Singles provide the focus for this month of April, spring bloom DaveCromwellWrites Feature. For every EP or Album release, there is often one particular or current song that serves the artists best as an introduction to their latest music. A broad field of geographical locations and sonic styles are covered in the reviews below. While frequently covered genres of dream-gaze and power-pop remain a constant, explorations into prog, symphonic and harsher metal appear as well. Familiar labels present new recording artists, while others find their way in on their own.
The folks at Shoredive Records are at it again, and instinctively knows what flies here at this site all too well. Their “new format, straight to the point” pitch method brings news of the labels 116th release featuring an artist out of Chicago called “Glitter Assassin.” That cool name along with the promise of noisy guitar layered indie pop with a heavy gazer influence will always garner a listen. The epic in length, six and a half minute lead single “Burning Next To Mine” ticks all the right aforementioned boxes, and as such receives full DCW analysis.
Deep twangy bass notes lead everything in as synths rise up from nearly inaudible to a loud dynamic swirl. With an electronic percussive clack the lush guitar melody begins in earnest, transporting the listener back to the golden age of late 80's/early 90's dreampop romanticism. As vocals begin with the line “criminals we lay, right next to defeat,” the tone and cadence is reminiscent of Richard Butler's impassioned rasp in his band The Psychedelic Furs. That touches of Bowie can also be felt makes sense as Butler was inspired by the Blackstar Alien as well. The guitars are used for maximum effect as echo lines following many of the lyrics presented (an excellent technique) and the bass guitar maintains it's necessary presence. If there's one slight criticism, the drum track is somewhat rudimentary. It could certainly benefit with a Colm Ó Cíosóig or Loz Colbert on the skins, but then again – any band would welcome those guys!
However the track lifts off to another stratosphere on the gorgeously lush chorus that begins “we can feel it taking over.” The pure shimmer of guitar chords propelling this beautiful melody forward perfectly captures the essence of Robin Guthrie's work with The Cocteau Twins and all the bands that followed him. As the chorus unfolds to reveal the song's title, the been-there-before sense that even in the act of lovemaking, some secrets still remain, with “your lies, burning next to mine.” Other elements creating delightful sonic experiences are things like the reverberated single guitar note Raveonettes-style breaks immediately following the chorus. Verse two delves further into visions of “heaven” and “deceit” while providing the albums overall theme of “stripping your beliefs.” A sudden dropout at the 4:23 mark leaves no other sound than a hum and tick, before bass guitar and snare drum rattle leads it all about in for the triumphant final choruses. Again, intuitive placement of descending/ascending guitar lines on this outro adds another level of exquisite melody to it all.
Respected Label BIG STIR RECORDS rolls out the first in a series of singles highlighting Finnish power-pop guitar group The Bablers. Previously released in Japan and Finland only in 1998, the track "You Are The One For Me" has been newly remastered for a full global reissue in 2022. This lead single is from the forthcoming reissue of a newly remastered edition of the band's second album “Like The First Time.” On the single's original release, it garnered heavy airplay in Japan and received product placement attention while being broadcast during the heavily-viewed Tokyo marathon. Now remastered for release to new territories in a new millennium, this first track begins Big Stir's unveiling of the “lost” middle chapter of THE BABLERS' career – the Japanese Saga.
With snare drum and rolling toms intro, “You Are The One For Me” instantly kicks into power-pop gear as chiming/buzzing guitars mark out its upbeat progression. Singing the opening (title) line with John Lennon-esque tone, subsequent lines “you really turn me on” and “your eyes your eyes” double down on the captured spirit of early Beatles. Hitting the first change a half-a-minute in, “I never thought that this could happen” and “I never thought that this could be real” are separated by chiming Rickenbacker-style jangle. Further segments immediately follow - “oh, no no no” with punctuated chord changes “not for me.” Expanding the lyrical story about “a beautiful girl” and “proud that she loves me,” liner notes reveal it was written for a friend's wedding as a testament for their future life together. There's a sense of sheer joy in the instrumental sections that show how guitars, bass and drums locked together are all you really need for a perfect pop song. Add in those aforementioned Lennon/Beatlesque vocals (and jubilant lyrics) – with just a touch of keyboard harmonium melody enhancement in just the right places, and you have the ideal recipe for this magnificent song.
