Showing posts with label 7/10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7/10. Show all posts

Thursday 14 March 2024

Wargasm "Venom" (2023)

 

With refined stylistic focus, Wargasm return, honing in on their own antagonizing identity. With additional ferocity, the spirit of a Nu Metal revival is in the air. With Venom, a consistent streak of Gold Cobra era Wes Borland guitar riffs guides their Electro-Punk mania to gratifying bursts of aggression. The duo strip out the genres tired downtrodden spirit, infusing it with obnoxious club drums, dizzying studio manipulations and generalized chaos. Underpinned by an enthused energy fit for the stage, most these cuts play with visions of them tearing it up in front of a lively crowd.

Fred Durst shows up for a massive, bouncy collaboration, making influences clear and known. Its a fantastic endorsement. These big riff songs tend to be the standouts. A string of early tracks lacked these guitar elements and it didn't land the same. When the unhinged rage and jilted grooves collide, this pair are in their element. Later in the record the metallic side gets explored in varying intensities to great enjoyment. I've enjoyed Venom immensely but I'm keen to see them mature and take these ideas further.

Rating: 7/10

Monday 26 February 2024

Applefish "Pale Blue Dot" (2023)

Another champion of Spotify's algorithm, Applefish's astronautical perspective immediately captivated my attention. One for my Temporal Focus playlist, these reflective droning ambiences contrast shimmering Ethereal tones with earthly sounds. From footsteps dragged across a beach, to trickling water or the chirping of birds, most these songs pair natural scenic impressions within suspended swells of lofty ambiguous synths that cast a memorizing calmness from even its tense outings.
 
The aura is impeccable, soft bass rumbles and airy voices drift through its drifting formless presence. Melody is absent, notes arise, groan and sink, yawning on temporal stretches. From dramatic to soothing, these captivating swells all conjure emotions fit for the overview effect its title suggests. Only its final track Return To The Tribute induces a cycling electronic melodic tune, which beaks the magical balance as it sees the record out. Pale Blue Dot has a powerful introspective spell to fall under.

Rating: 7/10

Thursday 25 January 2024

Mnemic "Passenger" (2007)

 
Laying the ground work for this post, yesterday I wrote of The Audio Injected Soul, a now timeless record from the latter of my formative years. Their follow up, Passenger, was passed up upon release. All I recall was a dismissal based on the departure of Michael Bøgballe. Now a maturer listener, I venture back with an open mind.

My first observation was one of confusion. Bøgballe's replacement, Guillaume Bideau, has such similar tone and demeanor that he could be mistaken for the same guy. Singing with mirrored intensities, rhythmic cadences, dropping in snarls and quirky shouts akin to the record prior, he lands a seamless transition for the band.

Passenger can never compete with the immortality of youth. My growing familiarity with this record yields the same emotive stimulus though. At this stage, the iron is still hot for Mnemic, forging another array of chaotic fusions. Chugging jolted grooves collide with passionate dystopian melody across a post-industrial wasteland.

Playing with a touch more sludgy rhythm and distorted dissonance in the low end, the albums production admittedly sounds aesthetically like a minor step back. The prior tightness is lacking, its mostly the drums that feel looser. Guitars lean more towards aggression with a notable tilt in sharp edged riffs and slabs of shunting power chord noise. It aids an overall flavor that doesn't steer far from their established identity.

I'm going to continue chewing through these songs but so far a couple of favorites have emerged, usually where flushes of color and lead guitar compliment a song. Carcass's Jeff Walker drops brief but fantastic demented snarls onto Psykorgasm. Passenger doesn't pull any big surprises but competently builds on what they were known for. I'm gutted we passed this one up, these songs could have easily stuck too.

Rating: 7/10

Monday 22 January 2024

Fred Again.. "Actual Life 3" (2022)

 
Actual Life 3 plays like an emotive snapshot of life passing by. Plainly titled in full with assumed start and ending dates, the candid selfie cover continues a trend in this series. Its an unambiguous touch to illuminates its personal nature. A social intimacy flows, human voices woven into these compassionate expressions, channeled through a dreamy endless night, intoxicated on the club floor. Slick Downtempo, danceable, rhythmic drives power us through warm Ethereal melodies and uplifting nightly energy. Snippets of casual conversation and private exchanges flicker between tender voices singing on relationship struggles with positive resolve. This all feels like a harmonious reflection of Fred's life, illuminating the human connections.

