Blogiarhiiv

9/16/2017

Gnomefoam – Tendrils (2017)



  • Indietronica 
  • Art pop 
  • Gospel 
  • Experimental pop 
  • Electronic pop 
  • Singer-songwriter 
  • Alternative pop 
  • Spoken word 
  • Indie rock 
  • Alternative rock 
  • Synth-pop

Comment: I can remember for a conversation with Steve Bromley aka Gnomefoam through lastfm sometime in the beginning of 2011 when he told me about his brand new one coming soon on Rack And Ruin Records. Unfortunately sometime soon it would be announced about the ending of Dean Birkett led imprint. I can't remember anymore what happened to the forthcoming Gnomefoam's outing but it was very sad to know about the end of this imprint with idiosyncratic roster whom lo-fi and DIY aesthetic was the thing of honour. Good old times worth to be remembered at any time. Apparently Gnomefoam and Chad Golda are the only artists who are being active from the roster today. For sure, Steve Bromley's uncanny approach was something remarkable. However, much seems to be changed since then. I say immediately it is a great album wherein Steve Bromley's sound and intention is remarkably more grown-up yet at the same time still holding up playfulness. Furthermore, there are up an innumerable bunch of different faces to have appeared throughout the 13-notch outing. From more classical indie pop and synth-pop/electro-indie/indietronica and convulsive sampledelic pop to noisy rock and gospel and even spoken word induced spiritual, illuminated music. Regardless of the style the compositions are uncompromising and full-fledged. The gospel track called Uppers is one of the highlights of the issue. Lyrically it is frequently pessimistic and murky yet it seems to be Bromley's posture as an artist recently. At times it reminds me of Joy Division though indirectly. A sublime flirtation with the Grim Reaper, isn't? For instance, listen to such a track as Things Will Be Better (When I'm Dead) to understand what I meant. I'm very glad to be back enjoying his fascinating music.