Social media promotion can be as much of a “message in a bottle” (washing up on some distant shore) than intentional direct hit occurrence. An interesting musician recording under the name Friends from Moon found this site by searching Instagram hashtags (#musicreviewers, etc.) Knowing this is beneficial to all who are in need of connection in this regard. The artist in this particular instance is based out of New Delhi, India and specializes in Prog/Symphonic Metal, Alternative Rock, Soundtrack and Electronic/Ambient Music. Ritwik Shivam developed his band name after a hallucination trip under a full moon (a powerful force where “friends” can in fact be detected). His latest release “Astray” is a concept album in it's truest sense, covering themes of identity crisis, human decadence and alienation.
After prior singles releases, the sixth and penultimate storytelling track “Marvels beyond Madness” now arrives with a brilliantly animated lyric video. Clocking in just under 7 minutes in length, there is ample room to develop and expand upon a variety of musical themes. With the opening minute building out of foreboding ambiance, the sounds of industrial hum, tubular bells, rushing wind, clanging notes, and garbled noises of otherworldly nature serves as the basis for what follows. As metal-heavy math rock riffs commence adjacent to hyperspeed percussion, rough-hewn vocals commence with the story unfolding. “On my land – who's the butcher? Plague on the kin – betraying your creator” serve as the opening lyrical salvo. In keeping with the albums overall conceptual theme, the protagonist is confronted by a Lovecraftian monster-like entity which is, throughout, a metaphor for the darkness inside him. Just two minutes in and a number of distinct structural are experienced, with heavy guitars driving rhythms in frantic rising and descending directions, as drums pummel away in ferocious speed-metal patterns. The two and a half minute mark focuses solely on a :15 second space-rock guitar interlude (minus any backing) before returning to a full-on death-metal barrage.
Three and a half minutes in ushers in yet-another sonic change via an instrumental interlude that emphasizes keyboard chords, muscular percussion underneath and a rising bass guitar and is reminiscent of Chris Squire's dominating work with his band Yes. “Light a flame, just follow your instincts” commences the next driving metal section. This become more orchestral as it expands, with call and response vocals on lines “light a flame” followed by “quit running away.” Another cinematic plateau is reached at the 4:15 mark with everything dropping out once more leaving only the ominous sound of a void surrounding you. Chugging electric guitars return after :15 seconds or so, which suddenly leads into more defined thick buzzing metal guitar figures. Precision piston drums return along with another round of storytelling vocals that marries elements of what Rob Zombie does with more complex structures. Final vocals touch on the title line's meaning “show me your secrets – marvels beyond madness” and a resolution where death is no longer feared, in order to belong to a home.
Check out this incendiary track in all it's epic glory here:
Back in November of last year, this site reviewed the album “Winter Skin” by psychedelic dream pop and gazey indie music band EEP. The El Paso, Texas collective is now back with a side-band release called The Rosie Varela Project. First single “Fault Line” from the coming album “What Remains” is now out and receives the DCW review below. Additional singles are scheduled for future release leading up the full album drop on June 3.
Grainy synths and acoustic guitars open the current single “Fault Line.” Gentle background vocal “ahhhs” and tinkly piano work their way into the mix, adding to the moody atmosphere. Lead vocals commence in a soft, breathy manner as Rosie sings “He’s a fault line - He only wants to shake you up.”
As the vocals develop to a fuller projection, drums emerges underneath the still floating ambiance. A bolder voice emerges with an impassioned “Hold on” segment, where those words are repeated with impressive nuanced distinctions. As the story unfolds, a sense of wary caution becomes evident with each passing line. Things get quiet at the two minute mark when the warning “so hold your breath” becomes a mantra lasting for a good twenty seconds. At that point full instrumentation returns with ardent vocals singing out in full imploring to “let him pass by.” The sonics behind fill in with wonderful swirling motion, synths, rising background vocals and an overall psychedelic Sgt. Pepper-like feel.
The best recording artists put as much creative effort into every song they choose to include on their album. While standout tracks may appear, there is a consistent quality to each track on it. Those full-length albums deserve to be carefully listened to, from first track to last. This site makes a point to review those albums track-by-track, leaving no stone unturned. It's the deep dive and detailed analysis that sparks creative exploration and new experiences. Two full albums for a total of 19 songs receive the DaveCromwellWrites focus here. Finally, the loss of a beloved animal companion is never easy, and celebrating their influence on all those affected helps keep their spirit alive.
Burbank, California based music label Big Stir Records provides a seemingly endless amount of wonderful new music. With their reach expanded internationally, there is a treasure trove of high-quality recording artists there, well worth checking out. The latest to find their way into the DCW sphere is the album “Earworms” by Croydon, England's Nick Frater. Scheduled for full release on November 19, a complete track-by-track review is given the CromwellWrites treatment right away.
