Tag: Alternative Rock

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 45 – The Obscuritans, Pilod, Snap Infraction, Talk in Waves

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

Time for another Fresh New Tracks post, and for the 45th installment of my ongoing series I’m featuring four terrific new songs by, in alphabetical order, Philadelphia-based indie rock act The Obscuritans, Belgian alt-rock band Pilod, Philadelphia-based rock band Snap Infraction, and Northern Virginia-based pop-rock artist Talk in Waves.

The Obscuritans – “False Prophecy”

The Obscuritans is a Philadelphia-based studio project formed earlier this year by Marc Schuster and Nick Cervini, with the aim of writing and recording music together, then inviting various artists to collaborate with them by contributing vocals, lyrics, or whatever else they have in mind. Marc is an insanely creative and multi-talented guy who’s not only an educator, author, literary critic, music blogger and visual artist, but also a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, recording both as a solo artist and as part of numerous music projects and collaborations with an ever-expanding roster of musicians. Nick is an accomplished musician who’s also drummer for Philadelphia indie rock band Sacred Monsters, and he and Marc are also members of power pop trio DelCobras (along with singer-songwriter Jim Lorino), whose song “The Turnaround” currently sits at #11 on my Top 30 chart.

In February, the Obscuritans released their debut single “Earholes”, a trippy, mostly instrumental tribute to David Lynch on which they collaborated with Jim Lorino. They followed in early April with “Break and Bend”, featuring vocals by Samantha Goodman of Philadelphia indie band Rescue Pets. Now they return with their third single “False Prophecy“, featuring lyrics and vocals by Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and blogger Neither Could Dylan (aka Jaimee Jakobczak, who also records music under her Death Cab for Cutie cover project Death Bus for Blondie, and Jimmy Eat World cover project Jaimee Eat World). Marc and Nick have created a mysterious and languid soundcape of bold guitar notes, otherworldly psychedelic synths and crisp percussion, a perfect backdrop for Jaime’s distinctive vocals, which have never sounded better. Her lyrics seems to speak of losing her sense of self in a futile attempt to maintain a romantic relationship: “While I wait for you, I break in two. Falling apart from all the things I thought I knew. But false prophecy, I sunk in so deep. Seems the cost of keeping you is losing me.”

Pilod – “Anticipate the Fall”

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium is alternative indie rock quartet Pilod. Since forming in 2013, the band has undergone a few changes in lineup and now consists of Frédéric Baervoets (guitar, vocals), Timo Jacobs (drums), Christophe Vandewoude (bass, backing vocals) and Wouter Voorspoels (guitar). Pilod released their debut album Sunny Forecast in 2013, followed by a single “Sunny” in early 2015, then their second album Black Swan in October 2016. After undergoing a long period of touring, lineup changes and the global COVID pandemic, they finally dropped a new single “The future looks bright” in June 2022, followed by two more singles in late 2024. On May 4th, they released their latest single “Anticipate the Fall“, accompanied by a charming video directed by Robbe Maes and filmed at Sint-Jozefsinstituut (a high school in Betekom), featuring Carlo Vranken and Gonzalo Vega as instructors putting the dorky, unathletic guys through some exercises.

The band says the song “explores themes of letting go, embracing change, and finding resilience amid turbulence and uncertainty.” I love the dynamic blend of Frédéric and Wouter’s reverb-soaked melodic and grungy guitars layered over a pulsating rhythm fueled by Christophe’s driving bass and Timo’s aggressive drums. Frédéric’s plaintive vocals express a heartfelt sense of assurance as he sings “Your head will kiss the cold, hard floor. Stop looking for a tight hold and think. All we have is now and the future calls, so why are you still living in the past? Future yourself. Read the cracks in the wall. The ground’s shifting, nothing stays, so learn to anticipate the fall. Life is changing forever.“

Snap Infraction – “Nothing Really Matters”

Also from Philadelphia is Snap Infraction, a three-piece musical powerhouse comprised of Steve Karsch (vocals, guitar & percussion), Dave Kerr (bass) and Tony Iannuzzi (drums). “Distilling decades of rock n roll history into a modern sonic journey“, they’ve been a band for over 15 years, releasing their first single “Try To See It My Way” in 2009. After a long hiatus, they released a five-track EP Chin Music in May 2017, then another three years would pass until their follow-up EP Stiff Arm, in May 2020. They were quite active in 2021, releasing several double singles throughout that year, followed by a very nice cover of the Beach Boys Christmas classic “Little Saint Nick” in December 2022, then their own original Christmas song “Christmas In The Islands” in December 2023. In March 2024 they released their single “Keeping Score“ (which I reviewed), followed two months later by their debut full-length album Eephus. In what’s become an annual tradition, they dropped another Christmas single “Christmas All Over Again”, a cover of the Tom Petty song on which Steve manages to channel Petty quite well.

Now they’re back with “Nothing Really Matters” a powerful and melodic song about someone who’s in denial about their mental illness and unwilling to take meaningful steps to get better, which also negatively affects their partner, all of which is beautifully expressed by Steve’s relatable lyrics: “Nothing really matters but you do it anyway. Taking better drugs to convince us you’re ok. Twisting all your stories cause the facts get in the way. Tossing out big words like you’re Ernest Hemingway. Late at night I start to worry that I’ll probably end up dying alone. With no one to say goodbye to and nothing left to call my own.” To my ears, the song has a strong ELO feel, particularly due to the marvelous interplay between those gorgeous guitar notes and piano keys, as well as the soaring vocal harmonies. I love it!

Talk in Waves – “Feels Right”

Talk in Waves (the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake Mimikos and formerly known as The Frontier), is a longtime favorite of mine. Based in northern Virginia, he’s an enormously talented and gracious guy, and we’ve followed each other on social media for nearly a decade. Skillfully blending elements of indie rock, synth pop and folk, his music is incredibly melodic, flawlessly crafted and always catchy. He produces and records all aspects of his music in his home studio, and as with many singer-songwriters, Jake’s songs are often inspired by personal experiences, touching on topics like love, relationships and loss, and expressed through honest, relatable lyrics. He’s released an impressive amount of music since 2015, and I’ve featured him numerous times on this blog. I’ve loved all his songs, five of which have reached #1 on my Weekly Top 30 chart. His single “Like You Do” (which I reviewed) topped my 100 Best Indie Songs of 2024 list, and his previous single “You’re My Drug” reached #2 this past March.

Now Talk in Waves returns with “Feels Right“, a joyous celebration of a budding romance, where everything’s coming together and just “feels right”. Featuring highly melodic gnarly guitars, colorful swirling synths and stomping drumbeats, the song is an exuberant pop ear worm. While not quite a dance song, it’s infectious grooves are guaranteed to have you swaying your hips and tapping your feet. Jake’s always pleasing vocals are filled with unbridled euphoria as he sings “Don’t need to wait for the right time, I think we’re already here. Now let’s go and take a fast ride. Leave everybody in the rearview mirror. Tell me don’t it feel right, what you’re feeling right now. It feels right to me.” It’s another superb release, maintaining Talk in Waves’ unbroken run of perfect singles.

