HATS OFF GENTLEMEN IT’S ADEQUATE – Album Review: “The Light of Ancient Mistakes”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews15 Comments

In my eight years as a music blogger, I’ve written about quite a few artists and bands with odd or quirky names, but one of the strangest of them all has to be that of British duo Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate. Based in London and comprised of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Malcolm Galloway and multi-instrumentalist and co-producer Mark Gatland, with help by Malcolm’s wife Kathryn Thomas on flute and backing vocals, they create their unique brand of progressive alternative rock, infused with experimental and classical elements, minimalist, metal, folk, funk, and electronica. I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re both multi-instrumentalists, as Malcolm plays lead guitar, keyboards/synths, percussion/drums and programming, while Mark plays bass, guitar, slide guitar, keyboards/synths, Chapman Stick (an electric instrument resembling the fretboard of an electric guitar, devised by Emmett Chapman, which has ten or twelve individually tuned strings) and additional percussion/drums.

Photo of Malcolm and Mark by Kathryn Thomas

Longtime friends who’ve been playing together since they were in school, Malcolm and Mark’s music often explores scientific and philosophical themes, and they’re strong advocates of social and environmental causes. Accordingly, they’ve organized and supported charity events for Save the Children, Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, Brain Tumour UK and Prog The Forest, which raises money to protect over 40 acres of threatened habitat. From what I can tell, they’ve released quite a lot of music since 2012, including six albums, three EPs and numerous singles. On September 9th, they’re finally dropping their long-awaited seventh album The Light of Ancient Mistakes.

When they reached out to me about the album in July, I was initially overwhelmed by its size, subject matter and scope, and I admit it’s taken me a while to fully absorb this ambitious and fascinating work. Also, I’m a master procrastinator who always waits until the last minute to write my reviews, a bad habit going back to my college years that I’m afraid I’ll never be able to break. And finally, after reading some superb reviews of the album written by others, I’m now left feeling both intimidated and deflated, wondering how I can ever write a coherent review that does justice to this amazing album. I will give it my best effort.

Although not necessarily a concept album, many of the songs on The Light of Ancient Mistakes are inspired by various books, including works by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Iain M. Banks, David Cornwell (who wrote as John le Carré), Philip K. Dick, and Conservative MP Chris Bryant, as well as issues of personal importance and concern for Malcolm, who wrote all the lyrics. The music was co-written by him and Mark. The album contains 15 tracks, seven of which feature lyrics and vocals, while eight are instrumentals. The Bandcamp version of the album also includes four bonus tracks that are radio edits of four of the original 15.

The album opens with “Sold the Peace” a bitter diatribe against the corporate greed and political cowardice that have essentially negated all the hard-fought gains in the battle against authoritarianism in World War II and the Cold War period that followed, ushering in a new generation of despots, expressed in the lyrics “We risked it all to set the world free. Dead or free, the opportunity cost of the unused bombs. So much invested. We stormed the citadel, then bought the lease. We won the war, we sold the peace.” To drive home their point, the guys start with a grungy bass groove, then layer cinematic industrial synths, noirish piano chords and jagged guitar notes to create an unsettling soundtrack for Malcolm’s exasperated-sounding vocals.

Next up is the hauntingly beautiful six-minute 40-second-long Pink Floyd-esque title track “The Light of Ancient Mistakes“, inspired by science fiction author Iain M. Banks’ novel Look To Windward. Malcolm explained the song to David Edwards of The Progressive Aspect blog, “It explores the long-lived consequences of an atrocity. The light from a sun-destroying explosion has travelled for 800 years before reaching an orbital where a commemoration for the tragedy is due to take place. The protagonist of the song is an artificial intelligence trying to show the futility of cycles of hatred to someone planning an act of mass destruction.”

This is followed by the electronic instrumental track “Arvana Kern is Made of Ants“, which along with tracks 6 “The Requisitioner and the Wonder” and 8 “Gothi and Gethli“, refer to a character, two spaceships and a pair of crow-like creatures which insistently deny they are sentient in Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series. The frantic skittering beats and swirling keyboards on “Arvana Kern is Made of Ants” cleverly evoke the non-stop flurry of activity one would see in a colony of ants, while the somber atmospheric tones of “The Requisitioner and the Wonder”, punctuated by some beautiful guitar notes, convey images of two spaceships traversing the heavens. Mark’s deliciously funky bass and Malcolm’s jazzy piano work make the jaunty “Gothi and Gethli” one of the most upbeat tracks on the album.

