New Age/World Instrumental Review: Marcia Watson Bendo-Woodland Moons

Release Date: August 17th, 2018

Label: Independent

Website

I love it when I am able to read about an artist and all their amazing accomplishments. It gets everything into proper perspective before listening. Then writing about what I heard becomes more meaningful.

Marcia Watson Bendo is a multi-talented artist that is accomplished in many disciplines including the violin and a large selection of Native American Flutes. Picking up a woodwind changed her life and her music.

Woodland Moons is her tribute to that instrument. In her own words, the artist explains what her music stands for…. 

“I strive to artistically create music that resonates with people by expressing an emotion, an image, a story, or reviving a memory.”

From where I sit, that wraps it all up in a nice package and puts a bow on it. This type of music has a magical and mystical essence that cannot be compared to any other genre that is within my realm. I know there is a lot to choose from in the globally connected world we live in, so the choices are made by personal tastes and or a drive for exploration. Back when I was a young teenager I would buy albums out of curiosity. I have not lost that part of my decision-making process I just refined it over the years a bit. In any instance, I would not hesitate to listen to music like what Woodland Moons has to offer. The feeling of discovering something new and stimulating consumed me with this album.

“Berry Moon” for instance, takes the flute and builds all the other instruments around it. The flute playing still stands out however the other music just enhances the entire track. The instrumentations and orchestrations are beautifully done and arranged. This track, in particular, illustrates the pliability of one instrument wrapping itself around everything else to create a bigger sound that reaches the listener. As I always say, it comes across differently for each individual yet it remains universal with no borders. That is the beauty and perfection of music and the one element that will never change. I am very grateful for that.

Even though each song is about a different moon, it most certainly works because of the thought process the artist goes through. We do have many moons that we see in our sky, however, looking at the varying degrees presented here gives it an entirely new flavor. This interpretation is related to nature and our precious mother earth and all it has to offer us. Also, this may serve as a reminder of how we need to take care of our planet and appreciate how it sustains all life.

Woodland Moons is twelve tracks of musical bliss that will serve every listener well. I highly recommend it for relaxing, meditation and for getting a spiritual connection. You can get a greater respect for your inner voice and purpose. If you listen enough, you will honor that inner voice and thank the music for bringing you to that realization.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 13, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Tracks:
01. Fallen Leaves Moon
02. Planting Moon
03. Strawberry Moon
04. Midsummer Moon
05. Forest Moon
06. Yellow Leaves Moon
07. Big Bear Moon
08. Snow Moon
09. Crane Moon
10. Maple Sugar Moon
11. Little Bear Moon
12. Berry Moon

The Pineapple Thief Release New Single & Video For "Try As I Might" Taken From Their Forthcoming Album Dissolution

The Pineapple Thief  have launched their brand new video for “Try As I Might”, the new single from their forthcoming new studio album Dissolution. The highly anticipated follow up to 2015’s Your Wilderness, is the band’s second album to feature King Crimson and Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison.

Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Bruce Soord explains his dystopian view “The video follows the theme of the song and the album - if you sign up to this hyper connected world we live in, then you have to live with the consequences. Try as you might to get out of it.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “TRY AS I MIGHT” HERE

The futuristic clip was created by Blacktide Phonic/Visual (www.black-tide.co.uk) director George Laycock, who expands on how he created the film “When The Pineapple Thief came to me with their track ‘Try as I might’, they had a broad basis for an idea for a music video that dealt with a social media obsessed 'connected' world.

This had nods to previous films and television like ‘The Truman Show’, ‘Black Mirror’, the ‘Big Brother’ landscape and its preceding shows, so it was about creating a storyline using these broad influences and encapsulating into an obscure 3 minute film on a budget.

I was interested in the concept of ‘in eye cameras’, scary technology I am sure isn’t too far away from us. We decided to go down the optical medical route and follow our character on a journey from first pre-operation, to surgery, recovery and then trying to battle the decision he has made, whilst battling with the corporation he has signed up too. The film hopefully leaves the viewer to create their own conceptions on his outcome.

We filmed it all on the Dorset/Devon coastline around where I live and were fortunate to be able to secure great locations to shoot in with a few favours, including a remote seaside post-modern house, a private beach and a real working hospital and opticians.

