DAAY - Memories of the Future
- English (US)
As a whole, this five-song release stands as an ode to those who pave the way for new possibilities in experimental songwriting. DAAY respect tradition, but they never bow to it.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
Gary Mictian-I'll Wait
Gary Mictian has a finger on the pulse of the music scene. His music ranges from indie pop to sci-fi laced synthwave soundscapes. Not only does he balance out the instrumentals, but makes sure the lyrics are as sticky and catchy as honey. It also helps that his melodic voice is enchanting. This is his latest single, I’ll Wait. An uptempo song by all measures, and a definite party addition. Gary Mictian enters the silence with minimal synth efforts, generously displaying his voice to match the energy of the song. He then creates synth based builds, with the percussion kicking in first. For the second section, we see the synth and vocals pirouette, creating a breathtaking sparring session. The instrumentals and vocals are in tandem and balance, making it the wholesome track that it is. This is a song that has been polished to perfection by an artist who likes to push the envelope time after time. This track would be perfect in films like the new Spider-Man animated films, Ready Player One and even Blade Runner 2049. The blend of echoing futuristic sound and classy, sharp vocals are what make Gary Mictian someone to follow on their heels. You might have heard Gary on his popular song Crime, or Easy to You. There is a brilliance achieved in the trifecta of songwriting, production and the instrumentals. We’re sure to have constant expansion in styles and sounds from Gary, so don’t forget to follow this fantastic artist. This is one song you won’t have to wait for.
Jay Roecker - Pour On Me
Jay Roecker is a Texas based singer, songwriter who released his new single Pour On Me. The song is an adventure filled number but somehow manages to be laced with love and adoration as well. Pour On Me is a collaboration between Jay, Christopher Lynn Shelton and Richard John Roecker. The song begins as though it was a protostar formation itself with Jay Roeckers voice. “We were the captains, mapping out entire seas.” hinting to a love story. The solid bass in the song oozes of such a Neo-Rock vibes that is a fairly unexplored venture. The futuristic keyboard notes in combination with the bass and Jay’s voice creates imagery as wide as the skies. The techno quality within the song adds a very futuristic landscape that catches your attention. The track is a lush techno filled rollercoaster of beats that does not fail to take you on an adventure. The clean production makes it smooth for the song to trickle down your ear and into your feet. It is a Techno dance pop number after all. Pour On Me plays with so much thematically- with the lyrics and genres as well. Space Force is a comedy drama that is created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carell. Jay Roecker’s voice is so similar to Ben Schwartz’s voice who plays a brilliant comedic social media manager. The series has a playlist filled with classics to enhance the scene and Pour On Me would fit in extremely well within this universe. Imagine this song plays as Steve Carell is in the control room and he successfully helps land a rocket ship on Mars Jay Roecker has listeners across the US, UK and France and his listener base is only growing. He does not stick to a single genre of music and successfully crosses boundaries between them, there is no reason why you mustn't follow him on all social media platform to listen to his exciting new releases.
PRATTO-Into the Night
PRATTO controls the digital fabric as a mere mortal. Or so we assume, that he is one. With exploratory soundscapes and magical spheres taking us into each song in depth-music is the method to his madness. With this being the third single released, he already has 67k+ streaming for both his other singles. This is his latest track, Into the Night. I remember the years Hardwell and Guetta used to control radio airplay. People were obsessed with electronic music, and it suddenly dwindled. PRATTO brings that hook, that sprinkling magic back to the portal. Songs that used to inspire people to jump, dance and lose themselves to music. True EDM. Into the Night is such a track through and through, bringing a resonating, pulsating energy to it. This is something that could play at Tommorrowland and would make tsunami waves. With beautiful lyrics and effortless transitions, this is where DJing becomes an art. An artist like this deserves 10 times the streaming numbers, only owing to the quality of what he is making. It is a compounding, organic and building spirit that prefaces the purpose of melding music with technology. It was for high quality audio, beautiful experiences and all coming together for the love of dance. PRATTO makes it possible again. I could totally see this audio unite many moments in TRON:Legacy, all due to how it has been designed. It is an incredible experience, and you must hear it with some powerful surround sound. His other two tracks are The Ode and Just for the Night, raw and vigorous yet polished in execution. Experience energy from dance music like you have never before. Follow him for more music as well!
