A blog update: Let the music be heard... thoughts on artists&songs (including a song review of TiTORS iNSiGNiA's charity single 'Freedom Fighter')

                                    

                         

                                   'Can nobody hear me? I got a lot that's on my mind .....'

                                                                                                                                Imagine Dragons - Hear Me 

  

Silence. Noise is anticipated and one can sense the distant, the yet undefined but already animate and strained reverberation of impetuous, of eager tonal eruption that is about to grow stronger, that is about to resonate. Silence. Of even more depth right before its expiration. Then – a singular, maybe at first reserved sound, soon a complex and sonorous sequence of chords and chimes – intense in vibrancy, stimulating in timbre, determined to appeal to one's senses, to eventually stirr one's soul. It invades the air, rings in one's ears, it's heard. Silence once more. Only the insipid echo of bygone melodies in one's head, but … a lasting tonal imprint on one's heart.

Let the veil of silence be lifted now, let the music that has been on my mind, that has been carried within my heart sound at last. It's true, music has been and still is a constant companion of mine, melodies been lingering on my mind, songs have been echoing, determined to sound yet – although I have often put pen to paper in order to let the music speak – I was well aware of the fact that my commitments at uni wouldn't allow to let the music, embedded in my words, unfold in a way that would do justice to the magnitude, depth and complexity of it. I feared my writing thereby would lose a little of its charm and esprit, of its passion for the music portrayed. As I didn't want to be left with a feeling of vagueness, as I didn't want to put forward something that would have been unfinished and lacking the defining characteristics of carpe carmina - to seize the music, to indulge, to eventually get lost in it and be found again with impressions, connotation and thoughts of the songs on one's mind - I dropped the pen. But not for good. To be honest, I have applied myself to music – old and new, I've done so excessively, enjoyed the moments of listening –yet I haven't written about it, at least not on here. So there are plenty melodies, pieces of music and progressions of artists I could dwell on but this is about highlighting those that have enlightened and delighted my heart, by which dulcet symphonies of euphory and contentment rose from my very soul to the surface. Can you hear me now? Do you intend to listen?

Midnight Hour

                                                                          Midnight Hour - 'Hostage/I Melt With You' (medley at Bella Terra, June 21st) 

As you can tell they are my favourite band (reasons why have been told on carpe carmina sufficiently before), thus I'm beyond thrilled to see them working on their second full length album. They have been focusing on composing, only had a few shows recently, yet their performance at Bella Terra in June left a memorable impression on me: it has been this set Midnight Hour introduced a new song to their audience, an infectious, dynamic and melodic composition called 'Be Like You'. It made me realize once more what apt and ingenious songwriter and artists Midnight Hour are and it also made me realize that lovers of their music, like me, can expect something grand of their forthcoming album. With songs like this, 'I Don't Break Easily', 'Criminal' and 'Survivors' the new album of the OC rock quintet can't be anything but phenomenal, can't be anything but worth to watch out for.

official website: http://www.midnighthourmusic.com/
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/midnighthourmusic
twitter: https://twitter.com/MHofficial
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midnighthourmusic
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_midnighthour


High Low

                                                                                                                          Brace yourself .. a fuzzy debut album is coming....

They made it. High/Low have successfully run a kickstarter project and are now in the studio to record their debut album. It has been an exciting time for them and for those who wished the band to reach their funding goal, who wished to see the debut album making process move on. And the journey isn't over yet. Steve Weston and Lee Yates put heart and soul into creating the music the people, who have supported them in their endeavour to make a musical debut, expect, yet don't let anything or anyone interfere when it comes to elaborating concepts, putting final touches to their songs. After all it's their visions, their music and they want to please themselves with its outcome. Of course they want to appeal to the listeners too, yet this attitude is what I appreciate most about High/Low: they are determined, confident and focused when it comes to their music. It's one of the reasons why they are my favourite UK band, it's in the end one of the reasons why I expect their debut album to be a stellar one. Patience is the parole once more.

official website: http://wearehighlow.co.uk/
bandcamp: http://wearehighlow.bandcamp.com/music
twitter: https://twitter.com/wearehighlow
facebook: https://www.google.de/#q=high+low+facebook
interview on @Drcbones' music show: in the making


The Unassisted

                                                                               The Unassisted - 'Revolution' (at Retro Bar, Manchester, July 25th)

