Intricate Diagnosis of New Full-Length Albums and Video Releases

As the summer month of August wind down and slouch towards Labor Day, DaveCromwellWrites heats up with reviews of exciting new releases.  Long-time friends return with a brand new album, while more recently reviewed artists receive completed and updated focus.  Full albums are analyzed with track-by-track priority, while adapted video releases serve to further heighten their associated tracks.

Fellow Sunshine State expats and long time friends of this site The Stargazer Lilies have a brand new album they’ve just unleashed on the globe.  Having covered their prior release here exactly 3 years ago (as well as numerous other features for the better part of the last decade) its always a cause for investigation when this bands new music arrives.   “Love Pedals” now adds to their strong catalog of heavy ambient gazey psych-rock.  A deep-dive review here will now uncover the treasures within.

Opening track “Ambient Light” comes complete with a dark purple-hued psychedelic video treatment. With the opening strains of John Cep’s distorted guitar bouncing around in a rubbery pattern, vocalist Kim Field delivers angelic lines as if floating above. The title line comes up quickly with the phrasing “we’ll drone in harmony, in the ambient light,” where they also “psych out.” Its associated video depicts the principal members arriving home and engaging in tripped-out activities. As the grunge-heavy groove trudges forward, the individuals can be witnessed dancing around in animal masks, pouring drinks and playing favorite albums. Noteworthy classics spotted include The Velvet Underground and JAMC’s seminal “PsychoCandy.” As John chokes out an acid-rock solo over that buoyant bass rhythm, cat familiars appear in appropriate places throughout the video, along with those “pedals” that are “loved.” The final ambient light act is to “do some bedroom pop,” and we’ll just have to use our imaginations as to what that actually refers to.

Follow-up track “Love Radio Show” (which also comes with a “radio edit” at the albums end) takes a romantic pop motown feel and immerses it in MBV “Loveless” elements.  A nostalgic ode to radio signals both cosmic and real. “So tune in the magic hour, to the signal up above” is how the chorus begins. “Beaming from the broadcast tower, sending frequencies of love” completes that passage. There is even references to the albums (and record labels) overall thematic imagery via lines “transmitting with flower power.” Careful production avoids constant guitar camouflage as verse 2 opens space for bass and drums and lyrics “My world spins only for you.” The guitars make great use of phase shifting to approximate radio waves static.

Third entry “Perfect World” also benefits from an associated video that juxtaposes current colorful AI trend interiors with self-shot black and white performance images.  The audio opens with a Spector-esque singular bass drum beat and similarly minimal bass guitar.  As the chord progression continues its slow liftoff, you are soon plunged into a David Lynchian experience in both image and sound. Kim's goth-meets-breakfast-at-tiffany’s styling swirls as she delivers thematic lines where “poverty would be no more, as would disease and making war.”  For now this “perfect world” only exists in our hopes and dreams, but perhaps someday it will come true.

Check out this Utopian dream here:

Digging deeper, “By Your Side” continues the stark, moody ambiance previously established with added twists. What sounds like muted French Horns initiate a subtle melody before Kim’s voice presents lyrics with measured pace. It’s a story of redemption where one goes from being “all alone,” “companionless walks” and “partnerless talks” to the “only one who needs to be found.” The drum beat is forceful, providing foundation for Kim’s vocal delivery. As bass guitar continues it’s steady pace, John’s guitars wax and wane, with occasional dive-bomb strikes. Midway things get weirder, with a total ambient foray of propulsive guitar textures, along with Kim’s angelic voice returning for a final chorus.

“Shining Yellow” delves into that easy mid-tempo groove and feel, giving off fellow-associates Ringo Deathstarr vibes. Big shuffle percussion, downward drive progression and soft sensual vocals complete an uplifting sentiment. “Looks like the skies are changing, the sun shining yellow. Now that it’s looking lovely, we’re both feeling mellow.” A modern suburban Alice In Wonderland meet Nuclear Armageddon inspired video comes along with this song, encouraging you to find your own “Shining Yellow” utopia:

Sixth cut “Heaven Knows” finds John Cep covering all the instruments and vocals on a dreamy, gazey confessional.  It’s soulful progression and out-of-phase guitars underscore lyrics about a “bizarre life I’ve lead.”  Creating his own high-register angelic vocals, the title line takes that often used expression and attaches the question “why it’s the path that I chose.”   “Trans Med” builds off a slinky bass line, growly distorted guitars and Kim’s sugary vocal delivery.  John provides a variety of squalling guitar textures, blurring the line between “Transcendental” meditation and “medication.”

