Debut EP, ‘Science’, From Dazzling Singer-Songwriter Rachel Myalls

Following the break-up of her previous band Cymbeline, London-based artist Rachel Myalls has chosen to pursue a solo career as a singer-songwriter.

This delicate blend of folk and blues serves as her first solo EP and sees her exploring the complications of being in a relationship to an intimate backdrop of acoustic guitars. Myalls draws influence from singer-songwriters such as Dolly Parton and Tim Buckley. Her lyrics are vivid and heartfelt, sung in a refreshingly British-accented tone. Highlights include lead single ‘Science’, which touches on the explosive chemistry of a short-lived relationship and ‘Horses’, a track about proving one’s love set to some driving percussion.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/rachelmyallmusic/?ref=hl

http://www.rachelmyall.com/

https://rachelmyall.bandcamp.com/

Nigel Thomas - Travelling Man Review

Nigel Thomas’ is making Britpop for the modern day. Drawling vocals and powerful guitar builds are striking on this brilliant new album from Nigel Thomas named ‘Travelling Man’.

Listen here:

Powerful and emotive sounds run throughout this fresh collection of songs that not only give an insight into Thomas’ personal reflections on life but give a relatable view of day to day life in a beautiful way that evokes the passion of legends like Oasis and Blur. 

The title track is a dreamy song full of waves of The Beatles with brilliant guitar work and nostalgic harmonies sweeping the listener along.  Songs like ‘Drift’ use strings reminiscent of Nick Drake but with biting lyrics that perfectly counteract the soft melodies.

Overall the album is a gripping listen that demands attention and respect, with plenty of great songs to get your teeth into.

Links:

https://soundcloud.com/nigelthomas

https://www.facebook.com/nigelsongs

https://twitter.com/Nigelsongs

http://www.nigelsongs.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/nigelsongsuk/videos

Orca New Album 'Universe' Review

Alternative metal band, Orca, are releasing their hard hitting album ‘Universe’ and it has us in awe. Their music gracefully twists and dives through a unique blend of heavy riffs with disarming melodies, soulful atmospheres and an edge of prog.

 ‘Amber’ starts the album off with foreboding sounds which draws you in before the heavy rhythms kick in hard. The fact that this album is self- produced shows the skills of these musicians as the track are beautifully layered, really transporting the listener into the stars with the band.

The strident metal sound of the band is contrasted well by vocalist Chris Edwards’ Jeff Buckley sounding voice that guides the album along. The band have live dates in London that are by the sound of the album- bound to be a real experience not worth missing.

The single ‘Aquarium’ is out now from the album Universe out April 1st

LINKS:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

https://www.facebook.com/orcaband

https://soundcloud.com/orcaband

https://orcaband.bandcamp.com/

Upcoming gig dates for 2016:

April 1st - Rigger Stoke-on-Trent

April 8th - Barfly, London

April 18th - Surya King's Cross, London

Marcus Nand Album Review

After recording guitar solo for Rod Stewart, Marcus Nand is back with own solo album ‘Time And Tide Wait For No Man’. With sweeping melodies and delicate guitar rhythms this album whisks you along into whichever land Marcus is venturing to this time.

The title track offers Marcus’ heartfelt thoughts and reflections on life, luck and love which, as commented on by Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), is performed ‘in an honest way, which is rare these days’.  Marcus brilliantly mixes this in an uplifting way, allowing you to be taken with the melody.

Listening to the album, you can hear Marcus’ mixed influences being drawn upon. The track ‘Everything’ features beautifully intricate flamenco guitar work which fits perfectly with the passionate vocals. The eerie track ‘You Become My World’ reveals another side to Marcus Nand’s eclectic album with Indian influences being prevalent here. In fact, the album gives you an insight into the man behind the music; with travelling, motorcycling and sailing being his passions, the songs definitely create the feeling of enjoying the journey of life. 

Overall this album is a heartening, as well as catchy, performance of Marcus’ skills in both songwriting but most strikingly, in his pure talent as an experienced musician. 

