Detailed track-by-track reviews have been the noticeable hallmark here at DaveCromwellWrites. When full new albums arrive from beloved artists, the desire to investigate every note and word attached to those records remains strong. Additionally, live concerts in support of those songs (which include classics from their entire catalogue) are eagerly attended, with an eye on capturing the mood and feel of that event. What results is an informed literary opinion on the artists intentions, as they present this music to their audience and the world.
The “before” and “after” explosive event surrounding international pop icon Sophie Ellis Bextor’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Always a consistent hit-making singles and album creator in both her home country of England and throughout Europe, the worldwide success of re-released early single “Murder On The Dance Floor” has been a game changer. With the combined forces of that “wind in her sails” and a never wavering determination, we are now treated with the release of her 8th full-length studio album “Perimenopop.” This self-created word for her record serves as a testament to women’s strength and ability in remaining vital at every stage of their development.
The albums lead-off track (and second single after the advance release “Freedom of the Night” last October) “Relentless Love” has already become the current live show opener, complete with video imagery of Sophie’s whispered intro “all that I wanna be is by your side.” Once the synth, percussion and bass guitar groove commences, Sophie’s declared “fairground ride in a song” is fully underway. Working with production and songwriting pros Jin Jin, David Wrench, Karma Kid and Baz Kaye, her lyrics and vocal performance are what everyone is here for. The pre-chorus delights stating “the city is waiting to see a miracle,” concluding with “wherever we go it’s so immaterial – ‘long as it’s you and I.” However, Sophie’s continual love for 80’s era Michael Jackson disco shines through on a chorus that goes “if we're the sum of all we feel, then I'm forever on this Ferris Wheel,” where “we found relentless love.”
Second entry (and third single) “Vertigo” finds Sophie working with frequent writing partner Hannah Robinson, as well as producer James Greenwood. With no intro at all, vocals start immediately while accompanied by a steady dance-floor pulse and video game bleeps. At a tight 3:31 in length no time is lost getting to a pre-chorus of “swirling, whirling” and “mercy of the rush” via rising progression and disco-beat drumming. The culmination comes in the form of a chorus that is part robotic voice (the repeated song title after each definitive line) and lush two line declaration “all of my senses right from start, orbit the pull of my heart.” There’s even a musical bonus via a bridge where “Hurricanes” are rhymed with “jet planes” that “scrape the sky.”
Third cut (and fourth single) “Taste” comes accompanied by a clever animated lyric video that playfully accentuates the songs lighthearted nature. Collaborating with song writers Jon Shave (who also produced) and MNEK, musician/husband Richard Jones bass guitar playing is noticeable throughout. Even more concise than the prior track with it’s under 3 minute time, chirping synths and Sophie’s “You’ve got it” cycled punctuation line hooks you in. A descending, measured syllable voicing on verse lines “bay-by-I-don’t-know-what-goes-in-to-your-recipe” becomes a second sing-along earworm. As is pre-chorus “just-like – cit-trus – on-my-tongue” which ultimately leads in to the downward spiral title line chorus, fully harmonized and enhanced. Some serious cowbell joins into the overall fray of synths, funky bass and cascading background vocals.
Going full throttle into fourth album track “Stay On Me” (the sixth single, with symmetrically fifth cut and single “Dolce Vita” put forward earlier), Sophie penned this with a songwriting team of Caroline Ailin, Thomas Hull (a/k/a Kid Harpoon),Selena Gomez (a/k/a “worldwide superstar”) and Julia Michaels. Sonic Production was handled by Karma Kid, Kaye and Richard. Going all in on this one, longtime video collaborator Sophie Muller was enlisted to direct a lavish music video. Set against an opulent backdrop of Irish seaside landscapes and quaint indoor locales, SEB revisits her Eastern European storybook look first shown during the “Wanderlust” period. Vintage cars, stone slabs and Sophie flipping through paperwork create visuals for the smooth 60’s era soul chorus “you can have your pick here in this room.” That vibe continues with plinking guitar, descending keyboards and definitive chorus lines “everyone’s got their eye on you,” but “his eyes stay on me.” Bonus video inclusions are the adorable donkeys waiting by the door.
As previously mentioned, fifth entry and single “Dolce Vita” serves up what Sophie describes as her “summer holidays, escape.” Leaning heavily on American Philly-soul and early 80’s disco, it’s no surprise then to see former Atlantic Records staff songwriter and current Temptations member Ron Tyson involved with it’s creation. Karma Kid, Kaye and Richard produced, while a 14 piece string section provides all the necessary swirl. While Sophie’s lyrics for the most part stick to beach relaxation mode: “sand on my skin like cinnamon” – “move my body to recline” – “nowhere to go so I just take it slow,” there are touches of current events. The lines “like a phoenix from the ashes – my story’s starting to appear” seems like a nod to her resurgence in popularity. That revival now offers ample opportunity for this “good life” where “the air’s forever sweeter.”