Track 4, “The Anxiety Machine Part 1“, is the first of a three-part triptych of darkly beautiful contemporary classical instrumental interludes that serve as connectors within the album, creating unsettling feelings of loneliness, resentment and desolation, in keeping with the overall feel of the album. This immediately segues into the heartbreaking “Sixteen Hugless Years“, a song inspired by the childhood experiences of David Cornwell, better known as John le Carré, namely the abandonment he felt after his mother left him and his family when he was five years old. The 16 years referenced in the song is the time that passed before his mother initiated a reconciliation. Malcolm’s vocals are filled with pain as he bitterly recalls “You packed your Harrod’s suitcase and left. You didn’t even slam the door. I was left with a hole. I didn’t grow up, I just got older. I was only five years old. Sixteen hugless years. Sixteen long, long years. I’ve grown old and I’m cold and hard but I’m told I’m the life and soul but it feels so hollow after 16 hugless years.” The musical highlights for me are Mark’s deep, throbbing bassline and Malcolm’s haunting guitar.

“The Glamour Boys” was inspired by Labour MP Chris Byrant’s book of the same name about the experiences of a group of mostly homosexual or bisexual Conservative MPs who argued against appeasement towards Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, despite threats from Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain to expose their secrets. Many went on to risk, and in some cases lose their lives in the Second World War. “They call us the glamour boys. The punishment for speaking out. The leaks and smears and telephone taps. The hints the threat the veiled attacks.“

One of my favorite tracks on the album is “imtiredandeverythinghurts“, a chugging, energetic rocker inspired by Malcolm’s experiences with an invisible disability due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a group of inherited disorders that affect the bodies’ connective tissue, primarily skin, joints and blood vessel walls, resulting in chronic pain), and the challenge of responding honestly to the well-intentioned and seemingly benign question “how are you?” Malcolm elaborated to The Progressive Aspect blog, “I don’t want to be dishonest with people by pretending to be fine when I’m not, but I also don’t want to drag people into a conversation about chronic pain that they may not be comfortable with. On the other hand, for those of us with conditions that vary from day to day (or hour to hour), it may be important to communicate what our current level of functionality is. I am also aware that there is no negative intention behind the question, and the last thing I want to do is to discourage people from communicating.” He plaintively sings “I keep smiling so you might not notice that I’m falling apart. I’m close to an edge. I need help. If this time you’re really asking, I’m tired and everything hurts.“

The centerpiece of the album is “Walking To Aldebaran“, an epic progressive rock masterpiece inspired by the science fiction novella of the same name by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Clocking in at just under nine minutes, the song features an exciting and eclectic mix of styles and textures, including progressive metal, free-form jazz, contemporary classical and musical theater, as it tells the story of space-ship pilot Garry Rendell who, due to a miscommunication between himself and an old, possibly malfunctioning but well-intentioned machine, is transformed into a monster. The colorful, intricate guitar work, jazzy piano, swirling synths and Kathryn’s lovely flute are all utterly exquisite throughout. Malcolm’s dynamic vocals alternately remind me of David Bowie, Al Stewart and a myriad of male vocalists from such Broadway musicals as Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera as he forlornly laments “I’ve become what the monsters are scared of. I’ve been changed by the mother machine. I am the thing that used to be me.“

“Goodbye Cassini” is a beautiful instrumental tribute to the NASA probe that spent 13 years exploring Saturn and its moons. When its fuel supply was finally exhausted on September 15th, 2017 it plunged into Saturn’s atmosphere, still returning data right up until its end. The musical highlight of this track is Kathryn’s gorgeous flute. The effervescent instrumental “The Man Who Japed” is named after the 1950s Philip K. Dick novel of the same name, in which a previously obedient government official “japes” – i.e. commits a practical joke – by severing the head of a statue of their dictator in a symbolic act of resistance, thereby putting himself at personal risk. Malcolm created all the artwork for the album using AI assisted art creation software, and the one for this track is particularly good:

The final track “Burn the World” is an hauntingly beautiful and unsettling song about the perils of global warming, sung from the perspective of someone in the future looking back with regret on measures humans could have taken, but didn’t. Malcolm’s melancholy plaintive vocals are drenched in sadness and despair as he laments over lost opportunities that could have helped avert climate disaster: “We could have cared just enough to give ourselves a chance. But it’s easier to fail. We never learned to change. All the things we could have done, and we chose to burn the world.” The track has a strong progressive feel, with a meandering melody overlain by a mix of chiming and wailing guitar notes, ethereal synths, gritty bass and measured percussion. Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate released “Burn the World” as a single in support of Prog The Forest, an environmental fundraising festival that donates to the World Land Trust, which acquires threatened rainforests and other valuable habitats to place them in protective trust in collaboration with local communities. They will be donating all proceeds from sale of the single until at least the end of 2024.

