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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Digster Wednesday Playlists


Welcome to this week's installment of the Digster Wednesday Playlists, where we bring you the Digster Pop Playlists. You can listen to New Music Friday, 64 songs that will catch you up on what is new and exciting. Get your party on with Fresh Upbeat, over 3 hours of the best upbeat music released in the last month and updated every Friday. You can sit and veg with the New Chill playlist. Here you'll get 57 tracks of the best new chill music, updated every week. If long commutes are your daily routine, there's the A1 Commute playlist, almost 7 hours of tracks that will make the lengthiest commute pass in style. Listen to these and all the other Pop playlists at the link below.


Tuesday, February 27, 2018

GJ Coppola: All I Need Is Love


All I Need Is Love is a new two track EP from artist/producer GJ Coppola. The tracks, totaling 19 minutes of music are ambient, drone hazes, with complex rhythms, imaginative spacial presence and completely different personalities, both sonic and emotional. This is music that requires focus, while tempting the listener to let their mind wander. Pitfalls await those lulled by the siren. Stream and buy All I Need Is Love at the link below.

The Rosewood Brothers: Soul Blossom


The Greek Isles have become a home for the blues, with the release of Soul Blossom by The Rosewood Brothers.The ten tracks are southern blues rock, with a Muscle Shoals swagger, a B3 for the ages, vocals like a smooth Tennessee whisky and an authentic R&B sensibility. if you like the blues, R&B, towing vocals and great harmonies, this is the record for you. Stream and buy Soul Blossom at the link below.

Monday, February 26, 2018

AmyJo Doh & The Spangles: Calle De The Spangles


Calle De The Spangles is the new album from AmyJo Doh & The Spangles on Germany's Sweepland Records. the eleven tracks are 60's based gems that could come straight from secret agent and beach party movie soundtracks. The songs are catchy and complelling, with a surfy sounds and AM radio ready witticisms. This album is twangy, sexy and a perfect conversation starter. It will turn heads, and is a definite must have. Stream and buy Calle De The Spangles at the link below.

Silent Kingdom: Where Secrets Meet


Where Secrets Meet is the new album by Sarajevo based post-metal band Silent Kingdom. originally a combination of traditional music with Black metal, the band has gown into a more theatrical and lyrical embodiment of metal and folk music, delivering a more grandiose sensual experience in a similar way to where Kansas was at the height of their powers. This is an album of melody more than anything else. At times complex, at time simple, always beautiful. Stream and buy Where Secrets Meet at the link below.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Feature Friday: Bearsuit Records


Today is the first of our semi-regular Feature Fridays, where we will will focus on independent record labels and PR firms, that bring the best of emerging music to FZB's readers.  They'll tell us about their business, artists and the challenges of recording and delivering emerging music artists in the ever changing music industry landscape of streaming and illegal downloading . This first Feature Friday we bring you the thoughts and story of Scottish indie Bearsuit Records. We regularly feature their artists here on FZB and the label never fails to serve up some of the most imaginative emerging artists in the world today.

FZB: How did Bearsuit get started?
BR: Bearsuit Records was established in Edinburgh in 2006 – with the initial aim of promoting local artists working loosely in the area of left-field electonica. Artists that we thought did not get enough exposure in the media or in mainstream local or national/international radio. This idea developed when we started looking at the wealth of unsigned and unrepresented talent worldwide we found on the likes of Myspace...

FZB: Where do you find your artists?

BR: Artists are discovered from all kinds of sources – from word of mouth to chance discoveries on sites like Soundcloud and Bandcamp. There is no one dominant style or genre Bearsuit adhere to. If it sounds unusual, stimulating, challenging, entertaining and/or ridiculous – or all of the of the above  - then it may possibly fit the Bearsuit criteria...

FZB: Do you record the artists yourselves, or license finished albums and EPs from them?

BR: We don't record the artist's material insitu at Bearsuit, but we do master all material and then go on to promote the work nationally and internationally. Each artist receives individual, specific contracts drawn out according to their specifications, desires and preferences...

FZB: What are the main challenges you fave as an emerging music label?
BR: As of challenges in today's market for labels – there's always been challenges in trying to make people part with their money. The digital age has helped the small business in some respects (reducing costs etc.) – but has also,  thanks to some “generous” (and successful) bands/artists – has led some to believe that music is or should be free... A problem the  age is still coming to terms with  - why pay for something you can't physically hold in your hand... and is sitting there on an illegal site waiting to be downloaded?

