Hills are a psychedelic rock band from Sweden, comprised of the trio of Hanna, Kalle and Pelle who each play an assortment of instruments on the album. Intergalactic Tactics Records released this self-titled album in 2009 in a limited run of 300. I got to know this band through a recommendation in the Progressive Ears music forum. Having listened to the two tunes on their myspace, I was able to get the album from Kalle from the band for review. Continue reading ‘Hills – Hills (Intergalactic Tactics Records, 2009)’
Author Archive for Assaf Vestin
In my scientific research in the lab I work at, we use formaldehyde (and its derivatives) as a fixative and preservative agent, to freeze the state of tissue/cells, so those that we want to keep intact remain that way and do not get contaminated with foreign microscopic organisms.
This allows us to achieve an inert, unchanging environment, to preserve the original state we started with. In a way the music by Seconds in Formaldehyde follows the same features. It is stagnant, sluggish, torpid and seemingly unchanging; it dwells on and strives to maintain flow and texture, pattern and magic throughout the seven tracks on this album. However, this is more of an appearance than anything else, as there is development and change throughout each track.
Seconds in Formaldehyde is an ambient/drone project by Martin Fuhs from Germany and he is also the man behind the label releasing this album, Waterscape Records. He previous released three albums through other labels and used a guitar (and computer) to make the sound heard on these albums. Continue reading ‘Seconds In Formaldehyde – A Shiver In Red (Droehnhaus, 2010)’
You’d think upon initially listening to this album, that you’re being assaulted by an army of riffs. Surprisingly, Sardonis is comprised of only two musicians, Roel Paulussen (guitar) and Jelle Stevens (drums) from Belgium are responsible for the instrumental stoner/doom rock heard on their first full-length release. The band formed in 2006 and released a 7”EP in 2008. In 2010 they release their self-titled album through MeteorCity. The first two tracks on this album are from the aforementioned EP.
While at first I thought that I’d miss a bass in this album, it turned out not to be the case. Between the two of them, Roel and Jelle provide a rich and dense wall of sound and complement each other well. Continue reading ‘Sardonis – Sardonis (MeteorCity Records, 2010)’
The first time I heard of Algernon from Chicago was when I saw that their 2010 album, Ghost Surveillance, was being released by Cuneiform Records, a favourite label of mine. Intrigued I proceeded to listen to some tracks on their myspace. Favourably impressed I proceeded to order the album and am glad I did so. Algernon are a five-member band from Chicago and this instrumental album is their third release.
The music here borders on several styles such as “plain” rock, post-rock (in the scenic-atmospheric sense) and to a lesser extent jazz-rock. However, to try and pin-down their style and influences proves harder. While it is a rock affair with a strict form and fully composed, at times light and at others heavy, there is some jazziness and semblance of free spirit in the tunes, as if they are improvising, or at least doing so on a pre-conceived theme. They manage to capture a certain vibe by this that makes them sound spontaneous and fresh. Indeed, from what I read, bandleader and main composer, Dave Miller, is a very flexible guitarist and can play in a variety of styles. Continue reading ‘Algernon – Ghost Surveillance (Cuneiform, 2010)’
At some point during 2009, I noticed several Italian prog rock groups releasing new albums, be it new or older bands. One of them was Il Ruscello (the stream). Curious, after seeing some glowing reviews of their album, Paesaggio solare (estate 1972), I decided to get hold of it.
The band consists of three musicians from Milan who now reside in London: the two brothers Silvio Cavallo (vocals, acoustic guitar, drums), Giampaolo Cavallo (bass) and Luca Herb (guitars, synthesizers, piano).
This album was said to be in the vein of early 70s Rock Progressivo Italiano albums such as Le Orme and Premiata Forneria Marconi. Indeed they do have this vintage sound and approach (as well as art work and design) that characterizes albums from these older days, this album manages to sound fresh (and appealing), but with some flaws. The whole album is less than 40 minutes, and has 6 tracks on it. Continue reading ‘Il Ruscello – Paesaggio Solare (Estate 1972) (AMS Records, 2009)’
Surprises. I love surprises when it comes to music. Finding out a thrilling new band, something exciting, fresh and beautiful.
Such a surprise I had when a friend over at Progressive Ears recommended this Swedish four-piece band, Klotet and their 2008 release, En Rak Höger. They formed in 2004 in Uppsala and this is their first release, an instrumental album, out on Musea. Continue reading ‘Klotet – En Rak Höger (Musea, 2008)’
You’re cordially invited to experience the Uninvited Dreams of Osada Vida.
This talented quartet releases their sixth album. I’ve started following them, quite by chance, starting at their third album, Three Seats Behind A Triangle and have been hooked since (I reviewed their two previous albums and interviewed the band as well in 2009). I feel that with each album they progressed with their sound and production. But the familiar sound from Three Seats is still here, that somewhat murky signature, spell-binding spirit it sill present and permeates through every song.
