Fields of Mildew-The Complete Woes
Another year has ended and I scour for the positives. Privilege allows me to complain, but I’ve been fairly fortunate to survive this time. However, I have had a fair share of melancholy. I seem to have quite a grasp on this language as well, so I can lament. Fields of Mildew choose to do this through instruments. This is their EP, The Complete Woes. I recently reviewed a neofolk project, so this was up my alley. I can really feel the tumultuous shift in emotion with progressions, each testing another element or contributing to the resurgence of a thought. Consider the first track on this album, Saudade. Aligning clearly with the album title, it is a minor scale composition that tends to reach out at moments. Using different tones, I hear strings that each grasp a certain layer of thought. Some fractals reach out like vines above a dense canopy, trying to shift the mix that has complete control. A tranquil and beautiful composition. Just the beginning of the tone has the depth you need. I expect darkness from the lyrics and riffs of metal, but this has to be a compositional experimentation that lands on its feet. Triad of Incomplete Woes uses the silence between notes to encapsulate the underlying emotion. It has to be noted that there is a oppressive theme that makes a power move to stay on top, but elements of joy, maybe even frustration try to break through. The vocals adhere to the slow, dark theme that has taken control. Powerful as all hell. Nostalgia is a popular streaming choice for FOM’s listeners. This epic uses the marching quality of the beat to build on a sensational progression. The serenity of the lyrical delivery balances the percussion very well, and the slow addition of certain elements is what brings about a change in sound and a cascading effect that the artist desires in this case. The slow flowing nature of the synths help in sustaining the continuity, as the lyrics progress to a deeper state of fugue as well. The density of this album changes with Fog. We’ve entered several phases of the deploring individual or entity. Opening with vocals this time, the entire atmosphere is suspended in a state of sincere thought. Fog marks an inspirational twist of joyous realization in some ways. It’s experiments with several guitar tones, each taking its time to make its mark. It is a bright spot in this album, even with the composed solos, like embarking upon an ocean. A Nether World has one of the best instrumental overflows in the album, according to me. The arpeggiated composition grips you from the beginning, with suspense in the flowing breeze. By the time the vocals enter, these chants sit comfortably on the instrumental that have already taken control of this passage of time. The little compression-distortion mix in the guitar tone makes quite the difference. Fields of Mildew close this album out with The Dawn of Primal Fears. This is something that is ingrained in our DNA, so the sound must reflect the title that this song has been given. It does have a large dosage of mystery, with the repetitive bass sound dominating the track. A much more melodic approach in the vocals now make me want more of this style of singing. It compliments the chugging sound that has taken control of this track anyways. Close to the 5 minute mark, there is a tonal shift, increasing the intrigue I have for what is to happen. A glorious ending. Fields of Mildew have thoroughly explored this theme, with many rarely thought of aspects. It makes for an enthralling, captivating album, but a heavy listen. You must focus to hear what is within the instrumentals and the lyrics, each are doing their part in composing part of the feelings that have been tested with the instruments. There are a lot of shifts, tone wise from Compilation I and Compilation II, though I recommend hearing how this progress has made this album sound. A great idea executed with extreme thought and preparation.
15th Bend-Distance
For a young artist that has just begun their foray into music, 15th Bend is an impressive leap. From just March 2020, 15th Bend has released several singles that tackle emotions and moments with musical breakdowns. Instrumental in nature, they are a pivotal move for the artist that wants to create. This is his single, Distance. Using a cinematic sequence of chords that set forth abstract images of vast space, Distance takes time to understand. As the background is fairly simple, several layers come together for a dense soundboard. Clean guitar leads take over to profess the emotion that guides the hand. Distance is an impressive and simple piece of art that says in no words, even what is complex can be simple. This approach and intent is clear in his other pieces as well. Wish, Loss & Ignite, each take the root source of the word and the intangible behind it. It is then melodically reproduced into this rich instrumental we get to hear as a result. Songs like Distance are a popular approach to melody, though the bare stripped nature of the songs can sometimes reveal wider gaps in the composition. 15th Bend has managed to close this gap with persevered effort and a dream that can go the distance. I definitely see this track in an intense scene in Interstellar, where Matthew McConaughey sets foot into a new world and is awe-struck by the sheer size and beauty.