Opening track and the album's first single “It's All Rumours” comes with an official video expanding on the cover collage image approach. The audio jumps out of the box immediately with rough-edged guitar riffs over a powerful rhythm-section progression. With visual images showing classic memories from days gone by (“get the BIG SOUNDS with Sears Instruments” and “give the new, big Sound Of Now”) fresh faced youngsters behind drum kits and winking gals with guitars at the beauty parlor double-down on 1960's-1970's nostalgia. As the vocals commence (an instantly likeable voice in that Nick Lowe/Dave Edmunds mid-range) key lyric punctuations like “hit the ground” and “run-around” are displayed in bold type over more eccentric video images.
The rhythmic vocal cadence and lyrical delivery share similar qualities with the Paul McCartney and Wings 1975 back-end hit single “Rock Show,” further adding to the songs appeal. “She sells her story to the Daily Hell” (surely a reference to British Tabloid “The Daily Mail”) - “don't trust a word it's only kiss and tell” provide clever lyrical turn, with graphic emphasis in the video as well. “Did I stay? That's what they're starting to say” commences a perfectly constructed bridge. It all leads in to the falsetto sung, wonderfully hooky sing-along-chorus, appropriately centered around the songs title-line, capped at the end with a Beatles-esque “Ahh!” (or is that an homage to Freddie Mercury/Roger Meadows Taylor's combined voices in Queen). Embedded inside all of the lyrical examination is a basic romance story (of sorts) where “staying the night again” ultimately leads to “they don't know what to believe,” because – well – “it's all rumours – lying in your arms tonight.” There's even one more change section two-thirds of the way through serving up additional sonic elements (moving into 10CC piano territory) along with more curiously amusing found and reassembled imagery, with Mick Jagger showing up multiple times.
Listen and check out this wonderful song and video here:
The album's second cut “Buggin' Out” blends more Beatle-y inspiration, establishing a similar vocal cadence to the Paul McCartney penned “Wait” (from 1965's “Rubber Soul”) on the verse, along with “doo wop” background vocals on the chorus. “We could be breaking out – making out – staying out way too late” encapsulates the enthusiasm that chorus imparts. “What's with Your Heavy Heart?” chugs along with pop earnestness, propelled by some particularly whip-crack drumming. Another dip into Beatles vocal stylings (at least to this writers ear) comes on the “always rolling thunder and hiding undercover” change section. There's even a George Harrison-style slide-guitar hook fill for good measure.
Syrupy strings and bonkers synth twiddles introduces fourth cut “Lucky Strike.” Keyboards stab out the chord progression while up-in-your-ear vocals establish this lullaby tale. Soon enough the full band is engaged along with sugary background vocals to enhance the proceedings. “Making the same mistakes – over and over and over again” eventually gives way to “maybe soon we'll see happy endings on the horizon.” Impressively blistering tandem guitar soloing adds a near prog-rock tip to the whole proceedings.
The album's longest track (at 5:10) is also arguably it's best, with the heart-tugging ballad “Star-Crossed.” The smooth 70's am radio vibe is immediately apparent with it's soft “ooooh” background vocals, again bringing to mind the genius of band like 10CC or even Fleetwood Mac. Cool lounge electric piano and a powerful rhythm section of prominent bass guitar and drums provide the musical force for unfolding lyrics. “I would like – to leave in the morning. I won't ask – to know where your going. Alll night – you keep yourself together – I won't ask again.” A song about personal relationships for sure – but listening can also furnish comfort and emotional release for anything you've ever loved. The rising background vocals behind lyrics “and I would like – to know where your heart IS – star-crossed once again” bring the title-line into focus. Piercing lead guitar riffs as bridging interludes echo both melody and sentiment with equal measure.
Questioning dogma is never a bad thing (regardless of whichever side it's coming from) and sixth track “Not Born Again” does that well. Embedded within a driving pop-rhythm is the lyrical refrain “you say that we never can play, 'cause baby you're not born again. But I pray we can make it this day, 'cause baby I'm not born again.” Much like Pete Townshend's “Won't Get Fooled Again” and his ultimate declaration “I'll get on my knees and pray - We don't get fooled again” we all eventually embrace our own “hypnosis.” Discovering that seventh cut “Desert Ships” is based (at least partially) on legends of treasure ships buried in the California desert, a bit of research was in order. It seems there is some evidence to bear this out. The globe is a fascinating place, especially when digging deeper in it's rich, historical layered past. The the track itself is a piano driven, bright guitar-lick enhanced chugger, lyrically presented as a date stamped travelogue. “Palm Springs '75,” “Cat Walk '73,” “Fat Chance '71,” “Short Shrift '74” are all referenced, while a quick-delivery guitar solo supplies agile musical interlude.