Perro del Kaos – Album Review: “Ghost Town Riders”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews11 Comments

One of the most imaginative, creative and intelligent artists I’ve come across in my nearly ten years of writing about music for this blog is Kristian Møller-Munar, a singer-songwriter, composer and animation artist of Danish and Spanish heritage. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, but raised primarily on the Mediterranean island of Palma De Mallorca until the age of 12, when he moved with his family back to Copenhagen, Kristian had the good fortune to experience two rich cultures, which I think imbues him with a perspective and worldliness beyond his years. He later moved to London to attend university, but when the Covid pandamic hit, he left London and split his time between Copenhagen and Mallorca. For the past few years, he’s been living in Spain.

I first learned about Kristian in 2017 when he was based in London and a member of alternative indie pop/rock band From the Cave. I featured them and their delightfully eclectic music several times on my blog between November 2017 and April 2019, shortly after which they split up, much to my chagrin. Fortunately, he’s continued to record music as a solo artist, and over the past six years has released an astonishing eight albums, all of them ambitious works featuring anywhere from 10 to 23 tracks in a variety of genres, but primarily sung in Spanish. Exactly four years ago today, I reviewed his magnificent fourth album Caldo, an exquisite and loving tribute to his Spanish heritage, specifically, his mother’s homeland of Mallorca. That album contains an impressive 18 tracks.

Kristian’s latest endeavor is his solo music project Perro del Kaos (Spanish for “chaos dog”), under which he’s just released an album Ghost Town Riders. A truly monumental work, the album features a mind-boggling 27 tracks, nine of which run over five minutes in length! I normally dislike reviewing full albums on a good day, so when Kristian reached out to me about possibly reviewing Ghost Town Riders, needless to say I was a bit overwhelmed! My initial gut reaction was “how or where do I even begin to tackle such a massive work as this?” After giving it some thought, I decided to first have Kristian provide a little background about his inspiration for creating the album. Secondly, so as not to make myself crazy or bore my readers, I would only touch on a handful of tracks that are either my favorites or those I feel are important to the album’s overall narrative.

Here’s some of what Kristian provided about how Ghost Town Riders came to be: “Musically the album has been crucially influenced by an amazing group of collaborators I’ve had the pleasure of working with and alongside during 2024. I want to give a special mention to my friends Jo Hedegaard, Ekin Torner and Dilan Bohorquez, a group of kick-ass artists. Back in March 2024, Jo invited me to come alongside his self-funded punk-tour across Spain and Portugal to promote his film ‘The Great Grand Greatness Awards’. We travelled together for two weeks and I had the pleasure of listening to his awesome CD collection in the car. For hours every day we listened to records on the road, and in my opinion a car is one of the best places to listen to music. I think that experience instilled the idea of doing a “road trip friendly” album, something with a blend of rock and roll, blues, folk and music from the 60’s and 70’s.

In between the drives we spontaneously began doing some experimental film recordings on my phone, where Jo improvised a fictional alter ego character named “Palmer”. These raw recordings became the starting point for the punk/western “Peacehammer On The Flower Road”. As a side resuIt, I decided to launch myself completely into a new song project, with a key track (“Ghost Town Riders”) having its breakthrough moment on Ekin’s kitchen table. We were both drinking coffee and listening to random musical samples that I was putting together. The idea was to do a sort of unusual collage of sounds. A heavy metal riff, a bit of jazz double bass, some trap inspired beats, etc. A few hours later the same day I recorded the lead vocals in my bedroom. By the time the vocals were done I felt certain that this was something special. Particularly the lyrics “we sang the night away”, referencing my memory of many enjoyable nights with Jo at Copenhagen’s late night bodegas.

The following 10 days I wrote intensely from the bedroom in San Sebastian. Quickly songs like “Better Days”, ”Gold Fever” and “Poison” appeared. I remember doing the improvised vocal take on “Better Days” and shortly afterwards thinking, this might be one of the best songs I’ve ever written, but simultaneously feeling a bit careful of spoiling the magic. As the Christmas holiday closed in – I had to travel back to Mallorca to spend time with my family – I felt irritated because it seemed like this trip could potentially mess with the flow of the creative process. For the first time in a long time I felt like I might have a shot of completing a new album of songs. At one point, shortly after Christmas day, I had to accept the situation and the constant family plans, and almost mentally “let the album go”.

But then something unusual happened. One night I had a strange dream. I dreamt that I was suspended in the air surrounded by an intense white light. In the dream I received a sort of instruction or message that told me something like: “Don’t worry about the songs, your creativity, your ability or your inspiration. There is an infinite amount of songs that are contained within this light. And all the songs have already been written. They are all waiting here for you to use whenever you need them. They will be here in a day or in 10 years, the time doesn’t matter. You don’t have to struggle to get them. There is only one thing you need to do to access them.”

And then the dream followed with a simple but powerful realization: “All you have to do to access these songs is to let go of your skin. The idea of who you think you are.” In the dream it was like my skin fell off. And I felt an incredible amount of peace. The next day when I woke up I felt like all the irritation from the Christmas “interruption” was gone. And I no longer worried whether I was going to be able to channel something creatively. I felt as if everything would always be there waiting for me to be used.

From then on the songwriting picked up pace in an incredible way, and I was pretty much writing a new finished song a day. But most importantly, the process was so much fun. The last week of recording I spent shouting loud choir vocal stacks at my grandparents old village house. Singing “Rocket To Hell”, “Fire”, “Tunnel Lights” and “Canyon Of Dreams” in front of an old fireplace from the early 20th century.

I’m very proud of the album and I look forward to trying these songs live. I really feel they channel some powerful feelings. I’m grateful that I still get to write new music and to have had these powerful experiences. I want to reach out to anyone out there who feels like they are struggling with their artistic practice and I want you to know that you are not alone. I’m sure you will find a way forward and I hope you will find peace and discover your own way. Sometimes things turn out in unexpected ways, we get disappointed and discouraged. But there’s plenty of light out there and I hope that we all get to receive its beauty and power.“

I find it fascinating that a guy who grew up in Denmark and Mallorca, with a stint in London, would conceptualize an album with a theme partially set in the American Old West. But after all, Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone directed some of the finest Western films ever, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West, so who am I to question? Kristian told me the American West concept was inspired by the “Peacehammer” movie universe, but also from listening to a lot of American music as a kid and watching Westerns with his grandparents.

Ghost Town Riders opens with the title track, a strange and sometimes chaotic five and a half-minute long fantasia that sets the overall tone for the album. Kristian’s mix of spoken word, chanted and sung vocals are accompanied by all sorts of sound effects and musical instruments ranging from guitars, horns and organ to gnarly industrial synths and tribal drumbeats. The lyrics cover a lot of ground, with him singing about friendships, familial and romantic relationships as the music and tempo continually change: “I was afraid to leave town, I was afraid to let you down. I thought you loved me before./ I’m not a fan of ghosts, ain’t never been a fan./ I’m sitting in the corner, and minding my own business. I don’t give a damn about any of your business./ Why don’t we call each other once in a while? I know you’ve been worried about the future and all the darkness in the world. But we can find a better way./ We sang the night away, and that’s a beautiful way to spend some time.”

