tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23429130014859641692024-03-12T23:15:27.763+00:00The Sound Of ConfusionThe Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.comBlogger4438125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-6546609784308486462022-02-07T05:45:00.015+00:002022-02-07T08:28:03.831+00:00 Spiritualized – Everything Was Beautiful<p>Article by KevW</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNpcCwtqKUGMIyU34w-4Yp-nFvgXOgsKjWJZobhGMtS6GPlgTyk5rICAaLF3tXusNH25SbmsGVPGgraCZlHJzHsqzAP0d6UZm_txY67l37ynQeneE4CT9Z6lBadmLzeAnrKQ8A5xdWZAhU19rKILzTowVnMweVgPLnf7IzJi8fO3fzX5nzN9MBzCVOZA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNpcCwtqKUGMIyU34w-4Yp-nFvgXOgsKjWJZobhGMtS6GPlgTyk5rICAaLF3tXusNH25SbmsGVPGgraCZlHJzHsqzAP0d6UZm_txY67l37ynQeneE4CT9Z6lBadmLzeAnrKQ8A5xdWZAhU19rKILzTowVnMweVgPLnf7IzJi8fO3fzX5nzN9MBzCVOZA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I haven't commented on any new music here for years, but this mighty effort from <b>Spiritualized</b> is worth it. A bit of info, a bit of opinion and a track by track guide. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">First the bad news: originally due for release at the end of this month, <b>Everything Was Beautiful</b> has been pushed back until April 22nd due to manufacturing issues. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Now the good news: it's well worth the wait, as reviews so far have suggested. From a personal point of view it's exactly what I was hoping for after the largely melancholy (but still stunning) And Nothing Hurt almost four years ago. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Prior to the release of And Nothing Hurt, Jason began working with producer Youth (formerly of Killing Joke and producer for a multitude of artists including The Verve, The Orb, The Charlatans and The Firemen, the band he shares with Paul McCartney). From what I heard, 21 tracks were recorded in these sessions, but things weren't right and these recordings were abandoned. That was the advance for the album spent, and this is why Jason had to painstakingly record And Nothing Hurt pretty much in his house on his own (see any articles about the last album for more on this). And Nothing Hurt was nine songs; this must have meant that there was a lot more material floating around which made me personally dismiss Pierce's claims that it could be the final Spiritualized album. Lo and behold we now have another and given that some of these songs have been knocking around in various guises for years, it's probably safe to assume that a lot of this material was attempted in the aborted sessions with Youth, and therefore could mean that Everything Was Beautiful is something of a companion piece to And Nothing Hurt.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>“Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt”</i> - Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Maybe this well known literary quote confirms this...</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">On Everything Was Beautiful there are numerous references to past work (although I really should stress this is no rehash of previous albums), not least the artwork. It's a clear reference to the pill packaging of Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space – an album that also took its name from a literary quote (Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder) – but notice that the silhouette of the unfolded packaging in the image above is the shape of a pill press, complete with pill in the middle. A clever touch. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Always Together With You:</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The album's first single came out of the blue in November. 2014's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ0TlJss3iE" target="_blank">Always Forgetting With You (The Bridge Song)</a> had until now seemed like a man looking over his shoulder to a style/genre that he was moving away from. Something of a one-off. It's a song Jason has said he always considered unfinished (a demo). This rerecorded, finalised version is pretty gargantuan with overlaying vocals in the vein of the song Ladies & Gentlemen We're Floating In Space or Perfect Miracle from the last album. The video is a strangely compelling compilation of clips showing various aspects of humanity and wonders of nature. My interpretation? Well... you'll notice that for the first half of the video the silhouette of the pill press/pill packaging is masking the clips, all of which are beautiful/life affirming/spectacular... however you want to put it. Then when this pharmaceutical packaging is taken away we're bombarded with disaster, pollution, war, horror. With the medication things are beautiful, but take away the medication and we see what it has been masking all the time; the reality of what humanity is doing to the world. Are we just medicating ourselves with TV, media, commercialism, celebrity fascination, gossip... music? Are we failing to see the bigger picture because the drugs of modern life are anaesthetising us to the stark reality? Just a thought...</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ME0ji3o05UQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="ME0ji3o05UQ"></iframe></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song):</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">One of the songs that had me convinced the previous album wouldn't be the last and also had me convinced that the next album would be more upbeat. This was first played live as The D Song a few times back in 2013. To the best of my knowledge there are no high quality recordings of these shows out there, just a couple of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnGNc8bA_bo" target="_blank">crowd recordings from camera phones</a>. But it seemed like a garage rock/Krautrock stomper. The finished version chucks in a load of brass and gospel and is just the bluesy, psych-rock opus I'd been hoping for. Oh, and when the guitar fires up properly, there's a very deliberate nod to Electricity, but only briefly. There's already a sense of reinvigoration here despite this lyrically not being a bed of roses. The production and orchestration makes it bristle with a moody nonchalance. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Let It Bleed (Song For Iggy):</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A couple of obvious musical references in the title. There are hints of Let It Bleed era Rolling Stones here, but only hints. Again we get a lot of horns, gospel and a bubbling electrical undercurrent... this album is the biggest production Spiritualized have given us since Let It Come Down. Let It Bleed is a proper builder and is filled with ghosts of previous Spiritualized songs... that piano is like... something by them, it's just difficult to pinpoint exactly what. That tremolo effect simmering away in the background is reminiscent of... well, again, nothing you can pinpoint. It's the same with many aspects of this track. But who is Iggy? There doesn't seem to be any clear references to Mr Pop.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Crazy:</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A country ballad in the middle of a space-rock, psych-blues, electro-Kraut odyssey? Seems strange but it really does fit and once you get your head around it, it really is beautiful. The production here is masterful, as is the songwriting. Jason can't take the full credit for that for once... if you think you've heard this before then maybe you're a fan of Nikki Lane. The two toured together and co-wrote this back in 2012. Lane recorded a demo of the track as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi0yRJQY_NI" target="_blank">Crazy (All Messed Up)</a> before releasing it two years later as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnH4--qeDEE" target="_blank">Out Of My Mind</a>. On paper it may seem an odd fit but with Spaceman's production and distinctive vocal it certainly feels very much like a Spiritualized song, and when he sings <i>“all of my thoughts are of you”</i> it's more than just a crowbarred in reference to a previous classic. It fits perfectly. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3vCcjlcJ8JM" width="320" youtube-src-id="3vCcjlcJ8JM"></iframe></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The Mainline Song/The Lockdown Song:</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Oh Boy. Dreams do come true. Having heard glimpses of the unreleased songs that were still out there I was hoping for a psychedelic Krautrock masterpiece, taking in the drones and reverberation of the first couple of albums and throwing in the songcraft, subtlety, gospel and ornate organic layering that Jason has been developing ever since. And here it is. Again this is a reworking though; in 2016 Jason recoded two instrumental tracks for fashion brand Kenzo Paris, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kenzoparis/kenzo-men-ss16-show-soundtrack-by-jason-pierce">one for the men's collection</a> and <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kenzoparis/kenzo-women-ss16-show-soundtrack-by-jason-pierce" target="_blank">one for the women's</a>. These two intricately layered psychedelic electro-drones ventured into territory that it seemed he'd spent the past decade moving away from, but if 16 minute, ambient space-rock epics are your bag then they really were quite something. Well, The Mainline Song contains elements of one of these tracks, condensed and with added horns and gospel (as is a theme on the album) and a second half that introduces lyrics that worm their way into your brain in a very good way. If you're familiar with the album Pure Phase then you'll be able to pick up distant traces of that echoing down through the years. It's a song that only Jason Pierce could have made, and thank God he has. Is it too early to make a claim for this perhaps being my favourite ever Spiritualized song...? </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>“Sweet heart, sweet light</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>oh babe it's a beautiful night</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>and I wanted to know</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>if you wanted to go</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>to the city tonight-ight-ight-ight-ight-ight...”</i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The A Song (Laid In Your Arms):</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Where to go from there? No fear, this is no come down. Of all the unreleased tracks I knew about, this was the most anticipated. Another that was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc-eetm6KdU" target="_blank">first performed live around a decade ago</a>. When And Nothing Hurt was released I looked for this in the track listing and didn't see it. Maybe it was recorded with a different name? Nope. So it was a personal joy to see that it would be included here. The A Song is noticeably different from those live recordings, perhaps in a similar way to how Here It Comes evolved from the live shows to its finished version on the last album. It seems a tad slower but a lot more majestic. Not least because that guitar riff is now much more grandiose and orchestral, becoming engulfed in Spirituailzed's trademark psychedelic squall before temporarily emerging from the other side unscathed, only to be swallowed up again. The lyrics mix bluesy Americana with possible (well, likely, it is Spiritualized after all) drug references. He kept us waiting with this one but it was worth it.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>I'm Coming Home Again:</b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Pierce has always been a man who does proper closing tracks, with some album-enders seeming to be purpose written for just that job. Whatever the genesis of I'm Coming Home Again, it certainly fits into this lineage. However, although its name might recall Pure Phase's closer Feel Like Going Home, this is much more swampy. More akin to Ladies & Gentleman's finale Cop Shoot Cop, but it sounds as though it could have been included on Sweet Heart Sweet Light and is something of a sunken-eyed cousin of Headin' For The Top Now. A soup of bluesy desperation, forlorn gospel and a dark, engulfing sensation that the end is near. That there is no way out. Yet with the ambitious layers, occasional shotgun drumming, bells and haunted choral voices it becomes a thing of distressing majesty; something that has peppered Spiritualized's career. It's mightily impressive.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">For all the sonic reverberations and lyrical hat-tips to his previous work, Everything Was Beautiful almost has the sense of a rebirth. A reconnection with the more electric psych of early Spiritualized yet done in a way that he hasn't quite done before. It was said many times that And Nothing Hurt was a culmination or distillation of a 30 year career (almost 40 if you include Spacemen 3) but that was never something I could see myself. If anything it's this album that fits that bill, and given the obvious lyrical references it's not something Pierce has tried to hide. Could all of this be dropping a hint that this time it really will be the final Spiritualized album? Well, if the info about those sessions with Youth are true then there are still at least five unreleased songs plus whatever's been written since, so it's highly unlikely. On this album Pierce seems more focused and reenergised. In the future, when all the dust finally settles on this astonishing career, if Everything Was Beautiful isn't considered to be one of the very greatest Spiritualized albums, then it means we must be in for a hell of a ride in the coming years. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://spiritualizedband.bandcamp.com/album/everything-was-beautiful?from=fanpub_fb" target="_blank">Pre-order the album</a></p>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-28300523075884354062016-04-19T11:07:00.000+01:002016-04-19T11:07:10.152+01:00Dead Skeletons - Live In Berlin Article by Del Chaney<br />
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Released on April 9th 2016 via the ever reliable Fuzz Club Records, psychedelic explorers <b>Dead Skeletons</b> bring their explosive live sound to the ears of the listening masses on one highly anticipated latest release. 'Live In Berlin' was recorded at Berlin’s iconic S036 Club and it features a plethora of live musical guests including members of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Spacemen 3 and Singapore Sling gracing the band's stage. The album is available to buy/download right now on most formats from the Fuzz Club website. </div>
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'Om Vajra Sattva Hung' meanders into earshot on a brutal tidal wave of dark, oppressive live frequencies adorned with glitchy guitar squalls and squealing feedback. The intense live atmospherics are indeed palpable as the track builds in momentum, swirling within reverberating fret noise and shuffling off-kilter snare drum theatrics. It breaks into an expansively spacious kind of reverberating peace before pounding drums and addictive guitar structures interrupt its dreamlike state to announce the track in all of its mantra driven glory. 'Om Vajra Sattva Hung' is thoroughly experimental as it works through its structured changes to become one big monolithic sonic surge. Electronic sequences coupled with intense guitars swirl within the musical void as 'Om Mani Padme Hum' breathes an explosive edge into proceedings. Its pounding drums act as a central spine as it bears the weight of the swirling instrumentation and that exquisitely repetitive vocal mantra! Up next, 'Buddha Christ' shuffles on its percussive coil as it explodes into some modern-day, psychedelically-infused rockabilly, whilst 'Kundalini Eyes' expands the rock 'n' roll trend, albeit with an infusion of driving, old-school Joy Division for good measure, before bending and manipulating frequencies at will to create a massive wall of experimental sonic brilliance. </div>
