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Releases
Tracey Browne
Album:Every One Is Ordinary
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.teamtracey.co.uk
"Everyone Is Ordinary" was produced by Nigel Stonier, who has worked with artistes from Fairport Convention, toThea Gilmore and Clare Teal. There are guest appearances, from Thea Gilmore herself, from revered roots accordion player John Kirkpatrick, and from violinist Sarah Kemp. Often deceptively simple and shot through with a pop sensibility, Browne's material seems hand crafted to catch those fleeting, transient moments, the times in lives where the axis tilts and the balance hangs... She's direct and honest, and a teasingly memorable phrase or hook is never far away.
Album:Every One Is Ordinary
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.teamtracey.co.uk
"Everyone Is Ordinary" was produced by Nigel Stonier, who has worked with artistes from Fairport Convention, toThea Gilmore and Clare Teal. There are guest appearances, from Thea Gilmore herself, from revered roots accordion player John Kirkpatrick, and from violinist Sarah Kemp. Often deceptively simple and shot through with a pop sensibility, Browne's material seems hand crafted to catch those fleeting, transient moments, the times in lives where the axis tilts and the balance hangs... She's direct and honest, and a teasingly memorable phrase or hook is never far away.
Kyle Carey
Album:Monongah
Label:Self released
Website:http://www.kyleannecarey.com
There is a real and rare elegance to the music of Kyle Carey, rich in the sounds of Appalachian poetry that has been distilled through Irish prose to give a hint of Celtic running through an album that draws a lot on American folk history. There is something in Carey's voice that almost feels at odds with the content of the songs and yet is the ideal compliment, almost like a wayward daughter being lead off the beaten track in her quest for inspiration and kindred spirits. "Monongah" a sheer delight of an album, strong songs, great muscianship and a voice that delivers free spirit.
Album:Monongah
Label:Self released
Website:http://www.kyleannecarey.com
There is a real and rare elegance to the music of Kyle Carey, rich in the sounds of Appalachian poetry that has been distilled through Irish prose to give a hint of Celtic running through an album that draws a lot on American folk history. There is something in Carey's voice that almost feels at odds with the content of the songs and yet is the ideal compliment, almost like a wayward daughter being lead off the beaten track in her quest for inspiration and kindred spirits. "Monongah" a sheer delight of an album, strong songs, great muscianship and a voice that delivers free spirit.
Christina Mimmocchi
Album:Rumours Of Summer
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.christina8arms.com
From the first few chords of the highly dramatic title track opening, you know "Rumours Of Summer", Australian singer-songwriter Christina Mimmocchi's debut album is going to be that little bit different and a little bit special. It more than meets both criteria. There's a theme of water that flows through the album, reflecting both it's life giving and taking powers. It's also quite a political album reflecting on mans ability to inflict suffering and misery on man. That said, it doesn't feel like a depressing album, far from it, thoughtful and incisive are two more apt descriptions
Album:Rumours Of Summer
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.christina8arms.com
From the first few chords of the highly dramatic title track opening, you know "Rumours Of Summer", Australian singer-songwriter Christina Mimmocchi's debut album is going to be that little bit different and a little bit special. It more than meets both criteria. There's a theme of water that flows through the album, reflecting both it's life giving and taking powers. It's also quite a political album reflecting on mans ability to inflict suffering and misery on man. That said, it doesn't feel like a depressing album, far from it, thoughtful and incisive are two more apt descriptions
Rob Pennington
Album:Hokum
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.robpennington.co.uk
This is one of those albums that benefits from being cranked up a notch or two. I first played it on a lower volume and it didn't really do anything for me, until I upped the decible count and it started to take off. "Hokum" is best described as cowboy country, even though it originated in Wales, it definitely has that wide open spaces feel to it. Rob, could a mean cover of "Ghost Riders In The Sky" if the inclination took him. Rob Pennington takes on the role of hat junkie, producing the album as well as writing and performing it and all in all he doesn't do a bad job of it all.
Album:Hokum
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.robpennington.co.uk
This is one of those albums that benefits from being cranked up a notch or two. I first played it on a lower volume and it didn't really do anything for me, until I upped the decible count and it started to take off. "Hokum" is best described as cowboy country, even though it originated in Wales, it definitely has that wide open spaces feel to it. Rob, could a mean cover of "Ghost Riders In The Sky" if the inclination took him. Rob Pennington takes on the role of hat junkie, producing the album as well as writing and performing it and all in all he doesn't do a bad job of it all.
