Showing posts with label Indie Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indie Music. Show all posts

6/22/2015

Still Got Me by Andorra Indie Music Review

 

Andorra is an alternative rock band from Philadelphia PA. The band consists of 4 well dressed, not-so-clean shaven dudes that play a 90s style of rock with a free flowing sound that can take shape into any direction.

Still Got Me is a fun, upbeat song straight off their recently released album Etc, Etc, Etc. Nostalgic of a young fun weekend night hanging out with friends and living an 'ideal' life filled with excitement and memories. The song has a bit of an older school (80's?) feel. I like the instruments and vocals from 00-48 and the harmony on "you still got me and the rest of your life."

Take a listen...

MusicWeMake
Bandcamp

Find out more about Andorra
facebook.com/andorramusic
instagram: @andorra_music
twitter: @andorramusic


6/18/2015

Vida Double A side Single ‘Electric Lady’/’Fade Away’ Review

A truly exciting band who have been likened to some of the shining lights of UK indie, Vida are a British four piece who are going places. Drawing comparisons to a wide ranging indie catalogue, including the likes of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Black Keys, Miles Kane and more, their growing reputation has seen them garnering recognition from some of the country’s top tastemakers.

Their new single is a double A-side release showing two of the different sides of the group. First, ‘Electric Lady’ tells the story of repeated overnight stays with the same girl after meeting on several nights out, and the awkwardness that follows the next morning. Meanwhile, ‘Fade Away’ speaks of a completely different kind of awkward – finding yourself in the same room as an ex…

Fade Away – With an array of easy on the ear sounds varying from the choir in the background of this song. The fantastic guitar or the pleasant-sounding vocals! Is a really slow paced but smooth track!

Electric Lady - Is definitely more upbeat then the previous song and the vocals are better built as well.  A really energetic and heavy guitar riff is included in this track! The drums are also superb in this track, setting the pace of this track along with the drums!

Overall Vida’s double single is a really fantastic double single showing two sides of Vida! I personally prefer the second side of Vida (Electric Lady) both equally have a lot of potential to hit the charts! 
Listen to the tracks for yourself here:

6/16/2015

Featured Track: Gordon Weiss-I'm Your Fan

It has been 7 years since Gordon Weiss released an album. It's About Time says it all! Once again musician and studio wizard Jeff Cannata is behind the mixing board for the recording.

"I'm Your Fan" is one of the most colorful and expressive tracks on the album. There is truth and humor surrounding the story and its accompanied by some great pop rock music.

As I recall from my previous experience with Mr. Weiss, he knows how to spin a yarn and add just the right touch from a musical standpoint to come up with an entertaining mixture for your senses.

"I'm Your Fan" hits the bulls-eye of your heart and soul. Give it a listen and I guarantee a smile will come to your face.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-Rating 4/5 Stars





More About Gordon Weiss:
http://www.gornpop.com

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gordon Weiss made his debut musical performance miming on the recorder along with the other third graders, which made him vow to learn to play an instrument for real. His first true foray into the world of music took the form of studying classical trumpet for eight years, culminating in two performances at Carnegie Hall with the New York City All-City Band. It was deja-vu when he stood up for a trumpet fanfare to find that his mouthpiece had fallen out backstage.

By then Gordon had been bitten by the Beatle bug and his love for clever songwriting with strong melodic hooks took over full force. But it was the power chords of Pete Townshend and The Who that made him give up the trumpet and pick up an old acoustic guitar, which he promptly stripped of two strings so he could play along with all of John Entwistle’s bass lines. Gordon soon acquired a proper bass and played in bands in high school and college, before adding a Stratocaster to his collection, which prompted his first attempts at singing and songwriting.

Realizing that playing in bands with names like “Dead Grotty” would unlikely lead to a record deal, Gordon went to medical school and eventually became a child psychiatrist. He relocated to Connecticut and continued to feed his cravings for classic rock and pop music, with healthy doses of Elvis Costello, Squeeze, XTC, Crowded House, Jellyfish, Honeydogs, and Candy Butchers, while amassing a catalog of his own songs that he played at occasional impromptu gigs, open mikes, or family gatherings.