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'Psycho Dead' drones on a sampled vocal before its subtle percussion parts add just enough weight to support those dark and oppressive vocals, allowing the guitars to swirl around the entire track with ease. It stalks the outer reaches of your audible range but unlike the previous tracks it manages to stay earthbound and straightforward enough to allow even the newest of listeners to grasp what's going on. Up next, 'When The Sun' shimmers and hangs within suspended sonic animation as it's gradually allowed to open up and gracefully show off its inner musical demons! It swerves on layers of reverb as the steadying pace of the drum track ushers in the melodic vocal and allows it to breath before it soars into the sonic ether. 'When The Sun' is simply stunning and it shows the diversity within a live sound environment that Dead Skeletons possess. They can gauge the mood of the audience on any particular night and change the sound to suit when needed. Magnificently executed. </div>
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'Dead Cometh' builds from the off and it is packed full of experimental atmosphere as it grinds through its sonic gears. Massive guitar structures loop and arc all over the sonic arena as its addictive vocal lines ride huge waves of brooding and affected frequencies intertwined with those pounding drum patterns. Track eight, 'Get On the Train', is a modern-day psychedelic behemoth! It drives a tremulous sonic furrow through proceedings, whilst the album's penultimate track, the aptly named 'Kingdom Of God', shudders and groans on a wave of droning guitars and repetitive explosive drum patterns. It builds and builds gathering immense heights, all the while stacking layer upon layer of insanely brilliant sound-waves to create a stunning live sonic assault on the senses. The album's closing piece needs no introduction, no reviewing or fancy wording and no bloody frills! It is simply a thirteen minute plus call to arms to the modern-day psych world and is my favourite track on this entire release. Ladies and gentlemen I give you... 'Dead Mantra'. </div>
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This is a stunning collection of live recordings from a band who can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. Dead Skeletons effortlessly transform their entire studio sound into something that's intensely otherworldly in a live setting. They can evoke out of body experiences through the medium of sound and are definitely worthy of your ears. This is psych-induced spiritual enlightenment in musical form... this is music! </div>
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Dead Skeletons' <a href="http://dead.is/">website</a></div>
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DEMPYIS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DEMPYIS&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Live in Berlin'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DEMPYIS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-78361589094233390842016-04-18T11:14:00.002+01:002016-04-18T11:15:39.202+01:00The Sound Of Confusion Radio Show - 17th April 2016 Sundays at 8pm UK, repeated 8pm EST on <a href="http://www.primalradiolive.com/">Primal Radio</a><br />
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Tracklist:<br />
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<b>The Velvet Hands - Trains </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CLAMRO8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CLAMRO8&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Trains%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CLAMRO8%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Trains'</a><br />
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<b>Exsonvaldes - Cyclop </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BZ1W79Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BZ1W79Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Cyclop%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BZ1W79Y%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Cyclop'</a><br />
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<b>Simmer - Sinewy </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C78F16U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01C78F16U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Sinewy%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01C78F16U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Sinewy'</a><br />
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<b>Plastic Flowers - Diver </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BMBIX72/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BMBIX72&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Diver%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BMBIX72%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Diver'</a><br />
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<b>Twin Haus - I Used To Think </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015YWL43U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B015YWL43U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27I%20Used%20to%20Think%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B015YWL43U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'I Used To Think'</a><br />
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<b>Proto Idiot - Idiot Blues </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Nu-sZN6-L._SS280.jpg">'Idiot Blues'</a><br />
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<b>Obligatory Record Of The Week: Beverly - Crooked Cop </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019JQMDRI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019JQMDRI&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Crooked%20Cop%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019JQMDRI%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Crooked Cop'</a><br />
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<b>Adult Books - Nihilism For Beginners </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C7OXPZS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01C7OXPZS&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Nihilism%20for%20Beginners%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01C7OXPZS%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Nihilism For Beginners'</a><br />
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<b>Talkie - Mountain </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="http://noisetrade.com/talkie/hablas">'Mountain'</a><br />
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<b>Egyptian Blue - This Is My Rot </b><br />
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Egyptian Blue's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/egyptianblueinc">website</a><br />
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<b>ARMS - Keep It Light </b><br />
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ARMS' <a href="http://www.armsarms.com/">website</a><br />
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<b>Frankie Cosmos - Sappho </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B3VPWWK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01B3VPWWK&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Sappho%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01B3VPWWK%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Sappho'</a><br />
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<b>Desario - Capture </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CZLJ2N2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CZLJ2N2&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Capture%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CZLJ2N2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Capture'</a><br />
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<b>Dream Wife - Hey Heartbreaker </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COTQOTA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01COTQOTA&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Hey%20Heartbreaker%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01COTQOTA%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Hey Hearbreaker'</a><br />
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<b>The Callas - It's Sunday I'm Bleeding </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AWN5P90/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01AWN5P90&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27It%27s%20Sunday%20I%27m%20Bleeding%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01AWN5P90%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'It's Sunday I'm Bleeding'</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-49698661859390854672016-04-15T13:01:00.002+01:002016-04-15T13:01:50.408+01:00Juju - Juju Article by Del Chaney<br />
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Brilliant independent record label Sunrise Ocean Bender presents a stunning collection of seven tracks by Sicily-based psychedelic explorer <b>JuJu</b> (Lay Llamas, Herself). The album's penned in for release on May 6th 2016. With a stunning sound that's more akin to a pulsating, living organism, 'JuJu' transcends this modern-day psych-rock plain, bringing with it swathes of rhythmic, almost ritualistic, golden frequencies to the ears of its waiting listenership. The album is available on most formats and can be pre-ordered via the labels website. <br />
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Driving bass frequencies riding a wave of panned percussive hits usher in track one, the hypnotically atmospheric 'Samael'. Its sequenced drum patterns swirl within the magical maelstrom as it builds into a whirlwind of reverb-induced vocal lines coupled with pounding drums and intertwined with suppressive droning guitars. It surges through its chord progressions with apparent ease as wave after wave of sonic frequencies batter the senses and block out any outside influence, careering you off its chosen musical path. A stunning entry point into a dynamic world of sonic delight. Track two thunders into the musical arena on a titanic wave of shimmering reverb. 'We Spit On Yer Grave' is completely addictive as those plodding synth progressions, cushioning that immense vocal attack, ride a juggernaut of explosive drums, throbbing bass lines and tremulous golden-hued guitars. <br />
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The metronomic opening bars of 'Stars And Sea', my favourite track on this entire release, swerve and move within a translucent world of shimmering suspended animation, as those stunning vocals add an air of atmosphere to proceedings. There's a subtle but brilliant country chic feel to this track as it meanders its way through peaks and troughs of psychedelic delight. The added Eastern-sounding percussive hits inject weight and balance but soon make way for an absolutely blistering finale as the track takes off into a stunning cacophony of swirling vocals, swerving synth swells and dark driving guitars. Beautiful atmospheric piano hits circumnavigated by dark, oppressive samples announce the arrival of 'Dance With The Fish', as immense, psychedelically charged synth swells sonically mimic an apparent underwater scene. It's a beautiful two-minute sonic aperitif to what comes next!<br />
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A repetitious guitar progression carefully balances a whispering but effective vocal pattern on its axis as 'Sunrise Ocean' builds momentum into a charging musical monolith! The tidal wave of sound expands as those droning guitars arrive and plough through the track's fuzzy interior with aplomb. Add into the mix those driving, addictive bass frequencies and what we have collectively is an absolutely stunning piece of music. The album's penultimate track, entitled 'Lost', begins with stunning melody courtesy of a repetitive piano sequence. There's an air of tranquility as the synth swells and drums arrive, adding subtle but firm movement to the track and allowing the vocal samples to loop and arc throughout the reverberating atmosphere. The mood then changes as we shift sonic gears. The drums increase in tempo, and coupled with the arrival of a repetitious guitar progression and shakers, the entire piece swirls within a beautiful sonic whirlwind! <br />
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The album's closing piece is simply magical! Swirling bongos, sequenced samples and droning, golden frequencies begin the hypnotic rhythmic mantra as those amazing repetitive vocals shuffle into earshot. 'Bring 'Em War' builds and builds, developing form and shape before unleashing something akin to absolute sonic abandonment! It weaves and bobs throughout and drives a deeply melodic, psychedelic furrow right through the centre of the musical landscape! A truly wonderful closing track to a blistering album.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1260336694/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1204371358/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://juju-spell.bandcamp.com/album/juju">JuJu by JuJu</a></iframe>
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1260336694/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=785657837/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://juju-spell.bandcamp.com/album/juju">JuJu by JuJu</a></iframe>
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Juju's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JuJuSpell">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://juju-spell.bandcamp.com/album/juju">'Juju'</a><b>.</b><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-43604064808248862512016-04-14T11:42:00.001+01:002016-04-14T11:42:53.866+01:00One Unique Signal - Hoopsnake Article by Del Chaney<br />
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As most of you may or may not already know from reading any of my previous reviews, I'm a sucker for bands who push boundaries and experiment with sound. I get excited at the prospect of reading about how certain bands develop their sound on a particular album or release. The third album from UK-based sonic explorers <b>One Unique Signal </b>does just that. Born out of one single repetitious loop from the recording sessions on their previous album, 'Aether', 'Hoopsnake' is a collaborative four-track monolith of immense sound constructed by the three members of the band and 20 of their contemporaries, including The Oscillations's Damien Castellanos and Stephen Lawrie of The Telescopes. The resulting four tracks are a testament to the abilities of the artists involved to bend and form sound-waves at will into a sometimes dark and menacing sonic maelstrom and at other times into a beautiful, reverb-drenched, atmospheric soundscape that's awash with massive synth swells and droning psychedelic guitars. 'Hoopsnake' was released via the brilliant UK-based Fuzz Club Records and is available to purchase on all formats from the record label's website right now. <br />
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'Hoopsnake' opens with the dark and oppressive 'HS 01'. Menacing synth swells make way for an explosive whirlwind of sonic delight as a repetitive drum pattern ushers in the tempestuous guitars and off kilter vocal progressions that meld together and manifest into one impressive wall of sound. 'HS 01' is heavy work at times as it builds and builds into an oppressive sonic assault on the senses, but there is a sullen clarity hiding deep within the swirling maelstrom of reverb-induced sound-waves that just makes sense! 'HS 02' openly glitters as intricate glitchy sounds pan left and right. The sonic tempest builds slowly from far below this listener's audible range as swirling synths bubble to the surface. 'HS 02' is unsettling at first but switches into a rhythmic, almost metronomic animal as the droning guitars enter the fray, adding weight to proceedings as it leads us into that majestic expansive finale! Up next, 'HS 03' brings yet another swirling synth drone to the fore. This time accompanied by sampled birdsong and creeping, stagnated and edgy fret noise. This is intensely atmospheric as the whirling drone gathers momentum and pulsates into a living, breathing animal. 'HS 03' is so dark and malevolent it will leave you checking behind the shower curtain before going to bed every night. The album's closing track, entitled 'HS04', begins with beautifully reverb-drenched chord structures that shimmer and drone upon themselves. They build and build into a stunning cacophony of immense sound waves before an addictive but plodding synth progression takes over and ushers in the finale. <br />
