|
|
| REVIEW:
“A PLACE TO PLAY” – MATTHEW NEIL – by Beca
I was sent this
album to review by Matt, it has seven songs, and all recorded live
at acoustic evenings around Bournemouth.
Matt’s
tunes are quirky and offbeat with slightly off kilter melodies,
the best example of this being “Paul’s Walking Blues”
which is a strange song but has an eccentric appeal. His funky energetic
guitar work lifts the songs and he has a good playing technique
on the guitar, including riffs and solos within the song, keeping
the beat and holding the song together.
Il Carvo, track 4 on the album has a slow bluesy riff, which I liked,
but to me the vocal lacked melody. Track 5, “White Lilies”
has a better melody and Matt does a passionate vocal although is
use of melody I feel could be improved. “Once in a While”
has good chord progressions with good rhythmic playing and use of
acoustics.
Lyrically
the songs gave the impression of artistic and passionate feelings.
The final track, “Release” is very dramatic and I felt
this was the best song on the album. I was left wondering how these
songs would translate in a full band arrangement, as I think it
would be quite interesting and powerful. If you like something that’s
different and off the wall I think you’d like Matt’s
album.
|
| Review
– Peachy
Jane at The Winchester 10th April 2010 by Marylyn Cropley (Freeplay)
Firstly...think the Winchester is a brill venue...and suited the
band...the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves and the music...
Think on hindsight an encore from Peachy would have been good...they
were going great guns then stopped suddenly! I could have done with
a couple more numbers from them at least! More confidence here!
The content was brill a good eclectic mix...would have liked to
see more people get up and dance...including me!
|
| “FRANK”
– Pete Christie – Review
by Beca
Fludgate
Take time out
to listen to this album, as it deserves “listening”
to!
“Frank”
is the new album by Pete Christie and it is aptly titled as the
songs are frank, honest, real and open up the listener’s heart
to issues they may not want to face but really should and will feel
better for doing so. Featuring some of Bournemouth’s finest,
Pete Christie has produced a great album, which looks as professional
as it sounds.
The production, artwork, arrangements, instrumentation, engineering
and musicianship from all involved are superb – as are the
songs themselves. Ted Wallbridge, Frankie Milner, Aimee Newsome-Stone
and Monique Houraghan give excellent harmony vocals with production
and engineering by Martin Condon of Active Music. Ted Wallbridge
plays drums, except on Monday Morning and Pete Wallbridge is on
bass guitar and drums, both of which feature in seductive moments
throughout.
Pete’s song writing articulates his emotional journeys with
skill and tenderness and the whole feel of the album is soft, mellow,
delicate and subtle which complements Pete’s edgy and eloquent
vocal. The songs touched me personally on several occasions on an
emotional level (yes, I did cry at one point!) as I can relate to
the struggles that Pete is writing about as I think most people
who listen to it will.
The opening track, “Open Your Heart” is one of my favourites.
It opens the album with a very gentle melodic intro and builds slowly
into a dedication of love. The middle 8 lifts the song into a new
groove, which builds further. The production is sensitive to the
song and there is a lovely drum roll at the end with superb ambience
and acoustics in the recording.
“Normal Shade of Blue” is a story type song and finds
Pete drinking “coffee flavoured water in a service station”
– this illustrates the humour that flavours the whole album
which although quite intense and dark also lifts the listener with
moments of irony and bittersweet analogies. Pete covers a Bob Dylan
song called “Not Dark Yet” which is the longest song
on the album and has Pete’s only guitar solo on the album.
Listening I immediately thought of Clapton and any number of other
guitar greats, the playing was so good. “Shattered”
has a melancholy intro, which develops into an uplifting riff on
the keyboard. It is about a break up and the emotional fall out
from it. “My dreams are like broken glass, shattered around
my feet” – many of the songs are intensely personal
journeys that I could certainly relate to, especially “Waiting
in the Wings” which I think every aspiring artist should listen
to and learn from - this track also features the Band of the Royal
British Legion, Christchurch which adds a whole different feel to
this song amongst the others.
Pete’s included on this album one of my favourite songs of
his “Easy Come, Easy Go” which I love for its upbeat,
up tempo rhythm and honest lyric. “Monday Morning” reminded
of me of McCartney as the harmonies came in and the bleak but cheeky
picture painted of the English weather, English life and English
humour. “Making Waves” has a gorgeous opening riff with
beautiful guitar arrangements and again is a self-confessional and
open song with poetic use of allegory.