A thoughtful gift of drum lessons to help him learn to really bang out some of those Neil Peart licks he had always air drummed along to, led to forming a musical friendship with great session drummer Greg Trabandt of RVP Studios. After hearing of Gordon’s unfulfilled dream to make a record of his original music, Greg not only introduced Gordon to veteran producer Jeff Cannata, but agreed to play drums on all the tracks of Sum Of Its Parts. Featuring brilliant contributions from ace keyboard player Jeff Batter and soaring vocal harmonies from Pete Hodson and Bill Welch of Z-Plan, Gordon wanted to keep this first solo album personal by playing the rest of the instruments himself. The album was released on Gornpop Records, a nickname for Gordon referencing an affection for a large, albiet very slow, lizard from Star Trek.

A world tour did not follow. But thanks to The Weirdo Mike Viola Superfan StageIt Group, a wonderfully supportive community of fans, many of whom are fellow musicians, Gordon kept writing and playing online live performances, including a performance of side 2 of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety with support from his daughters and nephews. After a seven year hiatus, Gornpop Records is pleased to announce the release of It’s About Time featuring nine new original songs.

6/11/2015

Growl Rock Group Kinky Dove Set To Release New EP!



Kinky Dove are a group of collective musicians and musical moniker of frontman Scott Wade.

 Their particular brand of rock and roll, defined in many ways by the bluesy, post-rock growl of Wade on vocals, is currently in short supply both nationally and globally, and Kinky Dove are now looking to redress that balance.

For a taste of their punchy style, check out the video to EP track ‘Some Kind of Fool’, featuring an epic slap-happy montage of Hollywood moments.

The EP also features a remix/cover version of classic 1974 track ‘Another Girl Another Planet’ by The Only Ones – in this case titled simply ‘Another Girl’.

3 track release set to be unleashed on June 15th

Links:



6/10/2015

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Neil Tatar-Learning To Fly

Release Date: June 2015
Label: Indie

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, in this case the beauty comes to you through your ears and then works its way to your heart and soul on Learning To Fly. This 9 track album from Neil Tatar offers the listener an audible journey of the soul. As he says in the CD notes “Each track on this album comes from memories of life experiences, reflections on personal and meaningful moments that have ultimately shaped my world.” That says it all and you can take that to heart and find your own way through these musical journeys.

So how does one translate these life experiences through instrumental music you may ask? I experience this frequently and can say without any doubt that I can feel more and envision so many different things while I listen to this type of new age instrumental music. To be more precise, the artist refers to this music as contemporary instrumental which is like a “blanket” term that covers everything on the recording. I think that is appropriate considering what a potential listener has in store once they give it a spin.

To say this album is laden with talent would be a good place to start. Besides Neil’s gorgeous and effective guitar and piano playing he has the incomparable Tony Levin on various basses, Jill Haley on English Horn, Jeff Haynes handling percussion and Mr. Will Ackerman on guitar (“Summer Strut”). Also Michael Manring, another bass player that shows up on a lot of albums, plays on one track (“Twilight Dance”).

I honestly do not know where to start with bringing attention to certain tracks as they all are stunning works of art and beauty. As I made my way through the first four tracks I was mesmerized when “Twilight Dance” began to play and I realized that I was hearing one of the best new age CDs of the year. The guitar leads you into another world with layers of sounds that have jazz and world undertones bubbling to the surface. It is the most eclectic and interesting track on the recording.

What I heard on Learning To Fly  was the perfect blend of instruments and atmospheres. If you already know how to fly (and that interpretation is up to each individual listener) or want to learn, this music will enhance that experience. For this listener it held a few meanings. I felt as if I could appreciate the beauty of life itself and reflect upon my life and all the love and gifts that surround me. It is a journey without question, it just depends where you want to go and what you need to accomplish along the way. I found peace and transcendence in this music and I hope every listener can be open to that type of experience.

Because every track was so outstanding I have to say that each was a key track in its own right. Again personal preference rules the day here and each individual will find certain tracks to have more impact as with any album new age or otherwise.

“Summer Strut” is the quiet storm of jazz taken a path of exploration and the music spreads its wings and takes flight. It is definitely something that would sound right on a summer’s day. It’s light and airy and brings a smile to your inner being.

I especially enjoyed and appreciated the combination of jazz, new age and world music. Like a strong and divergent tree this music grows and spreads out to give every listener something to connect with. And with that my music loving friends I highly recommend Learning To Fly.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Wait For Me
2. Breeze In Blue
3. Ode To My Mentors
4. Missing You
5. Twilight Dance
6. Learning To Fly
7. Morning Peace
8. Summer Strut
9. Falling For You

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music  Reviews Founder
June 10, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Prog Rock Review: Magic Pie-King For A Day

Release Date: 25th May 2015
Label:  Karisma Records

Magic Pie has just released their 4th album, King For A Day, following on from the debut, Motions of Desire (2005), Circus of Life (2007) and The Suffering Joy (2011).