Peter Uher-New Reality
There are genre fusions. There are intra-genre relations that give birth to exciting sounds that are rare to hear. The third category is chasing fumes of otherworldly delight. That is where this artist, Peter Uher comes in. His latest album is a compilation of his work through the years, a debut that tries to create his own envelope with the fragments of sound. This is a New Reality. For a short track, Mirror Door is your transcendental portal to Peter’s dimensions. Mere mortals cannot walk through this door, so Peter holds it open for you. It is a confluence of jazz, rock and classical strokes you witness, in a all out medley of leviathan proportions. Exciting, raw and real-you can hear every note as it was composed, as the other instruments dance around the protagonist. To create a flow like a brooks’ babble, Peter chooses and uses a traditional foundation. The gentle whisper of the flute & soft sax guide the track, Look Ahead. His guitar comes in smoothly, in due course of time, carrying with it the magnanimous effect of a leading dancer. The drama, penchant for frills and flourishes is still there, albeit in a new tempo and style. Time seems to melt away by the time the solo acoustic moments create ambient shells for the guitar to caress. What will be tomorrow is the track that now includes parts of ambient progressive. Hopefully you catch the subtle changes listening on your headphones, because they are a psychedelic introduction to the track. The beats have a dissonant echo while the guitar gets by on its minimal pizazz, creating a layered approach to ambience. Building to the name The title track is a jazz fusion number, with an addictive progression by the bass and the guitar. The drums shine as well, as the silent spine of the song, ever adapting. The tone changes are incredible, truly a sound to behold. The shift in the song is not only unexpected, but an exciting approach to song composition, with different instruments taking the lead every time. A prog-jazz number if you will, by the time the mid-point rolls around, we’re in a Silencers song. The solo jam at the end has to be heard several times to be believed. Vivien’s Dream is a wonderful short track, with the saxophone taking the cake. The guitar gently dances around this, with cat’s feet as it takes no attention away. A track that just melts through the fog and rests in your head for a while. With an R&B approach, Recently is Peter Uher’s sound palette cleanser. It makes the required impact, the strings echoing through to create a beautiful loop that melts through the framework of the song. Second by second, the track bleeds through. Riverse is what you would expect to hear, a song that sounds just as intense and unbelievable in reverse. The magic of jazz being the unpredictable nature of it. All the instruments dance with their destiny in mind, in control of the notes almost. It is a long, progressive track with plenty of elements to unpack. Peter Uher closes the album with a simple Epilogue that seems to weld fragments of his favourite sounds together, with another enchanting tone on his guitar. If this is his debut, I am excited to hear what a young artist like this has in store for us. He has not only stitched a continuous tapestry of fabric for experimentation, but composed it to a level that everyone can appreciate this art. This is a new reality we would choose to explore. When you're in the dissonance of movies like The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo or in a Jack Reacher like thriller film, you better bet this sound will punctuate the gritty scenes!
Charlie Freeman-It's Christmas (Let's Be Kids For A Day)
Very few voices comfort and bring us into the Christmas spirit like Charlie Freeman. His arrangements and vocal style incite a joyous atmosphere. The use of simple transitions makes his songs a catchy tale to hear and admire. This one is something that catapults us back to the past, his new single just in time for the holidays. This is It’s Christmas (Let’s Be Kids for A Day). Here is the kind of song that you’d like to see featured in a film. With soft piano chord changes and a full, voluminous strumming-he bakes in the essence of the holidays. This is where Charlie Freeman chooses his simple and inventive lyrics, asking us to forget the dull facets of reality We blast past to the innocence of the younger days. The chorus is an entertaining, riveting part of the song, engaging everyone who is listening to change into the holiday pyjamas. Charlie Freeman is known for bringing the listeners in with these kinds of gleeful and stupendous verse sections, things that ring out the true elements of the holidays. As the unity and purpose of coming together is understood, just listening to this song brings all those memories back. You can hear Charlie Freeman at his best with his detailed lyrics. His 2021 album Love is chock-full of experiences and shows the best of his songwriting. Christmas films like A Christmas Story & The Holiday come to mind with this exquisite song. Listen to Charlie Freeman’s beautiful song and enjoy the holidays!