With a steady and gradual building of instrumental intensity, he steers these songs on an organic flow, never static, always inching towards the next subtle shift. Most songs find a swooning swell to amp up the rhythm to a predictable lively climax, yet always gratifying. Its gravitas is one of escape, a seriousness lingers in its mellow passing demeanor. Tensions unwind, providing release and resolve, lingering on a social maturity. Its forty minutes pass an effortless breeze. Fred never overplays his hand and keeps both mood and groove consistent, leaving all its varying degrees of intensity in anticipation of what flows next. Actual Life is one heck of a breezy listen...

Rating: 7/10

Monday 8 January 2024

Dream Widow "Dream Widow" (2022)

 
Birthed as a fictional band through the Foo Fighter's Studio 666 movie, mastermind Dave Grohl brings his youthful adorations to the limelight. An exuberant testament to the gods of Metal, Dream Widow plays as a love letter to Thrash and Heavy Metal. Churned out with a soft tongue in cheek attitude, this self awareness plays keen. Backed by a consistent onslaught of sharp grooving riffs, its evil thematic comes across fun and playful. Dressed up with moments of metallic extremities, the record initially feels edgier, clearly oldskool Black Metal on March Of The Insane before settling into its cruising altitude of mid-tempo Mastodon crooning Metal.

Dave is pretty fantastic at steering his unique musical voice to these comically darker directions. Half the record feels fully committed to sinister theatrics, yet the other melds his Alternative Rock roots in both singing and writing. This is no complaint, the middle ground is entertaining too but after the shock of its full throttle, screaming and stomping opener Encino wears off, its clear this intensity isn't its firm format. When stepping away from the atypical cheese over the top Metal provides, the music sways with delightful inflections of melody, exchanging verse and choruses that compliment through dynamic shifts from rhythm to lead and all expressions between the two. 

Dream Widow is a cracking record stretched between Dave's expectant self and a mischievous, metallic inner child. Ending with seventeen minutes of sludgy hell, Becoming and Lacrimus Dei Ebrius illuminate his genuine understanding of the craft, as cheesy themes give way to sinister mockeries of the light. Ultimately its forty two minutes are a solid listen. Thoroughly entertaining, yet showing these three or so approaches that could of individually been their own beasts.

Rating: 7/10

Saturday 6 January 2024

Hundredth "Rare" (2017)

 

Opening with shiny crimson acoustics, Vertigo croons on contrasting vibes. Its initial Ethereal glaze rubs against a pacey rhythm section. Thunderous baselines rumble, as lively kick snare grooves set a cruising tempo. Swells of overdriven guitar erupt, reveling in their haze of noisy reverberation. Singer songwriter Chadwick Johnson glides in, calming with breezy harmonization, soothing in his softly presence.

Its a chemistry that persists throughout, as this Shoegazing, Alternative Rock hybrid flickers with fondness for a cascade of influences that inspire an inclusive wall of sound production. Forever sounding like a beautiful fever dream, hints of Grunge, Britpop, Post-Punk, New Wave and Dream Pop emerge in subtle suggestions.

Almost all tracks sail with riveting energy. Ebbing and flowing into colorful lulls, dragged by pounding percussion, leaving room to breath and rebound into epic swells of lead melody and momentous guitar riffs. A consistent experience, yielding a monotone expression. Across its forty five minutes its deeply explored yet spinning the same structures in rotation. Fortunately with such blissful energy it rarely tires.

Early on the music feels uplifting and charged with warmth yet as the record reaches its mid point, both lyrics and emotions tilt to darker subjects. Its a subtle shift, a dreary dourness creeps in, the sprint slows. It feels like the same beast yet moodier, as melancholic acoustics drift in and a vulnerability in Johnson's presence grows.

Rare's merits reside on its songwriting and vision. Initially seeming to fit into a familiar umbrella of genres, the record takes on its own memorable character. I do prefer its opening half, the speedy pace a delight that fades into its brooding counterpart. Overall, Rare is a wonderfully engaging set of songs that don't try to rewrite the rulebook but focus on what works and wrap it up into an inspired aesthetic indulgence.

