Kelsie Kimberlin - Clumsy Girl
Clumsy Girl by Kelsie Kimberlin is a cautionary tale towards latest release, Clumsy Girl, is yet another exploration into the pop experimental genre
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
The Lowtones-Radio+Front Row Empty
The Lowtones bring a grace to rock that was lacking. With phenomenal instrumentals and a will to intertwine their melody into everything, what they create is a universe in their pocket. They have an intense energy that is as vivid as the fervour their melodies have. This is their single Radio & EP Front Row Empty. Their single came to be known as their breakout track. There are several, visible reasons why. It is an alt-rock resurgence that went missing for quite some time. With each chord being gripped on to, the soul is visible and someone you can meet. Oozing with personality, it feels like a live band should, with plenty of dynamic changes. It is by a long mile, very unique from the kind of sound they had a year ago. It is pulsating, vibrating with a new energy, and bodes for happy, symphonic beginnings. As we move into their EP, Let Go has a texture that Joy Division or The Cure gave in their music. It is a redefinition of a part of history we should have never missed. Now it is our present. With an incredible drum groove, Funeral is the second track. It is a perspective of death, the spirit and a tale that is as unique as it is entertaining. There is a vibrancy in this contesting contrast, giving a salute to the age of radio. Alone might be an illusory facade to disco, but read the book instead of the cover. It lives and breathes New Wave, creating a complex spiderweb of tones, in various depths and tones. There is a prophecy The Lowtones create a melodic miracle with Near Misses. It shows the dynamism of a band that can rock when it wants, be on a roll otherwise. There is a lovely kiss to the past with their music, something that you feel lacking in the textural depth of what is heard in the mainstream. This is one band I would love to see live, to feel alive. Understanding The Lowtones isn’t that complex, however. They are just a band that traversed time and really loved what a generational sound felt and sounded like. Bringing their own edge to it, they now create little pockets of heaven to escape into, for a while. You can hear this kind of music in any mood, the waveforms just become a part of you. Their debut might be with the self-prophecy, Breaking Out, but they actually have now. Local legends in Norwich, UK for sure. I would have loved to hear this series of music being integrated in a show like Mr. Robot-where dystopian realities marry human complexities. You can hear their music and splendid energy with their single and EP. Don’t forget to follow them for more incredible music!
Inanna - Pandora
The latest offering from indie artist Inanna, "Pandora," is an ethereal soundscape that blends mesmerizing beats, haunting melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. The LA-based activist and artist showcase her skills as a singer and environmentalist, crafting a mesmerizing future-oriented piece that speaks to the heart of environmental activism. Named after the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, beauty, war, and fertility, the artist presents a fresh new approach to songwriting. The song opens with a haunting chant that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Inanna's voice is delicate yet powerful, creating a sense of wonder and awe as she weaves together her enchanting soundscapes. The beats are both ancient and contemporary, with Middle Eastern influences blending seamlessly with more contemporary VSTs and experimental alt-pop sounds. Inanna lends her voice to the future of nature, calling for reverence and empathy towards the Earth and all its creatures. She speaks to the heart of environmentalism, offering a message of hope and possibility amidst the chaos of our time. Inanna just dropped a killer new single! The production of "Pandora" is top-notch, with Joshua F Williams skillfully crafting a soundscape that complements Inanna's vocals and ethno-alternative sound. The song is atmospheric and experimental, transporting the listener to a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. The haunting melodies, intricate beats, and thought-provoking lyrics come together to create a cathartic spell that leaves a lasting impression. The song reminds us of fantasy movies set in the backdrop of magical forests. For example, "Pandora" could be a great fit for franchises like Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson. Overall, "Pandora" is a testament to Inanna - the musician, belly dancer, environmentalist, and animal advocate's talents. The song is a contemporary and innovative piece of music that speaks to the heart of environmentalism while simultaneously offering a message of hope and possibility. With its carefully crafted atmospheric soundscapes and equally melodic sections that highlight the singer's unique vocal texture, "Pandora" is a must-listen for anyone interested in alternative pop and experimental ambient music. Inanna is the next big thing in LA's underground indie music scene.