To keep the cast down to a minimum I decided that the camera that is watching Bruce would become the main supporting actor and his nemesis, appearing in scenes without anyone operating it. This allowed us to see the cameras point of view and tell the story to the fictional viewer. This old broadcast camera weighed an absolute ton, and carrying through remote woods, down a mile-long steep cliff path to a beach was a challenge on some of the hottest days of the year. Filming in the water at the end was a welcome refreshment. 

Many thanks to all those who helped with the film, especially everyone involved at Yeovil hospital for allowing us such amazing access, and to Bruce for being so amenable about having scalpels inches from his eyeball.”

The Pineapple Thief have grown to become one of the leading lights of Europe’s experimental rock domain, Your Wilderness produced 4m+ album streams, a #7 in the UK Independent Charts and two extensive headline European tours culminating at London’s Islington Assembly Hall where the concert was recorded for the live release Where We Stood, and their new album Dissolution promises to propel the band to even greater heights.



Dissolution tracklisting
Not Naming Any Names [02:05]
Try As I Might [04:26]
Threatening War [06:37]
Uncovering Your Tracks [04:29]
All That You've Got [03:27]
Far Below [04:36]
Pillar of Salt [01:25]
White Mist [11:05]
Shed A Light [05:20]

Dissolution will be released in the following formats – all available to pre-order now HERE https://thepineapplethief.lnk.to/DissolutionPR
CD
Black LP –pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Limited Edition Crystal Clear LP edition - pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Blu-ray – features a 16-page booklet, the album plus bonus music in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio
Deluxe 4 disc edition - features 52 pages containing exclusive additional artwork, the original album on CD plus a second CD of bonus music, and is topped off with a DVD and Blu-ray featuring the album and bonus material in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio.
All digital & streaming platforms 

The Pineapple Thief will be taking Dissolution on the road starting in September 2018, with new dates added for March 2019. This tour includes their biggest show to date at London’s prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – tickets are on sale now and selling fast: http://www.pineapplethief.com/tour/ ;

The Pineapple Thief – Dissolution Tour 2018/2019
Sep 15 – FR – Paris - La Maroquinerie
Sep 16 – BE, Brussels-  La Madeleine
Sep 17 – DE, Bremen - Schlachthof
Sep 18 – DE, Hanover - Musikzentrum
Sep 19 – DE, Berlin - Lido
Sep 21 – PL, Warsaw - Stodola
Sep 22 – CZ, Olomouc - S-Klub
Sep 23 – CZ, Prgaue - Rock Cafè
Sep 25 – AU, Wien - Szene
Sep 26 – DE, Munich - Backstage Werk
Sep 27 – DE, Aschaffenburg-  Colos-Saal
Sep 28- DE, Cologne - Live Music Hall
Sep 29 – NL, Amsterdam – Melkweg
Oct 4 – UK, Edinburgh – Liquid Rooms
Oct 5 – UK, Sheffield – Leadmill
Oct 6 – UK, London – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

2019
Feb 22 - IT, Roma - Largo Venue
Feb 23 - IT, Milano - Santeria Social Club
Mar 3 - DK, Copenhagen - Vega
Mar 5 - SE, Stockholm - venue tba
Mar 6 - NO, Oslo - John Dee


(photo credit James Cumpsty)

The Pineapple Thief are:
Bruce Soord – vocalist, guitarist, composer
Gavin Harrison – drums
Jon Sykes – bass
Steve Kitch - keyboards

The Pineapple Thief online:
Website: www.thepineapplethief.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pineapplethief
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepineapplethief
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/4lrBMUSk8PiNnCEZfsmPAk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6401DB011BD837E
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-pineapple-thief/id278648772

Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Pineapple Thief Release New Single & Video For "Try As I Might" Taken From Their Forthcoming Album Dissolution

The Pineapple Thief  have launched their brand new video for “Try As I Might”, the new single from their forthcoming new studio album Dissolution. The highly anticipated follow up to 2015’s Your Wilderness, is the band’s second album to feature King Crimson and Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison.

Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Bruce Soord explains his dystopian view “The video follows the theme of the song and the album - if you sign up to this hyper connected world we live in, then you have to live with the consequences. Try as you might to get out of it.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “TRY AS I MIGHT” HERE

The futuristic clip was created by Blacktide Phonic/Visual (www.black-tide.co.uk) director George Laycock, who expands on how he created the film “When The Pineapple Thief came to me with their track ‘Try as I might’, they had a broad basis for an idea for a music video that dealt with a social media obsessed 'connected' world.

This had nods to previous films and television like ‘The Truman Show’, ‘Black Mirror’, the ‘Big Brother’ landscape and its preceding shows, so it was about creating a storyline using these broad influences and encapsulating into an obscure 3 minute film on a budget.

I was interested in the concept of ‘in eye cameras’, scary technology I am sure isn’t too far away from us. We decided to go down the optical medical route and follow our character on a journey from first pre-operation, to surgery, recovery and then trying to battle the decision he has made, whilst battling with the corporation he has signed up too. The film hopefully leaves the viewer to create their own conceptions on his outcome.

We filmed it all on the Dorset/Devon coastline around where I live and were fortunate to be able to secure great locations to shoot in with a few favours, including a remote seaside post-modern house, a private beach and a real working hospital and opticians.

To keep the cast down to a minimum I decided that the camera that is watching Bruce would become the main supporting actor and his nemesis, appearing in scenes without anyone operating it. This allowed us to see the cameras point of view and tell the story to the fictional viewer. This old broadcast camera weighed an absolute ton, and carrying through remote woods, down a mile-long steep cliff path to a beach was a challenge on some of the hottest days of the year. Filming in the water at the end was a welcome refreshment. 

Many thanks to all those who helped with the film, especially everyone involved at Yeovil hospital for allowing us such amazing access, and to Bruce for being so amenable about having scalpels inches from his eyeball.”

The Pineapple Thief have grown to become one of the leading lights of Europe’s experimental rock domain, Your Wilderness produced 4m+ album streams, a #7 in the UK Independent Charts and two extensive headline European tours culminating at London’s Islington Assembly Hall where the concert was recorded for the live release Where We Stood, and their new album Dissolution promises to propel the band to even greater heights.



Dissolution tracklisting
Not Naming Any Names [02:05]
Try As I Might [04:26]
Threatening War [06:37]
Uncovering Your Tracks [04:29]
All That You've Got [03:27]
Far Below [04:36]
Pillar of Salt [01:25]
White Mist [11:05]
Shed A Light [05:20]

Dissolution will be released in the following formats – all available to pre-order now HERE https://thepineapplethief.lnk.to/DissolutionPR
CD
Black LP –pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Limited Edition Crystal Clear LP edition - pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Blu-ray – features a 16-page booklet, the album plus bonus music in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio
Deluxe 4 disc edition - features 52 pages containing exclusive additional artwork, the original album on CD plus a second CD of bonus music, and is topped off with a DVD and Blu-ray featuring the album and bonus material in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio.
All digital & streaming platforms 

The Pineapple Thief will be taking Dissolution on the road starting in September 2018, with new dates added for March 2019. This tour includes their biggest show to date at London’s prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – tickets are on sale now and selling fast: http://www.pineapplethief.com/tour/ ;

The Pineapple Thief – Dissolution Tour 2018/2019
Sep 15 – FR – Paris - La Maroquinerie
Sep 16 – BE, Brussels-  La Madeleine
Sep 17 – DE, Bremen - Schlachthof
Sep 18 – DE, Hanover - Musikzentrum
Sep 19 – DE, Berlin - Lido
Sep 21 – PL, Warsaw - Stodola
Sep 22 – CZ, Olomouc - S-Klub
Sep 23 – CZ, Prgaue - Rock Cafè
Sep 25 – AU, Wien - Szene
Sep 26 – DE, Munich - Backstage Werk
Sep 27 – DE, Aschaffenburg-  Colos-Saal
Sep 28- DE, Cologne - Live Music Hall
Sep 29 – NL, Amsterdam – Melkweg
Oct 4 – UK, Edinburgh – Liquid Rooms
Oct 5 – UK, Sheffield – Leadmill
Oct 6 – UK, London – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