The album ‘Time And Tide Wait For No Man’ is out on 22^nd April 2016

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/MarcusNandMusic

https://twitter.com/marcusnand

https://soundcloud.com/marcus-nand

http://marcusnand.com/

Free From Gravity Are Set To Release New Single

Portsmouth rockers Free From Gravity are about to release their wonderfully positive message of overcoming life struggles in a melodically addictive new song called “The Long Road”.

Blending in perfectly elements of classic rock from the 60s and 70s with the more chilled out 90s interpretations a la Bluetones the song has already become quite a sensation in the online community. Music blog Go Hard Magazine has described the lyrics as “emotional, compassionate and inspirational” while music website JamSphere reads: “I don’t know if Vince Barnes has studied music, but he is clearly evolving from a songwriter into a true composer, and the result is extremely satisfying.”

Listen here: 

“The Lond Road” was inspired by Vince’s mum’s battle with cancer which she bravely overcame. As a reminder of the hardships life can put on people, it is ultimately a confirmation of positivity and optimism, encouraging anyone who is in recovery to stay strong. Many of the band’s fans can relate to the lyrics and singer Vince remembers a sober alcoholic coming up to him once after gig, telling him how much the song means to him.

Free From Gravity are no strangers to great live performance, having played in front of up to 4000 people in the past and getting a couple of hundred Spanish fans singing along to their songs at a gig abroad. Apart from the success they have accomplished with their own concerts, the four-piece, consisting of Vince Barnes, TJ Jackson, Jason Gray and Lewis Trickett, has supported bands such as the Pat McManus Band or Mark Morris of Bluetones and worked with people such as Andy Mitchel of The Yardbirds. 

The band, whose name was inspired by a WonderBra advert which said “Free Yourself From Gravity”, is showing

resemblance to some of the major players in 20^thcentury music ranging from The Eagles to The Who. Next to being excellent songwriters, instrumentalists and performers Free From Gravity are a group that adopted an approach to getting their music heard which is driven by passion and a go-getting spirit. “We perform guerrilla gigs where we pitch up and play at a venue or on the street. We are handing out flyers as we play”, explains Vince who is a professional when it comes to DIY and self-promotion.

With a combination of this kind of work ethic and a dedication to good songs the lads are on a steady and way up!

Live Dates:

July 2nd - Hoefest in Waterlooville (near Portsmouth)

LINKS:

https://soundcloud.com/freefromgravityband

https://www.facebook.com/freefromgravitymusic/

Instrumental New Age/Ambient Review: Tom Eaton-Abendromen

Release Date: February 8, 2016

Label: Riverwide Records

Website

Abendromen is Tom Eaton’s latest release. The title comes from the Dutch. It is actually two words combined, "Abend" is evening and "Dromen" is dreams. Tom is a very busy producer collaborating constantly with Will Ackerman in his Imaginary Road Studios to help New Age artists find their sound. Somehow he found the time in December 2015 and January 2016 to get this recording completed.

This is an album about dreaming and the different forms it can take on a daily basis. Some sweep you away from reality and some become reality. Listen to the music and create your dreams.

Tom composed, mixed, mastered, engineered and produced the recording using textural electric guitars, fretted and fretless basses, synthesizers and piano miniatures. All the piano, keyboards, guitars, basses and percussion where played by the artist making this a true “solo” work.

The ever important opening track draws the curtain back and sets the tone for any recording. And Tom introduces his style of music perfectly by easing you into his world with “Sunday-Slow Rotations.” It is atmospheric and features ambient textures with keyboards floating on top, promoting the traditional day of rest. It is the face of magnificence and elegance found in music all packaged in one track. The elements of new age and classical are injected with some ambient chill to make for delectable treat for the senses. 

Oddly enough “Monday-Midwinter” is exactly where we are at in the northeast. Usually every year we have those nightmare days with the weather but it has been a winter only imagined by those hoping for warming temperatures and a lot less snow and ice. That dream came true. 

