Trappist Afterland has long been known for their ability to craft deeply emotional, atmospheric folk music, but with their latest album Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, the Australian psych-folk band has reached new heights of introspection and beauty. A meditative exploration of life’s fleeting moments, the album blends poignant lyrics, lush instrumentation, and an all-star lineup of collaborators to create a work that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

At the heart of this album is Cole, the creative force behind Trappist Afterland, whose personal journey through loss and reflection informs the album’s deeply emotional tone. Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden was written over the course of several years, during which Cole made frequent trips to visit his mother as she succumbed to dementia. It is a meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time, as Cole navigates the painful breakdown of his marriage, the inevitable decline of his mother, and his eventual return to his hometown of Kiama, on the New South Wales South Coast of Australia.

The music itself is nothing short of breathtaking, with each of the album’s nine tracks offering a unique sonic experience. From the soft, tender moments to the more dynamic, soul-stirring crescendos, the album takes the listener on a journey through the emotional landscape of Cole’s life. The mix of folk, psych, and traditional influences results in a sound that is at once timeless and otherworldly, with lush arrangements and subtle textures that perfectly complement the themes of the songs.

The involvement of an extraordinary group of collaborators has certainly contributed to the album’s richness. Henry Parker’s guitar work adds depth and complexity to the compositions, while Angeline Morrison’s folk roots bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to the songs. Tali Trow’s multi-instrumental contributions help shape the album’s expansive sound, and David Tibet’s haunting vocals add an air of mysticism and contemplation. The combination of these talented musicians elevates the album, allowing it to transcend the boundaries of folk and psych music to become a deeply moving artistic statement.

The album’s title, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, captures the essence of its message. It is a meditation on the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of loss, and the possibility of finding new growth and beauty in the aftermath of hardship. The idea of walking to a “paradise garden” speaks not to an idealized, distant utopia, but to the possibility of finding solace and meaning in the present, even in the midst of sorrow.

While the themes of loss and time may seem heavy, the album is not without its moments of light. There is a quiet hope that runs through the music, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for renewal and rebirth. As Cole reflects on the bonds formed over a lifetime and the fleeting nature of human existence, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden emerges as a deeply introspective, cathartic experience that will resonate with listeners long after the final note fades.

With Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, Trappist Afterland once again proves that they are a band unafraid to delve into the deepest emotional and existential questions. This album is a testament to their growth as artists and their ability to communicate universal truths through music. It is an album that will undoubtedly find a lasting place in the hearts of folk and psych music fans around the world.

You can get the new album at the link below, exclusively on bandcamp: https://trappistafterland.bandcamp.com/album/evergreen-walk-to-paradise-garden

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Australian psych-folk band Trappist Afterland has once again stunned listeners with their latest offering, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden. This beautiful and haunting album is an emotional journey through the complexities of life, loss, and renewal, featuring a rich collaboration with some of the finest artists in the genre. With the help of UK guitar virtuoso Henry Parker, folk sensation Angeline Morrison, multi-instrumentalist and producer Tali Trow, and visionary poet and singer David Tibet of Current 93, the album encapsulates Trappist Afterland’s signature blend of melancholy, beauty, and intricate musicianship.

The band’s mastermind, Cole, has poured his heart and soul into this collection of songs, drawing inspiration from personal experiences that have marked a turning point in his life. Written during the difficult winter months in the hills above Adelaide, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden was crafted as Cole made regular trips to visit his mother, who was slowly succumbing to dementia. The tender and bittersweet lyrics are a reflection of these visits, the breakdown of his marriage, and his eventual return to his hometown of Kiama on the New South Wales South Coast of Australia.

What makes this album stand out is its ability to speak to universal themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time, all while maintaining an otherworldly, timeless quality. The nine tracks on the album transcend the boundaries of folk and psych music, blending haunting melodies with poetic lyrics that leave a lasting impact. Each song feels like a moment frozen in time, capturing both the sadness of life’s impermanence and the quiet hope that new beginnings can emerge even from the deepest sorrow.