2019
Feb 22 - IT, Roma - Largo Venue
Feb 23 - IT, Milano - Santeria Social Club
Mar 3 - DK, Copenhagen - Vega
Mar 5 - SE, Stockholm - venue tba
Mar 6 - NO, Oslo - John Dee


(photo credit James Cumpsty)

The Pineapple Thief are:
Bruce Soord – vocalist, guitarist, composer
Gavin Harrison – drums
Jon Sykes – bass
Steve Kitch - keyboards

The Pineapple Thief online:
Website: www.thepineapplethief.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pineapplethief
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepineapplethief
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/4lrBMUSk8PiNnCEZfsmPAk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6401DB011BD837E
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-pineapple-thief/id278648772

Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

The Pineapple Thief Release New Single & Video For "Try As I Might" Taken From Their Forthcoming Album Dissolution

The Pineapple Thief  have launched their brand new video for “Try As I Might”, the new single from their forthcoming new studio album Dissolution. The highly anticipated follow up to 2015’s Your Wilderness, is the band’s second album to feature King Crimson and Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison.

Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Bruce Soord explains his dystopian view “The video follows the theme of the song and the album - if you sign up to this hyper connected world we live in, then you have to live with the consequences. Try as you might to get out of it.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “TRY AS I MIGHT” HERE

The futuristic clip was created by Blacktide Phonic/Visual (www.black-tide.co.uk) director George Laycock, who expands on how he created the film “When The Pineapple Thief came to me with their track ‘Try as I might’, they had a broad basis for an idea for a music video that dealt with a social media obsessed 'connected' world.

This had nods to previous films and television like ‘The Truman Show’, ‘Black Mirror’, the ‘Big Brother’ landscape and its preceding shows, so it was about creating a storyline using these broad influences and encapsulating into an obscure 3 minute film on a budget.

I was interested in the concept of ‘in eye cameras’, scary technology I am sure isn’t too far away from us. We decided to go down the optical medical route and follow our character on a journey from first pre-operation, to surgery, recovery and then trying to battle the decision he has made, whilst battling with the corporation he has signed up too. The film hopefully leaves the viewer to create their own conceptions on his outcome.

We filmed it all on the Dorset/Devon coastline around where I live and were fortunate to be able to secure great locations to shoot in with a few favours, including a remote seaside post-modern house, a private beach and a real working hospital and opticians.

To keep the cast down to a minimum I decided that the camera that is watching Bruce would become the main supporting actor and his nemesis, appearing in scenes without anyone operating it. This allowed us to see the cameras point of view and tell the story to the fictional viewer. This old broadcast camera weighed an absolute ton, and carrying through remote woods, down a mile-long steep cliff path to a beach was a challenge on some of the hottest days of the year. Filming in the water at the end was a welcome refreshment. 

Many thanks to all those who helped with the film, especially everyone involved at Yeovil hospital for allowing us such amazing access, and to Bruce for being so amenable about having scalpels inches from his eyeball.”

The Pineapple Thief have grown to become one of the leading lights of Europe’s experimental rock domain, Your Wilderness produced 4m+ album streams, a #7 in the UK Independent Charts and two extensive headline European tours culminating at London’s Islington Assembly Hall where the concert was recorded for the live release Where We Stood, and their new album Dissolution promises to propel the band to even greater heights.



Dissolution tracklisting
Not Naming Any Names [02:05]
Try As I Might [04:26]
Threatening War [06:37]
Uncovering Your Tracks [04:29]
All That You've Got [03:27]
Far Below [04:36]
Pillar of Salt [01:25]
White Mist [11:05]
Shed A Light [05:20]

Dissolution will be released in the following formats – all available to pre-order now HERE https://thepineapplethief.lnk.to/DissolutionPR
CD
Black LP –pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Limited Edition Crystal Clear LP edition - pressed to audiophile 180g vinyl
Blu-ray – features a 16-page booklet, the album plus bonus music in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio
Deluxe 4 disc edition - features 52 pages containing exclusive additional artwork, the original album on CD plus a second CD of bonus music, and is topped off with a DVD and Blu-ray featuring the album and bonus material in a 24/96 DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound mix and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio.
All digital & streaming platforms 