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'Hoopsnake' is indeed experimental! It is also sometimes hard to listen to and in the same breath, sometimes awe inspiring. The sonic field it possesses is massive and it's that expansive soundscape that sucks you in and introduces you to magnificent swells of sonic energy. It's a wonderful collection of tracks that I feel you really need to sit down, listen and concentrate on properly. Recommended listening all the same!<br />
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One Unique Signal's <a href="http://www.oneuniquesignal.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://fuzzclub.com/products/one-unique-signal-hoopsnake-cd">'Hoopesnake'</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-59326575534989667492016-04-12T14:03:00.000+01:002016-04-12T14:05:42.551+01:00SULK - No Illusions Article by KevW<br />
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It may be stating the obvious a little, but <b>SULK</b> have always been something of a throwback. Both image-wise and in terms of music they channelled the psychedelic end of baggy from the start. So what's remarkable about them is that they also sound relatively unique. Chucking in a few shoegaze sonics helps, but then certain early Charlatans records (amongst others) did the same, so pinning down exactly what gives these guys their individuality is tricky. Could it simply be that there's currently no-one else doing this kind of thing to this high a standard? Whatever their secret, second album, 'No Illusions', doesn't have a duff moment on it. <br />
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Fans will no doubt be familiar with single 'Black Infinity (Upside Down)' by now, and it's the spiralling guitar motif of that song that kicks things off, bringing in weighty beats, mysteriously affected vocals and bold production which is really the hallmark of this album as a whole. Although engineered to create the biggest sound possible (whilst neatly avoiding becoming too "stadium"), there's always an unhurried vibe that comes over as totally natural. 'The Only Faith Is Love' adds a touch more edge and throws some retro shapes, but it still glides along with ease. <br />
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'No Illusions' really does show that SULK are capable of crafting some outstanding tunes, and the chiming intro to the title-track immediately has your ears pricking up. Possessing ethereal anthemic qualities and effortlessness, it's one of their finest moments, and following it with the equally (if not even more) impressive 'Drifting' makes for an almost life-affirming listen. 'One Day' aims for the stratosphere, and as more of those ringing guitar lines mingle with a soaring chorus, it reaches its target. Again it feels easy, and as we sail through 'Past Paradise', the fuzzy 'Queen Supreme' and the towering 'Love Can't Save You Now' it seems as though we're on cruise-control in the best possible way - as though riding the crest of a wave. <br />
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This record doesn't come down from its high until the final strains of 'Another Man Fades Dawn', by which time we've been sucked through a Paisley-powered, booming, kaleidoscopic rabbit hole to a dreamlike space where everything seems fluid and wondrous. The Horrors attempted to take us to a similar place with 'Skying', but 'No Illusions' sounds more like the complete picture. Despite its nostalgic stylings it never feels dated, and quite frankly, it's a joy to become absorbed in.<br />
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SULK's <a href="http://www.sulktheband.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DNXOW9U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DNXOW9U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'No Illusions'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DNXOW9U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-4098338360998550022016-04-11T11:59:00.002+01:002016-04-11T11:59:54.569+01:00The Dandy Warhols - DistortlandArticle by KevW<br />
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<b>The Dandy Warhols </b>have often been seen as a band you either love or hate, but their fans are certainly dedicated. Hits such as 'Every Day Should Be a Holiday' and Bohemian Like You' may have tickled the underbelly of mainstream success, but listeners expecting their albums to be full of those sort of catchy guitar tunes probably won't have found what they were looking for amongst more swampy-sounding psych-rock and garage (that said, I doubt many can knock the sheer majesty of tracks like 'Godless'). In fairness to them, The Dandy Warhols have never pandered to the masses for huge commercial success, and, if anything, recent albums have seen them reinforce their status as outsiders. Will 'Distortland' change any of that? Almost certainly not, but it does see the band exploring different ideas and it doesn't disappoint.<br />
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The lead single from 'Distrotland' is 'You Are Killing Me', and it can very much been seen as classic Dandys, as well as being considered this album's 'Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth' or 'Get Off'. It's also a proper grower and even a few months on from its initial release it continues to sound better with each play. Elsewhere things are more understated and often stripped-back. There is a woozy, psychedelic dreampop feel to opener 'Search Party', and even more so on 'Doves' which finds them at their lushest, but this is a record that never really "gets going" as it were, something that does mean it takes a few spins to get to grips with, although it's certainly worth it as the songs unravel their paired-down secrets.<br />
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The phasing and atmospheric 'Semper Fidelis' turns out to be a broody and trippy journey into the dark, while 'Catcher In The Rye' plods along with hushed tones but begins to sparkle after a while, with the woozy, twilight glow of 'Give' being even more hushed, much like short, lullaby-like closer 'The Grow Up Song'. Single 'STYGGO' could have been engineered to be brighter and bolder, but its catchiness probably works best the way it is; proof that big isn't always better. Both 'Pope Reverend Jim' and 'All The Girls In London' are modern garage-psych stompers that may have a little more urgency for those wanting instant kicks, but on the whole 'Distortland' requires a touch more work on the listener's part before it reveals its true colours, and it's definitely rewarding it in the end.<br />
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The Dandy Warhols' <a href="http://www.dandywarhols.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BCO9V7K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BCO9V7K&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Distortland'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BCO9V7K" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-6720705603884228952016-04-11T10:18:00.000+01:002016-04-11T10:18:31.690+01:00The Sound Of Confusion Radio Show - 10th April 2016 Sundays at 8pm UK, repeated 8pm EST on <a href="http://www.primalradiolive.com/">Primal Radio</a><br />
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Tracklist:<br />
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<b>Shonen Knife – Jump into the New World </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGAMQ9A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BGAMQ9A&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Jump%20into%20the%20New%20World%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BGAMQ9A%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Jump into the New World'</a><br />
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<b>Mayflower Madame – Weightless </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGU7DX4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BGU7DX4&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Weightless%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BGU7DX4%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Weightless'</a><br />
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<b>SULK – Drifting </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DNXP7DU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DNXP7DU&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Drifting%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DNXP7DU%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Drifting'</a><br />
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<b>The Magnetic North - Signs </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/fulltimehobby/the-magnetic-north-signs-free-download">'Signs'</a><br />
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<b>Sons of the Void – Kolliderscope </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://sonsofthevoid.bandcamp.com/album/sons-of-the-void">'Sons of the Void'</a> (album)<br />
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<b>Foxtails Brigade – No Fate </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DDL9Z8U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DDL9Z8U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27No%20Fate%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DDL9Z8U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'No Fate'</a><br />
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<b>Obligatory Record Of The week: Plastic Flowers – Mary (Del) </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DDL9Z8U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DDL9Z8U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27No%20Fate%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DDL9Z8U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Mary (Del)'</a><br />
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<b>Palace Winter – Positron </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BCO85ZO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BCO85ZO&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Positron%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BCO85ZO%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Positron'</a><br />
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<b>Ashley Shadow – Tonight </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BGMZ9VK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BGMZ9VK&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Tonight%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BGMZ9VK%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Tonight'</a><br />
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<b>Lull – Cicada </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BZ1T81O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BZ1T81O&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Cicada%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BZ1T81O%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Cicada'</a><br />
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<b>The Orange Kyte – Which Vivian?</b><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://theorangekyte.bandcamp.com/track/which-vivian">'Which Vivian?'</a><br />
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<b>Psychic Ills – I Don't Mind (feat. Hope Sandoval) </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DLBF9VY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DLBF9VY&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27I%20Don%27t%20Mind%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DLBF9VY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'I Don't Mind'</a><br />
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<b>Tacocat – Men Explain Things To Me </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019Q72QAY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019Q72QAY&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Men%20Explain%20Things%20to%20Me%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019Q72QAY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Men Explain Things To Me'</a><br />
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<b>Pure Joy – Katie's Gone Home</b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DMJQSNS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DMJQSNS&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Katie%27s%20Gone%20Home%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DMJQSNS%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Katie's Gone Home'</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-40376082275392788242016-04-10T10:08:00.001+01:002016-04-10T10:08:37.400+01:00Tacocat - Lost Time Article by KevW<br />
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You don't have to search for long to find a band making fuzzy, punky garage tunes at the moment, nor will the references used to describe <b>Tacocat</b>'s new album, 'Lost Time', be particularly unusual. For starters, the quartet are from Seattle, which even 25 years on can bring up certain notions, and sure enough, there are grungy elements to be found here, as well as nods to other scuzz-rock groups of that era (Veruca Salt, The Breeders...). On paper, therefore, Tacocat are nothing spectacular, but the tunes prove otherwise.<br />
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In terms of music they have an extra punch, and it's not one that's arrived at by simply going heavier with their sound. A prime example of this is 'The Internet' where they crank up a simple, buzzing riff that has a familiarity but sounds fresh at the same time (a hat-tip to producer Erik Blood for the extra invigoration), and then lifts itself further with a crisp burst of additional guitar in the chorus. Purely and simply, Tacocat have a better sound that most others in their field. The lyrics are another factor that sets them apart. There's nothing here that's dumbed-down or vacuous, with more thought being given to subject matter and viewpoint. Take single 'I Hate The Weekend', where the mess that occurs in so many towns and cities isn't celebrated in the usual way: <i>"a two day fun permit, let loose like your life depends on it/at the end of every week, you're screaming in our streets"</i>. Party-poopers? Not really, because the album is bags of fun, and to be honest, I can't help but agree.<br />
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We're told that the title, 'Lost Time', is a reference to 'The X-Files', so opening it with the catchy 'Dana Katherine Scully' seems fitting, and from there we get half an hour's worth of sugar-coated bullets where the three-minute barrier is only broken twice. This may not be the most diverse record you'll hear all year, but it certainly doesn't outstay its welcome, and time after time these songs hit the mark. The bubblegum melodies of 'I Love Seattle' and gorgeous hooks found on 'Men Explain Things To Me' are particular favourites. Really though, 'Lost Time' is a riot from beginning to end and, in the best possible way, is like having a bucket of icy water thrown in your face. Top stuff.<br />
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Tacocat's <a href="http://tacocatdotcom.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019Q73DKQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019Q73DKQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Lost Time'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019Q73DKQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Catch them live:<br />
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2. May UK, Nottingham / JT Soar <br />
3. May UK, Edinburgh / Electric Circus <br />
4. May UK, Glasgow / Broadcast <br />
5. May UK, Cardiff / The Moon Club <br />
6. May UK, Brighton / Sticky Mike's Frog Bar <br />
7. May UK, London / The Lexington<br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-16793483606489837512016-04-06T10:19:00.000+01:002016-04-06T10:19:12.529+01:00Twin Haus - Nothing Lavish Article by Del Chaney<br />