“Just A Song” finishes the album and I think it’s
Pete’s way of not taking himself too seriously but admitting
he has a dream and is not going to give up on it which I found very
inspiring – get hold of this album if you can, it’s
well worth it.
www.petechristie.co.uk
Interview
with Pete on BBC Radio Solent |
| PARKSTONE
PUB FESTIVAL
Had a great
time at the Parkstone Pub festival last weekend - saw 3 bands -
Colt 45, Vulcan and Matt Park. There was face painting and a barbi
which cooked up some good sausages and burgers for the hungry crowd!
Colt 45 blew
me away with their enery and playing skill but what was really unique
was their young singer who has a brilliant voice that is surprisingly
"rocky" for someone quite young. I didn't catch many original
numbers but the ones I did were lively and interesting. These guys
are ones to watch definitely. They rocked the pub to the rafters!
Vulcan played
a real mix of songs (covers) - one that really got the crowd going
was "I predict a riot." They do a variety of modern up
to the minute songs and older more classic rock songs. There playing
was good their singer has a good voice and can handle the variety
of styles they do well. The band was tight and their guitarist was
cool. They are an entertaining band that play a good varied set
and play it well.
Matt Park was
solo acoustic and although his songs may not be to everyone's initial
taste I have found myself getting to like them even though at first
I wasn't sure! He is a good guitar player and singer/songwriter
and his bluesy, off beat style is certainly something different
that I have not heard before. His songs definitely need a few listens
to get to grips with them.
All these acts
are on www.dolfinmusic.ning.com
so please check out their gigs and music to know more. Many thanks
to Adam Muxlow for organising a great event which raised money for
charity and for booking these bands.
Beca
Dolfin Music |
Local legend
Chris Manning of The Chris Manning Project, launched
the first live and acoustic night at new trendy cocktail bar and
restaurant Melange.
A candle lit room with soft furnishings, created the perfect setting
to listen to some of Bournemouth's finest singer song writers perform
their original material. All handpicked by Chris himself the result
was an eclectic blend of harmonious melodies and styles.
Ritchie Quain thrust the night into action with
his quirky style and persona then drew the audience in with his
guitar and melodic voice baring an essence of blues and soul. Two
piece collaboration, Fuscia followed suit with Frankie Milner on
Keyboard singing sensitive harmonies whilst lead singer Lauren Bannon
blew the crowd away and drew others in from the bar area with her
powerful Eva Cassidy soul voice, then handsome solo singer Michael
Ricketts performed short, sweet storytelling tracks which bore an
essence of James Blunt. Up next were talented singer song writing
duo, Julie Stains and Esther Frake who wowed with their radiant
voices and inspirational lyrics. Gianni Chiarello and Chris himself
joined in alongside the girls to perform some of Chris's original
material as well as amazing covers which included Sam Sparro’s
Black and Gold. Finally, young, fun band Groove Deep completed the
evening with covers of some well known tunes.
Chris told us "This is something I have wanted to do for such
a long time and I am glad I have had the opportunity to help showcase
some of Bournemouth's finest singer songwriters. The night was a
real success and hopefully this is one of many stepping stones to
Bournemouth being recognised as a town of real music and talent"
Melange “Live and Acoustic” is held every Wednesday
night from 8pm with a modest entrance fee of £3 and support
by the Dorset Music Forum.
Review By Nina
Taylor
Photography by Nina Taylor of http://www.phunkyfishphotography.co.uk/
|
REVIEW:
Lady Winwoods Maggot- 7th April 2008 -Thomas Tripp, Christchurch
- by Tina Pope
View
Gallery 1
I regularly go to the Thomas Tripp in Christchurch to check out
the bands on a sunday eve.Tonight I stumbled across a band like
no other I have seen before.Upon arriving at the pub, I struggled
to find a place close to the band.The pub was completely packed
out, and a space near the front, not easy to obtain.These guys are
popular with many of all ages and I can see why. Sometimes it helps
having a camera & as usual I had my camera with me & poised
ready to catch that ever elusive shot.
