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Category: Music Review

  • Washed Out: Within and Without Review

    King of Chillwave, Ernest Greeen’s first full length album opens with ‘Eyes Be Closed’ and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Blissful, dreamlike, electronica with airy vocals and harmonies.

    Hailing from Perry Georgia, Greene has previously released some singles and E.P.s but for his debut has teamed up with Ben Allen who has previously worked with Animal Collective and Gnarls Barkley. The result is quite simply, stunning. 

    The album leads us to a totally sun-drenched sensual summer vibe and seems slightly more sophisicated than Greene’s Life of Leisure E.P. Swirly synth sounds and lethargic beats come together an envelop the listener. (more…)

  • Henrietta Game: Black Ship Review

    Henrietta Game Black Ship The release of an album used to be an event. In the days before instant download, we had to wait. Anticipation would build.

    Henrietta Game beautifully build the anticipation with the ‘Intro’ to their debut album ‘Black Ship’. Glockenspiel and cello combine and are gradually joined by guitar and choral section which build for the entire one minute and 32 seconds. It’s a perfect intro to the whispering start of the title track.

    I don’t think there’s anyone quite like Henrietta Game, their use of classic organic instruments and vocal harmonies is simply stunning. Behind these though, we find a treasure trove of lyrics and production tricks.  One such of these is on the track ‘Black Ship’, where a percussive sound seems to echo the sea’s waves. (more…)

  • The Salt Flats: EP Review

    saltflatsFolk music is slowly creeping it’s way into other genres. The Salt Flats have just released their self titled E.P. and while their songs are steeped in folk, have added an electronic dimension to proceedings.

    The E.P. opens with ‘Sail Away To The Sea’,  here The Salt Flats have let the vocals and just a kick drum drive the song until the choral refrain. When all the instruments do come in, there’s a good balance. The memorable melody, subtle bass line and interesting aural decoration make this track probably the one most accessible and destined for radio.

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  • Various: Rave On Buddy Holly Review

    buddy hollyIn 1959, Buddy Holly died in a plane crash aged 22. In September he would have been 75. It’s a sign of his enduring talent that 52 years after his death, a tribute album featuring some fantastic artists has been released.

    Even the most casual music lover will know Buddy Holly’s music even if from its use in movies and television adverts. On ‘Rave On Buddy Holly’, his music has been updated and given an once over.

    The tribute starts with The Black Keys doing ‘Dearest’ and they keep the production sparse in a late fifties style. Fiona Apple shows what an under rated talent she is with her vocal contribution to ‘Everyday’ with Jon Brion. It seems that these tracks were easing us into the album. ‘It’s So Easy’ is given a slowed down rocky treatment by none other than Paul McCarthey. (more…)