One of my favorites is the second track “Gold Fever“, a cool song both musically and lyrically. I love the mysterious synths, twangy guitars, sharp percussion and tribal drums, all set to a hypnotic driving beat. The lyrics speak to man’s inherent greed and eternal quest for the precious metal of gold, which was a long-running theme that played out time and again in the development and exploitation of the American West: “The answer to the goal is always gold. Gold fever is always on your mind. And you cry at night because you’re out of cash./ Gold fever, it’s getting to your head./ We need gold to get more gold./ Such a sexy type metal. It’s heavy metal.” Kristian does a pretty good job singing like an old man with a quirky mix of a Western and Southern accent.

He’s also a handsome guy, but he’s turned himself into a scowling and rather scary-looking old man in his videos.

“Poison” opens with the provocative line “All aboard the bullshit train. Next stop, poison, Jersey and killer sharks…” before launching into a The Who-esque flourish that then segues into a deep bass riff reminiscent of “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish. The song eventually settles into a discordant foot-stomping rocker, highlighted by some terrific Spanish guitar, aggressive percussion and lots of abrasive sound effects.

“Better Days” is a poignant and lovely folk rock song that sees Kristian reflecting on his experiences growing up and living in different countries, meeting and making friends and also seeing loved ones pass away: “You know that it’s difficult to grow up. You know it’s difficult to move away from home. But along the trip, we made some beautiful memories. I know you’re worried on your own. It’s been a long time since we hanged out. And these busy times they get to my nerves. Makes me sad to see people go, to see people die. Tomorrow is a better day.” The beautiful twangy Western-flavored and shimmery guitars make this another of my favorites on the album.

One of the more interesting tracks is the 6:45-minute long “Junkyard Tower“, a dark and at times otherworldly song that would make it a great candidate for sci-fi movie soundtrack. Halfway through, the music transitions from an exotic Eastern-flavored vibe to a hip hop-infused alt-rock song. The lyrics seem to describe someone who’s so totally cynical about life that he’s fully checked out: “I see myself as bad parent to my kids. Abandoning them. I see myself as a selfish person, taking advantage of my friends for my own personal interest. Love is not real. Friendship, I guess you can call it a benefit. Time, my most valuable asset. I’m not going to share it with anyone, but you. Junkyard tower. It’s a beautiful place. It’s the place I know. It’s the place I love./ Getting me out of the goldmine. Getting me out of the tough times. Getting me out of the lockdown.“

Another track that especially resonated with me is “Spotify“, a denunciation of the unfair and predatory practicies of the music streaming behemoth. Accompanied by just a solemn piano riff, Kristian laments: “Spotify, doesn’t pay me for my music. It’s been a long time like this, I can’t take it anymore. You might think it’s funny to be a musician living with your parents. And do some hard work on the things no one listens to. And then you don’t get paid. Music doesn’t have any worth./ We can make a change right now. End Spotify somehow.” I’m sure virtially all independent artists and bands would relate to this song.

“Fire” is an exilarating, hard-driving track with super grungy riffs, a chugging bassline and lots of distortion. I’m not certain what the song’s about, but I like it, plus the chaotic video’s a trip. Kristian repeats the line “Before the future runs over your head, shake it, shake it“, so one guess is that the lyrics allude to the general chaos of life.

“Canyon of Dreams” is a meandering and trippy six and a half-minute long tour de force that nicely showcases Kristian’s wild imagination and knack for incorporating a mind-blowing array of musical styles, textures and sounds into a single track. And on “The Tracks“, he once again employs several change-ups in tempo and vibe to create a compelling soulful song. And for the wonderful video, he uses some older footage from his time in England, including a few images of him and his former From the Cave bandmembers.

Kristian turns sentimental on the mellow, jazzy and poignant piano ballad “Someone New“, his vocals sounding world-weary as he plaintively croons to a former loved one now that their relationship has ended: “It’s just like we traveled through the darkest stars, the dark times. And you cannot keep up with that lack of trust./ It’s just like we belong in this world. And I know that you will find someone new.”

He closes out Ghost Town Riders on an upbeat note with “Dead or Alive“, a rousing, bass-driven romp with a garage rock feel, courtesy of frantic jangly guitars, insistent drums and even a bit of cowbell for good measure. The lyrics speak of a crazy woman who’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants: “She’s completely crazy, she’s out of her mind./ She wants to make out, dead or alive. And you might just as well be surprised. Be surprised. A tequila shot to the head, it’s a bloody mary massacre. You’re bleeding all over the bar. In Spain, there’s pain. Get it, get it, get me out of this place.”

Well, I think I’ve gone on long enough so in closing, all I can say is that Ghost Town Riders is an epic work showcasing Kristian’s vivid imagination, intelligent songwriting and masterful musicianship. I’ve long been impressed by his immense creativity and prodigious output, but he’s taken both to a whole new level here. While this album might not appeal to everyone, there’s no denying the incredible originality and thought that went into this thoroughly unique work. I’m quite fond of Kristian, and it’s been a joy to follow along with him on his musical journey over the past seven-plus years.

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 39 – Darksoft, Frank Joshua, Kiffie, Koyal

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews13 Comments

It’s time once again for another edition of Fresh New Tracks, and today I’m pleased to feature terrific new songs released over the past week by four talented acts I’m especially fond of from both a musical and personal standpoint. They are, in alphabetical order: Portland, Maine-based alternative dream rock artist Darksoft, English singer-songwriter and producer Frank Joshua, English singer-songwriter, composer and producer Kiffie, and L.A.-based indie pop-rock band Koyal.

Darksoft – “After All”

I love dream pop/rock in all its forms, and the music of singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Darksoft is right up my alley. Originally from Seattle, he relocated in late 2021 to Portland, Maine, where he’s continued creating music that’s both sumptuous and pleasing, with compelling lyrics addressing timely and relevant issues related to technology, social media and disillusionment, and delivered with his soothing ethereal vocals. Starting with the release in late 2018 of his brilliant debut album Brain, a concept work named for the first computer virus to attack the internet back in 1986 (which I reviewed), the imaginative, talented and hard-working artist has released five more concept albums, another of which, Beigeification, his beautiful 2023 work featuring songs inspired by overused phrases and idioms like “it is what it is”, “you gotta do what you gotta do” and “only time will tell”, I also reviewed.  

