This starts off with that real live room rehearsal feel, like you’re sat in Pirate Studios and privy to a band’s inner sanctum… I like that idea! Sometimes the mix doesn’t need to be clean to capture the energy of the track. It’s big, it’s loud, and combines all the elements – Italo-Egyptian-Garage-Punk. Love it. …
Album Review: “The Summoned” – Mama Terra. Words: Sammy Stein.
I became aware of Mama Terra when I took part in a Jazz FM panel show at Pizza Express, Holborn, London. The band was exploring and recreating partially, Herbie Hancock’s 1973 album ‘Head Hunters’. I was impressed by co-leader Marco Cafolla’s animated exposition of why he likes Herbie Hancock – and then by the music …
Blog interview: Samuel Andreyev
Hello Samuel how are you? A bit dazed from having been on the road for 6 weeks, but otherwise well enough, thank you. Congratulations on the release of “In Glow Of Like Seclusion” how does it feel? I’m very happy with how the disc has come out, in every respect, and thrilled to have the …
Blog interview: Giselle And Erik
Congratulations on the release of “Take It All Away.” How does it feel? Thank you! It feels so right to share “Take It All Away” and now, the rest of the “Healing” EP as well. It’s a time capsule for us of an incredibly challenging and life changing season in our lives, and we hope …
Single Review: “Living The Dream” – Ski Lift
Is this a song told from the perspective of a turtle? Possibly, given the first line of the song! “I can feel my head sliding back inside my shell…” and the picture of one of the front cover. Or, it could be a contemplative song of what the writer could be doing instead of their …
Album Review: “Moonshot” – 1201_Alarm. Words – Sammy Stein
120_Alarm comprises Steve Thompson (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nigel Kennedy, Robert Smith, Lisa Stansfield) on Electronics, Laser Harp and Keyboard, Tamar Osborn (Akram Khan, Collocutor, Kelis, Van Morrison, Billy Ocean) on saxophone and flute, Emma Bassett (Adele, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tim Minchin) on trombone, Alistair ‘Titch’ Walker (Divine Comedy, Doolally Tap) on trumpet, Ollie Weston (Amy Winehouse, …
Song Review: “Mayday Mayday” – The Clockworks
The Clockworks are back with a heavy hitting alt rock track, my favourite on their new album so far. Big guitars! Big drums! Big vocals! This song is about the world we live in now, I’m assuming that it’s alluding to the cost of living crisis, because there’s references to money, and lack of it …
Blog interview: The Clockworks
Clockworks! How are you doing? Good thanks, looking forward to the album release. It’s been all guns blazing for a while so looking to get the album out. Congratulations on the release of “Exit Strategy” how does it feel? It’s fulfilling. We worked for a long time on this, and we’ve had to learn a …
Album Review: “Northern Flame” – Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat. Words: Sammy Stein.
Northern Flame by Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat comprises Emma Johnson on tenor saxophone, Fergus Vickers on electric guitar, Richard Jones on piano, Angus Milne on double bass, and Steve Hanley on drums. This collective is fast achieving recognition as one of the most innovative and diverse collectives around. I discovered Johnson …
Single Review: “You Built A Wall” – The Way After
This is the new single from The Way After a band from London/Coventry, and it’s quite a tune! It starts off with a count off on the sticks, which gives way to a very pleasant indie rock number. But what caught my ear is the use of the string quartet on it, really lush strings. …