The support of such a talented lineup of collaborators elevates the album even further. Henry Parker’s masterful guitar playing infuses each track with an extra layer of depth and emotion, while Angeline Morrison’s folk sensibilities bring warmth and sincerity to the proceedings. Tali Trow’s multi-instrumental contributions and production expertise provide a lush, atmospheric backdrop, while David Tibet’s haunting vocals add an almost ethereal touch to the proceedings. Together, they help create an album that feels both intensely personal and yet universal, as if it speaks directly to the listener’s own experiences and emotions.

The album’s title, Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, is a fitting one, encapsulating the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of finding beauty and growth even in times of hardship. The concept of “paradise” here isn’t some distant utopia, but rather a more grounded, bittersweet reflection of moments in life that bring comfort and meaning. The imagery of walking toward paradise, through a garden of both lush and desolate patches, reflects the album’s journey through both the beauty and pain of existence.

This marks the 10th album by Trappist Afterland, and it’s clear that the band’s sound continues to evolve, maturing in ways that reflect Cole’s personal journey. It’s an album that doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments of life but instead embraces them with grace and sincerity. With Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden, Trappist Afterland proves once again that they are one of the most unique and compelling acts in contemporary folk music.

Fans of Trappist Afterland’s earlier work will find plenty to love here, but Evergreen/Walk to Paradise Garden also stands as a testament to the band’s growth and willingness to delve deeper into personal and emotional territory. This is a collection of songs that resonate on a profound level, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. As the title suggests, the journey may be difficult, but there is always the promise of new growth and beauty waiting on the other side.

Check out the album, exclusively on bandcamp:

https://trappistafterland.bandcamp.com/album/evergreen-walk-to-paradise-garden

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This week, My Life Story made a return with their new single “Running out of heartbeats” taken from their upcoming album ‘Loving you is killing me’ out February 9 2024.

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It is the epic pop band’s first album in five years, and they have also confirmed a host of UK tour dates starting next month.

Their new single “Running out of Heartbeats” is mixed by Ben Hillier, and is an exhilarating, electronica-skewered anthem that pulses and whirrs with a kindred mechanised groove and futuristic sheen. 

Inspired by a quote from astronaut Neil Armstrong, new single “Running Out Of Heartbeats” finds chief songwriter Jake Shillingford in a philosophical mood and theorising on how love, life, and how we live it, could be playing with our human hearts and our overall longevity.

As Shillingford explains: “On returning from the moon and on his withdrawal from public life Neil Armstrong allegedly said: ‘I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine’. I wanted to explore if we can put a value on each heartbeat. Do we lose more through the palpitations of love, or leading a dynamic life? Or are we wasting our heartbeats by taking the easy life?”

Pairing lyrics laced with an ebullient, uncontainable sense of discovery, and arrangements that glisten with a fresh feeling of unlimited possibility; “Running Out Of Heartbeats” is evidence of a band who five albums and over three decades into their career still believe the sky’s the limit. 

Originally founded in 1984 by charismatic frontman Jake Shillingford, My Life Story, rose to fame as a pioneering force of the Britpop movement. Working with the legendary Giles Martin (The Beatles) on their debut album ‘Mornington Crescent’, the band would go on to score six UK top 40 singles and a top 40 album. Across their career the band have worked with the likes of Morrissey to The Pogues, Marc Almond to Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. Performing on the Glastonbury Pyramid stage and at Reading Festival four times, they notably supported Blur and Pulp and are one of the only bands to headline over Oasis. Taking an extended hiatus from recorded music in 2001, My Life Story returned with the critically acclaimed, fan-funded album ‘World Citizen’ in 2019. 

“Running Out Of Heartbeats”  will feature on upcoming album ‘Loving You Is Killing Me’ (out 9^th February, via Exilophone Records/Republic Of Music), alongside six brand new tracks. Pre-order it here.

The album’s name comes from the newly released single, frontman Jake Shillingford says: “Loving You is Killing Me is a lyric taken from the album’s opening track ‘Running Out of Heartbeats’. Despite its pessimistic inference, I like to think that it’s more generally about investment in relationships. Is there a price to pay for unconditional love?”