The albums final track (before LRS radio edit) “Hold Tight” dips into the Beatles “White Album” era for sonic comparison.  Open note arpeggio chords and its associated progression along with Kim’s whispered vocals conjure up the mysterious feel of a song like “Dear Prudence.”  Guitar leads are pitch shifted and distorted in places, clean and unadorned in others.  The final end-out is a series of vocal “ahhhhs” and wirey guitar lines over steady bass and thumping drums.  As previously mentioned there is a “radio edit” of “Love Radio Show” included at the end, which shaves off about a minute and boosts the lead vocals a bit.

Listen to and find out how to acquire this amazing album here.

Follow this artist on their Social Media - Facebook - Instagram

Distribution Labels:  Little Cloud Records (US)   - Shoredive Records (UK)

Previous Features on The Stargazer Lilies can be found on this site HERE - HERE - HERE and HERE.

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Earlier this year DaveCromwellWrites revisited California visionary synth artist Matthew Nowhere’s work, reviewing his collaborative song “Transforming.”  Prior to that was an in-depth breakdown of the track and video for “Love Is Only What We Are.”  Both cuts are included on the recently released debut full-length album “Crystal Heights.”  With this complete collection that includes 11 other tracks fully available to acquire and digest, DCW now dives in to these recordings for a thorough analysis.

The album opens with  “Transmission (Intro)” which offers up a one minute plus ambient texture piece that combines pulsing synths with robotic voices and celestial elements.  That leads into the previously reviewed standout track “Love Is Only What We Are.”  Next up is the chime-bell enhanced, synth-pad and bass note driven “Echoes Still Remain.”  This instrumentation serves primarily to support a lyrical story whose chorus states “Immortalize - A lonely whisper. I hear it now - where echoes still remain.”  A touch of electric guitar on the outro provides further depth to it all.

An Official Video comes with this song that adds a nuanced visual element:

The albums title track “Crystal Heights” comes on with a triumphant feel, capturing what those of us (who were there) loved about 80’s alternative synth-pop.  There’s bits of Duran Duran (the percolating synths) Flock Of Seagulls and Depeche Mode all rolled into one original composition.  A lovely electric piano coda enhances the final 15 seconds.  Another just over a minute instrumental follows with the arpeggio synth progression and percussive “Aquatic Envelopment (Interlude).”  From there its on to the also previously reviewed cut “Transforming,” featuring vocals and co-write from Lunar Twin’s Bryce Boudreau.  Shortly after that review was published, an official video for the song emerged, and is well worth checking out here.

Moody bass and deep percussion provide foundation for the synth melody enhanced, singular mantra voiced “Have You Ever Known.”  Alternately, guitar features prominently on the nostalgic romance of “Ruby Shards.”  Tapping into the alternative rock vibe of twangy guitar and synth combos, the chorus hits home with the lines “I found the pieces of your heart - ruby shards of perfect art - and I can only stand in wonder.”  It’s a perfect homage to an era that gave us songs like Modern English’s “I Melt With You.”

Check out this beautiful sand and sea video that accompanies this song:

Another minute and change instrumental serves as a bridge link between fully formed tracks with “Stellar Enfoldment (Interlude).” Despite it’s relatively short length, a complete melody emerges by the end. This leads into the piano augmented, lyrically optimistic “Everything’s True.” With pacing and tone moving closer to a David Bowie/Peter Murphy precept, the chorus declares “Lovers and mystics sigh - raising our hands up to the sky - everything's true.” Thirty seconds of meticulously crafted synth and guitar figures just past the 3 minute mark elevate the track further.  “Silver Glass” comes on more gentle, with tubular bell keyboard textures providing audio appeal. There’s a subtle Caribbean Island feel to its underlying rhythm, as Matthew sings “O midnight sky, burning with electric light - but no one seems to see.” Additionally, the hook line “seven years have passed - pieces of silvered glass – rejoin - bringing us together at last” add focus to the songs title and overall intent.

Reaching the penultimate track, “Persist3nce” features Lunar Twin band and The Antonio Family Singers. With lyrics and lead vocals from Bryce Boudreau, additional synths are provided by Chris Murphy.  Those keyboard swells compliment bass and percussive pulses, as Bryce presents his lyrical themes with familiar soft-sandpaper delivery.  Extolling the virtue to “give into art” in “isolation,” the additional background singers enhance lines “into the night . . . stars . . . sun” and “sky.”  A lively drum pattern comes forward under later lines where “the midnight sun” becomes “midnight lust – after the rain.”  Final entry “Crystalline Emergence (Outro)” closes out the album with a buoyant keyboard melody over bubbling arpeggio notes and steady whip crack percussion.