“Tuesday-The Compass” is one of my preferred tracks. It reminded me of some of my favorite artists over the years like Tangerine Dream (Le Parc). The dreamy floating on cloud effect is there except the pace picks up a bit more right at the start. There is lovely melody weaved into the fabric of this track. It has inspired me to start listening to some of my favorite music again that I have not heard in so long. Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre and Mike Oldfield come to mind right away. The compass showed me the way.

I think the one track I could relate to most was “Friday-Patience.” The saying T.G.I.F. comes to mind and how you need to be patient and work your way through the day looking forward to the weekend to do what you really desire. It does require patience to make it through to Friday each week, some weeks require more than others. That is how the title hit me and the music felt right as well. The pace is even and peaceful while carrying the hope of a new day right around the corner.

I knew Tom Eaton was an incredibly talented producer and now I know for certain that the music is in every molecule of his being. With Abendromen his gives proof positive that his fingers hold the key to capturing the imagination of an audience in desperate need of unwinding and appreciating a relaxing atmosphere to decompress. It worked for me. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Monday-Slow Rotations, Friday-Patience, Tuesday-The Compass

Tracks: 
01. Sunday: Slow Rotations
02. Monday: Midwinter
03. Tuesday: The Compass
04. Wednesday: In Stillness
05. Thursday: For Orion
06. Friday: Patience
07. Saturday: Long Lonely Light

Bonus Tracks:
08. Wednesday Night
09. The Eighth Day
10. Saturday Night
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

February 27, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Jae Franklin Single Review 'Weary'

‘Weary’ by the fantastic singer Jae Franklin is a song that everyone can relate to. It stresses the way that we can feel when we’re lost or unsure about what is to come. Underpinned by her amazingly clear and powerful voice, Franklin delivers a message of kindness and affection that is much needed in modern times. 

With a singing style that reminds of singers like Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, the Dubai based musician is demonstrating an immense talent and a maturity that certainly makes her ready for the world’s big stages.  ‘Weary’ is a track to put on repeat.

‘Weary’ is out on 26^th March 2016.

LINKS:

http://www.facebook.com/jaefranklin

http://www.twitter.com/jaefranklin

http://www.soundcloud.com/jaefranklin

The Truebelles Single Review

The Truebelles are a refreshing new girl band  who are certainly putting girl power on the map and are set to shake up the pop scene with their catchy new single ‘if your heart is there’The Truebells are a London based three-piece who all about girl power, these girls have the spirit and determination to bring femininity back , Grace Talullah and Lorena comprise remarkable vocal skills, this is a supremely up-tempo burst of pop, full of hooks that just make you want to jump out of bed in the morning and Seize the Day

The single ‘If Your Heart Is There’ is out on 12^th February 2016.

 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/The-Truebelles-920344594701415/

https://twitter.com/ttruebelles

http://thetruebelles.com/

Healthy Junkies 'Box of Chaos' Review

Healthy Junkies are a band that lives, breathes and suffers punk rock. This is most evident in their latest album ‘Box Of Chaos’, a truly magnificent ode to the manic depression that plagues the residents of a 21^stcentury world.

Although full of social commentary about how screwed this planet is in songs like “Watch Out” or “Captive” Healthy Junkies don’t drown into a nihilistic kind of self pity. Instead, they are punk rock enough to scream “I don’t give a damn” and “Je suis free”, demonstrating that our day and age isn’t necessarily an easy one to live in but that ultimately they’re going their way regardless – and that’s brilliantly inspiring!

http://www.healthyjunkies.co.uk/

www.soundcloud.com/healthyjunkies

https://twitter.com/HealthyJunkies?

https://www.facebook.com/healthyjunkiesband/

Elaine Blake - 'The Back Door Man' Review

The Back Door Man’ by Nottingham musician Elaine Blake is a song as joyous as the singer herself. Elaine is a wonderfully quirky newcomer who has previously worked with various jazz bands and girl gospel groups. With ‘The Back Door Man’ she is now entering the realms of pop in the most rosy and cheerful way. The song is a great pop track that lifts the spirits and manages to put a smile on everyone’s face. With this kind of music we’re definitely ready for springtime!