Wing And Hollow
Album:Frozen Trees
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.wingandhollow.com
I'm not sure if "Frozen Trees" is a mini album or an oversize EP and frankly I don't care, when music sounds as good as this the container doesn't matter one iota. Wing And Hollow have a real poetry to their sound that I found reminiscent of former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie's Violet Indina Project. This is a sophisticated sound that really enchants and the LA based duo can be really proud of what they've achieved with this cut. It borders on the edge of being addictive as the lyrics float across your mind, almost challenging you to try and pin them down before they disolve.
Album:Frozen Trees
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.wingandhollow.com
I'm not sure if "Frozen Trees" is a mini album or an oversize EP and frankly I don't care, when music sounds as good as this the container doesn't matter one iota. Wing And Hollow have a real poetry to their sound that I found reminiscent of former Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie's Violet Indina Project. This is a sophisticated sound that really enchants and the LA based duo can be really proud of what they've achieved with this cut. It borders on the edge of being addictive as the lyrics float across your mind, almost challenging you to try and pin them down before they disolve.
Nick Tann
Album:Bought Online
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.nicktann.co.uk
There is something wonderfully refreshing and direct about the songwriting and delivery of Nick Tann. I'm reviewing "Bought Online", but could easily be reviewing the physical copy of the same album, "Bought At A Gig". By and large this album is Nick Tann, his twelve string and a great selection of songs. At times it's edgy stuff, boardering on raw, but, to use that most twee of phrases, it's all real. This is an album that is honest about what it conveys and in many ways that is particulary true of the instrumental sections of the album, where the guitar really does get to lead.
Album:Bought Online
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.nicktann.co.uk
There is something wonderfully refreshing and direct about the songwriting and delivery of Nick Tann. I'm reviewing "Bought Online", but could easily be reviewing the physical copy of the same album, "Bought At A Gig". By and large this album is Nick Tann, his twelve string and a great selection of songs. At times it's edgy stuff, boardering on raw, but, to use that most twee of phrases, it's all real. This is an album that is honest about what it conveys and in many ways that is particulary true of the instrumental sections of the album, where the guitar really does get to lead.
Ghost Trains
Album:Hallelujah Mornings
Label:Self Released
Website:http://ghosttrains.net
"Hallelujah Mornings" must surely cement Ghost Trains' position as one of the finest proponents of Anglicised Americana out there performing. Hopefully this, their third album will also provide them with the recognition their songwriting and performance deserve. It never ceases to amaze me that a band like this can sell out tours of Russia and yet barely get arrested in part of their own country. There is something very natural about this album, it strikes a chord because it's easy to relate to, feels like it's something that's part of your collective knowledge.
Album:Hallelujah Mornings
Label:Self Released
Website:http://ghosttrains.net
"Hallelujah Mornings" must surely cement Ghost Trains' position as one of the finest proponents of Anglicised Americana out there performing. Hopefully this, their third album will also provide them with the recognition their songwriting and performance deserve. It never ceases to amaze me that a band like this can sell out tours of Russia and yet barely get arrested in part of their own country. There is something very natural about this album, it strikes a chord because it's easy to relate to, feels like it's something that's part of your collective knowledge.
