Review: Brown Spirits' current album on Soul Jazz Records delivers a raw, heavy and hypnotic blend of psychedelic rock and krautrock. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, the trio channels influences from Neu!, Miles Davis, Soft Machine, Gang of Four and Hendrix, creating a unique sound that combines progressive intensity with punk and post-punk energy. Their stripped-down lineup of bass, drums, guitar and keyboards is reminiscent of classic acts like Cream and Hendrix, but with a DIY, lo-fi edge. The album features powerful, fuzzed-out guitars, tough basslines and pounding drums, complemented by analog Moog synthesisers and a gritty, analog recording process. Brown Spirits' sound is simultaneously experimental and driving, drawing on their love of Krautrock while infusing it with a raw, punk attitude. Following the quick sellout of two limited-edition singles, this album is a testament to their ability to merge hard, progressive rock with hypnotic grooves and a distinct, unmistakable energy. It's an unforgettable sonic journey that stands out in the current psychedelic rock landscape.
Review: The Sensual World is the sixth studio album from British pop sensation Kate Bush, released in October 1989 to the ever-expected throng of acclaim. Condensing her literary inspirations into what is arguably her most romantic album, The Sensual World is notorious for its singles ‘This Woman’s Work’ and ‘Love And Anger’, which fuse James Joyce and William Blake intertexts with aspects of her own Irish heritage. But despite the Anglo-Irish pedigree, the album was also noted for its pentatonic melodies and “Oriental reverie”, amounting to a mid-career breakaway into a whole new world.
Review: The album stands as a bold testament to progressive metal, combining complex arrangements, heavy instrumentation and deeply introspective themes. The band's musicianship is in peak form, with the guitarist delivering stunning solos that blend intricate leads and rhythmic precision. The music oscillates between hard-hitting tracks and melodic ballads, with standout moments in songs like the aggressive 'Lie', the challenging 'The Mirror' and the emotional depth of 'Lifting Shadows off a Dream'. There are also reflective acoustic pieces and an instrumental, showcasing the band's versatility. Lyrically, the album explores existential themes with sharp, cynical undertones, while recurring musical motifs provide a sense of cohesion. The album is ambitious and complex, balancing heaviness with moments of subtlety, making it a rewarding experience for listeners who appreciate intricate compositions and raw emotional expression.
Review: The Magick Brother & Mystic Sister are in fact not a brother-sister duo, but rather a quartet made up of musicians Eva Muntada, Marc Tena, Maya Fernandez and Xavi Sandoval. Active since 2020 and their debut self-titled EP, this light occultic outfit have since built a rep for weaving flying-carpeted tapestries of narration, sonic reverie, and mysticism in album form; their latest record Tarot II is no exception this rule, coming as the second to name itself after the card-reading divination practice common to the Western esoteric world and beyond. Out from an opening, what sounds to be hammered dulcimered prog progression ('Strength') and moving through to a further ten tracks each named after tarot cards (save for the 'Unnamed Arcane', an apocryphal confabulation of the band - have they drawn a hand we haven't?), this is a record of supreme mystique, and one for the witches and warlocks in our ranks.
Review: Magick Brother & Mystic Sister took inspiration for their name from a serial Gong album, and sure enough this Barcelona-based four-piece know exactly where they're aiming with their heavily psychedelic, tripped-out strain of cosmic rock. Following on from their self-titled debut, now the band are back with the first instalment of a two-part album release called Tarot - so far, so mystic. The groove on 'The Hierophant' is a great place to start in diving into the intoxicating headspace of the band, where some outernational instrumentation collides with the propulsive krautrock-informed rhythm section and the Canterbury scene's affinity for funk. It's a visceral trip no self-respecting pscyhonaut should be without.
Review: Analogue Productions' reissue of Yes' 90125 is a celebration of the band's pivotal album, marking Atlantic Records' 75th anniversary. Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from an original analogue master tape, this 180-gram 45 RPM double LP presents the album in its finest form. 90125 was a departure from Yes' progressive style, but it propelled the band to new heights of commercial success. Hits like 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' and 'Leave It' showed Yes' ability to craft memorable melodies with a contemporary edge. The album's slick production, courtesy of Trevor Horn and various other members of The Art of Noise, and the addition of guitarist Trevor Rabin and keyboardist Tony Kaye, contributed to its fresh sound. This reissue preserves the album's sonic richness and showcases the intricate harmonies and dynamic arrangements that define Yes' music. With its tip-on gatefold jacket and high-quality pressing, Analogue Productions delivers a definitive edition for fans and audiophiles alike. 90125 remains a significant and well-regarded album in Yes' illustrious discography, and this reissue is a must-have for collectors.
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