Mittwoch, 25. Februar 2015

City Of Ships - Ultraluminal


There is one thing you can surely say about City Of Ships' sound: It is massive! The heavy rock trio from the United States will release their third record "Ultraluminal" in about one month on Golden Antenna Records.

Who would've thought that only three people can produce such a solid wall of melodic noise? Call it post hardcore, alternative rock or melodic rock - what matters most is the bulletproof character of City Of Ships' tracks. The songwriting is always on point and puts relatively easy structures into a heavy and melodic uniform. Eric Jernigan's vocals seem to be the perfect fit for this brand of rock music as he shows a versatile approach in staying on top of a sonic monster. Tunes like "Preeminence" are stunning examples of the group's sound which could be located somewhere between old Swervedriver and monumental Amplifier hymns.

"Ultraluminal" will be available late next month. Until then you can stream some older tunes on Bandcamp or the first single below.

Montag, 23. Februar 2015

Jakob Sørensen - Bagland


"Bagland" is not only Jakob Sørensen's new record, it is also the name of the quintet that the danish trumpeter is leading. The group is completed by Alex Jønsson on guitar, Mathias Jaeger on piano, Frederik Sakham on bass and Frej Lesner on drums.

The cover art above pictures a lonely and rainy setting and a mood that is perfectly captured on this record. At one hand this sound is exactly what you would've come to expect from a scandinavian jazz group while at the other hand "Bagland" is certainly more than just a cliché. The album contains eight original compositions by Jakob Sørensen who is also opening the record with some beautiful notes in "Vindeltrappen". The steady flow of the track and its great development of melodies makes it really special. On other tracks like "Forandringens Fortivlelse" the band shows a more playful approach with different rhythms and improvisations. "Something Pretty" is another song to watch since it features some haunting melodies and a rhythm that is carried by a dynamic bass - all clothed in a calm and peaceful vibe. And there is certainly nothing wrong about feeding off the dreamy and melancholic nordic sound tradition, especially not if you do it in an exciting fashion like this.

Get more information and streams on the group's homepage.





Donnerstag, 19. Februar 2015

Jazz Spastiks & Rebels To The Grain - Tapes


The Jazz Spastiks from London have really made a huge impression on the recent Hip Hop genre with "The Product". On the latest single the producer team collaborated with rap duo Rebels To The Grain from Los Angeles.

The two MC's Cheddy & MP, who also host a radio show named Breakbeats & Rhymes, are doing an excellent job rapping over a solid beat as you would expect it from the Jazz Spastiks. "Tapes" is a track that flows through throwback Hip Hop vibes with great rhymes and some serious cuts.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Mittwoch, 18. Februar 2015

Child - Child (Vinyl Release)


Formed in 2012 the Melbourne-based blues trio Child released their debut record about one year ago. The selftitled album quickly caught the attention of Bilocation Records and will soon be a part of their impressive vinyl roster.

It's always nice to see what artists are able to create for themselves out of the simple blues formular. Child's approach is characterized by heavy and fuzzy sounds, stripped down arrangements and some psychedelic vibes. You won't find any fast tracks or stomping rhyhtms on this record but a band that creates a uniquely floating brand of gritty blues. A trippy sound though no special effects are used and an average playing time of seven minutes though the tracks show pretty simple structures - doesn't sound like an easy thing to accomplish but this band is definitely getting it done in a stunning and mesmerizing way.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp and the vinyl right here.

Dienstag, 17. Februar 2015

The Jazz Jousters - Locations Series


This might not be the first time that the Jazz Jousters' Location Series is mentioned on this blog but since I'm having problems catching up with the group's output level I decided to wrap it up a little in this post.

On their journey through huge record collections the international producer group collected various jazzy samples, sorted them by location and released them on Millenium Jazz Music. So far they made stops in Japan, Brazil, Italy and just lately in Germany. The laid back vibes of the records are available on cassette and via digital download. Listenig to the tracks you will notice that the focus still remained on producing solid beats - so this is more than just putting a kick and a snare behind some stereotype-like sounds.

Get the records and streams on Bandcamp and be aware that the Jazz Jousters' trip has not ended yet.

The Kandinsky Effect - Somnambulist


The last album by The Kandinsky Effect "Synesthesia" already showed the great potential of the trio's sound. The successor "Somnambulist" was released a few weeks ago on Cuneiform records and is another stunning trip into an exciting and rhythmic brand of jazz.