I’ve gone on and on, so will close by simply saying that, in my opinion, The Light of Ancient Mistakes is a certifiable masterpiece. The amount of thought, care, and effort Malcolm and Mark have put into creating this ambitious undertaking is truly astonishing, and they should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished. While the depth and complexity of the music and the rather dark, provocative subject matter of the lyrics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think it’s brilliant and worth a listen. If you like excellent progressive rock, you will enjoy this album.

Connect with Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate: Facebook / Twitter (X) / Instagram

Find the album on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music / YouTube

HALFLOVES – Single Review: “Bass Drum”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews18 Comments

Halfloves is an indie rock band from Iowa City, Iowa, comprised of five engaging and talented guys – Jeff (lead vocals & guitar), Nate (guitar & bass), Trevor (keys), Zach (drums) and Lucas (bass & guitar). Drawing upon their individual love for classical, jazz, hardcore, alternative and indie rock genres, they successfully collaborate in the creation of their own unique sound.

Photos by Britt Fowler

The guys released their eponymous debut album Halfloves in 2016, then followed with several singles which culminated in the release of their exceptional second album Dazer in 2019. Both albums were produced by Brandon Darner, who’s also produced some of Imagine Dragons music, among others. Dazer‘s hauntingly beautiful lead single “A Little Lie” garnered success following a review from acclaimed music critic Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop), in which he likened the band’s sound and vocals on the track to Radiohead. (As I write this, the song has been streamed over 569,000 times on Spotify alone.) With the help of director Max Moore, Halfloves created a music video for “A Little Lie” featuring actor Joel Murray (Mad Men, Shameless, Dharma and Greg). The video then evolved into an extended companion piece which was released in 2020 as a 13-minute short film titled Backlash, featuring an original soundtrack from Halfloves.

Since 2021, Halfloves has released several more singles, the latest of which is “Bass Drum“, which dropped August 1st. Like all their music, the track was produced by Brandon Darner and engineered by Micah Natera. Mastering was done by Doug Van Sloun at Focus Mastering. The band reached out to me about the song a few days ago, and I like it so much that I had to write about it, not to mention the fact that I find their sense of playfulness captured in these photos so endearing!

About “Bass Drum” the band writes: “This dreamy love song considers the glorified past, uncertain present and a future we long for with someone so special it feels like we’re floating above ourselves. We hope this song connects with anyone who’s ever teetered between crippling self-doubt & trust-falling backwards into the arms of beautiful blinding love.” Accordingly, the lyrics speak of painful remembrance of good times spent together in love, sadness over the fact his former lover has now settled down with another man, and regret over past mistakes and what could have been.

Though the subject matter is decidedly bittersweet, the music is catchy and pleasing, with a kaleidoscope of grungy, jangly and shimmery guitars, accompanied by bright synths, nimble bass and snappy drumbeats, all layered over an infectious, toe-tapping groove. I love the gnarly guitar riff in the bridge that blossoms into a glorious, sun-drenched finale, exuding a sense of hopeful optimism that contrasts with the melancholy lyrics, which are beautifully expressed by Jeff’s emphatic plaintive vocals.

Don’t even start with me, I miss the apartment and all of your clothes
Strewn on the floor – shoes by the door – the tattoo above your elbow
Hole in my heart, I cannot tell you the times that I’ve thought of you since
That summer away, tends to replay in my mind and it goes like this

You bang on my heart like a bass drum
You shoot through the sky like a star on fire
You’re making me feel like I’m floating above myself
Oh just pinch me and wake me up

Look at me now – thinking somehow
That I followed my dreams instead
No consolation – oh desperation
Laying in my twin bed
You settled down – looks like you love him
Looks like he loves you too
House and the kids – oh I still miss
When I thought it might turn out like this

The colorful and charming animated video, created by Ukrainian DJ/producer and artist WOX, nicely captures the song’s melancholy, yet hopeful, vibe.

Connect with Halfloves:  Facebook / Twitter (X) / Instagram 

Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / YouTube

RIP Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Commentary14 Comments

I was very saddened to learn that Steve Harwell, the long-time former lead singer of alt-rock band Smash Mouth, died this morning at the age of 56. His manager Robert Hayes told Rolling Stone that Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” at his home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was liver failure, apparently the result of years of alcohol abuse. Harwell had retired from Smash Mouth in 2021 due to poor health, and was replaced by Zach Goode as the band vocalist.

The band paid tribute in a post on X: “Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target.”

