Recent Music Heroes

Comment: Birmingham, UK-based The Shalfonts have much to say because given that 25-notch issue otherwise it could be a merciless failure. These compositions are exquisite and witty drawing comparisons with ensembles of the C86 movement/jangle pop and on the other side there are up hints at the jazz influenced Chicago post-rock scene, especially to the like of Sea And The Cake. Indeed, a listener can perceive some kind of sophisticated easiness in The Shalfonts' music. With regard to the just written words The Shalfonts do create a coherent sonic bound between the USA, and Great Britain. Yet eventually I shall have to admit the US influence is even stronger and more remarkable. Strumming guitars are wrapped up by miscellaneous sonic effects and electronic sounds. Imagine it is a sort of jangle pop (or post-jangle pop) being influenced by an exquisite sort of jazz rock. It burrows its way through minimal changes and by adding a rewarding amount of new elements to the mix. I recommend listening to it because it is immensely more worth hearing rather than following some NHL team while these teams are as changeable as the brothels by its members. Do you think you are following Montrèal Canadiens, for instance? What sort of phenomenon do you follow exactly if the next season at least a third of the team is renewed? Is it worth to waste your time on nonsense? It is a crooked self-deception. The nowadays world is seriously fucked up. Only music does still have something worthy to say. The Shalfonts has also something worthy to say.

1/21/2018

Nick Nightingale – Ambient Guitar Works (2017)

Bandcamp

Ambient
Ambient rock
Electronic music
Alternative

Comment: as the title suggests the 8-track album is about ambient music and guitars. But not only though. Nick Nightingale, an American musician who explores electronics and synths as well. Indeed, more or less extended and lively or restrainedly running atmospheric landscapes are balanced with pure electronic uinversums, vibrant drones somewhere nearby the zero and bold bass synth-based templates here and there. But usually one chord is followed by another in a slow tempo. That`s a very OK issue. His music can be compared with another US-based mastermind Drew Miller aka Brother Saturn.

1/19/2018

Les Louise Mitchels/Sex Drugs & Rebetiko – Split (2009)

Les Diks Qui Sautent

Art punk
World music
Improvised music
Folk punk
Crossover
Surf rock
Drone folk
Avant-folk

Comment: Les Louise Mitchels` 6-notch part is an intense blend of artsy punk, dadaist attitude and Balkan/gypsy brass folk punk. But also surf music allusions are up there to provide a more puzzled soundscape. The France-based artist has managed to set a fast pace through the noodling on hirsute guitars, woodwinds, and drums where one can partake in repetitive patterns, improvised progressions and something else between the approaches.

Sex Drugs & Rebetiko`s 3-track is a different story because it is more subdued and restrained due to slowly progressing drones in the vein of folk music. Furthermore, it seems to me that some phrases are sung in Greek and beside that distinct characteristic there are up obvious patterns from Greek ethnic music. The interesting split is a part of the Les Diks Qui Sautent (ldqs 068).