The Driving Test
A Musical Car Ride
Whilst we would love to give every album/EP/single a full indepth review,we are only human and don't have a time turner so we aren't able to give every release the time and attention it deserves.
In the past that would have ment that we either reviewed a release or we didn't, but now we have a third option, a middle way.
The solution here has been a simple one. Rather than review individual artists' CD's at length, we play them one after the other on a long car journey. The simple listening test is: "are they bearable in the car - interesting, enjoyable, not distracting". This may not be how the artists want us to hear their work, but it's how a lot gets listened to for the first time and at least raises awarenes! The rating system is simple and provides a shorthan for reference.:
Ronan Conroy - The Slow Death of the LoveMyth ****
http://www.ronansconroy.com/
Dark and gothic indie vibes infuse the latest release from Brooklyn-based artist Ronan Conroy, featuring ethereal vocals from Julie Dicterow, Shannon Brown and Susan Hwang. The album is an impressive melting pot of influences that all blend together, most notably the goth rock sound of the 80s and 90s. There's something incredibly rich in the sonic amalgamate, so while this is a somewhat intense experience, it's bewitching to the extent that you'll find yourself keen for another listen. The highlights here are Double Helix which opens the record, and a fantastic cover of the Lana Del Rey track Dark Paradise with vocals from Conroy. AJ
Electric Beauty - Electric Beauty ***
http://www.electricbeautymusic.com
This self-titled release is the debut album from the Minneapolis based trio of Charlie Pine, Jim Tollefsrud and Wayne Hasti. Having played music together on and off over the years, they finally decided to properly join together and get something in the can. Their music is quite difficult to describe, with some classic influences at play, and it has an almost timeless quality to it that could have it fit almost any decade from the 70s on. The songs never outstay their welcome, and there's a real brevity to the album. While it's a pleasing listen, there aren't any songs that really stand out or stick in your head, though Sacred Cow is probably the highlight with shades of Bowie and Pink Floyd to it. AJ
Brian Willoughby - Twiddly Bits ****
https://www.craigandwilloughby.com/
2022 was the year that instrumentals albums made a comeback and this one could be considered that something a little bit specially a little bit different. The former Strawbs front man has produce and album that's almost a perfect road trip. This is not a put your foot down on a long journey album, this is a get off the beaten track and explore album and there is so much to explore. Part solo, part recorded with partner, Cathryn Craig, part recorded with guests, "Twiddly Bits" takes you on an emotional journey built around the delightful nuances of the guitar and a wonderful moving journey it is to. NK
Arthur Coates - Trapdoor To Hell ****
https://www.arthurcoates.com/
It's said that the devil has all the best tunes, something that seems to be reinforced by "Trapdoor To Hell", the latest cut unleashed by Shetland fiddler/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Coates. Since releasing his debut album "Focus" is 2018, it's fair to say that Arthur has been pretty prolific, perhaps fuelled by building his own studio in January 2020. "Trapdoor To Hell" is a melting pot of traditional and contemporary folk styles. Predominantly fiddle lead, this combination of instrumentals, songs and dance tunes really deserves to be listened to. I've deliberately separated and dance tunes there as some have been designed to play to your emotions, whilst others are clearly designed to link brain and feet, watch that accelerator there. NK
Brendan Monaghan - Light From The Light That Never Ends ***
http://www.brendanmonaghan.com/
"Light From The Light That Never Ends", is Brendam Monaghan's first album in four years, following up on "Unbroken", and clocks in at ten tracks plus four bonus cuts, a practice I still don't really understand, they're either on the album or their not. What I do understand is good song writing. Monaghan wears his influences very much on his sleeve, drawing on the under-rated Irish showband tradition, that's every bit as the American Songbook. Brendan also happens to be the owner of one of "those" voices, consequently there are elements of this album that would seem particularly suited to enjoying with a partner, in front of an open fire, with a decent glass of red. NK
Galvezton - Persevere ***
https://www.galvezton.com/
Galvezton, is the current non-de-plume of Texan singer/songwriter/poet, Robert Khun. As the moniker suggests Khun is very much flirting with the Americana, country styles and as the inclusion of the word poet in his description suggests, there is more to "Persevere" than that. There is a lot of life experience to draw on here, highs and lows, good times and bands. Sometimes you feel that he's just thrown them at a song and recorded what sticks, the result is quite thought provoking and I love being challenged by an album. The title suggests that you need to make an effort with this, I concur. If you are looking for instant gratification, look elsewhere. NK
Diane Patterson - Satchel Of Songs ***
https://www.dianepatterson.org/
Californian Diane Patterson, has been performing since 89, both as a solo artist and in a number of bands, some side by side. She's toured with the likes of Ani Difranco and yet has somehow managed to not ping my radar in that time, music can do that. Difranco, is probably a cheap and easy reference to Patterson, sharing a love of activism in her material and a rough cut edge that chops and dissects at issues in song. Most of the songs from the satchel have environmental and spiritual overtones to them, but never feel preachy or holier than you. There's a subtle roots backbeat that keeps the whole rolling along, worth checking out. NK
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
Folk Friday Radio
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