Darksoft began the new year by dropping a new single “Devil’s In The Details”, the first from his forthcoming seventh album Rationalism, slated for release on February 21st. Now he returns with a second single “After All“, released via Spirit Goth Records. Once again, he serves up an enchanting and dreamy slice of ear candy, filled with crystalline jangly guitars and assertive but gentle percussion. His captivating vocals beautifully express a sad resignation as he croons the lyrics touching on feelings of loss and regret over a romantic relationship’s that ended: “After all we’ve been through, thought that we’d be close. But all is said, said and done. And you’re so far away.” Given its first two tracks, Rationalism promises to be another superb album.

Frank Joshua – “Walls”

Over the past two years, London-based Frank Joshua – an enigmatic but enormously talented singer-songwriter and producer who, wanting his music to speak for itself, shares no photos of himself – has become a favorite of mine on the strength of his gorgeous baritone voice and beguiling music style. It’s no exaggeration for me to say that Mr. Joshua has one of the most enthralling singing voices I’ve heard in a long while, and I was blown away the moment I first heard his music. The prolific artist has released a staggering amount of music over the past four years or so, including three albums, an EP and 41 singles! Every one of his songs is a captivating feast for the ears, and I love them all. I’ve previously written about three of them, most recently last February when I reviewed his single “On This Night”. His song “Bluebell Wood” ranks #53 on my 100 Best Songs of 2023 list, while “Winter Cowboy” ranks #36 on my 100 Best Songs of 2024. 

His latest and 41st single is “Walls“, released via British music label Numen Records. Although Frank writes some of his songs, like the majority of his singles, “Walls” was written by his frequent collaborator Simon Pitheakley, and produced by Tony White. And like all his songs, this one’s a real beauty, with gorgeous reverb-drenched bluesy guitars accompanied by warm piano keys, soaring orchestral synths and gently crashing cymbals layered over a sensuous pulsating beat. It all creates a glorious cinematic backdrop for Frank’s melancholy yet captivating vocals which are both passionate and heartfelt.

The poetic lyrics speak of the challenges of growing older and maintaining a long-term relationship, in which there’s often a tug of war between the comfort and security that comes from being with a devoted loved one, and the primal urge to be independent and free of responsibility or commitment – which is something I’ve long struggled with myself. “It has to be love though it hurts to let go. The blue of your eyes and the shame of the know. I am in it too deep and I can’t let you go. I can’t let you go. Makes no sense to be sunny. But there she is sipping Mai Tais with honey. Confused this boy is.” The lyrics then address the added element of trying to raise children amidst all this drama, which I think is a brilliant addition to the song: “Our children are smashing up downtown, spouting logic and facts without sense. Rootless sensationless moody and cute, they just pound on the walls of their age.” “Walls” is another oustanding addition to Frank’s already impressive repertoire. 

Kiffie – “The Exclusion Principle”

British artist Kiffie (the music moniker of Daniel Paul Kiff) is a creative and fascinating singer-songwriter, composer and producer of electronic music based in Norwich, England. Drawing from a wide range of music genres including electronica, hip-hop, rock, folk and classical, his arresting songs are inspired by current events, as well as the oft-covered topics of love, lies and betrayal. Kiffie records and produces all his own music at home using hardware instruments, synthesizers and drum machines. In a space of only four years, the incredibly prolific artist has released an astonishing 15 albums, 12 EPs, two compilation albums, two CDs, and numerous singles. His songs have received critical acclaim, and garnered airplay on BBC Radio 6 and other internet radio programs. In July 2023, I reviewed his album The Product, a powerful work addressing such timely issues as creeping authoritarianism, income inequality, misinformation and fake news, anti-science/conspiracy mongering, and political corruption. (Read that review here.)

Now, the busy artist is back with a new instrumental track “The Exclusion Principle“, the third in a series of tracks from his forthcoming album Approaching the Horizon. The album will be the third and final installment of his ‘Home’ trilogy which began with his 2021 collaborative album Home, followed by his 2022 album Interplanetary Exodus. Kiffie explains “The trilogy is basically a cosmic space opera about love at a distance and the idea that all of us one day will be refugees, escaping some never explained planetary problem that forces us to seek somewhere else to live. The love aspect is that during this upheaval people will become separated. ‘Approaching the Horizon’ is going to reunite the ‘star crossed lovers’ and many of the tracks will have titles based on physics and quantum theory.” “The Exclusion Principle” is a marvelous spacey track featuring an array of ominous sound textures and beats that nicely convey a sense of impending upheaval without ever becoming over dramatic. I like how it gradually builds, then slowly trails off.

Koyal – “hiatus”

Photo by Jeremiah Rafferty

Koyal is delightful and charismatic indie pop-rock band I’ve been following for a couple of years. Originally formed in Atlanta as a six-piece in 2018 while still in college, the band reduced to a trio in 2023 consisting of Pooja Prabakaran (lead vocals), Noah Weinstein (guitar, production) and Henry Wallace (drums & piano). With a shared love of Glass Animals, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and GROUPLOVE – all acts I love too – Koyal draws from an eclectic range of elements, including indie, alternative, rock’n’roll, blues and jazz. They started releasing a series of singles in 2020 which culminated with the release of their debut album Mountain City in July 2021. They followed with more singles, along with an EP Joyride in November 2022, which I reviewed. In February 2024, they began dropping a series of excellent disco/dance-infused singles that will be featured on their second album breathe in. breathe out, scheduled for release on February 28th. And in September (2024), they relocated from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

On January 28th, they dropped “hiatus“, their fifth single from the forthcoming album. Co-written by all band members along with singer-songwriter and musician Tony Doud, who also co-produced the track with Noah and played the wonderful saxophone, the song’s a bouncy, yet sophisticated, dance gem about disconnecting from your phone and enjoying a bit of quiet solitude. Though it seems to pay homage to some of the disco hits of the late 70s, “hiatus” feels fresh and contemporary. I love the sensuous dance groove overlain with swirling synths, sparkling piano keys, funky guitar notes and Tony’s warm sax. Pooja’s lilting vocals are full of unbridled euphoria as she sings the joys of having a bit of alone time to herself: “Where my time, time is my own, I can turn, turn off my phone. Take a hiatus.“

The charming video, shot in a single take at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, shows Pooja singing the song while playfully walking through the park, and features animated artwork and lyrics created by her.

UNQUIET NIGHTS – Double Single Review: “Everything Seductive”/”Straight To The Ground”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews3 Comments

Unquiet Nights is an outstanding rock band I’ve been following for seven years and have featured several times on this blog. Originally started in 2006 as a solo project by Luke Mathers, a talented singer-songwriter and guitarist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, with  the help of Rodger Firmin on drums he began recording songs for what would become the first Unquiet Nights album 21st Century Redemption Songs. In 2010, Luke moved to Italy, where he eventually finished and released the album. He was later joined by Italian musicians Francesco Piciucchi on bass and keyboards, and drummer Matteo Bussotti for live shows, though Rodger still played drums on their recordings. 