Check out this incredible album here (with all the ways to acquire it):

Follow Matthew Nowhere on Social Media – Linktree – Facebook – Instagram – Bandcamp

Follow Lunar Twin on their Social Media – Facebook – Instagram – X/Twitter – Bandcamp

Previous DCW features on Matthew Nowhere can be found here and here.

An in depth Feature on Lunar Twin can be found on this site here.

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At the beginning of this year DCW reviewed the introspective, slide guitar infused Sueño con Belugas track "Mil Recuerdos" (A Thousand Memories).  Audio only format at that time, a brand new video has dropped for this dreamy song with an amusing take on two people and they day they are having.  One is experiencing frustration at all the challenges and pitfalls being thrown their way.  The other appears to be sailing along in a happy state of mind, enjoying their good fortune.

Check out this fun video here:

Follow Sueño con Belugas and 3 Robots Records on their Social Media - Facebook - Instagram - TwitterX - Bandcamp – Linktree

A previous DaveCromwellWrites feature on Sueño con Belugas can be found here (which includes links to many other associated collaborations).

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Comprehensive Exploration of Recent Audio and Video Releases

The welcome return of respected recording artists provide the lion's share of review material for this August 2022 Cromwell Writes music extravaganza. While the endless quest for one more perfect beach day or concert in the park under a night sky beckons, new music releases provide alternate motivation for a focused listening (and viewing) experience. Accompanied videos add a visual component to the storytelling, further expanding artistic vision. One brand new to this site artist also makes the cut, completing a four-play deep-dive analysis.

As longtime friends of this site The Stargazer Lilies prepare their 5th studio album release “Cosmic Tidal Wave” on October 14 via Floravinyl Records, a video for first single “Bending The Lines” is now available for us to enjoy. Having recorded the album tracks over the last few years in a number of places (PA, TX and FLA) the promise of classic psych and gaze also incorporating elements of bossa nova, trip hop and experimental orchestral sounds fuels anticipation for the full release.

The video opens with images of the ocean behind band frontwoman Kim Field, shot through a prism in windswept reverie. Fragmentary audible tones rise up, sounding like the language of majestic sea creatures. Drums kick in via the bands latest beat-keeper Cari Gi and keyboards flash on the screen for a moment, indicating the source of this next wave of sound. As those keys mark out a descending progression, rubbery-funk bass and complimentary wah-wah guitar established a deeper rhythmic pulse underneath. As Kim begins her ethereal dreamy-gaze vocals, the imagery continues to focus on her cool-shades and red lips, combined with mesmerizing ocean views.

Studio footage is further woven in, with visual emphasis on the bass, drums and Kim's vocals – all the while this dream-funk r+b groove floats along under icy keyboard textures above. Those initial eccentric “dolphin language” sounds never really disappear, creating one more motion in a mix that deftly blends elements of romantic-soul funk with an uplifting title-line chorus. As the camera moves around the studio more, we get more lively shots of drumming, fingers stabbling keys and John taking off into the stratosphere with an abrasive guitar solo that features long-held extended notes. Played out against that funk wah-wah background strikes the perfect balance between structure and reckless abandon.

Special mention goes to the live-in-the-studio drumming, which emphasizes high-hat work both in the expected disco-funk realm (or perhaps the promised “bossa nova” groove) as well as looser application on all the drums when called for. Additional props to Kim (and John) for finding a visual clone (at least in style) to compliment Kim's established look and attitude.

Check out this wonderful song and video here:

The Stargazer Lilies now begin a tour and prepare more pre-releases before the full album drops.

Connect with info on all of that here.

Previous Features on The Stargazer Lilies can be found on this site HERE - HERE and HERE.

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The steady output from Philadelphia's Patetico Recordings assures ample opportunity for reviews here on this site. The latest is a new release “From the ashes” by Stellarscope, which features the single “All the lies.” The album title is significant, as a storm destroyed the bands studio and recording equipment as the record was being made. Fortunately a recovered hard drive survived the destruction, and with it the tracks that make up this album. The band consists of Tom Lugo on vocals and guitar, Bob Forman on drums and Rob DeFlaviis on bass. They have been making music for the better part of the last two decades.