The Norwegian band is highly regarded amongst prog fans with their unique blend of classic prog and 70’s hard rock. The band have listed as influences a sort of Who’s Who of prog, including Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Transatlantic, Yes, Deep Purple and more. 

Magic Pie is a 6 piece band comprising, Kim Stenberg (guitars, vocals), Eirikur Hauksson (lead vocal, guitar), Eirik Hanssen (voc, guitar), Jan Torkild Johannessen (drums), Erling Henanger (keyboards, backing vocals) and Lars Petter Holstad (bass, backing vocals). Eirikur Hauksson also provides vocals for Kerrs Pink, another Norwegian progressive band.

King For A Day is a 6 track album with a total playing time of around 72 minutes, which is a fair amount of music to put on a CD, especially with some releases under or just over 40 minutes. Listeners can however, rest easy in the fact that the quality of the music is very high, so not quantity over quality, just superb progressive music. The penultimate track, “The Silent Giant” is the shortest track on the album clocking in at 5:30 minutes and the final, title, track “King For A Day” is the epic tour-de-force of the album at 28:16 minutes.

“Trick Of The Trade” (6:18) is the opening track on King For a Day and has all the trademark sounds of Magic Pie, with a thundering start into stunning keyboards almost immediately. The vocals appear around 40 seconds and the music settles back a little before the track shifts tack just after the 1 minute mark. There are some harmonized vocals with keyboard flourishes that take the track on past the 2 minute point and to another switch. Superb guitar work carries the track on into another phase and a section of chunky guitar riffing. A return to an earlier passage brings the action down a little in intensity and we are back at a keyboard theme from the start plus much more keyboard work. The guitar takes over the lead for a section then relinquishes that position to the keyboards and some more vocal harmonies appear and we have reached 6 minutes, when the keyboards escort the track out. This is a cracker of a track to start the album.

“Introversion” (12:24) has an acoustic guitar intro into synths which is simply magical, before the band let rip. Superb vocals, excellent harmonizing and more chunky riffs abound. The guitar and keyboard passages are simply superb. The track moves into an amazing organ sequence around the 3 minute mark and is added to with more excellent vocals. There is a change of direction just after 5 minutes, with superb vocals and harmonies over guitar and piano. A minute later and we are back to the guitar and keyboards “showing off.” The music then drops away into the background apart from a simple passage that can be heard as a little aural oasis is provided. Moving towards the 9 minute point, there is a fabulous guitar solo which flows so well and then the other instruments pitch in and the band is back in action, while the guitar continues to fly. There is a change to a simple piano/synth passage before the band blast back and into amazing harmonies and guitar riffing before the keyboards gently finish the track off.

“According To Plan” (6:46) is a driving track highlighting the guitars and keyboards and never lets up for a moment. “Tears Gone Dry” (12:33) is a slow atmospheric burner which just builds and builds in intensity. The characteristic harmonizing and guitar playing are littered through this track. “Silent Giant” (5:30) has its heavy and light moments constantly pulling the listener into the music.

The closing track on the album, “King For A Day” (28:16) is of epic proportions and starts off very gently with a piano passage which morphs into synths and then full band very quickly. The guitar and the keyboards are again the driving forces of the track and little “hooks” start to appear all over the track. Changes in the tempo start to appear around the 5 minute point and the harmonized vocals, a characteristic of Magic Pie, appear. The retro organ sound floats around behind the voices but adds another level to the music. Reaching 8 minutes, the track has already moved in many directions, but is always nailed down by the foundations provided by the “engine” of the band, Lars and Jan on bass and drums respectively. The 10 minute mark has a majestic guitar passage that moves the track into a very laidback acoustic passage, including some very jazzy guitar as the track evolves into a more up-tempo keyboard passage, which is nothing short of stunning. The band then get to flex their collective musical muscles as the track drives along. Around 17:30 minutes, there is a jazzy passage featuring piano/synths, which escorts in a chunky guitar passage as the intensity starts to climb. 22 minutes into the track and there is a very atmospheric sequence with far-off sounds of people and sirens. The harmonized vocals reappear and the track builds as the guitar starts to fly as the track moves towards completion.