Born and raised in my hometown of Santa Clara, California, Harwell began his music career in next-door San Jose as a rapper with the group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech). After that group split up, he began working with his friend, drummer Kevin Coleman, and the two of them eventually teamed up in 1994 with guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul Delisle to form Smash Mouth. They released their debut ska-influenced album Fush Yu Mang in 1997. The album was a big success for the band, going double platinum (2 million copies sold), and included their debut single “Walkin’ on the Sun”. The song became a huge hit as well, going all the way to #1 on the Billboard Adult Top 40, Modern Rock and Alternative Airplay charts, and #2 on the Hot 100. I loved the song’s cool, almost jazzy vibe, which made me a fan.

Smash Mouth followed in 1999 with their second album Astro Lounge, which was even more successful than their first, ultimately going triple-platinum and reaching #6 on the Billboard 200 Album chart. It included their hit singles “All Star” and “Then the Morning Comes”. “All Star” became the biggest hit of their career, selling over six million copies, and reaching #1 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40 charts, #2 on the Alternative Airplay chart, and #4 on the Hot 100. The song appeared in numerous film soundtracks, including the 1999 film Mystery Men and the first Shrek movie in 2001, which of course gave it even greater exposure. Both “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star” rank among my favorite songs of the 1990s.

They had a hit in 2001 with their cover of the Monkees’ classic “I’m a Believer” which was also featured in Shrek, and went on to release five more albums over the next 12 years, though none were as successful as the first two.

Top 30 Songs for September 3-9, 2023

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Weekly Top 30's5 Comments

As we slide into September, Beach Weather remain on top for a second week with their breezy love song “Pineapple Sunrise”. Lana Del Rey’s “Say Yes To Heaven” moves into second place, while Canadian artist dwi inches up a notch to #3 with his delightfully boisterous “Overrated”.

Three songs enter the top 10 this week, the first of which is the enchanting dream pop gem “Kisses” by British band Slowdive. After slowly inching up my chart since debuting five weeks ago, the song leaps 12 spots to #6. It’s the lead single from their stunning fifth studio album everything is alive, which dropped this past Friday, September 1st. Shockingly, though it was released in late June, “Kisses” hasn’t yet charted either in the UK or the U.S. “Bones” by British rock band HEALER, which features some of the best power drumming of any song I’ve heard in a long while, moves up three spots to #8. “Walk Through the Fire” by one of my favorite American indie singer-songwriters The Frontier also moves up three spots to #9. And after dropping two spots last week, Beck Black‘s exuberant “Puppet Show” enjoys a resurgence, moving back up three spots to #7.

Making their debut this week are “bad idea right?”, the latest single from American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, at #29, and “Overcome” by British alt-rock band Nothing But Thieves, at #30.

  1. PINEAPPLE SUNRISE – Beach Weather (1)
  2. SAY YES TO HEAVEN – Lana Del Rey (3)
  3. OVERRATED – dwi (4)
  4. THE NARCISSIST – Blur (2)
  5. CALL ME WHAT YOU LIKE – Lovejoy (5)
  6. KISSES – Slowdive (18)
  7. PUPPET SHOW – Beck Black (10)
  8. BONES – HEALER (11)
  9. WALK THROUGH THE FIRE – The Frontier (12)
  10. PSYCHOS – Jenny Lewis (6)
  11. LAST TIME EVERY TIME FOREVER – Grian Chatten (14)
  12. GOOD VIBRATIONS – MISSIO (16)
  13. ORBIT – Gooseberry (13)
  14. DIAL DRUNK – Noah Kahan (19)
  15. ODYSSEY – Beck & Phoenix (20)
  16. FRANCESCA – Hozier (21)
  17. VAMPIRE – Olivia Rodrigo (7)
  18. WHY – Future Theory (8)
  19. RESCUE ME – Dirty Heads (15) 21st week on chart
  20. DAYLIGHT – David Kushner (17)
  21. DAYDREAMS AND ALGORITHMS – Eleanor Collides (22)
  22. CANNONBALLERS – Colony House (23)
  23. FORGIVING TIES – Deer Tick (24)
  24. WHAT WAS I MADE FOR? – Billie Eilish (25)
  25. LOVING YOU – Cannons (27)
  26. STUCK – 30 Seconds to Mars (9)
  27. RUNNING OUT OF TIME – Paramore (28))
  28. WHEN WE WERE CLOSE – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (30)
  29. BAD IDEA RIGHT? – Olivia Rodrigo (N)
  30. OVERCOME – Nothing But Thieves (N)

AMONGST LIARS – Single Review: “The Shameful”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews7 Comments

One of my favorite British acts making music these days is Amongst Liars, who play a fiercely aggressive style of melodic hard rock, forged from a powerful trifecta of alternative rock, grunge and punk. Based in the Brighton/Eastbourne area on the South England coast, the band consists of Ian George (lead vocals, guitar), Leo Burdett (guitar, backing vocals), Ross Towner (bass, backing vocals), Adam Oarton (drums), and newcomer James Brumeo (keyboards and piano), who recently joined the stellar lineup.