The three-piece indie alt rock band, based in Manchester, a place where music talent blossoms, grows and spreads, presents a very distinct sound: it's rather raw yet skilfully composed, bears depth and intensity caused by gripping guitar riffs and dynamic, spirited drum sound, yet – at least this is how it appears to me – depends on the rasp and atmopsheric, dark vocal performance of Jason Hughes. Sounds as a band you can grow fond of, don't they? Well, you're lucky, the Unassisted has just launched a kickstarter project in order to raise funds for their EP recording (the forthcoming record is named 'Revolution' – and let's be honest: their sound is stirring, tense, revolutionary!) and you can contribute and help these aspiring musicians to make a music mark. So, what are you waiting for? Be moved by their songs [let your hands dance ;)] and support them in their endeavour to create relevant and reverberative rock music!

Find out more about The Unassisted http://www.theunassisted.co.uk/
Join the #unsassistedarmy, donate to the band's kickstarter project (debut EP making) and spread the word: http://www.theunassisted.co.uk/#!kickstarter/c29f [the band has already reached £666 of their set goal (£750), it's still 51 days to go, so there's time left for you to pledge, yet no time for hesitation]
Video blog (covering the kickstarter project's progress): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaXdqjGTvc4&list=PLija_K3aTsG2L8r7KPX5tqdyPM5pHztmA
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/unassisted
twitter: http://www.theunassisted.co.uk/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnassisted
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_the_unassisted


Titors Insignia

                                                                    TiTORS iNSiGNiA - Freedom Fighter (listen to the single here.)

The band's name should actually sound familiar to you as I've reviewed their debut album 'Fair City Riots' in August. Those who know TiTORS iNSiGNiA's music already will for sure agree with my following statement: the St. Helen's based rock band showcase multiplex, melodic and soul - stirring songs marked by edgy vocal performances, usually vehement and rasp in sound, yet at times rather smooth and gentle still never lacking the incisive and sharp timbre of Stu Oggy, also depending on dynamic and infectious guitar riffs, a drastic and rhythmic drum section, brisk and sonorous bass sound. As mentioned before there are some compositions on 'Fair City Riots' which embody the 'soft' shades of instrumental and vocal arrangement ('A Town Called Yesterday', 'Lonely Girl'), yet one excels (due to content and song structure) and has been chosen to be re-released – as a charity single. 'Freedom Fighter' has faced it's second release on tuesday (Sep. 24th) and all of its proceeds go to ABF Soldiers Charity. A commendable and generous gesture of TiTORS iNSiGNiA. Supporting a good cause is yet not the only reason why you should (at least consider to) purchase the song (it's only $0.99, but the money can have a huge impact). What makes it buy-worthy is also its trenchant still soulful staging, its climatic and contrary tonal characteristics. 

                                                                                                                                      - A song review -

TiTORS iNSiGNiA - Freedom Fighter (official music video) 

Whilst the first notes of an acoustic guitar sound, and mellow vocals set in, the placid but evocative harmony of both coveys that the listener can expect a laid - back composition, one that focuses rather on the lyrics, the message of the song than on opening with a brisk and firm instrumental ignition. The rasp timbre of Stu Oggy stresses and intensifies the words sung and thereby offers social critisism: 'enslavement is our reality', only to contrast it with the achievements of 'freedom fighters' – it's them who 'make the world a better place to be', as the chorus line later on tells. Acoustic gentleness and vocal intensity create a calm and atmospheric lead-in for the poignant chorus, an intro that makes the listener aware of the story told within the song, that makes him pay attention to the meaning of it. In the second verse full instrumentals are introduced, but merely to back the expressive vocals which define the whole composition – expressive as they spread the message of 'Freedom Fighter' and as they are imbuing ones. A symphonious symbiosis of vocal performance, intrumentals and lyrics continue to the very end of the song, the drum beat is rhythmic but monotonous, the guitar and bass sound is electric and electrifying still subordinate. Nonetheless the instrumental arrangement adds orotund characteristics to the composition and contributes to make its lyrical notion, its vision shine. 'Freedom Fighter' is as a whole a very significant song with a monumental message. It aks to acknowledge the deeds of 'freedom fighters' as they assure justice, as these men stand up for ideals everyone should cherish: freedom, compassion, benevolcence, generosity, rightfullness …. ideals everyone should care about, as it's everyone's business . The song itself is eventually a wakening call: 'Why should we care? It's not our fight' – lyrics that linger on one's mind. They initiate a chain of reasons why people should care indeed: it's time to take action, to help people in need and to avow for human rights, human living conditions everyone should be granted.