This band consists of 3 guitar players & thats not all. With
a varied assortment of guitars, this band kept the the pub busy,
throwing what I can only describe as a western country style rock
vibe,almost hillbilly but with a modern punk attitude thrown in,
but what do I know? Ask them, they are the only ones who can tell
you the proper name. If tappin your feet is all you can usually
manage in an eve, this band will make you feel like pushing yourself
further, the crowds were jumping. Want an uplifting eve ? Then these
guys will certainly deliver just that! A mixture of slightly Irish
Celtic melody & American Rock, adds so much flavour! Banjo /Guitar
player Rob, one drummer called Aide & lots of vocals & guitar
action from Tony ( lead singer) & Mark.
This band is not to be missed. I have not seen anything quite like
this before.
Not only is their style of music very unique but their choice of
songs includes well known covers & their own material. This
band is enough to keep you rocking for hours, & the overall
entertainment from their performance is something you won't forget.
With a large following, these guys are pretty busy gigging, allover
Dorset, and there is no escape of their magnetism and charismatic
& slightly wild attitude pulling you in. Hooked !
I can quite easily see this band being a big name for the future
& quite easily imagine them popping up at an event like Glastonbury
( nice )
View
Gallery 2
http://www.forest-friends.co.uk
|
REVIEW:
DANI WILDE, JAMES HARRISON, EDDIE MARTIN
MR KYPS 31ST OCTOBER 2007
Transforming
quite a large live music venue into a close and intimate acoustic
session Mr Kyps played host to three exceptionally talented acts
this Halloween.
Dani Wilde was
first to the stage and impressed the audience with her strong, raucous
vocal talent and also ably accompanied herself on guitar. The first
song was a solo and then her younger brother on harp and a bassist
joined her. The trio gave the audience some renditions of both original
and cover songs of traditional blues with some great solos from
Dani’s brother. Dani told us that she is about to start recording
her new album in Germany and copies of the demo that got her a record
deal were on sale on the night. Dani’s voice is quite amazing,
very versatile and she showed great vocal control throughout the
session, in spite of having a slight cold!
Next was singer/songwriter
James Harrison. James’s father formed a band called the Saraband
who were a’70s Folk Rock group, and James started his set
with “Summer has gone” – a Saraband cover. Accompaniment
was from the amazing Si Genero on harp who did a very melodic solo
and also accompanied James on vocals on Loving Flame, the next song
for which James moved from keyboards to guitar. My favourite song
of the set was “Bye Bye Baby” which James told was about
an ex-girlfriend of his who has inspired many of his songs. His
performance was polished but may have been improved by more eye
contact with the audience while he was singing and more interaction
with the audience between songs. His songs are fantastic though
and he is an amazing local talent here in Bournemouth.
Headlining after
James was the incredible Eddie Martin. I have not seen him live
before and it was great to see such a consummate performer in such
close proximity. Eddie was playing “Goldie” –
his steel guitar, and accompanying himself with rhythm suitcase
and harmonica. Eddie played some Sunhouse and Muddy Waters and some
new material from his forthcoming album. The whole place went quite
whilst he played a slow blues… He got the audience involved
with “Don do it, I dun did it” – an old number
from the ‘40’s and did a great solo on the harp and
the suitcase! The atmosphere was warm and inspired and the audience
was with him. It was a really fun performance and his guitar playing
wonderful to see and hear.
Another great night’s entertainment from Mr Kyps!
|
| REVIEW:
KAT MAN DON’T – FROM HERE TO THERE, (THE JOURNEY)
This album is
the second from Gary (aka Kat Man Don’t) and it shows how
his creativity has evolved over the last 2 years or so. The songs
are full of subtle instrumentation with Gary playing most of the
instruments and producing the album himself.
Synthesisers,
spainish guitar, (Road to Kantara,) semi-acoustic and electric guitars,
acoustic and electric bass and percussion all feature on the album
and Gary also does all the vocals. There is a distinct change in
direction from his first album “The Crazy Serum” with
more focus on funked up grooves than on the chilled out style of
before although there are still elements of Buddha Bar style production
throughout the album. The songs are based around funk/jazz riffs
and rhythms with excellent sound effects thrown in for good measure.