Soft guitar strumming introduces the single “All the lies” with one clean pass through the chords, before vocals and full instrumentation kicks in. “Keep saying -we’re doing so well – Pretending - that this isn't hell” is how the initial lyrics go. Behind that are waves of powerful ambient sonics, marching beat percussion and chiming guitar chords. More space is provided on the next lyrical pass, with the drums pulling back some on the lines “All the things you swore you’d do, remain undone, now look at you - A waste, slowly fading away.”

The chorus jumps out with intensity as layered voices bring home it's overall theme “Telling lies how can you live with yourself. Your always blaming somebody else - for everything that you have done wrong.” A subtle bass-line emerges under the assiduous mix, providing additional lower tone movement going forward. This is most apparent on the lyrical segment that goes “Keep saying - that it wasn’t you – Pretending - like nobody knew.” At the 2:20 mark of this three and a half minute song a wiry electric guitar solo commences for a tasty 15 seconds or so, before returning back to the chorus.

Check out this track right here:

Pick up this digital album here.

Where you can also peruse and obtain the full Patetico Recordings back catalog.

A prior feature on Stellarscope can be found on this site Here.

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Influential bands of the 90's continue to re-emerge with new material, which is welcome news to audiences who have missed them. Consider the Portland trio – No 2 – back with their third album, but first in a number of years. Fronted by Neil Gust who originally shared songwriting duties in Heatmiser (along with Elliott Smith), No 2 rose out of that bands ashes in the late 90's. Teaming up with singer/bassist Gilly Ann Hanner (Calamity Jane) and drummer Paul Pulvirenti (Eyelids), the band released two albums and were featured on noteworthy tours before moving on to other projects in the early 2000's. Reuniting in 2019, a new album “First Love” is set for a September 9 release on on Jealous Butcher Records. Advance single and video releases have garnered positive feedback and are now reviewed here, below.

Crunchy guitar chords open the song and video in classic chunky-rock manner and quickly pivot to cool overhead shots of the drums, specifically some solid tom-tom thumping. The reverse view Remo drum head becomes a visual focal point, as it blends with images of our own glorious moon in hypnotic slow rotation. “Come out tonight” starts the vocals - “put my plan in motion,” is delivered in that Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters way you hear during the softer (non-screaming) segments. “Lit up by the possibilities” it continues, while hazy images of movement along a highway are paired against those compellingly shot sepia-toned captures of the band playing.

A tale of cruising the streets – looking for adventure – release – maybe even love - “by the morning I'll be on my hands and knees.” Wiry guitar riffs snake through instrumental passages up against power chords, bass guitar and jungle drum rhythm. As the explosive chorus declares “I'm on a mission, come with me,” it pivots into a slinky spy-movie groove propelled by bass guitar, tom-tom drums and open-note guitars. That calm is soon shattered by heavier riffs and descriptive lines about going “from bar to bar.” The biggest hook emphasizes frustration rather than conquest, stating “Want to cry all the way home. Took all night and I'm still alone.”

Check out this cool song and video here:

A follow-up video for the single “Too Much Is Not Enough” was also recently released, exhibiting similar appealing qualities. Chugging guitar chords with complimentary bass kicks things off via colorful VFX imagery. With the drums looking particularly cool in x-ray exposure, a spinning mannequin head is visually woven in-between those instruments. There are subtle Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music inflections on the chorus that contains the title line, along with an extended guitar note behind it all. That note extends into an instrumental break that emphasizes heavier guitar and bass depth, forceful accents on sharp rhythmic turns – before emerging into a “hoo hoo” vocal section. Military-style snare drumming and coordinated rhythm guitar serve as the undercurrent for the final verse, before erupting into a vocal-heavy, harmonious ending chorus.

Dig into this video track here:

The band’s brand new third album was produced by Joanna Bolme (Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks) and mixed by Gary Jarman (The Cribs) and Tony Lash (Heatmiser). Recorded over 3 years in studios and basements across Portland, OR and finished in a boathouse in Connecticut, the album is available for pre-order right now.

Speaking of album producer Joanna Bolme – two features on her live appearances with Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks can be found on this site Here and Here.

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Heavy blues rock has always been a particular favorite here at this site, and nobody does it better than Austin, Texas-based The Dizzy Bangers. Though relatively new here to the DCW orbit, a number of reviews have already made their way into prior features. The band is back with a new video release for their song “Painted Bruises,” earning additional commentary and analysis on it.