In 2015 they released their beautiful second album Postcards in Real Time. One of the tracks from that album, “George Best City”, which was never released as a single but was used in the Federico Buffa Racconta documentary series, landed them several live national appearances on Italian TV stations, and became their best known and most successful song, garnering more than half a million streams on Spotify alone as of today. Mathers eventually moved back to Belfast in 2016, where he continues to record and release music with Firmin and Piciucchi as Unquiet Nights. In 2022, they released a compilation album First Ten (2012-2022), a sort of ‘greatest hits so far’ work commemorating the 10-year anniversary of their debut album 21st Century Redemption Songs. They followed two years later with their third studio album Seasons in Exile, released last January (2024). I reviewed the album’s lead single “Diamond and the Missing Son”, which ended up ranking #11 on my 100 Best Indie Songs of 2024 list, and #65 on my 100 Best Songs of 2024 overall list. (Also, their 2019 single “Four Winds“ ranks #76 on my list of 100 Best Songs for that year.)

Now they’re back with a double single “Everything Seductive”/”Straight To The Ground” which, like all their music, was produced by Mathers, and mixed and mastered by Neal Calderwood. The songs were recorded during the Season in Exile sessions, but since they didn’t fit in with that album’s storyline concept, they weren’t included. Both being excellent songs, Unquiet Nights decided to release them now as stand-alone singles. The first, or A-side “Everything Seductive”, is an exuberant foot-stomping rocker, with fuzz-coated gnarly guitars punctuated here and there by twangy notes and accompanied by Fermin’s urgent drumbeats. Mathers’ commanding vocals nicely convey a sense of sad resignation as he sings of a romantic love affair that’s hit its end, leaving him feeling dejected and wondering what went wrong: “Tell her I’m discouraged, and she should know the reason why. Everything seductive in this life just seems to pass me by.“

The B-side “Straight To The Ground” is more personal for Mathers, who told me he never had the opportunity to meet one of his grandads because he died of a heart attack after the IRA (Irish Republican Army) destroyed his corner shop in a bombing. The song’s lyrics are meant to describe his grandad’s bitter feelings after seeing his life’s work blown up: “I built all that you can see. I built on solid rock for those who depended on me. You ever tried to make the best out of all that you found? You ever stood and watch it all falling straight to the ground?” To drive home his message, Mathers serves up a distinctly darker tone than on “Everything Seductive”, with an ominous grinding guitar riff layered over a hard-driving rhythm of throbbing bass and pounding drumbeats. His guitar work is fantastic, highlighted by a one-two punch of a gorgeous chiming solo in the bridge, followed by a magnificent wailing guitar solo that leaves me covered in chills before the song quickly fades out. Befitting the subject matter, his vocals are more intense as well, fervently conveying the anger and bitterness expressed in the lyrics.

Though I really like both tracks, “Straight To The Ground” struck me at first listen, and it’s my favorite of the two. 

Connect with Unquiet Nights:  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Find their music on  Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music/ Soundcloud 

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 38 – The Nanners, Onism E, Marc Schuster & His Amazing Friends, Traverse the Abyss

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews10 Comments

Lots of new music continues to issue forth from more of the highly creative artists and bands I follow, so time for another Fresh New Tracks installment. Today I’m featuring new songs released over the past week by four acts I’ve previously written about, in alphabetical order: L.A.-based pyschedelic pop-rock duo The Nanners, Texas indie rock trio Onism E, Philadephia-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marc Schuster, along with an array of indie artists he calls “His Amazing Friends”, and Scranton, Pennsylvania-based metalcore band Traverse the Abyss. While each of the four songs couldn’t be more different from one another from a musical standpoint, they all address varying approaches for trying to keep sane in what seems to be an increasingly insane world.

The Nanners – “Jokes”

Hailing from Los Angeles are The Nanners, the wonderfully zany music project of Nicholas Ewing and Thomas Ferraiuolo, who have this to say about themselves: “Welcome to Banana World, where love, curiosity, angst, and nebulous speculations are explored through the lens of two meek and socially awkward grown men in banana costumes.” While at first glance they might appear to be some kind of weird novelty act, they are in fact fine musicians and songwriters who also happen to be both hilarious and charming, with their music a delightful mix of indie rock, psychedelia and jangle pop.

I first wrote about them and their song “New Pony” in a previous Fresh New Tracks post a year ago, and am now pleased to feature their latest single “Jokes“. About the song, the guys say: “When you’re tripping sometimes you trip and fall pretty hard. But when you get your face out of the mud you realize everyone and everything is laughing with you.” To drive home their message, they layer a colorful blend of twangy, jangly and edgy psychedelic guitars over a bed of quirky twinkling synths, all fueling by a pleasing rhythm of subtle bass and percussion. As great as the music is, I really love their warm harmonies as they sing of not allowing life’s trials and tribulations to get the better of us.  

 

Onism E – “Call You Home”

Photo by Jim McKay

When I last wrote about indie rock band Onism E and their powerful song “It’s Not Over” in November 2022, they were a four-piece based in New York City. Now relocated to Austin, Texas, the band is a trio comprised of uber-talented front woman, singer-songwriter and guitarist Eline Chavez, bassist Gabe Chavez and drummer Andre Atalaya. Their latest single “Call You Home“, written by all three band members and produced by Tucker Allen, is another hauntingly beautiful and compelling song in the style for which Onism E have become known.

Like all their songs, “Call You Home” features intelligent lyrics touching on life’s struggles and the human condition. In this case, Onism E explores feeling lost and untethered in a troubled world gone mad, seeking solace in people and places that can bring a little comfort and peace of mind: “The world is lost, and I’m empty. Drifting in sadness of sins I don’t even own. And I’m just trying to hold my own. I’m just trying to hold on, and all I need to know is can I call you home? When the world gets hard, and I’ve got no place to go.” I love the gorgeous mix of chiming guitars and twangy guitars, rich percussion and Eline’s always marvelous, deeply-emotive and heartfelt vocals.

Marc Schuster & His Amazing Friends – “Hole in the Boat”

Marc Schuster is an insanely creative, multi-talented guy from the Philadelphia area who’s not only an educator, author, literary critic and visual artist, but also a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, recording both as a solo artist and as part of numerous music projects and collaborations with an ever-expanding roster of musicians. As if all that weren’t enough, he also hosts a weekly hour-long music podcast where he features songs by talented indie artists, plus has a terrific blog of his own called Abominations, where he writes about music and interviews indie artists. I honestly don’t know how he finds the time and energy to accomplish all that he does!

 I’ve featured Marc many times on this blog, most recently last May when I wrote about his collaborative single “All the Same to You” with Portland-based artist Quizboy. Now he’s back with another collaboration, “Hole in the Boat”, which he recorded with the help of Quizboy and a host of other musicians he names below. The song has a somber and rather melancholy vibe, yet offers glimmers of optimism and hope that we can come together to at least achieve a bit of understanding and empathy toward each other, even if we’re unable to totally resolve or overcome our deep-seated differences. 