Photo by Duncan Tyler

I first learned about them in early 2020, and was immediately blown away by their explosive debut single “Over and Over”, which along with their third single “Burn the Vision”, ended up on my Top 100 Songs of 2020 list. Since then, they’ve dropped several more outstanding singles, many of which I’ve reviewed on this blog. In July 2022, they released their eponymous debut album Amongst Liars, an outstanding work featuring 11 tracks, including the two aforementioned singles. Now they’re back with “The Shameful“, a blistering ripper of a song overflowing with the signature searing riffs, pummeling rhythms and savage vocals we’ve come to love and expect from these talented gents. The track was recorded & mixed by David Radahd-Jones at Red City Recordings in Manchester, and mastered by Grant Berry at Fader Mastering.

While they don’t consider themselves a ‘political’ band, Amongst Liars are not afraid to tackle some of the pressing socio-political issues of the day, including war mongering for financial gain, poverty, greed, fake news, deceitful politicians, election fraud, human rights abuses and climate change, and they’ve been outspoken advocates for social justice on several of their songs. On “The Shameful”, they call out politicians and media personalities who bombard the public with bullshit and lies to gaslight and confuse, turning us against one another and causing us to vote against our better interests. Band vocalist Ian George elaborates: “[the song is about the world of bias and misinformation that we are living in today. Government (with certain characters more prominent than others) and media are in increasingly bending perceptions to their own narrative and it is just happening all the bloody time isn’t it! This gaslighting and brainwashing distorts reality for many people and causes anger, hurt, pain, division and distrust.“

To drive home their message, Amongst Liars unleash a furious barrage of raging guitars, chugging bass and smashing drumbeats, laying waste to the airwaves like a rampaging sonic beast. Leo shreds his guitar to the breaking point, while Ross and Adam keep the thunderous rhythms blasting forward with a breathtaking intensity, fully channeling the strong sense of frustration and anger expressed in the biting lyrics. Ian has a commanding vocal style that turns downright fearsome when he needs to get his point across: “As the violence drags me through, I’m at peace with you. Gonna cut me down the easy way. As the shamers stand in line, sing it one last time. Gonna make me a believer. Talk is cheap anyway – get to know your enemy!” As he savagely wails the final words “As the shamers stand in line, sing it one last time. Just let it go!“, I’m left covered with goosebumps.

“The Shameful” is their hardest-hitting and most ferocious single since “Black Days”. I’m happy Amongst Liars continue to create outstanding music, and if you’re a fan of explosive and melodic hard rock, you will enjoy this single.

Like for all their singles, the terrific surreal artwork for “The Shameful” was created by the brilliant artist Pierre Engelbrecht. A young woman is shown lying on her bed, sunlight streaming into the room while she blissfully watches what I’m guessing is her TV. Her brain, which has been disengaged from her skull, hovers above her head in a locked cage that’s connected by a chain to her ankles. Pierre’s works are beautiful, bizarre and sometimes disturbing, but always amazing, and you can see them by checking out his Instagram account.

Amongst Liars will be opening for Canadian hard rock band Theory of a Deadman on their The Dinosaur Tour later this month, beginning Friday, September 22nd at the Electric Ballroom in London.

Connect with Amongst Liars:  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Find their music on  Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Amazon

Top 30 Songs for August 27-September 2, 2023

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Weekly Top 30's19 Comments

Frequent readers of this blog know that over the past year, American pop-rock trio Beach Weather have become one of my favorite bands on the strength of their breezy, melodic sound and charming and colorful personalities. Their music just makes me feel happy! Originally formed in 2015, the band released two excellent EPs, then went on hiatus in 2017. Thankfully, they reformed in early 2022, and now consist of founding members Nick Santino (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Reeve Powers (bass, backing vocals), and relative newcomer Sean Silverman (lead guitar). This past March, they released their debut album Pineapple Sunrise, which is so good, I can honestly state that I love every track. The summery title track “Pineapple Sunrise” is my new #1 song this week, becoming the third Beach Weather song to top my Weekly Top 30 chart (the previous were “Sex, Drugs, Etc.” and “Trouble With This Bed”). All their videos are delightful, and the one for “Pineapple Sunrise” is no exception!