Blueburst - Vanish
Blueburst is a new alt-rock band 30 years in the making with a sound that harks back to the post-punk era. The brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, Blueburst's music is guitar-driven and alternates between atmospheric soundscapes and pounding riffs. Collaborating with legendary musician Marty Willson-Piper, Blueburst has released its new single "Vanish". "Why are we the ones who have to care? Why don't we just vanish in thin air?", Blueburst questions. The latest release from the band is upbeat and speaks about themes of coming to terms with reality. Reverberating chorus tones on the guitar chords builds the foundation of Blueburst's iconic 80's alternative sound that they have recreated ever so beautifully decades later. "Vanish" is a standout track that showcases the band's unique sound and lyrical potential. The song starts off with a reverberating guitar line, and the energy level of the song mostly stays high throughout. The tightly woven drums and bass provide a driving rhythm that propels the song forward, while the guitars provide a range of textures, reminiscent of post-punk. Willson-Piper's contributions are especially noteworthy, adding layers of melody and harmony that give the song greater emotional depth and complexity that is often missing in modern rock. An ode to Post Punk Miller's vocals are gritty and passionate, conveying the sense of disorientation, anger and confusion that is at the heart of the song. In addition, the song presents a sense of adventure that is requisite for intense film scores. The sonic resemblance to the 80s makes it a suitable candidate for music in movies like the Back to the Future trilogy. The lyrical direction may allow for it to fit in a dramatic context in films like Good Will Hunting. "Vanish" is an impressive track. The soundtrack demonstrates Blueburst's musical talent and songwriting potential. Aside from being well-produced, it's a great blend of old and new, with a sound that is rooted in the past but still fresh and exciting. Fans of post-punk, alt-rock and classic rock will find plenty to enjoy here, and it's clear that Blueburst is a band to watch in the contemporary indie music industry.
Clare Easdown - To The One's I Love
The latest offering by Clare Easdown, "To the One's I Love," is a beautifully crafted piece of experimental electronica that defies categorization. From the first few bars, it's clear that Easdown has poured her heart and soul into this track, blending complex melodies with intricate soundscapes to create something truly unique. The track begins with a gentle, pulsing beat that gradually builds in intensity, drawing the listener in and preparing them for the journey ahead. As the layers of sound begin to unfold, it becomes clear that this is a deeply personal piece of music, one that speaks to Easdown's own experiences and emotions. "Your radio silence is violent...I leave no trace, I am invisible, like the vast nature of outer space," sings the artist. Throughout the track, Jeremy Burns demonstrates a mastery of sound engineering, deftly manipulating the various elements of the composition to create an ever-evolving sonic landscape for Clare's track. There are moments of beauty and tranquillity, punctuated by bursts of raw energy and intensity, all woven together in a seamless tapestry of sound. The best of experimental electronica by Easdown "To the One's I Love" is a track that would fit perfectly into the soundtrack of a science fiction or fantasy film or TV series, such as Blade Runner 2049 or Resident Evil. Its ethereal quality and otherworldly soundscapes would perfectly complement the visuals of an epic space battle or a supernatural encounter. One of the most striking things about this track is the way in which Easdown combines the organic and the electronic, blending the warmth of her own vocals with the cold precision of electronic instrumentation. It's a union of the human touch and modern VSTi that feels natural and effortless, a testament to Easdown's skill as a songwriter, and Burns' as a producer. Overall, "To the One's I Love" is a stunning piece of indie electronica that showcases Clare Easdown's incredible talent as a songwriter and explores her creativity. It's a track that demands repeated listens, revealing new layers and textures with each play. With this latest release, Easdown has cemented her status as one of the most exciting and innovative upcoming acts to emerge from the Australian music scene.