Showing posts with label Post Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Post Rock. Show all posts

2/17/2015

New York City Based Serbian-Japanese Instrumental Duo Yagull Greatly Expands Their Post Rock Chamber Soundtrack Concept On Second Album 'Kai', Featuring Extraordinary Multicultural Line-up Of Guests


“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” 
- Raymond Benson, Progression, USA 

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

New York, NY - Yagull's official debut for MoonJune Records, 'Kai', finds the band expanding its post-rock chamber soundtrack concept to great effect. The result is a simmering sonic bouillabaisse, chocked full of choice ingredients which delectably merge to blur the lines drawn by traditional genres - delightfully teasing the palette, while appealing to an expansive range of music aficionados! The group delivers twelve songs on this joyous outing: eight brand new compositions; two tunes from Films, reworked and revisited; plus, two tastefully-revised classic rock covers. The tracks showcase Yagull's considerably potent stylistic capacity, making for a savory, finely-polished sophomore release. This new effort finds Yagull now launching itself from a duo framework - with Sasha Markovic being joined by the extraordinary pianist, Kana Kamitsubo - this most special of occasions is perfectly accentuated by a host of guest contributors; featuring fellow MoonJune international recording maestros, Beledo (guitar, lute), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), and many other great musicians. With 'Kai', Sasha, Kana & company have embarked on a majestic journey that will appeal to a broad range of listeners... and carry them along for the ride!

'Kai,' represents big musical and personal changes for group founder, composer, producer, and guitarist, Sasha Markovic. Yagull has officially became a duo with the addition of Sasha's most challenging collaborator up until this time, pianist extraordinaire Kana Kamitsubo. Sasha and Kana's partnership went further as they became husband and wife. Album 'Kai' and the title track are named after their son born in 2014.

Picking up where the first Yagull CD, 'Films' left off in 2012, 'Kai' expands the post rock chamber soundtrack concept exploring new structures written around acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and acoustic piano. Yagull as a duo has an increased crossover potential for attracting listeners that may not be dialed into any of the specific genres baked into this release.

Yagull delivers eight brand new compositions, two tunes from 'Films' revisited ( Dark, Sound Of M ) plus two covers for this sophomore release. The tracks range from “North” which exploits Kana's mastery of creating evocative mood and space for Sasha to play, folksy “Z-Parrow” while “Omniprism” drifts into progressive rock ambiance. Methenyesque tune “Blossom”, leaves space for special guest Dewa Budjana to shine with another beautiful, lyrical solo. The title track for their son emotes a melody that can easily go alongside “Waltz for Debby” by Bill Evans in any play list. Sasha once again wears his affection for classic rock as a badge reworking the Free song, “Wishing Well”, which was also passionately performed by the late Gary Moore, as well as Deep Purple's “Burn”. Beledo's majestic lute introduction pays a homage to Deep Purple's live version from the 'Made In Europe' record.

Regarding the cover material, Sasha recently explained to DME, “My first serious music love was Deep Purple, since I heard the 'Deepest Purple' compilation along with ‘Rainbow Rising' at age of 11. I’ve been playing 'Burn' in the similar arrangement for fun for many years now. It started as a joke when I was a teenager, and played it along with a friend of mine in a two-guitar arrangement with Zappa-like kind of vocal approach. When I presented this idea to Kana [Kamitsubo] last year, she gave the song completely new dimension with her playful piano solos. We are having a lot of fun playing it live these days. As for 'Wishing Well', I am a huge fan of Free and Bad Company and had to do the tribute to them on this album. I still consider Free the best teenage band that ever lived - since they were all between 16-18 when they started. 'Wishing Well' is one of those songs I grew up on and always liked singing for fun with my acoustic guitar. I just experimented with replacing the vocal parts with classical guitar, and at the end Wen Chang added her violin playing the main riff, so the basic album arrangement was born. Always loved Gary Moore's and Blackfoot's take on it, too. I had a chance meeting with Simon Kirke this summer, and got to play him the song, and he loved it.”