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Brisbane-based noisy, ambient psych rockers <b>Twin Haus</b> have just released their sophomore EP entitled 'Nothing Lavish' (22nd March 2016) via Bedlam Records. This release follows on from their successful debut EP, the sonically sublime seven-track 'Waxen Myriad' (2014), and see's the band continue on with their sonic manifesto of not pigeonholing themselves into any one particular musical genre. With a sound that expertly skips through noisy, psych-tinged highs but also has subtle, atmospheric post-rock strands that are infused with stunning atmospheric ambient low points, Twin Haus successfully produce wonderful sonic soundscapes that deserve to be listened to over and over again. 'Nothing Lavish' is available to buy/download right now from the band's <a href="http://twinhaus.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> page. <br />
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The EP opens up with an addictively melodic guitar build, carefully cushioning that impressive vocal performance before collectively streaming into a gorgeous chorus break. Yes, I am hearing Radiohead here from the beginning, but 'Synthetic Egg' morphs into something completely new sounding, as we're treated to a thrilling musical break that is full of golden-hued sonic swirls and that brilliant saxophone line that both thrills and interests all at once. The track builds into a maelstrom of atmospheric instrumentation as it deftly works through its sonic gears with aplomb. Is it really strange that I'm hearing hints of Jeff Buckley swirling within those addictive vocal lines? Absolutely stunning. Coming in at nine-minutes-plus, 'Synthetic Egg' is by far my favourite track on this entire release. <br />
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Track two, 'Self-Love', is an extension of sorts to the opening track but it has its roots firmly stuck deep within a cacophony of swirling, droning guitar swells and explosive instrumentation. It drives a sonic trench through proceedings and expertly bookends that opening track. Wild but atmospheric percussive hits announce the arrival of track three, 'I Used To Think', before that soaring vocal line becomes the focal point as reverberating guitar structures circumnavigate the entire track giving off a brilliantly vivid ambient hue as they swirl within the sonic whirlwind. Both the guitar and vocal tracks systematically loop and arc side by side, right across the sonic ether as the track meanders and dances expertly like some imaginary ballroom dancing couple. A brilliantly executed track. <br />
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The EP's closing piece, entitled 'The Revue', leans more towards noise-rock as its driving opening patterns take shape, before the veil falls away and we're treated to a beautiful cacophony of addictive guitars, stunning vocal production, sparse percussion and intense atmosphere. 'The Revue' is a sonic journey all in itself, as its eleven-minutes-plus of shimmering psychedelic brilliance envelopes the listener, lifts you up and carefully pulls you with it into its inner swirling cyclone. This is sonic heaven of immense proportions and it's recommended that you listen to it via headphones just to experience its sheer sonic abandonment that it holds. It explodes from the break into a stalking sonic cheetah chasing down its prey. A stunning finale to an utterly brilliant EP. As sophomore releases go this is worthy of much bigger praise than I can give it. I simply cannot recommend this EP enough. Bravo!<br />
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Twin Haus' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/twinhaus">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://twinhaus.bandcamp.com/">'Nothing Lavish'</a><b>.</b><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-79520027139262630482016-04-05T09:59:00.000+01:002016-04-05T09:59:28.566+01:00Eric Bachmann - Eric BachmannArticle by KevW<br />
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In the lead-up to his latest album, <b>Eric Bachmann </b>talked about feeling the need to "metamorphose", and it won't be the first time in his career that there have been changes. Alongside solo work, he's perhaps better known for being the frontman of Archers Of Loaf as well as Crooked Fingers, but for 'Eric Bachmann' the idea was to leave little to hide behind, both lyrically and musically. The result is an album that feels incredibly personal and honest, as well as containing some expertly-crafted songs which already have a classic feel to them.<br />
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Piano plays a large part in these intimate tracks, but the guitars haven't been thrown out completely. 'Belong to You' works as an ideal opener, introducing you to this more heartfelt style with vocals coming through crisp and clear as the main focal point. With the side guitar, piano and female backing, there's a similar aura to that created by Neil Young circa 'Harvest', and, like Young, Bachmann really shows his mettle as a songwriter. 'Masters of the Deal' feels quite light, playful and at times shimmering, but it's also very thoughtful and one of the more instant tracks here. More tinkling piano follows it on 'Modern Drugs', but again the music tells a different story to the lyrics which deal with serious illness. Although these two aspects might seem at odds with each other, they in fact compliment one another other perfectly.<br />
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The outstanding 'Mercy' is perhaps the most powerful statement of all. Lyrically it's the sound of a man who's experienced much of what life can throw at you; a little battered and bruised, but philosophical and with his head held high. On this occasion the backing is a beautiful gospel/doo-wop hybrid with powerful chords that elevate it to another level. It's quite stunning. A similarly rich backing can be found on 'Separation Flight' which seems to fuse traditional alt-country with the kind of Americana mined by Bruce Springsteen, and that influence is felt more subtly on the simmering 'Small Talk'. 'Dreaming' is another soul-baring tune, but this time the arrangement is more spacious and it's this that makes it work so well.<br />
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'Eric Bachmann' works best as a full album, but for an easy entry point, the more upbeat alt-rock tinge to 'Carolina' might work best (alongside 'Mercy') and really shows the combination of personal lyrics with arrangements that manage to be both lush and spacious, giving a grandeur but allowing these songs to breathe. You almost feel as though an album like this should have a proper ending rather than seem like an open book, and 'The Old Temptation' does come across that way. Or it at least feels like the end of this particular chapter, if not the story as a whole. This may be a kind of musical reinvention, yet you get the sense that the Eric Bachmann we hear on these songs was there all along, and that it was his previous work that was a reinvention of the person he really is. Whether metamorphosis or realisation, it feels truly timeless.<br />
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Eric Bachmann's <a href="http://www.ericbachmann.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D5JOA4O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01D5JOA4O&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Eric Bachmann'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01D5JOA4O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-28534197451631725172016-04-04T17:06:00.001+01:002016-04-04T17:25:56.323+01:00UK ALBUM PREMIERE: The Old Adage - Cycles Article by Karla Harris<br />
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Late last August we hosted the UK premiere of <a href="http://t.co/w1rLXQ2yIt">'Red'</a>, the first track to be taken from <b>The Old Adage</b>'s debut album 'Cycles'. Like the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly, 'Red' was an indication that the Detroit-based outfit had once again, sonically evolved. From the gentle acoustic pop of their earliest workings, to the heavier, brasher pop/rock of the 'Matches' EP (which was largely borderline industrial influences), 'Cycles' now sees the band progress beyond their older material, embracing a sound that is alternative but popular, eclectic but accessible. Still familiar and identified as The Old Adage, but the focus has shifted onto the mood, the melody, the lyricism, the diversity. <br />
'Get Loose' opens the band's 10-track labor of love and its introduction is almost sombre, slow tempo. All gentle buzzing synths, lazy synthetic drum beats and sedate male/female vocal harmonies accompany the opening lyrics, <i>"Truth is I don't really know the truth..."</i>, before the track bursts into vibrant bouts of alternating tribal and cosmic synths, warrior cry female vocals, and lyrics that <i>"circle in cycles"</i> around family issues, youthfulness, the world at large, religion. This is one of many feelgood tracks on the album. 'Brother' makes a clunkier introduction, juggling synthetic and natural sounds in its production. The main melody is catchy pop with saccharine vocals against a backing of warped electronic samples and ethereal harmonies. Then there are tracks like the soulful and jazzy 'Twas The Fall', all snappy clicks and tiptoeing beats, and 'Real Word', a fantastic adrenaline building track to mark the middle of the album. It's a scrappy track full of fight, triumphant electronic arrangements, glitches and some great piano beats. This is one of the most diverse tracks on the album and is composed of a number of genres, moods and world sounds within its lovely layers.<br />
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'Dragon Breath' is a track I have a huge soft spot for, it's all woozy electric guitar riffs, dangerous electronics and fierce vocals. This is the biggest nod towards the 'Matches' EP era and also a little bit alt-metal and Atreyu in its driving rhythm and darkness. Which is great to hear considering the band are named after an Atreyu track. Penultimate track, 'Records In Our Room', takes the album to a cabaret Caribbean level and by this point, any assumption that you might have figured out the flow of the record is cast aside. This reminds me of what might happen if Malibu burst out of its liquid form into a person and started making music with The Dresden Dolls. 'Higher Places' brings the album to a close with a contemporary electronic pop sound where the vocals and soundscapes take it in turns to control the driver's seat and set the mood, before completing the bands cycle where they end in the way they began; sparse acoustic guitar strums and poignant DIY vocal distortion. <br />
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'Cycles' is an exhausting listen, like some of the best records are. Mimi Chavez' vocals are delightfully as versatile as the album's sonic arrangements. Its soundscapes seem to travel across all seven continents and across a vast ocean of genres, but, are blended with such precision that the traditional (and even classical) influences hidden within don't dictate that this is anything but original. 'Cycles' is out now but is largely a futuristic production. The Old Adage have created their own universe within 10 individualistic tracks. They've created an album that is more of an anthology. Of course, it crosses into societal themes, but it has a deep nostalgia and personal meaning that leaves the record somewhere between drawing a connection with its listener, and shrouding them in elusiveness.<br />
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The Old Adage's <a href="http://www.theoldadagemusic.com/">website</a><br />
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The Sound of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-61897816963141149812016-04-04T14:53:00.000+01:002016-04-04T14:53:19.898+01:00This Month's Playlist: April 2016The amount of music being created appears to be endless right now, but that's far from being a bad thing. Check out some of our album reviews or listen to our <a href="http://www.mixcloud.com/thesoundofconfusion">radio shows</a> if your appetite's as insatiable as ours, but in the mean time, here are a dozen new tunes that have caught our ears recently. Check them out individually below, or hit the player on the right of the page for a continuous stream.<br />
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<b>Crows - Whisper</b><br />
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London's <b>Crows </b>spent much of last year touring alongside names like Wolf Alice, Metz and Slaves. They've just put out their debut EP, 'Unwelcome Light', and there's every indication that they'll be the headline act before long. Single 'Whisper' is a pounding hybrid of alt-rock and post-punk with dark psychedelic flourishes.<br />
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Crows' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crowsband">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DAIFTSQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DAIFTSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Whisper%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DAIFTSQ%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Whisper'</a><br />
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<b>The Raveonettes - EXCUSES</b><br />
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<b>The Raveonettes</b>' monthly singles series is showing many new sides to the band. Released on the last Friday of each month, they've so far dabbled in '80s electro-pop, spoken word, doo-wop and the urban flavour found on latest edition 'EXCUSES'. A few different approaches maybe, but the end results couldn't be mistaken for anyone else.<br />
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The Raveonettes' <a href="http://www.theraveonettes.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CHHRJ3O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CHHRJ3O&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27EXCUSES%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CHHRJ3O%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'EXCUSES'</a><br />
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<b>Laakso - So Happy, So Sad</b><br />
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On April 22nd, Swedish group <b>Laakso </b>will be releasing their new album 'Grateful Dead'. Their fifth full-length will be the first since regrouping after taking a break in 2007. The record's second single, 'So Happy, So Sad', is classic indiepop with a synth undercurrent and, mirroring its title, is an upbeat and jolly song, but with lyrics that speak of heartache.<br />
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Laakso's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laaksoofficial2">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AWN7TTE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01AWN7TTE&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27So%20Happy,%20So%20Sad%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01AWN7TTE%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'So Happy, So Sad'</a><br />
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<b>Sundara Karma - A Young Understanding</b><br />
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Having recently completed an extensive UK tour, Reading's <b>Sundara Karma </b>are certainly a band on the rise, and new single, 'A Young Understanding', really shows why. Keeping an alternative indie/rock edge, the track also dips its toes in more commercial waters, making for a sound that is both energetic and powerful, but easily capable of catching the attention of the wider world.<br />
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Sundara Karma's <a href="http://www.sundara-karma.co.uk/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B28HPOW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01B28HPOW&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27A%20Young%20Understanding%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01B28HPOW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'A Young Understanding'</a><br />
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<b>Prints Jackson - Calliope Fuxwar</b><br />