Sophie opts for minimal production on the vocally intimate “thoughtfulness” with her Jon Shave/MNEK collab “Time.” Gentle keyboards and simple beats support vocals delivered with sincerity that prioritize personal connection over material accumulation. The Chorus once again emphasizes the SEB/Shave song-hook construct that accentuates precise vocal phrasing. “Time (stop)-I-can-give-you-all-of-my-time” followed by “and-there’s-nothing-more-precious-than (pause) – Mine.” A second hook immediately arrives after that with the “why don't we let it run, let it run, let it run - run away with us” dreamy vocal line. Synth bass is prominent, but used sparingly as a point of emphasis. A third movement comes via a bridge that finds Sophie following her first lines with an ethereal response.
Ghostly voices open seventh track “Glamorous” with a distant preview of the eventual chorus (“hard, fast, silk, cool”). Writing this time with Norway’s Sigrid and Britain’s Finn Keane, Sophie touches on how the music industry can seduce you. Lyrics like “sweet on the tongue,” “deadly . . . dance with your heart” and “paradise – made of thinnest ice” all point in that direction. All that glitters is not always gold, as the chorus points out “I'm drawn to his light, getting burnt by the flame, playing with fire's a losing game.” Musically wrapping around this lyrical cautionary tale, however is a solid dance floor banger.
Reaching the albums “deep cuts,” ninth entry “Layers” is another collab with James Greenwood, who helps bring Sophie’s lyrics to light via a smooth subtle-funk production. Bathing her words in a slick sheen similar to what a band like Duran Duran does, Sophie explains how a longer experience with someone can be key in getting past difficulties. Once again there are multiple hooks to grab on to, like the keyboard driven “under the skin, we’re letting it in – keep reaching out, silence can shout.” Followed by the smoother, descending chorus “so lay on down, lay on down, lay on down with me.” Recognition comes through the power of being “always in my bed – under the covers.”
Closing in on the albums final three songs, tenth entry “Diamond In The Dark” comes from a writing session with her previous albums colleague Ed Harcourt and none other than living legend, CHIC creator Nile Rodgers (talk about Duran Duran, plus Bowie and Madonna)! As expected, there IS the signature funky rhythm guitar, along with that 14 piece string section and some bubbling moog bass from Richard. It’s classic 70’s disco on this one, and a real homage to the era that featured The Love Unlimited Orchestra. Sophie puts her own personal stamp on it with the dreamy “all of my, all of my, all of my, all of my senses” vocal line. Bonus points for the cheeky inclusion of the lyrical reference to “river deep, mountain high.”
Penultimate album track “Heart Sing” emerges out of a throbbing bass-synth and steady 1-2 percussive beat. Written with the team of Sigrid and Keane again, Sophie draws on her past memories to conjure feelings of melancholy and longing. Vocal techniques emphasize rhythmic cadence, like on the line “pulling me out – out – out – out” and “we had a sound – sound – sound – sound.” An initially subtle David Arnold arranged string section begins on the second verse, growing in intensity as the song progresses. The highlight (as always) is the chorus where Sophie’s vocals shine on lines “the echo of you haunts me – now I’m a lost melody.”
Reaching the album closer, we’re treated to the nostalgic “Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone.” Once again writing and recording with Luke Fitton and Hannah Robinson, electric piano stabs, softer synth pads, plinking guitar and Jackson’s steady four-on-the-floor beat moves everything forward. Verses feature Sophie’s vocals up close and personal, while a quicker delivery on lines “and they say never look back - It doesn't happen like that - sometimes the memories attack” add rhythmic weight. Introspection provides solution through a chorus that states “just be glad you had it, now (that) it’s gone – gone – gone.”
The long history of American based, Scottish fronted alternative rock band Garbage has been a lived-every-moment experience here at DCW. Every one of their albums has been owned and obsessed on since they began releasing them in the mid 1990’s. One live show highlight was catching the band in October 2015 during their 20th Anniversary of 1995’s debut album (lovingly chronicled here). With life’s changes and southern relocation, it was a thrill to discover Garbage was putting out an eighth studio album (symmetrical 8’s here in this Feature) “Let All That We Imagine Be the Light” in 2025. Their “Happy Endings” tour was announced in support of the record, with a stop at The Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Florida as an opportunity to catch them live once again. Both that show and the album’s songs are now reviewed below.
Opening both the record and their recent live shows with "There's No Future in Optimism" showcases Shirley Manson and the band (her “druids”) at peak performance. Released as the albums first single, a repeated intro line “if you’re ready for love” sets up the quintessential slick Garbage production and vocal hook “future, future, love, love, future.” Despite the title and some lyrical references to world unrest, positivity shines through on lines “you and I, we have a chance - we could leave this place and rewrite our romance.” Similarly, the lyrics “there is no future that can’t be designed - with some imagination and a beautiful mind” is the definition of optimistic.