The record will be followed by a small UK tour that includes two shows at the prestigious London venue the 100 Club on Oxford Street, their first London appearances in over 2 years. In addition, Jake has just announced a run of intimate instore shows in the week of the album’s release whereby he will be performing a short acoustic set and signing albums at independent record shops across the country. All scheduled dates are as follows: 

MY LIFE STORY – UK TOUR DATES 2024

FEBRUARY

INSTORE SHOWS

9th Feb – SOUTHAMPTON Vinilo – 7pm

Sat 10th Feb – LONDON Sister Ray – 12pm

Sat 10th Feb – WALTON ON THE NAZE Format – 6pm

Sun 11th Feb – LEEDS Vinyl Whistle – 7pm

Mon 12th Feb – LIVERPOOL Phase One – 7pm

Tues 13th Feb – KINGSTON Banquet – 6pm 

Wed 14th Feb – SOUTHSEA Pie & Vinyl – 1pm

Wed 14th Feb – BRIGHTON Family Store – 6pm 

HEADLINE DATES

Thurs 15^th – ST. ALBANS – The Horn

Fri 16th – BRIGHTON – Hope & Ruin

Sat 17th – LONDON – 100 Club (Sold Out)

Thurs 22nd – BIRMINGHAM – Hare & Hounds 

Thurs 29th – BRISTOL – Louisiana

MARCH

Sat 2nd – LONDON -100 Club

APRIL

Fri 5th – ALDERSHOT West End Centre

Fri 12^th – STROUD – Sub Rooms

Tickets on sale now here

MY LIFE STORY

NEW ALBUM: ‘LOVING YOU IS KILLING ME’

OUT 9 FEB 2024, VIA EXILOPHONE/REPUBLIC OF MUSIC – PRE-ORDER HERE

LISTEN TO “RUNNING OUT OF HEARTBEATS” 

ON YOUTUBE HERE || ALL SERVICES HERE

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Marco Trinchillo, the visionary founding member of global artist collective UBU, has left a lasting impact on the creative community. His artistic genius has crossed paths with artists from different walks of life, bringing them together under the umbrella term of UBU. 

As a tribute to his legacy, UBU has recently released a self-titled album on 28/04/23, featuring 11 tracks that showcase the diverse talents of the collective’s members. The album, which took two years to produce, was a side project initially started by Marco and Mattia Mercuriali, the founding members of the band Amycanbe. Their experimental project soon evolved into a platform for artists to create under, giving rise to a wide roster of musicians, including Hannah Saunders, FRNQ, Nicola Biondi, Pieralberto Valli, and many others. The recording of the album was completed in 2021 at ‘L’Amor Mio Non Muore’ studio in Forli, Italy, under the guidance of UBU and Franco Naddei. 

Tragically, just as the mixing process was about to finish, the music world lost Marco to a sudden cardiac arrest at the young age of 41. Despite his untimely departure, his influence is still felt throughout the album, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide the collective. In addition to being a talented musician, Marco was also a self-taught photographer whose work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Guardian, Vogue, and Dazed. His signature style and innovative techniques still echo through the photography world, leaving an unforgettable impression on all who encountered his work. 

UBU’s self-titled album, now released as a tribute to Marco, is a testament to his artistry and the impact he had on those around him. The album is a celebration of diversity and creativity, showcasing the unique talents of its members and the spirit of collaboration that Marco fostered. UBU’s self-titled album is now available on all platforms, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the captivating world of music and art created by this talented collective.

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Dave Lebental released new album ‘The Long Player’ last week and has dedicated all the proceeds from vinyl and CD sales to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Dave’s son was saved by the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles 20 years ago and he is now fulfilling his promise to repay the staff for their heroic work.

Dave Lebental, a veteran rocker, made waves in the ’90s LA Club scene, opening for ex-Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor. Despite promising prospects and gigs alongside notable artists, his big break eluded him. A few months after a Mick Taylor gig, family priorities led him to trade rock n’ roll for a day job.

Fast forward 29 years, Lebental, now 62, found renewed creative spark as an empty nester. Exploring the modern music landscape, he embraced digital recording and social media, crafting his debut solo LP, ‘The Long Player.’ The 11-track album, influenced by James Taylor, Ryan Adams, The Eagles, Tom Petty, and The Beatles, showcases old-school analog performances with multi-track recordings.

‘The Long Player’ is not just a musical journey; it’s a testament to resilience, dedication, and a love for the art that transcends time. The artist, who put his promising music career on hold to raise a family, returns after 27 years to a transformed musical landscape, creating an album that reflects his experiences, observations, and emotions.