About the song, Marc elaborates: “It’s a plaintive call for solidarity in difficult times. And, I suppose, a request for honesty. I had my own hole in the boat in mind when I wrote the tune back in November, but now I’m thinking of all the holes we don’t talk about. In fact, the line that inspired the song came from a Don DeLillo novel called Mao II, and the line actually refers to “holes,” plural: ‘What about the holes in the boat? All repaired?’ one characters asks. ‘We don’t speak about the holes’ another responds. Times like this, as I say in the song, all we have is each other, so I’m grateful to all of you for listening to my music — and to my friends Nick Cervini, Jim Lorino, Sam Goodman, Jaimee Jacobczak, Brian Lambert, and Quizboy for helping me out with this one!“

Traverse the Abyss – “Reasoning”

Photo by Juliana Soroka

I’ve been following heavy metal band Traverse the Abyss for over eight years, and while this genre of music isn’t one of my favorites, I do like to hear a good face-melting, speaker-rattling song now and then, and this band always delivers the goods. Their intense yet melodic sound draws from a myriad of metal sub-genres, including classic heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, nu-metal and metalcore, as well as hard rock, rock’n’roll and even punk influences I first wrote about them in early 2017 when I reviewed their impressive debut album Gamble of Life, then again in August 2018 when I reviewed their eponymous EP Traverse the Abyss. In the years since, the Scranton-based act has undergone some changes in lineup, and from what I can tell now consist of original co-founders Eric “Abyss” Ross (Vocals) and “Iron” Mike White (Guitar), as well as Jamie Macheska (Guitar), Justin Coe (Guitar), Nick “Big Shits” Cotillo (Bass) and David “Goblin” Wilczewski (Drums). They’ve dropped a series of additional singles, along with a second EP Smiling in the Suffering, in 2022. 

Now they return with a new single “Reasoning“, the first of five tracks from their forthcoming third EP Momento Mori, due for release on April 25th. Musically, the song opens with a somber, darkly beautiful guitar riff interrupted by an occasional stab of a piercing gnarly guitar note. Soon, all hell breaks loose with an explosion of furious raging guitars, pummeling bass and aggressive drums as Eric screams the lyrics in his signature fearsome growl. The combined guitar prowess of Iron Mike, Jamie and Justin is on full display as they inject spine-tingling riffs and solos throughout the song, while Nick and David masterfully drive the rampaging rhythms forward. The lyrics speak to letting go of negative thoughts resulting from unpleasant or unhappy past events that are holding you back, keeping you from growing and achieving your full potential: “The way we feel about everything is based on our past experiences. I know negativity is haunting, lurking, stalking me. Learn from your past mistakes. How we think and respond has the power to rebuild our own lives.”

STILL TRAFFICO – Single Review: “Who’s a Fraud?”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews14 Comments

January 10th was apparently a big day for new music releases, and I featured three singles that dropped that day on my recent installment of Fresh New Tracks. One I missed – because I was not yet familiar with the band who recorded it – is the wonderful song “Who’s a Fraud?” by English alternative pop-rock band Still Traffico.

Originally formed in London as a four-piece named Peach, the band renamed themselves with a rather unusual but certainly distinctive moniker Still Traffico in the summer of 2023, when they reduced down to three members consisting of Cam McColl (lead vocals/guitar, Dan Carabine (lead guitar) and Dan Arthur (bass). Influenced by everything from Chanson Française storytelling to African desert blues to post-rock and more, Still Traffico make a blend of indie pop and post-punk they call “Railway Pop” and cheekily describe as a “sound that clanks and shunts… but soothes.” After listening to their songs I’d say that sounds about right.

Still Traffico released their debut single “Seagull” in September 2023, and since then have dropped three more excellent singles, the latest of which is “Who’s a Fraud?” While not quite jangle pop, it most definitely features some marvelous jangly guitar work, as well as really lovely twangy guitar notes accompanied by a subtle but solid bassline and spirited percussion. It all works beautifully to create an enthralling and memorable backdrop for Cam McColl’s immensely pleasing vocals. I like “Who’s a Fraud?” more with each listen, and think it’s their best song yet.

The poetic lyrics seem to speak to those who think of themselves as pure of heart and mind with the best of intentions, yet are quick to judge others they feel are wrong or inferior to themselves:

I tore the lid off
Light hit the eggshell walls
What lurks underneath
Can't be concealed anymore.

It's coming for you
In all your comfort
Turn your face away
when it matters.

So who are you calling a fraud?

You've seen the world
You've got your measure on things
Now, hold yourself
Like we're the same?
It's night and day.

I tread alone
in familiar places.
Step into the road
as the lights turn red.
To find that people behind me follow.
To feel.. that cars can't kill.

You know the world
You've done your own reading
So, hold yourself
like we're the same?
It's night and day.

So, who are you calling a fraud?

Still Traffico’s Socials: Facebook / X / Instagram / TikTok / Threads / BlueSky

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

Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 37 – Taylor DeRousse, Fake Empire, The Formerly Misinformed, Naive Nature

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews12 Comments

It’s been six months since my last Fresh New Tracks post, and given the plethora of new music being released, as well as the fact I’ve returned to writing reviews again (at least for now), I thought it was time for another installment. Today I’m featuring the music of four acts, in alphabetical order – Michigan singer-songwriter Taylor DeRousse, English alt-rock band Fake Empire, Texas alt-rock band The Formerly Misinformed, and Pennsylvania alternative pop/punk band naive nature. The songs were released on January 10th, except for the one by Fake Empire, which came out January 2nd. I’ve previously written about The Formerly Misinformed, whereas the other three acts are new to this blog.

Taylor DeRousse – “Growing Up Is Scary”

Photo of Taylor from her Facebook account

Taylor DeRousse is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Detroit area with an impressive resume. She not only writes, sings and records her own original songs, she also owns a music school and studio called Tailored Harmonies Music Co, plus has a B.A. degree in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance, as well as an MBA. According to her website, she’s been teaching music in a variety of capacities since 2014, including as a private music instructor, studio music teacher, group class instructor, middle school art & music teacher, theatre vocal coach, and collegiate music tutor. While her primary instruments are piano, guitar, and voice, she also plays the ukulele, violin, mandolin, and bass guitar.

Inspired by such artists as Alanis Morissette, Phoebe Bridgers, Stevie Nicks and Carole King, she released her first single “Pins and Needles” in 2020, and last September (2024), she began dropping a series of singles, beginning with “Front Porch”, that will be included on her forthcoming debut album Running Back To Me. Her fourth in the series and latest single is “Growing Up Is Scary“, a sort of coming of age song about realizing what really matters in life. The song was recorded with the help of Bryan Pope on guitar and bass and backing vocals by Cassidy Chaisson and Tom Mihalis, who also produced the track. I like the bouyant melody and great instrumentation a lot, as well as Taylor’s lilting vocals, but it’s the honest and poignant lyrics, in which she sings about the thing that frightens her more than monsters, zombies or Friday the 13th that really touch me: “I don’t wanna die doing something I hate, make a whole lot of money just to drink it away. I want something more, I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s a burden I carry. Growing up is scary.”