Here’s the dramatic opening with this song at their Orlando show on Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The title to second track “Chinese Fire Horse” references Shirley’s birth year in the zodiac cycle. A forward charging guitar, bass and drums fueled rocker, the caustic lyrics deal with aging and fighting back against stereotypes related to that. As the vocal hook “wait a minute, wait a minute,
wait a fucking minute, wait a minute” repeats throughout, live show bandmates Shirley and bass player/backup singer Nicole Fiorentino join together on it with enthusiasm. The definitive line “I’vе still got my power in my brain and my body, I'll take no shit from you” puts an exclamation point on it all.
Third cut “Hold” was given it’s live debut and bonus treat for those of us in attendance at this Orlando show. The synth/bass heavy start-stop rhythm supports emotional lyrics referencing both current global chaos and personal intimacy. A one-two punch of hooks that name checks the songs title along with lines “don't let me go - just hold on tight - for our dear life” is followed by “we keep running, running, running.”
This clip captures that performance at our Orlando show
A modulating synth pattern introduces fourth entry “Have We Met (The Void).” Low-key near whispered vocals present an unwanted visitation “in the dead of the night” where “I don’t know who you are – all skin and bone.” The chorus (as expected) is bigger and bolder with the title line question followed by “I think you've mixed me up with somebody else.” Piano temporarily emerges as solo musical accompaniment, with vocals revealing a destructive relationship betrayal. While this overall instrumental performance is orchestral, the mood and groove stays ominous and accusatory.
Fifth track “Sisyphus” dips down into the smooth electronic realm with sequenced pulses as it’s driving force. The songs title and descriptive lyrics initially echo the mythological figure doomed to push that rock up a hill. However, it pivots quickly to overcoming obstacles with the dreamy chorus “this little body of mine is going to make things right.” Along with cautionary lyrics (“they’ll try to hoodwink you – don’t look away, take in everything whenever possible”) is a highlight sugar-coated hook that simply goes “On and on. On and on and on.”
Moving into the back half of the album, sixth cut “Radical” opens with off-kilter toy piano before the full band joins in. With sultry vocals from Shirley and a noticeable backbeat from Butch Vig, the hooky chorus “all you got to do is save a life” instantly sticks in your head. This song is also where album title “let all that we imagine be the light” are part of the lyrics. Swelling synths and trip-hop percussion underscores seventh entry “Love to Give.” While Shirley readily acknowledges “everybody's a little crazy, I'm no exception to the rule,” it’s the descending progression chorus that clarifies with the simple (and sincere) phrase “I've got a lot of love to give.” A dreamy bridge section expands on opening “proverb from a cookie” lyric with the celestial “breathe, let me breathe” refrain.
A second single was released from the album with eighth track “Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty.” Twangy guitar serves as the musical focus between and around vocal lines. A song about fighting back against controlling powers, the chorus hits hard with guitars supporting lyrics “get out my facе, don't mess with me, we're exhausted” followed by Shirley’s ghostly background vocal “get out.” Flipping a well known phrase, “if you can't join 'em, you gotta beat 'em” becomes the ultimate rallying cry. The albums penultimate entry “R U Happy Now” builds off a deep drums-and-bass rumble. Descending synth lines eventually join the mix, supporting biting lyrics which are the opposite of any sincere question of “happiness.”
Clocking in at nearly six minutes in length, closing track “The Day That I Met God” could arguably be the best on the entire album. Certainly the most ambitious, a Pink Floyd-like sequential synth pattern provides the initial audio base for Shirley’s lyrical revelation. Written while recovering from surgery, the fever dream where “my life fell apart” and “I thought I’d lost my mind” is recounted against a driving rhythm. The backing drops out and only piano remains on the chorus that intimately states “and so there I was, face to face with God - It was everyone I'd еver loved . . . еverything I'd ever wanted.” A David Gilmour-esque guitar solo follows, played by Steve Marker, with the previous piano sections played by Duke Erikson (though each play both instruments).
Second time through the chorus has the full band accompanying, then switching back to just piano on an introspective bridge stating “all around and everywhere - all at once and anywhere.” Because of the severe pain associated with Shirley’s hip replacement and recovery, strong medicine was required. Hence the songs final musical passage referencing painkiller Tramadol with repeated lines “Tramadol, Tramadol - I found God in Tramadol.”
Check out the live debut of this song at the attended Orlando show:
Overall, this live show was an extra special treat as it was the first show on the final leg of the "Happy Endings" tour, and Shirley posted a lovely message about it.
The Hard Rock Live venue and it's attached restaurant is a great place to see a show, with so many artists memorabilia on display.
The attention to detail on things like this suspended from the ceiling instruments display below adds a stunning visual aspect to the experience.
As one would expect, the live show also included many classic songs from all their previous albums.
"I Think I'm Paranoid"
"Vow"
“Only Happy When It Rains” from their 1995 self-titled debut album was the shows first encore.
Followed by “When I Grow Up” from 1999’s multi-platinum second album Version 2.0
The setlist of everything played.
Opening the show was newer dynamic rock band Starcrawler who put on an excellent show of their own.