A buzzing violin approximation and strong piano chords sustain dominant musical accompaniment on the sentimental, Paul McCartney-esque “The Unbroken.” Primary hook “cross your heart another day, holding on for us to stay – I heard you say” evoke the spirit of classic Beatles ballads, like “The Long And Winding Road.” The synth-driven “Who Says I Need A Plan At All?” elicits David Bowie's “Space Oddity” vibe, with that particular mellotron sound riding high throughout the mix. Doubling up on the ¾ waltz time to a steadier rock 6/8 allows the track to stand out from the album's previous, more pop oriented cuts. Closing entry “How to Survive Somebody” builds around that room-echo piano sound so prominent on Supertramp songs like “Goodbye Stranger.” This track moves at a slower pace – a true piano ballad – before ultimately bursting into full band and background accompaniment. Exploring the eternal subject of “knowing someone well” the title line turns the table from 'you' to 'me.'
"Earworms" by Nick Frater is out November 19 on vinyl, CD and all digital platforms.
Previous Features about Big Stir Records on this site can be found Here and Here.
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EEP is an alternative rock band out of El Paso, Texas that plays a varied style of psychedelic dream pop and gazey indie music. Their latest album “Winter Skin” was released earlier this month, and features nine original, wide-ranging songs. Released on the local Hogar Records label, the tracks were produced and engineered by the band themselves, with recording and mixing done at Brainville Studios in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Opening cut “Hanging On A Wire” makes clever use of muted ambient textures as it's sonic introductory point, before the clear, undistorted vocals begin. “You left me hangin on the rebound,” begins the pointed story of a one-sided affair. As deep level drumming kicks in, off-kilter tones share space with guitar power chords, leading into a soaring cascading vocal chorus. The dynamic flow is impressive, moving from elevated multi-layered vocals to spacious interludes with extended note guitar structures. A rhythmic shift develops under subsequent vocal passage “do you even care - why am I am I am I am I am I am I am I am I,” as forceful snare drum shots and buzzing guitars drive it all along.
Follow up track (and single release) “No Inbetween” sprinkles extra percussion on top of a decidedly rock solid drum beat and out-front bass guitar progression. The vocals commence in full shimmer mode stating how “you always compare something to everything.” A solid background sheen of voices creates an angelic halo around the singular lead vocal lines. As the essential change presents itself, a subtle downward shift can be felt on the lines “lay your judgement down for once - let it fly away from you.” Points must also be given for the cool “wah-wah” guitar solo and the coining of new word “inbetweenin'.”
Third entry (and also a single) “A Message To You” takes a clearly defined song structure and blankets it with pummeling rhythms, shearing guitars and wall-of-sound vocals. It's more than simple dreamgaze (although including the lyric “story in your gaze” is a clever touch), packing much more punch overall. While the opening chords emphasize a softer jangle, triumphant drums and buoyant bass guitar fills point the way to a coming force. This explosiveness hits in full motion, with stomping percussive beat, enveloping guitars and multi-layers of elongated vocals. A minute in and right to the bridge, “it's so hard to explain” sparks those pleasure sensors in your brain as it should. That arousal is extended further with a Chorus that takes one single line and turns it into an uplifting celebration of hope. With the primary voices ringing that out, a chanting background vocal call-and-response approach heightens sensations further. A final beatless, ambient coda emphasizes the songs overall message of honest revelation, and that sometimes “it's ok to cry.”
One more single release, Ángeles is delivered entirely in the Spanish language, and features two guest percussionists playing the Djembe. According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose. Fifth cut “Today I Woke Up” employs the ¾ (or is that 6/8) time signature for that alternative 1-2-3 waltz effect. The guitars are jangly, and the descending progression benefits from a dominant bass guitar pattern adding counter-melody movement. Inventive lyrical turns “the powers of my weirdness” and “crocus bulbs of irrepressible audacity” add psychedelic insights.
“Stubblefield” pivots deeper into the psychedelic realm, utilizing backward playing, reverse instrumentation effects, hypnotic repeating drum pattern and bold extended guitar notes. Additional psych-rock elements include inward-trip lyrics “if we turn around and go back to where we started, we just might understand all of the reasons why we parted - if we turn around and go back to where we parted, we just might understand all of the reasons why we started.” Sharing a similar auditory experience with The Beatles “Tomorrow Never Knows,” the sequence-shifted layering of voices and periodic submergence under guitars pitches this track closer to true gazey-rock.