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 3 January 2024

Myrkur "Ragnarok" (2023)

 
Danish outfit Myrkur had a busy 2023. Not only Spine but this TV show soundtrack too. Surprisingly, Ragnarok is the more straightforward of the two. Rocking rural stints of Heathen Metal, guitars frequently drop in with overdriven power chords, chunky rhythms and a touch of Doom Metal lurches. Bruun's Scandinavian tongue roots its viking feeling when in spoken demeanor, her ascensions into charming sung passes feel like a softly symphonic charm to dress up the rather dirty, gritty guitar tones.

Each Metal song alternates with an orchestrated alternative, softer instrumentation, often keyboards, pianos and strings. Odins Sang offers a Nordic folk chant over primitive percussion. For the mesmerizing Modgunns Tema, a different direction. Deeply calming, mysterious and natural, the gentle lonely notes that glimmer in its lingering reverb feel like a tribute to first light over a pristine snow swept forest.

This shuffling variety is refreshing, creating quite a journey. Initially I was drawn to its softer side but the Metal tracks have a charm in their simplicity. The aesthetic is spot on for conjuring pagan visions and rural hardships worshiping ancient gods. Its subtly impressive and a firm reminder of why I'm still interested in what they might do next. Although completely fitting, Ragnarok is still candidly bewitching, even more so Spine.

Rating: 7/10

Friday 22 December 2023

Health "Rat Wars" (2023)

  

Housing four cuts from Ashamed, Rat Wars has been a swift brake in. Retaining their distinct flavor of broody, downtrodden dystopian atmospheres, Health navigate morose and self defeating emotions through the soft, sullen, effeminate voice of Jake Duzsik. Lyrically dark and dejecting, they eerily drift in the cracks of fiery Electro-Industrial pounding. Its inebriating, an alluring chemistry, entrancing and gripping yet on examination, a glum reality composed of crumbling urban sprawl and self abuse.

Many of its thudding kick and bassline grooves feel reminiscent of youthful days, hellbent on escaping ones demons through drugs, enjoying the dance while ignoring the imminent suffering. These entrancing drives of rhythm often feel like falling down a rabbit hole of self delusion. Only (Of All Else) and (Of Being Born) take the foot off the gas, the later sobering up its magnetic march with a grim groan of reality from an earth acoustic guitar to conclude the song. The other explores an acoustic limbo, the plucked strings hold off a frenzy of tense distant synths, ready to unleash in an instant.

 The record is finely crafted, its instruments oozing with texture and intensity, matched wonderfully to serve this nihilistic vision. I fumbled on first listen as Demigods struck me with Deja-Vu. Although not perfectly similar, the same melody can be heard playing out on Old Tower's Moonchamber track. Its amusing how memory works, instantly plucking it out of the darkness. Just a curious footnote for my experience with this darkly persuasive record. Its impressive, will have to seek out more from Health.

Rating: 7/10

Thursday 21 December 2023

Apashe "Antagonist" (2023)

An album of distinction and merit, Antagonist emerges from our times as a triumphant victor of eclectic musical tastes. Transcending obvious machinations, the Belgium musician unites the ages. The tight, bright and snappy percussion of EDM and blaring bass synths walks with Classical, Baroque and Renascence era music. With grace and vision these compositions revel in a found chemistry across two periods. Working in junction with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, songs are fully materialized. No scotch tape sampling and manipulation, these tracks were written for the real thing!

Apashe has a knack for understanding limelight, which elements are taking focus and how the narrative is steered by them. As such, stern strings within a strong symphony imposes powerful emotional sways and dramatic narratives. Hard percussion picks up the slack, allowing for stellar pivots into jolting groove and dance floor drive.

The arsenal is impeccable, from haunting shrill choirs to low-end dirty bass wobbles, all instruments, virtual or performed, have stunning fidelity. A case of fidelity highlighting how well built the foundations of these songs are. Apashe finds his own persuasive voice through this unlikely fusion, a word perhaps undermining of how sweetly this tracks ebb and flow. Chemistry is ever-present, at all degrees of emphasis on the aforementioned genres. I'm fondly reminded of IGORRR's brutal abominations.

Moving with another ace hidden up the sleeve, the thumping kick snares groves have a knack to subtly transform with a Hip Hop sensibility. As such, a handful of rappers pop into the fold at opportune times, delivering energizing verses. He gets a great one out of an aging Busta Rhymes. The record has a lot of guests, with a variety of singers lending their voices. At the mid point this soured a touch with sombre singing on Kyptonite and Rise At Nightfall lacking a connection with the instrumentals behind.