Juliet Callahan-Ghost Girl
Juliet Callahan has taken the pedestal in hip-hop/alt-rock based pop. Not only are her vocals unique and polished, but they are defined and command the narrative. Quickly becoming her most popular single, Ghost Girl is at the top for all the right reasons. With mixing perfection and execution, the throne was always hers to claim. Using resounding bass to offset her charmingly melodic pipes, she sings about being present while appearing absent. Ghost Girl shows Juliet Callahan exercise her silky smooth voice for the verses and chorus. The trap beat is perfect for the way she sings the lyrics-trying to purpose the mood and theme. Faintly in the background, you can hear impressive string work-such that nothing is taken away from the lyrics yet a lot is added to the atmosphere. This is where Juliet Callahan shines, creating a ghost town for this ghost she sings about. The apparition is from the inside, and she’s just beginning her ascension to being more than a somebody. The bridge is a stylish alternate route, making a prismoid view of this dimensional being she has created with song. From Atomic Blonde to Lucy, I could see blockbuster action films make this the title track for the lead. Taking control, this track also indulges in tone quite often to create this enveloping sense of sonic origami. Juliet Callahan can be explored with her superb singles like Numb, Burning and Typical. Explore her shifts through sound like an expert with her singles and her being featured on Top 50s and 100s of many playlists. Listen to her badass tracks now!
Carter Fox-Cosmic Sunrise Live at Everloft Studios
Carter Fox has a unique approach to music. His hunt for tone and meticulously crafted compositions is his driving force. Ranging from chill hip-hop tunes to experimental jazz as well, this virtuoso is constantly looking for sources of inspiration and expanding his sonic horizons. This is his latest single, Cosmic Sunrise Live at Everloft Studios. With a silky, floating synth background, the bass interacts for a liminal conversation. It is in tandem, the growth and syncopation, each telling its own tale within tone and rhythm. In parts, the instrumentals break off to create their own lead pocket, becoming this exciting being that vibrates with a newfound energy. As each forages for its own path, there are chance interactions, crafted through the sorcery that lies in music. Steve Honz collaborates for this one, and the live play-by-play is an interesting outcome to watch. I encourage you to take a look at the breakthroughs and joys of a live recording session. I could hear this music for any focused transition, especially in biographies and travel logs where a picturesque setting captures the eye. The fresh outcome of the track and the powerful overlaps create their own biosphere, and so much is achieved with the keys. This leads to the top of Carter Fox and his pyramid of growing surprises. Without realizing, you might have come across many of his tracks. Songs like Eclipse and M87 are some of his hottest numbers, streamed constantly on Spotify. His compositions are a relaxing haven, and there is always something tantalizing for the senses. Carter Fox is an atmosphere god, listen to his tracks and explore his catalogue!
Ruiz!-The Human Touch
Ruiz! is more than a one-man band. He creates songs with a soul and embodiment like no other, especially understanding the composition. As he floats through genres like a butterfly, he likes to bring something new every time to what he is making. Here is his melodic lament, crafted to perfection. This is his latest single, The Human Touch. There is a lot to unpack here, as a song. Not only does Ruiz! bring something unique to the table in terms of sound, but it is in each parcel of it. His vocals shift from his chest voice to a falsetto with the flick of a switch. As the rhythm teaches, he learns, alternating his percussions to this delicious off time fill before coming back as the spine. His instrumentals tread light, letting the vocals shine but taking the reins every once in a while. The effort he puts into production sees the picture as a whole, with someone who understands and feels this message. It has a duality, the human touch with music, and related to the clusterfuck that was Covid. I would have really enjoyed seeing this song featured in Her, or the Netflix series Black Mirror. As the malady of the lost human touch is talked about, I see us straying deeper into the cold metal claws of technology, forgetting our primal instincts and feelings. You can see Ruiz! and his brilliant work in songs like One Rule and Falling. This single belongs right up there, and it is in effect to affect. Enjoy his brilliant songwriting and crafting with his catalogue!
