POSTS TAGGED : Folk

ROTATION ROUND-UP #4

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

Enjoy!

Adwaith – ‘ETO’

Welsh outfit Adwaith – Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony & Heledd Owen – will release the follow-up to their wonderful and Welsh Music Prize winning debut with new album Bato Mato on July 1st via Libertino Records. The new record is led by ‘ETO’, a soaring evocative guitar driven adventure brimming with confidence and ideas. It is shimmering, evocative, life-affirming and moving, and bursting with open-hearted soaring melody’s and lyrical vulnerability – instantly sweeping us along with this stirring anthem. This is Adwaith at their finest; you will be replaying, again and again, and again.

Many Voices Speak – ‘Within Reach’

Many Voices Speak – the project of Swedish musician Matilda Mård – has announced her return with second album Gestures, released on 29th April 2022 via Strangers Candy.

A master of misty-eyed, melancholic and hazy indie-pop, Many Voices Speak has always found its power in its ability to capture an eternity in an expression; found in abundance on her debut and lead single ‘Within Reach’. A six-minute long reflective slow burn that just brims with beauty, as Mård’s elegant, yearning dream-pop makes the world seem to slow down around it, where time stretches out, and you become totally immersed in it. ‘Within Reach’ showcases Mård’s continued growth as a songwriter, one more comfortable in her own skin.

Komla MC vs Fold – ‘Victoria Falls’

Komla MC vs Fold is the unlikely combination of two expats in Leeds, UK. Hailing from Accra and New York respectively, Rob (Komla MC) and Seth (of the band Fold) were brought together by having kids at the same school and united in their undying love of hip hop. Given that Seth’s work with Hip-Hop/Trip Hop outfit Fold has a rep for funky, groovy and cool sounds, it is no surprise that this delivers a healthy dose of all three pitted with a fun and cheeky sensibility. Hopefully there is more to come from this collab – top marks!

The AM – ‘On Joy Road’

The AM – AKA Ann-Marie Teasley – is a DJ with a penchant for Techno and Electro that started out as a classical violinist in Detroit. The AM is releasing her debut EP Black Majik on March 11, and comes fronted by ‘On Joy Road’; an Electro-influenced jam named after the long, dual-carriageway street that connects the centre of Detroit to Nankin Lake and the enclaves on the city’s west side. It is urgent and intense while simultaneously elegant as a hypnotic spell is spun by frantic up-tempo snappy beats, claps, rippling electronics and winding synths, while a warped vocal sample and woozy flourishes fade in and out of view. A mesmerising and thumping dancefloor ready banger.

Clwb Fuzz – ‘Sertraline’

Cardiff outfit Clwb Fuzz return with new single ‘Sertraline’; a magnificent blaze of fuzzed-up spiralling psychedelic-rock. Burning guitars fuzz, ominous eerie synths and swaying, pendulumic percussion, set the swirling stage for Emily Kocan’s haunting vocals, regaling vivid and sometimes far too real dreams, occurring as a side-effect of taking antidepressants. Unsettling paranoid introspection has never sounded so glorious.

Live Review: The Charlatans in Dublin (23/11/21)

Personally a big fan of The Charlatans, Us & Us Only still ranks as one of my favourite albums so I was delighted when Alan Brady emailed me though a review of their show in the Olympia. I have seen them live maybe six times over the years and I can’t say I ever felt short changed. Anyway, thanks to Alan for the review and how nice is it to be talking about gigs again. Take it away Alan.

What has been one of the most irritating things about the whole Corona Virus lockdown which has engulfed us in this country for the last two years? Possibly it has to be the lack of a live music gig, and the opportunity to go to a rock concert in a dark, wedged Olympia Theatre. Well the Charlatans ended that drought in superb fashion in late November, with a newly long blonde-haired Tim Burgess and co. thrilling the audience in what is surely the best music venue in Dublin.