In other noteworthy chart developments, “Say Yes To Heaven” by Lana Del Rey advances three spots to #3, “Overrated” by brilliant Canadian artist dwi jumps five spots to #4, and “Call Me What You Like” by British indie rock band Lovejoy leaps six spots to #5. Debuting this week are “Running Out of Time” by American alt-rock band Paramore, at #28, and “When We Were Close” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, at #30.

  1. PINEAPPLE SUNRISE – Beach Weather (2)
  2. THE NARCISSIST – Blur (1)
  3. SAY YES TO HEAVEN – Lana Del Rey (6)
  4. OVERRATED – dwi (9)
  5. CALL ME WHAT YOU LIKE – Lovejoy (11)
  6. PSYCHOS – Jenny Lewis (4)
  7. VAMPIRE – Olivia Rodrigo (5)
  8. WHY – Future Theory (3)
  9. STUCK – 30 Seconds to Mars (7)
  10. PUPPET SHOW – Beck Black (8)
  11. BONES – HEALER (12)
  12. WALK THROUGH THE FIRE – The Frontier (13)
  13. ORBIT – Gooseberry (14)
  14. LAST TIME EVERY TIME FOREVER – Grian Chatten (15)
  15. RESCUE ME – Dirty Heads (10) 20th week on chart
  16. GOOD VIBRATIONS – MISSIO (17)
  17. DAYLIGHT – David Kushner (18)
  18. KISSES – Slowdive (20)
  19. DIAL DRUNK – Noah Kahan (21)
  20. ODYSSEY – Beck & Phoenix (22)
  21. FRANCESCA – Hozier (23)
  22. DAYDREAMS AND ALGORITHMS – Eleanor Collides (24)
  23. CANNONBALLERS – Colony House (25)
  24. FORGIVING TIES – Deer Tick (26)
  25. WHAT WAS I MADE FOR? – Billie Eilish (27)
  26. RESCUED – Foo Fighters (16)
  27. LOVING YOU – Cannons (30)
  28. RUNNING OUT OF TIME – Paramore (N)
  29. ESSENCE – Refeci & Shimmer Johnson (19) 22nd week on chart
  30. WHEN WE WERE CLOSE – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (N)

The 23s – Single Review: “My Kinda Girl”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews9 Comments

Sheffield, England-based collaborative music project The 23s have had quite a successful 2023 thus far, dropping seven terrific singles over the past seven months. Comprised of singer-songwriter and electronica musician Rob Cohen, singer-songwriter Rob Gurruchaga, and producer Tom Taylor, the enigmatic trio came together remotely during the Covid lockdowns, and decided to form a collaborative music project they named The 23s, after Taylor’s Channel 23 Studio. With their shared love of acts like David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Blaqk Audio, Gary Numan, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen and Thomas Dolby, they clicked right from the start, and began working on song demos using analog synthesizers and synth guitars, which they shared across the internet.

Eventually, they gathered in person at Taylor’s Channel 23 Studio to pick their favorites out of the more than 100 demos they’d recorded, finally culling them down to 23 songs. They put their finishing touches and overdubs on the 23 tracks, and decided to release them one at a time, at the rate of one per month over a 23-month period, on the 23rd of each month. All 23 songs will ultimately be released in a full album at the end of the singles run.

They began their monthly parade of single releases a bit behind schedule on February 10th with “Never Be The Same” (which I reviewed), but from their second single on, they’ve remained faithfully on schedule, diligently releasing each successive single on the 23rd. I really like all their singles thus far, and also the fact that no two sound alike. Their music style varies widely with each new release, with some songs having a strong electronic sound, while others are more rock or pop-oriented. The23s have created a Spotify playlist of their songs, to which each successive new single will be added as they’re released. To hear all their songs that will be included on the forthcoming album, click on this link:

Their latest single, which dropped August 23rd, is “My Kinda Girl“, an incredibly pleasing love song with a wonderful 60s vibe. About the song, the band explains: “Originally recorded on 4 tracks, ‘My Kinda Girl’ was a very rough idea by Rob. This was then pulled apart in the studio, and lush strings with a very art school Carnaby Street London 60s vibe was pulled from the original idea and fleshed out, with the production skills and additional ideas added by band mates Tom & Rob. You can almost taste & smell the 60s floating throughout this track! We’re all very pleased with how it eventually grew into itself and became the final version.“

Everything about the song is perfect – the breezy melody, irresistible toe-tapping beat, dreamy synths, soothing keyboards and beautiful twangy guitars. But the highlight for me are Rob’s sensuous, multi-faceted vocals – which have never sounded better – as he sings his praises to a woman who’s captured his heart and mind: “You’re the kinda girl. Sticks in my world. You’re the kinda girl that sticks in my mind. There’s never been a decision made that was always right. There’s never been a right time. Don’t you know it’s true.”