Alec Berlin-Minir Maad
Some artists can’t do without lyrics. Alec Berlin aims to do without them. His songwriting has a vocal ghost that trails it, making each instrumental part seem like choice verse sections. From the time I heard his single Life in the Bog, there was a tectonic shift. Phrasings and alternates to create this saucerful of notes is what we aim to hear. This is his latest single, Minir Maad. Shuffling through minor keys, Alec Berlin takes us through an Arabic wonderland. For this track, call him Scheherazade, because he is narrating an enamouring tale with just his stringed instrument. So the name of the track comes from Minor Mod, and the Algerian strain makes it something exotic! The choice of instrumental sorcery is abundant and scarce, shifting through paths and alleys to show us what he experienced. The “chorus” has some exciting bends and twists, making this song the carpet ride that it is. Here, Alec Berlin details a documentary as a traveller through the Arabian Peninsula. I could definitely see this featured on Somebody Feed Phil and Dark Tourist. Shows that definitely try to expand and broaden the horizons of thought with different takes in culture, that you must check out. If you truly want to hear Alec Berlin’s sound, you better shuffle through his entire catalogue. Each sound and approach is different. President’s Day, What I Wish I Had Said and Patchen Avenue are some favourites. So go ahead, travel the world of sounds with this talented guitar virtuoso.
Mira Sthira-Snow Cave
Mira Sthira is the architect of a fantastical world of sound. With layers of inspiration juxtaposed to form her sound, it is now unmistakably hers. Traversing new universes seems easy for an artist like this-someone who wants to create a new reality for themselves. This is the newest portal to this realm. It comes in the form of her latest single, Snow Cave. Like the super hit single from Edward Maya, the beat that constricts this single has a dance core. Synth accents pulsate with the beat, bringing a sonic effervescence that is powered by Mira Sthira and her sensational voice. For this single, she collaborates with Fantastical Emporium of Sound-bringing depth and new meaning to the rhythm she creates. The edge she has is a sharp and attuned one, a leap from her single from 2021, The Woods. You can see how she is trying to stretch the membrane of her comfort and sound to include a fuller, more dynamic effect. This song could be a defining element in films like Ready Player One and even Ghost in the Shell. It shakes up the visual world constructed by the protagonist, and pushes them to a state of thought while in action. It has a ridiculously catchy rhythm which manifests through the energy of the vocalist. Mira Sthira has just begun her journey, and we seem to be counting milestones now. Check out her singles like Weird Girl and Lizard Pop if you enjoyed this song. Expect something different and exciting every time with an artist like this. Be sure to follow her for more music!
