Review: So what happens when a European post-punk outfit meets an American 'ambient country ensemble'? The answer: A Nanocluster. In fact, three. This being the third. Immersion first met SUSS in September 2021, and the results were mesmerising. Three years on and the impact was no less staggering. Originally landing in September 2024, part tres takes us into the kind of musical places we're used to finding Spiritualized or Mogwai, and even then the references are misleading. For as many times as Nanocluster Vol. 3 sucks us into a thick soup of ambient and atmosphere, inviting us to get lost in opiate cloud formations, it also asks us to jump on board a stream train of rolling and driving rhythms, juggernauts gathering depth and complexity as they forge ahead. A stunning collection of highly evocative and incredible musical instrumentals.
Gipsy Kings - "You've Got A Friend In Me (Para El Buzz Espanol)" (2:14)
Randy Newman - "We Belong Together" (4:00)
Review: Who doesn't love Toy Story? It's an on going classic with a heart of gold, some of The best animation in the film world and most loveable characters to ever make the silver screen. Whether young or old, snuggling down to watch this sone is always a treat, and now you can bring some of that magic onto your decks with the red vinyl compilation album. It brings together some of the best tracks and favourite musical moments of the movie such as, of course the most notable song of them all, 'You've Got A Friend In Me (Para El Buzz Espanol)' as well as 'I Will Go Sailing No More' and 'We Belong Together.'
Review: Caito Sanchez lives in New York but was born in Panama and is a dedicated drummer who has spent years as a sideman. He's been honing his craft since the early 2000s and has played with the likes of Charles Bradley, Lee Fields and Brian Jackson. Now he finally makes the big step of going it alone and this debut single shows what he is capable of. He takes care of drums, but also bass, guitar and lead voice on a pair of nuggets that are heavy and psychedelic Spanish rock tunes full of fresh new wave sounds.
Review: Searows is the moniker of Alec Duckart, a Portland-based indie folk star who is signed to Matt Maltese's label Last Recordings On Earth. Searows is influenced by the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver and Iron & Wine and his falsetto has a similar power and timbre to that of his formative influences. Opening track 'Martingale' is beautifully stripped down and pulls you as a listener close to his soul. Meanwhile, on 'To Be Seen' Searows comes across like he's lamenting the death of something and it is a proper tear-jerker. Contrastingly, 'Toothache' is brighter with percussion and delay-laden electric guitar showing his talent for rich, lush arrangements. Matt Maltese has struck gold here by signing Searows. Plus, they're well-suited as they each appear to enjoy delving into post-apocalyptic work. Searows' previous release (on the Last Recordings On Earth label) is called End Of The World and before starting this label, Maltese released his hit single as a solo artist: 'As The World Caves In'. They suit it all so well.
Review: American indie folk artist Joan Shelley returns with Mood Ring, an emo-chromic new record. Celebrated for her soft and folky sound, Shelley's latest follows 2020's The Spur, which did develop one of her many MOs: to orchestrally augment Americana music. Yet it lacked much of the stylistic variation on display here on Mood Ring, which flaunts the breadth of her talent through chambered, variably galvanic songs. A curious formal exercise, too, the record is an LP but contains nothing on the B-side, sparing the listener the unseemly chore of having to flip it over. This is as much an "ahh"-inducing record as can be, then, with 'Fire Of The Morning' restoring the listener to health after, the lyrics attest, singeing our ears in an allegorical housefire; and 'I Look After You' concluding things on a blue, cushioned vocal ostinato.
Review: Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros' 'Johnny Appleseed,' now released on 45 rpm, is a standout track that blends Strummer's punk roots with a newfound warmth. The song opens with a soft acoustic guitar and evolves into a vibrant mix of shimmery organs, sprightly mandolins, and a rousing chorus. Unlike the raw energy of Strummer's Clash days, this track exudes a sunny, campfire vibe. Lyrically, Strummer's incisive commentary remains sharp. Lines like "if you're after getting the honey / then you don't go killing all the bees" and the poignant "Look there goes / Martin Luther King / notice how the door closes / when the chimes of freedom ring" showcase his enduring humanist spirit. The choruses, filled with joyous singalongs, transform the song's underlying grimness into an uplifting celebration of solidarity. 'Johnny Appleseed' masterfully marries Strummer's past and present, making it a compelling and joyful listen.
Review: Appalachian style old-time banjo and guitar player Nora Brown joins with award winning fiddler Stephanie Coleman (of Uncle Earl) to present their new EP, 'Lady Of The Lake', featuring two tight-harmony songs and two instrumental duets. Brought together by Brooklyn's tight-knit old-time music community, Brown and Coleman share a rich musical partnership; Nora is a singer and banjo player, while Stephanie is an award-winning old-time fiddler. 'Lady Of The Lake' is the first time Nora and Stephanie have recorded together since Nora's 2019 debut album Cinnamon Tree; the EP comes in four short movements, beginning with an instrumental congregative ballad in the title track, while moving into the steady movements of 'Gone So Long', on which Brown and Coleman duet and harmonise with ease, and into 'Copper Kettle', a more ruminative meditation on the North-Eastern domestic; jugs filling, whiskey-crafting, pales sloshing and lying supine by junipers.
Review: .While Brazilian guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento and American saxophonist Sam Gendel first met and played together at the dawn of the last decade - at a Los Angeles cafe both used to frequent, fact fans - it was only last year that they decided to collaborate on a release. The Room, the resultant album, was reportedly recorded in two days in a studio in the Californian countryside. It's an undeniably magical and sun-soaked affair, with Gendel teasing fluttering, flute-esque improvisations from his soprano saxophone while Do Nascimento delivers impeccable, finger-picking meditations on his seven-string acoustic guitar. The latter is undoubtedly a virtuoso with his own distinct style - a Brazilian take on classical guitar, incorporating nods to lesser-known regional music - but instinctively knows when to step back and allow Gendel the limelight. Impressive stuff all told.
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