Recorded works takes precedence over live concerts this month, as a number of high quality (and woefully under reported) creative types (musicians, filmmakers) reached out for analysis and recognition. As bloated internet sources tripped over each other posting the same repetitive paid for PR announcements (devoid of any actual thoughtful insight) freedom from those callous trappings allow this site to focus solely on the art. The question that haunts daily is this – is EVERYTHING for sale? Is financial commerce the ONLY motivating reason to care about anything? Quoting a rock journalist LEGEND who was never driven by that, Lester Bangs once said, “the only questions worth asking today are whether humans are going to have any emotions tomorrow, and what the quality of life will be if the answer is no.”
It's been a few years since the music of Stellarium was fully featured here on this site. Their self-titled debut album garnered a track-by-track breakdown at that time with an accompanying recap by yours truly over on The Deli Mag a few weeks after. The band now has a brand new seven track collection, delivering nearly a 40 minutes mix of alternately fiery and glowing sonics.
Leadoff track “Summer Bloodbath” teases 7 seconds of backward looping before moving into a fuller ambient cathedral wash. Open high-hat cymbals signal the rhythm section kicking in, as bass guitar and drums thunder underneath shimmering guitar chords. Its fast paced and rhythmic – a propulsive forward motion assault. Vocals emerge with varying degrees of FX masking, providing an ominous howl over the frenetic rhythm that continues to churn underneath. Despite the songs macabre title, a warm sensation is felt through the rushing guitar washes, rising single note melodies and counter-melody bass guitar figures. If this is truly about a “murderous bloodbath,” the accompanying soundtrack to it here adds a certain romantic beauty.
“Paradox” comes on harder edged, with aggressive deeper toned guitars, rapid-fire drum roll bursts and high-pitched squeals creating a hyper-force rising swell. Vocals take on that unintelligible heavy-effects laden texture that serves more as another instrument, rather than any kind of actual storytelling vehicle. Whether a possible truth can ultimately be revealed by contradictory forces seems a moot point within the framework of this sonic exploration. Ferocious battering often engulfs segments of this track, as quick fluid bass patterns propel matching-speed drumming and rising guitar onslaught. The final minute has the tempo shifting down a gear for a raucous jam-out coda.
The pace is brought down somewhat on third track “Lo,” as dreamier elements are explored through chiming guitar textures and more inquisitive vocals. Fuller motion is once again provided by a busy rhythm section that employs free roaming bass guitar work. Not to be outdone, the percussion is locked on tight with precisely confident snare-shot accents. Longer note guitar melodies are woven in and throughout the course of this nearly 8 minute song. As one might expect from a track of this length, an ambient breakdown appears just past the halfway point, allowing for further auditory explorations.
The vigorous drive returns for “Still” which adds elements of “gothic-pop sonics” - rumbling, low-note Bauhaus-like bass – open note arpeggio Cure-like guitar figures – and a more clearly defined chord progression. While the (still) unintelligible psychedelic vocals also skewer toward romanticism, is it happiness or “the hanging garden” serving as ultimate final destination?
Returning to deep, trippy, ambient sensations, “You Die Inside” bathes the listener with engulfing aural washes before glimmering guitar chords emerge. A deliberate progression slowly takes shape before dream-like vocals appear. Well placed minor chords adds a sensual dimension to the overall proceedings. A final one-minute coda sees the band ultimately opening up for a dynamic finish.
Heavily fuzzed bass notes and audible squeals usher in “Space Candy.” Hard battering drums and wildly chugged guitars fuel this explosive rave-up, while the vocals continue to be applied with deep reverb and drawn-out enunciation. At 2:43, it serves as the shortest track in this collection.
Final (and epic) track “Dynasty” closes everything out with the longest contribution here at over eight and a half minutes. A deep percussive beat anchors doom-laden riffs as violent guitar layers thrash over top. Vocals come in that deeply muffled manner that a band like A Place To Bury Strangers frequently exploits. In fact the pacing and overall sense of foreboding on this track pays a certain homage (whether intentional or not) to Mr. Ackermann's finest work. Halfway in the brutal pummeling gives way to an ambient plateau where the clearly audible vocal question is put forth: “how does it feel when everything is you know gone?” With only seconds to ponder that, the answer comes via more frenzied instrumental aggression.
While waiting for all this new material to fully emerge as streams and downloads, you can check out all of the bands previous work at their Bandcamp.
Additional DaveCromwellWrites features on Stellarium can be found here:
There's a retro mid-70's punky garage rock feel to Women Of The Night's latest release “Moscow Mansions.” It's slow-burn two-chord groove and rough-hewn city street vocals feels like a lost track off the original Live At CBGB's album. One could picture this primal groove rooted in 50's style strolling blues and gritty urban lyrics fitting seamlessly between The Tuff Darts and Mink DeVille on that seminal record. While those artist drew inspiration from legends like Van Morrison, modern touches emerge throughout this current track.
