Coming soon: Review of Peter G. Mackie's anthology, THE LAST DAY BEFORE THE APOCALYPSE.
posted by karl sinfield at 16:13

Cnut Records : Cnut Records
What have we got here? 3 track CD from Steven Cox
Well? With music, as with anything, first impressions count. The first track, “The Candidate” immediately commands attention. A lilting plucked guitar & piano backing track is overlaid with a female computer-generated voice speaking surreal poetry. The insistent, artificial voice tells a story of a man “one life ago” preparing for some unspecified political or religious ascension to power. Its futuristic flavour creates a powerful, bleak musical landscape, impossible to ignore. The computer-generated nature gives rise to wonderful rhythmic accidents; the phrase “always back and back” is repeated, with great effect, in combination with the simple, hypnotic music, creating an experience of ineffable melancholy.
According to the accompanying literature, the second short track is inspired by “the fabulously titled western pulp fictions from the local library.” It’s a short, simple acoustic alt.folk.country tune. Finally “I Flew with the Queen” is a sparse and touching tribute to the Queen’s first ever voyage on a scheduled flight. The brilliantly constructed lyrics describe “my inflight mag/a bottle of very cheap red wine/and a bag/all to keep my nerves steady.” Sadly it only lasts 2 minutes, leaving me desperate to hear more of Her Madge’s experince of flying with us peasants.
In summary? A brilliantly original taste of a master wordsmith and musical imagineer.
How can I find out more? Try mail@cnutrecords.co.uk
posted by karl sinfield at 18:56

Vibrant Green : Artless Yet Excellent
What have we got here? Five track CD (21 mins)
Well? The three brothers that make up Vibrant Green are from North Carolina – quite how they found out about my corner of North London I have no idea. Anyway, they list U2, Weezer, Radiohead and Boston as their influences. Boston? Hmm. Happily this is the least apparent ingredient in their mix, which is lo-fi, guitar-fuelled, and no doubt small-gig-friendly. Singer/guitarist Stephen Tunnell has the definite free-associating drawl of a young Lou Reed, although he can hold a note too, from time to time. Musically they range from rocking out American-indie style a la Weezer meets Pavement, to a neo-Gothic navel-gazing simplicity. The most appealing track is definitely the opener “Sweetheart” – which weaves a yearning love song through a Pixies drum beat, with a vocal-chord stretching climax. Reminded me slightly of Semisonic’s “Secret Smile” of a couple of years ago, but with more variation.
In summary? Stateside indie sounds with plenty to savour.
How can I find out more? They have an eye-straining website at http://www.vibrantgreen.com/
posted by karl sinfield at 18:55

Archie Bronson Outfit : Archie Bronson Outfit
What have we got here? Four track EP
Well? Somehow I imagine Archie Bronson’s outfit to be cowboy boots, patchwork flares, and a Gomez t-shirt. They’re an enigmatic lot, this six piece from London. No title, no track listing; in the picture on the back, one of them even sports a beard. Stick the CD on, and for a few introductory bars, it’s all Cumberland Gap. When it kicks off proper though, the music blends a retro analogue sound with radio-sonic vocals, and it all fits together pretty darn well. Though it has its roots in prog rock, there’s little for the axe-worshippers, or drum solo devotees; Bronson are desert-prog, without the pretensions. The vocal style evokes Pink Floyd at their world-weariest, but without the 14 minute tracks: everything is compact and in it’s place. Lyrically, though, it could be straight out of Pete Sinfield’s notebook: “Now I am your enemy/Together we curse your King” is the stuff of medieval fable. The last track rocks out, everything distorted including the harmonica, but still the underlying control stops them from entering a nurdling frenzy – these boys know what they’re doing. The standout track is number three; all the magic is there, but in a room big enough to admire it. Guitars sputter and sway periodically behind a hypnotic melody, complex waves of drum beats and a swelling bass march out a rhythmical lament. It’s a sad sea-shanty of a tune: “Strike a light/With the last of the matches” the singer intones, later adding: “our light will shine on.” Let’s hope it does.
In summary? Thirteen minutes of wonderfully constructed, heart-rending melodies, but a bit seventies in the lyrical department.
How can I find out more? Try archiebronsonoutfit@hotmail.com
posted by karl sinfield at 15:07

Ok.

I've come to terms with the fact that (a) I have nothing very interesting to say to the world, or (b) am too modest too assume that the world wants to read it.

So, looking at the mound of stuff I'm sent for inclusion in em four (even though there may not be one), I've decided to make this a reviews page from now on. I'll be reviewing music, writing, and anything else I'm sent. Watch out.
posted by karl sinfield at 19:23

okay - let's get this puppy together.

em three is out there: www.emwritingandmusic.com

latest review:

...from Making Music magazine, October 2001

cool - K.
posted by karl sinfield at 21:04

em 3 progress report:

Pages designed: 55
Fonts used: 21
Current energy level: 5/10

Keep the faith, people.
posted by karl sinfield at 16:44

The First Ever Em Blog.

Going to barcelona tomorrow 4 a deserved holiday.

em 3 will be out by June 29th 2001. Only two years late.
posted by karl sinfield at 20:58

new stuff from the streets, reviewed by the editor of *em writing and music*

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