Yagull are also joined by several guest musicians, the extraordinary and diverse line up hailing from eight different countries, including fellow Moonjune international recording artists Beledo (guitar), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), as well as the long time collaborator flutist Lori Reddy, Anthony Mullin from The Blackfires (guitar), Jackson Kincheloe from Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds ( harmonica ), Gabriel Nat (clarinet), Wen Chang (violin) and Yoshiki Yamada (upright bass). 'Kai' has set Yagull on a journey that will appeal to wide range of listeners. This is essential MoonJune music.

Here's what the press have raved about Yagull:

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

“Killer stuff the adult ears can't help but love. Hot Stuff!” - Midwest Record, USA

“Delectable acoustic collage of melody and subtle nuance. 'Kai' is a winner!” - Sea Of Tranquility, USA

“Reinvention or revelation, 'Kai' is inviting in both extremes” - Modmove, Australia

“Wonderful album! Captivating like a magical dream...” - Rocktimes, Germany

“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” - Raymond Benson, Progression, USA

“Fabulous! Gorgeous guitar playing.” - Gayle Austin, Curved Radio, Australia

“Tasteful intelligent music to dream away on.... Beautiful!” - Moors Magazine, Netherlands

TRACK LISTING
1. North 05:33 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
2. Dark 06:58 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Thomas)
3. Heiwa 03:18 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
4. Blossom 05:06 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
5. Mio 05:20 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
6. Wishing Well 04:39 (Free)
7. Burn 03:55 (Deep Purple)
8. Sound Of M 04:31 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
9. Z-Parrow 01:50 (Markovic)
10. Kai 04:05 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
11. Omniprism 05:50 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Beledo)
12. Oyasumi 01:54 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
Produced by Sasha Markovic
Executive production by Leonardo Pavkovic

To purchase Yagull's 'Kai' CD: http://www.moonjune.com/mjr_web_2013/catalog_mjr/067_YAGULL_Kai_MJR067/

For more info:
www.yagull.com
www.moonjune.com
All inquiries to: noanoamusic@moonjune.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New York City Based Serbian-Japanese Instrumental Duo Yagull Greatly Expands Their Post Rock Chamber Soundtrack Concept On Second Album 'Kai', Featuring Extraordinary Multicultural Line-up Of Guests


“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” 
- Raymond Benson, Progression, USA 

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

New York, NY - Yagull's official debut for MoonJune Records, 'Kai', finds the band expanding its post-rock chamber soundtrack concept to great effect. The result is a simmering sonic bouillabaisse, chocked full of choice ingredients which delectably merge to blur the lines drawn by traditional genres - delightfully teasing the palette, while appealing to an expansive range of music aficionados! The group delivers twelve songs on this joyous outing: eight brand new compositions; two tunes from Films, reworked and revisited; plus, two tastefully-revised classic rock covers. The tracks showcase Yagull's considerably potent stylistic capacity, making for a savory, finely-polished sophomore release. This new effort finds Yagull now launching itself from a duo framework - with Sasha Markovic being joined by the extraordinary pianist, Kana Kamitsubo - this most special of occasions is perfectly accentuated by a host of guest contributors; featuring fellow MoonJune international recording maestros, Beledo (guitar, lute), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), and many other great musicians. With 'Kai', Sasha, Kana & company have embarked on a majestic journey that will appeal to a broad range of listeners... and carry them along for the ride!

'Kai,' represents big musical and personal changes for group founder, composer, producer, and guitarist, Sasha Markovic. Yagull has officially became a duo with the addition of Sasha's most challenging collaborator up until this time, pianist extraordinaire Kana Kamitsubo. Sasha and Kana's partnership went further as they became husband and wife. Album 'Kai' and the title track are named after their son born in 2014.