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In the world of Welsh wizard <b>Prints Jackson</b>, the ideas just keep on flowing. His quest to release a new song every month until the day he dies has yet to throw up a dud, and 'Calliope Fuxwar' is no exception. Perhaps more experimental than some past tracks, here we see him fusing together electro-rock and alternative pop with aplomb.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7LYE-Iv6nag" width="470"></iframe>
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Prints Jackson's <a href="http://printsjackson.com/">website</a><br />
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Free download: <a href="http://printsjackson.bandcamp.com/track/calliope-fuxwar">'Calliope Fuxwar'</a><br />
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<b>Eddi Front - Prayer</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU21YsaRTkL_gYIIkO0S89qTszUdJTpb3sa3nbfFnaUJqXROrT2gDJyG4h3gpJKPixJoxB1r8DkuzwObRlUXq1G9D_hybAIDZz0jsiNbfZ9bB8GcW_DB4fdmsTD-kDPQcTn-8dgph89lfo/s1600/71WhaN3qQjL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU21YsaRTkL_gYIIkO0S89qTszUdJTpb3sa3nbfFnaUJqXROrT2gDJyG4h3gpJKPixJoxB1r8DkuzwObRlUXq1G9D_hybAIDZz0jsiNbfZ9bB8GcW_DB4fdmsTD-kDPQcTn-8dgph89lfo/s200/71WhaN3qQjL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The alias of Ivana Carresica, <b>Eddi Front </b>released her self-titled debut EP back in 2012, and last month followed it up with new album 'Marina'. Single 'Prayer' belongs in a fantasy land where all is sparkly yet shrouded in mist. This is an enticing piece of dreampop that borders on being a lullaby at some points. Lovely escapism.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9KDsKwyxCQ" width="470"></iframe>
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Eddi Front's <a href="http://www.eddifront.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019ENNYV0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019ENNYV0&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Prayer%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019ENNYV0%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Prayer'</a><br />
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<b>Dead Stars - Unpopular</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBPhKTV7GWuWK0ijhQz3UuXeimi5TWx3kkXxAiT_kaou9YmzBA1yQk4IXs62zaLV8qof76I9sM9Kh9r5EdBCa6vchuNxHjolSf5_E8v2Y2rBHc8Ar-j5pRJ3wgtJzGVUzQnrlyotHgI-b/s1600/51pFad6V8ZL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBPhKTV7GWuWK0ijhQz3UuXeimi5TWx3kkXxAiT_kaou9YmzBA1yQk4IXs62zaLV8qof76I9sM9Kh9r5EdBCa6vchuNxHjolSf5_E8v2Y2rBHc8Ar-j5pRJ3wgtJzGVUzQnrlyotHgI-b/s200/51pFad6V8ZL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Taking '90s alt-rock titans such as Dinosaur Jr., Teenage Fanclub and Weezer as a starting point, Brooklyn's <b>Dead Stars </b>grab scuzzy guitar music bring it up to date on 'Unpopular'. The track is taken from the band's second album, 'Bright Colors', which was released at the start of last month on their own Weird Tree imprint.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3jCsJoXDCi4" width="470"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/241132521&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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Dead Stars' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/deadstarsmusic">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B9RP5OI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01B9RP5OI&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Unpopular%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01B9RP5OI%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Unpopular'</a><br />
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<b>Sans Parents - Can't Stop Moving</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Q5rIfjUvn46MBFeTQBfU6DrjtLAvxP10HQzblvQxFb-2Jq3mKidl2DJbTRcaCVdgTkGeUmrdeJcZ67ZlaDfHRejFIvuUQg-GgV6lwkxwNHz2ORe0i1q0OrDZMAM7a1vGlkhhuUEQGTj/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Q5rIfjUvn46MBFeTQBfU6DrjtLAvxP10HQzblvQxFb-2Jq3mKidl2DJbTRcaCVdgTkGeUmrdeJcZ67ZlaDfHRejFIvuUQg-GgV6lwkxwNHz2ORe0i1q0OrDZMAM7a1vGlkhhuUEQGTj/s200/Untitled.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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On paper, '70s soft rock anthems and indie music seem to be at odds with each other, but Brisbane's <b>Sans Parents </b>combine the two as if they go hand-in-hand on new single 'Can't Stop Moving'. The fusion of big, singalong choruses and chugging powerpop that these guys create could be classed as a guilty pleasure, but it's still a heck of an earworm.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yR6kji3Pjck" width="470"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/248834026&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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Sans Parents' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sansparentsmusic">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cant-stop-moving-single/id1088588522">'Can't Stop Moving'</a><br />
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<b>Stupid Cosmonaut - Salvia</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiyXZcaZwB0rgi2bqhxmi6BB5JFaw-aApbPKB9BK4cEuoNop4h-XmbB9-ABfIrw4fg6ampdO095GW-0tJiXrv1uRnwwlqBAZv-o55D_5ILYgaC9zdMW6OE3iEuJ01hrg1CpOajHga3zks/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiyXZcaZwB0rgi2bqhxmi6BB5JFaw-aApbPKB9BK4cEuoNop4h-XmbB9-ABfIrw4fg6ampdO095GW-0tJiXrv1uRnwwlqBAZv-o55D_5ILYgaC9zdMW6OE3iEuJ01hrg1CpOajHga3zks/s200/Untitled.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Manchester's <b>Stupid Cosmonaut </b>consist of <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/steven-mcnamara-wake-up-lie-down.html">Steven McNamara</a>, Sam Read and Mark Hawnt, and their mission is to create ambient, psychedelic, electronic soundscapes. Debut single, 'Salvia', fades gently into view, before gradually building with fuzzed guitar and vocal samples, until it becomes a thing of slow-burning majesty.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BrbjgC4FbtE" width="470"></iframe>
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Stupid Cosmonaut's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stupidcosmonaut">website</a><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/stupid-cosmonaut/salvia">'Salvia'</a><br />
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<b>Exsonvaldes - Horizon</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp6Hk7k85btS1wqPc-OibWFxBfFLkQAFetDKXWxGx66jeUTxiDXJc91sq54_NCTNE2Kqx2GxD9Ws8tlU2MG4hIPAm6yJsRowb0lGpwcOBt75KV776kP4M7IttbMrSs-L7FtMejysc1kpV/s1600/61P5OKjaBSL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUp6Hk7k85btS1wqPc-OibWFxBfFLkQAFetDKXWxGx66jeUTxiDXJc91sq54_NCTNE2Kqx2GxD9Ws8tlU2MG4hIPAm6yJsRowb0lGpwcOBt75KV776kP4M7IttbMrSs-L7FtMejysc1kpV/s200/61P5OKjaBSL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Exsonvaldes </b>are one of those bands that <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/exonvaldes-lights.html">we've been following</a> for a few years now, and they're always inventive and interesting in the way they mix conventional indie sounds with alt-pop and electronica. New album <a href="https://exsonvaldes.bandcamp.com/album/aranda">'Aranda'</a> is another great listen, and with catchy numbers like 'Horizon', it also reaps instant rewards.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mMikEzrwQPA" width="470"></iframe>
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Exsonvadles' <a href="http://www.exsonvaldes.net/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BZ1W3SE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BZ1W3SE&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Horizon%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BZ1W3SE%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Horizon'</a><br />
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<b>Soft Wounds - See the Sun</b><br />
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Toronto shoegazers <b>Soft Wounds w</b>ere recently named Obligatory Record Of The Week on our <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/the-sound-of-confusion-radio-show-27th.html">radio show</a> for excellent single 'Baby Blue', and they have plenty more where that came from. The soaring, yearning 'See the Sun' is another cut from their self-titled debut album, a record that lovers of scuzz and melody should definitely invest some ear time in.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IGEtm0kesSg" width="470"></iframe>
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1107649843/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2908662554/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://softwounds.bandcamp.com/album/soft-wounds">Soft Wounds by Soft Wounds</a></iframe>
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Soft Wounds' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/softwounds">website</a><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://softwounds.bandcamp.com/track/see-the-sun">'See the Sun'</a><br />
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<b>Wildhart - We Made Up A Dream</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD1-J6TbCowqu0dcjHeEO0TKLevzoXqpmiEjROT9grt6OmfKGmfP4zRCnToUHxTaAlaIRdR3aWC78ZapaxvPT3Mg_o-t0PuTO40ni5mwJeUh3BRWg1jtcyPxPjhDOAPzud1aiCeWe_SGk/s1600/51gxaB8jGTL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD1-J6TbCowqu0dcjHeEO0TKLevzoXqpmiEjROT9grt6OmfKGmfP4zRCnToUHxTaAlaIRdR3aWC78ZapaxvPT3Mg_o-t0PuTO40ni5mwJeUh3BRWg1jtcyPxPjhDOAPzud1aiCeWe_SGk/s200/51gxaB8jGTL._SS280%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This delightful single by Swedish band <b>Wildhart </b>takes the sounds of electronic pioneers and uses those gently bubbling synths along with a dreampop vibe to form a sweet and interesting wide-eyed psych-pop song. 'We Made Up A Dream' is taken from Wildhart's debut release, 'EP1', which is available now for your sonic enjoyment.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7BpVpegIgA" width="470"></iframe>
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Wildhart's <a href="http://wildhart.se/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01APRNYR8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01APRNYR8&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27We%20Made%20Up%20A%20Dream%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01APRNYR8%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'We Made Up A Dream'</a><br />
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The Sound of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-28936943335550014222016-04-04T09:16:00.000+01:002016-04-04T09:16:10.300+01:00The Sound Of Confusion Radio Show - 3rd April 2016 <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Sundays at 8pm UK, repeated 8pm EST on <a href="http://www.primalradiolive.com/">Primal Radio</a></span></span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="120" src="https://www.mixcloud.com/widget/iframe/?feed=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mixcloud.com%2FTheSoundOfConfusion%2Fthe-sound-of-confusion-april-3rd-2016%2F&hide_cover=1&light=1" width="100%"></iframe>
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Tracklist:<br />
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<b>Jake Evans – Glorious </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B010JNG5DS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B010JNG5DS&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Glorious%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B010JNG5DS%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Glorious'</a><br />
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<b>Acid Dad – Don't Get Taken </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BL8GX8C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BL8GX8C&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Don%27t%20Get%20Taken%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BL8GX8C%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Don't Get Taken'</a><br />
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<b>Lust For Youth – Stardom </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AOIB56U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01AOIB56U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Stardom%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01AOIB56U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Stardom'</a><br />
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<b>Palehound – Molly </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BHZL172/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BHZL172&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Molly%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BHZL172%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Molly'</a><br />
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<b>Lake Ruth – The Inconsolable Jean-Claude </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BLRHABM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BLRHABM&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27The%20Inconsolable%20Jean-Claude%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BLRHABM%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'The Inconsolable Jean-Claude'</a><br />
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<b>Baywaves – Marsupilami </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CYKNKIW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CYKNKIW&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Marsupilami%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CYKNKIW%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Marsupilami'</a><br />
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<b>Obligatory Record Of The Week: SULK – No Illusions </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DNXP4OM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DNXP4OM&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27No%20Illusions%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DNXP4OM%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'No Illusions'</a><br />
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<b>Bernays Propaganda – Armija </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://moonleerecords.bandcamp.com/track/armija">'Armija'</a><br />
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<b>Matt Reagan – All Right </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mattreagan/all-right-1">'All Right'</a><br />
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<b>STAY – Dirty and Alone (feat. Andy Bell)</b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BZAKSLO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BZAKSLO&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Dirty%20and%20Alone%20(feat.%20Andy%20Bell)%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BZAKSLO%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Dirty and Alone' (feat. Andy Bell)'</a><br />
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<b>Friendship Club – Different </b><br />
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Friendship Club's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendshipclubforever/">website</a><br />
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<b>The Vryll Society – Self Realization </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COTPM66/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01COTPM66&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Self%20Realization%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01COTPM66%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Self Realization'</a><br />
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<b>Clast – Feel Free </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/clastmusic/feel-free-1">'Feel Free'</a><br />
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<b>The Dandy Warhols – You Are Killing Me </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019SPM9UG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019SPM9UG&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27You%20Are%20Killing%20Me%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019SPM9UG%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'You Are Killing Me'</a><br />