It's hard to say which instrumental approach impresses the most. The dynamic and steady drum grooves, the atmospheric saxophone sounds or the bass that does just about anything from simple patterns to beautiful harmonies or distorted notes. The important thing is that it all comes together in the tunes of an original and innovative band. On "Somnambulist" you will find this creative blend on a total of 12 compositions. Jazz is or should be a highly progressive genre - The Kandisky Effect are surely one of those few groups that  truly carry this tradition.

Get the stream of the title track on Bandcamp.

Sonntag, 15. Februar 2015

Praise Poems - A journey into deep, soulful jazz & funk from the 1970s


Who other than the south German label named Tramp coul be behind a title like this one? There is probably no one who could collect those tunes better than the Tramp crew.

The name of the band on the first track says a lot about this compilation: Warmth. There might be  still some uptempo tracks on this one (and some of them like Bobby Stroup's "Wait For Me" are simply priceless) but the main focus remains on soulful tracks with warm sounds and soothing vibes. And there is one thing you will surely find in every song - a nice and steady groove  You will also discover instrumental tunes, jams and melancholic moods on this release. On tracks like "Alone Again" or "Carefree" you might sometime wonder if the singer is actually hitting his notes correctly - even if the answer might be a no, somehow those tracks grow easily to be one of the favourites through their original character.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Samstag, 14. Februar 2015

DJ Inko - Carnibal 012 EP


The latest Carnibal Records release is all DJ Inko sounds and why not dedicate a complete EP to the Greek master of latin remixes?

The digital release features four brand new tracks that display an incredible combination of beats and latin/cumbia samples just like his label mates Panama Cardoon, Hammond Classics or Monetrik like to do it. Maybe it is not the time of year yet but make sure you save these tunes for your summer vacation or any moment you might need some uplifting sounds to dance to wherever you are.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud.




(make sure you check out all the links i've put in this post if you're enjoying this one)

Freitag, 13. Februar 2015

Jess Locke - Words That Seem To Slip Away


Early March will see the new release of the new album by Melbourne-based singer Jess Locke. "Words That Seem To Slip Away" was recorded in a minimal fashion which apparently did not affect the beauty of Locke's folk compositions.

The two preview tracks "Change The Sheets" and "Riding A Dead Horse" showcase some nice songwriting, great harmonies and a melancholic character. There is a certain trance surrounding her songs that can easily make you forget whatever it is that you are currently doing and put you in the same calm moods.

The release will be via Lesstalk Records + support from Art As Catharsis where you can stream both tracks right now.

Donnerstag, 12. Februar 2015

Smokey Angle Shades - Shades Of Joy


London's Smokey Angle Eyes are the smoothest blend of country and soul sounds that currently walks the contemporary music landscape. After their recent take on a Jimi Hendrix tune the new album "Shades Of Joy" is now out on Impossible Ark Records and available on vinyl and digital.

There are great vocal harmonies, some nice rock licks and a beautiful vibe going through all 11 tracks. It's all captured by some impressive and on point songwriting. It shows in the simplicity of the songs - it's about finding the exciting and little things in an otherwise standard song structure you've heard so many times before - and let me just say that this band is doing an incredible job at this.  Thus it is really hard to pick one standout track to feature below. Still I won't let the gospel/country character of the opener "Empty Carriage" fool you (though it is a great tune) - from bluesy soul tracks like "Everybody Knows" to uptempo acoustic rock tunes like "Had About Enough" - you will find it all on this record and it will grow on you in an addictive way.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Adam and Cuth - The Look Up


The London Hip Hop duo Adam and Cuth just released their brand new single on Hillman Mondegreen's (Ephemerals' guitarist) label .

"The Look Up" is a strong and honest Hip Hop statement with a grimy character and well produced beats. There is a soulful thing to the groups sound that is put into some serious vibes. The B-side features a Jimi Needles remix of a Colemine Records classic "Even More Better" by Tough Junky - so no Adam & Cuth going on there but still a great track to have.

Get the record on Mondegreen's Bandcamp.

Mittwoch, 11. Februar 2015

Introducing Philophon Records


The Berlin-based label Philophon Records is the newly founded project by Max Weissenfeldt who will use this platform to release some great and soulful music.