Picking up where the first Yagull CD, 'Films' left off in 2012, 'Kai' expands the post rock chamber soundtrack concept exploring new structures written around acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and acoustic piano. Yagull as a duo has an increased crossover potential for attracting listeners that may not be dialed into any of the specific genres baked into this release.

Yagull delivers eight brand new compositions, two tunes from 'Films' revisited ( Dark, Sound Of M ) plus two covers for this sophomore release. The tracks range from “North” which exploits Kana's mastery of creating evocative mood and space for Sasha to play, folksy “Z-Parrow” while “Omniprism” drifts into progressive rock ambiance. Methenyesque tune “Blossom”, leaves space for special guest Dewa Budjana to shine with another beautiful, lyrical solo. The title track for their son emotes a melody that can easily go alongside “Waltz for Debby” by Bill Evans in any play list. Sasha once again wears his affection for classic rock as a badge reworking the Free song, “Wishing Well”, which was also passionately performed by the late Gary Moore, as well as Deep Purple's “Burn”. Beledo's majestic lute introduction pays a homage to Deep Purple's live version from the 'Made In Europe' record.

Regarding the cover material, Sasha recently explained to DME, “My first serious music love was Deep Purple, since I heard the 'Deepest Purple' compilation along with ‘Rainbow Rising' at age of 11. I’ve been playing 'Burn' in the similar arrangement for fun for many years now. It started as a joke when I was a teenager, and played it along with a friend of mine in a two-guitar arrangement with Zappa-like kind of vocal approach. When I presented this idea to Kana [Kamitsubo] last year, she gave the song completely new dimension with her playful piano solos. We are having a lot of fun playing it live these days. As for 'Wishing Well', I am a huge fan of Free and Bad Company and had to do the tribute to them on this album. I still consider Free the best teenage band that ever lived - since they were all between 16-18 when they started. 'Wishing Well' is one of those songs I grew up on and always liked singing for fun with my acoustic guitar. I just experimented with replacing the vocal parts with classical guitar, and at the end Wen Chang added her violin playing the main riff, so the basic album arrangement was born. Always loved Gary Moore's and Blackfoot's take on it, too. I had a chance meeting with Simon Kirke this summer, and got to play him the song, and he loved it.”

Yagull are also joined by several guest musicians, the extraordinary and diverse line up hailing from eight different countries, including fellow Moonjune international recording artists Beledo (guitar), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), as well as the long time collaborator flutist Lori Reddy, Anthony Mullin from The Blackfires (guitar), Jackson Kincheloe from Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds ( harmonica ), Gabriel Nat (clarinet), Wen Chang (violin) and Yoshiki Yamada (upright bass). 'Kai' has set Yagull on a journey that will appeal to wide range of listeners. This is essential MoonJune music.

Here's what the press have raved about Yagull:

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

“Killer stuff the adult ears can't help but love. Hot Stuff!” - Midwest Record, USA

“Delectable acoustic collage of melody and subtle nuance. 'Kai' is a winner!” - Sea Of Tranquility, USA

“Reinvention or revelation, 'Kai' is inviting in both extremes” - Modmove, Australia

“Wonderful album! Captivating like a magical dream...” - Rocktimes, Germany

“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” - Raymond Benson, Progression, USA

“Fabulous! Gorgeous guitar playing.” - Gayle Austin, Curved Radio, Australia

“Tasteful intelligent music to dream away on.... Beautiful!” - Moors Magazine, Netherlands

TRACK LISTING
1. North 05:33 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
2. Dark 06:58 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Thomas)
3. Heiwa 03:18 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
4. Blossom 05:06 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
5. Mio 05:20 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
6. Wishing Well 04:39 (Free)
7. Burn 03:55 (Deep Purple)
8. Sound Of M 04:31 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
9. Z-Parrow 01:50 (Markovic)
10. Kai 04:05 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
11. Omniprism 05:50 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Beledo)
12. Oyasumi 01:54 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
Produced by Sasha Markovic
Executive production by Leonardo Pavkovic