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<b>Stina Tester & Cinta Masters – Deep Sleep</b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C86Z44U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01C86Z44U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Deep%20Sleep%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01C86Z44U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Deep Sleep'</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfsion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-793671756615995152016-04-02T09:35:00.000+01:002016-04-02T09:35:21.432+01:00Sons Of The Void - Sons Of The Void Article by Del Chaney<br />
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Finding a true impressionistic collection of psychedelic tracks that are written in a traditionalist way, without computerised trickery or over hyphenated gadgets to control the music's every move, in today's modern psych scene is a difficult thing to do. With so many different sub-genres attaching themselves to the scene it sometimes becomes muggy, uninteresting and, frankly, bloody boring. So imagine my surprise when I opened up the debut self-titled album from Swiss psych duo David Max and Nick Nobody, aka <b>Sons Of The Void</b>, and was instantly blown away by its stunningly un-compromised collection of melodically sensible psychedelic treats that are stuck firmly within an experimental '60s lo-fi swirl. Released via the incredibly trustworthy independent record label Sunrise Ocean Bender on March 4th 2016, this stunning debut release will tiptoe into your life, scoop you up and effectively bring you on an acid-drenched rollercoaster ride of intense proportions. <br />
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The album opens up with the insanely experimental 'Leichenblume'. The jittering opening sample track makes way for beautifully hypnotic guitar progressions that swirls like some invisible vortex around that melodic vocal line for what seems like an eternity, until we're led into the opening chord progressions of track two, 'Don’t Forget To Pray'. It, in turn, uses its soothing vocals coupled with those beautifully arranged guitar progressions to rock back and forth, acting like some metaphorical sonic security blanket that's used to buffer against those tremulous and reverberating sonic frequencies that seem to loop and arc all over the musical ether. The vivid opening bars of 'Kolliderscope' swirl within that impressive spoken word vocal sample as it meanders on an explosive percussive pattern that leads us all into its soaring chorus progression and on into oblivion, whilst the almost country-tinged psychedelic sounds of 'Absorption' relax the senses and ease away the ills of a weary day by inviting you into its inner sanctum for a slice of sonic sustenance. <br />
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'Hope I Don't Miss' swirls within a melodic, late '60s west-coast vibe through its opening bars, before crunching into sixth gear and deftly shifting up into a warm, fuzzy, hair-standing-on-end wall of noise that's musically reminiscent of early Spacemen 3 as its vocal tracks just hang in suspended animation, waiting to be explored. Golden-edged sonic waves usher in the brilliant psych-pop tones of 'The Things We Wish', whilst 'A Kick Like That' has dub connotations mingling in amongst its swirling, psych-induced vocal takes and those expansive jangling guitar lines. 'A Kick Like That' is thoroughly enjoyable and possibly my favourite track on this entire release. The album closes with 'Little Children', an infectious track stuffed to the brim with impressively melodic vocal lines streaked with beautiful guitar flourishes that are collectively embossed deep within '60s psychedelia. <br />
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There is a beautiful calmness surrounding every track on this release that's intensely melancholic, brilliantly overpowering and deeply infectious. Sons Of The Void expertly push the experimental sonic envelope but somehow manage to stay within the realms of the psych purist. If you have to listen to one album today, it should be this! Recommended listening!<br />
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Sons Of The Void's <a href="http://sonsofthevoid.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://sunriseoceanbender.bigcartel.com/product/sons-of-the-void">'Sons Of The Void'</a><b>.</b><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-34489632172846052632016-04-01T11:13:00.003+01:002016-04-01T11:13:54.887+01:00Cosmos In Collision - Adrift EP Article by Del Chaney<br />
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<b>Cosmos In Collision</b> is the brainchild of Italy-based multi-instrumentalist Riccardo Spaggiari. His sound is predominantly centred around ambient electronica and cinematic post-rock, but it does, at different points along its musical, axis include subtle but impressive hints of ethereally atmospheric, layered electronic nugaze. His latest instrumental six-track offering entitled 'Adrift' gets its official release via the California-based net label Enpeg on the 22nd of April 2016 and is available to pre-order right now from <a href="http://www.enpeg.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>.<br />
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The EP begins with the shimmering synth swells of 'Adrift'. Its opening bars are steeped in atmosphere as those hypnotically brilliant guitar structures hug the sequenced percussive hits and meld into one complete swirling sound wave. This track builds and builds into a stunning golden-hued finale of soaring sonic swells, addictive synth patterns and explosive chord structures. Up next, 'Equinox' loops and arcs through expressively intense bursts of soaring synth lines and flowing guitars, whilst track three, 'Drops', begins in a flurry of electronic bleeps and whirs before opening up into a massive maelstrom of golden sound. The rather '80s sounding 'Almost' swims in a reverberating sea of beautifully vivid sound waves until that shuffling sequenced percussion track takes over and adds a brilliant metronomic feel to proceedings. There is a subtle melodic charm hidden deep within the magnificent synth swells too, that keep you interested as the track pulses through its musical gears. <br />
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Rich layers of sound announce the arrival of this EP's penultimate track, the aptly-named 'Hidden Sun'. There is a sense of trepidation as the track builds into that impressive break before unleashing a beautiful torrent of sound that meanders to its finale. A thoroughly enjoyable track from beginning to end. 'Falling Skies' deftly closes proceedings with its repetitive synth lines and driving percussion tracks. Recommended listening!<br />
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Cosmos In Collision's <a href="http://www.cosmosincollision.net/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DCH8M0W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01DCH8M0W&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Adrift'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01DCH8M0W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twittwr.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-773967574291686502016-03-30T10:58:00.001+01:002016-03-30T10:58:43.177+01:00The Magnetic North - Prospect Of SkelmersdaleArticle by KevW<br />
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The history of Lancashire town Skelmersdale isn't something I'd particularly considered prior to hearing the new album by <b>The Magnetic North</b>, the band comprising of Simon Tong (The Verve, Gorillaz, The Good, the Bad & the Queen, Erland & the Carnival), Erland Cooper (Erland & the Carnival) and Hannah Peel. To give a brief overview, the old coal mining village was designated a "new town" in 1961 and underwent heavy development to help absorb the post-war overspill from the Merseyside area, but by the 1980s it was failing, as unemployment rose and house prices fell. In an interesting twist, the town was chosen as the UK home of the Transcendental Meditation movement, as it was deemed the perfect site for them to build their "ideal maharishi village complete with gold meditation dome". It's perhaps not what you'd expect from an old northern mining town, but that makes it all the more interesting and you can see why it was chosen as the subject matter for the group's second album. Skelmersdale was also where Simon Tong spent part of his childhood, and given that their debut album was written about Cooper's home, Orkney, it seems a logical next port of call.<br />
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As you'll no doubt have guessed, 'Prospect Of Skelmersdale' is a concept album, but there's no particular narrative as such, instead the pieces of the puzzle are jumbled up, and although the music is sometimes ambient and cinematic, it's hardly a dull prog odyssey. The impact of the Transcendental Meditation movement is clearly touched upon with opener 'Jai Guru Dev', moving from sighing vocals to a sample of the speech given as the centre was opened. Later, 'Remains Of Elmer' gives a description of some of the movement's practices to a string-laden experimental rock backing.<br />
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'Pennylands' seems to speak of the excitement of moving to an <i>"unknown" </i>new town, with playful orchestration backing the soup of soft voices, creating a lighthearted dreampop sound and making for one of the more instant tracks on the album. 'Sandy Lane' has the feel of some of Paul McCartney's more orchestrated Beatles songs, and the arrangements have a soundtrack quality, as someone from the development company talks eagerly about the possibilities that came with this fresh urban area. It feels as though the sun is shining and the world is full of promise and wonder. This slightly baroque feel permeates the record, with 'A Death In The Woods' coming over like Vivaldi going pop, and with plenty of invention which includes the introduction of electronic beats for the second section of the song. There's also a filmic quality to the sweeping 'Cergy - Pontoise'.<br />
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On a record that very much works best as a whole, it's easy to see why 'Signs' was chosen as a single. It remains true to the spirit of 'The Prospect Of Skelmersdale', but is that bit more upbeat and accessible, although the gently swelling 'Little Jerusalem' is just as affecting. For all its promise and sometimes jaunty arrangements ('The Silver Birch' being a prime example), sadness can be found, especially on 'Exit' as it builds to become quietly grandiose, and also the sweetly lush 'Northway Southway'. Final track, 'Run Of The Mill', appears to be addressing the unfulfilled hope of Skelmersdale as if it were a personal relationship.<br />
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Overall, you'd have to say that 'Prospect Of Skelmersdale' is a quite poignant album, and one that bathes the intriguing history of this town in a golden light, as though it were an old friend. The music is often intricate and beautifully put together, so that if you strip away any back story it would still be an impressive and moving set of songs. The Magnetic North have made a splendid new addition to an already colourful history.<br />
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The Magnetic North's <a href="http://www.symphonyofthemagneticnorth.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019ITBS8G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B019ITBS8G&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Prospect Of Skelmersdale'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B019ITBS8G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-65233361538917605352016-03-29T12:22:00.000+01:002016-03-29T12:22:10.761+01:00Lust For Youth - CompassionArticle by KevW<br />
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When Hannes Norrvide began <b>Lust For Youth </b>a few years ago, he initially crafted drone-based synthscapes, but these gradually morphed into poppier songs by the time 2012's 'Growing Seeds' album was made. 'Compassion' is a record that continues this quest to create alternative pop tracks that lurk in the shadows of the underground, just peeping out to glance towards the mainstream at times. The '80-influenced electro-pop craze seems to have passed, and with the less chart-oriented artists of that scene disbanded of missing in action (we're still waiting for that second album, Mirrors!), Lust For Youth are doing a good job of filling the void.<br />
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You can pick out early electronic pioneers, from Kraftwerk to Depeche Mode and Blancmange, as key influences, and the retro vibe is evident from the off, as 'Stardom' introduces shimmering synths and catchy melodies underpinned by a darkwave sensibility, and 'Sudden Ambitions' is in a similar vein. You can almost taste the hairspray and dry ice. It's perhaps this side of Lust For Youth that's most interesting, but when they opt for more outright pop tunes such as 'Limerence' and 'Tokyo' there's also something engaging to be found, possibly in the way that a certain industrial edge is added thanks to a vocal delivery that stays true to the genre's foundations rather than its more commercial period (not to mention slightly oddball/creepy lyrics such as <i>"I hang around at bus stops..."</i>).<br />
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The icy 'Easy Window' is perhaps closer to those early soundscapes and more experimental moments such as this help keep a good balance, with 'Display' being another atmospheric number which introduces a female co-vocal. At the other end of the spectrum, 'Better Looking Brother' swirls in some '90s dance music. Closer 'In Return' is another interesting tune, this time pushing sampled speech to the front. It could be argued that 'Compassion' may be a little too left-field for the masses, yet a little mainstream for those whose tastes are a bit less sugar-coated. In reality though, people of most tastes love a good pop tune, and in Lust For Youth they might just find a happy medium.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/245082269&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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Lust For Youth's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LustForYouth.Official">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AOIB3KI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01AOIB3KI&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Compassion'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01AOIB3KI" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-1566135157906618962016-03-28T10:20:00.000+01:002016-03-28T10:20:05.109+01:00The Sound Of Confusion Radio Show - 27th March 2016 Sundays at 8pm UK, repeated 8pm EST on <a href="http://stay%20%E2%80%93%20last%20time%20%20new%20planet%20trampoline%20%E2%80%93%20birds%20%20chris%20lee%20%E2%80%93%20listen%20%20big%20wave%20riders%20%E2%80%93%20escaping%20the%20city%20%20gold%20light%20%E2%80%93%20rosebush%20%20the%20multiple%20cat%20%E2%80%93%20maps%20%20soft%20wounds%20%E2%80%93%20baby%20blue%20%20velasco%20%E2%80%93%20i%20can%27t%20surf%20%20friendship%20club%20%E2%80%93%20no%20limits%20%20fine%20wives%20%E2%80%93%20domestically%20impaired%20%20the%20orielles%20%E2%80%93%20sliders%20%20sea%20span%20%E2%80%93%20winter%20sublet%20%20baywaves%20%E2%80%93%20time%20is%20passing%20us%20by%20%20ask%20for%20joy%20%E2%80%93%20when%20your%20heart%20stops%20beating%20%28an%20amp%20of%20epinephrine%29/">Primal Radio</a><br />
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Tracklist:<br />
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<b>STAY – Last Time </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BZ1UEDU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BZ1UEDU&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Last%20Time%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BZ1UEDU%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Last Time'</a><br />
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<b>New Planet Trampoline – Birds </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0197NPCHG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0197NPCHG&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Birds%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B0197NPCHG%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Birds'</a><br />