I love “My Kinda Girl”, and it’s my new favorite out of all seven songs they’ve released thus far. 

Socials: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / deezer / YouTube

LOVEPROOF – EP Review: “Winter’s Children”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews10 Comments

Toronto, Canada-based Loveproof is a collaborative music project formed in 2013 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Ciaran Megahey and multi-instrumentalist & producer Brendan McGarvey. The two originally met in high school and formed a short-lived band, but eventually went their own ways. Ciaran is also a member of Canadian indie band The Autumn Stones (whose music I previously featured on this blog in 2016 and 2018).

After reconnecting in 2013, they began writing songs inspired by their shared love of bands like Joy Division, Guided by Voices and My Bloody Valentine, and soon had a collection of dark and fascinating songs on their hands. Describing their sound as “dreamy, dubby doom pop,” the duo named their project Loveproof, in honor of the My Bloody Valentine classic “Loveless.” In December, 2017, they released their debut album Neon Blood, Volume One, which I reviewed the following March. My, how time does fly by! 

The duo then decided to assemble a full band so they could perform their songs in front of live audiences, enlisting Brendan’s brother Chris McGarvey on guitar and Joey Proulx on drums. In January 2020, they released a New Order-esque re-imagining of the Joy Division classic song “Wilderness”. Now they’re back with a new EP Winter’s Children, their first release of new original music in six years.

After listening to the EP, I can state that it was well worth the wait. Combining elements of dream pop, indie rock, and dub with a dark gothic sensibility, Loveproof have crafted four utterly captivating songs. For their recording, Ciaran sang vocals and Brendan played and programmed all instruments. I love Ciaran’s sensuous vocal style that reminds me at times of Bryan Ferry, so it’s a treat hearing him sing again.

The EP opens with “A Song is Not Enough“, a bewitching track that channels the best of Joy Division and Depeche Mode. I love Brendan’s mysterious dreamy synths and sharp percussive notes built over a sensuous pulsating beat, accompanied by Ciaran’s ethereal sultry vocals as he softly croons “A song is not enough to break this spell.“

Equally bewitching is “Spires“, a glorious chillwave gem with icy synths layered over a sensuous bass-driven dub groove, and punctuated by emphatic percussive beats. Ciaran’s breathy croons are enchanting as he sings from the perspective of someone grasping for something solid to hold on to amid all the chaos and uncertainty. “In a world full of darkness, you said ‘the truth is coming’, and you howled to the mountains and you tore their lies asunder. With time, with faith, your spires to the heavens shine, and love will light our way.” The beautiful video created for the track features images of Loveproof performing the song interspersed with scenes of Toronto and various animals in their natural settings.

On the enchanting but bittersweet “Even the Stars“, Ciaran softly laments over a lost love: “Come back to me, Scarlet Rose / Everything good dies here, even the stars.” A highlight of this track for me are Brendan’s beautiful chiming guitar notes.

The final track “Young Lords” addresses the political polarization of modern society. Ciaran elaborates: “Not really making any political judgments, but just noticing the religious character of people’s political identities today. The phrase ‘Young Lords’ is actually the name of a far left organization that I believe still exists today. I’m just using it as a metaphor for political militancy/extremism though. I read a book that mentioned them a long time ago and I remember really liking the name, as it sounds really poetic. I don’t really know much about them specifically though. So, I guess I am just lamenting how that polarization seems to have made it difficult for people to see each other’s humanity. It seems to have coarsened public life.” “Young lords colliding. Used to be a mountain, used to be a king, hungry as a lion’s heart. Used to be a master, used to hear you sing, thundering the soul apart. Goodnight my heart, goodnight my love.” I’m sounding like a broken record as I continually use the word ‘sensuous’, but the track’s languid dub groove is overflowing with it, enhanced by Brendan’s lush, moody synths and throbbing bass.

Although its four tracks are decidedly melancholy, with less than happy subject matter, Winter’s Children is nevertheless a stunning and flawlessly-crafted work that makes for an enjoyable listen. If you’re a fan of 80s-inspired darkwave and electro-pop, as well as ethereal sultry vocals, you will like this EP. It’s good to have Loveproof back!