Let's take a look at five Bearsuit artists:

Ippu Mitsui – Is a Japanese musician/producer from Tokyo who works loosely in an electronic dance-oriented field. His highly charged breakbeat sounds are at once experimental and accessible. His most recent release for Bearsuit being the “L & R” album of 2017. Aural Aggravation Zine said : “this is an album that pushes into myriad electronic territories. Throughout, Mitsui keeps one eye on groove and the other on confounding expectations.” 



Harold Nono – Is Bearsuit's longest standing musician/artist on their roster - from their first release of his, “To The River Lounge” in 2006 to his most recent, “Ideeit” in 2016. His work mixes abstract experimentation with a playful and melodic sensibility, often combining acoustic based instruments with more electronic elements. Aural Aggravation said of the “Ideeit” : “Bearsuit mainstay Harold Nono returns – and once again, he’s come up trumps. Nono’s latest effort is as inventive as ever. An intriguing album that is – difficult to place, but a lot easier to dig.” He's currently working on a new solo album as yet untitled.



Swamp Sounds – Is the work of electronic/experimental musician, Yuuya Kuno, an artist based in Nagoya, Japan. He also records as House Of Tapes for the Japanese label, Tanukineiri Records. Swamp Sounds constructs a kind of fast and furious apocalyptic, psychedelic electronica. The Sunday Expeince Zine said of his split album with Uncle Pops & The Dumbloods : “a kind of skittering post-apocalyptic technoid sore thumb with Wagon Christ workings powered by a frantically animated Aphex industry. An impishly wiring cornucopia of fracturing nanobot sound engineering.”



Bunny & The Invalid Singers - Is the work of Edinburgh based solo musician, Alex Nielsen. Bunny was once member of bands, Idiot Half Brother and Scout-Master General and is current member of  AWSTS. Although Bunny's work has more of an indie pop edge than most of his label mates there are still many experimental elements within his work which may, sometimes, catch the listener off guard. He has a new album near completion which will be out on Bearsuit this year. Chain D.L.K Zine said of his 2015 album : “References to [artists] such as Robert Wyatt, Piero Umiliani, Ennio Morricone, Galaxie 500 and even The Carpenters pop out of the release like mushrooms.”




Hayato Takeuchi  - Is a Tokyo based musician who has previously recorded as Bubbly Folks. His debut album as Hayato Takeuchi titled, “L.S.F” was released on the Cafe O Label in 2013. Hayato employs a mixture of dance, minimalism and pop in his work and is not adverse to playing the guitar  - which he does, it has to be said, extremely well. He released “EP” on Bearsuit in September last year to favourable reviews. Unwashed Territories Zine said of “EP” : “blending delightful pop melodies with departures into the bizarre over five tracks of some of the most engaging music you'll hear this year. It's great!”





Besides their artists being featured regularly here on FZB, Bearsuit enjoys a wide acceptance by the indie music press. here are some things that have been written about them and their artists:


If you're not familiar with the label, get familiar with it! If you're into esoteric electronica everything they're putting out seems to be really, really cool. It's a cool label! Bearsuit Records – a brilliant, independent label based in Edinburgh. I highly recommend them!
[Mathew Baty – Amazing Radio, Richard Dawson, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs]


A label whose work in the experimental, electronica and pop music scene has helped to develop it's own distinctive sounds that has gained much attention and praise - making this group of artists and their label owner a cornerstone in their genres. On tonights “Labels” we celebrate 10 years of Bearsuit Records. An incredible experimental label.
[Tom Byrne - “Labels”, Radio RKC]


Leaning towards electronica and mostly instrumental Рbut it's diverse enough for there to be something for everyone, if you scurry away from the clich̩. The fantastic stable that is Edinburgh based, Bearsuit Records. Bearsuit Records Рsuch amazing artists, such amazing sounds. The wonky, the weird, the wired, the wayward! Go invest in these artists futures! Go buy!

[Craig Adams – New Weird Planet Radio Show, Sine FM]

The fearlessly inventive and always exciting Bearsuit label returns with a collection of experimental electronic works [V/A : "Run Over By An Elevator"] spotlighting the best and brightest of the (predominantly) Scottish and Japanese electronics scene.