With the resolving hook centering around how “she” (then “he”) is “gonna catch them stars” and “ain't coming down again,” a ghostly keyboard melody line is added on the second pass through. Leading into a longer than anticipated instrumental segment imbues the track with a subtle psychedelic quality. Arriving at a dramatic pause, subsequent background vocals and final descending melody adds one more distinctive touch. “It's getting harder every day - I ain't gonna let you go by” is declared while tasty guitar riffing bubbles up inside of those ending lyrics.
Opening with the chord progression strummed out cleanly on an unadorned guitar, second track “Be Careful What You Wish For” sees heavier single notes quickly entering the mix for dramatic effect. Shuffling drums and bass are joined by an alternating keyboard melody as the lyrical story unfolds. Channeling elements of early (Freewheelin') Bob Dylan and all those who followed that conversational songwriting style (from Lou Reed through Nick Cave and the hordes of others), compelling imagery set to melody and rhythm takes hold. “5:30 as the city empties out - I wish I could just be a part of your well oiled machine - conversations the persuasions as the business men do business - they try their luck - and they dance around the streets and bars - as they proposition underage girls.”
The chorus moves things closer to pop hooks however, with the catchy refrain: “I've got you on repeat - girl be careful what you wish for - you've got me on speed dial -you only call me when you need to.” An unexpected level of pathos shines through via some well-placed (and haunting) slide guitar work. Ultimately this clever story concludes with a reckless (yet life affirming) denouement: “I just love the thought that sometimes betting with your heart you can surely win.”
Sharon Victoria Courtney is an Irish musician based out of Toronto, Canada making original music under the name Vancorvid. It is a unique and intoxicating sound that blends classical instruments, modern electronics and mysterious spoken word prose. Her latest release "Summon" sees her original composition (initially mixed and championed by Martin Bowes of Attrition) expanded upon through a Precious Child remix and accompanied by its strikingly cinematic video.
Opening with visuals of hands fluttering like wings, four distinct chordal chimes are struck before it all goes temporarily quiet. The image (and sound) of plucked harp strings is presented before a fuller, driving, percussive rhythm takes over, accompanying quick-cut moving pictures of frames, yarn, nails and scissors. Extended note reverberated voices float over the mix that includes a fluctuating 4 note melody pattern and piercing violin. Another quick pause ushers in a pulsing electronic pattern and the spoken word narration, providing the thematic core of this composition.
“Summon your courage. Your fake beliefs that you barely hold to and come to me. Summon your voice to speak.” A dream-like quality envelops the viewer with quick-cut images of the artists face next to elements of nature.
Blending violin textures with whispered voices, a steady throbbing beat creates motion until the next dramatic pause. Vocals re-emerge more fully sung, yet bathed in gossamer qualities as clouds float through horizontal faces.
The overall sensation is that of a psychedelic experience (of which dreams often resemble). Rich violins, humming voices and the return of those fluttering hands imagery pulls everything full circle.
A dovetailing of two like-minded forces has developed through a mutual fascination with and passion for the psychedelic state of mind. Award winning over 30 year career film composer Simon Boswell and alternative conscious film-maker Matt Levin are seeking to push the boundaries of their individual crafts through collaborative and individual projects.
While Mr. Boswell continues to simultaneously celebrate and rework his decades long soundtracks to many of the most innovative alternative films of our times, Mr. Levin has chronicled this recent activity through his Translove Airwaves outlet. Reaching out beyond the recording studio, Simon Boswell and his band The And have been performing live over the last few years. They brought their multi-media live show to The Mercury Lounge on October 3rd, 2018 and Translove Airwaves captured featured segments of that performance on film. Shared here is Mr. Boswell and his band performing a segment of his composition from the cult-classic film “Hackers.”
While that particular film was critically panned, but loved by audiences (as it's 32% and 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes would confirm) - and spawned a budding romance between a very young Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy in "Trainspotting" and Sherlock on TV's "Elementary) and Angelina Jolie (very well known) Simon's use of synthesizers on its film score reflected that eras fascination over emerging cyberpunk culture.
Mr. Boswell has recently stated that he and director Iain Softley are working on the definitive soundtrack release of this film on vinyl. Included with the original score there will be featured tracks by The Prodigy, Underworld, Orbital, Leftfield, Carl Cox, Stereo MCs and the composer himself.
As one might expect of an artist who's career has spanned three decades and continues on today, there is no shortage of material to draw upon. Providing soundtracks for a who's who of groundbreaking film-makers, the work of Alejandro Jodorowsky ("Santa Sangre"), Dario Argento ("Phenomena"), Michael Hoffman ("A Midsummer Night's Dream"), Danny Boyle ("Shallow Grave") and Richard Stanley ("Hardware," "Dust Devil") have all been scored by Mr. Boswell.
Having earned the freedom to rework his original film score material (where he was always beholden to the directors final choices), the live show now features visuals from the movies remixed to fit his music. What he refers to as "revenge of the film composer." Directors Jodorowsky, Argento and Richard Stanley all appear as virtual video spoken word artists.