The much anticipated new album takes a harmonious journey through life’s chapters, all 11 songs on the album were crafted on an acoustic guitar, providing a cohesive thread throughout. However, the album showcases Lebental’s versatility with each track uniquely arranged, textured, and presenting a captivating blend of Rock, Blues, Americana, and Singer-Songwriter elements.

Album Highlights:

“I’m Not Too Old” – An anthem for Lebental and his generation, capturing the spirit of endurance and passion.

“Monique” – A song of unrequited love, echoing the sentiments of a friend enamored with the complexities of romance.

“Granite Meadow” – Reflects on the wonderment of nature, inspired by Lebental’s personal experience in the mountains.

”What You Got” – A poignant conclusion to the LP, a song dedicated to the younger generation, affirming individual value and capability.

Performing with his band, The Driftwood Souls, and solo, Lebental’s upcoming tour dates and performances can be found at dlmusic.us.

Connect with Dave:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok  | Youtube | Spotify 

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When a joke between friends turns into a full-blown musical project, the result is the debut album Traction by Vanilla Franco, set to release on December 1st, 2023. This unlikely indie-rock album is sure to captivate fans of Idles, Arctic Monkeys, and Gorillaz, but what makes it even more impressive is its humble beginnings… Vanilla Franco is the creative brainchild of Joey Quinn, who was unknowingly thrust into the role of band leader after jokingly booking a gig for a non-existent group. 

With a stroke of luck, he recruited friends and neighbors to form Vanilla Franco, a name inspired by a mellow version of Trainspotting’s notoriously violent character, Francis “Franco” Begbie. Initially intended to be a live band, Vanilla Franco has evolved into a one-man operation with Quinn taking on the roles of musician, songwriter, producer, and even music video creator. But what sets this project apart is that Quinn had no prior experience in any of these fields. Talk about a DIY approach! Despite being a one-man show, Traction has all the energy and passion of a full band project, evident in the album’s lead single “Learn Something.” 

The track is a dynamic blend of grounded drum beats, eclectic melodies, and ethereal vocals, showcasing Quinn’s impressive range as a solo artist. Traction is a testament to the power of determination and self-belief. Quinn’s journey from a casual joke to a fully realised album serves as a beacon of motivation for aspiring artists who may feel like they lack the resources or experience to make their creative dreams come true. As Vanilla Franco proves, with dedication and passion, anything is possible. So mark your calendars for December 1st, 2023, and get ready to be swept away by Traction, a masterfully crafted album by the talented Vanilla Franco. It’s a reminder that great things can come from unexpected beginnings and that we all have the potential to achieve our dreams. 

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Norway has become known for producing some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing musicians in recent years. The latest release from Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (KSS), a female choir led by the talented director Marit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde, is a testament to this. 

Their newest album, “Magnificat,” is a stunning fusion of jazz and choral music that showcases the impeccable musicianship of KSS and their collaborators, double bassist Ellen Andrea Wang and saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg. “Magnificat” is Wang’s debut as a choir composer and draws inspiration from the iconic biblical story of the Virgin Mary. Through her interpretation of the Gospel of Luke and Catholic Church liturgy, Wang creates a poignant and powerful composition that beautifully captures the emotions and experiences of Mary as she prepares to give birth to her child. This piece premiered at the 2021 Molde Jazz Festival, where Wang was joined by KSS, Paulsberg, and vocalist and saxophonist Beate Lech. The arrangements for “Magnificat” were a collaboration between Wang and Kjetil Bjerkestrand, with additional contributions from Paulsberg. The result is a seamless blend of jazz and choral harmonies that is both captivating and emotionally moving. KSS’s dedication to showcasing the works of female composers is evident in this release, as Wang seeks to provide a female perspective on a piece traditionally composed by men. 