King For A Day is a superb release by a band that know exactly what they are about. Album No 4 shows that Magic Pie have again hit the bullseye, with soaring guitars, sweeping keyboards, thundering bass and drums and crystal clear vocals, plus excellent harmonizing. The band can produce atmospheric sounds, ballads, gentle acoustics and full on band interplay, between and within tracks.

If you have not listened to Magic Pie, my advice would be to do so as soon as possible. King For A Day will not disappoint. 

I will end with a simple statement, “Welcome Back, Magic Pie.”

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Trick Of The Trade, Introversion, King For A Day

Tracks:
 

Trick Of The Trade
Introversion
According To Plan
Tears Gone By
Silent Giant
King For A Day


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
June 10, 2015
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk





Prog Rock Review: Magic Pie-King For A Day

Release Date: 25thMay 2015
Label:  Karisma Records

Magic Pie has just released their 4th album, King For A Day, following on from the debut, Motions of Desire (2005), Circus of Life (2007) and The Suffering Joy (2011).

The Norwegian band is highly regarded amongst prog fans with their unique blend of classic prog and 70’s hard rock. The band have listed as influences a sort of Who’s Who of prog, including Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Transatlantic, Yes, Deep Purple and more. 

Magic Pie is a 6 piece band comprising, Kim Stenberg (guitars, vocals), Eirikur Hauksson (lead vocal, guitar), Eirik Hanssen (voc, guitar), Jan Torkild Johannessen (drums), Erling Henanger (keyboards, backing vocals) and Lars Petter Holstad (bass, backing vocals). Eirikur Hauksson also provides vocals for Kerrs Pink, another Norwegian progressive band.

King For A Day is a 6 track album with a total playing time of around 72 minutes, which is a fair amount of music to put on a CD, especially with some releases under or just over 40 minutes. Listeners can however, rest easy in the fact that the quality of the music is very high, so not quantity over quality, just superb progressive music. The penultimate track, “The Silent Giant” is the shortest track on the album clocking in at 5:30 minutes and the final, title, track “King For A Day” is the epic tour-de-force of the album at 28:16 minutes.

“Trick Of The Trade” (6:18) is the opening track on King For a Day and has all the trademark sounds of Magic Pie, with a thundering start into stunning keyboards almost immediately. The vocals appear around 40 seconds and the music settles back a little before the track shifts tack just after the 1 minute mark. There are some harmonized vocals with keyboard flourishes that take the track on past the 2 minute point and to another switch. Superb guitar work carries the track on into another phase and a section of chunky guitar riffing. A return to an earlier passage brings the action down a little in intensity and we are back at a keyboard theme from the start plus much more keyboard work. The guitar takes over the lead for a section then relinquishes that position to the keyboards and some more vocal harmonies appear and we have reached 6 minutes, when the keyboards escort the track out. This is a cracker of a track to start the album.

“Introversion” (12:24) has an acoustic guitar intro into synths which is simply magical, before the band let rip. Superb vocals, excellent harmonizing and more chunky riffs abound. The guitar and keyboard passages are simply superb. The track moves into an amazing organ sequence around the 3 minute mark and is added to with more excellent vocals. There is a change of direction just after 5 minutes, with superb vocals and harmonies over guitar and piano. A minute later and we are back to the guitar and keyboards “showing off.” The music then drops away into the background apart from a simple passage that can be heard as a little aural oasis is provided. Moving towards the 9 minute point, there is a fabulous guitar solo which flows so well and then the other instruments pitch in and the band is back in action, while the guitar continues to fly. There is a change to a simple piano/synth passage before the band blast back and into amazing harmonies and guitar riffing before the keyboards gently finish the track off.

“According To Plan” (6:46) is a driving track highlighting the guitars and keyboards and never lets up for a moment. “Tears Gone Dry” (12:33) is a slow atmospheric burner which just builds and builds in intensity. The characteristic harmonizing and guitar playing are littered through this track. “Silent Giant” (5:30) has its heavy and light moments constantly pulling the listener into the music.