As shimmering guitar chords gently introduce the track, the image of a figure rising up in a forest is awash by the rising sun. A quick cut to a bedroom shows a woman lying forward, with emphasis on pensive facial expression. Her male counterpart is then shown sleeping, before images of the band playing their instruments against red clouds and dust, approximating some Southwestern (or even Martian) landscape. As the song's slithering-snake groove advances, we see the woman shutting off her alarm clock and fumbling for prescription pills. Images of the band playing in an amber haze commence the storytelling, about how she's “all so very high,” with visual evidence of pill consumption underway.

The chorus is large, bold and bombastic, emphasizing the lyrical hook “no she'll never pay for anything she's done - yeah she'll get away with everything she's done.” As the video progresses, the couple is now awake with the female meticulously putting on makeup. Cuts of the band playing and that mysterious desert figure reappearing accelerate the storyline. Much of the verses are delivered with a soulful, higher-pitch phrasing, which contrasts effectively against the hard and heavy chorus. Visually, the female protagonist seems pleased with herself as she takes selfies, while her partner looks on with a touch of skepticism.

A clever video editing technique shows the woman responding to her male counterparts casual inquiry with an insincere smile followed quickly by eye-rolling annoyance – before reaching once again for her pills. The chorus is in full-flight at this moment, with the lyrics “no she'll never say that she's the evil one” followed by “woman's will be done.” The instrumental break that follows is a joy to experience, with it's quick rhythmic accents and gnarly guitar figures. Video images of the woman offering pills to her man shows him declining. The camera shot view pivots to a direct shot of the couple on their bed – he looking chill with acoustic guitar, and she less-together with troubled thoughts.

Cut to the forest again and now three figures are in shrouded garb, in front of that blazing sun. The images zero in on a traditional “death” figure holding an armful of those prescription bottles. As the band thunders away through this crucial instrumental section, the vibe gets worse in the couples bedroom, with an increasingly aggravated female arguing with her dude. There's a biblical feel with the three figures in the woods, where an “Adam” is attempting to rescue his “Eve” from “death's” addiction temptation. More pills and alcohol are consumed in the bedroom, juxtaposed against “biblical Eve” tempting her “Adam” with the apple of sin. It all culminates with her painting “bruises” on her face (and soul) while writing accusatory messages in lipstick on the wall – like something out of a horror film. Now the social media pictures are used for this manufactured storyline, ultimate relationship destruction and even criminal repercussions based on a false narrative. It's a chilling, cautionary tale, and only the powerful music makes it palatable.

Check out this wild video here:

Keep up to date with the band via their Social Media at Facebook and Instagram

Previous Features on The Dizzy Bangers on this site can be found Here and Here.

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Best Of 2019: New Music Reviews

As the year 2019 comes to a conclusion, the time to reflect on music reviews composed and compiled by your truly is once again upon us. Original work that appeared here exclusively shares space with Dave Cromwell written reviews published monthly over the past year at The Deli Mag.  For the second year running a loose chronological timeline is somewhat held to for the “DaveCromwellWrites Best Of 2019.”

The early roots of rock and roll are on full display in NYC's Screamin' Rebel Angels sophomore album “Heel Grinder.” Out via this year launched Hey-Lo Records, the full-length was released on 1/24.  Fronted by dynamic, flame haired, tattood and glamorous Laura Palmer, the spirit of Little Richard, Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline are embodied within those 13 recorded tracks.

Lead single “Oh! My Soul” in fact covers the legendary (Little) Richard Penniman, infusing it with it an additional level of barrelhouse, juke joint boogie-woogie. The accompanying video (which can be viewed here) features red-hot Laura and her equally alluring “conjurers” tapping into the spirit world via tarot cards, magic potions, ouija boards and adorable Chihuahau puppies!

Deeper tracks touch on elements of rockabilly (“Hands Off,” “Iris”), early Sun Sessions era Elvis (“I Believe”) and a blusey stroll, torch song raveup (“Something on your Mind”).

Info on their upcoming show A Night of Rockabilly, Rhythm and Blues w/ Screamin' Rebel Angels can be found here.

Screamin' Rebel Angels on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Brooklyn psych rock duo GHXST released their latest digital album “Gloom” at the end of 2018.

Playing a select number of hand picked shows at that time, they culminated the new year showcasing that material at the 2019 SXSW music festival.  Lead track “Hunger” immediately establishes a dark, slow-burn foreboding that places emphasis on deep-end howling guitars. Dreamy female vocals come adorned with a level of unsettling doom that David Lynch finds so appealing.