This album marks KSS’s sixth release on the LAWO Classics label, solidifying their status as a leading female choir not only in Norway but worldwide. The unique sound and captivating performances on “Magnificat” make it a must-have for any music lover. KSS’s fearless approach to music-making and their collaborations with talented jazz musicians continue to push boundaries and inspire audiences. Through their dedication to showcasing female composers and their breathtaking performances, KSS excels in their craft and cements their place in the choral world. In conclusion, the impeccable musicianship of Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening and their collaborators shines through on “Magnificat.” 
This album is a testament to their dedication to breaking boundaries and fusing different musical styles, resulting in a truly mesmerising and moving listening experience. We highly recommend giving “Magnificat” a listen and experiencing the beautiful fusion of jazz and choral music for yourself. KSS’s latest release is a testament to their artistry and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in the future.

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Velcrocranes, the innovative and boundary-pushing band, has graced us with their highly anticipated album, “What If I Die.” This hard prog creation invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-reflection, exploring the depths of human existence in a uniquely thought-provoking manner. 

Released on 27/10/23, this masterpiece serves as an ode to the ever-changing perspectives and values we hold as individuals throughout our lifetime. With 9 tracks that seamlessly blend into one another, “What If I Die” is a perfect example of what a complete album should look like. The band’s mission to draw a parallel between the ever-evolving understanding of life, our choices and perception of death, is reflected in their carefully curated singles “Step Aside,” “Hold Your Breath,” and “Afterlife, Pt. 2.” 
Each track delves into the relatable themes of fear and acceptance, taking listeners on a journey of introspection. What sets this album apart is its ability to incorporate influences from various musical genres, creating a refreshing sound that captivates even the most seasoned music connoisseurs.

Drawing from their roots in jazz, Velcrocranes effortlessly infuses elements of electronic and prog-rock throughout the album, resulting in a sound that is truly unique and captivating. The band’s unparalleled talent can be attributed to the incredible chemistry between its members – the dynamic Efim on vocals, the skilled producer Nikita, the talented guitarist and arranger Alex, the bass virtuoso Bogdan, and the exceptional songwriter Liza. Together, they have created a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. “What If I Die” is available on all platforms, and we highly recommend immersing yourself in this musical odyssey. Velcrocranes have held a mirror to our lives, challenging us to reflect on our beliefs and perceptions. Don’t miss out on this exceptional album. Give it a listen today.

• Spotify
• YouTube
• Instagram

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Today – THE SLEEPING SOULS – release their exhilarating debut album ‘Just Before The World Starts Burning’ on Xtra Mile Recordings. 12 Brand new songs, the album features standout track “Scared Of Living”, also released today. Laced with spiralling riffs and highly charged vocals, “Scared Of Living” is a punk-rock firecracker which illuminates the vibrant, […]

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In 2018 when Earl Sweatshirt released his wonky, experimental opus “Some Rap Songs”, a dividing line was forged separating the people who understood where this stroke of genius had sprouted from, and those who didn’t. Earl even left it in the lyrics for all to see when he famously rapped that he was in the kitchen with “MIKE”. Many were left wondering, who is MIKE?

MIKE is an emcee from New York, who in the middle of the 2010’s, formed a Brooklyn collective of like minded artists who had an appreciation for what they were seeing in the abstract corners of hip hop. They were self declared lost souls who found each other, and went under the name sLUms. Alongside artists like sixpress and King Carter, MIKE and the group began working on their solo outputs, most notably MIKE’s “MAY GOD BLESS YOUR HUSTLE”, his 2017 debut which has become to many an abstract classic. The album is a feast of dense poetry that never shies away from intimacy, but it’s production is what really defines the sLUms sound. It’s rooted in classic hip hop in the sense that crates have been dug to find samples, but the way they are manipulated is different. Often the samples will be so slowed down, so distorted that they sound completely unrecognizable. They form an, at first, slightly jarring loop that soon becomes a blanket of familiar warmth. On others the samples are left less distorted but are chopped so finely and frequently that a whole new rhythm is created out of this mashed together collage of soul (Hunger). When drum programming is present, it isn’t the dusty Tribe or Dilla drums that New York is so accustomed to, they are lofi, but gritty – heavy but still with a distinctive swing. sLUms proved themselves to be a breathe of fresh air with MAY GOD BLESS YOUR HUSTLE, and this caught the attention of the underground rap scene, particularly Earl.