To purchase Yagull's 'Kai' CD: http://www.moonjune.com/mjr_web_2013/catalog_mjr/067_YAGULL_Kai_MJR067/

For more info:
www.yagull.com
www.moonjune.com
All inquiries to: noanoamusic@moonjune.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

10/21/2014

Post Rock/ Shoegazing Review: Engineers-Always Returning

Release Date: 11thAugust 2014
Label:   KScope

This album, Always Returning by Engineers is yet another of those releases that would probably have escaped my notice but for the fact that it landed on my desk for review. Not a new band, Engineers have previously released 3 albums, Engineers(2005), Three Fact Fader (2009) and In Praise of More (2010), and the current release, Always Returning, bumps that up to 4 albums.

The band was formed in London in 2003 by bassist, guitarist and keyboard player, Mark Peters. There have been several changes in the band’s make-up, but founder member Mark has been present since the outset. The current members of the band are Mark (vocals, guitars, bass and additional keyboards), Ulrich Schauss (synths) and Matthew Linley (drums, additional synths, additional organ and piano). Helping out on this album are the guests, Sophie McDonnell (vocals), Craig Sergeant (harmonica), Maud Waret (backing vocals) and Anna Drysdale (French horn).

Influences that have been cited by the band are fairly wide ranging and include Beach Boys, Brian Eno, Cocteau Twins, Spiritualized and Pink Floyd, and their style has been described as post rock, dream pop, shoegazing and indie rock. 

Always Returning is a 10 track album with a total running time of around 41 minutes. The final, and title, track, is the longest on offer at 6:17 minutes and track 6, “Searched For Answers”  is the shortest track on the album at just over 3 minutes (3:05).

The opening track on the album is “Bless The Painter” (3:13) which has the voice almost merging as another instrument and although it works well, the track, with repetitive synths, just seems to start and then finish without much happening in between. “Bless The Painter” is a pleasant enough opener, but not a track that demands attention. The second track, which is also released as a single, “Fight or Flight” (4:23) is slightly more up-tempo and although the music is good and the vocal harmonies are great, I feel it is another example of a piece of music that once it has gone, it has really gone, as there are no hooks or stunningly unforgettable passages.

There is a very distinct Beach Boys influence on “It Rings So True” (4:18), “Drive Your Car” (3:51) again highlights the harmonies and the melodic passages, without really immersing the listener in the music, although there are some interesting touches, and “Innsbruck” (4:19) with the melodic guitar and repetitive drum beat draws the listener in initially, and the track is almost over when you realize there has been no vocals.

A very familiar passage, which I just can’t place, starts track 6 “Searched For Answers” (3:05) and despite the familiarity, or perhaps because of it, this track is a very catchy, commercial little number. A tempo change in the next track, “Smiling Back” (4:43) initially piques the interest, but fails to have a lasting effect. “A Million Voices” (3:25) and “Smoke And Mirrors” (3:43) with synth/keyboard intros, again missed the spot and at this point the variation between the tracks was becoming less and less.

The final track, “Always Returning” (6:17) seemed to work better than previous tracks, with perhaps the length allowing the music a bit of “fleshing out,” and although a little repetitive, this track did come close to the spot.

At best, I would class this album, Always Returning, as a pleasant album, which had some good moments, but my overall impression was that it didn’t possess enough variation within the tracks to “drag the listener in by the ears.” There were some individual tracks that I found good, but an album was just a step too far.

As always however, I stress that this is a very personal opinion and my advice would be to give the album, Always Returning, several plays and then make up your mind what you think of it. I would dip into this album, on the odd occasion, for a track or two, but no more.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Bless The Painter, It Rings So True, Always Returning

Tracks: 
Bless The Painter
Fight Or Flight
It Rings So True
Drive Your Car
Innsbruck
Searched For Answers
Smiling Back
A Million Voices
Smoke And Mirrors
Always Returning


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

October 21, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review