To me it is chilled out funk with the odd twist here and there…
What is notable
is the skill with which Gary orchestrates, arranges and produces
the music, which are skills he is now offering to other musicians
through his own studio www.KMDstudio.co.uk
Track 5 on the
album, “Cool Smoothy Blueness” is one of my favourites.
It has a strong bass hook and the message of the song poignantly
reminds us of the simple wonders of the world. Listen to this track
here.
The
album is true to its title and carries you to far off places and
back again. The artwork on the CD also deserves a mention –
original and well produced – visit Pentangled Designs www.pentangled.co.uk
|
|
CuRioSiTy - Wed 18th July
Review courtesy
of Ellie Cowley, Daily Echo
The range of bands at Kyps on Wednesday night may have meant not
all the music on offer was to your palate, but even if that were
the case, you could not help but appreciate what this venue is trying
to achieve with their monthly CuRioSiTy night. I had an exceptionally
good time listening to all three distinctly different and talented
bands. Though I had been drawn to the night by the promised presence
of Vincent Vincent & the Villains, I was pleased to see Bournemouth
based ensemble Betika. With their folksy sound complete with glockenspiel,
trumpet and varied percussion blended with rocky riffs and meaty
vocals, Betika are what would have happened if Belle and Sebastian
had been introduced formally to rock n' roll, and it works.
It's been a
long time since I heard something as truly original as follow act
Gabby Young & Other Animals. Infused with jazz undertones and
deviating into variations reminiscent of Tori Amos and, at times,
Jeff Buckley, Gabby's unique voice lends power to the band's unique
brand of alternate rock. Final act Vincent Vincent and the Villains
were nothing less than pure drama. With the nostalgic glamour of
Elvis, Billy Fury and Eddie Cochran rolled into one, Vincent and
company rock n' roll with gusto. Not to be confused with any kind
of cheesy almost tribute 50s band, Vincent Vincent & the Villians
have just enough of that cynical today's world edge to keep them
firmly placed in this decade. Raucous, recycled, rambunctious rock
n' roll.
Review courtesy of Ellie Cowley, Daily Echo
Mr Kyps
Live Music Venue
8a Parr Street,
Poole BH14 0JY
website: www.mrkyps.net
email: info@mrkyps.net
myspace: www.myspace.com/curiosityrocks
telephone: 01202 748945
|
Venue: Mr
Kyps Big Blues Party
Date: Wednesday
27th December 2006
Stuffed with
Christmas fair and wanting to avoid the post Christmas anti-climax,
an exceedingly good tonic is a visit to Mr Kyps for the Big Blues
Party. This show has been running for 3 years now and consistently
provides a good evenings entertainment in between Christmas and
New Year.
The show is put on by our local Blues man, Hugh Budden who pulls
together some of the best blues musicians in the area for a night
of traditional blues, rock and roll and the ever popular Blues Brothers
Review.
The evening started with Blues Etc. Who mainly play in Southampton
so it was a real treat to see them performing in Poole. Chris Collins
(vox, guitar) fronts the band with Elrad Mathews (drums), Darren
Stevens (bass) and Hugh on the harp (harmonica.) The show kicked
off with their rendition of Shake for Me and was followed by some
great slide on Rules of this House. Gavin Whitlock on baritone sax
and James Waite on keys soon joined the band and Blues Etc played
straight blues with some funky numbers like Pawnshop Bound and Just
a Little Bit thrown in. Then came the first surprise of the night
– a showcase song by a new singer called Jane Young who sang
Rather go Blind. Jane’s voice was an instant hit and I’m
sure that more performances will follow. Then it was all change
and The Ju-Ju Men hit the stage. Guitarist Pete K virtually tore
his guitar apart with his playing on Wait on Time, sung by Hugh.
The Ju-Ju Men rocked it up some more with Stupid Girl, sung by Rockin’
Roj, and Route 66 featuring Merv on drums and PP on bass. Hugh took
to the vocals again for A Cold day in Hell, which was a spectacular
performance of passion and angst both on the vocal and the harp.
Then it was straight into Riding on the L & N – a speciality
for blues harp players and Hugh did it every bit of justice in his
playing.