Earl Sweatshirt surrounded himself with this sound and this movement, bringing it to the masses on Some Rap Songs, which was a gift and a curse to many of these artists. Those unfamiliar with MIKE before Earl would go on to say that he was nothing but a clone, his work too derivative of his more successful peer. In actuality this argument is futile. They inspire each other. MIKE was undoubtedly inspired by a young Earl’s dense rhyme schemes, but more importantly his demonstration that artists can go against the grain and still make a lane for themselves in modern hip hop. Equally, Earl took a mountain of inspiration from MIKE and Sixpress and the sound they were cultivating in New York, he even had his lead single produced by Sixpress. Its a mutually beneficial relationship and music has come off better for it. MIKE has since only grown as an artist, releasing brilliant project after brilliant project. His sound is constantly evolving too. On 2018’s “War In My Pen” he explores entirely the depths of melancholic, slow flow rapping over beats that are so screwed and lofi that they almost qualify as a new genre. But then there’s “Disco”, where MIKE takes the reigns entirely behind the boards, floating over much more Alchemist / Donut’s esque beats; dusty jazz and soul loops that draw you in with their abstraction. His latest effort “Burning Desire” is a cinematic culmination of all the sounds that make up MIKE.

“Burning Desire” feels like MIKE reaching a point of complete mastery over what he wants to achieve with his music. It seems as though all the facets of his career are present on this record, but with a new revitalization and coherence that makes this luscious album a joy to spin.

“Zap!” is a victory lap record that really kicks the album off. Its one of those slices of music that MIKE does so well, one that leaves the listener wanting more, and shaking their heads with appreciation. Its a thick jazz mesh of gorgeous electric keys, percussion and a horn section that explodes and leaves space for an infectious groove. Their is something about the swing of this instrumental. It ebbs and flows, the horns will blurt out and then chop away throughout, and MIKE finds a perfect pocket, dropping gems like “I’m twitching high, torturing the spliff to hide the boredom”.

From there MIKE delves back into his melancholic pocket, this time bringing back those thick, distorted drums we haven’t heard from him in a while on “plz don’t cut my wings” with Earl Sweatshirt. Dramatic and weepy string sections meet those aforementioned “MIKE” drums that drive the rhythm as MIKE laments about being “tired of staying strong” and “lying to keep the song packed”. Its a throwback to the 2018 era of MIKE, but with matured writing and a brilliant Earl feature. “Zombie” is the closest we may get to a dusty boom bap track on the album, with alchemist type drums bouncing in the low end with a distant horn sound ringing off, leaving space for MIKE’s ever present vocals. “98” exists for the jazz rap fans, “Sixteens” for the funk heads, and “Snake Charm” for the soul heads that miss the Dilla and Madlib era. He even sounds comfortable breaking new ground on a track with unlikely feature “Larry June”, providing them both with an uncharacteristically smooth instrumental that oozes California sun.

Burning Desire was released in classic underground form – no singles, mysterious marketing and little word from the artist himself. The music speaks for itself. MIKE seems so confident in the fan based he has cultivated over his career that he knows this album will be heard and appreciated for its wonderful scope. The samples he has dug for are endlessly diverse, and the sonics of this project just as gorgeous as they are deliberate. MIKE the rapper, producer and music lover are on full display here. “Burning Desire” is dusty but smooth, fun but heart wrenching, grand but intimate, imperfect and brilliant. Its MIKE.

MIKE socials:

• Instagram

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Scottish Artist Goes Global With Debut Pop Album Rudiment Scottish artist DEWAR is making major waves in the music industry with her highly anticipated debut album, Rudiment, set to be released on September 1st, 2023. With influences from P!nk, Evanescence, and Imagine Dragons, DEWAR is quickly gaining attention for her powerful vocals and dynamic performances on a global scale. Rudiment is an 11-track project that showcases DEWAR’s undeniable talent and a range of musical styles.   

From blues rock to pop, each song on the album has its own unique charm and showcases DEWAR’s versatility as an artist. The album’s lead single, “Influence,” is a prime example of her musical prowess. Its catchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals make it an instant hit with fans and critics alike. Not only has DEWAR gained attention from her music, but she has also garnered an impressive fan base, including chart-topping singer-songwriter Sandi Thom, Paul Barber (known for his roles in “Only Fools and Horses” and “The Full Monty”), and Hollywood star Colin Farrell. DEWAR’s second single, “The Show is Never Over,” embodies the artist’s determination and dedication to her craft. 