The closing track on the album, “King For A Day” (28:16) is of epic proportions and starts off very gently with a piano passage which morphs into synths and then full band very quickly. The guitar and the keyboards are again the driving forces of the track and little “hooks” start to appear all over the track. Changes in the tempo start to appear around the 5 minute point and the harmonized vocals, a characteristic of Magic Pie, appear. The retro organ sound floats around behind the voices but adds another level to the music. Reaching 8 minutes, the track has already moved in many directions, but is always nailed down by the foundations provided by the “engine” of the band, Lars and Jan on bass and drums respectively. The 10 minute mark has a majestic guitar passage that moves the track into a very laidback acoustic passage, including some very jazzy guitar as the track evolves into a more up-tempo keyboard passage, which is nothing short of stunning. The band then get to flex their collective musical muscles as the track drives along. Around 17:30 minutes, there is a jazzy passage featuring piano/synths, which escorts in a chunky guitar passage as the intensity starts to climb. 22 minutes into the track and there is a very atmospheric sequence with far-off sounds of people and sirens. The harmonized vocals reappear and the track builds as the guitar starts to fly as the track moves towards completion.

King For A Day is a superb release by a band that know exactly what they are about. Album No 4 shows that Magic Pie have again hit the bullseye, with soaring guitars, sweeping keyboards, thundering bass and drums and crystal clear vocals, plus excellent harmonizing. The band can produce atmospheric sounds, ballads, gentle acoustics and full on band interplay, between and within tracks.

If you have not listened to Magic Pie, my advice would be to do so as soon as possible. King For A Day will not disappoint. 

I will end with a simple statement, “Welcome Back, Magic Pie.”

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Trick Of The Trade, Introversion, King For A Day

Tracks:
 

Trick Of The Trade
Introversion
According To Plan
Tears Gone By
Silent Giant
King For A Day


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
June 10, 2015
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk





6/04/2015

Instrumental New Age: Michael Stribling-A Better Place

Release Date: May 10, 2015
Label: Indie

A Better Place is Michael Stribling’s latest release. It is the first release since 2011. The goal of this music is to enhance the human condition. After listening to the album straight through, I would have to say that is achieved.

Stribling offers relaxing sounds that put you in a spiritual place. He uses keyboards to create his musical symphonies and in doing so brings forth a sound that is like a warm summer breeze touching your face or the gentleness of flower petals falling silently to the ground. This is the essence of his music. There are moments of transition that keep things interesting and energetic spurts that let you know he has the ability to step it up a few notches when he decides to and add a little excitement to the mix and make the softer approaches that much more poignant and meaningful.

As it says on the artist website, "The mission of Leela Music is to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit (Leela means 'divine play').” Certainly that is accomplished through the music. Being a diverse listener always helps to be more open to new sounds. There is not a day that passes that I cannot use a good dose of music that takes the edge off, and Michael reminded me of that while listening.

The amazing thing about how this man creates his music is that it’s just him, his keyboards, and various sampled sounds captured by a MIDI, then shaped and molded through Digital Performer and multiple plug-ins. It is electronic-based music, and it comes together quite nicely and sounds beautiful. It takes a good ear and plenty of talent to create music like this.

"Dust Yourself Off” is a favorite. I loved the keyboards and synth sounds; it is a marvelous and very effective combination. "Looking Up” into the skies day or night is a wondrous and spiritual thing; it has been for me my entire life. And this track is the most upbeat, driving, and dramatic take on the entire recording. It’s exciting, like something Vangelis would do for a movie score. The brightness and joy brought forth will bring a smile to you, inside and out.

"Time For Bed, Sweetheart” is a symphonic lullaby. It is pulls you right in like an inviting warm bed on a cold winter’s night. It is purposeful and determined, yet soft and sweet at the same time. I liked the texture and atmospheric nature of this track. It was like a bit of aural heaven for my senses.

As the album closes out, it is a reminder to all of us that life moves "Ever Onward”; as a gentle and happy invitation begins with keys and tinkling bells, you look back at everything you just heard and all the feelings the music was able to draw out of you. Music like this is not only relaxing, its intuitive nature allows contemplation and reflection of what is on the inside, not the superficial daily things. The question is what is really going on inside your head and what moves your soul. In spirit you can find the truth, and the final result is inner peace. I believe that is the goal of what Mr. Stribling strives to accomplish with his music. Thank you for making that a reality for me, sir; I look forward to your next outing of ear candy that translates to spiritual bliss.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Dust Yourself Off; Looking Up; Time For Bed, Sweetheart

Tracks:
 

01. First Light
02. Looking Up
03. Winter Encounter
04. Dream Waves
05. Self Seeking Self
06. Just a Moment
07. Repose
08. A Better Place
09. Soliloquy
10. Reassurance
11. Quiet Certainty
12. Dust Yourself Off
13. Time for Bed, Sweetheart
14. Ever Onward

