Guru "Jazzmatazz II The New Reality" (1995)

And we are back with the second installment of the legendary Guru's solo career records, "Jazzmatazz". This second record takes of where the last one left, giving us another helping of socially conscious Hip Hop fused with a current of Jazz that feels natural and organic. Its a chilled out record that doesn't try to push any new boundaries, but create a collection of enjoyable tracks within the parameters of the two music styles joining together. It has the same strengths and weakness as its predecessor, which wasn't much surprise, but did pull out some better numbers without changing the formula.

Just like before the production builds from a traditional format of samples and drum loops with a pallet of jazzy sounds and instruments that include guest musicians who contribute inconsistently as some numbers rely on samples, and others on live musicians, ie "Respect The Architect" which has pianist Ramsey Lewis gently painting the entire track with feel good keys, adding a steady variety over the repetitive beats. The inconsistency between ideas probably contributes to a varietal, richer listen in a record that has a fair few distinctive beats, but mostly its the instrumentals that take the light, rather then the guest musicians who include Brit Jamiroquai and Reggae singer Ini Kamoze.

With a fair collection of strong instrumentals Guru's presence is calming and laid back, which is fine but often his rhymes and presence on the track drift into the background as the messages and lyrics he convey are delivered in his typically one dimensional flow. Guru's tone and flow is steady but lacks an excitement or spark that leaves much of the lyrics out of mind. Theres plenty of positive messages and social commentary, but none of it packs a punch or a thought to ponder, and although the message is a good one, its delivery is tame. Overall its a collection of warm jazzy beats and mediocre rapping thats exemplified on "Count Your Blessings", where Guru tells his story of developing a positive outlook, expressed without any resolve or understanding that can be gravitated towards. I'm not hating on Guru, I like his style and hearing him flow, but here its an aesthetic enjoyment, more so than being at the mercy of his words.

Favorite Songs: Living In This World, Looking Through The Darkness, For You, Nobody Knows, Respect The Architect, Young Ladies, The Traveler, Choice Of Weapons

Rating: 5/10

First Aid Kit "America" (2015)

Considering their album "Stay Gold" was my favorite record of 2014 its no surprise I got excited for more with the announcement of this short EP back in January. I set myself up for disappointment with this 4 track release which offered just one new song along side a humbling cover and two alternate takes from the full length. Extended plays are a two edged sword, either a shorter concept or a collection of outtakes, in this case in was the latter.

The opening track is a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's classic "America", a gracious cover of which Klara's comforting voice elevates the originals quieter moments in a honorable cover that expands on the original, yet doesn't have the same charm, as you could expect most covers to do so. The next two are alternate takes with weaker backing tracks that don't sound or feel as fleshed out as the album versions and fail to offer much more other than a softer alternative to the powerful songs. The new song, Brother, is a humble poem of family and staying close that has the two singing over very gentle guitar and soft keys before climaxing with some beautifully sung Swedish lyrics, a nice touch to hear them sing in their native tongue.

Overall its a small collection of b-sides that wouldn't amount to much in comparison of a full length, but the cover and new track do have the First Aid Kit charm and will be returned to time and time again.

Favorite Song: Brother

Rating: 3/10

Carnage "Dark Recollections" (1990)

In the mood for some oldskool Death Metal I scoured the Internet for something new and discovered this cult record hailed as a "forgotten classic". Carnage are a small unheard of band from Växjö Sweden who, in their short lived career, released this one full length album on the legendary Earache records. Judging from their band photo the group were young and very much into the trending Death Metal scene which was to peak in this era with some fine records of which the tone and style is comparable to this. The group was founded by Michael Amott of Carcass, who after dissolving Carnage would go on to form the highly successful Arch Enemy.

