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Showing posts with label corduroy institute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corduroy institute. Show all posts
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Best Of 2024 Year In Review: New Music and Live Show Coverage
The final month of 2024 offers an opportunity to highlight the best works presented over the whole year. For this music site, its annual “Best Of” collection celebrates the most significant artists written about since the beginning of this time period. Studio recorded music and video continued to dominate the bulk of analysis, with a significant return to detailed live show coverage included as well. Compiled here in monthly chronological order is the “2024 DaveCromwellWrites Best New Music Reviews and Live Show Coverage.”
Monday, January 29, 2024
Intriguing Reviews of New Full Album and Single Releases
A new year and new locations provide the backdrop for this month’s DaveCromwellWrites Feature. Introductory singles from new artists on the cusp of releasing their debut full-length share space with returning artists who’ve previously received deep-dive reviews. The collective result are audio journeys encompassing a wide range of fuzzy dream pop, dynamic changes, progressive electronics, improvisational recording, along with a more precisely structured indie pop.
Hearing that fuzzy-gaze dreampop band Phantom Wave are preparing to release a new full-length LP “Bonfire Secrets” in the coming days is exciting news. Having met the band last year at a Ringo Deathstarr show, it comes as no surprise they’ve enlisted that bands sonic guru Elliott Frazier to mix those tracks. Diving right into the advance stream provided for review, some thoughts immediately flow from the mind and fingertips.
First single and featured track “First Light” initially floats out of a mist in the most dreamy way. A tom-tom driven drum pattern and measured bass guitar provides movement underneath soft shimmering guitars and clean delivered vocals. That softness is abruptly shattered by following passages of hard charging drums, bass and a wall of guitars. All the while, passionate vocals implore you to “hold out the first light.” Downward driving accents add punchy power under vocals delivered with urgency.
Promised next single and album opener “Chimera” comes on quick and a bit poppy. Is that 80’s era Cure? Clearly not once the big noisy hook is reached, as a wall of sheering guitars run roughshod over everything. The bass guitar is busy, providing melodic movement, while the drums thrash and bash their way throughout. Vocals are soft and conversational. Is it about a grotesque monster having disparate parts? An apparition, dream, illusion or vision? Who knows – it sounds fantastic, though!
Opening instrumental track “Take the Train to Manchester” emerges slowly from an electronic substation. Train track-like clack percussion gives weight to the theme, before submerging behind ominous synth pulses and forward driving bass guitar. That percussive clack returns and is joined by higher pitched synth textures. It feels a bit like early Kraftwerk and their pre-mechanized “Trans Europe Express.”
First vocal song “[A] Girl Named Philosophy” moves along mysteriously, adding subtle twangy guitar lines over a deep thump bass and percussion. It’s fascinating how a full story can be conjured together with found, cut-up lyrics. Vocals are delivered with a resonant baritone, while closing lines “in a deal with absurdity” suggests more “folly” than actual “philosophy.”
“Say Something Gentle” brings back the clacking, train-like percussion, enhanced by solid bass guitar and filigree brighter-toned six-string figures. Vocals are dispatched now in a higher pitch, closer to a tenor. Horns (or the synth approximation) are an added element, with repeated lyrical line “the true colors of the machine” standing out. The title line eventually appears with the composition reaching it’s conclusion.
An angular bass guitar pattern provides the musical structure for next cut “Uncirculated Knowledge of the Universe.” Dueling vocals appear throughout, adding to it’s overall ethereal feel. Both vocalists present those cut-up lyrics frequently in echo-repeat fashion. “She can do whatever she wants” serves as one focus vocal line. “(An) Intimate (Tension)” bubbles up ominously via violin-like strokes and stressed textures. A slowly descending bass guitar provides the most rudimentary framework for this instrumental only tone poem.
A bright, clicking percussion pattern kicks off next entry “They Don't Even Know.” Long-held keyboard pads lay out a chord structure over distant, driving bass guitar. There’s a soulful, near-funky feel to this one, combining an electric “drums and bass” vibe with a melancholy mood. Completing some kind of thematic arc with the previous cut, “No One Ever Knows” pivots to gentle acoustic guitar for initial instrumentation, while layering on unintelligible tape-recorded voices. A deeper Cello-like texture saws back and forth in a gradually decaying pace that Brian Eno employed on his 1975 masterpiece “three variations on the canon in D major.” This composition is more acoustic guitar-centric, however and the light textures those strings add contrast playfully with those taped found sounds.
“Our Former Places of Worship/Luminous Chaos” combines synth textures, bass guitar, stirring vocals with hiss-crack percussion. Synth chords and bass guitar breaks offer up spaces between vocal line readings. Rising synth textures evoke Eno once again, but this time his early work with Roxy Music. Final entry “You Always Loved Everything…” adds echo to the dual vocal rendering of these particular cut-up lyrics. “I was worried about leaving” followed by the song title. Driving bass guitar, sparse electronic percussion and a smattering of synths all contribute to an overall Joy Division-like feel.
