bass frequencies. The band give very little away on this opening piece as the tension builds, forcing glorious reverberating swirls into the sonic ether and pulsing fuzzy layered guitar squall through shimmering hazy frequencies. ‘Prisms’ soon burns out and courses headlong into track two, the blistering ‘Dimensions’, and its not long before we’re introduced to a droning guitar line that drags the listener into the impending explosive drum patterns, heavily tracked by fuzzy throbbing bass lines and screaming feedback laden guitars. The vocals here are sublime and they sit on top of the instrumentation like some sonic demigod vying for populous attention. ‘Dimensions’ is probably my favourite track on this entire release and worthy of your attention!

The EP’s closing track is a brilliantly melodious affair. ‘Mercury’ rocks on a thoroughly addictive lead lick that explodes through the chorus breaks whilst carefully balancing on a bedrock of pounding drums and hypnotically layered reverberating guitars. Another stunning vocal track adds atmosphere as it pierces the protective reverb induced bubble and soars into the sonic ether with aplomb. A fitting end to an interesting first outing from ‘Sidechick’.

Ones to watch!

3/5

LINKS:

sidechick.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/sidechickband

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | Dead Rabbits – Everything Is A Lie (Fuzz Club Records).

ARTIST: Dead Rabbits

RELEASE: Everything Is A Lie.

RELEASE DATE: 05/09/16

RECORD COMPANY: Fuzz Club Records

Southampton’s ‘Dead Rabbits’ have been wowing us ever since the release of their stunning debut album (The Ticket That Exploded) back in 2013, followed closely by their eponymous follow up (Time Is Your Only Memory) back in 2014. Their meticulous brand of infectious neo-psychedelia, blended perfectly with expressive shoegaze and driving post-punk has permeated down through the many layers of this modern day new school psych/gaze scene, influencing each new emerging band with their heady sonic brew. Now they have returned with brand new musical behemoth in tow. Fantastically titled ‘Everything Is A Lie’, this latest full length album gets its official release on the 5th September 2016 via one of the ‘Go To’ labels in this modern day fuzzy psych/gaze scene, the brilliant London based ‘Fuzz Club Records’.

READ ON –

 

The album opens up with the stunning ‘Everything Is A Lie’. This is a gargantuan warbling beast who’s percussive assault shudders and pulses on a reverberating wave of sonic delight. Its bass lines are addictive, underscored with soaring synth swells and melodic vocalisations that are all held fast within the whirlwind by shimmering layered guitar progressions. ‘Honestly’ arrives like a sullen child. It’s bass lines are incredible and full of post-punk promise whilst vocally this track is sublime and reminiscent (dare I say it?) of late 1980’s Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays). It’s a masterclass in song creation and probably my favourite track on this entire release. Up next is the albums lead single! ‘Get Me Over There’ rumbles and growls on a bed of fuzzy jangling guitars, swirling pulsating bass frequencies and skittish percussion as the howling vocals ride a raging sonic twister into the ether. It’s one of the best tracks this year by far and definitely recommended listening.

The album takes a subtle swerve into experimental territory on ‘All Your Little Lies’. Pounding drums and screaming surf-psych guitars take centre stage as those brilliantly executed vocal progressions meander in and out of the hazy instrumentation. ‘Someday’ jangles into earshot on stabs of reverb induced guitars as melodious snaking bass frequencies creep between the drum hits like some huge stalking animal. Vocals wail as synths soar throughout the chorus parts, building in momentum as they rise, leading us into a surging sonic finale. The metronomic swing of ‘I Don’t Want To Die Today’ hypnotises us as it works through its musical gears, deftly building and adding to each sonic layer as it climbs. Vocally sublime and explosive at times ‘I Don’t Want To Die Today’ surges and culminates into an incredible maelstrom of sound.

The albums penultimate track is ‘That Was Then But This Is Now’. Melodically repetitive guitar lines meld with dark pulsating bass frequencies before another impressive vocal performance cuts through proceedings, dragging the steadying drum track with it. Swathes of reverb induced guitars attack the chorus as swirling, droning synth patches lurk menacingly beneath. ‘That Was Then But This Is Now’ thunders through the sonic landscape cutting massive swathes through layer after layer of expertly constructed reverberation. Screaming guitar squall and blistering feedback heralds the arrival of the albums closing track before we’re treated to pounding drums, melodic bass lines, soaring golden synth swells and a glorious vocal track. ‘You Already Know’ is a tremulous beast that takes no prisoners as it beats down on the senses and hypnotises you into submission. A stunning finale to an absolutely immense album.