"Dark Recollections" is a dark and dingy record. With low tonal guitar sounds in their infancy, the dated mixing becomes apparent as serious volume is required to hear the depth of whats going on. With the decibels raised the record holds up well considering the era and size of the band, its an impressive mix despite their being a nonexistent span of sound in the mid to mid-low range on the EQ. The low guitars have ripped, crunchy texture that masks the bass with its low end sound, the drum kit is well represented in the mix and despite not having a big sounds it does well to bring some brutality into the fold. The vocals are raw, gruff shouts and screams that are mixed above the rest of the instrumentation, with a flash of reverb they have a now "classic" vibe about them, as much retrospection will do.

The guitar riffage is the main focus and has a Post-Thrash feel in its faster moments, with slower grooves and guitar techniques that are distinguished by lead breaks that follow atonal, chromatic principles, giving the record its "death" feel beside the aesthetic. Theirs plenty of good riffs, often highlighted by the drumming which breaks up the flow, crashing in with symbols alongside the crushing guitar chords to transition between riffs. It remains on the lighter side with kick to snare tempos that occasionally dive into a blast.

The records given some break out moments by lead guitar solos that are often short in nature, sounding fantastic with a vibrant tone, but technically immature, a few hammer-ons and harmonics thats given its spark by tone and excessive reverb. There's one moment in "Torn Apart" where a dark synth is used before a lead solo, its a nice injection of mood that unfortunately is only featured on this one track. Although a couple of other bands experimented with Death Metal and synth (Nocturnus), it sounds like it could of worked for them too. Great record with a good aesthetic and musicianship, often reminding me of Entombed's "Clandestine". Good memories.

Favorite Tracks: Torn Apart, Gentle Exhuming, Outro

Rating: 7/10

I Built The Sky "Intortus" (2014)

Australian guitarist and one man band "I Built The Sky" dropped this EP, his second release, in early 2014. After enjoying his debut self titled it was mandatory to seek out more of this talented musician. Intortus is a short record extended with a few demo versions and remixes of the title track. Of the seven or so tracks that make up the main bulk of the listen there are a few ideas at work here which collide with one another from track to track. Its an inconsistent listen, but overall a positive one that certainly would of not lived up to a full length with the contrasting ideas and incomplete package. A couple of tracks had no conclusive progressions and fade outs that give an unfinished feel as well.

The record opens up with "Fibratus", an exotic introductory track with xylophones and soft pianos keys that loop as Djenty drumming builds up some atmosphere alongside dramatic piano chords and growing instrumentation. Its a unique track thats pallet of instruments disguises the instrumentations direction, if played on the guitar I'm sure it would sound like a regular track, but the change was warm and a highlight. The next four tracks play out the heavier and lighter side of his sound in an aesthetically pleasing, yet musically unremarkable way as each track works through a singular idea with expanding riffage that never strays far from the original idea before fading out. The record then takes a dark turn as "Undulatus" dives into dense Djent tones and pure polyrhythmic force as chugging riffs power into a massive break riff with alien hammer ons upping the anti in the background. Its followed up with some ripe string slides in between the heavy chugging that sound like laser bursts. Great track.

Between a couple of good tracks their is some pleasant filler thats nowhere on par with the debut record. A lack of consistency or direction really held this one back from amounting to something. With a couple of memorable tracks to cherry pick it has something to offer, but little as a complete entity.

Favorite Tracks: Fibaratus, Undulatus, Intortus

Rating: 4/10

IGORRR "Hallelujah" (2012)

Hallelujah! Every now and then a record passes you by that fills a void, scratches an itch, cures an ache and expands your musical senses. French musician Igorrr serves up a lavish helping of truly Internet era music where musical sounds spanning centuries of time and culture are stitched together in blasphemous perversion of maelstrom noise abuse. Its a blessing to the ears of one who wonders from the darkest hells of depravity to the uplifting, effervescent wonder of our longest surviving musical creations. To hear such bi polarizing expressions dance together is mesmerizing, and on Hallelujah we are blessed with the maturity and musical vision to unite and mold music that leaves no impression of an experiment. In an age where information is available at the touch of a button it is no surprise that such borders are broken down, as time or travel can not hold us back from exploring the music and culture of our world, present or past.

