Atmospheric progressive metal of extensive meandering soundscapes – an EP of genre-fusing takes both dissonant and harmonised, beginning with a nine-minute epic that feels like multiple tracks in one. Swedish composer and musician David Blomgren creates under the project name Valfreyja, and The Rose Of Rebirth is a multi-coloured, chaotic and conceptually profound look at the artistic freedom that drives his approach.
Jazz
Organic, live, psychedelic indie-rock sets a strong groove, while gentle vocals and complex, captivating original lyrics paint stories impressively original and genuine. New York rockers The Grasping Straws hold authenticity in high regard, with the dreamy riffs, fresh melodies, thoughtful musings and brilliantly framed ideas of Shapes.
Themes of disconnection and lostness resound amidst a juxtaposed musical optimism. Kikimora confront the devaluing of love, with the funky soul and jazz tones of No Loving.
Producer and pianist Craigology delivers a smooth to funky instrumental collection of tracks this summer, utilising a mellow, nostalgic keys tone and colourful backdrop, for the dreamy optimism of Just Imagine.
Where much of modern music feels the need to fill every moment with sound and noise and something attention grabbing, this project offers creativity and sound the time and space to breathe, and in doing so, offers its audience the same kind of serenity and intrigue.
Nostalgia gifted a breath of fresh air – a stunning voice, lyrical appreciation, a strong groove both familiar and timeless. MADNIK performs with soulful charm and precision, for his wonderfully expressive take on the classic These are the days.
Genre-fusion and quirky storytelling, a hearty dose of intention and some stylish free-playing – an eclectic album, inspired by all things jazz, rock, country. Paul Cann’s latest album feels like an uninhibited ode to creative freedom, and celebrates the joy of that from start to finish.
Funky guitar rock, a strong groove and an upbeat jazz rhythm – globally renowned bass player Derek Frank paints a colourful audio tapestry, with the organic instrumental layers of Barker’s Boogie.
Stunning natural vocals and plenty of space for expression – a seamless combination of folk, jazz, and blues – French-American artist Zoé Basha bares all with an a cappella introduction, as the poetic musings and stories of her new album Gamble pour gracefully through the airwaves.
“My passion for the drums was sparked at the age of 4 when I first sat at my dad’s drumkit! He is a hobby drummer so there was always access to drums in the basement of my family home. Furthermore, listening to my parent’s CD’s by Queen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers really inspired me to play the drums at an early age.”
Backed by a clear and concise knowledge of music’s past, The Karma Of Trust offers a heavy opening track, both political and topical, before proceeding into an album that’s self-described as something purely for ‘the people’.
Soul and funk acoustic songwriter and vocalist Ged Wilson captures a smoky jazz vibe, smoothly blending nostalgia and the clarity of modern times. Regular Man is a catchy and relatable groove and song, built around a funky guitar and keys combination, and short lines that confidently reflect upon the scenes and implications of being a Regular Man.