Taylor’s Socials: Facebook / Instagram / Threads / TikTok

Fake Empire – “Imposter Syndrome”

Band photo by Rob Luckins

I wasn’t familiar with English band Fake Empire until the other day, when I learned about them in a post by Maria Savva for her blog Rock And Roll. She’d chosen their latest single “Imposter Syndrome” as her Track of the Day, and it was love at first listen for me. The song is darkly beautiful and mesmerizing, with a brooding atmospheric feel that reminds me of some of the songs by bands like The Cure, New Order, The Church and Interpol. The song compelled me to check out more of their back catalog, which I must say is outstanding, and I’m now a fan of this band.

Based in the south of England, Fake Empire consists of Simon Brookes, Les Black and Becky Bellinger, and from what I can tell, they’ve been putting out music since 2017, all in the form of singles which now number 20 in total. “Imposter Syndrome”, which runs 7:45 minutes in length, was released along with two shorter remixes. Though the primary song is long, it’s so beautiful and flawlessly executed that it could go on for even longer. I love the lush, haunting synths and Cure-esque jangly guitars set to an enthralling beat and accompanied by droning, yet comforting vocals. It’s the perfect song for sitting back with headphones and letting yourself be enveloped by its gorgeous soundscapes. To my mind, the lyrics seem to be about living lives that are inauthentic and controlled by other sociopolitical and cultural forces, leaving us acting like sheep, unable to be our true selves or even know who we really are: “Imposter syndrome. You’re sinking like a stone. How can you live when your life is not your own? Our lives are not our own.” The original artwork used in the single cover art was painted by Nathaniel Westwood.

Fake Empire’s Socials: Facebook / X / Instagram / Threads 

The Formerly Misinformed – “Cut To Scene (Half Life)”

The Formerly Misinformed is a family band from Texas that’s comprised of siblings Brandon Green, Erica Jones and Emily Henney, and their father Terry Green. Together, they create a pleasing style of alternative indie rock, with strong elements of folk and singer-songwriter. Brandon also hosts and produces a music podcast Gimme These Two. Formed in 2019, they released their debut album All In A Dream in 2020, followed by a number of singles and an EP Let’s Pretend it’s Fine in 2022. In September 2023, I reviewed their song “Underneath the Same Stars”, a collaboration with Welsh singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Craig Mapstone, who records music under the moniker Secret Postal Society. The two collaborated again last month (December 2024) when The Formerly Misinformed did a remix of Secret Postal Society’s song “Autumn Leaves”, which is currently enjoying a long run on my Weekly Top 30.

Now they’re back with a new single “Cut To Scene (Half Life)“, which was written and sung by Brandon, with backing vocals by Craig. Brandon also produced, mixed and mastered the track. According to the press release, the song draws inspiration from the scientific concept of half-life, a term used to describe the rate at which unstable atoms decay or how long stable atoms survive, and aims to capture the feeling of transition – of reflecting on where you’ve been while acknowledging the messiness of where you are now. I like the song’s free-form melody that almost borders on progressive rock, as well as its colorful mix of grungy guitars, spare piano keys, throbbing bass, swirling synths and spirited percussion. Brandon’s laid-back vocals have a casual air, and are nicely complemented by Craig’s backing harmonies that fully blossom in the terrific choruses.

The Formerly Misinformed’s Socials: Instagram

naive nature – “alright”

Photo by Justin Henry

Hailing from Philadelphia is alternative indie rock trio naive nature. Formed in 2023, the band is comprised of singer-songwriter and guitarist Jackson Vincent, drummer and backing vocalist Jim Lorino (who’s also front man of Philadelphia-based power pop band Scoopski) and bassist and backing vocalist Mickey Collins, who joined the lineup last September. Together, they blend grunge, pop-punk, alternative, emo and indie rock influences to create some really terrific songs. They released their debut single “the weight of the world” in January 2024, and since then they’ve dropped another four singles plus a three-track EP outsiderism (their band name and all their songs are stylized in lower case letters). Their wonderful single “childhood friends” ended up on my 100 Best Indie Songs of 2024 list.

On January 10th, the guys released “alright“, the first single from their forthcoming second EP separation anxiety, due for release in March. The band said the song “serves as a modern breakup anthem with a clear determined focus on pushing through the worst of times to find something better.” To drive home their message, Jackson serves up a marvelous fuzz-soaked guitar riff, while Jim and Mickey drive the rhythm forward with insistent drumbeats and a thumping bassline. Jackson has the perfect singing voice for this type of grunge/pop-punk song, and he’s in fine form here as he conveys a sense of sad resignation to a romantic partner at the end of their relationship: “It’s alright now. Waste your time now, you know it’s all the same. You’ll be fine now. Don’t forget how you gave me all the blame.” “alright” is a great song, and I’m looking forward to hearing their new EP.

Naive Nature’s Socials: Facebook / X / Instagram / Threads / TikTok

EML’s Favorite Songs – “Why Can’t I Be You?” by The Cure

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Favorite Songs9 Comments

The first song I ever remember hearing by English goth rock band The Cure was “Why Can’t I Be You?”, back in 1987. Though they began releasing singles in 1978 (and albums in 1979), none of their songs made the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. until 1985, when “In Between Days” reached #99 (though a few of their earlier singles appeared on the dance charts). 

Released in April 1987 as the first single from their seventh studio album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, “Why Can’t I Be You?” was played on the radio in Los Angeles, where I lived at the time, and I immediately loved it’s bombastic energy, blaring horns and band frontman Robert Smith’s unusual and quirky high-pitched vocals. Not only did that album help The Cure break into the American music mainstream, becoming their first to enter the top 40 of the Billboard 200 Album chart, the song became their most successful in the U.S. up to that time as well, peaking at #54 on the Hot 100, with a remix of the track reaching #27 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. (“Just Like Heaven”, their follow-up single from Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, – which is my all-time favorite song by The Cure – shockingly peaked at only #40. I wrote about that song in 2019, which you can read here.)

As it’s title suggests, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me is filled with songs about love and romance, and “Why Can’t I Be You?” is a shining example. The lyrics are sung by Smith to a woman he’s deeply smitten with, telling her she’s so perfect and gorgeous that he’d do anything for her, his obsession so overwhelming he even wants to be her.

You’re so gorgeous I’ll do anything!
I’ll kiss you from your feet
To where your head begins!
You’re so perfect!
You’re so right as rain!
You make me
Make me hungry again

Everything you do is irresistible
Everything you do is simply kissable
Why can’t I be you?

I’ll run around in circles
‘Til I run out of breath
I’ll eat you all up
Or I’ll just hug you to death
You’re so wonderful!
Too good to be true!
You make me
Make me hungry for you

Everything you do is simply delicate
Everything you do is quite angelicate
Why can’t I be you?

