Bryan Braning was inspired by his wife and daughters to write the songs of Rise Phoenix. The tracks read like poems in many ways, often abstract and provocative, rather than literal and detailed or following specific scenes. There’s a depth to the wonder of each song, and the music backs that up well.
Poetry
Unity is essential, and a key aspect of Faith – this belief in something more, something bigger, and in better days. The song’s sheer optimism and minimalist approach in contrast to the complex vocal layering all helps let that sense of Faith and possibility ring loud and linger in the mind.
Uniquely breath-taking poetry and acoustic music lovingly intertwined – South African poet and creative Prince Views compels you to tune in closely, with his fearlessly personal, intimate and engaging take on modern spoken-word and audio escapism.
The new EP, A Moment of Deathlessness, presents a first listen that’s captivating for its sense of cinema, its groove, its harmonies and imagery – the presentation and vibe intriguing alone for the creative depth and originality. Then to consider the poetry at its core, this whole project being a tribute to the iconic Emily Dickinson, is to appreciate the finely selected details and stories that influenced such a creative direction.
New music from the poetic and distinct corner of creativity that is Ivano Bersini’s compositions – Love is instantly recognisable as Bersini’s style, but at the same time, this is once again a completely new take on the concept of pairing piano and poetry.
Piano-led and intimate but mildly theatrical – TheEccentricLad delivers a boldly poetic, metaphorical journey, for the organic and evocative Vapors Of Love.
Beautifully complicated, profoundly poetic – Kid Anansi is one of the only albums this year that genuinely prompts a deep-dive listen and repeated sessions with the tracks. The level of thought and smart, sharp wit incorporated throughout each and every story and line is phenomenal, and the delivery is second to none. An absolute highlight from 2024 so far.
Musically inspired by JS BACH and Benedetto Marcello, Minuet 5.0 features a solo piano thread descending under vocal harmonies and a softly spoken poem about children.
With words delivered again by Stephanie Rodriguez M, Minuet 5.0 repeats the word ‘children’ throughout, forever reinforcing the innocence at the heart of the writing, and thus heavily juxtaposing this innocence and love with the shattering darkness and devastation of a polluted and desperately broken world.
This is something fearlessly original at present, and yet it’s also broadly appealing, creatively engaging, and instantly recognisable. That’s an uncommon fusion of qualities, and as such, Ivano Bersini has crafted something rather profound with Poems.
Poignant lyrics and piercing sound-design carefully intertwines delicacy and depth – St.Serpentis carves out a gritty and contemplative new lane, with the fascinating and consuming single Razorblade Laced Lullaby.
Ultra Feminist isn’t purely a call out to all feminists, but a personal ode to an artist’s own liberation from a tumultuous and isolating past. It’s a heavy topic, but the song has a certain lightness and positivity to it, which works well to juxtapose the issues within. In other words – If you like the title; you’ll love the song.
“Poetic expression is liberating. It frees the speaker, the listener, and the reader.”