If These Trees Could Talk "Red Forest" (2012)

If These Trees Could Talk are an instrumental five piece Post-metal band from Ohio, USA, who in 2012 released this, their second full length album. The five forge grandiose ethereal soundscapes with a dreamy and melodic sensibility that gives birth to a rich, indulging and relaxing listening experience across the nine tracks of this album.

With 3 guitars alongside the drums and bass Trees's sound is as expansive as it is immersible. It true Post-metal fashion they build rich and progressive atmospheres with the layered instrumentations of the 3 guitars giving them a lot of depth on the melodic front. The bass is somewhat quiet, usually plodding along behind the guitar leads, which do steal the show, however the bass's presence would be missed if non-existent. The drumming is terrific, being ever present in the songs and providing excellent structure, they never steal the show yet are a powerful part of the atmosphere.

From start to end there are plenty of varied moments, but Trees doesn't push the mold or try anything out of its comfort zone, which is quite fitting for their sound as it feels somewhat "complete" within itself. This is a very mature record with an immersible quality to offer. The aesthetic is warm, and slightly muddy. Theres no need for over the top squeaky clean production here, the instruments are given that room to bleed into each other slightly and it compliments the music well. Great record, hoping they will have another record out soon.

Favorite Tracks: The First Fire, When The Big Hand Buries The Twelve

Rating: 6/10

Rollins Band "The End Of Silence" (1992)

This is more than music, this is therapy for those who didn't know they needed it... Rollins Band is the group of Henry Rollins, former front man of legendary Hardcore group Black Flag, and this, their third album, was an unforeseen break through to the mainstream earning them rotation on MTV during the Alternative era. The End Of Silence is a powerful record, raw and provocative Blues wrapped in a powerful, Hardcore, Metalic aesthetic provides an invigorating, inspirational and emotional listen every single time. This is for lifting to your arms ache, running until your knees shake. This is about dealing with it all.

If you are familiar with Rollins, then it will be no surprise the subject matter of these songs are heavy, emotional, introspective experiences as Rollings puts himself under the microscope with brutal honesty. The pains of life and death are embraced wholly here as Rollins dives into his personal torments. His voice is phenomenal, lets make one thing clear, Rollins can barely sing a note, but his scream, his shout, his energy he forces out is monolithic. Here is a man bearing all, giving everything hes got. Both live and on this record, hearing Rollins preform is overwhelming, its as if there isn't a drop of energy left in his body to give. His scream on Just Like You, "My body is scared by age, now you get to taste my rage", Gives me goosebumps every time. Rollins is a blues singer, working out his issues through the music. His honesty has taught me that there is no shame in pain, and you must deal with it to grow.

The three that make up the instrumentals have a charismatic chemistry that provides the perfect soundtrack to Rollins's intense vocal presence on these tracks. Weiss's bass pounds and grooves in unison with the rhythm section, with a fuzzy, raw sound that can provide a memorable and impressive lead (What Do You Do). Cain's drumming is dynamic and versatile, bringing rocking grooves and maintaining intensity and rythmic groove during the slower bluesy parts. Haskett's guitar approach is an integral part of the bands sound, with his charismatic licks and leads, Haskett has forged a bluesy lead sound so unique and unmistakable. It edges between Blues, Hardcore Punk and Metal, but ultimately is its own sound and brings a real emotional connection with Rollins output. This album is 72 minutes of hard hitting, emotional, intense music that digs deep in the mind. "Life wont break your heart, It will crush it".

Favorite Tracks - Low Self Opinion, You Didn't Need, What Do You Do, Another Life, Just Like You.

Rating: 9/10

The Smashing Pumpkins "Gish" (1991)

The 90s is probably my favorite era of music. The Alternative movement, the birth of Nu Metal and the peak of Hip Hop are three I'm very fond of. Its never ceases to amaze me how much wonderful music was created in this decade, and my latest discovery is The Smashing Pumpkins. I thought for now it would be fitting to talk about there first album, which I first heard this album some time ago. It has taken me some time to appreciate their genius, but now I find myself addicted to a sizeable portion of there rich discography.