David Baron-Some Infinities Are Larger Than Others
David Baron is now the helmsman of the Woodstock sound. Blending pop and synth, with modular and analogue moments, he is crafting a new pedestal. He brings an edge to music that is unseen and unheard, relating to the experiences of artists and their stories. He might not be Aesop, but he has fables to tell. This is his album, Some Infinities Are Larger Than Others. There is a chance you have heard of David Baron and his compositions. His 2020 album Whisperers is a breakthrough in indie music, having a collection of songs like no other. He maintains that profile and sound with Stardust. Fiona Glenn lends her cosmic voice to populate this song with panache. It has a heavenly, floating instrumental section which she glides over with ease. The lyrics enamour and entertain, without pushing any fibre of pretence. It is a brilliant arrangement, and only gets richer and denser with every section. Stones in the River Bed opens with some arpeggio keys. They set the textured carpet on which Donna Lewis can glide, float and explore on. It is an acoustic delight, it is ample yet pulsates with the energy of the next verse. By the time the strings come through, you feel the goosebumps rise. The progression is almost flawless, and the dance is a spectacle. Boy in the Lighthouse is a jazz styled experimentation that spreads its wings with pride. It has groovy sax sections, and plays with piano elements while having an edge that is uniquely David Baron. Recognizable sections float by, and take you for a journey into the unknown. Two Places at Once creates a sultry background with sax and bass. It floats upon the soft synth background, while having digital interactions with keys. While we are on this voyage, David Baron wants to show us a whole new world. We oblige with a smile. The groove is so deep and enjoyable, it wavers with the enigma of a newborn’s personality. Father And Son is an emotional sail, set to sea. It is an experiential and meditative piece, something for reflection. To capture this, David Baron uses strings and synths, flowing into each other like memories and experiences. As the core melody is retained on the piano, the strings depart, finding their own way. It is reminiscent of a relationship, from prenatal to separation. Not only does it capture all the elements, but flourishes in their colour. With this album, David has approached a cinematic frame that is difficult to imagine. The Tree of Life immediately came to mind, for the instrumental as well as vocals. For the short album that it is, Baron has stretched the fabric of his songwriting to the metamorphosis that it teased. Listen to the album, and let us know what you thought! Support by getting the album here:https://www.hereandnowrecordings.com/some-infinities-are-larger-than-others
Benton Crane-Daylight on the Run
Benton Crane peddles the best pockets of dreams with his sound. Though he is constantly expanding and experimenting, what he has achieved till now is a little slice of paradise. With synth heavy floods that grow from embryonic to death, his sound finds the grey matter in sound. Today, we explore his single, Daylight on the Run. The sound for this can be defined somewhat accurately. If Tame Impala stuck to theorizing with their hypothesis, the search for a psychedelic niche of sound. Benton Crane delves into this heavy, his sound energetic and warm-inviting like the first rays of sunshine. The crash heavy beat is the heartbeat, inadvertently. The saucer has ripples of different sounds now, with Benton Crane crooning on top of this galaxy visor. It is a trip through space while on Earth, and it goes to show a few things. You don’t have to be dosed out on LSD to know a creative sound like this. The transitions he uses are unique as well, taking breaks of vacuum to emphasize on the kind of sound that is outputted. Fun and light, it is a perfect way to begin a joyous day. This is a song I associate immediately from Have a Good Trip, the psychedelic story on Netflix. Other films would definitely be Trainspotting, & Pineapple Express. Though it isn’t limited to the drug multiverse, it would do well for the brilliant closing scene in The Truman Show as well. Follow Benton Crane and his sound with Nuclear Night, Through The Forest and other tracks from his catalogue. Experience a trip without the slip with his brilliant music!
Dadalion-Hexagon Love
Dadalion has created some intense music during the lockdown. He fell in love with music again, created and produced. Now we get to hear the fruits of his labour-an experimentation and explorative sub universe hidden away within time. This is his single, Hexagon Love. This single is featured in his Lockdown EP album. It is a synth controlled vibe, pulsating and growing to create a wave of sound and enterprising developments. It layers effects and creations, transitioning where the effect demands it. All the progress is very calculated, there are no niches of time wasted, there is only a step ahead, or sideways. The kind of output he gets is a mix between some alt-rock, electronica magic and some intense electric guitar work. It runs with purpose, chasing another sound that might be on a collision course. What you hear is something from the Twilight Zone, shivering and beckoning to the transition. Dadalion doesn’t shy away from the odds as an artist. He has brought a sound to himself that is uniquely his. It is a house-trap vibe, but meditative enough to create a tiny fractal of sound that keeps on giving. I would love to see this in a sci-fi flick or even an episode of The Twilight Zone, Blade Runner or the closing credits of Star Trek. Dadalion can be experienced in his flowering, final form with his Lockdown EP. You can listen to the experience on his Spotify, where there is definitely more to come. Till then, enjoy the experience within his songs with this single and EP.