Blues Etc along with James and Gavin returned to the stage to become
the Blues Brothers band heralding the arrival of the amazing Terry
Nash (from Stars in Their Eyes fame) who proceeded to give his all
in the role of Jake Blues with Hugh donning the hat and shades as
his brother Elwood. They started with Everybody, then Minnie the
Moocher, Midnight Hour and Flip Flop Fly. The finale saw every performer
back on stage for Hound Dog, Johnny B Good (featuring Chris Collins
playing excellent lead guitar) and finishing with the classic Sweet
Home Chicago during which Terry came off stage into the audience
and made them form a circle into which he was pulling members of
the audience to dance with him.
During the song Hugh gradually said goodbye to each musician until
their was only himself and Chris left on stage for 8 bars together
and then WHUMP! Finish! Memorable moments to finish a fantastic
show – if you missed it this year make a date for 2007 now!
Visit
www.mrkyps.net
for more live gigs! For more info about Hugh, click on
Hugh's
Blues and check out our live
gigs page for his full gig listing
See
our Gallery for photos
- for gig bookings email hugh@dolfinmusic.com
|
| JAMES
HARRISON – DEBUT AT MR KYPS SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2006
The evening
was chilly outside but warm inside with candles and low lighting
around the blue-lit stage at Mr Kyps. James opened for the night
showing us his accomplished pianist skills and melodic song writing
talent with the song “She’s only in my head”.
James is wonderful to see live! His voice is strong and smooth and
the songs flow in gorgeous arrangements and melodies. Following
this was “Every Candle”, “I will come to you”
and “Loving Flame”.
His lyrical
prowess is something to respect also with original ideas and strong
messages about relationships and life. He sang some old favourites
(The Clown) and one of the first songs he ever wrote on the piano,
“Hand of Time.” He alternated between the guitar and
piano with ease and it gave a nice variety to the performance.
His songs remind
me of the song writing team that was famous in the ‘60’s
although I can’t remember who they were! If you have a chance
to see James live then please make it a date – you won’t
be disappointed!
www.jamesharrison.org
www.myspace.com/jamesharrisonuk
|
Happy
With You - James Harrison
Wow! This
much awaited album of new songs is a welcome addition to James's repertoire
- nine new songs and a variety of styles and influences shining through.
His manager Fiona Anderson has told me it's been a busy year for James
- festivals, winning a busking licence on Bournemouth pier, connecting
with numerous other locals artists in collaborative live gigs, producing
his own album, playing at Bournemouth Live, joining a band, leaving
a band, getting a residency at a local pub, putting on events and
about to start on his second album. The
opening title track, "Happy
with You" has a brilliant overdriving lead rock guitar
running through it backed by simple drums, bass and acoustic guitar.
The song reminds me faintly of the Everly Brothers, mainly due to
the melodic harmonies and country style sound. The second song,
one of my personal favourites, is "Loving Flame", an original
title and lyric with a poignant perspective of a lover's acknowledgement
of his inspiration. The track features James and his guitar only
and seems all the better for it as this gives space for the lyric
and the listeners' imagination.
Following this is "It's just a dream" - a slight hint
of Chris de Burgh keyboards with a lullaby melody. The mood changes
for "I need you" which has been produced with slightly
overdriven guitars which give a raw sound feel, complemented by
harmonies. One of the strongest songs on the album follows, with
"Tell me Why"
- a New York style piano shuffle and a mature sound reminding me
of that supreme talent Billy Joel. "She's only in my Head"
also has a nice piano intro; it is a ballad and has a clever lyric
and good arrangement.
The
whole album shows with out doubt James's talent for writing original,
good commercial songs, in a variety of styles and rhythms. It is
a mood album, taking you through highs and lows of personal relationships
and subtle in its simplicity. It also inspires you to go and see
him live. The album shows James potential as a songwriter and performer
and that it may not be that long before he becomes a major artist.
Check out James on the web at http://www.jamesharrison.org
and http://www.myspace.com/jamesharrisonuk
|
JIM
BURGESS - GET BACK IN YA CADILLAC
Jim
Burgess hails from the North, in Leicester where he has been playing
now for 11 years. Formerly with The Undergrade, Jim has now gone
solo and "Get
Back in ya Cadillac" is his first demo as himself.
The title track
gets started with a rock-a-bye rhythm, simple melodic riffs on the
guitar and raw, edgy vocals. The song is in a laid back country
style but strong on syncopation and the lyric is good.