Keith "MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
June 4, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

6/01/2015

New Age Review: Steven Halpern-Among Friends: 1975-2015-A 40 Year Retrospective

Release Date: May 12, 2015
Label: Inner Peace Music

Steven Halpern is one of the most influential voices in New Age music. This Grammy award nominated artist has had a career spanning more than forty years. His style is comprised of New Age, Jazz, rhythmic world fusion and healing meditation and with each piece, he connects with the listener on an emotive and soul kindling level. The music from this comprehensive album is derived from the following albums: Deep Alpha, Connections, Relaxation Suite, Ancient Echoes, Dawn, Deja-Blues, Afro-Desia and Deep Theta 2.0. All pre-2005 recordings were remastered to match the hi-definition sound of the tracks recorded from 2005 through 2015.

Guest musicians in Among Friends are: Paul Horn, Paul McCandless, Jai Uttal, David Darling, Michael Manring,   Georgia Kelly, Suru Ekeh, Dallas Smith, Marc Van Wageningen, Jorge Alfano, Michael Diamond, David Friesen, Mark Bell, Kat Epple  and George Marsh.

One of the most remarkable things about this artist is his ability to delve into the spiritual nature of the listener and evoke images of calm.  “Shared Secrets” is such a piece and was originally on the Connections album. Golden flute and keyboards combine to give a deeply thoughtful sound experience that takes you into yourself. The essence of tranquility can be heard within the notes of this song. Some days that indeed feels like a secret-to find peace in a hectic world.


“Mello Cello” is a breathless awakening. Electronica, a light ethereal buzz and the seductive sound of string music awakens your senses. This piece is one of my favorites on the album.

“Deja-Blues” is from the album of the same name. Bluesy with flutes, drum beats and vocalizations, this piece wraps around you like smoke. Twisting and turning, it has a flavor of world music about it with a sweet sadness that digs down into the marrow of your being.

“Afro-Desia” is originally from the self-titled album. Evocative with world music beats and a jazzy flair, this piece is full of life. Colorful, it brings to mind the vibrant people from the African Continent. Percussive elements entwine with multi-instrumentation to craft a buoyant tune that floats along the river of life.   

The songs in this retrospective album all come from places in the history of a great composer and performer. Steven Halpern is a founding member of the New Age movement and has paved the way for many artists in his wake. His use of sound for spiritual healing and stress relief is a gift and I highly recommend his work if you need a bit of respite from the outside world.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Shared Secrets, Mello Cello, Deja-Blues, Afro-Desia

Track Listing: 
01. Deep Alpha (pt. 1) 4:49
02. Shared Secrets 5:43
03. Paradigm Shift 7:33
04. Thigh Chi 5:37
05. Mello Cello 6:31
06. Deja-Blues 4:20
07. Afro-Desia 4:07
08. Deep Theta 2.0 (pt.2) 5:02
09. Lifetide 5:18
10. In Another Life 4:31
11. Jonah’s Journey 5:17
12. Apollo’s Lyre 3:52
13. Dawn 4:16
14. Mirage 5:27
15. Deep Peace 5:13


Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
May 19, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

5/21/2015

Progressive Metal Review: At War With Self-Circadian Rhythm Disorder

Release Date: 11thMarch 2015
Label:  Digital release

At War With Self is a project led/conceived by Glenn Snelwar, a multi-instrumentalist, best known, although not by this reviewer, as one of the guitarists on the Giordian Knot debut which featured members of King Crimson, Cynic, Watchtower and Dream Theater.

At War With Self has previously released three albums, Torn Between Dimensions (2005), Acts of God (2007) and A Familiar Path (2009), and now, album No 4 has landed on The Ancient Ones’ desk for review. The title of the newest release is Circadian Rhythm Disorder.

To quote the press release that accompanies this album release, “Circadian Rhythm Disorderis the culmination of four years of writing, recording, re-writing, analysis, re-analysis, discarding, rebuilding, e-evaluation and final culmination of compositions based on the framework of a 51 minute drum solo performed in a single take by Marco Minneman (drummer, composer, multi-instrumentalist with Steven Wilson Band and Joe Satriani Band).”

I will admit at the outset of this review that the thought of a 51 minute drum solo filled me full of foreboding, but I was interested to hear how Glenn built Circadian Rhythm Disorder around this base point.

The musicians involved on this release are Glenn, who plays guitars, fretless bass, mandolin and keyboards, with Marco Minneman, providing the drumming and percussion.