Its a minor blemish on a fantastic outing that revels with a sinister energy in its best moments. More grandiose thematic in nature, I found myself enjoying the spectacle immensely but not developing those deeper connections. Something about its flavor just lacked an infectious edge to wedge these songs in like ear worms. Fortunately, it does nestle in a couple of bangers! Apashe is one to keep a close eye on!

Rating: 7/10

Sunday 17 December 2023

Plini "Mirage" (2023)

 

Pure joy! With no complaints and no surprises, Plini returns on another triumphant roar of Jazzy, melodic, Progressive Metal. Again, five finely curated tracks swell with colorful creativity. His distinct style as a lead guitarist remains firmly intact. Ever exciting and exuberant, a perpetual craft of inspired music pours fourth from its intensities. From slabs of rhythmic Djent groove, to caressed calms of soothing tunes, his music navigates its peaks and valleys masterfully, crooning with fond luminosity.

Mirage has left me lacking words not uttered before. Plini is an artist firmly rooted on intrinsic motivations, servicing the gods of creativity with respect. Every second of this album feels so expressive and intentional, as does most of what came before. For the first time I didn't sense new terrain. Its awe a familiar one, joyous, bright and uplifting yet a familiar friend. I will certainly enjoy this level of output for time to come but mirage leaves me curious as to if this artist has new ideas yet to unearth.

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 1 November 2023

Këkht Aräkh "Pale Swordsman" (2021)

 

Perhaps not a love letter but an embodiment of Black Metal before 94, one man band Këkht Aräkh's retrograde approach is a vivid artistic capture. With both its low-fi aesthetics and raw musical ideals, this project could convince seasoned listeners of imagined early origins. Many of its compositions rehash Burzum and Darkthrone, slipping itself into that era. The later seeming the dominant of two obvious inspirations.

Of course this is a product of our current era. Widespread accessibility and distribution lets musicians peer into the past and examine what might of been. Pale Swordsman adds little to the conversation, the core of its music drawing stiffly from the riffing techniques, drum patterns and arrangements that made the pioneers so unique. Disguising melodies within distortion dissonance, ambushing subtle grooves on top of stark breaks, all housed under a loose incessant rattle of amateur blast beats.

Originality can be found, almost exclusively within its interludes. Sad, lonely, melancholic melodies, these instrumentals conjure a soft dreary romanticism. The tender clean singing of Swordsman steers this into a charming folkish lullaby. Its a character that could have been leaned into, potentially forging a fresh take on old ideals but the two play separated, swaying between one another. An essential listen for fans of the aforementioned but nothing ground breaking, good nostalgic revival.

Rating: 7/10

Tuesday 17 October 2023

S1gns Of L1fe "The Age Of Cymatics" (2021)

 

This entry serves has a marker of discovery, a favored familiar frontier, voyaged by an artist exploring that magical space between distant stars and our imaginations. Cosmic Ambience, as I've come to call it, the space inspired synth style mastered by Dreamstate Logic, which became an obsession last year. Spotify's algorithms has finally steered me on to neighboring territory. Signs Of Life, presumably using the 1s to distinguish the name, provides a welcome hour of lengthy tracks stiring temporal focus, through dense stellar atmospheres that calm and sooth in their droning.

To deter from my usual astral analogies, I'll get direct. Signs has an approach of intention. Its strengths emanate from visible synths arranged with character and purpose. Bustling on looping melodies, alongside sparse glitched percussion, little feels hidden. The craft doesn't linger in reverberations but strides inline with its projections. Although there is an apt amount of spacious echos for its aesthetic, the spacey mood is thrust forth by bold instruments resonating with one another. Airy pads and lofty synths are present throughout but serve more so as a glue.

I also suspect the VSTs behind this sound are similar, with some bass lines and other tones having an uncanny resemblance. Signs also loves the swells of reverb that shift the music into new phases. One can feelsa greater sense of progression and direction changing on these tranquil cosmic voyages. I'm pleased to have discovered more of this niche to add to my collection, its fantastic music for getting in the zone. This too joins the Temporal Focus playlist. Still searching for more!