Jim's edgy style
of vocal continues with the next song, "Cause I like you Girl"
which is a more rock orientated sound full of the angst of rejection
in love and about the ironic situations that often result in relationship
struggles.
The third song,
and my personal favourite, is "Ghost
Rider" where Jim abandons the band and plays solo guitar
with great talent, playing both the rhythm and lead with the guitar
sounding banjo like at times. The song has a great beat and melody
and again is strong on the lyric. The vocal style on this song is
completely different from the other two, being strong but gentler
in tone.
Jim is an adept
songwriter and these songs are more than evidence of his talent
both vocally and musically. The songs scan well and his musicianship
is well honed. The production with the band is interesting on the
first two songs and his talent for playing comes through on the
last song as being something special that could work commercially
with the right people behind him.
www.jimburgess.co.uk
|
Event: Big
Blues Party
Venue: Mr Kyps
Date: Thursday 29th December 2005
Review
Mr Kyps played
host to some of the finest blues musicians in the south on Thursday
29th December 2005 with the advent of the Big Blues Party organised
by Hugh Budden -one of the south's premier harp players.
There was a
good crowd and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, the evening
kicking off with a tight set from Southampton based blues band Blues
Etc. Chris Collins fronts the band with Elrad Mathews on drums,
Darren Stevens on bass and Hugh on the harp. The groove started
to flow right from the start with a little number called "Shake
for me". Hugh picked up the vocals for "Pawnshop Bound"
- a very funky William Clarke song which saw the introduction of
Gavin Whitlock on baritone sax and James Waite on the keys.
The rock 'n'
roll dance crew were out in force and showing us how it's done.
There was a change of drummer with Reid Coltrane from Arecibo Blues
House getting onto the kit for "Rock with Me" and then
moving to lead vocals for "Before You Accuse Me", another
change then saw the Ju-Ju Men take the stage.
Things really
began to rock with Rockin' Roj on vocals and Pete K on lead guitar.
Hugh gave us an excellent rendition of "Riding on the L&N"
and we then boogied senseless to a groovy dance number called "Dirty
Water".
Another appearance
from Reid on the drums and vocals doing "Bullfrog Blues"
and then we were introduced to the spectacular Terry Nash as Jake
Blues with his sidekick Elwood! (Hugh) doing "Everybody Needs
Somebody" and other Blues Bros numbers. By this point the dance
floor was packed and Mr Kyps was really jumping with excitement.
Hugh got everyone on stage for the finale (Sweet Home Chicago) with
all the bands together.
Hugh was playing
throughout the evening with all the bands and several costume changes!
To gather all that talent together in one room for an evening was
quite an achievement and the result was a superb evening of entertainment
and fun - I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys listening
to live music and dancing - can't wait for next year!
Go to Hugh's
Blues or the Gigs
page for more information on where Hugh's music and where he is
playing next. |
| The
Crazy Serum - Kat Man Don't
This is an album
you can relax to - definitely! Lie down somewhere comfortable and
float away...
The album is
a journey through atmospheric sounds and cultures. It falls in the
realm of ambient chill out dance music - think Cafe Del Mar/Buddha
Bar series influence by The Ozric Tenticles to get an idea.
My favourite
tune is Raja
than Life which has some brilliant sound effects and atmosphere.
The first track on the album sets the mood, slowly building with
keyboards and some nice delay guitar into a bluesy rhythm. Track
3 is the title track which changes tack a little into a folksy style
whilst It's Up to You is a mellow hip hop beat.
The songs are
quite long - the longest is 6.16 mins (Track 1: "Live a
Little (Anyway)". The album transists from the mellow ambient
tracks through bluesy moments to quite moody ("It's Up to
You") and on from that the rave beat in "So Lonely".
The main feelings
that come across are dreamy/funky/flowing and interesting!
e:mail
Gary at email2gary@btinternet.com
|
| Long
Orange by Long Orange - Album Review by Dolfin Music
The album opens
with a deep throbbing bass line of Hi Wire, a funky atmospheric
number with a smooth subtle guitar arrangement peppered with trumpet
samples - do you know a "whisky priest"?(!)
We move onwards
with Soul Survivor, a pop/rock guitar number and then to
Haunted, which has a wonderful opening guitar riff. This
song slowly builds and has a thought provoking lyric, "my ship
could run tighter" - oh yes!