With funky bass lines and impressive vocals, the song is a testament to DEWAR’s spirit of perseverance and hard work. Its accompanying music video is a visually stunning piece, showcasing DEWAR’s artistic vision as she performs in an old, abandoned building. With the release of Rudiment, DEWAR is sure to solidify her place in the music industry and gain even more acclaim for her incredible talent. The album will be available on all major platforms, and audiences can look forward to hearing DEWAR’s powerful vocals and unique blend of musical styles. In conclusion, DEWAR’s debut album, Rudiment, is a must-listen for any music lover. With her impressive vocals, dynamic performances, and versatile musical style, DEWAR is a rising star in the global music scene. Be sure to mark your calendars for September 1st, 2023, and experience the powerful sound of DEWAR’s Rudiment for yourself.

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Cleo Sol is without a doubt one of the greatest vocalists out of the UK in the current music climate. Her rise to prominence has been one shrouded slightly by deliberate mystery and reservation, first gracing tracks with anonymous band SAULT and appearing alongside Little Simz on minor hits such as “Selfish”. However she was never a mere footnote, never a pretty voice to accentuate a hook, she always made an impression, and left listeners questioning when they were going to hear more. Since those breakout performances, Cleo Sol has followed in the footsteps of Little Simz; garnering a large audience, but one that was fostered over time, built on respect and love of the music, rather than image or chart topping success.

Returning after her poignant and wonderful statement on motherhood that came out in 2021, (see “Mother”), Cleo sol has delivered two albums in the span of two weeks, “Heaven” and “Gold”. Both of these projects build on what has slowly become Cleo Sol’s signature sound, and both play like a gorgeous love letter to faith.

At this point, it would be negligent not to mention the influence and production of Inflo. Not much is known about the producer / multi instrumentalist, but his body of work speaks for itself, and he has single handedly stood at the helm of some of the most critically acclaimed albums of the decade so far, most notably Little Simz’s modern masterpiece “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert”. His notoriety and prowess at delivering soulful grooves with heart melting chords even landed him a track on the behemoth Adele album “30”. Yet Inflo also produced Cleo Sol’s “Mother” in its entirety, and he has been entrusted once again with these two LPs.

The sound that Cleo Sol and Inflo craft together is a skeletal one in many respects. Inflo loves space. His instrumentals are often comprised of warm, analog piano chords bedded amongst groovy acoustic drums and gooey bass. Yet he always leaves space for the artist to shine, and in the case of Cleo Sol, none of this space is wasted. Her vocals, seemingly seasoned in reverb, sound as though they are ascending into the clouds above. Her vocal control means that her voice can journey from soft, intimate and therapeutic, to spine tingling emphasis and power. Its truly a joy listening to a producer and a vocalist basking in their craft, operating at such a high level of confidence and self belief.

The album “Gold” kicks off with “There Will Be No Crying”, a perfect tone setter. Everything listeners have come to expect is on display here, affirming words delivered on a bed of transcendent vocals meets an instrumental that could have been plucked from Al Green’s 70’s run. Cleo’s main vocal line is then backed up with a distant but thick gospel chorus, that responds to her call all over this album.

“Reason” once again packages simplicity and beauty with a gorgeous, rhythmic baseline and background synths toying with pipes of some sort. All over this LP the message is clear, have faith. Have faith in God, but also have faith in yourself. “Please Don’t End It All” is a deliberately on the nose cry that there are better times ahead, for anyone. Your life may not be where you thought it would be, you may not recognize yourself, but keep going. Cleo Sol manages to distill her religion and faith into a jaw droppingly cohesive and beautiful album, but avoids the common pitfalls of the heavy handed preacher. Even if there is no part of you interested in higher faith of any kind, you can still enjoy the thoroughly human DNA of this project. Cleo Sol has found a formula in which she uses her divine voice to elevate, and her empathetic words to ground.

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The post Cleo Sol Takes The World To Church On Beautiful New Album “Gold” appeared first on Marvelartz.

The post Cleo Sol Takes The World To Church On Beautiful New Album “Gold” appeared first on No.1 Music Blog.