Golem Dance Cult-Dalek Rhetoric
Golem Dance Cult have another stream of conscience to tap into. Their music is danceable, but dark. Likeable, but alternative. The kind of sound they create shifts from stoner rock to doom metal tones. However, there is a swing to it that you just cannot miss. You’re going to be stepping to this one very soon. This is their 2022 single, Dalek Rhetoric. For many Doctor Who fans, this is a no-brainer. If you’ve watched the show, Daleks are weirdo mutants who are extremely xenophobic, for some reason. Now that we’re getting into science fiction, many of you might assume the tone. Synthwave keeps getting associated with sci-fi, and Golem Dance Cult shows you that it doesn’t have to be the case. With dark, meaty and juicy riffage, they proceed to make a power parcel of cosmic proportions. Like Doctor Who, this can travel time and belong in any era as well. The way the chords transition and create the mysterious aura behind the song is the highlight. The vocals follow in tune, with the chant like style creating the fantastic portal we dance into. It is a rocking, headbanging track as much as something you’d like to put your dancing shoes on for. From the obvious being Doctor Who to shows like NCIS Los Angeles and even Project X could do with a bouncing track like this. It is an impressive showcase of arrangement styles and a rock spine, jumping genres. You can hear more of this kind of music in Grotesque Radio, their 2021 EP. This is a project that is just getting started, so you can expect quite the reservoir of tunes from them quite soon. Follow them for more music on Spotify, and dance to the Dalek Rhetoric!
Thy Veils- Upstream
Thy Veils is a rotating Romanian musical Ensemble plus Daniel Dobobantu. They released their latest single Upstream. It is an eclectic blend of synth and trumpet that will have you in a state of trance. The band is particular about creating an experience for its listeners and audience at their live shows. The track begins with a siren-like call from the Trumpet that beacons you to lend your ear. The song has a Mediterranean touch, owing to the blend of percussion sprinkled with the chiming from the tambourine. Upstream evokes a canvas full of vivid colours and images. Upstream feels like you are in a boat floating on a Bioluminescent lake, below the stars, in a tranquil state of mind. There is still a touch of turmoil within this song owing to the drum beats, adding a sense of seriousness to it. A film that plays with calmness in moments of sheer chaos and danger is Lucy. For a layman’s eye, it feels as though Johanson is calm, but if you look close enough, she plays with a plethora of emotions. Upstream feels like the camphor the film needs for it to shine brighter. It would do so well in adding to the nuance within a scene, especially at the climax when we are just about to lose Lucy. Thy Veils draws from the elements that surround us to create a tangible listening experience. You can see this in nearly every song. Their sense of spirituality keeps up with modern-day musical sensibilities which is a refreshing concept.
Kahnin- I am 5.6.4.3
Kahnin might be an Icelandic music legend. Little is known about the island country, by the mainstream Western culture obsessed world. Sure, Eurovision made it popular, but not all artists are behind that genre. Gudmundur Jens Gudmundsson is Kahnin, a stellar performer and a sorcerer behind instruments. His latest single is called I am 5.6.4.3. Apart from the unique title, almost everything else is just as unique about this song. Kahnin creates a flowing, rhythmic chord progression for the chorus that floats into your third eye, for eternal existence. Not only are the melodies well curated, but there is a natural state of being they flourish in. His vocals, like a country singer, are untouched by production and sound real, melodic and great. In the song, he might just be a number, but he is kept alive by the humanity in him. If it is the sentience of this humanoid or the ability of Kahnin to tap into this protagonist, I don’t know. I honestly couldn’t have heard a better translation of something so poignant through such simple sentiments. Transitions from verse to chorus and the bridge all unite as one, in almost a singular state of flow. I could view this being used in Equilibrium, with the Orwellian dystopia on the brink as an undertone. With the easy flowing sound, it would be interesting to find a contrast within a scene, or understand the depth of a character as well. You can listen to Kahnin’s immensely popular tracks like Stardust, Satellite Boy and Highball Chaser among others to truly explore the booming career of this artist.