The album is
a varied mix of simple pop grooves and more intuitive melodies,
such as "Heartsong" which stood out as one of the
strongest songs on the album. The song opens with lovely acoustic
picking coloured with jazzy chord progressions. The vocals are soft
and gentle with folk like percussion.
"Astounded"
has a melancholic acoustic guitar and mellow feel. Throughout the
album, the strong vocals are revealed in the melodic riffs and production.
The last track, "Just
A Breath" is a strong finisher - a very sexy lounge
funk styli with a fantastic instrumental.
Long Orange hail from the south of the UK and this is their
debut album which took nearly three years to make. The band are
now playing current and new material at live gigs in Bournemouth
and surrounding areas and have developed a live act that demonstrates
their talent and enthusiasm for making good music. At a recent gig
in Poole, (at The Central), the audience were given a breathtaking
performance of lead guitar playing ably supported by a strong back
line - a must for any live performance! The album has a professional
sound and production and is certainly a good listen - an exciting
and polished debut.
www.longorange.com
|
| Kira
- Dream On: The CD
The album starts
with a reggae styly number "Naked" which is boppy and
sensitive. The album has a very acoustic feel, with guitars and
percussion making the main sound. Kira does vocals, harmonies and
plays acoustic guitar on the album. Her brazillian heritage shines
through in the production with husky vocals and delicate guitar
melodies. My favourite song was "Caveman".
The songs are
personnal "notelets" describing Kira's journey, often
describing intense relationship experiences. She is backed by a
strong band producing both raw electric rhythms and a very acoustic
feel. Kira somtimes performs at Bournemouth's Solid Air and the
Shennanigens folk club on Sundays - keep checking our site for details..
The CD has 13 songs on it, is professionally produced and of good
quality. To buy it go to www.kira-kira.co.uk
|
eden
- Beautiful - MP3
Extract (right click to download).
What
makes something beautiful? The answer is quite succinctly put
together throughout this album by eden.Strong,
commercial melodies, tempered with deeply moving lyrics are
worked into a definitive groove, giving a strangely upbeat fell
to the melancholy stories etched out in the songs.
The
album opens with the gorgeous main riff of the song “Beautiful”
- the song speaks the emotions of the main character, giving
a unique perspective on his journey through tortuous emotions
inspired by what has to be love. “The fingerprints of sadness
are dusted on your face, but I still think you’re beautiful”
is just one of the many superb lyrics on the album.
Musically,
eden produce a wonderfully balanced experience with carefully
placed licks, riffs and rhythms giving the songs sparkle, bop
and groove.Showing first-class musicianship, eden find their
space with superb moments such as the bridge bass riff on “Black
Day” and the philosophically tempered “A Temporary
Thing”.
Toph’s
guitar compliments Carl’s with delicate finger picking
and melodic solos.The sheer frustration of the main character
virtually floods from the stereo – this is no light-hearted
pop fluff! Listen to learn, empathise and explore the avenues
of the darker side to love we all fear and invite with anxious
yearning.
The
windows that open with each song bring into focus the agony
and ecstasy, passion and intrigue caused by love affairs. The
album has been produced with classic tenderness and harmony.
A joy! Buy it!
|
| The
Chase @ Mr Smiths 21/11/03
The
Chase, (formerly known as Solsits) are one of the most refreshing
and original bands to come out of Bournemouth - ever! From Ringwood,
Greg, (Vocals/guitar), Si, (keys/guitar), Hugh, (harmonica), Lee,
(bass/backing vocals) and Gavin, (drums) are a tight unit, pushing
out a range of supberb original indie-rock tunes.
The
songs are vibrant and they play them with youthful passion. This
band live their music and give it everything. The powerful melodies
sweep over you and each song stands in its own right as testiment
that the art of good songwriting is not dead. Greg, who writes most
of the bands material himself, has developed a rich and varied reportoire,
from thumping grunge ("Greatest Moment"/ "Time
of your life") to the gentle tune of "Primrose".
Lyrically,
the songs probe and expose darkest moments and insecurities but
illustrate strength of heart in the same moment. Unfortunately,
The Chase have now split due to personnal commitments. However,
Greg is continuing to write up in London. Update: Greg's new band
is called ChurchillBlack and can be reached at www.churchillblack.com |
Back
to Top
|
|