Like many of the greats, the Pumpkins have a genius to there sound that muddies the lines we draw to define how bands are supposed to sound. Theres elements of Rock, Alternative, Grunge and Metal that has an almost Gothic tinge to it. In this blurrinesses of influences Pumpkins create a unique identity. I personally feel like a big part of this comes from the downplaying of the guitars, D'arcy's bass is often pounding over the top of fuzzy guitar riffs that could easily be high energy Metal if played in a louder, crisper setting. Its this approach that give the guitars a more melodic vibe and subtle energy that gives them their edge.

The drumming is thoughtful, subtlety moving from fast upbeat tempos with explosive snare rolls to quiet atmospheric pace setting where the songs dictate. The guitars are charismatic and explore many melodic and energetic moments throughout the record. The bass is warm, bold and loud, which I really enjoyed as bass presence can often be overlooked. Billy's voice may not be to everyones liking, but it grows with time at proves to be an emotional outlet that is an important part of what makes it work. Pumpkins are the complete package who over time grew as musicians. This record proves they had it from day one, theres no filler here and plenty of memorable moments to enjoy.

Favorite Songs: I Am One, Rhinoceros, Bury Me, Crush, Snail, Tristessa

Rating: 8/10

Busdriver "Perfect Hair" (2014)

I picked up this album after a positive review from Needle Drop. Instant satisfaction, despite this being an unorthodox Hip Hop record I found it easy to listen to. Both the beats and Driver's flow are eccentric yet so approachable. Upon researching Busdriver I've learned this is his 10th album, the experience and maturity of an artist who's being doing this for 15 years explains the unusual accessibility of such a quirky sounding record.

Driver has a fantastic approach to his verbal articulation, he's got a charismatic energy that shines as he switches between rapping and singing in a effortless and unpredictable fashion. He accents his words with a bold character that gives him a voice that stands out loud. His chaotic flow can be difficult to follow throughout this record, but the tone and style he has speak volumes over the lyrical content itself.

The production is as interesting as the vocal entanglement. Jittery beats are accompanied by some varied instrumentals that have hard and dreamy synths that the drum kicks cut through to great effect. The themes and vibes of these tracks vary well from start to end, yet i find myself attracted to the collaborative producers tracks rather than Driver's, with the exception of "Retirement Ode" which has a synth lead the same as Lord Lovidicus's "A Quest For Silmarlils", pure coincidence of course, but i felt compelled to mention it. All in all a fantastic record which i am throughly enjoying.

Favorite Tracks: Retirement Ode, Ego Death, Upsweep, When The Tooth-Lined Horizon Blinks

Rating: 6/10

Limp Bizkit "Significant Other" (1999)

 

Limp Bizkit could well be described as the champions of the controversial Nu Metal / Rap Metal era of the late 90s/00s. At a time when MTV was still pushing alternative music Bizkit exploded into the mainstream with this, their sophomore album, topping the billboard charts on the back of hit single "Nookie". Bizkit's monumental success was fraught with controversy (Woodstock 99) and not long lived with line up changes hurting their forth effort in 03. Despite selling 40 million records worldwide they have been a love / hate band with front man Fred Durst a controversial figure often at the center of attention. I picked up this album around Christmas of 99. I was torn between Fatboy Slim's "Living Through Chemistry" and SO, which could of been a bitter disappointment, but luckily I made the right choice. Teenage angst is often cited in a negative light as a big part of Nu Metal's success, but 15 years later I still enjoy this record and appreciate what it did for me back then. At an emotionally torrid time while first discovering the world of music, deep bonds are made, I'm thankful that I've held onto them.

On SO Bizkit find their purpose and identity, evolving from the aggressive, bouncy Nu Metal outfit into a group with an immediately identifiable sound. Borland's guitar work is on a new level, pumping out phat, grooving riff after riff that gels with Otto's slamming drumming, which has a rhythmic Hip Hop quality. Rivers is always there as the glue holding the songs together and occasionally taking the lead (Re-Arranged). DJ  Lethal (once of House Of Pain) adds an extra dynamic to their sound with not just scratching, but choice samples that play well into the songs. Borland's riffage on tracks like Break Stuff is unforgettable and a huge part of what makes them so, but Durst is probably the most important part of their success.