So, what do you say? Do you care? Do you want to help arouse awareness to this meaningful piece of music? Do you want to contribute and help to honor and support those who have tried and often succeeded to guarantee justice, freedom and wellbeing? Then purchase the single of TiTORS iNSiGNiA today! 

'Freedom Fighter' on Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/freedom-fighter-single/id694406372    

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/titorsinsignia 
twitter: https://twitter.com/TiTORS_iNSiGNiA
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiTORS.iNSiGNiA
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_titors_insignia


GRIM

I've always wanted to go to Ireland as I've pictured the landscapes as quaint, vast, idyllic yet also rough and adventurous ones, the people as warm-hearted and welcoming. Literature made me imgagine the 'land of the midnight sun' this way [apparently this phrase is a paraphrase for Ireland – if one believes Brian (@DrcBones) (I actually heard this term for the very first time whilst listening to his interview with Laurence McDaid, yet I don't question it, so henceforth the 'land of the midnight sun' IS Ireland)]. Now there's another very good reason to do so: GRIM's music. It's the electronic kind, electrifying and energetic, yet embodying impressive blues and soul, probably due to the refined, deep and varied vocals of Laurence. His songs are a music epiphany – they are thoughtfully arranged, at times minimalist in lyrics yet meaningful and expressive. It's music that resounds and stirrs – which shows through perfectly on his recently released EP 'Digital Throw-Up'. But don't get him wrong, it's surprising and exciting, swift in pace and sound, at times incoherent in melody, still it's well put, accentuated, fluent and harmonic music, it's no spontaneous and random product. It's GRIM, distinct, complex, clever and imbuing.

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grimderry (EP 'Digital Throw-Up' available for streaming)
bandcamp: http://grimderry.bandcamp.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/GRIMderry
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GRIMderry?group_id=0
interviews and EP premiere on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_grim (interview) http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/debut_of_new_grim_ep (EP streaming Part I&interview)
http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/grim_part_2 (EP streaming Part II&interview)


Wullae Wright

                                                                                                  Elaborate and creative artwork

He's a poet. His expansive, vigorous and vivid melodies, rich in variety and evocative in sound, mingle with the striking, at times whimsical whispered, at times confidently chanted lyrics and paint a beautiful, endearing musical picture. A picture rich of details, rich of depth, rich of diversity – ready to be explored, to lose oneself in and emerge with dreamful, stimulating and poignant melodies lingering on one's mind afterwards. His latest album 'The Orange Line' combines all of the mentioned characteristics in a convincing and charming manner, it offers an acute, spell-binding, eclectic and foremost a rewarding listening experience.

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wullaewright
bandcamp: http://wullaewright.bandcamp.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/wullaewright
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wullae-Wright/119151354824156
interview on @Drcbones' music show:  -


The Devious Means

Exceptional live peformance at the OCMAs 2012 (set list: 'Blood In The Body', 

'Porcelain Mouth' - Rachel Anderson's vocal performance 

still gives me chills - & 'Holiday')

The five-piece indie rock phenomena from Orange County have instantly put a spell on me with their emotive and soulful music. Whilst both of their EPs ['Presenting The Devious Means' (2011) and 'Songs We All Are Singing' (2012)] focus on storytelling, and come in with a reserved, gentle still expressive sound, the band has – not without changes within their cast – immensely grown in musicianship over the last months. Their songs have gained more strength and resonance, the presentation of music is more vivid and brisk, the Devious Means' live performance is more ecstatic and involving (you don't believe me? Watch the videos for 'Holiday' and 'Blood In The Body', produced, supervised and featured on Unearth Music Hub – great news: there's a third video coming soon, this time for an 'oldie' of the band: 'Orange Bird'). It's a rapidly rousing and rising listening pleasure that captivates due to spirit and soul in lyrics and sonority, vigor, passion and skill in vocal and instrumental staging.