[Terrascope]
Bearsuit Records, a label that scurries away from cliché and stereotypes like silverfish from sunshine. [Bunny & The Electric Horsemen - "Fall Apart In My Backyard"] Like the other albums I have heard on this label (Harold Nono/AWSTS) this is f****** brilliant. Baffling, surreal and totally idiosyncratic...
[Sitting Now]
The skewed brilliance of Bearsuit Records [have] recently brought us the likes of Bunny and the Electric Horsemen, Jimmy Rosso and Haq, among a whole load of other creative and brilliant artists.
[Amazing Radio]
The label that is the beginning and end in eclectic electronica, Bearsuit Records.
[Phil Vickery - “In-Tune”]
Purveyors of the weird, the wired, the wayward and quite frankly wonky, this collective prides itself on scouring the global airwaves for strange sonic communications and offering safe haven to those aural alchemists operating on the distant outer post markers of pops cosmos.
[God Is In The TV]
The quality is altogether excellent, reflecting the great skills of the people involved... It is great to notice there are fresh labels who can compete in quality with well-known labels such as Ninja Tune or Warp Records.
[Adornments Of The King Magazine]
The amazingly brilliant Bearsuit Records - everything they release is either totally fantastic or ass-shakingly wonderful - depending on your choice of improvised adjective...
[Behind Closed Doors]
Scottish indie company who specialise in experimental music from all over the world …that there are many trans-national collaborations is another asset of a small yet fine indie label that does its best to present original music to the world. Experimentalists will have a field day!
[DisAgreement]
Having for my sins not heard of Bearsuit Records before, I can safely say they’re a jolly good record label. This sampler [V/A : Captain Woof Woofs Guitar] showcases the real creativity of what they have to offer, and experimental it most certainly is.
[Altsounds]
It’s another winner from Bearsuit Records who seem to have a never-ending supply of wayward geniuses on their roster.
[Leonards’ Lair]

Thursday, February 22, 2018

ShapeShiftingAliens: ShapeShiftingAliens


Swedish band ShapeShiftingAliens have released a new S/T album. The duo of Niklas Rundquist and J.P. Cleve make stylish synth pop anthems with the flair of David Bowie, Trent Rezner and Brian Eno. The twelve tracks weave and swirl through forests of reverb, with towering lyrical themes, terse music minimalism and an inert power that compels the album forward. This is prog rock at its finest. Watch the video for album track Just A Boy, then stream and buy ShapeShiftingAliens at the link below.

ShapeShiftingAliens: Just A Boy from The Sublunar Society on Vimeo.


The Cavemen: The Cavemen


UK indie label Dirty Water Records is known for delivering savage punk bands and one of the best is Auckland's The Cavemen. The label has reissued the bands S/T debut album in a variety of formats, including vinyl. The fifteen tracks are short, spiteful, raw, brutal and perfect. Punk at its core has always been pure raw energy and The Cavemen deliver at a primal level. Hardcore to remind us of society as a scum bag. Stream and buy The Cavemen at the link below.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Digster Wednesday Playlists


This week's Digster Wednesday Playlists invites you to time travel back in time with Digster's Decades Playlists. Celebrate 50 years since the summer of love with the 60's playlist, over 3 hours of the trippiest music from when psychedelics ruled and tie dye was a fashion statement. There's the Hella Good New Millenia Hits playlist for those who love the 00s, with 56 songs by the artists that shaped the early years of the 21st Century. Try the new Wave Hits of the 80s, almost 4 hours of songs that showed us the way with new synthy sounds and reverby guitars. Or, you can get down with the Motown playlist, 74 hits from the artists that defined an era. Listen to these and all of the other Decades playlists at the link below.


Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Spice Breather: Crawling Planetary Being


Crawling Planetary Being is the new album from Spice Breather, aka artist producer Matthew Schotte. The 5 tracks, covering almost 50 minutes of music, is a post-metal, post-otherworldly collage of industrial synth pads, noise woven fabric, sinister ambiance and at times, almost extreme rave, while at other times dark foreboding and sensual. The soundscapes are dissonant, yet compelling. Metal redefined as space jams. Stream and buy Crawling Planetary Being at the link below.

Bed Scene: Bed Scene


Miami based Bed Scene have released their S/T debut EP. The project of composer/producer Nicolas Aponte, the six tracks are reverby pop, with a twangy sheen and an indie rock sensibility. The songs are dapper gems, with a bit of The Jam's mod and a bit of Weezer's cliche, blended together to deliver a debut that will turn heads. Sterling production, tight arrangements and strong performances abound on this must have EP. Watch the video for EP track Day In A dream and then stream and buy Bed Scene at the link below.



