Browsing Tag

Prog

Daniel Walzer – Space Thing: A Cosmic Journey Through Jazz Fusion

Tripglitch by Daniel Walzer

Daniel Walzer’s single, ‘Space Thing’, from his LP ‘Tripglitch’, is an innovatively entrancing blend of jazz, electronica, and progressive rock elements and a shining example of Walzer’s prowess as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. His ability to compose avant-garde soundscapes deeply rooted in musical tradition is evident in the synthesis of spacey tones and mind-altering melodies.

The prog-rock guitars add a unique dynamic, intertwining seamlessly with the more traditional jazz and classical elements. This fusion creates a soundscape that is vibrant and upbeat yet laced with subtle hints of dystopia. Even amidst the more energetic progressions, Space Thing evokes a sense of quiescence and solace while sharing a few tendencies with the ‘War of the Worlds’ OST.

The production of ‘Space Thing’ is gentle yet potent, allowing each instrument to shine without overpowering the others. This balance is a hallmark of Walzer’s work, reflecting his deep understanding of and respect for each genre he incorporates into his music.

‘Tripglitch’, and particularly ‘Space Thing’, is a reflection of Walzer’s journey through various musical landscapes, from jazz fusion to new age and ambient pop. His ability to blend these styles while maintaining a cohesive sound is nothing short of remarkable.

Space Thing is now available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Every Progression is a Prog-Rock Revelation in Tempus Cucumis’ Single, It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today

With their seventh album, Rêves, the progressive rock duo, Tempus Cucumis, exhibited how innovation can drive classic rock forward, not as a separation of what came before, but a sublime continuum you can follow and lose yourself within. With those classic rock cuts reconfigured into tantalising time signatures which teach you to predict the unpredictable with each progression, you hand over all sense of control to the cohesive coalescence of talents from Jeroen De Brauwer (guitars, drums, composition) and Lukas Huisman (keys, production).

The seminal single, It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today, uses timbres hotter than the tarmac on the Sunset Strip in July to pay an ode to the capacity of sun rays to salve the spectrum of human tribulation, which may sound like a stretch until you remember that, for the most part, we have the same basic requirements as a house plant, beyond the complexities our autonomy bestows on us. With twists and turns amidst the ebbing and flowing momentum, you can’t help but strap yourself in for the ride and succumb to every new corner the track meanders around, exposing an even more breathtaking sonic scene.

It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today is now available to stream on Spotify with the rest of the 9-track LP, Rêves.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gain a lesson in virtue with Cagri Raydemir’s Absence of Patience

Taken from the four-track EP, Absence, which extolls the virtues of patience, candour, courtesy and tolerance, the opening single, Absence of Patience, featuring Julian Hesse on trumpet, is some of the Munich-based singer-songwriter and producer, Cagri Raydemir’s finest work to date.

After teasing a post-punk atmosphere in the intro, exotic folk nuances begin to weave their way into the progressively avant-garde production before Cagri Raydemir’s vocals become a magnetic centrepiece in the sonic pool of beguile. Imagine Serj Tankian turning his talents to folkish prog rock, and you will get an idea of the organic alchemy caged within this exemplary feat of artistry.

12 LPs and 7 EPs down, it is safe to say the qualified recording engineer and artist has honed his sound and his ability to bring lyrical concepts which explore the human condition to life within his soundscapes. We can’t wait to hear what he conjures next.

The Absence EP was officially released on October 16th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

UK Blues Rock band ‘Near Earth Objects’ return with galaxy-stretching ‘’Run For The City’’ single

Never said I was ready to leave you, be a while but the City won’t keep me from you. 

Near Earth Objects’ aka NEO are a South Cumbria-based band with a variety of genres in their blood. It’s old-school bluesy/Rock with a new school modern folk feel-good-energy going on in the speakers. A very tight band with years of experience playing together, you can feel the harmony and love for the music when you turn them up loud.

‘’Run For The City’’ is all about just going for it, leaving good things and memories behind in order to do what you feel is right and really desire. Believing in your soul is the main thing to do in life, taking a chance and heading upstate to start something fresh and new. With incredible solo guitar riffs and groovy bass lines, ‘’Run For The City’’ is a memorable song with all the right ingredients. 

In 2015, Lead Singer Grant Huck was sadly diagnosed with an immutable nervous system disease that has left him suffering chronic pain and muscle weakness. As a result, he is unable to continue playing live at gigs. However, the band rallied together and decided to continue to work together as a unique recording band. 

A fine thing to do indeed as most bands would have packed it up and moved on elsewhere. The love of music and not wanting to play with anyone else lives on strong with faithful NEO, showing old school values to inspire us all. 

Click here to hear more NEO right here.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Bisch Nadar release their latest tumultuous Math Rock single “Wink Murder”

If you like your Math Rock to offer a little more caustic bite, look no further than the latest single “Wink Murder” from Bisch Nadar.

The Liverpool-based Alt-Rock trio has become renowned for their ability to compose fiercely hypnotic tracks which drag you along with the less than archetypal instrumentals which are about as gentle as a death roll with a crocodile.

In between the ensnaring chaotic instrumentals and restraint-less guttural screams contained in Wink Murder, you’ll find increments of atmospheric melodicism and harmonic vocals which make the veracity of the overdriven guitars seem even fiercer.

It was about time Math Rock saw a reinvention. As far as I’m concerned, Bisch Nadar is leading the way.

You can check out Wink Murder for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

They’ll be kicking off their UK tour in Liverpool on Saturday the 12th of October, head to their Facebook for more details.

Bisch Nadar

Review by Amelia Vandergast