Well, what's left to say? The Devious Means are the BFF band of my favourite band – hence tell me, is there any way I could not be mesmerized?

official website: http://www.thedeviousmeans.com/
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-devious-means
twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDeviousMeans
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedeviousmeans
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_the_devious_means


Luke Cusato

                                                    

New single 'Nothing To Lose' available soon, listen to an acoustic set here 

Young. Gifted. Promising. Luke Cusato is definitely a name that should be remembered 'cause eventually his music will be talked of, eventually his music will be echoing in your head. Thus indulge in Luke's emotionally directed, passionately staged, articulately and maturely composed songs by now. Dreamful, harmonious and intensifying piano melodies blend perfectly with intense, ardent and impetuous vocals which nonetheless bear a gentle timbre. Luke's compositions are meaningful, soulful and genuine, equally genuine, humble and charming as the musician behind them. The aspiring liverpool singer/songwriter currently works on new songs (Luke has recently premiered a yet unreleased composition called 'Nothing To Lose' – depending on a more sweeping and infectious arrangement, still extremely sensitive in sound – whilst performing an acoustic set at House Liverpool), a music video is in the making too. Great things lie ahead for this ingenious and skilful artist, yet people need to be patient for now... luckily Luke Cusato has debuted his music already – 'Blueskies Sunrise' (EP) is a masterpiece of emotional, deep and candid compositions, hence go ahead and embark on heartfelt songs.

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/luke-cusato
twitter: https://twitter.com/LukeCusato
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LukeFrancescoCusato
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_luke_cusato


Thom Morecorft

The Voice. The Beast. (via Culture City Televison)

I tend to refer to him as 'the voice', yet it does no justice to his music when being reduced to vocals only. Thom plays various instruments: the saxophon, the piano, the harp (to avoid misunderstandings: it's the harmonica), the guitar and as he stated on his interview with the canadian radio show host Brian (@DrcBones) he also plays bass occasionally. Moreover he's with a band – The Full Moon Band – for a year already, showcasing music which is more lively than his compositions as a solo artist, muisc though that is still focused on his vocals which are backed by an eclectic instrumental arrangement. It already shows what a diverse and competent musician Thom is. Indeed, it's his vocal performance that makes the liverpool based singer/songwriter excel. It's a wide-ranged but constantly sublime one. Whereas songs such as 'The Beast' (which especially appeals to me due to its scenic and specific lyrics) portray the 'untamed', fierce and acute tonal shades of Thom's voice, it's the precise, subtle and gentle sound of his recent yet not released single that gets under the listener's skin. 'You're Wrong About Me' (release due on: October 20^th) combines edgy yet dulcet, placid and precise vocals with delicate melodies. Whilst listening to Thom's latest composition one still cannot deny that his vigorous timbre shines through: it's these moments the listener can neither help but notice what an accomplised vocalist Thom Morecroft is. Strength, intensity and passion vibrate whilst he sings, his vocals never sound strained though. It's rather a smooth, natural progression of sound which is complemented by well excecuted yet reserved instrumentals.

official website: http://thommorecroft.com/
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thom-morecroft/
twitter: https://twitter.com/thommorecroft
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomMorecroftMusic
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_thom_morecroft


Thomas McConnell

Time has come that worrying about Thomas McConnell seems to be an odd reaction to the musical path the liverpool based, Beatles' influenced singer/songwriter has chosen for himself. Actually there has never been any reason to be worried at all. Thomas' compositions are unique, they embody the sound of the 60s yet add a psychedelic, a refreshing and edgy feel to it that stimulates, that excites, that seems to work well though with the entire arrangement. His new EP 'Worried About Thomas McConnell' is a testimony of it. A satisfying and significant one. With acknowledegment of Paul McCartney himself (the Beatles' lead singer and bassist has shared Thomas' distinct and keen cover of his new song 'New'), with a constant stream of new songs ('John', 'Hello', 'Penny(Won't Help Me Now)') and a UK tour announced, there's only one thing to be worried about: can you keep pace with this aspiring and advancing, young music talent?