The drummer, Adam Podzimski,is again the writer of the lyrics, about dreams that one wishes he’d forget as soon as he wakes up, undesired dreams that come though they are unwanted. Continue reading ‘Osada Vida – Uninvited Dreams (Metal Mind, 2009)’
Italian label AltrOck have so far released wonderful avant-rock/avant-garde and related albums (Yugen, Rational Diet, Finnegans Wake, Simon Steensland, miRthkon, Kurai, Accordo Dei Contrari etc.). With this release, Sleep Talking, they present a band, Chance:Risiko, that is quite different from those signed so far to the label.
At first listen, one may think he has figured this band out; being able to point out their influences and pigeonhole their style. But that would be only a partial picture of what stand behind their music. Yes, the vocalist’s voice reminds of Thom Yorke, and yes, there are some Radiohead characteristics here: a certain subtleness and abstractness that permeates throughout the entire album as well as a sense of mystery and magic, a place where time seems to move slower.
But that is not all.
Continue reading ‘Chance:Risiko – Sleep Talking (AltrOck, 2009)’
Kinetic Element was originally formed to perform keyboardist and vocalist Mike Visaggio’s music form his solo album Starship Universe, released in 2006. Things, however, took a turn and they liked the idea of playing together as a band and along with playing covers of classic rock and prog-rock songs, they have been playing their own original material. Some of it already released as a promo ep, The Powered By Light Suite in 2008. In 2009, the band self-released Powered By Light Continue reading ‘Kinetic Element – Powered By Light (self-released, 2009)’
We now return to our feature: Part II of Assaf’s Favourite Albums of 2009
In Part I, I featured 17 great albums of various genres and styles, ranging from metal, to jazz, avant-rock and progressive.
In Part II, I will go over my 12 favourite albums released in 2009. The choices here too are eclectic in their style, sound and influences. Each one of these is worthwhile to check out, in my opinion. So with no further delay, here are the albums that made my year:
Continue reading ‘Top of the Crop: Assaf’s Favourite Albums of 2009, Part II’
Since the common “wisdom” during the end of year/beginning of the year is to make best-of-year album lists I’ll hereby contribute my own small stance on 2009 albums I’ve listened to. I’ll go through the albums I’ve heard this year and point out those I liked the most and think are the best, then list the good, the mediocre and the flat out bad (according to my tastes of course). Continue reading ‘Top of the Crop: Assaf’s Favourite Albums of 2009, Part I’
I’ve heard music described as something soothing for an injured soul. I’ve certainly come across music that could have said function with its delicacy, subtleness and peaceful qualities. And I have found one more such example in the music from Finnish band Kosmos. There are other fine examples of such calm music from Finland: Viima (with their folk approach), Uzva (with their jazzy tunes), Magyar Posse (and their cinematic post-rock) and others like Stringpurée Band and Tenhi. Continue reading ‘Kosmos – Vieraan Taivaan Alla (self-released, 2009)’
Well this one is odd. Not so much the music (at least not for me, although I’m sure some will find it weird or just peculiar), but the song titles, the artwork, the band’s name (The Eye Of The Deaf). But do not let that deter you. Inside waits an intriguing, beautiful and special sounding experience.
Formed in 2004 in Rennes, Bretagne in the north of France as a quartet of guitar, drums, saxophone and keyboards, the lineup got expanded with the addition of a violonist and vocalist (chanting/vocalization would be a more appropriate description). In 2009 they self-released their first album, Un?. Continue reading ‘L’oeil Du Sourd – Un? (Vocation Records, 2009)’
Crushing music.
Ever heard that term?
Probably yes and in most instances, you’d figure, the adjective refers to whatever sort of metal music, hardcore, deathcore, grindcore. Well that is a term I would use for some of these and several recent albums I listened to from these styles do in fact seem to crush down upon you with blistering guitars and drumming, threatening to pulverize your ears.
In this case however, we are not talking about a metal band, but about a band that is as heavy sounding and boasts a crushing quality to their music.
James Huggett is the American musician who started combat Astronomy. Before that, James was recording electronic music, incorporating noise and industrial styles, which would be incorporated into the sound of Combat Astronomy. Continue reading ‘Combat Astronomy – Dreams No Longer Hesitate (Zond, 2008)’
One man, Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Mattis Sørum, is behind this project started in 2003, bringing to his aid (much like Ayreon) musicians and vocalists (four on this album) to play and sing on his albums. Mattis plays the synths, organ and guitars on the albums.
This 2009 release, is his second album and a concept one as well, after his 2006 debut, A Sleeper`s Awakening , which was a double album that was made while Mattis was a music student in Trondheim. It was there he found the seventeen musicians to help him create his vision and it took three years to make.
This current album is released through Unicorm Digital, a Canadian based label that released superb albums from progressive bands like Karcius, Hamadryad, Mystery, Jellyfiche, Capharnaum, The Gourishankar, Karfagen, Nil, Nathan Mahl, Sympozion and many others; so Pictorial Wand are in a very good company.
The music is very emotional; it manages to convey very well a mournful spirit, a sense of torment and regret. The dynamic range is wide, as the music ranges from calm and serene landscapes to troubled waters where a heavier approach reigns, and where the music acquires a metal sound as well up until the emotional peaks of a song like Circle’s End.
Continue reading ‘Pictorial Wand – Face Of Our Fathers (Unicorn Digital, 2009)’