Listen here: 

The new single from Elaine Blake is out on February 12th

Links:

https://twitter.com/blakeisaac2

https://www.facebook.com/elaine.blake.589

Holiday Review: Celtic Thunder-Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Celtic Thunder has been brightening spirits with their amazing vocals and world class performances since their inception in 2007. Current members include Neil Byrne, Emmett O'Hanlon, Emmet Cahill, Colm Keegan, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Damian McGinty, Paul Byrom and George Donaldson. This compilation of holiday music is a must for any fan.

“Carol of the Bells” is the first tune on the album. It is a twisting musical confection that is pure holiday magic. Crisp tones, joyful voices, melodic music ranging from horns to chimes and floating string and the jingle of bells all combine for an elemental introduction to this wonderful album. It was composed and written by Mykola Leontovych and Peter J. Wilhousky.

“In the Bleak Mid-Winter” was composed and lyrics created by Gustav Holst and Christina Rossetti. Performed with Celtic textures at the onset, the piece quickly morphs into a piano movement with light musical flutterings in the background. The vocals and pipe sounds reach into the still and lonely parts that this time of year can really make stark and utterly clear. Love of God warms the soul as the singer remembers the reason for the holiday and the angels that walked among us to give the child safe passage. “What can I give him poor as I am?” This rings true for so many of us these days. What value do we offer when we can’t buy the things we desire or give others the gifts they want. The answer is the same as it always was. Love. It is the beginning and the end of all things and with it, we can conquer the world.

“Fairytale of New York” is the last piece on the album. Written and composed by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer this song captures the Celtic reality in all of its glory. Soft and sweet with pipes and lilting dance music, it swings into a rowdy bar ballad among other things. Awash in regret but dreaming of the days ahead, the vocalists bring to life the myriad of emotions that make a man. Drink and food and laughter bring us all together but in the end, we each of us make the other strong.

The Classic Christmas Album is a wonderful compilation of Celtic holiday music, both traditional and original. The vocalists’ voices join forces to bring us a glimpse into the sounds of the heavens or the lowest bar in midtown. There is light in the darkness and if you listen to this music you might just feel a bit of warmth this holiday season. I highly recommend it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Fairytale of New York

Tracks: 
01. Carol of the Bells (1:24)
02. Gaudete (2:22)
03. Mary Did You Know? (3:09)
04. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:55)
05. In the Bleak Mid-Winter (4:12)
06. Gabriel’s Message (2:50)
07. Christmas Medley: Sleigh Ride, Here Comes Santa Claus, Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (6:00)
08. Away in a Manger (2:40)
09. Comfort Ye (2:50)
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (1:58)
11. The Christmas Song (3:34)
12. Oh Holy Night (4:44)
13. O Come All Ye Faithful (3:47)
14. Fairytale of New York (4:00)
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 16, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Reole - ‘What’s Cookin’ Review

Ex pirate radio DJ, chef, record label owner, musician and American Football lover Reole returns with ‘Whats Cookin’ the stunning follow up to ‘Hear Comes The Drums’. Reole started his musical life playing brass in Mardi Gras parades. Later, once back in Scotland, he then set about the airwaves with Ritchie Ruftone on pirate radio and pioneered the introduction of illicit underground broadcasting across Europe – from Scotland, Germany and beyond.

His new album marries delicious recipes with fantastic music. Influenced by soul and RnB this album is super catchy and uplifting. The album features lead track ‘Got Your Back Girl’ a smooth funk hit that packs a punch.

‘What’s Cookin’ is sure to set ears twitching and tummy’s rumbling everywhere with its blend of instrumental funk, jazz and classic rock. It’s an album with subtle touches and fantastic production.