Rating: 7/10

Friday 13 October 2023

Gunship "Unicorn" (2023)

 

Five years proved a worthy wait, Unicorn returns riding into a surreal synthetic sunset of its own design. Fully focused on fundamentals, the British duo Gunship fine tune their classy Synthwave sound, pulling no new strings and sticking to proven ideals. To achieve this, songwriting must reign supreme. That challenge is met with an impressive cast of musical genius. Returning unions with Tim Cappello and Carpenter Brut prevail again, alongside giants like John Carpenter and Dave Lombardo, once of Slayer. An impressive roster, who admittedly appear on the records stronger tracks.

Its catchiest hooks, the lyrically infectious cadences and tantalizing neon synth melodies, a fruitful yield of collaborative chemistry. A delight early on within its loaded roll out. Vocal variety proves a strength, former Fightstar band mate Charlie Simpson, one of the best fits among a talented cast. The band Health bring keen Prodigy flare to the fold and Power Glove seems the most subdued arrangement given there reputation for lively retro VGM inspirations. Ghost plays a sleepy lull between the energetic dance-floor thrusts of Weaponised Love and Darkness For Dreams.

 In this final stretch the record steadies into a soft groove, arriving with less flash in the pan. Focused on its lyrical manifestations of nostalgic imaginations, the lengthy hour traverses its final temperaments with moody indulgences and subdued flavors. The love of craft and care in handling these inspirations percolates its glossy aesthetic, bowing out with strides for anthemic heights that landed off a little to my ears. Unicorn is a brilliant return. Not a perfect record but seemingly the best of their three chapters.

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 6 September 2023

Potatohead People "Mellow Fantasy" (2020)

Mellow Fantasy, a breezy affair of performative Jazz Hop. Slick in design and execution, the Jazz Fusion adjacent instrumental artistry of this dynamic duo indulges in soft affable tunefulness. One can "tune in and tune out", an effortless listen. A feathery glow blows in the winds of every track, a cushy soothing groove, infusing dauntless jives within an airy carefree stride, letting its plentiful good vibes flow forth.

Hidden Levels breaks its relaxed stride. Injecting a quirky baseline, its harder bass kick thump gets rocking with the arrival of infectious claps. Forrest Mortifee illuminates this track with a colorful timid tenderness in voice, swaying on the songs texture with a breathy performance reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote's Nal Palm. The theme returns twice with both Bunnie and Kendra Dias bringing 90s R&B voices to the fold.

This highlights the albums structure, alternating collaborations with rapers and singers between shorter instrumental cuts. This time, less emphasis is placed on lead instruments, serving more as a slice of cool atmosphere between its voiced chops. Although I missed this dexterous dazzle of melodic manifestation, the bigger picture is a consistent vibe, nailed exquisitely. All pieces present fit this pleasant puzzle.

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 23 August 2023

Lauryn Hill "The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" (1998)

 

As thee lone solo release by rapper slash actress Lauryn Hill, Miseducation's reputation has been cemented by time as a remarkable mic drop. After life in movies and The Fugees, this smash record solidified her reputation. Subsequently withdrawing from the limelight, this remains as her lasting legacy and a record I've been criminally slow to get around too. Doo Wop & Everything Is Everything still stir feelings and memories fresh from my preteen years, a period before the roots of what I adore today was established. Similar to my experience of Puff Daddy's No Way Out, this was an opportunity to step into an alternate past had I gravitated to it at the time.

My nostalgia could have set high expectations but I took this one at face value, for how it felt today. This may explain my lack of affinity with the critical acclaim bestowed upon its meaty eight minutes. Most songs hit the five minute mark with solid Hip Hop beats, embellished by Jazz, Funk & Soul alike instrumental performances to liven up its loops. Sadly, a fair portion of tracks leaned into a dreary sombre tones, reflecting on life's struggles with gospel hardship vibrating on moody expressions. That's not to say these R&B grooves aren't beautiful or stunning in their heavy presence, just a personal mismatch I failed to indulge upon, despite Lauryn's exquisite singing voice.

Early on in the record, we get a few harder cuts. Rugged beats, record scratches and Lauryn pivoting to her raw rapping persona. Delivering tight rhymes with lyrical depth on a firm masculine cadence. Her narratives are mightily written, holding attention for a whole song on her own. That substantive depth is present throughout. Something about her raps cuts the mood, putting them front and center, unable to avert.