Before the first full length album by Anax Dryander & His Polyversal Souls will drop later this year you can already get an impression of the label's sounds on three brand new singles. Each record features a talented vocalist from Ghana. Guy One, Alogte Oho Jonas and Jimmy Taylor (aka Roy X ; son of Ebo Taylor) show their individual approach to deliver some great vibes via reggae rhythms, rap, soulful vocals or dynamic brass sections.

Get more informations on soundcloud or listen to one of the clips below.


Nick Sanders Trio - You Are A Creature


Just a few days until pianist Nick Sanders and his trio will release their new record "You Are A Creature" on Sunnyside Records. It marks the group's second album and features some exciting jazz tunes.

The overall very young trio is completed by Henry Fraser on Bass and Connor Baker on drums. Don't let the name and coverart lead you in a wrong direction - this music is a lively brand of jazz that moves through all kinds of moods and rhythms. Still there is a straight forward approach in their style that leaves you with entertaining tracks and great dynamics. Unfortunately you can stream only three tracks online but they will still get you a nice impression what is about to come. Later on you might discover incredible slow tunes like "Room", the dynamic title track "You Are A Creature" and a song like "The Blessing" that features everything you could ask for a midtempo piano jazz composition.

Get the stream on Bandcamp.

Dienstag, 10. Februar 2015

The Meltdown - Better Days EP


There is another high quality 7" on its way on HopeStreet Recordings - and this is just some incredibly beautiful soul music. The Meltdown is a soul band based around singer Simon Burke and saxophonist Lachlan McLean.

The record starts with its lead single "Better Days" which might be one of the best soul tracks you've heard in a while. All doubts should be removed the moment when Burke's vocals kick in. Both musicians have roots in the country genre which show here and there though the dominant character of The Meltdown has to be the smooth and brassy old school soul approach. All this combined with some accurate songwriting will get you three great and originals tunes.

Get the full stream on Soundcloud and free download until the release on February 23.

Montag, 9. Februar 2015

Fulgeance & DJ Scientist - The Soviet Tape Vol. 1


The two producers and music collectors Fulgeance and DJ Scientist collaborate on the latest feature of First Word Records roster "The Soviet Tape Vol.1" for one of the most exciting beat tapes your will hear in a while.

The record features 21 tracks and guest appearances by Blu, Open Mike Eagle and DistantStarr. Yet the main thing about this one still remain the beats which are built on samples of old soviet vinyl records. And you probably couldn't find a better personnel to put these sounds together. In each track you can hear the precise work of Fulgeance and DJ Scientist how the beats are carefully constructed and clothed in a gritty and funky outfit.

Get the stream on Bandcamp before the release next week.

Sonntag, 8. Februar 2015

régresser - .2


After releasing a full speed hardcore record earlier last year régresser from Australia are dropping their second record which appears with a slightly different approach.

The intensity of the music stayed the same but this time it is packed in two tracks that combine for almost 20 minutes. There is a certain calmness in both songs that is conradicted by threatening dark atmospheres. Somehow you just know that those guitar harmonies are bound explode sooner or later and that is exactly what is happening. Régresser build an incredible tension that unloads in heavy riffs and harsh vocals. Every tune is a dark trip through beautiful and yet disturbing moods with a monumental ending.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 5. Februar 2015

ChillxWill - Almighty


The new ChillxWill album finally dropped on Ill Adrenaline Records. "Almighty" is the third full length record by the Tacoma-based MC.

The track "911 (Platoon Remix)" gives you the chance to get an impression of the sound on this one. It features an incredible old school vibe with rough beats, great rhymes and a second rhyme by BriskInTheHouse. What's not to like about rap music like this? It's that simple and old approach to the hip hop genre that takes some incredible talent and skill to get it done properly - ChillxWill's definitely showcasing that he's got it in him.

Get the stream of the single on Soundcloud or get the album in any kind of physical form.

Dienstag, 3. Februar 2015

Peace Creep - Peace Creep


With their brand new selftitled release Peace Creep from San Francisco will surely become your next favourite punk rock trio. The band draws inspiration from all kinds of rock styles and developed a unique and rough sound on a total of 6 tracks on this EP.

It all starts with the incredible opener "Control Yr Crime" that moves with an intense pace through different moods. The punk rock character in Peace Creep's sound blends with all kinds of heavy rock genres and is probably what people should be talking about when they mention the term alternative punk rock. Tracks like "Radio Free Alcatraz" are building on great tensions that are often unloading in massive jams. It's an exciting brand of high energy rock'n'roll music that you should not sleep on.