For more information on Reole check him out below:

http://www.reolemusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/reolemusic

https://twitter.com/reolemusic

https://www.youtube.com/user/ReoleMusic/videos

Thula Borah EP Review

Scottish rock outfit Thula Borah have recently released their stunning EP ‘Hope For Disappointment’ featuring lead single ‘Bone Ships’. The band is named after an Indian recluse who went to his bedroom to study for exams in 1962 and has not emerged since.

The band mix classic rock influences such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Motor Head with newer bands such as Biffy Clyro and Frightened Rabbit.

Lead single ‘Bone Ships’ form the EP is the perfect amalgamation of everything Thula Borah come to represent. The combination of an expansive rhythm section juxtaposed with intricate guitar work and strong vocals, Thula Borah are on to a winning formula.

New EP ‘Hope For Disappointment’ featuring lead track ‘Bone Ships’ is out now

Thula Borah are playing the following shows:

30^th of October – Cellar 35, Aberdeen

6^th of November – The Windsor, Kirkcaldy

Check Thula Borah out here:

https://www.facebook.com/ThulaBorahMusic

https://soundcloud.com/thulaborah

https://twitter.com/thulaborah

Nigel Thomas 'Fever' Review

Nigel Thomas found fame in cult indie pop band The Foxes in the back end of the Noughties. Now Nigel is making his own distinct brand of indie rock with nods to his old projects and seminal bands such as Stone Roses and Oasis.

‘Fever’ is his debut track and it is a heady mix of psychosis and rock n roll. The video itself is enough to send chills down your spine. I mean drugs, prostitutes, murder… what more do you want? Musicality wise the song is strong and with such an exciting video to accompany it I just couldn’t pass it up.

‘Fever’ is out November 9th

Check it out here: 

Find Nigel Thomas below:

https://soundcloud.com/nigelthomas

https://www.facebook.com/nigelsongs

https://twitter.com/Nigelsongs

Dupes – Single Review

St Lucian native Sherwinn Dupes hits back with electric new EP. ‘From Saint Lucia With Love.’ It’s a straight up collection of pop hits in a ballad form. As a champion of St Lucian industry, Dupes melds his love of music with his love for his home country producing an elegant and refined product.

The EP itself mixes RnB and pop with great affect. It is a love story weaving around an intricate melody. Dupes has out done himself and we are super excited to see what else he has to offer.

‘From St Lucia With Love’ is out on October 30th

Check Dupes out below:

www.sherwinnbrice.com

www.youtube.com/dupesdidit

www.soundcloud.com/dupesdidit

www.facebook.com/dupesdidit

www.twitter.com/dupesdiditmusic

Warme New Single Council House Opera - Review

‘Council House Opera’ is the latest single from Bradford 5 piece Warme. Taking influence from classic guitar music such as The Kinks, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Warme craft bespoke, gritty rock stepped in personal experience and close friendship.

‘Council House Opera’ is a dynamic track borrowing equally from 60s rock and roll and the 90s Brit pop movement with Oasis and The Stone Roses as obvious contributors to the Warme sound. The video was shot in their hometown of Bradford, a Northern stronghold with not much music scene but Warme have taken the lack of surrounding influences and built a fantastic repertoire from nothing.

Warme are set to release the single on October 23^rdwith a string of live dates in the New Year.

Check them out below:

www.warmemusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/WarmeUKOfficial

https://twitter.com/warmeukofficial

http://www.youtube.com/user/warmeukofficial

https://soundcloud.com/warmeukofficial

Orca – 'Amber' Single Review

Prog outfit Amber are making waves with their new hard hitting single ‘Amber.’ Completely self produced a building introduction which draws you in before the heavy rhythms kick in hard.

The arrangement drops layers of drums, guitar and bass in and out to great effect, tied together by the tight, melodic vocal. This dynamic approach keeps the track fresh throughout, and lays down a marker for the excellent production values you can come to expect from Orca when their album hits.

Orca are a cracking band and we’re excited to see what happens next. Amber is out on September 23^rd.