Bravo ‘Dead Rabbits’……

5/5

‘Everything Is A Lie’ gets its official release on the 5th September 2016 and is available to pre-order right now from Fuzz Club Records.

LINKS:

fuzzclub.com

facebook.com/deadrabbitsuk/

twitter.com/DeadRabbitsuk

deadrabbitsband.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | Holy Monitor – Golden Light / Aeolus.

ARTIST: Holy Monitor

RELEASE: Golden Light/Aeolus

RELEASE DATE: 16/07/16

RECORD COMPANY: Ongakubaka Records

Hailing from the sunbaked Mediterranean shores of Greece, experimental neo-psych / krautrock space rockers ‘Holy Monitor’ have had both of their two previous self-released digital EP’s ( Golden Light & Aeolus) seamlessly brought together on one fantastic full length album courtesy of Virginia based independent record label ‘Ongakubaka Records’.  ‘Holy Monitor‘ blend a stunning mix of neo-psychedelic krautrock & soaring space rock with motorik rhythms and dreamy hypnotic vocalisations that collectively form soundscapes so lusciously inthralling, they will have you hooked from your very first listen. The album is available to buy/download right now with a limited number also available on cassette from: ongakubakarecords.bandcamp.com

 

Like a pulsating beacon of musical promiscuity the opening motorik bars of track one, ‘The Way Out’ ripple outwardly, like some magical pre-ordained mantra, as the piece meanders through throbbing bass lines coupled with hypnotic rhythmic percussive patterns, surging synth swells and a magnificent vocal attack. This is a truly wonderful opening track as it sucks you into the collective mindset of ‘Holy Monitor’ and introduces you to their blissful acid-drenched musical landscape. Up next, we’re treated to a swirling repetitive guitar line intertwined with snaking bass frequencies and another impressive vocal performance. ‘Golden Light’ is full of eastern esoteric influences as its menacing organ swells and stunning reverberation loops and arc’s throughout, painting sonic pictures and instilling shimmering atmosphere.

‘Cacti’ charges into ear shot on a bedrock of pounding drums, swirling guitars and soaring synth swells that are constantly building in tempestuous fashion and continuously circumnavigating that fragile vocal track. It builds from the off adding layer after layer of stunning instrumentation as it deftly skips along its chosen sonic path. Up next, ‘Bend In The Trees’ gracefully glides in on a droning synth progression and a highly addictive guitar line. This track bathes in swathes of stunning reverb as its hushed vocalisations take centre stage continuously urging the instrumentation to keep up with the pace. A brilliantly executed track and possibly my favourite on this entire release. Track five, ‘White Sands’ slows proceedings down a tad initially as a golden cascading organ progression enters audible range. A steady beat is added to the maelstrom before the hypnotically charged vocal arrives and we’re treated to a masterclass of neo-psychedelic discovery.

The EP’s closing track is a thing of beauty. ‘Winterlong’ growls as its supercharged guitar lines expertly protect the immense vocal. Wurlitzing organ progressions swirl as throbbing bass lines add weight to the metronomic swing of the entire track leaving the listener wanting more.

A fitting finale to a stunning release!

5/5

LINKS:

facebook.com/holymonitor

facebook.com/OngakubakaRecords

ongakubaka.com

twitter.com/OngakubakaRcrds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

EP REVIEW | FUGLEFLUGTEN – Aftenpragtstjerne.