“Stargazer” surfaces via otherworldly repeating bleeps and patterns before being joined by elastic-bending guitar textures. A full minute of this outer-space ambience flows until measured bass guitar and light-ticking percussion eventually joins in. Making lyrical references to “death,” “En plein air”(French translation: “in the open air”) and “Auvers,” the songs title (and content) appears to be referencing Vincent van Gogh's work and ultimate tragic end. A distinct tempo shift downward occurs at the songs midway point, emphasizing spacious ambience. The repeated closing mantra “life's for shooting man,” ultimately morphs into stark piano chords and a gentle floating away.
A singular driving guitar riff ushers in eighth track “Time Crunch.” As the band kicks in, forceful propulsion comes by way of hammering drums, vigorous bass and crunchy guitar chords. The verses roll out with syncopated snare-accented percussion underneath, while a larger sonic wall of gaze explodes on the lyrical “I've been watching you go” repeated passages. There's a holding-level interlude where dual harmony vocals repeat “under your nose,” leading into an extended intensity segment focusing on “I've been watching watching - I've been watching you go” once again. A final synth accompanied segment conclusively states “you've surely returned from a dream to discover-
you've been dreaming your life away.”
Final entry “Slow Down” does just that, with it's measured pace and understated instrumentation. Focusing primarily on sincerely felt lyrics and vocal delivery, the album's title is revealed with the lines “Shed your anxious shaking Winter Skin - And let yourself be something new again.” A song of understanding and acceptance of the life cycle, it serves as a fitting conclusion to this truly inspired collection of songs.
On November 10, 2021 our precious baby girl cat Cherry crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to be with her twin brother, after 14 years of joyous life. She was the most perfect chubby cat that ever lived and she will be missed and remembered forever.
Cherry came to us as a baby kitten with her brother in 2007.
She was a sweet and gentle cat who would purr up a storm at a moments notice.
Like most sibling pets, or those that arrive together, the bond of snoozing in close proximity (or actually on each other) was a very frequent activity.
Donning a holiday appropriate festive hat was certainly not out of the question.
Paws and claws out for a good solid stretch.
Helping out with the computer or around-the-house decorations was one of her specialties.
An open box is always an endless source of fascination.
Gettin' a leg up and chubby snooze-a-thon.
The endless fascination with and secure feeling of a sturdy cardboard box.
Cherry was a beauty and a wonderful companion. We will never forget her.
And so we come to the final day that is this marathon known as the South By Southwest music festival.
After being out to the wee hours of the morn, Sunday doesn't really begin in reality until the early afternoon.
For the second year in a row, the Sunday restaurant of choice was Guero's
Texting back and forth for the entire time in Austin during this week (after the obligatory social networking messaging during the months leading up to) - a meeting was finally had between myself and fellow MOG writer "mama" (who also goes by the name Lisa).
Captured for the MOG-o-sphere, this photo had to be taken.
The traveling roadcrew having a breezy early-afternoon meal and beverages. Lisa, yours truly, LG, Ana and James fuel up for more musical exploits.
Into the bowels of the beast one more time, we headed over to the open all day party at Beerland to catch the punk-glam-psych sounds of Brooklyn's own Xray Eyeballs.
OJ, Carly and Liz had the Xray-rock going full tilt on this day.
Amusingly, the drummer played as a mysterious shrouded phantom.
OJ and Carly front the band with the classic boy-girl tandem of alternating lead vocals.
Liz adds quite a bit to the overall sound by way of backing up on rhythm guitar and keyboards.
A perfect way to spend the last afternoon in Austin
Xray clatter to make your head and heart shatter
Another performer of note was a synth driven act from Kentucky going by the clever name of Idiot Glee. An actual solo act with appealingly textured machines, the set was impressive as we observed from the comfort zone of Xray Eyeball's merch table.
Now there was anticipation building for a return engagement of last year's stand out Sunday night performer - Vockah Redu.
Always exhibiting a flair for the dramatic, Vockah had Beerland whipped up into a New Orleans bounce frenzy.
When familiarity is not doing it's job (breeding contempt) - it may actually make the heart grow fonder.
Such is the case with an artist I knew nothing about a year ago, but this year found me looking forward to the performance.
Duly impressed with the Beerland show, we literally followed him over to his next scheduled show at The Mohawk nearby.
Which then became the final stop on this years South By Southwest extravaganza.
A fitting end to a week that takes over two of them to recap.
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.