The task of providing support for the West Midlands, England act lay at the feet of Aoife Nessa Frances, and the pop and folk Dublin songwriter duly began her set in a relaxed and leisurely manner with ‘Blow Up’ – a tune from her debut album ‘Land Of No Junction’ (2020). Maeve McKenna on the harp supplemented Frances’ singing and guitar playing, although it must be noted that the consequences were varied. The pair performed a lot of songs from Frances’ upcoming new album, which the Sallynoggin-originated singer told us won’t be released for a considerable period of time. The packed audience was enamored by her reverberating singing and guitar strumming, which firmly got the spectators in the humor for the headline act.

Enter the Charlatans – led by the strangely haired Burgess in his eccentric jumper – who were on top form from start to finish of their 23-song set. Proceedings were set in motion with a long intro to ‘Forever’, during which a very enthusiastic looking Burgess danced onstage to rapturous applause. Some of the best performed tunes were ‘Just When You’re Thinking Things Over’, ‘Can’t Get Out of Bed’, and ‘A Needs To Be Told’ – in which the steel guitar was somehow bestowed on keyboards.

Mark Collins was in superb form throughout as his riffs on songs such as ‘One To Another’ and ‘North Country Boy’ – encouraged the crowd to firmly bop – with Burgess duly egging them on to do so. Fans loudly sang along to the latter tune as those in attendance were now seriously in concert mood, and thunderous applause appropriately ensued. ‘How High’ was another ballad to see the voice-level raised around the one-hundred and sixty-six year-old venue.

‘The Blind Stagger’ built up in a slow and leisurely fashion, whilst conversely the audience was treated to an ecstatic rendition of ‘The Only One I Know’; and those present were further treated with a fantastic version of ‘ I Never Want An Easy Life’. The encore possibly encompassed the best-performed songs, as a harmonica-wielding Burgess led the way in an energetic version of ‘Impossible’, before their customary set-closer ‘Sproston Green’ – which again contained Collins displaying various burly guitar riffs – ended proceedings.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and although it’s been a tough two years for us fans of live music in Ireland, it was fantastic to see Burgess, Collins, Martin Blunt and Tony Rogers provide all at the famous Dublin Two venue with their fix of entertainment again.

Alan Brady

Rotation Roundup #1

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, in an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, here is a quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

I’ll try keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I might as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Melody’s Echo Chamber – ‘Looking Backward’

Melody’s Echo Chamber aka Melody Prochet has announced a new album, Emotional Eternal, which is due April 29 via Domino. The record will be the French musician’s third album and first new music since her excellent 2018 record Bon Voyage. Emotional Eternal is preceded by single ‘Looking Backward’; a dreamy and intoxicating psychedelic pop song with layers of shimmering synths, colours, soft grooves and woozy tones, with Prochet’s recognisable soft but euphoric vocals drifting above.

The first sampling of the new material is all that we would have hoped for and some.

Cate Le Bon – ‘Remembering Me’

Cate Le Bon has released her sixth album Pompeii, follow-up to 2019’s Reward, it is fronted by single ‘Remembering Me’. Difficult to box-off with a taste for offbeat folk but an equal propensity for psych, Le Bon is a treasure and ‘Remembering Me’ reminds us why. Sitting on a cool yet wonky waltzing groove Le Bon’s vocals are as otherworldly and stunning as ever while flourish of guitar appear amid an austere atmosphere; the latter reflected in the introspective and weary lyrics.

Looking forward to sinking the teeth into the album – there is also a rare and great interview in the Guardian for those interested.

Silverbacks – ‘A Job Worth Something’

Dublin-based post-punk outfit Silverbacks have kicked off 2022 in style with new album Archive Material, the follow-up to their superb 2020 debut Fad. The new record continues their propensity for brilliance; a colorful, vivid and exuberant record built upon irresistible grooves and propulsive rhythms, it is spearheaded by lead single ‘A Job Worth Something’. We find Daniel reflecting on his experiences working in insurance while his sister treated patients in a COVID ward, marked by the feelings of futility and guilt he felt at the time. A tight and pointed tune filled alluring guitars, hooks and jangly groove that veers from melodic meander to super focused.

More brilliance from long standing BG favs.

Deadletter – ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’

Released toward the end of last year, ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’ signalled the signing of Yorkshire outfit DEADLETTER to the always interesting indie label Nice Swan Records. Lyrically serious yet surreal, musically, it is brash and boisterous (yet very groovy) as a wall of post-punk, dubby bassline, swaggering guitars and impassioned vocals set the blistering tone. Think Gang of Four, Franz Ferdinand and lots of bite. Stellar stuff.

Simple Kid – ‘Failed Musician’

Another released and missed late last year, London-based Irish artist Simple Kid (aka Ciaran McFeely) continued his drip feeding of new material following a long period of musical hibernation with ‘Failed Musician’. A jaunty jam riffing on ‘I Feel Free’ by Cream, guitars glisten and shimmer atop a chugging bassline while McFeely’s recognizable vocals thrive amid the warm tones, charm and general sparkle. Long standing patrons will be aware of my fondness for Simple Kid, his two records – SK1 in 2003 and SK2 in 2006 – are also worth your time.


Anna Vincent – ‘Nothing Wrong’

London singer/songwriter Anna Vincent, known for her work with My Tiger My Timing and Heavy Heart – the latter caught our ear on more than one occasion in recent years with wonderful explorations of ‘90s indie rock, shoegaze and dream pop. – will release her debut solo album Under The Glass on 29 October.

The album was recorded mostly at home (and in lockdown) during 2020 and was inspired by late 60s and early 70s folk and folk-rock by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel, John Martyn, Jackson Browne, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, as well as indie rock like Wilco, Elliott Smith and Teenage Fanclub.

And with the record’s release only weeks away, Vincent has shared ‘Nothing Wrong’, a third single lifted from the forthcoming album. Vincent takes us on a melodic meander through a wonderful woozy world of warm dreamy allure with hazy psych brushstrokes while rippling guitars shimmer a gentle pattering groove undulates beneath the lush and breezy vocals that cruise above.

Listen to ‘Nothing Wrong’ below and keep an eye out for Under The Glass on 29 October.

Moon Rituals – ‘Painting A Bird’

Moon Rituals is the project of Melbourne pair Sarah Hardiman (Deaf Wish & Brickhead) and Mikey Young (Eddy Current, The Green Child & Total Control) and together, Hardiman and Young craft playful and melodic psych-splashed pop.

Moon Rituals’ latest venture is new 7″ single ‘Aura’ – a melodic boppy synth-pop jam with an effervescent personality – and backed by playful and meandering b-side ‘Painting A Bird’, and it is the latter that concerns us today. ‘Painting A Bird’ struts along amid a playful melodic air as we are whisked off to a world of offbeat folk with psych brushstrokes. It is brimming with stirring defiance led by Hardiman’s powerful versatile voice that cruises above warm fuzz, meandering off-beat groove as it chimes with a unique musical whimsy. ‘Painting A Bird’ palatability draws from an oddity paired with melodic sweetness – an absolute gem!

Listen to ‘Painting A Bird’ below:


Late Runner – ‘Spring’

Late Runner is the solo project of Danish musician / singer-songwriter Asger Tarpgaard, also known for his work with Superheroes.

Tarpgaard has announced the project with aptly titled single ‘Spring’, which is lifted from what will be Late Runner debut album – out in August via Crunchy Flog. ‘Spring’ is a morose, sweet and beautifully melancholic song. Tarpgaard’s hushed lilting vocals are ever-present in a shimmering world of synths and guitars as his vocals thrive in ever more interesting, beguiling and beautiful environs. At times it is melancholic, nostalgic, playful, colourful, and slightly surreal, we’re treated to a beautiful blend of dreamy and understated electronica, left-field folk, hazy psych and transfixing grooves, and all draped with seductive melodies. A magnificent, unique and truly beautiful track, and one which offers a wonderful introduction to the debut album of a promising new artist.

Listen to ‘Spring’ below – the album is out Friday, 20 August 2021.

Caoilfhionn Rose – ‘Flourish’

Manchester-based singer/songwriter Caoilfhionn Rose came to our attention with her exquisite debut album Awaken in 2018, and has announced plans to release new album Truly on April 9.

Rose’s sound draws from a deep well of folk, psychedelia and subtle electronica influences, ranging from The Mummers, to Rachel Sermanni, Melody’s Echo Chamber and Broadcast, she produces her own unique brand of beautiful, expansive, fragile and experimental psych-folk.
And with the new album on the horizon, Caoilfhionn Rose is back with lead single ‘Flourish’; a rich and intoxicating haze of dreamy psych-folk. Bathed in a lush and woozy haze, Rose’s soothing and tranquil vocals glide elegantly over a lightly strummed guitar, subtle instrumental arrangements and a trickle of keys, creating a mesmerising, ethereal air. ‘Flourish’ is a gorgeous, deeply immersive and dreamy psych-folk gem, and one that completely transfixes from start to finish. ‘Flourish’ expands on where Awaken left off and hints at another superb record.

Listen to ‘Flourish’ below and keep an eye out for ‘Truly’ coming on April 9.

A.S. Fanning – ‘All Time’

Berlin-based, Dublin-raised, singer/songwriter A.S. Fanning has shared the single ‘All Time’ ahead of the release of new album ‘You Should Go Mad’ on 13 November via Proper Octopus Records.

It is the follow up to Fanning’s 2017 solo debut Second Life and ‘All Time’ indicates a continued evolution of his blend of folk, country and rock & roll, with psych and gothic brushstrokes. Fanning combines these aforementioned sensibilities to create a richly resonant, dark and foreboding backdrop with subtle layers of psychedelic textures and glistening production adding a touch of respite and illumination; illumination for Fanning’s finest attribute, his brilliant songwriting and storytelling abilities, to thrive. His world weary baritone vocal delivers a vivid introspective tale through time and memory for a compelling 7-minutes of rich and powerful emotion.

Listen to ‘All Time’ below now – and You Should Go Mad’ is out on November 13.

ASTER – ‘Unaware Bliss’

ASTER is a singer, songwriter and musician from Glasgow.

Drawing from a deep well of folk, psych, pop and subtle electronica influences, ranging from  the likes of Big Thief, Perfume Genius and Half Waif, ASTER crafts a unique brand of beautiful, expansive, fragile and experimental psych-folk; something born out on new stunning single ‘Unaware Bliss’. It is an exquisite psych-folk daydreamer that whisks us away on a dreamy meditative journey. ‘Unaware Bliss’ meanders gracefully along a blissful groove and swirling, rhythmic psych-folk, and splashes of electronics complete the mesmeric backdrop for ASTER’s bewitching crystalline vocals entrance the listener completely. An elegant, awe-inspiring and charming blend of shimmering psych-folk and glistening electronica – a hazy, soothing and altogether wonderful song.

Listen to ‘Unaware Bliss’ below.

Simen Mitlid – ‘Murders’

Simen Mitlid is a Norwegian singer-songwriter hailing from the woodlands of Os, has a proven himself a precocious talent for lush, dreamy indie-folk; a statement given great clout by two sublime albums – 2017’s Everything is the Same & 2019’s Neutral.

And not long since ushering the latter into the world, Mitlid is back with delectable offerings from a forthcoming new album Birds. Mitlid shared the beautiful ‘Weeks’ and gorgeous title track, ‘Birds’ earlier this year and now it is the turn of ‘Murders’. It is another carefully crafted and sincere indie-folk ballad. Mitlid’s lilting vocals, serene and tender, rise gracefully above the softly plucked guitar, twinkly tones and gushing haze. It is yet another charming, heartwarming and utterly bewitching slice of indie-folk – Mitlid’s calling card.

Listen to ‘Murders’ below and the new album is expected in the Autumn.