Additional tracks like “Ocean is a Desert” and “Vaquero” continues that vibe while adding elements reminiscent of a band like The Kills. “Bad Blood II” introduces a pulsating electronic synth progression, while “Ride” digs down into a bass-tone heavy groove that A Place To Bury Strangers frequently resides. Final track “Heatwaves” incorporates bended slide-guitar along with its apprehensive vocal delivery, dark ambiance and snaking progression.

GHXST on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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New York City's Lower East Side of Manhattan and the borough of Queens share a unique historical place in the annals of punk rock's evolution ever since The Ramones burst on the scene in the mid 1970's.

That same gritty, blue collar toughness can be found in today's like-minded and similarly situated rockers GIFTSHOP. Their latest EP “Big In Astoria” (a February 16th digital release) delivers five searing tracks of updated power-punk with pop styling that would make Joey, Johnny, DeeDee and Tommy proud.

The full DaveCromwellWrites EP Review (plus band interview) can be found here.

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Equal measures of industrial rock guitar electronica, seductive vocals and fashion model glam come woven together in the music of Turbo Goth. As popularity continues to grow in both their native Philippines and adopted home of nyc, the duo of Paolo Peralta and Sarah Gaugler impressed this past March at another official SXSW showcase.

A new album titled “Master Force” is in the works, with first video single “Love Will Be All There Is” delivering impressive results. High quality close-up imagery focuses on guitar strokes that sound like synth bursts inbetween Sarah's sensual vocals and alluring visuals.

It's forward stomping progression, bass-buzzing crunch and Paolo's slo-mo hair-flying movements are tempered by Sarah's flirtatious come-hither vocals and fashionable tattood figure. Picture a less-pop (and much cooler) Ariana Grande fronting a band like Ministry as a starting point for what this band has to offer.

Catch the band live in the new year on Saturday, January 18 at The Cobra Club in Brooklyn

Turbo Goth on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Innovative Norwegian artist Mortiis has created a unique catalog of music that dates back to the early 1990's.  Emerging out of the Black Metal scene, Håvard Ellefsen developed a solo project for the longer form music he was creating, complete with a dark and mythical image to accompany it.  Those early releases would see him co-founding a genre known as “dark dungeon synth” with significant solo records released between 1993 and 1999.

Those 90's era releases make up what is known as his Era 1 material, which encompasses extended ambient musical pieces that are equal parts cinematic and beat driven. After touring this solo material throughout Europe, Russia, Australia, Mexico and South America, Mortiis performed his Era 1 material in USA and Canada for the first time in 20 years earlier this year.  Engaging in an email interview with the artist just prior to his arrival on North American shores for those shows, a number of questions presented allow for a further look into this musical universe.

That interview in it's entirety can be found here on DaveCromwellWrites

The artist is now set to release “Spirit Of Rebellion,” a re-interpreted expansion and continuation of the 1994 Era I classic Ånden som Gjorde Opprør on January 24th, 2020 via Omnipresence Productions / Dead Seed Productions.

A new video for the track “A Dark Horizon” has been unleashed and can be viewed here.

Additionally, MORTIIS will be returning to North America for an Era I headline run in early 2020,supported by avant-garde black metal hybrid T.O.M.B. The 15-date strong US tour kicks off on January 24th at The Whiskey Junction in Minneapolis and finishes on February 9th at San Louis Obispo's The Graduate(NB the last date is without T.O.M.B.)

Tickets to all shows are on sale now at: https://smarturl.it/MortiisTickets

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Dreampop continues to evolve in a variety of interesting and often unexpected ways. Brooklyn's Teen Body has taken this classic staple of introspective rock and added an emo element to it all. The results are quite intoxicating on their 2019 released album “Dreamo” via NYC label Broken Circles.

As the album title combines those two descriptive genres into one single word, so does the music represented on the eight songs it contains. “Fell Off” immediately strikes a wistful mood through melancholy chords and Shannon Lee's sweet vocal delivery. “Act Yr Age” opts for a more angular progression to support its over six minutes in length and lyrically dense story on the complications of romantic interaction. “Ballad of Tomboy Jerry” continues the record's pattern of initially restrained instrumentation that ultimately builds to a crescendo combined with Ms Lee's singular voice. Another vocalist eventually emerges with bassist Xela French providing the storytelling on “The Draag,” while both singers shine in tandem on the uptempo “Validation.” The penultimate title track pulls all of these elements together via exultant guitar hooks, deep resonant bass, slow-groove drumming and those emotive tandem vocals. Access “Dreamo” via the currently popular listening services here.

Teen Body on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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The music of Sophie Ellis Bextor has been featured here at DaveCromwellWrites for the entire ten years of it's existence. However, initial interest in her recorded works and live appearances pre-dates the creation of this site by eight years. In 2001, official website forums served as the gathering place and proving grounds for ambitious writers and excited fans alike to discuss their best-loved artists. At that time Sophie was enjoying rising popularity in her home country England as well as throughout Europe and Australia, riding a wave of back-to-back hit records, “Groovejet” and “Murder On The Dance Floor.” Appearances on the legendary long running music show Top Of The Pops (frequently shown in the USA on import channel BBC America) helped to create pockets of loyal State side overseas fans as well.

In 2019 the time came for Sophie to look back on her storied career and celebrate it with her greatest hits album “The Song Diaries.” Not content to simply cobble together a collection of the already recorded tracks that typically constitutes a “greatest hits” album, Sophie embarked on a bold journey of re-recording every song from scratch and placing them in an orchestral setting. That ambitious undertaking resulted in 15 chronological order hits spanning from the very first solo single through all six of her studio albums (this now being her seventh) along with four bonus tracks encompassing significant historical reference points and/or enhanced alternate takes.

The entire detailed track-by-track review of Sophie Ellis Bextor's “The Song Diaries” can be found here.

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There's a lot more “hot pink” than anything really “satanic” in the songwriting and provocative live show of Hot Pink Satan.  Formed by the seductive Mollie Black (a/k/a Clea Cutthroat) and sonic maestro Jeremy Creamer (a/k/a allinaline – we all have multiple names now it seems), the duo strikes a perfect blend of industrial rhythms and sexually charged attitude.

Providing the musical blueprint for their wildly magnetic live show are a number of electrifying songs off of recent full-length release “Spells.”

DaveCromwellWrites provided an extensive track-by-track review of this album (along with one of their wild live shows) here.

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Pioneering psychedelic space rockers The Telescopes touched down in Brooklyn at The Knitting Factory in 2019 and put on a one of a kind hallucinogenic show. In the midst of their “Exploding Head Tour” (named after their current album “Exploding Head Syndrome”) founder and frontman Stephen Lawrie enlisted support act The Cult Of Lip to flesh out his live band. What transpired was a wave of swelling sonic drone where the structure of fully complete songs would emerge inside of. Rounding out noteworthy DaveCromwellWrites reviews at this time were deep-dive analysis of Dinowalrus, Odonis Odonis, Public Memory, The Carvels and The Hell Yeah Babies.

Link through to the full feature here.

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Combining elements of pop, jazz, soul and heavy rock into an appealing progressive mix sees Brooklyn's Kleptokrat expanding local alternative rock parameters. Their 2019 released sophomore EP “Momentarily, to Grace” boasts five impeccably recorded, genre-twisting tracks. Soulful horns and sweet, jazzy female lead vocals establish the mood on opening song “The Great Leap Forward.”

Over the tracks four minutes, precise, angular structures give way to floating ambient interludes that merge together with beguiling charm. “Jumping Ship” applies those light and airy vocals to a lyrically dense story of relationships coming undone, punctuated by heavy bass, sax and drums. “Kleptocito” further adds touches of latin rhythms to what becomes an over five minute instrumental tour-de-force. Final cuts “The View at Bethlehem” and “Body in the Room” bring back those engaging, honeyed vocals over alternately dreamy-to-frenzied compositions.

Kleptokrat on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Animated band movements playing along with their explosive two-minute power-pop song is a can't-miss combination, and that's just what you get with Kissed by an Animal's 2019 release “The Good Times Are Here Again.”  Guitarist/vocalist Dima Drjuchin applies the technique of Rotoscoping to live action footage while adding a steady flow of flames, hearts, flowers, skulls, birds, bunnies and more to the Peter Max style psychedelic imagery.

Self-directed and drawn over in Adobe Animate, the track is a power-pop treat with crunchy guitar, hard-edge drumming and a fluid bassline. The first hook is reached just :30 seconds in via a descending progression that goes “sometimes hard to be a friend when the good times are here again.” An even bigger hook arrives with the chorus stating “when no one see's you, no one is holding you back,” that get's turned into “there IS no holding back.”