Durst's style and attitude made him a figure of attention, his pursuit of celebrity status may have contributed to their success but it also made him a love/hate character in the eyes of many. His lyrical style is easy to attack, Durst is not the greatest of rappers and far from it, however what he brings to the table is the hook. Durst has an uncanny ability to write catchy, memorable lyrics that despite at times being cheesy and goofy, are universally relate-able. Everyones had one of those days, and "Everything is fucked, Everybody sucks" may not be deep, or poetic, but its relate-able, and thats his charm. He can also sing, has a fantastic scream too, and is the special ingredient along with Borland's riffs that gave Bizkit an explosive, original Nu Metal sound that captivated a generation for what now seems like a brief moment. Significant Other is the album that made it happen and I will forever treasure it as an important record that helped opened the door to a world of music for me.

Favorite Tracks: 9 Teen 90 Nine, Trust?, Nookie, Break Stuff, Re-Aranged, Nobody Like You

Rating: 8/10

Guru "Jazzmatazz I" (1993)

In my exploration of Hip Hop music I'm somewhat bemused that I missed this record. Guru being one half of legendary Gang Starr, the fusion of Hip Hop and Jazz being a favorite of mine, this record somehow managed to elude me until recently. On this record Guru lays out an interesting approach to the fusion, brining in other established and respected musicians in the Jazz scene such as Donald Byrd to accompany him on the record. Initially I anticipated the Jazz aspect to take a bigger role in the direction of this record because of these collaborative artists, however it turned out not to be so.

The Hip Hop formula is prevalent here with drum loops, samples and verses carving each song into 4 minute tracks with the commonplace verse chorus formula. Many of the Jazz instrumentals feel sampled or looped, with only a few spare moments for the guest musicians to take the lead, not quite what i initially expected, but certainly not a problem, this is an enjoyable record, but one that utilizes the vibes and styling of Jazz into the Hip Hop mold.

Guru is average by his standard this record, theres many enjoyable verses and moments throughout, but nothing that quite sparks and sticks in the mind like some of his raps with Gang Starr. Theres also a great guest appearance from French Rapper MC Solaar. Despite not understanding a word he says, his voice and flow are indulging. The shine on this record comes from the beats and relation to the Jazz element, with the memorable tracks made by the instrumentals. Overall a very enjoyable fusion of to style I'm fond of, but far from being anything exceptional.

Favorite Tracks: Down The Backstreets, Le Bien, Le Mal

Rating: 6/10

Tim Shiel "Duet" (2013)

Tim Shiel is a musician and radio DJ who's music I picked up for free on bandcamp after a recommendation from a commenter here on the blog! Electronic can be such a broad term for music, as can Ambient, this is a Ambient Electronic project with a similar feel to C418, however despite some similarities Tim yields his own memorable vibes and soundscapes that i am continuing to enjoy.

Duets is an absorbing listen, a record that can sit in both the back and foreground of your mind, its gentle and relaxing, yet intricate with a sense of detail. The melodic leads are poised in a balance between being the focus, and being part of the atmosphere. The rhythm section his is nicely arranged with many variations and details, sometimes making effective use of wobbles and harsher sounds that splice between the gently crafted rhythms.

This album has an array of passionately engineered sounds and beats composed together with care. As a whole it comes a little short with a couple of the tracks falling behind the mark set by the more memorable tracks on the record. In its best moments its an indulging listen, but at other times its a bit tame. I look forward to hearing more from Tim in the future.

Favorite Tracks: Theme From Duet, Nay, Exchange, Arete II

Rating: 6/10

Arcturus "Sideshow Symphonies" (2005)

Arcturus are a highly respected outfit from Norway who pioneered their own Avant-Garde niche in the Black Metal scene. Starting out with more traditional elements they quickly evolved into a unique and energetic, chaotic showcase of intelligent and deep musicianship that delivered some classic and unforgettable progressive records that have had a resounding impact on my personal experience with music. Their Avant-Garde fusion of Symphony, Black Metal & Electronic styling has been legendary, however this album has been considered a miss by many fans and critics, and for me it is their finest hour. Where other felt they had "toned it down", for me, it was a sign of artistic maturity and an appreciation of powerful and subtle writing.