In addition to his film score work, Simon also distinguished himself as a record producer and remixer. Achieving huge successes in the Italian market, he went on to work with world class artists like Elton John, Marianne Faithful, Dolly Parton and Andrea Bocelli. His unique style combines electronic and orchestral instruments, acoustic and slide guitar and synthesizers.
The recent live show at Mercury Lounge shows Simon introducing his “Hackers” music with a story about how like-minded psych artist (and VR specialist) James Edward Marks introduced him to computer programmers who coded under the influence of psychedelics. As the digital code imagery running behind the musicians blended with the sounds being produced, visual trails are recreated to represent one aspect of that mental state. It's a wonderfully immersive experience that expands further with powerful live electric guitar. Mood altering tempo shifts are combined with detailed footage from the film (a seriously intense Jonny Lee with equations flying around his head) while Simon unleashes precise guitar solos like Edgar Froese in 1970's era Tangerine Dream. Percussion thunders away underneath as the images of baby face Angelina Jolie speaking into a land-line phone enhance the visuals.
Sharing a similar attraction to and devotion for the connections that broad spectrum psychedelic thinking offers, film-maker Matt Levin works through his Translove Airwaves platform as a consciousness raising force. Combing his love for music and film school training, Matt explores psychedelia as a natural component of our complex brain interactions, moving beyond simple drugs-only applications. Choosing instead to focus on the unlimited scope that everything in this life has to offer - be it art, music, technology and positive healing lifestyle choices - all contribute to a higher level of cognitive awareness. View the Translove Airwaves trailer below:
Matt owes a debt of gratitude to psychedelic film-makers like Alejandro Jodorosky, as well as individuals who continue to provide guidance to this day. In particular, management/production guru Dave Newton and animation artist Batuhan Bintas.
Links to everyone mentioned here have been provided at the first instance of each of their names.
A new Ringo Deathstarr record is always reason to celebrate. Their fifth studio album, “Pure Mood” released on home turf Austin, Texas label The Reverberation Appreciation Society, (with manufacturing and distribution by The Orchard) deliver twelve brilliant tracks that are arguably their most cohesive effort yet.
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Opening track “Dream Again” pairs a simple strummed guitar chord progression with layers of angelic church choir voices from Alex. What’s interesting here are the “flat” (or possibly 4th note) harmonies she sings (with her layered self) on the repeated lyrical pass “a way you were – the way we were.” Immediately following is an even more appealing vocal sequence with the lyrics “eats you up all the things you love” that serve as an audio representation of the psychedelic dreamlike state.
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“Heavy Metal Suicide” is built around a riff that echoes the hybrid alterna-metal that made producer Butch Vig famous. Less the looser Nevermind era Nirvana grunge, this places much closer to the breakthrough first two Smashing Pumpkins albums. That RD have toured with and established something of a relationship with Mr. Corgan and his band, the only outstanding question would be if this track is the product of subliminal influence, or an intentional acknowledging homage. The classic dual vocals of Elliott and Alex alternate between whispery cool on verses and shouts of “I don’t mind if you don’t love me, it’s alright if you don’t miss me, I won’t cry if you won’t let me, but you won’t know unless you try” on the chorus. The rubbery downbeat accent riff that punctuates throughout the song and ends it is the ultimate heavy headbang moment.
“Stare At The Sun” – Pairs a purposeful marching bass guitar pattern with industrial metallic clang percussion, as guitar static textures rise within the mix. Verses are delivered by Alex in a measured cadence that walks the line between sung and spoken.
“Run - around - we need - to use it - let - it drip - but don't - abuse it - Ruff – enough - to make - it submit - run - around - you know - we can't quit - tear - it up - it does-n't matter - when - your mind - is a – disaster – hap-piness - can make - you sadder - when - you're stuck - inside - the pattern.”
The chorus hits big with chiming guitars and percussive drum pattern reminiscent of early 90’s loops in songs like Chapterhouse’s “Mesmerize.”“Turn back to pieces when I saw you” becomes both a single line chorus and central vocal hook.
The sound becomes more stripped down on the second verse as the lines “Take – your car – and drive – it nowhere – turn – me off – you know – I don’t care” are sung in an even more clipped cadence. “Met - your friend - he's such - a cancer – touch - me when - you know - I'm not there.” Guitar textures behind that create a unique ambient progression with metallic scraping strings effects. The next lyrical sequence that goes “how - do you - know when - you're finished? - does - it feel - good to - diminish? - blow - it up - just to – replenish – dream-ers just - a stu-pid cynic” features a slightly warped audio texture underneath, in what has become something of a signature sound for this band.
It’s not till deeper in does the song title come into focus, with the final statement – “your smile is a kind of torture - if you want something nice to look at - - stare at the sun and never turn back.”
Shimmering, flanged guitars introduce “Show Me The Truth Of Your Love.” Although primarily an Elliott vocal performance – with sincere romantic lines like “I want it all,” “I need to know,” “make me a vessel” and “I feel so special” – there is ample use of Alex’s softer, feminine counterpoint throughout.