Connect with Loveproof:  Facebook / Instagram 

Find their music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube

Top 30 Songs for August 20-26, 2023

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Weekly Top 30's15 Comments

“The Narcissist” by British rock band Blur maintains its grip on the #1 spot for a second week on my latest Top 30, while American pop-rock trio Beach Weather slide into second place with their charming “Pineapple Sunrise”. Entering the top 10 are the deliriously zany “Overrated” by Canadian singer-songwriter dwi, at #9, and “Rescue Me” by L.A. ska band Dirty Heads, re-entering at #10 after spending two weeks at #12. The song peaked at #3 a month ago on my chart, and is currently #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. The biggest upward mover this week is “Call Me What You Like” by British indie rock band Lovejoy, jumping six spots to #11.

Two beautiful songs make their debut this week; the first is the ethereal “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, which enters at #27. Written by Eilish and her brother Finneas for the motion picture Barbie, the melancholy but hopeful song has already topped the music charts in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Switzerland. The second new entry is the captivating “Loving You” by L.A. dream pop band Cannons, at #30. I can’t believe it’s nearly been a year since I saw them in concert.

  1. THE NARCISSIST – Blur (1)
  2. PINEAPPLE SUNRISE – Beach Weather (3)
  3. WHY – Future Theory (2)
  4. PSYCHOS – Jenny Lewis (4)
  5. VAMPIRE – Olivia Rodrigo (5)
  6. SAY YES TO HEAVEN – Lana Del Rey (6)
  7. STUCK – 30 Seconds to Mars (7)
  8. PUPPET SHOW – Beck Black (8)
  9. OVERRATED – dwi (11)
  10. RESCUE ME – Dirty Heads (12)
  11. CALL ME WHAT YOU LIKE – Lovejoy (17)
  12. BONES – HEALER (13)
  13. WALK THROUGH THE FIRE – The Frontier (14)
  14. ORBIT – Gooseberry (15)
  15. LAST TIME EVERY TIME FOREVER – Grian Chatten (16)
  16. RESCUED – Foo Fighters (10)
  17. GOOD VIBRATIONS – MISSIO (19)
  18. DAYLIGHT – David Kushner (20)
  19. ESSENCE – Refeci & Shimmer Johnson (9) 21st week on chart
  20. KISSES – Slowdive (22)
  21. DIAL DRUNK – Noah Kahan (23)
  22. ODYSSEY – Beck & Phoenix (24)
  23. FRANCESCA – Hozier (25)
  24. DAYDREAMS AND ALGORITHMS – Eleanor Collides (27)
  25. CANNONBALLERS – Colony House (29)
  26. FORGIVING TIES – Deer Tick (30)
  27. WHAT WAS I MADE FOR? – Billie Eilish (N)
  28. LEAVING – Au Gres (18)
  29. NOT STRONG ENOUGH – boygenius (21) 21st week on chart
  30. LOVING YOU – Cannons (N)

Drawing on Scars & Jodie Reid – Single Review: “Dreaming”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

When I wrote about the wonderful collaborative duo The Star Crumbles and their new album a few days ago, I commented that in the music industry, two heads are often better than one. Today I have another shining example of that in the form of the latest collaborative single “Dreaming” by Atlanta-based rock act Drawing on Scars and Johannesburg, South Africa-based singer-songwriter Jodie Reid.

Drawing on Scars is the music project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Will Thacker, who for more than a decade has collaborated with singer-songwriters from across the U.S. and beyond in the creation of dramatic and edgy alternative rock songs. Will writes and performs all the music, while the different vocalists write the lyrics, which they then interpret in their own distinct vocal style. Jodie Reid is a prolific artist who’s released four solo albums since 2019. The two began collaborating by long distance in 2020, and together have recorded and released several singles, all of which were included in their terrific debut album A Bridge Across the Sea, which they released last September (you can read my review here). Now they’ve teamed up again to create their new single “Dreaming”, which dropped August 11th.

The song storms through the gates with a roiling onslaught of gnarly riffs and slapping drums, which are soon joined by melodic guitar and Jodie’s emphatic lilting vocals that remind me at times of Paramore’s Hayley Williams. The music settles down in the verses, allowing Will’s shimmery guitar notes to really shine, only to ramp back up in the choruses, Will’s furious guitars raging as Jodie passionately sings of trying to run away from her problems: “And off I go into the hills. Grab my soul and leave them. Far away mirror escape at night so I can’t see them. And all the voices in my brain won’t sing if I can’t keep them safe. Reality is slipping, please wake up I’m dreaming.”

“Dreaming” is another stellar rock song by this talented and dynamic dream team, and I’m glad they’re continuing to create music together.

Here’s the song on YouTube:

And on Bandcamp:

Connect with Drawing on Scars: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Find his music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / Reverbnation / YouTube

Connect with Jodie: Facebook / Instagram 

Find her music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube