Reviews
10 Code
Single: Transmitter
"Transmitter"is
the new single released by the 4 piece rock band - 10 Code. I've been looking forward to this release since hearing their 4 song EP of 2013 called "The Connection"
If you'venot heard of the Greek band before they are; Petros Potamianos, Apostolos Boules, Dimitris Adamopoulos and Simos Simeonidis. They gathered together for the first time around November 2011, comingfrom different (some of them successful) bands of the so-called athenian ”alternative” scene.
This newrelease from the boys does not disappoint; kicking off with a crunching distorted guitar chord and high tempo tight drum beat, accompanied with the sound of transmission data and a voice sampleinforming you that 'its all in your head'.
The bass andmain guitar riff soon come in for a quick burst to etch the main hook into your brain. When thats been accomplished, it cuts down nicely to allow the first showing of vocals to shine. The vocals cutthrough with enough energy and attitude to stamp their mark on the track .
This is asolid rock song that understands the importance of leaving some silence from the vocals to let the guitar, bass and drums rock out.
The drumsbuild nicely towards the end making use of the toms to raise the tune up a notch.
This singleis a great teaser, released ahead of their debut album which should be available at the end of 2014/ early 2015.
Look out forit.
If you'venot heard of the Greek band before they are; Petros Potamianos, Apostolos Boules, Dimitris Adamopoulos and Simos Simeonidis. They gathered together for the first time around November 2011, comingfrom different (some of them successful) bands of the so-called athenian ”alternative” scene.
This newrelease from the boys does not disappoint; kicking off with a crunching distorted guitar chord and high tempo tight drum beat, accompanied with the sound of transmission data and a voice sampleinforming you that 'its all in your head'.
The bass andmain guitar riff soon come in for a quick burst to etch the main hook into your brain. When thats been accomplished, it cuts down nicely to allow the first showing of vocals to shine. The vocals cutthrough with enough energy and attitude to stamp their mark on the track .
This is asolid rock song that understands the importance of leaving some silence from the vocals to let the guitar, bass and drums rock out.
The drumsbuild nicely towards the end making use of the toms to raise the tune up a notch.
This singleis a great teaser, released ahead of their debut album which should be available at the end of 2014/ early 2015.
Look out forit.
Everything Is Made In China
Album: Amber
From
the very first synth chords that starts the album off with the opening track "Awakening: I", you are drawn in. The textured sounds on this track are complimented by the calm vocals
of Max
Fedorov, which
only add to the layered sound and give you a taste of what is to come from this 3-piece band, hailing from Moscow.
By the time you get to "Cepheia" and the slightly odd sounding (and oddly
spelt) track that is "Spctrms", you have the feeling that these guys really know what they are doing.
Another aspect of this album which adds to its appeal is the attention
to detail from the rhythm department, courtesy of Alexander Bykov on the drums; especially on tracks like "The Decade" and "John H (dotted man)." The latter of which was my favourite track on the album; not
just because of the snare driven beat in the last minute of the track, but also because of the beautifully placed midi-piano chords in the mid section and the ethereal yet slightly tough
style that is present throughout the whole album but is perfected here.
The title track is a sombre affair and more of a refrain preparing you
for the more tougher and pronounced sound of the penultimate track "Pale Empire."
The album feels well thought out with subtle keyboard riffs riding off
some tight drumming and tidy bass lines, all neatly brought together with some lush pad sounds (thanks to Phil Premyak on the keys) and
the lead vocals which are never too over-bearing; soothing
as well as interesting and quirky when they need to be.
The album ends with "Awakening II" which is a reprise of the first track. Its a nice way to end the record with the backing vocals acting as the main hook and an echoed snare slowly building
the track to its crescendo; satisfying your senses, and yet, leaving you wanting more.
"Amber" improves with each listen and confirms a place on your playlist
after just the first few tracks.
Jam Wagner
Teppo Rantaniva
Rantaniva is a 26 year old self taught pianist from Finland. His compositions are intricate with thoughtful changes. It's unbelievable to think he plays by ear and only for the last two
years.
He creates beautifully melancholic and joyful pieces and the actual piano sound he has captured is impressive, considering the
recordings here are all done with a Casio CDP-100 digital piano using pianissimo software. Unfortunately, because of this, the expression and feel of his work is somewhat dampened. I'm not
reviewing a professional recording or actual release here though; I'm talking about some sounds from the cloud (yes, Soundcloud) and his skills here are still evident. His latest recordings 'Time to go' and 'A Promise' are delicate, detailed
pieces and well worth checking out.
He also offers 5 songs on Bandcamp under the EP title 'The Shades of Darkness'. These tracks are not without fault, but the pieces move well with some interesting, unpredictable changes and
the odd malevolent note chucked in for that brief dark disturbing feel, especially on "Shadows" and "Alone."
Once Rantaniva gets hold of a real piano, tightens up his fingers and manages to record and capture his expressive style and touch
professionally, he will be one to watch.
Jam Wagner
The Blank Agains
EP: Debut EP
The Blank Agains are Yann Lu, Julien McPisca, Jerome VDB and Bastian Edwards.
Their debut EP is a clever mix of modern rock and dream pop and includes their version of Roxy Music's classic track 'Love is the drug'.
This song is a great showcase of the Belgium quartet's style. It has been covered quite a few times over the years by the likes of Kylie Minogue and Jamiroquai (amongst others) but it is hardly
recognisable here, with the Blank Agains stamping their own mark on the track; incorporating a deep synth bass sound with some electronic percussion and airy stylised vocals.
The EP meanders along quite nicely with the odd surprise and unpredictable change, evident on "Us, the others". The stand out track for me though was the opening track on the EP, 'Light in Yer Head'; the main keys riff, which casually draws you in at
the start, is nicely offset by the acoustic guitar and nineties-esque vocals. Peppered with electronic touches, the track subtly builds and has a classy feel about it.
This EP is professionally produced and is a great introduction to the band. Its well worth taking a few minutes to have a listen.
Jam Wagner
Melody Sheep
Album: Midnight Sun
The man behind Melodysheep is John D. Boswell, a Washingtonian whom is the creator of the popular web series, Symphony of Science.
The award winning 'Symphony of Science' is an online video series which aims to bring scientific knowledge and philosophy to the public through the medium of music. http://symphonyofscience.com/
Boswell's latest work, though, is under his artist name Melodysheep and is in the form of the album, Midnight Sun. It is a lush and inventive
creation containing 12 tracks of intricate melodic electronica, interspersed with some piano delights. The style of this album really engrosses you, not just because every track
sounds different but also because of the complex sounds and light touches used throughout; leaving you intrigued to know what's around the corner. Placing two piano pieces "Weeping Willow"
and "One day Soon" into this mostly electronica album is very clever - the latter song having beautifully well placed piano chords
and both just add texture and flair to this thoughtful and stylish album. You just can't help but immerse yourself into Midnight Sun.
Jam Wagner