The riff breaks lean towards the heavy and tight Dinosaur Jr variety, adding a dramatic accent breaks and a touch of pitch-bended warped guitar tones. Big dreamy background “ahhh's” lift it higher into near dream-gaze territory.

Kissed By An Animal on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Explosive drop-D grunge-metal guitars and thundering drums introduce the August 2019 Citris single release “Hell Is a Place on Earth.” Written and performed by Angelina Torreano (guitar/vocals) and recorded/mixed and mastered by Chris Krasnow (who also contributes drums/bass and guitar) the track is a heavy rumination on personal failings against larger global issues.

“Too selfish to die, too right to be happy, too weak to be leaned on. Leave it to me to destroy everything that is good,” the singer laments The title line chorus benefits from vocal layering, adding a big-studio sheen to that hook, as well as additional lines “give me your love, then take it away.” A pivotal statement arrives a minute in when the instruments drop out for the solo vocals declaration “I don't look back in anger.”

While that progression cycles through again (with alternate lyrical content), a sophisticated angular, prog-metal break emerges around the 3rd minute and takes the track to it's conclusion. This initial release served as an introduction to the full-length album “Delusions of Glamour,” which is out now on all digital platforms.

Citris on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Brooklyn dreampop band 4Vesta released their digital EP “Light and Chemicals” in 2019, underscoring the timeless appeal and continuing influence of a style created in the early 1990's on emerging musicians nearly 30 years later. Featured opening track “Evening Star” serves as an homage to the pitch-bended, layered guitars and submerged vocals on Kevin Shields' MBV masterpiece “Loveless.”

In fact, the songs title hearkens back two decades earlier to the guitar-looped ambiance of Fripp and Eno's 1975 album of the same name. This new track moves at a deliberately melancholy pace before exploding into forceful walls of guitars and voices, synonymous with a blissful state-of-mind. More discernible male vocals appear on “Full Spectrum” approximating Neil Halstead's low-key approach with Slowdive. “Autophase” doubles-down on the warped and warbly atmosphere, striking a middle ground between Colm O'Ciosig's Loveless contribution “Touched” and some of Ringo Deathstarr's recent output. Final track “Sea Plastic” serves up a five minute meditation on churning guitar textures, ethereal vocals and distant percussion. The EP is available for streaming on Spotify.

4Vesta on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Releasing their brand new album “Occabot” on November 1, 2019 via Rad Cult Records, The Stargazer Lilies re-imagined their previously established heavy stoner-doom/dreamgaze sound into something new.  Paragon Cause released their latest EP “Lies Between Us” in 2019, combining dream pop, indie, electronic, industrial, trip hop and alternative rock with soaring, passionate vocals. Emerging out of UK's growing glam-rock revival scene, Birmingham's TREMENDOUS released single “Copycat Killer” in 2019.

Detailed reviews on these Best Of 2019 releases can be found here.

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Creating their own quirky blend of noisy dual-guitar dreampop, Russian Baths shared their latest single “Wrong” in advance of their debut full-length album “Deepfake.”  A crisp, syncopated drum pattern and bassline set up momentary jolting guitars, introducing soft-spoken lyrics “what's that effect you hear? Keep it in control.”

Elongated vocals emphasize the songs title with the refrain “I – was – wrong,” as atmospheric guitar textures rise in the background, momentary exploding, at other times chiming like town square bells. A sonic ascension begins midway through this nearly 5 minute track, creating a wall of hammered guitar chords against the single word songtitle “wrong.” One more quite plateau is reached, as clean dual guitar interplay engages over a simple, basic drum beat. Deepfake was released on 11/8 and is available now everywhere.

Russian Baths on The Deli Magazine by Dave Cromwell

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Based out of Austin, Texas, Blushing released their ten track debut LP this past September. Australia's Trillion put out their six song record “When I Wake” in May.  England's The Suncharms contributed their track “Jet Plane” to an ongoing compilation series in November.  Pacific coast darkwave duo Lunar Twin have been advancing tracks in anticipation of a brand new album “Ghost Moon Ritual.”  Puerto Rican musicians Sin Tribu (aka Warren Santiago), Boston, MA's Federico Balducci, Héctor Caolo's Sueño con belugas, Tom Lugo's Stellarscope, 3 Robots Records SELENES and Meviu§ all feature in the DaveCromwellWrites Year End Best Of review.

Extensive detailed track reviews on all of the above can be found here.

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