Monday, February 19, 2018

We Are Temporary: Embers


Embers is the sophomore full length album from Brooklyn based FZB favorite We Are Temporary, aka artist/producer Mark V. Roberts. It seems fitting for there to be a mountain on the cover of this album, as with Embers, Roberts has reached a pinnacle of a career arc that has seen him climb his own inner mountain, from the head of former label Stars and Letters Records, to an emerging artist crafting his own sound, to now having delivered an album that is the culmination of all that has gone before. The eleven tracks are pristine works of synthpop, full of emotional depth, personal demons, virtuoso synth lines, imaginative phrasing and vocal shading, and an authentic artistic honesty rarely achieved by any artist.  The album has both a dark feel and a hopeful vibe. It is work of sublime beauty, lyrical trepidation  and transcendent finality. This album is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Embers at the link below.

The Dround Hounds: Broken Hearts & Drunken Feet


Broken Hearts & Drunken Feet is the sophomore release and debut full length from Atlanta based husband and wife duo The Dround Hounds. The ten tracks deliver straight up, no pretense rock and roll. Think Black Keys during their early touring years or Japandroids without the over produced indie chic. This is a duo that delivers with a bit of southern charm and a lot of cajones. What you get is the rock, the whole rock and nothing but the rock, with a sound that is crisp and compelling. Stream and buy Broken Hearts & Drunken Feet at the link below.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Date Month Year: March


March is the latest in a long line of singles from New Zealand band Date Month Year. The track features tight harmonies in a catchy pop assemblage of stylish indie rock. With a stunning vocal lead and strong guitar drive, this is a single that will keep your head in the game and leave you wanting a proper album release to satiate your desires. Stream and buy March at the link below.

Mary and The Ram: The Cross


UK duo Mary and The Ram, aka Kiran Tanna and Dom Smith, have released their debut single The Cross b/w The Dream. The two tracks are produced by the legendary John Fryer (NIN, Depeche Mode), and have a dark sinister feel, where one expects to encounter devilish images in a sex drenched haze of abandon. Having an industrial sheen and ample amounts of originality, the songs play out as theatrical poems across the cerebral senses. Heavy, commanding and intense, these tracks are a must have. Stream and buy The Cross at the link below.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Kudzu: Defeated


Defeated is the sophomore release from Springfield, Missouri based duo Kudzu, aka Seth Goodwin and Mark Gillenwaters. The nine tracks are razor sharp post-punk hewn from the like of Gang of Four, Public Image Ltd. and FZB favorites, The KVB. Dark and noisy, with a ferocious sound that pushes one to the edge of the cliff, only to be pulled back at the last minute. This is music that compels attention, demands volume and impresses thoroughly. Just a damn fine record and a must have. Stream and buy Defeated at the link below.

Roaming Herds of Buffalo: The Bugbears


Seattle indie rock masters Roaming Herds of Buffalo have released their fifth album, The Bugbears. The eight tracks are skillfully crafted post-punk gems that will satisfy the most jaded rockophile. The album is full of imaginative songs, where tasty licks propel the listener through an album that is as engaging as a stalker girlfriend, with its dark, edgy, fuzzed out goodness. Seattle continues to develop fine bands in its incubator and Roaming Herds of Buffalo continue to deliver. Stream and buy The Bugbears at the link below.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Digster Wednesday Playlists


Here we are at another session of the Digster Wednesday Playlists. Today we've got something completely different for the adventurous souls out there with Digster's South Africa Playlists. Take a musical journey to Johannesburg with the Hits playlist and find out what's hot with the hip Afrikaners through 63 of the most happening tunes. Then there's Dancefloor, over three hours of music to give you a night out at the tip of the continent; or try the new Music Friday playlists to see what's trending where the surfing is good and the sharks are huge. Try all the Digster South Africa Playlists at the link below.


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

The Telescopes: Stone Tape


Shoegaze legends, The Telescopes have released Stoned Tape, their new concept album via underground publishing house Yard Press. The six tracks conceptualize the obscure Stone Tape Theory; where inanimate objects are believed to be able to absorb energy from living beings and then release this energy during times of emotional upheaval or traumatic events. The album is dark and hazy, with a sense of foreboding, cutting through atmospheric vocals, sinister voiced guitars and well placed noise. The album evokes a deep vibe where the listener is enveloped in a dense, immersive sonic experience. Watch the video for album track Everything Must Be, then stream and buy Stone Tape at the link below.