Maia
Single:Living In The Alligator
Label:Vandal
Website:http://maiatheband.com/
Living In The Alligator is the debut single from Maia - a band that does it's level best to defy any attempts at categorisation. They go for the Appalachian/disco/Mexican angle with a mix of backwoods banjo, Scissor Sisters vocals, driving drums and Mariachi style horns. The B side 'Constant Play' trades the banjo for mandolin to give a Celtic/disco/Mexican feel. Maia is a wonderful band; I'm not sure that I could cope with living in the alligator with them, but I wouldn't mind popping in for a brew every now and then. (JH)
Single:Living In The Alligator
Label:Vandal
Website:http://maiatheband.com/
Living In The Alligator is the debut single from Maia - a band that does it's level best to defy any attempts at categorisation. They go for the Appalachian/disco/Mexican angle with a mix of backwoods banjo, Scissor Sisters vocals, driving drums and Mariachi style horns. The B side 'Constant Play' trades the banjo for mandolin to give a Celtic/disco/Mexican feel. Maia is a wonderful band; I'm not sure that I could cope with living in the alligator with them, but I wouldn't mind popping in for a brew every now and then. (JH)
Michael MacLennan
EP:Keep A Light On
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.michaelmaclennan.co.uk/
Getting your crowd to raise their hands is a straightforward enough job for a lead singer - just taking the 'Simon Says' approach will normally do the trick - but it becomes more complicated when said singer is also a pianist. With 'Keep A Light On', Michael Maclennan avoids this potentially tricky situation by producing a song so swayable that putting your hands up and moving your upper body slowly from side to side is a natural as breathing. Best listened to whilst sitting on someone's shoulders; wearing a hat, beads and a wristband that won't be cut off until Christmas. (JH)
EP:Keep A Light On
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.michaelmaclennan.co.uk/
Getting your crowd to raise their hands is a straightforward enough job for a lead singer - just taking the 'Simon Says' approach will normally do the trick - but it becomes more complicated when said singer is also a pianist. With 'Keep A Light On', Michael Maclennan avoids this potentially tricky situation by producing a song so swayable that putting your hands up and moving your upper body slowly from side to side is a natural as breathing. Best listened to whilst sitting on someone's shoulders; wearing a hat, beads and a wristband that won't be cut off until Christmas. (JH)
Twinkle And The Sluts
EP:Sluttier Than Thou
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.facebook.com/twinkleandthesluts
Having been raised on a diet of the likes of the Slits, X-Ray Specs and Penetration it's been great to get back into hearing a band that consider a three and a half minute song to be epic. "Sluttier Than Thou" is good honest mosh pit pogo fodder for which Twinkle & The Sluts can be justifyably proud. This is an ep that's not only got the sound it's got the attitude, it positively growls all the way through. The songs just blast out with barely a pause for breath. This is punk not only as it was, but as it should be. And this is nostelgia for my sake, love it.
EP:Sluttier Than Thou
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.facebook.com/twinkleandthesluts
Having been raised on a diet of the likes of the Slits, X-Ray Specs and Penetration it's been great to get back into hearing a band that consider a three and a half minute song to be epic. "Sluttier Than Thou" is good honest mosh pit pogo fodder for which Twinkle & The Sluts can be justifyably proud. This is an ep that's not only got the sound it's got the attitude, it positively growls all the way through. The songs just blast out with barely a pause for breath. This is punk not only as it was, but as it should be. And this is nostelgia for my sake, love it.
Delicata
EP:Delicata
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.delicatamusic.com
Consisting of Welsh singer/songwriter, Rachel Delicata and East Midlands bass player, Shirley Novak, Delicata are purveyors of Nashville inspired country and then give it a touch of jazz, just to take the edge off a little. There's plenty to recommend this self titled ep, strong songs, delivered with a powerful vocal performace from Rachel. At times this feels like it's bordering on torch, but has a delightful sense of restraint that keeps it toitering on the brink and holding the anticipation. The accompaniment and backing vocals providing a perfect counterfoil.
EP:Delicata
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.delicatamusic.com
Consisting of Welsh singer/songwriter, Rachel Delicata and East Midlands bass player, Shirley Novak, Delicata are purveyors of Nashville inspired country and then give it a touch of jazz, just to take the edge off a little. There's plenty to recommend this self titled ep, strong songs, delivered with a powerful vocal performace from Rachel. At times this feels like it's bordering on torch, but has a delightful sense of restraint that keeps it toitering on the brink and holding the anticipation. The accompaniment and backing vocals providing a perfect counterfoil.
Naomi Psalm Featuring The Blue Cinema
EP:Stare
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.thebluecinema.com
Singer/songwriter Naomi Psalm recently teamed up with a trio of veteren musicians, Rob Hill, Mike Tetro and Dan Costello to form Blue Cinema, from whence she releases mini album "Stare". Psalm has toured her music extensively and you can hear a number of European influences on her songs, particularly where they pick up acoustic pop sensibilities, but by far a greater level of influence comes from along US acoustic and country styles, think a more sophisticated Sheryl Crow and you won't be far of the mark. It's an easy album to listen to and enjoy and simply to chill too.
EP:Stare
Label:Self Released
Website:http://www.thebluecinema.com
Singer/songwriter Naomi Psalm recently teamed up with a trio of veteren musicians, Rob Hill, Mike Tetro and Dan Costello to form Blue Cinema, from whence she releases mini album "Stare". Psalm has toured her music extensively and you can hear a number of European influences on her songs, particularly where they pick up acoustic pop sensibilities, but by far a greater level of influence comes from along US acoustic and country styles, think a more sophisticated Sheryl Crow and you won't be far of the mark. It's an easy album to listen to and enjoy and simply to chill too.
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