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<b>Chris Lee – Listen </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COFYPA4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01COFYPA4&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Listen%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01COFYPA4%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Listen'</a><br />
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<b>Big Wave Riders – Escaping The City </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/soliti/big-wave-riders-escaping-the-city">'Escaping The City'</a><br />
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<b>Gold Light – Rosebush </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CX8TM6O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CX8TM6O&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Rosebush%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CX8TM6O%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Rosebush'</a><br />
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<b>The Multiple Cat – Maps </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BEP04Y6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01BEP04Y6&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Maps%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01BEP04Y6%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Maps'</a><br />
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<b>Obligatory Record Of The Week: Soft Wounds – Baby Blue </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://softwounds.bandcamp.com/track/baby-blue-single">'Baby Blue'</a><br />
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<b>Velasco – I Can't Surf </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D4Y3N7U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01D4Y3N7U&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27I%20Can%27t%20Surf%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01D4Y3N7U%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'I Can't Surf'</a><br />
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<b>Friendship Club – No Limits </b><br />
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Friendship Club's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendshipclubforever">website</a><br />
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<b>Fine Wives – Domestically Impaired </b><br />
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Free download: <a href="https://finewives.bandcamp.com/track/domestically-impaired">'Domestically Impaired'</a><br />
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<b>The Orielles – Sliders </b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01D9RULGI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01D9RULGI&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Sliders%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01D9RULGI%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Sliders'</a><br />
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<b>Sea Span – Winter Sublet </b><br />
<b><br /></b>Free download: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/sea-span/winter-sublet">'Winter Sublet'</a><br />
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<b>Baywaves – Time Is Passing U By </b><br />
<b><br /></b>Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CYKNHEE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CYKNHEE&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27Time%20Is%20Passing%20U%20By%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CYKNHEE%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'Time Is Passing U By'</a><br />
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<b>Ask For Joy – When Your Heart Stops Beating (An Amp Of Epinephrine)</b><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20href=%22http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AXGG2O8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01AXGG2O8&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21%22%3E%27When%20Your%20Heart%20Stops%20Beating%20(An%20Amp%20of%20Epinephrine)%27%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01AXGG2O8%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">'When Your Heart Stops Beating (An Amp Of Epinephrine)'</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-47566941057676854412016-03-27T15:32:00.000+01:002016-03-27T15:32:09.292+01:00INTERVIEW: Rodney Cromwell: At the forefront of London’s Synthpop Underground Article by Soul1<br />
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<b>Rodney Cromwell</b> released his <a href="https://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/age-of-anxiety">‘Age of Anxiety’</a> LP early last summer, followed by his <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/rodney-cromwell-black-dog-ep.html">‘Black Dog’</a> EP which we featured in late autumn. Both found themselves doing well in year-end charts for 2015, not to mention on BBC, Spain’s equivalent of that (Radio 3), and features in various great publications, such as Electronic Sound Magazine and NME. Some may remember his various past endeavors (including the excellent Arthur & Martha), while to others he may be a recent discovery. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on the man, the music and the aliases. <br />
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<b>Can you tell us a bit about your music and influences? </b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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I make what has been described as lo-fi indie synth pop, which is pretty accurate as my album ‘Age of Anxiety’ was recorded in our spare bedroom using a collection of knackered analogue synthesizers. You can’t get much more lo-fi indie-synth really! Sonically it has been compared a lot to Kraftwerk and New Order, which is reasonable because they are two acts that have influenced my sound for a long time. But while making the record I was inspired by a whole mix of things, from left-field stuff like Polyrock, Section 25, Ulrich Schnauss all the way through to pop artists like Stromae, Carice Van Houten, Lady Gaga. I’m probably the only person who can hear all those influences though. <br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1275561784/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1718585584/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/age-of-anxiety">Age of Anxiety by Rodney Cromwell</a></iframe>
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<b>F</b><b>or starters, Rodney’s not your real name is it?</b><br />
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No not at all. My real name is Adam Cresswell. About three people remember me from the indie band SALOON, and back then I was known as ‘Adam Saloon’. After that I was in ARTHUR AND MARTHA and everyone called me ‘Arthur’. So Rodney Cromwell feels like my third stage name. Although technically a solo album, I didn’t want to use my real name. Rodney Cromwell is not exactly a rock-star name like ‘Ziggy Stardust’ or ‘The Edge’ but it does give an additional layer of enigma and performance. It also stops me getting too many LinkedIn requests from strangers. <br />
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<b>We heard that you played the recent Electro London show and that, despite not being the headliner, you actually stole the show. Have anything to say about that? </b><br />
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It was a great night in that everything really came together for the band and me. From what I can tell we have one of the more complex set-ups of acts on the synth scene in that we have live guitar, bass, two analogue synths and whole load of effects, along with an over-worked computer – all of which are plugged in! On the Electro London night we had a really good sound and the audience were really receptive so that gave us the confidence to push the sonics and really enjoy ourselves. I genuinely try not to pay too much attention to what reviews say. What I have seen said about our set has been really positive, but I don’t like the idea of ‘stealing the show’. The headliners MASSIVE EGO gave one of the most outlandish and entertaining performances that I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t view music as a competitive thing, I’m much more interested in a collaborative approach. All I really want to do is play well and hope a few people like it enough to buy the album; everything else is ephemeral.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1275561784/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3553963829/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/age-of-anxiety">Age of Anxiety by Rodney Cromwell</a></iframe>
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<b>Have you ever collaborated with any artists under your new stage name Rodney Cromwell? Can you tell us something about this?</b> <br />
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I’ve only really been releasing stuff under the name Rodney Cromwell for about a year so there hasn’t been a great amount of time for collaborations. I have managed to fit in a remix for the Canadian band METER BRIDGE, which was cool, and at the moment I am working on a remix for THE LEAF LIBRARY, who are a lovely indie band from London. Also I’m putting out a 7” by HOLOGRAM TEEN on my label Happy Robots, which is the new act of Morgane Lhote, who used to be in STEREOLAB and THE PROJECTS. It’s a great record. I can’t wait for people to hear it.<br />
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<b>2015 was a smashingly successful year for you. Last year, you released both and LP and then an EP. What was the inspiration to put out a second release so close to the first release?</b> <br />
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After the album came out the obvious thing to do was to put out a single. One of the most popular tracks was ‘Black Dog’ so we edited and tidied it and it sounded great. It then seemed a good idea to try out an old-school 12” mix too. With the album track ‘You Will Struggle’ I always thought it would be cool to dig deeper into its ‘retro-trance’ aspect, so that became the ‘Glitchy Disco Mix’. And then my brother and production partner Dom Cresswell did an interesting reworking of ‘Barry was an Arms Dealer’ so we stuck that on and before we knew it we had a four track ‘EP’. It was no big deal. I do think people have become so accustomed to singles being padded out with tracks straight off an album or second-rate remixes, but to me it was just about trying out new ideas and putting out a quality product that doesn’t rip anyone off. <br />
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<b>I assume that the synthpop community is quite small. Is that indeed the case? Are some countries more ‘progressive’ than others in this respect?</b> <br />
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I really couldn’t tell you, as it is not a community that I have been a part of for very long. With the globalization of music through the internet sometimes I’ll be chatting to someone in another band and I haven’t a clue whether they are from Croydon or Croatia. I read a lot about how Sweden is one of the more progressive countries for synthpop. I have always found that Sweden was massively progressive in terms of music, culture and fashion across the spectrum. Certainly when I toured Sweden in Saloon we were probably the five least cool people in the venues each night. Even the people doing our sound looked way cooler than us. <br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1592828459/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=467070121/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/black-dog-ep">Black Dog EP by Rodney Cromwell</a></iframe>
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<b>What is the high point of your ‘real life’ as Rodney Cromwell?</b> <br />
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That’s a difficult question because in one year there have been plenty of high points already. Supporting one of my favourite bands DEATH AND VANILLA was definitely a highlight as was playing the Indietracks festival in Summer 2015. That was only our second proper show and there were people singing along and cheering when song titles were announced – that’s what it’s all about! The very best part though has just been meeting some cool new people and hanging out with Alice and Richard who have been in the Rod Cromwell band over the last year. Obviously I don’t make enough money to pay them session rates, so I’m massively appreciative that they have been there for me. It has been a lot of fun. <br />
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<b>What would you say is the high point of your ‘virtual life’ (i.e. social networks, online radio, etc.) as Rodney Cromwell? </b><br />
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Well the reaction has been brilliant for which I am eternally grateful. In December, when ‘Best of 2015’ lists were being shared, there was a lot of punching-the-air in Rod Cromwell Towers. Getting a positive reaction did take a long time though; in fact, just before the album came out, I really thought it could be the biggest flop of my career. Although I am thankful for any exposure (good or bad), the highlights for me were probably coverage from ‘The Electricity Club’ website and ‘Electronic Sound Magazine’ because they were publications that I was already a regular reader of. Their exposure certainly opened doors and gave me the push to get out there and flog the record to death, which is a part of the business that I’ve never really cared for before. <br />
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<b>What is the last EP or LP you listened to and actually enjoyed? </b><br />
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I’ve been eating up everything on Bandcamp by the band BATTERY OPERATED ORCHESTRA which is the new(ish) act of Chris who was in the equally great band KATSEN. Every track I’ve heard by them is brilliant. If I won big on the lottery I would absolutely offer them a deal on my label although they probably have better offers coming in. I am going to gigs by SECTION 25, and CHVRCHES over the next few weeks so I’ve been reacquainting myself with their most recent releases too. <br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1275561784/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=115675331/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/age-of-anxiety">Age of Anxiety by Rodney Cromwell</a></iframe>
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<b>I understand that Malcolm Holmes from legendary pop group Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark has praised your work and that, more recently, Visage member now-turned-DJ Rusty Egan has come on board as a supporter. What is it like to be the object of such affection by such key pioneers in the field of synth-based music?</b> <br />
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Haha - it’s great of course and it seems a bit crazy that people who are so influential and pioneering would be interested in what I do – I am expecting to get a cease-and-desist in the post from Peter Hook any day now! Haha. As you can tell from my press shots, I’m really not that cool or glamorous, so hearing that the guy who started the Blitz Club (editor’s note: Rusty Egan) likes what I do is amazing. People probably don’t realise that when I’m not making music I’m working a mundane office job, changing nappies, repainting the shed, stuff like that – no-one gets to see that side of the Rodney Cromwell experience thankfully. <br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1275561784/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=294097763/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/album/age-of-anxiety">Age of Anxiety by Rodney Cromwell</a></iframe>
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<b>Any other bands that you, in your turn, would also like to commend? </b><br />