ARTIST: Fugleflugten

RELEASE: Aftenpragtstjerne

RELEASE DATE: 16/06/16

RECORD COMPANY: Unsigned

Danish based atmospheric post-gazing four piece ‘FugleFlugten’ self-released their debut five track EP entitled ‘Aftenpragtstjerne’ to the masses back in June. Their sound swirls within a heady mix of reverb induced post-punk, shimmering synth swells and subtle hints of hazily layered shoegaze. Singing in their native tongue, ‘Fugleflugten’ are made up of Rasmus Yde, Frederik Henriksen, Mathias Rosenkilde & Laurits Pilegaard and you can check out the full EP over at: soundcloud.com/fugleflugten/sets/aftenpragtstjerne

 

Murmuring synth swells coupled with droning guitar frequencies bounce and swirl freely as the opening instrumental bars of ‘Aftenpragtstjerne’ announce themselves to earshot. It quickly burns out only to be replaced by track two, the highly addictive ‘Syv Pelikaner’. This track drives a solid wedge of layered reverberating guitars, soaring synth swells, throbbing bass frequencies and pounding poly-rythmns into one massive cyclonic force that collectively seems to circumnavigate that hauntingly brilliant vocal track. Up next, the atmospheric ‘Det Er På Tide’ floats into the ether on a wave of shimmering guitars that act like a protective barrier surrounding that immense vocal line. Synth progressions swell as the drum track pounds a sonic furrow through proceedings and the track is allowed to breathe and soar with ease, looping and arcing through peaks and troughs of reverberating joy.

The EP’s penultimate piece is my favourite on this entire release. ‘Ensom Galakse’ traverses the outer fringes of expressive post-punk, coupled with brilliantly vivid swathes of atmospheric shoegaze thats all gracefully topped off with soaring synth swells and hazy reverb laden vocals. A stunning track thats worthy of your ears! There’s an intense post-punk swirl streaming through the EP’s closing track. ‘Fugleflugten’ pulses with intent as the bass frequencies growl and hold fast to those impressive drums. There’s a swirling maelstrom of guitars sitting just under the mix allowing for those shimmering vocal lines to soar into the sonic ether. A stunning droning finale to a brilliantly executed EP.

Recommended listening!

5/5

LINKS:

soundcloud.com/fugleflugten

facebook.com/Fugleflugten

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | Miss Mobile Home – Glimmer Down.

ARTIST: Miss Mobile Home

RELEASE: Glimmer Down

RELEASE DATE: 24/06/16

RECORD COMPANY: Unsigned

New York based dreamgazing duo ‘Miss Mobile Home’ have unleashed their highly anticipated full length follow up to 2014’s immense ‘Phototaxis EP’. ‘Glimmer Down’ see’s the band continue to deliver shimmering reverb laced soundscapes coupled with stunningly dreamy vocal progressions that collectively manifest a modern edge to a well worn & highly respected musical genre. The band are made up Chris Stoddard – Guitars, Drums, Synth, Writing & Mixing and Samantha Ritter – Vocals & Synth. ‘Glimmer Down’ had it’s full release on the 24th June 2016 and it is available to buy/download right now from: missmobilehome.bandcamp.com

 

A swirling maelstrom of repetitive droning noise ushers in ‘Fine Machine’, the album’s opening track and its not long until we’re introduced to a beautifully ethereal vocal courtesy of Ritter, blissfully wrapped within entrancing metronomic percussion and some brilliantly hypnotic guitar lines. Up next, ‘California (Run On)’, begins with a layered wall of reverberating guitar, closely followed by minimal percussive hits intrinsically permeated by wave after wave of beautifully translucent swirling vocal progressions. A stunning track that weaves and arc’s all over the sonic ether. ‘Sleepwalker’ charges into ear shot on rumbling bass frequencies intertwined with a solid foundation of thundering percussion. It soars into its chorus progressions with aplomb and carries the listener with it, daydreaming into the shimmering ether. ‘Hazel Witch’ begins with a subtle psych-gaze twist as those psychedelically induced guitar progressions swirl intently within a dark creeping reverb induced haze. The vocal track wades into the mix pulsing ripples of dreamy frequencies into the melting pot as the track explodes into its chorus parts. Another stunning track thats worthy of your ears.