Circadian Rhythm Disorder is a 24 track album with a total paying time of around 51 minutes. Fifteen of the tracks last for under the 2 minute mark, with “Slate Wiper Pt 2,” the shortest at only 53 seconds and the longest track on offer on Circadian Rhythm Disorderis “Seeds Of Doubt” which plays for 4:19 minutes.

The opening track on Circadian Rhythm Disorder, “Slate Wiper” (3:26) is an interesting piece of music based on the first section of the drum track. There is a fair amount of metal guitar riffing, interspersed with mandolin which draws the listener in, although the sudden change from acoustic to metal guitar can be a little jarring. This is a positive start to the album with a track that certainly hangs together very well.

“Seeds Of Doubt” (4:19) has a very atmospheric build-up to around the 2 minute point before the metal guitar appears in the background and takes over with bursts of machine gun like riffing, which unfortunately isn’t a style that keeps the interest of this listener.

“Seeds Of Love” (3:47) changes tack with piano and acoustic guitar setting the scene before the keyboards fill in the background. A good track, and indeed, I think the best of these early tracks without a doubt.

“Shards Pt 1” (3:21), “Shards Pt 2” (2:17) and “Shards Pt 3” (0:55) are based around the less metallic side of the music, with “Pt 1” using acoustic guitar and keyboards to provide a gentle, almost laid back, flowing piece of music, which does have a few tempo changes, but it is always satisfying. “Pt 2” has a superb piano to start and is again, in the gentler of the musical styles across this release. There are some excellent acoustic guitar themes on offer over the length of this track. “Pt 3” again highlights the piano, but at under a minute in length, is too soon gone.

Having listened to this album several times over the last few weeks, I am still not convinced that I like or dislike it. Overall I’m very happy with the gentler, more atmospheric tracks, but a little put off by the harsh metal thrashing. This is an album I may well dip into from time to time, but only some of the tracks.

As usual, this is a very personal view of Circadian Rhythm Disorder, and I would always advocate that people have a few listens before making their mind up.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Slate Wiper, Seeds of Love, Shards Pt 1-3

Tracks:
Slate Wiper
Seeds of Doubt
Seeds of Love
The Mirror
Mirage
Stumbling To Sleep
Daydream
This Is Not My Reflection
Smash The Mirror
Shards Pt 1
Shards Pt 2
Shards Pt 3
Nightmare
Running From The Dream
N.D.E.
Tunnel Of Light
Re-Birth
First Breath
New Life Pt 1
New Life Pt 2
Slate Wiper Pt 2
A Day’s Death
Completion Of The Cycle
One And All

 


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

May 21, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: At War With Self-Circadian Rhythm Disorder

Release Date: 11thMarch 2015
Label:  Digital release

At War With Self is a project led/conceived by Glenn Snelwar, a multi-instrumentalist, best known, although not by this reviewer, as one of the guitarists on the Giordian Knot debut which featured members of King Crimson, Cynic, Watchtower and Dream Theater.

At War With Self has previously released three albums, Torn Between Dimensions (2005), Acts of God (2007) and A Familiar Path (2009), and now, album No 4 has landed on The Ancient Ones’ desk for review. The title of the newest release is Circadian Rhythm Disorder.

To quote the press release that accompanies this album release, “Circadian Rhythm Disorderis the culmination of four years of writing, recording, re-writing, analysis, re-analysis, discarding, rebuilding, e-evaluation and final culmination of compositions based on the framework of a 51 minute drum solo performed in a single take by Marco Minneman (drummer, composer, multi-instrumentalist with Steven Wilson Band and Joe Satriani Band).”

I will admit at the outset of this review that the thought of a 51 minute drum solo filled me full of foreboding, but I was interested to hear how Glenn built Circadian Rhythm Disorder around this base point.

The musicians involved on this release are Glenn, who plays guitars, fretless bass, mandolin and keyboards, with Marco Minneman, providing the drumming and percussion.

Circadian Rhythm Disorder is a 24 track album with a total paying time of around 51 minutes. Fifteen of the tracks last for under the 2 minute mark, with “Slate Wiper Pt 2,” the shortest at only 53 seconds and the longest track on offer on Circadian Rhythm Disorderis “Seeds Of Doubt” which plays for 4:19 minutes.