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I really like this guy from Canada called GABE KNOX. I know nothing about him at all but he has a really great EP of electronic / krautrock stuff on Bandcamp. Also UMMAGMA from Canada. I’m looking forward to hearing what Alice does next with her band COSINES because I know they are working on a new EP. I think Andrew from REAL EXPERTS is one of the nicest guys I’ve met on the synth scene, and hopefully we will sort out doing a show together sometime. I’ve been enjoying the recent CIRCUIT3 album a lot too and, as I type, I am very much enjoying the CAVERN OF ANTI-MATTER album. <br />
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<b>How is 2016 treating you so far? Any planned projects or gigs coming up that you can tell us about? </b><br />
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Foot still firmly on the pedal. I hope to put out another EP at some point. Gig bookings are coming in too. I’m playing the Threshold Festival in Liverpool on 2nd April, which should be a lot of fun. And I’ll be playing Synthetic City in Birmingham on 23rd April. I’ve not played in Birmingham since the Arthur & Martha days, so I’m very much looking forward to playing a good gig and having a decent curry before hand. If you’ve read this far and you are in the UK in April it would be great to see you at one of the shows. <br />
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Learn more about Rodney Cromwell / Happy Robots Records: <a href="http://www.happyrobots.co.uk/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/happyrobotsrecords">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/robot_rocker">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZvCbaApGUVuQA7m7jaJtg/videos">YouTube</a> | <a href="http://soundcloud.com/happy-robots">Soundcloud</a> | <a href="http://rodneycromwell.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-49310420068784628992016-03-26T12:55:00.002+00:002016-03-26T13:02:26.449+00:00Theatre Royal - Standing In The LandArticle by KevW<br />
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Protest songs and charity records are sometimes seen as an ego (and likely sales) boost for the often rich artists involved, but for all their talent, <b>Theatre Royal </b>are hardly million-sellers. At the present moment there's an awful lot happening in Britain, Europe, the Middle East and further afield that will be having an effect on just about everyone in one way or another, whether that's directly or something as national (to the UK at least) as the forthcoming EU referendum. Recent events in Belgium are already being directly linked and blamed on the migrant crisis, a crisis that's caused by political decisions made by governments like our own.<br />
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Written following a debate about border control and the plight of refugees, Theatre Royal have (in what they say is a very minor way) at least made their feelings known in the lyrics to 'Standing In The Land', a single from which all proceeds go to <a href="http://www.msf.org.uk/node/28331#What">Medicins Sans Frontieres</a>. A calming, tender and thoughtful acoustic track, this is by no means a token gesture; a band coughing up any old rubbish in the name of a good cause. 'Standing In The land' has many of the hallmarks that the band have become known for, not least that it sticks in your head and is subtly arranged to enhance the song without any histrionics. <i>"Fear of the unknown/it's not like we condone/but strange voices in our homes/it's too close to the bone... I saw it on my TV/but it's not in my life/we can turn it over/and still sleep well tonight..."</i>. That just about says it all.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1145724636/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://theatreroyal.bandcamp.com/track/standing-in-the-land">Standing In The Land by Theatre Royal</a></iframe>
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Theatre Royal's <a href="http://www.wearetheatreroyal.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="https://theatreroyal.bandcamp.com/track/standing-in-the-land">'Standing In The Land'</a><b>.</b><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-4662753135346192042016-03-26T11:48:00.002+00:002016-03-26T11:48:42.767+00:00Joe Buzfuz - Now That I'm The Mayor Of LondonArticle by KevW<br />
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The most recent album from Sergeant Buzfuz, 'Balloons For Thin Linda', was a masterpiece in modern, British social commentary, and the tunes weren't bad either. Alongside recording a new EP with his band, frontman Joe Murphy is recording his debut solo album as <b>Joe Buzfuz</b>, and first single, 'Now That I'm The Mayor Of London', sees him lyrically continue where 'Balloons...' left off. As you might expect, both tracks here see the music stripped down to nothing more than an acoustic guitar and voice.<br />
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The title-track covers an awful lot of current talking points, which would be comically sarcastic were they not so close to the truth (<i>"city bonuses will keep libraries alive... betting shops will fund rehab for gamblers...</i>). The lyrics are a bang-on summary of what can happen when a city (or country for that matter) is run by the hands of a privileged few. The sparse musical arrangement, which occasionally recalls some Paul McCartney Beatles tracks, allows the words to become the focal point. Although B-side '3:15' was originally penned some time ago, it's very much in keeping with Joe's current lyrical vision, focusing on the Hillsborough disaster from the view of a mental health nurse who helped deal with the aftermath. Both songs feel like the work of a modern-day bard, and one that you'd much rather have representing your city than an oaf like Boris.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9TuelfnRMIQ" width="470"></iframe>
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Joe Buzfuz's <a href="http://www.sergeantbuzfuz.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015F8ILI4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B015F8ILI4&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Now That I'm the Mayor of London'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B015F8ILI4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-10475446620560396492016-03-26T11:10:00.000+00:002016-03-26T11:10:43.371+00:00National Pastime - A Brighter SkyArticle by KevW<br />
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Sometimes it can be frustrating when artists refuse to change their tune, but with Exeter's <b>National Pastime </b>it's actually kind of comforting. Also, you wouldn't really expect a self-proclaimed "retro indie band" with a list of influences that centre around C86 and labels such as Creation and Sarah Records to suddenly discover that they'd always been a crunk group at heart. With a dozen tracks of wistful, jangly indiepop, 'A Brighter Sky' isn't likely to convert those who are yet to fall for National Pastime, but it should keep existing fans happy.<br />
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Single 'Bring Me Your Sunshine' finds them on typically reflective form with a sunnier air falling over the chorus which is lit-up by a spidery guitar line, and there's a crisply invigorating strum to 'Lose That Information' and 'Caught Me At A Loose End' too. Looking back a missed opportunities and reliving heartbreak has always been a part of the band's music, and that doesn't change here (see the mournful 'Summer Haze' for a great example), although there's a youthful optimism to the likes of 'Perfect In Every Way' or previous EP track 'Do What You Do' which dabbles in '60s psych.<br />
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'Don't Look At Me' brushes past darker post-punk on its way to a spangly chorus, and 'Lose That Information and 'Nobody Knows' are familiarly thoughtful, with the latter containing a trademark bobbing bassline. The looping riff of 'Watch Out' makes it something of a highlight. Closer 'Judge A Book' is comparatively lengthy at just over six minutes, but it does a good job of summing up National Pastime as a whole, both lyrically and musically, proving to be one of the strongest songs here. 'A Brighter Sky' does seem to have the motto "if it ain't broke...", but at the same time you have to admire them for sticking to their guns.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/223568443&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/233371384&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/234002968&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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National Pastime's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nationalpastimemusic">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CKSMDU4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B01CKSMDU4&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'A Brighter Sky'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B01CKSMDU4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-47892879840504095272016-03-26T09:53:00.000+00:002016-03-26T09:53:00.825+00:00Family Machine - Houses That You Lived InArticle by KevW<br />
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You be forgiven for thinking we'd heard the last from Oxford's <b>Family Machine</b>. It's been over seven years since their debut album, and 2012 singles <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/family-machine-quiet-as-mouse.html">'Quiet As A Mouse'</a> and <a href="http://thesoundofconfusionblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/family-machine-skeletons-that.html#uds-search-results">'Skeletons & That'</a> appeared to be stand-alone tracks. Besides releasing a full second album, the other surprise is that the tender, folky direction that those two songs (both of which are included here) suggested isn't the full story of 'Houses That You Lived In', and this is also a much more ornate record than their debut.<br />
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'Friends With The Wolves' opens the record, and is thoughtful, intricate and considered alt-folk with a wintry feel, some neat harmonies and a little of the yearning sadness we've come to expect, but it does feel a bit more pumped up than some past tracks, upping the tempo and skipping towards the ending with a spring in its step. This means it serves as a great introduction to the ornate and brassy indiepop of 'Long Way From Home'. Verging on choral in its delivery, this sees Family Machine at their most accessible and most fun, but without sacrificing any of their attention to detail or beautifully woven textures and emotions. It's a great entry point for those new to the band, although the bulk of album ploughs a familiar, yet still quite delightful, furrow.<br />
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Perhaps the more delicate 'Morning Song' is more in the vein of what we were expecting, rich with west-coast harmonies and gentle orchestration which really hit the mark, or 'Sleep' which recalls the excellent Theatre Royal. The playful, acoustic 'We Ain't Going Home' almost feels like an interlude, but it's still pieced together carefully so that it twinkles. The title-track strips back the layers so that the lead vocal is isolated for the most part, something which gives a more personal touch. 'The Less You Know' also feels a touch more intimate and reflective and is the most outright folk-influenced song on the album. 'Houses That You Lived In' shows Family Machine largely sticking to what they do best but occasionally exploring new avenues, and its all done with an impeccable ear for detail.<br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1868200307/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4280309026/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://familymachine.bandcamp.com/album/houses-that-you-lived-in">Houses That You Lived In by Family Machine</a></iframe>
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<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1868200307/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=489128900/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://familymachine.bandcamp.com/album/houses-that-you-lived-in">Houses That You Lived In by Family Machine</a></iframe>
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<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1868200307/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1069080763/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://familymachine.bandcamp.com/album/houses-that-you-lived-in">Houses That You Lived In by Family Machine</a></iframe>
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Family Machine's <a href="http://youarethefamilymachine.com/">website</a><br />
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Buy: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZPU5C4E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00ZPU5C4E&linkCode=as2&tag=thesouofcon-21" rel="nofollow">'Houses That You Lived In'</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thesouofcon-21&l=as2&o=2&a=B00ZPU5C4E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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The Sound Of Confusion on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TSOConfusion">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TSOConfusion">Facebook</a>The Sound Of Confusionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16785321102488578963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342913001485964169.post-59538363440393303712016-03-25T09:00:00.000+00:002016-03-25T09:00:20.691+00:00Phosphene - Breaker EP Article by Del Chaney<br />
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Following on from their impressive self-titled debut album release back in 2014, California-based noisy dream pop trio <b>Phosphene</b> have penned in the release date for their sophomore six-track EP entitled 'Breaker' for the 29th April 2016. The band are made up of Rachel Frankle - vocals/guitars, Matt Hemmerick - drums and Kevin Kaw on bass/guitar, and they spent the best part of 2015 structuring the tracks that would eventually appear on the finished EP. With a sound that jumps from beautifully melodic, golden dreampop to brilliant, jangling noise-pop Phosphene are a must-listen for fans of Slowdive, Interpol, Low and Alvvays. <br />
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The EP opens up with the instantly addictive 'Be Mine'. A hypnotically melodic vocal, carefully buffered by that catchy guitar progression, takes you by the hand and walks you through the song's inner structure before pushing you off the edge and leaving you to float on a wave of explosive lead breaks and pounding drum patterns. Up next, 'Silver' has post-punk connotations as those driving bass frequencies and that steadily repetitive drum pattern carry the vocal with them, ploughing a sonic furrow through the musical arena with aplomb before the track explodes into a stunning finale of shimmering sound. 'Hear Me Out' slows proceedings down with its beautiful intro of vocals and guitar before the sparse drum pattern and brilliantly executed bass lines inject depth into the track to compliment those stunning vocals. I'm reminded of UK-based Lanterns On the Lake as the track plays out. Truly beautiful.<br />
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'Rogue’ opens on a whirlwind of percussive hits and a shimmering guitar line before a dual vocal takes over and bathes the entire musical piece in stunning melody. Up next, 'Ride' builds from its opening notes into a slice of dream pop heaven. This is possibly my favourite track on this entire release. 'Ride' optimises everything that's good with this modern-day dreampop scene. Stunning vocal, stunning chord structures and everything just feels right. Instantly reminiscent of Canadia-based dream poppers Living Hour. The EP's closing track, 'Wild Decay', is full of melody and has subtle shoegazing tendencies rumbling around in the guitar effects and those reverb-induced vocal lines. Brilliantly executed, it's a fitting end to what is a rather interesting EP. Recommended listening!<br />
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Phosphene's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/phospheneband">website</a><br />
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Pre-order: <a href="https://phosphenesf.bandcamp.com/">'Breaker EP'</a><br />
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