Up next, ‘Castles’ slows proceedings down considerably as we step off the edge of the world and float on wave after wave of beautifully executed & highly melodic vocals, steeped in spacious reverb and intensely circumnavigated by those stunningly addictive guitar parts. ‘Castles’ is a dream-pop masterpiece! The rumbling opening chords of the albums penultimate track entitled ‘Still’ shatters the ethereal serenity of the aforementioned soundscape and we’re quickly introduced to cascading guitar thrills and another stunning vocal performance. The albums closing piece is utterly addictive. ‘Ronnie’ blasts into earshot on a melodic guitar line, pounding drums and soaring organ swells that seem to hover just under audible range as its haunting vocals balance tentatively on a sonic tight-wire. It streams into a stunning organ break before erupting into a blissful cascading synth line. ‘Ronnie’ is intensely hypnotic, addictively ethereal and its a fitting finale to a stunning release.

4/5

LINKS:

missmobilehome.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/MissMobileHome

twitter.com/missmobilehome

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | The Cult Of Dom Keller – Goodbye To The Light.

ARTIST: The Cult Of Dom Keller

RELEASE: Goodbye To The Light

RELEASE DATE: 22/07/16

RECORD COMPANY: Fuzz Club Records

UK based noisy experimental psych aficionados ‘The Cult Of Dom Keller’ have been creating impressive musical soundscapes under the radar for quite some time. Their sound glides on a screaming swathe of intense psychedelic promise thats underpinned vocally with an interesting slice of goth fuelled expressionism! This band inject a shimmering cinematic quality into their music that can seriously alter reality! Now the Midlands based four piece have announced the next chapter in their musical development, the full length ‘Goodbye To The Light’, penned in for release on 22nd July 2016 via the brilliant London based Fuzz Club Records.  The album will be released on vinyl as a deluxe edition of 300 half-and-half transparent and solid white vinyl in a heavy gatefold sleeve featuring hand numbering, cutouts, embossing and printed inner sleeves. Also as a standard edition of 1000 transparent white vinyl, and CDs.

You can pre-order the album right now at fuzzclub.com. 

 

Like the opening atmospheric score of a 1970’s cinematic thriller, we’re introduced to a sprawling drone coupled with a repetitious two note sequenced synth pattern that swirls within a sea of enveloping golden frequencies. The opening salvo’s of ‘Hole In The Whole’ punch a reverberating pulse through the protective shield of the surrounding musical ether and immediately gets engulfed by creeping vocal lines and a dark malicious guitar squall. Up next, impressionistic fuzzy bass frequencies tickle the outer reaches of the audible range as those distinctly 80’s, almost post-punk sounding vocal progressions, coupled with hypnotic swirling organ swells take hold and drag you kicking and screaming through the blistering prog-leaning ‘Broken Arm Of God’ before the massive sonic surge of ‘Ravens & Rockets’ clatters into earshot and ploughs a dark and foreboding sonic furrow through proceedings.

‘Deepest Pit Of Emptiness’ enters the arena on massive ambient synth swells before we’re hit with enormous resonating bass frequencies shadowing slow malicious vocal lines as it crawls to its dark finality. ‘Tunnel In The Clouds’ floats impressively on a bed of atmospheric organ swells as haunting vocal lines as an increasingly intrusive monotonous drone pulses through layers of reverb before ‘Exterminating Angels’ enters the fray and brings with it a massive swathe of intensity that builds from the off into a maelstrom of beautiful frequential noise. Up next, ‘I Can See You’ pulses and shakes as it winds itself up into a rattling coil and prepares to strike. Thoroughly reminiscent of early experimental stage ‘Nine Inch Nails’ with its brilliant vocal production and those impressively overpowering synth lines. ‘Astrum Argenteum’ brings a blissful layered wall of psychedelic joy to proceedings before the deeply experimental but highly infectious ‘Nothing Left To Say’ cranks up and enters the realm of 70’s psychedelic Sci-Fi chic!

‘Bring Out The Dead’ begins with sequenced poly-rhythmic acoustic progressions coupled with a tempestuous percussive assault and an utterly addictive vocal. It undulates as it works through its gears, constantly evolving and layering instrumentation as it meanders through sonic peaks and troughs. There’s a short instrumental interlude as ‘Waltz Of The Morgellons’, the albums penultimate track, works the floor before we’re introduced to the albums final track, the aptly named ‘Shambhala Is On Fire’. This is a sprawling monolithic animal, jam packed full of reverb induced groove-laden instrumentation that circumnavigates yet another awe inspiring hypnotic and well executed vocal. A stunning finale to a very impressive album.