Listen to and find out how to acquire this innovative recording here:
Choosing to open the album with an amusing short “intro” of upbeat electronic rhythms and spoken word, Chad invites the listener to join him “on this sonic joyride.” That leads into the albums title track which advocates the virtues of going for a cruise in your favorite car. The production is impeccable, with soothing higher pitched vocals that bring to mind high-gloss pop bands like 10CC.
Every instrument is precisely placed, with each percussive and stringed note avoiding excess. Voices are intertwined and pitched to varying levels. Follow-up track “Still Mine” relies on strummed guitar for rhythm, adding off-kilter ambient instruments for oddball effect. Lyrics “saw your name pop up on my Instagram – I know that face well” references the way we sometimes carry on relationships via the internet only. “Sunday” doubles down on the warbly strummed guitar, adding a funky bass pattern and soulful background vocals. “I’m no good for love (pronounced LA-ove)” is the essential lyrical refrain. Sweet, sentimental roller-rink style keyboards completes the audio picture. “Catholic” morphs over to dreamy with a Beatles-esque vocal cadence, and well-placed tambourine accents. Dealing with embedded influences, lyrics “I don’t know if I believe in something greater – or at least myself,” questions early religious training.
“Holy Ghost” seems to hold onto the previous theme, while pivoting to other potential sonic influences. The in-your-ear, casual spoken word style employed so effectively by The Strokes is noticeable, as are those choppy guitar rhythms and single run melodic fretwork lines. Clever lyrics provide strength behind the whimsical musings of “Our Love.” Understated guitars and a driving bass offer up the appropriate accompaniment for witty rhymes like “just look at us – making out in our electric chairs – and the coroner said he the saw sparks come flying from our hair.”
“Another Show” laments being “too hung up to go down easy” but will “hang around till I know your leaving,” making this “show” about a failed relationship all too real. Regretting spending time “chasing rainbows in a thunderstorm” furnishes appropriate imagery for time squandered. Bass guitar continues to drive everything throughout the curiously titled “Single Use Plastic.” That title reference becomes clearer with the lyrics “the wind has changed – a thousand ways – a plastic bag caught in the sky.” Points given for the madcap instrumental break at the songs midpoint. In fact, this composition offers up multiple distinct passages, making it one of the more densely constructed offerings here. The album wraps up with a brief "outro" where Chad thanks this listener for "hanging out."
Near the end of 2021, DCW wrote a detailed review of Adam Lippman’s featured single “Sunblind,” from the later released full-length 'Some Things Cast Long Shadows.' That track later earned placement in the year-end “Best Of” annual wrap-up. Adam is now back with a new single “Wasted” which delves once again into the pop-indie-rock genre. Written and performed by Adam, the track was recorded and produced by James Mauri at Strawberry Hill Studios in Norwalk, Connecticut. Showing off his visual arts skills as well, he also painted the album cover.
A spirited snare shot, high-hat and bass drum beat kicks the song off as melodic six-string and bass guitar quickly joins in. Adam’s reedy vocals soon commence, telling the universal tale of how people meet at “the bar right down your street.” A subtle xylophone is detected underneath the following lyrical theme that references the songs title – how so much time can be “wasted” in these pursuits. “When you gonna come around?” is the repeated questioning expressive inquiry and hook. “You didn’t have to run and hide from me” ultimately leads to “we don’t have to look too far to see that it’s wasted.” At the tracks midway point the rhythm guitars and bass drop back leaving percussion and more open spaces. An ambient descending guitar texture and simple bass lead the way to a pleasing rhythmic interlude, before repeating the primary vocal hook, leading to its overall conclusion.
Listen in and find out how to acquire this track here:
Listen to this slow burn fuzz right here:
The full “Bonfire Secrets” album is currently scheduled for an April 2024 release.
Keep up with Phantom Wave via their Social Media for updates and new release info.
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Back in July of 2021, DCW did a deep-dive review of the San Diego-based research and development collective Corduroy Institute and their musical duo’s full-length album “Eight/Chance/Meetings.” That creative outlet is now back with a new long player “Take the Train to Manchester.” Consisting of 9 new compositions created between December 2019 and August 2023, this intermittent crafting is the longest span of time spent on any of their albums. Once again using their institutional methodology of cut-up lyrics pulled from print media, the music was created through multi-tracked improvisations.
A previous feature of this band can be found on this site here.
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It’s been a while since new music from Chad Sabo has made it’s way onto this site’s radar. It was July of 2018 when a combined live show and previous release retrospective was covered on his band The Cold Seas at that time. Enjoying a seamless 10 song set comprised of the four singles and one EP released over the previous two years, an appreciation for the talent on display was realized.
Now Chad is back with his debut solo album “joyride,” inspiring a new DCW deep-dive review.
Check out this fascinating pop album here:
Keep in touch with Chad via his Socials
A Feature on this artist previously posted on this site can be found here.
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A prior Feature on Adam's music can be found on this site here.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Gathered Deliberation on Recent Audio and Video Releases
July is always one of the best months of the year around here. You are deep into the heart of summer yet still far enough from it being over to have any real concern with all that. Adding in multiple significant birthday and holiday celebrations all combine to make it arguably the top 31 day stretch of the entire calendar year. With that comes this month's DaveCromwellWrites Review featuring new and returning artists, all with brand new or recently released recordings. Dig in and expand your horizons with this eclectic collection of new music.