Get the stream on Bandcamp.

Montag, 2. Februar 2015

Best Of January '15





Aaron Goldberg - The Now


Through numerous releases Aaron Goldberg has gained the reputation of a top class jazz pianist and his brand new album is definitely living up to the expectations. "The Now" features a classic trio line-up with Goldberg being accompanied by his long time companions Reuben Rogers on bass and Eric Harland on drums. The music on this record is simply beautiful constructed; finding a nice balance between song-like structures and on point improvisations. And this is what this album is about: capturing a certain moment in time, the now. Goldberg's jazz approach creates a new mood and character each time a song is played depending on how and when it is performed. But as much as this album might be called a  musical snapshot in time it is also a timeless brand of jazz that moves through different vibes and rhythms; presented by a group of playing with a great sense for harmony and momentum...more








 Memory Man - Broadcast One



Though you could already listen to a lot of Memory Man's works on his Bandcamp he has just recently dropped his debut record "Broadcast One" on Chopped Herring Records - and it's a huge one. The DJ from Texas features some incredible MC's on this album like Edan, Prince Po, Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, Busdriver or Open Mike Eagle. This concept hip hop record was seven years in the making and a few beats and rhymes in it you will know that it was worth it - bringing together old school rap vibes in a modern outfit...more






Myles Sanko - Forever Dreaming


"Forever Dreaming" marks the first full length album by british soul man Myles Sanko. His 2013 EP "Born In Black & White" already proved that you can expect good things from this talented singer and songwriter. As a soul fan you probably won't experience a lot of spectacular surprises but what you will find is a top class soul album with everything you could wish for. Uptempo tunes like "Shooting Star", slow ballads like "Where We Need To Be" or jams as in "Take A Look At Me Now" - it's all there.  There's also a lot of positive energy flowing through every track on this record which makes it such an entertaining one...more









Jake Xerxes Fussell S/T Debut


Just a few notes in Jake Xerxes Fussell's preview track off his upcoming album and you can already tell that you're listening to something special. Who would've thought that the way how he is picking the strings of his guitar and his singing in "Star Girl" might ever sound so refreshing? On the one hand this is due to boring trends in country and folk music. On the other hand it is due to some incredible talent. We're talking about a traditional folk approach that is deeply rooted in the North Carolina territory and what could easily become one of the finest things you might have heard in this genre in a while...more






Hey Mister! - Rocket Summer


Hey Mister is a three piece rock band from Toronto that released their recent album a few months ago. Think of all the aspects you like in a positive punk record and you will find it in "Rocket Summer". The Riffs, the speed, the vocals - it's all there. The danger of creating song structures that sound predictable is eliminated by the fact that almost every track ends before the two minutes mark. Thus on a total of 14 songs this album will stay with you just a bit over 20 minutes, but since we're talking about very entertaining 20 minutes I bet that you couldn't care less; just keep hitting the repeat button...more




  

T Bird & The Breaks - Harmonizm


After a lot of smaller releases it is nice to see T Bird & The Breaks releasing a full length album again. The funky ensemble from Texas dropped "Harmonizm" a few days ago and again it's nothing but great soulful music and cool vibes. Heavy funk grooves or sweet soul vibes, you will surely find it on this one. The blend of traditional approaches and a kind of modern way how to do things especially on sound production works perfectly on this album. Yet the best thing about this group still remains the positive energy in every note they are playing. Tunes like "Justine" or "Ain't No Sugar" will surely put a smile on every listener's face and a certain pep in their step...more
 

1/6 & The Public Opinion Six 7"


The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra is not only one of Australia's top afrobeat ensembles - it is also home and starting point for some interesting side projects. Thus on a brand new 7" single you can hear singer 1/6 rap on side A while Lamine Sonko's vocals appear on the B-side featuring the groups incredible rhythm section.

So after all you will still find some stunning afro grooves on this one only clothed in a slighty different style. Listening to "Cosmetic Love" and "Jappo" you will notice that both tracks are actually build on what is more or less the same instrumental motif though with a different approach in vibes and musical genre. Really something that will make you look forward to the complete groups full length release next year.

Get the record at HopeStreet Records or stream on Soundcloud.