Overall the track gives off the feel of something The Cocteau Twins could have done. That is until a surprising and somewhat odd cinematic coda closes out the track, with an initial dreamlike buildup ultimately having some random Spanish music immersed within it.
The lyrically heavy “Big Bopper” serves as one of those songs where personal favorite pop culture, zeitgeist moments in both music and film are rapidly listed. Similar to R.E.M.’s "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start The Fire” (although sounding nothing like either).
Classic hybrid Alex-Elliott vocals with pitch-bend guitar support deliver the first verse:
“Curtain with nothin behind it, Didn't lose a thing but I'm gonna find it, The tape is cued up but I'm tryna rewind it, Stuck outside but locked inside it, I've got a bad attitude, I'm tired of everyone in my crew, Waiting around for Hüsker Dü, To get back together and play some tunes”
A centralized heavy chorus hook that goes “Bad trip - Someone tell her - Don't make deals with - the creep in the cellar” (played three times throughout the song) keeps the tracks overall wordiness sufficiently anchored.
“You can't stop the cretins from hoppin” (first of two Ramones references).
“Died on a plane with the Big Bopper” (alluding to one of the worst airline tragedies in rock history, and obviously the song title. Was it just random to call the song this, or is there some deeper meaning?)
The next lines “I saw your mom she's off her Rocker. I know a way to earn a dollar” seem simple throwaways that work out because they rhyme. However the following “I need a ride to the other side. Tripped on a sun beam, blew my mind. Close your eyes and try to drive blind” suggest self-discovery through the psychedelic experience. However, that segments closing line “feels like I'm going through an Eventide” is something only those familiar with sound effects processors would get.
The musicians, songs, films and actors specifically listed in the final segment crosses more than a few decades, yet reflect things that most-likely only a Generation Y/Millennial would combine.
“Walk me home Joey Ramone, Andy Wood, Motherlovebone, My Girl, Good Son, Home Alone
Jeremy, Daughter, Even Flow, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Heaven's Gate was really a bummer, Neve Campbell and Liv Tyler, Oasis, Tony Blair, and Blur”
One of the first tracks initially released from the album, “Guilt” combines high production values with a looser, jammy drum track. Alex’s vocals layer the lyrics “Guilty/ it seeps through the ceiling/ a sinking feeling/ I'm kneeling” in a floating, overlay sequence, while drummer Daniel rips snare rolls, roughing up the sweetness. “Don't you see the colors are bleeding?/ your touch is misleading/ I'm pleading” (more mad drum fills). “Have you ever felt the prying?/ when nothings exciting/ stop trying.”
Like many of the songs on here, the chorus is a simple phrase – “dumb angel.” The guitars throttle in hard downward strokes as drum rolls bridge between.
What follows is a particularly snakelike guitar solo that shares a measured, professional quality to it. Inside liner notes credit “special guitar” to Jeff Schroeder (appearing courtesy of Gene Simmons) – an inside joke for sure as Jeff is the current Smashing Pumpkins lead guitarist, and has been since 2007.
Pumpkins friendships aside, the verses on this track shares a closer sonic lineage to female-voice-and-guitar-blend-wash 90’s UK band LUSH. Who coincidentally have reunited and are currently touring again after a 20 year hiatus.
The concluding lyrics: “perfect/ a gift worth receiving/ now I'm believing/ I need it/ swallow/ your ideas are borrowed/ you fake all your sorrow/ you're hollow/ don't you love when everything's ending?/ and you're still pretending you're living?”
You can listen to this song (where I first covered it back in November 2015) here:
Continuing the sugary-buzz female-male blend vocals is the curiously titled “California Car Collection.” Isn’t that something rich people like Jay Leno or Reggie Jackson are known for?
“I am waving goodbye” is the initial vocal refrain, supported by abundant synth and/or sample keyboard pads. Soon the mantra of “I waste away” takes over and is repeated over fuzzy guitar chords. Second pass through adds a bass guitar pattern providing unexpected circuitous motion.
From the midway point until the end of the song’s three and a half minutes, it remains entirely instrumental.
Raw bass guitar notes introduce frequent live show favorite “Frisbee,” just before the full-on pitch-bend guitars and syncopated drumming arrive with force. “Free Your Head” is the alleged repeated lyrical refrain, although with so many of this bands repeated lines, they tend to float like amoebas. That is to say that with studio processing and layering, certain words or phrases take on an indefinite, changeable shape. However, the clearly enunciated Elliott vocals “Well I don't know if I'm wrong - I'd say I'm sorry but it's been too long - I don't feel it like I should - I guess it's bad that I think that's good,” leave little doubt as to the intended message.
The second verse (repeated as the third too) continues this theme with the words “I'm the same I've always been -But you still cling to my old skin -It's a feeling you can't shed - Don't expect to understand,” all while Daniel is free to cut loose with drum fills that make it all sound so lively.