4/5

LINKS:

fuzzclub.com 

facebook.com/thecultofdomkeller

twitter.com/CULTOFDOMKELLER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | Ghost Box Orchestra – High Plaine.

ARTIST: Ghost Box Orchestra

RELEASE: High Plaine

RELEASE DATE: 17/05/16

RECORD COMPANY: Evil Hoodoo Records

I’ve been a big admirer of the sounds created by Boston natives ‘Ghost Box Orchestra’ for quite some time . Their collective musical stylings enthralled me from very early on as I repeatedly overplayed their cinematic post-rock hued 2010 debut ‘The Only Light On’, then fell head long into the magnificent dark vortex of 2013’s ‘Vanished’ only to tumble out the other end and crash straight through the reverberating ‘Sound of (Eternal Now)’ EP back in October 2015. For me, it’s been a brilliant musical rollercoaster ride of epic proportions and now I’m happy to report that the band have unleashed a brand new full length masterpiece! ‘High Plaine’ was officially released back on the seventeenth of May 2016 via ‘Evil Hoodoo Records’ over in the UK and it is nothing short of immense!

 

A swirling keyboard drone heralds the arrival of ‘Flutter’, as its tremulous guitars and eerily hypnotic organ progression circumnavigates pounding poly-rhythms & surging swells of reverberating sonic brilliance. ‘Flutter’ builds from its opening notes as the cyclonic musical cacophony urges those Impressive vocal lines to take centre stage happily in the knowledge that they are protected from any outside interference by a raging wall of noise. Let’s not be fooled here people; this is a stunning opening track full of explosive psychedelic promise and worthy of your ears. Up next are howling (but impressive) vocal progressions intriguingly underscored with melodiously repetitive guitar structures and explosive percussive patterns. ‘High Plaine’ opens up into a monstrous musical animal as it weaves its way through swathes of shimmering instrumentation.

The senses are tweaked at the arrival of my favourite track on this entire release! ‘Socrates Burned’ is a monolithic sonic beast that pulses through walls of stunning reverb as those pounding but regimented drum patterns act like bedrock, bearing the full weight of those soaring guitars and its huge swirling synth swells coupled with growling bass frequencies and a piercing vocal attack. There’s a quick reprise of sorts as the remnants of ‘Socrates Burned’ fades into obscurity but its quickly replaced by the calming and refreshing opening bars of ‘Wave Goodbye’.  This track is deeply melodic as it meanders through peaks and troughs of glorious golden instrumentation. Cascading keyboard thrills hang suspended just above audible range as ghostly vocalisations litter the reverberating landscape. It’s brilliant guitars shimmer as they stir within a heady brew of steading drum progressions, beautiful synth swirls and impressive throbbing bass lines. Up next is the shuffling ‘Dead & Gone’ with its mesmerising reverb retched vocal chants that seem to hover blissfully on sonic winds like a hunting eagle as all around it the ether rages a sonic war of attrition. Simply stunning! Droning guitars and meandering vocal lines usher in the opening bars of ‘Days Are Forever’ before we’re lifted high above the musical landscape on melodically brilliant wavy guitar lines and pounding drums as the chorus progression explodes into a brilliant cacophony of wonderful noise.

Things are really moving at pace now as ‘Ghost Box Orchestra’ offer up the albums penultimate track! ‘Within The Sound’ is a storming call to arms. It’s pounding drums and rumbling bass frequencies should have a post code all to themselves as they plough a sonic furrow through the entire musical landscape. Add into the mix the raging wall of noise created by the attacking guitars & that soaring vocal line and we have a full on assault on the senses. The albums closing track fades blissfully into ear shot on a swirling mass of droning guitars. ‘Causality Devotional’ floats on angelic frequencies as it works through its sonic gears. It builds brilliantly as it layers each one of its instrumental components at various points along the tracks navigational path. The vocals soar into ear shot on waves of shimmering reverberating frequencies that loop and arc all over the sonic spectrum with blistering aplomb. ‘Causality Devotional’ then builds into a raging maelstrom of noise as it tumbles into its droning finality. This is a stunning track to close out an absolutely stunning album.