On this record Igorrr is essentially a break-beat musician working with sharp and dense loops that are cut and composed at breakneck speeds. Glitchy, intricate patterns dizzy away with memorizing levels of detail. Lots of strange, electronic noises jump in and out of the beats which chop themselves over and over until at times they sound like buzz waves. Its an impressive compositional assault which guides these songs through its contrasting sampling that ranges from the Classical / Baroque era, to Black and Extreme Metal. How it all works still feels mysterious, as the songs effortless move between graceful melodic string leads into punishing, evil blast beat frenzies as guitars and drums pound relentlessly. Its in the dizzying glitched out break-beats that Igorrr perverts the gracious and paves the way to darkness with increasing schizophrenic cuts that twist and move the musics tone with pitch shifts and rapid sampling that keeps the listener on their toes.

Despite a continual onslaught of heavy drums and sampling, the record sounds crisp and well rounded. Beyond its aesthetic the tracks excite with their constant shape shifting and on edge progression. The occasional screams and operatic leads fit in well but these songs feel like they unravel without a plan or design, something I feel is a strength, but may hold this talented musician back from achieving more with an already delightful new sound. The relentless nature of this record did have me questioning when I might tire of it, but so far its been a consistent pleasure, one I feel comes more from the contrasting sample choices, more so than the dark twisted core.

Favorite Tracks: Damaged Wig, Absolute Psalm, Corpus Tristis

Rating: 6/10

Papa Roach "F.E.A.R" (2015)

Papa Roach are an Alternative Metal group from California, America who have been together for around 20 years now. In my youth I was a big fan of their major label debut "Infest", an album that epitomized the Nu Metal movement. As a relatively unknown band their album was slow to sell on release, but the popularity of its music videos and continual airplay on MTV lead it to triple platinum status over the years. Many songs have been featured in games, movies and popular culture at the time, and thus it sticks in my mind as a big part of my youth. The groups success would decline over the years and after a follow up in 2002 the group switched their direction with 2004's "Getting Away With Murder", moving towards the rising popularity of Emo / Screamo music and changing their image. It turned me off their music, and listening to Infest again can also be difficult, the bands negative, self destructive lyrics don't offer a lot of positivity or good vibes, but I decided to check this one out to see where they are at 15 years later.

I wasn't expecting much from FEAR, but I wasn't going to be disappointed either, they are no longer a band I care much for and I was pleasantly surprised by the opening track, uplifting lyrics, big punchy Nu Metal guitars and a positive vibe. The song itself was simplistic but had a crisp, over polished, squeaky clean sound that worked well for it. The drum kit punches through with thudding base pedals like a Dance kick and Shaddix's melodic vocal hooks tied together well. The inclusion of a Trance like electronic synth brought a lot to the track and raised my hopes of it bringing a competitive edge to their music. From this track onwards the positivity and electronic element seemed to dissolve as "Skeletons" dived into a typically self loathing and moody indulgence of self inflicted pain with no resolve. A few tracks later it became clear the best of this album was over on the first song alone.

Musically the album tired its way through riff after riff, verses and choruses that felt uninspired and formulaic. The guitars riffed out simplistic drop chord riffs and chugging patterns that were dangerously dull, it felt like they just swum around the same idea over and over. Lyrically it got worse, more self destructive lyrics with nothing to offer but an indulgence into misery with no ambition. If the topics weren't a bummer already, the lack of lyrical creativity or expression made it worse, delivering the concepts with unimaginative expressions, very straightforward use of language that made me wonder where Shaddix gets his inspiration from after singing about his self loathing behavior all these years. I don't want to be condescending, but my only way of expressing my thoughts is to say its typically "teenage" in a way I once identified with their debut record.