Check them out below:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

https://www.facebook.com/orcaband

https://soundcloud.com/orcaband

'Afro Chopin' By Don Laka - Review

Legendary jazz instrumentalist and vocalist Don Laka returns with an exciting release based around the works of Chopin. Don Laka is a seminal mover and shaker in the afro-jazz world and this exquisite take on one of classical music’s greats is both genre defying and interesting.

Laka has is own distinctive style entitled Kwaii Jazz, a heady mix of South African jazz  and the chord structures and rhythms of Marabi and Kwela. It is this fantastic mix that reiterates why Laka is such a brilliant artist.

The album as a whole is cohesive, well produced and instrumentality flawless. The standout track is easily Prelude No 20 (Izulu)" the harmonies and alternative take on a Chopin classic makes it just so listenable it’s hard to not listen to it.

With albums such as ‘Destiny’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Pyramid’ under his belt this release is sure to have new and old fans alike begging for more

You can check Don Laka out here:

http://www.donlaka.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Laka

http://twitter.com/Don_Laka

The Lightness Of Being - 'Movements' EP

The Lightness of Being are bucking trends with their anarchic take on already established genres in their latest EP Movements. ‘Movements’ is a fantastic release featuring hard hitting songs ‘Disappearing Act’, ‘Cat Eyes’ and ‘Unknown.’

This is not the slickest release you will hear this year but it certainly one of the best. The seamless blend of rock, grunge and metal makes for fantastic listening no matter what mood you are in.

The Lightness of Being have already been backed by big names in the music industry – they have worked with The Breeders’ engineer Nick Trepka, played with up-and-coming blues rock band Graveltones, and have headlined venues around London. And with the release of ‘Movements’they’re bound to turn even more heads in 2015.

Check them out here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLightnessOfBeing

Vidal & Curma On ‘Another Plane’ With New EP

Currently splitting time between their Northern Italian hometown of Padova and the UK’s capital, songwriters Vidal & Curma are a duo making a name for themselves on the London circuit. Playing in some of the most prestigious independent music venues in the city, their reputation has already won them a residency at the revered Proud Camden, where they were invited for repeat showings by popular demand thanks to the innate energy and sense of fun in their songs.

Their music boasts a loose, anarchic freshness without compromising on quality, giving an acoustic twist on the indie likes of The Libertines, The Strokes, Mac Demarco, and Velvet Underground to name a few. But perhaps their closest comparison is less well known – both Vidal and Curma are huge fans of  Django Reinhardt, a gypsy guitarist  from Belgium who was active from the 30s to the 50s. Reinhardt single-handedly invented the gypsy-jazz genre, and both band members consider him the best guitarist of all time.

His brilliance has clearly rubbed off, and the new three track EP ‘Another Plane’ is a real, offbeat, acoustic treat.

See Vidal & Curma in action with this live Tradiio session:

Specialising in writing songs about everyday problems faced by many, song themes vary from the difficulty of maintaining relationships nowadays, where everyone travels and moves a lot (‘Another Plane’), to everyday situations that can lead to deep contemplation (‘Tonight’). The final track, ‘Never Say Again’, is about the unpredictability of meeting someone special in a massive city like London.

With each track boasting different elements which make them special individually, the combination of all three tracks makes for a very consistent release. And it’s all tied together with an acoustic irreverence that really sets them apart from other, more pretentious, peers. It’s an approach that clearly works, with the band already getting the attention of Universal Music Group A&R Manager Fausto Donato. A sign of things to come.

This is the first release on Tradiio Recordings, a new record label set up to release the best performing artists on Tradiio, a music discovery app for iOS, Android and Web. 

Tradiio is available here:

Web - http://tradiio.com

iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tradiio-discover-new-music/id882599955?mt=8

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradiio&hl=en_GB

Vidal & Curma Links: 

https://facebook.com/VidalCurma

https://twitter.com/vidalcurma

http://tradiio.com/vidal-curma-1