Perennial CromwellWrites faves GIFTSHOP are back with not one but two brand new tunes. Scheduled to hit the airwaves on July 26th, advanced previews affords the opportunity for a careful listen and comprehensive review.
First up is the freshly written “More Than That,” which packs more into it's barely over two minute frame than most of the repetitious, overlong excess churned out on a daily basis. Giftshop has mastered the art of the precision pop song. Opening with a Matt Santoro chunky guitar riff straddling the line in tone and delivery between classic-era GNR (“Sweet Child/Jungle”) and Bryan Adams (“Summer of 69”) sets an instant rock and roll attitude. That's quickly joined by Damian Eckstein's two-part ascending bassline and Jordan Kramer's tom-tom percussion before consummate belter Meghan Taylor begins the (Damian penned) lyrical tale. Current zeitgeist topics referencing “big pharma” and “gun control” appear to have everyone on edge as we go about our daily “modern living.” While Meghan delivers these lines with urgency over three-piece throttling rock rhythms, pathos comes via a harmonized bridge hook and title line payoff. “Mental illness is gonna kill us, yeah” is how the Meghan and Damian harmony goes, while the dynamic lead vocalist starkly states “And still I want more - Than that.” Not content to stop there, a dramatic third section pulls out the stops with explosive power chords, sugary “ah ah ah” background vocals and Meghan's passionate lyrical delivery “I'd stop the pain, I'd stop the tears, of wasted time and wasted years.”
The second new track “Kewl With Me” is actually a song that's been around for a number of years but never quite found it's way into the studio for a proper recording. Rectifying that oversight now is the right move, allowing for a fresh listen to this classic material. Once again opening with a dominant, resonating guitar riff, percussion works it's way in through cymbals this time before forceful toms go beat-for-beat with Meghan's vocal recitation. “You lift me up - And I know where I am - You put me down - And I know where I stand” come traded off between powerful rhythm-section and vocal accents alternated between guitar only chugging like some kinda Greta Van Led Zep “Black Dog” groove. It all comes together in bold stroke unison on the solid chorus “I don't mind when you come to me, I don't care you're still cool with me"(with tasty harmonies on “come to me” and “cool with me”). With guitar chugging forward, special mention goes to the syncopated snare-drum shots and precision-point bass notes creating a rhythmic pulse underneath. As Meghan emotes the intro verse and chorus once again, additionally offering to “help you find the thing you seek,” a tension-filled guitar line breaks out over that syncopated rhythm with tambourine rattle added on top.
Get your first listen to these tracks direct from Damian and Meghan live on The Rodent Hour.
Then pick up your own copy via all the usual places we now acquire music from.
Previous GIFTSHOP Features can be found in the DCW realm here and here.
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Making their way onto this websites radar are Brooklyn-based neo noire rock'n'rollers Toshio Band. Finding inspiration from a variety of film makers (Quentin Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch), poets (William Blake), jazz innovators (Charles Mingus) as well as literary rockers (Iggy Pop, Tom Waits) serves as a wide and disparate pool to draw from. Lead singer and bassist Tim Lavigne pilots the project through songwriting and sound design bringing all these influences together in a modern rock and roll format. Their recently self-released EP “Lock Your Doors” is a five song concept EP that explores themes of madness and melancholy in an unforgiving world.
Opening track “Cassandra” builds off of distorted guitar progression that is quickly joined by bass and drums in a busy, forward-moving progression. Vocals lines “maybe it's all – in my head,” “we're thrown into this world all alone,” and “so beautiful – must fall apart” all speak to the overall motif of post-apocalyptic isolation and demise. Rhythmically quick, bouncy and cool, the tracks overall sound softens those otherwise harsher lyrical themes. Follow-up track “Scorpion” is a loud, over-driven stomper, combining smoother reverbed vocals with needle-to-the-red level instrumentation. With the author pointing to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” as a lyrical touchstone, the lines “I'm the scorpion / the false champion,” and “I address myself and amass my wealth / I'm so innocent, a flowered serpent” echo the bards poetic style. Seeking power for it's own sake so often leads to damaging psychological effects. The eventual vocal hook, however is a much simpler repeated line “I found a reason.” Seemingly pulling from a number of source points, references to “heaven's gate” and “end of days” can also be heard. A particularly tasty lead guitar solo turns up a minute-and-a-half in to this overall concise barely two-and-a-half minute song.
Final track “Forgotten Friends” presents a slice of wistful reflection in a perfectly packaged under three minute pop song. While elongated phrasing and vocal croon on the opening verse owes a certain amount of debt to Morrissey, subsequent passages move things beyond respectful homage. “And we fall – down, my dear – in the sea” anchors an essential change in both progression and state of mind.
Check out Toshio Band via their official website here.
Listen to and find out how to acquire their wonderful tracks here:
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Cover model Andrea Revilla
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Check out the trailer for this feature here:
Get more info on the Translove Airwaves series here
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