The Pineapple Thief will be taking Dissolution on the road starting in September 2018, with new dates added for March 2019. This tour includes their biggest show to date at London’s prestigious O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – tickets are on sale now and selling fast: http://www.pineapplethief.com/tour/ ;

The Pineapple Thief – Dissolution Tour 2018/2019
Sep 15 – FR – Paris - La Maroquinerie
Sep 16 – BE, Brussels-  La Madeleine
Sep 17 – DE, Bremen - Schlachthof
Sep 18 – DE, Hanover - Musikzentrum
Sep 19 – DE, Berlin - Lido
Sep 21 – PL, Warsaw - Stodola
Sep 22 – CZ, Olomouc - S-Klub
Sep 23 – CZ, Prgaue - Rock Cafè
Sep 25 – AU, Wien - Szene
Sep 26 – DE, Munich - Backstage Werk
Sep 27 – DE, Aschaffenburg-  Colos-Saal
Sep 28- DE, Cologne - Live Music Hall
Sep 29 – NL, Amsterdam – Melkweg
Oct 4 – UK, Edinburgh – Liquid Rooms
Oct 5 – UK, Sheffield – Leadmill
Oct 6 – UK, London – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

2019
Feb 22 - IT, Roma - Largo Venue
Feb 23 - IT, Milano - Santeria Social Club
Mar 3 - DK, Copenhagen - Vega
Mar 5 - SE, Stockholm - venue tba
Mar 6 - NO, Oslo - John Dee


(photo credit James Cumpsty)

The Pineapple Thief are:
Bruce Soord – vocalist, guitarist, composer
Gavin Harrison – drums
Jon Sykes – bass
Steve Kitch - keyboards

The Pineapple Thief online:
Website: www.thepineapplethief.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pineapplethief
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepineapplethief
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/4lrBMUSk8PiNnCEZfsmPAk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6401DB011BD837E
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-pineapple-thief/id278648772

Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Age/Ambient/Electronica Review: David Arkenstone-Colors of the Ambient Sky

Release Date: July 13, 2018

Label: Dream Palace Publishing / BMI

Website

David Arkenstone is about to make the summer brighter with a new release in July titled Colors of the Ambient Sky. He is the author of an astounding 65 recordings!

David is primarily a keyboardist, plays the guitar, mandolin, flute, cello, percussion, and many other instruments. He utilizes all the tools of the music trade, including the computer to provide orchestrations that provide beauty and texture. On this album it is all David, there are no guest musicians. You soon realize what an amazing accomplishment this album is once you hear it for the first time.

If you look closely at the CD cover it is like lying on the ground looking up at the treetops and star-filled skies. The music fits well with the album cover. It takes you to a higher place of consciousness like the one beyond the treetops. What you hear is music that could easily be used for soundtrack or other media deliveries, but more importantly it gives you an outlet for relaxation. As the artist suggests, it is like dreaming with your eyes open.

I have been hearing much more of this type of ambient music lately and have thoroughly enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, it has prompted me to seek out other similar artists. Tracks like “Blue Lightning” reminded me of one of my favorite Tangerine Dream albums titled Le Parc. Colors of the Ambient Sky has pleasing spacey and relaxing ambient sounds with the hints of technology swirling around it. For me, there is just enough of all of that Colors of the Ambient Sky to keep me interested and quite satisfied.

I would expect Colors of the Ambient Sky to be one of the more popular releases of 2018 in the ambient and new age genres. I really appreciated the overall consistency and textures of the music from track to track. I was envisioning an artist painting with many different colors and taking the time to put them in the right place on the canvas to create another masterpiece. I felt like it was ear candy that was transformed in my mind’s eye into colors and images. For my musical tastes, this is the kind of experience I truly enjoy. I do not go into a listening experience with anticipation, it would ruin the birth of new thoughts and feelings it could possibly create. That is a good policy for any listener actually.

As the closing track “Ascension” brings the curtain to a close, you realize just how positive and uplifting a musical journey can bring. Your skies will be colored with a broad musical brush that will touch you in so many ways. That is all any listener could ask for.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 11, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews


Tracks: 
01. Parallel World
02. Red Sun
03. Starlight Starbright
04. Darkness Descending
05. Rainbow Galaxy
06. Blue Lightning
07. Lonely Satellite
08. Visitors