This album offered a spark in the opening track but quickly descended into monotonous self loathing and uninspired, simplistic music that offered nothing. The super polished production didn't add any character to the lack of depth and a strange, short appearance from Royce Da 59 left this one with a sour taste.

Favorite Track: Face Everything And Rise

Rating: 2/10

Sithu Aye "Invent The Universe" (2012)

Sithu Aye, pronounced see-too-ah is the name of this young Burman guitarist who is currently residing in Scotland where he performance and produces lively, jubilant uplifting Progressive Metal similar in style to pioneering acts like Animals As Leaders, Gru or Periphery, taking the Djent metallic foundations laid down by Meshuggah in a melodic direction, showcasing some of the best young talents in modern Metal guitar shredding. Sithu brings us an indulgent record of appealing tracks with plenty polyrhythmic grooves, audacious guitar leads and solos, airy synths and a helping of acoustic flair. This spacey themed record was instantly gratifying as a fan of this musical direction Metal guitarists are taking.

Sithu brings us into the record gently with ringing guitar notes and climactic strings that transition into glitched electronic beats concluding with the introduction of the guitar with its first Progressive riffage as the programmed drums and soft bass power us into the rhythm guitars impressive cohesion with the lead, expressing some layered ideas before momentary electronic glitches throw us into an adventurous, empowering guitar solo. From here on the album crusades through riffs and leads before brining in some bright reverb soaked acoustics to jam with a tight bass and drum groove. It sets the tone for whats to come and alongside a continual evolution of guitar work some lighter electronics decorate the outer layers of the music with subtle layers and rhythmic amplification best heard on the beginning of "Baryogenesis".

Each time the record plays through its a delight, passages of progressive unraveling riffage and tireless soloing that feels inspired every time. Theres a few grabbing moments where Sithu's riff's and leads strike a nerve but mostly he stands in a shadow cast by his counterparts in the scene. Without bringing anything distinctively different a lot of this falls in a comfort zone, but its one of positivity as the quality of his expressions are easily approached for fans of this melodic Djent style thats evolving. The production is equally impressive with the inclusion of electronic instruments, but as always the drum machine can be left. Sithu opts for a lot of tight breezy rolls and fast pedal blasts that feel mechanical and stiff as a lack of volume randomization amplifies the perfection in timing. Terrific record, a lack of surprises but a genuine talent, one I will be following closely.

Favorite Tracks: Grand Unification, Expansion, Recombination

Rating: 6/10

Karl Sanders "Saurian Meditation" (2004)

"Saurian Meditation" is the first of two solo records by multi instrumental musician Karl Sanders of the prolific, ancient Egypt inspired, Death Metal band "Nile". For the average listener this record bares no resemblance to the bludgeoning sounds of Nile's music, but for those who hear the cultural mysticism between the blast beats and growls will know this record draws from the same inspirations.

The music is rich, ripe with cultural instruments and sounds that illustrate a vivid folk music we associate with ancient Egyptian culture. Scuttling Sistrums, tambourines and Tombaks narrate rhythms of pace that roar with the crash of giant cymbals as guitars, lutes and lyre's pluck affluent mystic melodies in eloquent, lively soundscapes that takes you to the ancient times of past in a manor so vivid your imagination needs little fuel. Images of mortal gods, serpents, hieroglyphics, seas of sand and the pyramids are painted with sound.

Not so much can be said for hooky melodies or grooves, this is not a theme or hook for modern music to execute ideas with. These songs are moments, passages that sway, contract and expand as Karl expresses ideas relevant to the times hes inspired by. The result is substantial, a brilliant work of music that resides inside itself, never conforming to modern musical ideas and exploring the ancient mystic world through cultural instruments and rich musicianship that pulls together songs from lush layers of sound flowing in unison. Theres variety in the ten tracks that make the record up and the final track brings in a distorted guitar leads in the Nile tone that sees a dark song climax with a distant roaring solo to end the record on a high and pay tribute to his band as this journey ends.