Miseducation is also interwoven with two other aspects. Love and a musical tapestry. With interludes between songs, seemingly a teacher talking to a classroom about love, Lauryn seems to grappling with a personal story through this externalization as the students discuss various aspects of the four letter word. The musical tapestry comes with some welcome Wu-Tang samples but also timely lifts of samples, grooves and chorused from well known songs. It gives the whole expression a sense of roots into other artists works. A nice sentiment she pulls of a touch of class.

In conclusion, my many repetitions did not warm me up to the majority of its R&B moods. They dominated its tone despite a healthy variety of textures stretching from Spanish guitar to Gospel church organs. Lauryn herself an impressive creative force, both in the musical arrangements and as a performer, showing off much tenderness in her voice with a strong philosophy of mind backing her personal direction. Well worth the time but not quite a classic for me sadly. Maybe if discovered back in the nineties at an impressionable time, this could have been quite different.

Rating: 7/10

Friday 18 August 2023

Potatohead People "Nick & Astro's Guide To The Galaxy" (2018)

 

 Reveling in the merits of predecessor Big Luxury, the Potatohead People duo, Nick Wisdom and Astrological, return with another Jazz Hop indulgence. Again, the quality of compositions on display set it apart from expectant groovy indulgences of the genre. Sung choruses, guest rap verses and instrument solos break up the looped foundations. The beats are class, slick jazzy moods frequently leaning into G-Funk and dreamy detours as spurts of soft instrumentation and reverb ups the indulgence.

Last outing, guest verses and lyrics illuminated the runtime. This time, its instrumental cuts grab attention as the songs drift with non linear feeling. The core rhythms stand firm but around them breezy Sax solos, dreamy acoustic guitar licks and Jazz Fusion keyboard tones wrap the groove in organic expression. Especially captivating is the closer Rituals. Its eclectic pull of glitched vocals, gritty saw bass and House pianos acts as a closing novelty you could imagine fitting snugly on a 90s Trip Hop record.

Ultimately, its not too dissimilar a project with a similar flow. The pair lean into a more diverse source of inspirations which they wield to fit their mold. The result tips the scales as its interesting assembly of sounds gets to flourish in the spotlight. The beats built for rhymes come rigid and stiff in contrast. The raps contributed by guests Illa J and the like, have less of an impact than before. Either way, its another quality Jazz Hop craft to pluck out some personal favorites from, that I'm sure will last with time.

Rating: 7/10

Friday 28 July 2023

Potatohead People "Big Luxury" (2015)

 

 Cut from the cloth of its era, here lies a Jazz Hop record with distinction. Big Luxury stands apart among a then blossoming scene. Although only catching it recently, an ear is turned for this favored niche. With uplifted spirit and endearing warmth, the duo behind these snappy beats conjure classic feel-good vibes reminiscent of Summer Time and other Hip Hop party hits. Its pacing and staying power arrives through the aid of soulful vocals and conscious Raps, complimenting these infectious grooves.

With a sensible touch, the assembly of percussion, samples and fine instrumentation simplifies in the presence of human voices. On the flip-side, these instrumentals lean into Jazz Fusion ideals with grooving lead melodies to dazzle and delight. Blue Charms echos charisma heard before with Plini, high praise no doubt. This layer of personality above the well executed beats is where the magic lies as a unique Jazz Hop adventure is forged through gorgeous instrument aesthetics crooning on the vibe.

There it is in a nutshell, a brief twenty eight minutes journeying through the traditions of rhyme and rhythm, gracefully detouring to an adjacent sound and doing it with class. Jazzy samples over drum arrangements has been saturated with time but this duo had something deeper to bring to the table. Further exploration is required!

Rating: 7/10

Friday 14 July 2023

Carbon Based Lifeforms "Seeker" (2023)

 

 Thirteen years on from Interloper, now a classic in my collection, I wanted to hear if Seeker retains the infectious charm this breed of spacey downtempo ambient offers. With many consecutive spins, the dazzling repetition of whirling melancholic melodies did not meld to an intensity felt once before. Perhaps the familiarity dulled its impact. Seeker is loaded with wondrous music to inspire awe and astonishment, its astral evoking leading many compositions on a similar trajectory. Humble beginnings gradually bloom into emotional swells contemplating our mysterious universe and the roll we take within in. Far from existential, these emotive arrangements arouse a glorious curiosity, sparking the imagination on a galactic perspective whilst also reflecting inwards, as such incomprehensible scales often stir introspection.