Sideshow Symphonies nine songs seamlessly drift through an astral journey with absorbing, atmospheric compositions crafted through the subtle and layered music. At every moment in this album many small and detailed elements paint a bigger picture. Whirling distant synthesizers, bright pianos, crunchy guitars and paramount leads, all gluing together effortlessly, with many moments in the album bringing different instruments to the forefront. The album sounds crisp and lush, with the subtlety of the instrumentals being the key element here. There is no competition between any of the instruments. Hellhammer's drumming is sharp as ever providing a strong, yet creative backbone for these songs to reside in.

With all thats good to be said about the instrumentation, Vortex's vocal leads steal the show. This man has a stunningly melodic and honest Scandinavian voice. On the track Demonpainter he brings a lead on another level thats unforgettable. I've had the pleasure of seeing him sing live a few times and there's no studio tricks, its raw talent, and its utilized well on this album which has been a favorite of mine for years. Every time i listen its all to easy to get warped up and lost in the wonderful Sideshow Symphonies masterpiece!

Favorite Track: Demonpainter

Rating: 9/10

The Underachievers "Cellar Door - Terminus Ut Exordium" (2014)

Hip Hop has changed, like all music it evolves over time, and for many fans of the golden/90s era the change is not embraced. Being a 90s fanatic this record gives me faith in its direction and makes me wonder where other acts like these are at. So who are The Underachievers? I have no idea, I picked up this record after hearing about it from the Needle Drop. With this being a modern record I was keen to listen in the hopes of finding something interesting and fresh, and this certainly was to my ears.

When it comes to rapping in Hip Hop its taken a backseat in recent years to the beats, and this record is no exception. AK & Issa are no rap gods, but there not half bad either, they both have a similar approach with fast and fluttery flows that can drift in and out focus with comprehension being a struggle at times. Either its the recording or mixing, or a bit of both, but at times it can be a bit fuzzy. At the same time their vocal style and recording really plays to effect when its done right, with the two dropping some decent verses in places. When it comes to hooks they know what they are doing, theres plenty of catchy ones throughout.

What makes this album shine for me is the beats, and in a way the production too. It's far from being a finely tuned and polished record, theres many muddy moments and inconsistencies, but it all works for effect. The sample selection is choice, accompanied by choppy momentous hi hats, crisp claps and snares and a subtitle bass presence, they build some great tunes with a fresh feeling about them. From track to track this album moves through many moods, from dark and paranoid (Chysalis) too uplifting and ethereal (Felicity), it keeps the listen enjoyable with much variety on display. This is a very enjoyable record!

Favorite Tracks: Luminescence, Caprice, Incandescent, Metropolis, Quiescent, Felicity

Rating: 7/10

Messenger "Illusory Blues" (2014)

I had the pleasure of catching this new emerging band at the union chapel in London supporting Casualties Of Cool. The setting was quite beautiful sitting in the pews of the communal church, the atmosphere in there was rich and absorbing and I found myself captivated by the harmonious aura their performance brought fourth. It didn't take me long to realize this was something special. Immediately after the show was over i headed to the merchandise stall to buy myself a copy of their album. Since then its been stuck in my CD player, and in my mind.

Messenger, and this album, have come out of nowhere to deliver us some exceptional Progressive music thats reminiscent of the great acts, from Floyd to Opeth, Porcupine to Genesis, there are influences to be felt in many moments, but through the similarities, Messenger really hold there own here. On this record they drift through many different musical passages with a strong melodic hold accompanied by some grandiose, honest vocal leads that resonate through the songs. Theres everything from dreamy, ambient passages, to heavy Zeppelin-esque riffs and its all beautifully bound together through some great musicianship, song structure and a great sense of melodic progression.

The icing's on the cake here. This album offers a lot to take in for the listener, and after many spins i am still absorbing much of the layered instrumentation. The recording here is befitting with no noticeable issues, however there are a few distortions i suspect where for effect in the heavier, riff oriented moments. This album is exceptional, i am liking it more with every listen and very glad i had the pleasure of seeing them live.

Favorite Tracks: The Return, Midnight, Somniloquist

Rating: 9/10