Favorite Tracks: Awaiting The Vultures, The Elder God Shrine, Temple Of Lunar Ascension, Whence No Traveler Returns, Beckon The Sick Winds Of Pestilence

Rating: 7/10

Dusted "When We Were Young" (2001)

Dusted is an English duo consisting of producers Mark Bates and Rollo Armstrong of Faithless. I was turned onto this, their debut record, by a friend and was originally under the impression this was a soundtrack, due to a movie of the same name. I now know that its unrelated but this record actually played out like a soundtrack with many slow, chilled out, carefully crafted numbers that can shift moods and grow into big moments. It all came together like the setting for a tale to unravel and if anything, is the soundtrack to imagination and the power of music that is of the craft and subtitles this record posses in great quantity.

The opening track here sets a bright and warm tone for a record that in its chilled out nature will invoke good vibes and set a pleasant atmosphere of positivity and relaxation. With a traveling baseline groove and plucked melodic guitar strings the gentle, downtempo drum loops guide us into a warmth of sweeping strings and random electronic noises as the pace thickens like a rising sun, its rays of warm light arriving for the first time. With a memorable start the record it makes no strives to pick up the pace or jump into anything advantagous as it strolls through track after track, delivering chilled out, relaxed numbers that each deliver their own moment in between lush orchestration of layered sounds. Theres plenty of variety beyond the soothing electronics and steady drums, "Time Takes Time" introduces some graceful lead vocals and "Always Remember To Respect Your Mother" builds around stunning youthful choir leads that inspire greatly.

The album shifts gears with "The Biggest Fool In The World" as the tempo perks up with a big clap in the loop for a grooving moment in an otherwise chilled out record. As things progress we dive deeper into the Dusted world, continually exploring new territory with each step before climaxing with a dazzling piano number that ends the record with a lasting impression as the pianos descend into a wall of reverb. Overall its a breezy, carefree ride through chilled out music of craft and design, a concept played out brilliantly that unravels like the soundtrack to your imagination and inspiration.

Favorite Tracks: Childhood, Always Remember To Respect Your Mother, Oh How Sweet, Under The Sun

Rating: 7/10

Russian Circles "Empros" (2011)

American three piece instrumental Post-Metal group Russian Circles are a band I'm new too, having enjoyed their most recent record "Memorial" I decided to go back and listen to their previous record, the bands fourth. Like before I found a strange sense of passing immersion in their music which is powerful, moving and has a momentous gravity about it, but when the record wasn't playing there isn't much I could recall. I believe this is a reflection of their musical approach, no hooks or cheap thrills, not even straight forward melodies and leads. Its an unconventional approach to melody and noise which is not unfamiliar, but on this record their dive into momentous noise and sound is one of progression, atmosphere and cascading distortions.

Compared to "Memorial", "Empros" is a darker, grittier atmosphere, rough around the edges rhythmically aggressive on its darker tracks like the opener "309" which progressed into a primitive assault as the bass and drums pound out a crunching militant groove under expanding, noisy guitar ringing reminiscent of Godflesh in the "Streetcleaner" era. After this track the album takes a more melodic accent, yet with harmonious, cleaner notes ringing out, there is an underbelly of rumbling distortion from the bass and massive atmosphere from the drums that continually layer sound into the mix that goes beyond timing and groove, the crashing symbols and rolling toms expand the atmosphere into darker regions.

Unlike a lot of music, Russian Circles don't leave you with a hook or melody stuck in your mind, and its this I gripe with. Every listen has immersion, as soaring noisescapes expand and contract with dramatic enormous guitar tones, but the riffs are reactive to the moment, and never formulated to fit a structure or progression. Its impressive and remarkable in its own right, but the years and years of traditional verse chorus music has made it harder to re-imagine in the mind, and thus I find I never have an itch to put it back on. If anything I think its a reminder to diversify more often. I think this record has a fair amount to offer, but my aforementioned gripe has me wondering of its value to me.

Favorite Track: 309

Rating: 6/10