Its aesthetic design and arrangement of electronic instruments is a web of details and intricacies one can get lost in. Timely reverberations and lofty tonalities feed into the themes tapestry. Human voices weave in on rare occasions, often with breathy wordless interpretations and an occasional hint of lyrics. The driving forces are its emergent key melodies and swells of percussion that amass intensity as peaks are summited in a songs climactic pass. Much of this could be applied to previous records yet despite similarity and familiarity birthed from my many spins, Seeker didn't resonate on that deeper level. Its a high bar to reach for and shouldn't deter from the soothing spiritual moods the music stirs. Definitely one for the Temporal Focus playlist!

Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 31 May 2023

Jessie Ware "That! Feels Good" (2023)

 

Following up on the stunning What's Your Pleasure, singer-songwriter Jessie Ware leans even harder into this craft of love. Going beyond a revivalist sentiment, her passionate presence and luminous instrumentals play like a force of infection pulling one into a personal fantasy from a bygone era. These songs ooze with class, as a slick production steeped in attitude. A return to the glory of 70s Disco, Funk and Pop, steeped with a little 90s Dance pianos, House grooves and Daft Punk sensibilities.

The opening stretch has a groovy rhythmic persuasion. A beautiful balance is stuck, inspired words swoon over mighty bold melodies, full of upbeat jovial spirit, striving forth with a dance-able confidence. The theme of empowerment in pursuit of pleasure and indulgence is executed with warmth and compassion. A very humanist oriented energy emanates, painting vivid images of fun social parties and the nightlife bliss.

Past its first five songs, a few tracks hit a subtle difference in stride. It seems 70s cheese and less favorable cliches of that era get a keen focus. Raunchy "wink wink" lyrics, chirpy melodies and quirky hooks paint an interesting picture of bygone trends, reviving them with a lot of energy. Initially, these crude strides turned me off but repetition has worked its charm. I'm still not sold but I can't deny its a brilliant exercise in taking dated ideas and putting on polish, while clearly having fun in the process.

Between those numbers, the music looses some of that opening vibrancy. Perhaps the endless upbeat march is a little much for me. I loved how the previous record moved into theatrical strides with emotive beats, leaning to the melancholy alongside adorning string sections. This effort felt strictly settled on its Disco dance floor orientation. The moody shift of Lightning lacks a spark on the way out to provide that variance. Overall, That! Feels Good has some absolutely brilliant, infectious music but it waivers when leaning harder into its mightily enthused ideas over and over again.

Rating: 7/10

Tuesday 11 April 2023

$uicideboy$ "Long Term Effects Of Suffering" (2021)

 

Following up on Sing Me A Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation, this prior sophomore record has solidified my warmth for this duo. Where the last album swayed in quality, Long Term Effects Of Suffering hits focused! A dreary, creepy crawly mood permeates as slick aesthetics provide the groove and enjoyment. Glued together by themes of personal pains, the sullen, bleak, rain soaked atmosphere sits front and center.

A few tracks offer a slight respite. 5 Grand At 8 To 1, New Profile Pic & Forget It drift into warmer tones with tonal echos of Jazz Hop emerging under its trendy Trap percussion. Then there is Bleach, leaning face first into the flames, embracing the burn, a gritty banger to say the least. Whats left explores a broody melancholy, reminiscent of Emo Rap when wearisome acoustic guitars and glum pianos emerge.

Consistently across its lean thirty minute duration do the percussive arrangements delight. Noticeably apparent on this outing, its snare kick grooves are elongated. Occasionally lethargic and sparse as shuffling hi-hats offer erratic pitch shifting patterns in the space between. Done right here, it challenges the usual 4/4 loop of Hip Hop beats. The cohesion with instrumentals is fantastic despite a strong contrast.

Stars of the show, Ruby Da Cherry and Scrim, offer brutal honesty with their personal struggles laid bare. Its a topicality expected, however consistency really elevated the message. Shared experiences offer relief, forge connection and its hard for their openness not to endear. Last time the stints of braggadocio broke up the flow. This time they forged a fine album that you want to play from front to back each time.

Rating: 7/10