You turn my head when you turn around
You turn the whole world upside down
I’m smitten I’m bitten I’m hooked I’m cooked
I’m stuck like glue!
You make me
Make me hungry for you

Everything you do is simply dreamy
Everything you do is quite delicious
Why can’t I be you?
Why can’t I be you?
Why can’t I be you?

You’re simply elegant!

The odd video for the song was directed by Tim Pope, who’d worked with The Cure on some of their previous videos. Referred to by Pope as “the video I’ve always wanted to make“, it featured the band members performing what The Cure biographer Jeff Apter later described as “some of the most poorly choreographed dancing ever seen on MTV“. All five band members wore various costumes: Robert Smith was dressed as a bear and a school-girl in a pinafore dress, Simon Gallup as both a crow and a Morris dancer, Porl Thompson as a Scotsman as well as cross-dressed, Boris Williams as a schoolgirl and a vampire, and Lol Tolhurst in blackface and a bumblebee. In a 2019 interview with The Quietus, Pope said he regretted featuring Tolhurst in blackface, calling it “A very inappropriate choice, and not a thing I feel great about retrospectively.” (Wikipedia)

Here’s a video of The Cure performing the song for Dutch television program TopPop in April 1987:

PYLON POETS – Single Review: “Temptation”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews8 Comments

Hailing from the picturesque southwest England coastal town of Torquay, Devon are Pylon Poets, an alternative indie rock band comprised of Dan Hughes (lead vocals, guitars & synths), Nathan Hughes (bass, backing vocals), and Sam McIver (drums). (Dan and Nathan are not brothers, just both happen to have the same surname.) The guys have been putting out high-energy melodic rock since 2016, with songs featuring relatable lyrics touching on such issues as pop culture, love and politics. They’ve toured extensively and have played several music festivals throughout the UK, sharing the stage with such artists as Reef, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Scouting For Girls, Republica and ASH.

Photo by John McGowan

I first featured them on this blog in May 2023, when I reviewed their single “In the End”. Today they return with “Temptation“, which follows their previous single “Echoes of Desire”, released in early May. Recorded and produced by Tom Jobling at Mill Farm Music studio in Dorset, “Temptation” explores the notion of wanting and needing to be led astray by giving in to our deepest desires.

One of the things I like about Pylon Poets is that no two songs of theirs sound alike, which is a testament to the versatility of their songwriting and musicianship. And though their music generally sounds nothing like Duran Duran, I nevertheless get strong Duran Duran vibes from “Temptation”.

Perhaps it’s the sensuous pulsating groove, or Dan’s electrifying jangly, bluesy and wailing distorted guitars, Nathan’s powerful thumping bassline and Sam’s muscular smashing drumbeats, all of which sound fantastic. And while Dan’s vocals don’t exactly sound like Simon LeBon’s on this song, he nevertheless captures a similar smoldering soulful quality perfectly befitting the torrid lyrics describing unbridled sexual desire. It’s all absolutely marvelous, and I think “Temptation” is my favorite Pylon Poets song yet!

Do you know what you need,
Taking things as you please,
Do you want to believe or do you want to succeed,

It has all been conceived,
The making of your dreams,
Is this the time, is this your mind,
Are you the loving kind,

What would you take me for,
Your graces are your flaws,
Whatever you need you're going to receive,

I know you'll take me there,
Desires all laid bare,
Is this the time, is this your mind,
Are you the loving kind,

Tempting me, Tempting you,
Leading me, Leading you,
Dreaming me, Dreaming you,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,
Tempting me, I'm tempted,
Leading me, I'll be lead,
Dreaming me, I'm dreaming,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,

So close we're touching,
It's just a matter of time,
It's just a matter of time,

Come here and tear me apart,
Lend me your heart,
Give me the spark,
Make me the loving kind,

Tempting me, Tempting you,
Leading me, Leading you,
Dreaming me, Dreaming you,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,
Tempting me, I'm tempted,
Leading me, I'll be lead,
Dreaming me, I'm dreaming,
Hand in hand, Heart in heart,

Temptation
Temptation
Temptation


Pylon Poets Socials:  Facebook / X / Instagram / TikTok

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

HOMELESS RADIO – Single Review: “SleepNot”

On By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews11 Comments
Cover art by Kostiantyn Borshch

This past January, I introduced my readers to Ukrainian indie rock band Homeless Radio when I reviewed their terrific hard-hitting single “Submarine“. To summarize, the band formed in the city of Kharkiv in 2016, and includes Andrii Yampolskyi (vocals/guitar), Fedir Orlov (guitar), Stepan Tkachuk (bass) and Ivan Orlov (drums). Guitarist Ihor Pankieiev is also technically still a member, though he’s currently away, fighting in the terrible war against their Russian invaders. Drawing from a dynamic mix of garage rock, alternative rock, skate punk, grunge and pop influences, their music ranges from pleasantly melodic to relentlessly intense.

Andrii, Stepan, Ivan & Fedir

Now the guys are back with a blistering new single “SleepNot“, delivering more of the raw, unbridled energy we loved with “Submarine”. Released on July 2nd via Arizona-based indie label Sunset Alliance, the track was mixed & mastered by Nikolas Quemtri at NRQ’s Studio. The appropriately-titled “SleepNot” features hard-driving instrumentals and emphatic lyrics that beautifully express the singer’s aim of keeping up with the frantic pace of modern life and enjoying all it has to offer. And yet, while on the one hand he laments “Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah. I’m not enough for a day!“, he then concedes that he just wants to sleep when his alarm clock abruptly wakes him. It’s a conundrum I’m sure most young people have experienced. I remember staying out late partying many nights in my college days, then having to wake early to finish a paper.  

Starting off with a deliciously dirty bass riff nicely executed by Stepan, the song blasts open with a volley of Ivan’s smashing drumbeats and Andrii and Fedir’s dual grungy and fuzz-soaked guitars. As Stepan’s dexterous bassline and Ivan’s pummeling drums continue driving the rhythm forward, Andrii and Fedir lay waste to the airwaves with scorching guitar riffs. I really like Andrii’s passionate heavily-accented vocals, which soar to spine-tingling fiery wails in the bombastic choruses. “SleepNot” is an electrifying rock banger, and another marvelous single by this talented foursome.

It’s admirable that Homeless Radio have still managed to keep making music, despite the fact their country has been waging a valiant defense again their Russian invaders for more than two years. I hope they will remain safe and able to continue doing what they love.

(Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep)
(Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep)

Every day when I open my eyes
I see a plan for a while:
I need to join a party,
get drunk in the nearby town
I want this, you can be sure
And today I've got one aim
I'm trying to finish my business
I worry about my brain

Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah
I'm not enough for a day! Yeah!

Every time when I see you
My country blows up
I wanna be somewhere near you
But my business is still undone
To be smart you must catch up with the rhythm
It's speed can make you insane
See, honey, I'm still in the middle
In this competitive game

Sometimes I wish that I could never fall asleep, yeah
I'm not enough for a day! Yeah!

Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep
Alarm clock rings, I just wanna sleep

Homeless Radio Socials:  Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok

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