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.
Alec Berlin-Patchen Avenue
Alec Berlin can personify any place with sound. He has done it with his unique, vocal like approach to compositions. Each song has a different tonality and aspect of musicality to it. This is the title track from his popular EP, Patchen Avenue. Another guitarist who has this unique ability is Eric Johnson. Each of his songs actually sound like the music he makes, Alec Berlin has the same soul to his music. With a bluesy ring to his guitar, Alec makes a tantalizing composition that has a light marching percussive quality to it. Around this, he makes a simple, ringing chord change. There are some strong alternates to the lead, bringing you down different parts of the lane in Patchen Avenue. It is like he has a direct wiring to the place and completes the soul search with this booming sound. The soaring, joyful sound is accented by the wailing guitar sounds in the far background. The exceptional production work allows every part of Alec Berlin and his guitar voicing to be heard and understood. This is where he excels in his sound and performing capability, bringing the house down with arrangements that stick in people’s mind forever. Another listen, another playlist. This sound would have been a perfect interlude piece in Boyhood, or even in one of my favourites, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It is as fun as it is deep, almost a sketch of the lane and the happenings. Alec’s sound is something that is enviable, and has grown to be more unique and signature to his sound. We expect to keep hearing exceptional compositions from him. Till then, follow and listen to his brilliant compositions here!
Alec Berlin - Beat Confabulator (All Night on the Floor)
Alec Berlin's latest release will take you a couple of plays to truly appreciate it. Beat Confabulator (All Night on the Floor) is a hybrid of progressive jazz and alternative rock. It is groovy, it is tight, and most importantly, it is meticulously written and produced. The guitar riffs boast of overdriven octave tones amidst a hairy bassline that compliments the drummer's groove. Beat Confabulator is progressive at its core. With one section seamlessly blending into the next, it is sure to keep you banging (your head) all night on the floor. The production quality of the music is noteworthy, with pristine highs and deep pulsating lows. The compressed tonal characteristics of the soundtrack work well with the dynamic range that the track presents its listeners with. Berlin's music is centred primarily around his guitar. His gritty guitar tone cuts through the mix like a hot knife on butter. The New york city artist has proved once again that when it comes to the six strings, he is sure to turn a few heads. In addition, the upbeat and in-your-face nature of the soundtrack would work well as a score for any dramatic chase sequence which incorporates a number of twists and turns in its narrative. Movies like Rush Hour and TV series like The Walking Dead come to mind.In conclusion, Beat Confabulator (All night on the floor), is a must-listen for fans of progressive music. Especially if you're a blues/jazz guitar player who likes it dirty. An excellent piece of articulate songwriting venturing into the realms of prog and psychedelia, Alec Berlin has proven why he is a true maestro.
Alec Berlin - Space Punk and Other Junk
Alec Berlin's latest album, Space Punk and Other Junk is a 54-minute-long masterpiece comprising 12 tracks that exhibit his exceptional music production skills. The album's mix is impressive, with each instrument sitting right in the stereo mix, and it serves as an addition to the Ohio-born artist's knack for fusing his jazz roots with modern progressive songwriting. Alec Berlin has been tearing up stages of all sizes in NYC for quite a while now - ranging from intimate downtown venues all the way to Radio City Music Hall. Space Punk and Other Junk is the next exciting addition to his roster. Diving deep into Space Punk and Other Junk "Space Punk" sets the tone for the Jazz Rock record with its guitar riffs that are so well thought out that you'll jump for that repeat button from the get-go. Following this, “Man’s Best Friend” opens with a captivating acoustic guitar rhythm, which is a departure from Berlin’s usual style. Beat Confabulator (All Night on the Floor) is a hybrid of progressive jazz and alternative rock. It is groovy, it is tight, and most importantly, it is meticulously written and produced. A soothing, relaxed vibe is felt instantly with a song like LaNoise. It propagates a scene that would be depicted as a lazy Sunday afternoon, having a simple conversation... "Minir Maad" is a song where Alec Berlin details a documentary as a traveller through the Arabian Peninsula. while "Patchen Avenue" is a bluesy track, Alec makes a tantalizing composition that has a light marching percussive quality that asks you to breathe with it. The album's final track, "ROYGBIV," is a piece that ventures into progressive jazz territories and hints at what Alec has in store for his fans next. Berlin's album boasts a well-crafted sonic landscape with its rich sound textures and production techniques. The drums' compression and the utilization of the stereo field are impressive, and the overdriven preamps add warmth and depth to the sound. The guitar solos in each track are well-executed, showcasing the musician's mastery of his instrument. A Hot Serving of Jazz Folk Rock from Cleveland Guitar Hero: Alec Berlin According to a previous press release, “After more than two decades as an in-demand sideman, Alec Berlin has made an album that combines his love of concise pop-rock songwriting with his expertise as a guitarist. Berlin describes Space Punk and Other Junk, his fourth release, as “instrumental singer-songwriter music. These songs speak the vernacular of concise pop-rock music, so you’d expect them to have words. But it’s instrumental music...” The album's genre-blending and diverse sonic palette make it a great fit for movie soundtracks. The high-energy tracks would be perfect for action or sports films, while the slower ballads would work well in more emotional or dramatic scenes. Two movies that come to mind are "Baby Driver," directed by Edgar Wright, and Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy," directed by James Gunn, both of which featured eclectic soundtracks that blended different genres and styles. In conclusion, with Space Punk and Other Junk, Alec Berlin has established himself as a talented musician and producer in the global indie music scene. He released his debut record, a collection of original jazz called Crossing Paths, in 2000, and followed up with a pair of vocal-based pop and rock records – Beauty, Grazing at the Trough in 2007, and Innocent Explanations in 2012. The album is a must-listen for fans of jazz-rock instrumental pieces, and its unique blend of genres is impressive. Berlin's background as a musician, including his work with Green Day and his three previous albums, adds depth to his creative portfolio, and his fans can not wait to see what he has in store after this exhilarating fourth LP!