As experiments go, I’d rate this as a highly successful one: nothing feels like it’s been crowbarred in, and this respect for the material has reaped genuine rewards.
Music
Undoubtedly one of indie music’s best kept secrets. Escapism in its most pure and uninhibited state.
Book Of Shame are categorically an act who skillfully walk the line between eclectic and self-assured – knowing precisely who they are, how they want to sound, yet also offering up a consistently interesting and often surprising album that never once becomes tiresome.
What a refreshing route to take when compared the glaringly obvious cliches presented by much of modern pop. Interludes and misdirection aplenty. The mind of the artist invites you inside.
Effected vocals detail an intimate and somewhat harrowing story-line, laying bare a mid-album Nirvana vibe in many ways – these short phrases, rhyming couplets that kick hard and leave plenty of space for reflection in between.
A superb show of musicianship and composition combined. A pleasant, entrancing journey, which accompanies late night deep thinking as much as a quiet commute through the countryside.
There’s melancholy, sure, and wistfulness and tunefulness and I’ve already talked about the earnestness and authenticity on display. It’s a regular smorgasbord of thought, narrative storytelling and emoting and it doesn’t hang about.
Ever since the strength of their last album, the name has conjured up a noteworthy place to turn when musical escapism feels essential. This single breathes new life into the space once again, holding close to those recognisable qualities but adding more than a few notes of freshness at the same time.
There’s a creative heart here, one that sees Pac Marly toy with the very structure of the music, moving seamlessly from melody to rap; meeting a slight dance-hall bounce with the darkness and integrity of authentic hip hop.
Prior to a live set at the renowned Sail Across The Sun, artist and songwriter Sedona launches her brand new EP Middle Of The Night – a folk-pop classic with some brilliant contemporary songwriting.
Headphones on, volume up – the whole thing works its magic with intimacy and realness in an upfront, fairly addictive manner.
Raymond Revel stands tall on the strength of compelling, authentic and poetic songwriting with this release. The opening words alone shine with genuine heart and soul amidst a purely acoustic guitar-led backdrop.