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thomasmcconnell
bandcamp: http://thomasmcconnellmusic.bandcamp.com/
twitter: https://twitter.com/McConnellSounds
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasmcconnellmusic
interviews on @Drcbones' music show:
http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_wtih_thomas_mcconnell (1^st interview) http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_thomas_mcconnell (2^nd interview)


The City Walls

                                                                                                                                                  The City Walls - Spanish Bride 

Liverpool is truly rich of people whose aptitude in respect to composing, recording and performing is hardly comparable (the local music scene of Southern California is one to mention too when speaking of vast and profound talent). The City Walls are no exception: the four-piece folk rock band presents ambient and melodic music, carried by evocative and euphonious vocals, shaded in atmospheric and gentle yet haunting acoustic guitar sound. Their songs are slowly rising, are distinctive of both intense but ethereal, passing vocal and instrumental moments which thoroughly resonate. The rhythmic clapping on 'Wild Flowers', stressed by the haunting and affectionate vocal murmur for instance is truly infectious, truly engaging. Now imagine how it must sound live and you'll find yourself instantly nodding your head to the melodious cadence of the composition, you'll notice that your feet are inevitably tapping to the intensifying, rousing still smooth sound of the song. You doubt this? Find out by attending their EP launch at Leaf Cafe on Nov. 1st (friday).soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-city-walls

bandcamp: http://thecitywallsuk.bandcamp.com/album/the-city-walls-ep
twitter: https://twitter.com/The_City_Walls
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCityWallsUK
interview on @Drcbones' music show: -


The Nursery

The artwork for The Nursery's debut EP 'Carnival Nature' is as versicolour as their music! 

(poster by Amy Jenine Wong) 

To go into detail about their music would mean to be lost in it (I've indulged in The Nursery's complex and enthralling compositions many times before, put effort into transcribing their melodies in words, my words, my impressions and connotations whilst listening) It's multifarious, deep-laid and eccentric music, of depth, picuteresque in lyrics and distinct and colourful in sound. Despite the fact that the canadian pop band has just released their debut EP 'Carnival Nature', they are already back in the studio again, composing new, notable and progressive music. The Nursery have also announced to release a music video for one of their songs soon. 

I've initially figured it would be for 'Lucy', which has grown to be my favourite track of the band's musical debut, and lyrics as 'from her body sinking in sand / the ocean holding her hand' confirmed me at first, since they blend well with the picture of the video shoot shared by the The Nursery. Yet I've changed my mind, lyrics as 'It's dark, no stars above the waves / tiptoe through the crystal sand and smile upon the grave' made me believe it could rather be for 'Domino' … but to be honest, I'm unsure since even the lyrics of their songs are too deep and multifaceted to 'read' them properly. Patience once more, my friends.

What song of The Nursery do you relate to this picture? 

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                      

official website: http://t.co/np3beWA4r2

soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thenursery

bandcamp: http://thenursery.bandcamp.com/album/carnival-nature

twitter: https://twitter.com/TheNursery_

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsTheNursery

interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_the_nursery

beekeeper

 beekeeper - I Don't Need Hope, I Need Whiskey 

(official studio music video)

Acute, singular, irritating. The first three words coming to mind whilst pondering how to describe the canadian indie post pop trio's music. Beekeeper's third EP 'Shout At People' suits this description well. It also proclaims their characteristic music approach: the band connects ambient yet stiriring vocal harmonies, eccentric and surprising instrumental arrangements – distinctive of swift, unexpected changes in pace and melody – with subtle, inspiring but inscrutable lyrics. It's for one of the EP's tracks, which is a prime example for the trio's individual style of composing and song staging, that a music video has been conceived: Oh Hi! – a video that is equally creative, exceptional, experimental and exciting as the sound of beekeeper. 

official website: http://bkpr.ca/presskit.html

bandcamp: http://buy.bkpr.ca/album/shout-at-people
twitter: https://twitter.com/beekeeperband
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tehbkpr
interview on @Drcbones' music show: http://www.spreaker.com/user/4524520/interview_with_beekeeper

Music is ever evolving, it continues and so do musicians follow their heart and sense in order to create song after song. Nothing's put on hold, neither have the melodies on my mind been silent. They have endured and at last they have reached the surface to dictate my writing. What does come next now that my flood of thoughts has been sorted and become apparent in notions and words? A bunch of reviews is in the making, or at least planned for october:

• Wullae Wright - The Orange Line
• The Box Tiger - Set Fire
• Joe Symes & The Loving Kind - Joe Symes and the Loving Kind
• The Cornerstones - Stand In Line
• Thomas McConnell - Worried About Thomas McConnell

But for now there's silence again. Anticipate, expect though it will clear up soon ....