The subsequent guitar solo practically explodes out in an uplifting burst of elongated, sustained notes.
Heading into “deeper” tracks now, “Boys In Heat” has also been included in live shows over the last few months. Hyper-quick strummed bee-buzz guitars power over top of steady driving bass and drums. What distinguishes the track early (and repeated throughout) is the every 4 bar 1-2, 1-2 drum punctuation. “Having fuuuuuunnn – in the summer sun” give early indication as to which “heat” the song title refers to. Deep tom drum fills on the first change (and throughout) makes for a tasty headphone listening experience. So too for the bass guitar driven extended trippy instrumental break.
Also spotted on a written live show set list (a rarity in itself) is even deeper track “Never.”
Emerging instantly at breakneck speed, the “deathstarr” is on full throttle until everything stops momentarily for quick, blended Elliott and Alex vocal statements. With the basic sentiment being “never should have let you in, and never let you screw me down again,” its lesson learned and not to be repeated. Another toms throttling, bass guitar rumbling change section delights as Elliott declares (with winking musical nod to a certain Scottish band who were an early influence) “I was on the chain – never had a brain.” The audio “argument” attached to the end is nothing short of hilarious. “You find yourself a place to work, girl!”
There’s a distinct “smooth soul” vibe to second-to-the-last-track “Old Again.” Opulent background vocals provide much of this sentiment, while a lively structured bass pattern anchors from within. Repeated lyrical refrain “feel old again” points out this sentiment can be experienced at any age.
Verse two and three add shards of guitar driven “jet engine” sonics, keeping everything very much in the “noise rock” realm. A final tacked on coda of unadorned plunking guitar serves as a musical easter egg nugget for those who listened this far.
Final cut “Acid Tongue” closes out the album at breakneck pace with a nod to that classic Swervedriver sound. Speedy bassline and bendy-warped guitars power along under Elliott’s vocals. A hard heavy metal bridge segues into telling lyrics “don’t need a gun, but I got one – feeling dumb – like someone” with the final repeated phrase “and I was wrong.”
The album can be also gotten in the UK and the rest of Europe via their long time relationship with Club AC30, and in Japan via Vinyl Junkie.
Ringo Deathstarr headlined a triumphant return to New York performance at popular Brooklyn venue Baby's All Right on April 3rd. All of the band live shots here are from that show.
Almost a month prior to that, they embarked on whirlwind European tour with shows nearly every night in different cities. A safe holding place for their US touring vehicle was needed.
T-shirts, CD's and Love - are really all you need.
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"Good evening, Angels"
A gift from Piazzale Falcone E Borsellino Pesaro Italy
Fun times. The Best times.
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Just prior to that evening's headliners, ambient dreampop purveyors The Stargazer Lilies delivered their own exciting live performance.
Having perfected creating spacious, dreamy sonic landscapes. theirs is a sound that continues to grow and evolve.
Innovative forces John Cep and Kim Field present enhanced studio recordings via effects-heavy guitars and sugar sweet angelic vocals respectively.
Impressionistic colors blurred across a windswept sky.
Technology may make the creation possible . . .
. . . but the artistic emotions behind it all are why it actually matters.
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Just a few weeks prior to this evenings performance saw them out in Austin, Texas for the SXSW festival with Cromwell coverage in The Deli Magazine Print Issue for that event.
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The band will release their latest album, "Door to the Sun" on June 3 via Graveface Records.
First single “When With You” can be heard (and viewed) via the below video. Filmed and directed by LG from Dead Leaf Echo at Aloft photo studio in New York City, with editing by John Cep.
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Speaking of Dead Leaf Echo - they too played on this evening, opening the show with their own brilliant set.
Having last covered one of their shows here, the overall changing dynamic first noticed on that night seemed more clearly defined.
The current four piece until has been together for quite a while now (maybe longer than any of the prior lineups) and it shows in the confident execution of their material.
A full room at Baby's All Right drank in the waves of sound (with an emphasis on newer material) throughout their set.
Guitars now dominate what once was (at times) a keyboards heavy, electronic pulse driven sound.
The weeks following this show saw the band head out on their first European tour.
Their social networks kept a nightly stream of info and updates about those shows, indicating a rewarding experience and successful endeavor.
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Brand new Dead Leaf Echo music has now been announced as a 7" split single "child.glass.heart" is set to be released May 13 on Moon Sound Records. On the flip side is the track "Dirty Minds" by complimentary darkwave act The Harrow. A full release party will be at Sunnyvale Brooklyn on May 14.
Dave Cromwell has been writing about music since the dawn of the internet age. In addition to the steady flow of features here on this site, he has been a regular contributor to The Deli Magazine (both Print and Web) since 2010. With numerous Print Issue cover features and weekly contributions on the Deli website, scores of artists have received the Cromwell point of view. Along with ongoing contributions to this site and The Deli Magazine, Dave has written for Dingus, My Social List, The Waster, Spin and Rolling Stone magazines.
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