Andy K. Leland: Mr. Panic Video

Back in October we reviewed Happy Daze, the debut EP from Andy K. Leland, aka ex My Cruel Goro bassist and songwriter Andrea Marcellini. Check out the review here. Now, we are pleased to share an enjoyable video for the EP track Mr. Panic. Watch it below.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Omhouse: Eye to Eye

Eye to Eye is the debut full length from Toronto based indie rock band Omhouse. The ten tracks are stunning examples of just how good a debut album can be. What one will find are imaginative arrangements, with nice time changes and instrumental shading. This is an album that is strong in every aspect, from start to finish. The vocals are engaging, the guitar playing is masterful, the rhythm section is tight and the production is crisp. Very rarely does a band come along that manages to put it all together so effectively. Destined to be one of our favorite albums of the year, this is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Eye to Eye at the link below.

Dawn Of 7th Sky: New Horizon


French post-hardcore band Dawn Of 7th Sky have released a two track single, New Horizon b/w Frozen. The tracks are supremely heavy attacks on the pop senses, in a similar vein to Evanescence. With lilting pop passages punctuated by metal interludes and towering lead guitar lines, the atmospheric vocals take on a tense, dark sonic vibe. Beautiful and foreboding, this is a band that dares to push the boundaries of pop with a brutal precision. Stream and buy New Horizon at the link below.

Friday, February 9, 2018

Mis+Ress: Miss+Ress


New Jersey artist producer Mis+Ress, aka Brian Wenckebach, has released his debut S/T album. The ten tracks are deep, luxurious waves of melodic ambient guitar. Created with a single guitar and an array of effects pedals, the album showcases a musician and producer creating complex simplicity, melodic drones and a vibrant sonic experience. However, the $1,000 minimum price to download the album, does give one pause as to why the artist does not want the music downloaded. Is this a valid tool to encourage buying cassettes and CDs, or an artistic ego struggling for supremacy in a world where music mainly exists on a smart phone. Stream and buy Mis+Ress at the link below.

Vlor: Lavished/Luxate


Lavished/Luxate is the new album from Vlor, the duo of Brian John Mitchell (Remora) and Russell Halasz. The 34 tracks are a lofi, DIY descent into experimental guitar music. With elements of folk, noise and full on avante garde exploration, this huge work brings to light the vision of how far a guitar can be pushed to embody that which is not commercial, hooky or banal. Bereft of any semblance of traditional guitar music, the album pushes the envelop of melody, tone and structure to deliver a experimental piece unapologetic in its search for originality. Stream and download Lavished/Luxate at the link below.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Nonconnah: Winter EP '17

Memphis based artist/producer Nonconnah, aka Zachary Corsa, has released his Winter EP '17 on North Carolina's vaunted Silber Records. The five tracks are full on experimental drones and ambient escapades in the cold nether regions of experimental music. Deep and dense, with field recordings, synths and noise, the EP brings to light sinister grey scenes and imagery that will satiate the most forlorn wintry soul. Embrace the cold, dark reality of the season and hunker down by the fire with imaginative ambient textures and unique sonic themes. Stream and buy Winter EP '17 at the link below.

Zeus Sprinsteen: Zeus Springsteen


Vermont based band Zeus Springsteen, have released their S/T debut album. The seven tracks are stylish indie rock, that engages the listener from the first note. There is a lofi vibe with the tracks being over EQ'd or just poorly recorded, giving the songs a harsh texture that detracts from the quality of the music. That said, one will find strong vocals, a tight rhythm section and some tasty guitar licks. A good debut effort that would have benefited greatly from better production. Stream and download Zeus Springsteen at the link below.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Digster Wednesday Playlists


It Wednesday, so that means another installment of the Digster Wednesday Playlists. This week we brings you the Digster Party Playlists, guaranteed to get you through the winter blues. Start with Top Diva anthems, 68 songs featuring the vocal gymnastics of the world's best female vocalists, Try the Close Down The Bar playlist, four hours of music to get hot with on those cold nights; you can snuggle up with Winter Chill, 61 songs to keep you warm under the covers; or you can get up and dance with Party Electronic, over eight hours of music to keep you moving on even the coldest days. Find these and many, many more on the Digster Party Playlists at the link below.


Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Tango With Lions: The Light


Greek indie label Inner Ear Records brings us The Light, the new album from Tango With Lions. After a five tear wait since their last album, the nine tracks are deep, haunting interludes that go from slow sexy ballads to up temp escapades, all the while propelled by the absolutely mesmerizing vocals of frontwoman Katrina Papachristou. The band moves effortlessly through tight complex arrangements that yield catchy changes, enlightened phrasing and a turn of the unexpected. This is a definite must have. Stream and buy The Light at the link below.

Heligoland: Coriallo


Coriallo is the new EP from French trio Heligoland. The five tracks, produced and mixed by Cocteau Twins mastermind Robin Guthrie, are shimmering, atmospheric dream pop, with an ethereal vocal sheen. The production is crisp and clean, with each glistening part having its own sonic space and the whole of each track then engaging the senses on an intimate level. The tracks are anchored by stunning guitar and bass, but with additional depth and uniqueness from a Finnish Kantele, providing an unexpected compliment to the finely crated songs. Stream and buy Coriallo at the link below.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Freevolt: Open Up Your Door


Open Up Your Door is the new album from Massachusetts band Freevolt. The seven tracks are a lively mix of goodtime rock and roll, R&B, Funk and reggae. What you have then is an album that gets your arse shaking and you feet moving till the carpet wears through. With lofi production, an edgy sheen and superlative musicianship, this is a band you can't help but like. The album is as engaging as a night of friends buying all your beers. Stream and buy Open Up Your Door at the link below.

Bee Bee See: Sonic Boomerang


Italian psych-punk trio Bee Bee See have released Sonic Boomerang, their sophomore album on UK label Dirty Water Records. The eight tracks are lofi, twangy and sparse, with a sound reminiscent of Thee Oh Sees and similar bands. With an edgy blend of psychedlic styling and punk brashness, the band deliver an album that rips across the ether like a loud mortocyle on a Sunday morning. This is an album that will grab you and not let go. A perfect pairing with a burger on the steps of a Soho walk up, this album is a must have. Stream and buy Sonic Boomerang at the link below.

Friday, February 2, 2018

Braggers: Live


Kansas City garage punk powerhouse Braggers are back with Live, a look at the band at their most pristine. The seven tracks show seminal Midwest punk artist Estebon Leon leading a band that delivers a live album of gigantic proportions. The album puts together raw guitars, Leon's own brand of pop-punk lyrics and one of the tightest drummers in rock, to give you a live album for the ages. This thing kicks your arse in perfect punk intimacy. Destined to be one of the best albums of 2018 and an absolute must have. Stream and buy Live at the link below.

Duran Duran: Girls On Film 1979 Demo


Here's something unique for FZB readers. Cleopatra Records has just released the 1979 demo recordings for Duran Duran's debut album Girls On Film. The four tracks were recorded in UB40's home studio and were made prior to Simon Le Bon joining the band, featuring instead, the band's original frontman Andy Wickett. The EP includes the original version of Girls On Film, as well as the track See Me Repeat Me, which would later be transformed into the hit Rio. This historically important EP is an absolute must have. Stream and buy Girls On Film 1979 Demo at the link below.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

George Crotty & Kirk Starkey: Vidi Aquam


Vidi Aquam is the stunning debut EP from George Crotty & Kirk Starkey. The duo weave wonderfully expressive lines of melodic cellos and totally engaging rhythms, to create a breathtaking work of compelling instrumental music. Collored with varied techniques and the occasional synth pad, the EP bathes the senses in a richly textured sonic experience. Cello is such an expressive instrument and this EP delivers all of the nuance and emotion that one could ask for. Stream and buy Vidi Aquam at the link below.

Bashful Hips: People. Nature. Death.


People. Nature. Death. is the new album from Chicago's Bashful Hips, aka singer/songwriter Ian Fellerman. The twelve tracks showcase compelling songwriting, set in a bed of original indie rock arrangements. This is an artist that has bucked the trend of totally derivative indie and found his own sound, which greatly enhances the depth of the lyrics. That said the songs are not catchy and the album unfolds with a feeling of not being able to hang on to the sound. It's just sort of there, with one never feeling too engaged with it. Watch the video for album track A Dog's Humanity, then stream and buy People. Nature. Death. at the link below.