Bravo Ghost Box Orchestra! 

5/5

‘High Plaine’ is available to buy/download right now from: ghostboxorchestra.bandcamp.com/album/high-plaine

LINKS:

ghostboxorchestra.com

twitter.com/ghostboxband

facebook.com/ghostboxorchestra

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.

ALBUM REVIEW | I Am Your Captain – Glower.

ARTIST: I Am Your Captain

RELEASE: Glower

RELEASE DATE: 31/05/16

RECORD COMPANY: Unsigned

‘Glower’ is the brand new eight track debut album from the brilliant UK based ‘I Am Your Captain’.  ‘I Am Your Captain’ is the solo project of Air Formation bass player – Ben Pierce. This latest offering is yet another sublime cinematic journey through layers of reverb drenched shoegaze & it typifies the brilliant sounds crafted by this band on their previous releases! The haunting vocals, yearning (almost subliminal) drum patterns, addictive bass lines & droning atmospheric guitars are what instantly attracted us to this immensely intense band. ‘Glower’ is available to buy/download right now from: iamyourcaptain.bandcamp.com

 

The album opens up with ‘I Will Hold You To That’ and we’re instantly thrown head long into an experimental world of noisy drones, repetitive percussive hits and explosive chorus attacks. Pierce’s reverberating vocal progressions swirl intently within the sonic ether as the track pulses and ripples throughout numerous shimmering frequencies that all seem to be held steadfast within a state of suspended sonic animation. A stunning opener! The melodic opening chords of ‘Salt’ pummel’s the senses before the track unfolds into a blistering three minutes plus of sequenced drums, layered reverb drenched guitars and that hazy but addictive vocal line before ‘Intrusive Thoughts’ enters the fray and swoons on a catchy guitar line courtesy of Matt Bartram (Air Formation / You Walk Through Walls). This track is steeped in glorious reverb and the vocal lines are subdued buy highly addictive. Coupled with those throbbing bass frequencies they collectively plough a sonic furrow through walls of blissfully fuzzy reverberation.

The atmospheric ‘Never Sleep Again’ is a short instrumental interlude that builds from the off as it loops and arcs through a maelstrom of fuzzy noise before the droning blissed out tones of ‘Sever’ float into the ether on a wave of melodic vocal progressions. Up next, is the experimental sounding ‘Where It All Collides’ and here we’re treated to just enough atmospherics to hold that repetitive sequenced drum pattern for long enough to allow the whirlwind of droning guitars and throbbing bass lines, tipped with melodic lead guitar highlights, expertly circumnavigate the subtle vocal progressions that seem to hang suspended in the air like a thick blanket of fog. Utterly delectable and thoroughly enjoyable ‘Where It All Collides’ is probably my favourite track on this entire release.

Rumbling bass frequencies, pounding drums and shimmering guitars announce the arrival of the albums penultimate track! ‘Best Left Alone’ radiates sonic brilliance and is reminiscent of early ‘Super Furry Animals’ with its melodic chorus lift and fuzzy instrumentation. The albums closing piece is is a tremulous wall of reverberating joy. Layer after layer of fuzzy guitar carefully protects that fragile vocal performance as the track meanders through the peaks and troughs of its verse and chorus parts until we reach that stunning sustained finale. ‘Almost’ is a thoroughly enjoyable ending to a magnificent debut album.

Recommended listening!

5/5

LINKS:

facebook.com/iamyrcptn

twitter.com/iamyrcptn

iamyourcaptain.bandcamp.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Del Chaney has spent the last four years not only fronting popular Irish Electronic duo Analogue Wave but also dedicating his time to uncovering the best artists in the Unsigned or Small Independent Label based Shoegaze, DreamPop, PostPunk, PostRock & PsychRock genre’s of music from all over the globe & reviewing them for this blog – The Primal Music Blog. He is also a contributing writer for The Sound Of Confusion. His other arm – Primal Radio – has gained considerable respect from bands and promoters alike since its conception in 2013 & has hepled him in actively promoting a genre of music that he is passionate about. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he is a keen Vinyl Collector, Tattoo Fan & all round good guy! He is a self confessed music freak & is never far away from a studio console or a turntable.