The opening track on Circadian Rhythm Disorder, “Slate Wiper” (3:26) is an interesting piece of music based on the first section of the drum track. There is a fair amount of metal guitar riffing, interspersed with mandolin which draws the listener in, although the sudden change from acoustic to metal guitar can be a little jarring. This is a positive start to the album with a track that certainly hangs together very well.

“Seeds Of Doubt” (4:19) has a very atmospheric build-up to around the 2 minute point before the metal guitar appears in the background and takes over with bursts of machine gun like riffing, which unfortunately isn’t a style that keeps the interest of this listener.

“Seeds Of Love” (3:47) changes tack with piano and acoustic guitar setting the scene before the keyboards fill in the background. A good track, and indeed, I think the best of these early tracks without a doubt.

“Shards Pt 1” (3:21), “Shards Pt 2” (2:17) and “Shards Pt 3” (0:55) are based around the less metallic side of the music, with “Pt 1” using acoustic guitar and keyboards to provide a gentle, almost laid back, flowing piece of music, which does have a few tempo changes, but it is always satisfying. “Pt 2” has a superb piano to start and is again, in the gentler of the musical styles across this release. There are some excellent acoustic guitar themes on offer over the length of this track. “Pt 3” again highlights the piano, but at under a minute in length, is too soon gone.

Having listened to this album several times over the last few weeks, I am still not convinced that I like or dislike it. Overall I’m very happy with the gentler, more atmospheric tracks, but a little put off by the harsh metal thrashing. This is an album I may well dip into from time to time, but only some of the tracks.

As usual, this is a very personal view of Circadian Rhythm Disorder, and I would always advocate that people have a few listens before making their mind up.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Slate Wiper, Seeds of Love, Shards Pt 1-3

Tracks:
Slate Wiper
Seeds of Doubt
Seeds of Love
The Mirror
Mirage
Stumbling To Sleep
Daydream
This Is Not My Reflection
Smash The Mirror
Shards Pt 1
Shards Pt 2
Shards Pt 3
Nightmare
Running From The Dream
N.D.E.
Tunnel Of Light
Re-Birth
First Breath
New Life Pt 1
New Life Pt 2
Slate Wiper Pt 2
A Day’s Death
Completion Of The Cycle
One And All

 


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

May 21, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

4/29/2015

New Age Instrumental Review: Robin Spielberg-Another Time, Another Place

Release Date: April 28, 2015
Label: playMountain Music
Robin Spielberg is known for her lyrical performances spanning the classical, traditional and pop genres. In this album of original compositions, Robin gives us piano solos that light up any dark spaces that may be in your life. Robin is an accomplished artist with over sixteen recordings in her name and she has been included in over forty compilations. Often on tour, she bonds with her audience through her grace and spiritual connectivity. 

“First Dance” is the introductory piece on the album. Like two ribbons winding up from a ballerina’s slipper this song is a whisper of movement across a dance floor. Steady and methodical, the dancer strives to perfect her form. With each failure comes opportunity and the gift of hope. The rich emotive quality of this piece makes it one of my favorites on the album.

“Cherry Blossom” is a breath of fresh air. Spring has showed its face in the crisp morning hours and the buds on the cherry tree awaken. Sweeping piano movements drift like a branch swaying in the wind. Sunlight settles on your face and the sweet promise of a fresh season beckons.

“Whisper in the Wind” at first reminded me of the “Flower Song” from Delibes’ Lakme. A beautiful song, it is interpretive in only the best way a performer can hurl talent into the wind and bring back something artful and dripping with muse. Textured and thought provoking, the piano sequences invoke images of a windswept cliff with the possibilities of a lifetime just waiting for you to make the first leap.

Robin Spielberg is a force to be reckoned with in this album. Swirling watercolors meet introspection and artfulness as her work captures the listener’s imagination at every turn. Another Time, Another Place is an album I listened to again and again not once losing interest. The precision and melodic quality of the work is one hundred percent. There is nothing better than to sit down after a busy day and feel yourself unwind to music of this caliber. Robin Spielberg is an artist I will be watching out for and I may just have to investigate those sixteen albums…
 
5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: First Dance, Cherry Blossom, Whisper in the Wind

Tracks:

01. First Dance
02. Ship to Shore
03. Another Time, Another Place
04. Cherry Blossom
05. The View from Here
06. In My Dreams
07. After All
08. The Time Traveler
09. Candlelight Waltz
10. A Whisper in the Wind
11. O Mio Babbino Caro

 
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
April 29, 2015
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews