In July 2011, nine years after they formed, Manchester’s Marconi Union released their fifth album, Beautifully Falling Apart (Ambient Transmissions Volume 1) and the first for the Just Music recording label.

Marconi Union is Richard Talbot, Jamie Crossley and Duncan Meadows.  They formed in 2002 when Talbot and Crossley met while working in a record shop and the following year released their debut album Under Wires and Searchlights, on the Ochre Records label.  But it wasn’t until 2005 that they released a second album, Distance, this time on the All Saints Records label. The following year they played the Big Chill Festival and Eden Sessions, as well as giving their first interview.

Further albums were released through their official website – A Lost Connection (released as a digital download in 2008 & CD in 2010) and Tokyo (2009).

Duncan Meadows joined Marconi Union on a permanent basis in 2010 and together they released Beautifully Falling Apart (Ambient Transmissions Volume 1). The album drifts even further in to ambient layers landscapes of serene beauty while managing to effortlessly entwine elements and whiffs of dub, electronica, glitch and even Ennio Morricone’s Spaghetti Westerns.  As with much ambient music the album plays out like an imaginary film soundtrack.

My favourite album is Distance which shows a moody, darker side to Marconi Union while they were still toying with lighter beats stimulating the soundscapes rather than the atmospheric purity of Beautifully Falling Apart (Ambient Transmissions Volume 1) that errs away from electronica and towards a contemporary classical music.

Marconi Union are making wonderfully deep, thought-provoking music that should simply be heard and appreciated by more people; which is possibly the reason why Just Music will be re-releasing their first two albums in 2012, along with plans to release a new album next summer.

Beautifully Falling Apart (Ambient Transmissions Volume 1) has six beautifully relaxing tracks that blend into one another leaving the listener in a sublime state of relaxation.

Over the past nine years Marconi Union has quietly whispered their way into the consciousness of those looking to ambient music rather than X Factor 15 minutes of fame.  No fanfares. Their fan base is growing organically through word-of-mouth, without hype.  Their music is continuing to develop a style all of its own with each release.  If you haven’t already indulged your ears in the beauty of Marconi Union, make it one of your New Year’s resolutions.

Album Re-issues
On 30th January 2012, Just Music will be re-issuing two albums by Marconi Union:
Under Wires and Searchlights & Distance.

La Fin Absolute du Monde

Buzzin Media are excited to introduce to you ’La Fin Absolute du Monde’. If you believe in the immaculate conception and that KFC should be eaten with a knife and fork, I strongly recommend you step away from the computer right now and go make yourself a cup of cocoa with a sprinkling of minature marshmallows for good measure. I am a huge fan of anyone who dares to be different and thinks outside of the box and La Fin Absolute du Monde tick all those boxes.

 La Fin Absolute du Monde are Jason and Cyndy ‘Chicky’ Myles from San Francisco. They get my vote immediately for living in San Francisco, which is one of the coolest cities I have visited to date, however, their music is just as diverse, fascinating and exciting. Although Jason has recorded on hiphop albums and played with local San Francisco area based bands, his heart has been Metal to the core.  With influences such as Prince, Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King, Dimebag, and EVH.

I heard La Fin Absolute du Monde a few weeks ago on Soundcloud. I was immediately entranced by their style of music and by Chicky’s vocals, who may be singing some very dark lyrics at times. Their fusion of Classical and Rock seduced me to listen to more of their tracks. My eyes scanned their profile and immediately I was drawn to ‘Spank’ (Rough Mix). We are all aware that sex sells and so I pushed play! The vocals are delightfully sassy and the rhythm of the percussion is brilliantly seductive. The piano and chimes are also tantalising and try to manipulate the ears into believing this is a sweet natured track.  ’Spank’ (Rough Mix)  is a clear example of how there is a piece of music for every life experience under the stars!

Spank (Rough Mix) by La Fin Absolute du Monde

Jason still has his own fiery and violent guitar-playing style that he mixes warmly with melodic, ambient melodies and tones.  Chicky grew up being formally trained as a classical musician and has toured all over North America and parts of Europe with an Asian cover band.   Together, they have achieved a sound like no other, applying all their very different  influences and inspirations to lovingly complement each other. ‘Why So Serious’ is a perfect example of their musical diversity and funky experimentation and has an incredibly addictive bassline.

Why So Serious? by La Fin Absolute du Monde

La Fin Absolute du Monde informed me that their aim is to utilize dark, lovely and ambient timbres and ignore conventional structures and boundaries to provide an intense and adventureful musical-listening experience.  Here are two people who come from entirely different worlds, both enamored by smart people who love smart music. Their Soundcloud profile is an exhibition of incredible sounds including ‘She’s Got To Be A Pirate’ and I recommend a listen of their Soundcloud profile for those of you who dare to listen and think outside of the box!

She's Got To Be a Pirate by La Fin Absolute du Monde

La Fin Absolute du Monde have an EP ‘Au Revoir’ which they released in March and can be found on http://www.stereokiller.com/lafinabsolutedumonde They inform me they are currently in negotiation with a record label in the UK and Buzzin Media wish them every success. 

La Fin Absolute du Monde on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/la-fin-absolute-du-monde

Buzzin Media on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/buzzin-media

Woods

Over the past few years Woods have established themselves as an anomaly in a world of freaks. They were an odd proposition even in the outré company of vocalist/ guitarist/ label owner Jeremy Earl’s Woodsist roster, perpetually out of time, committed to songsmanship in an age of noise, drone and improvisation, to extended soloing, oblique instrumentals and the usurping use of tapes and F/X in an age of dead-end singer- songwriters.

Woods will be in the UK to perform three gigs next week and the band will also be performing live on 6Music’s Marc Riley Show on March 15th from 7pm.

They will also contribute to Tom Ravenscroft’s show on 6Music tonight (March 11th) in the form of a guest mix, the show is broadcast from 9pm.

Woods latest album At Echo Lake is available now and has garnered the following tributes upon it’s release:

“If records can be classified into ‘urban’ (not in the R & B sense) and ‘rural’, then At Echo Lake is surely from the countryside,” Drowned in Sound

“Woods make a brand of new folk that’s blissfully whimsical, happily nostalgic and, most importantly, classically and simply melodic..” Loud & Quiet

“An album that exposes itself to the forces of the great outdoors” Uncut

UK Live Dates:

14-Mar UK Birmingham Hare & Hounds
15-Mar UK Manchester The Deaf Institute
16-Mar UK London Bush Hall

The band will return in September for the End of the Road Festival.

Dyonisis - Intoxicated

It was back in 2007 when the Sheffield based quartet Dyonisis released their debut self titled album to some acclaim and the band have since been thrilling audiences around the country with their own special brand of intoxicating, broody and haunting style of music.

Combining elements of rock and trip-hop with an overriding folk theme and fusing them into hypnotic and haunting soundscapes, Dyonisis create a unique and ambient sound featuring the outstanding vocal harmonies of singers Nel and Lou.

On the new album, Intoxicated, the intense personal lyrical content is drowned in stunning, at times haunting melodies and harmonies creating an endless yet fulfilling journey of luscious ambiance and dramatic landscapes.

A definite for fans of Enya, circa the excellent track Only Time as there is much on this album that brings that track to mind, that said this album is no retrospective effort and the band’s sights are always firmly fixed in the present in what is an excellent collection of songs delivered in their own unique style.

Here is a clip of Dyonisis performing an excellent acoustic version the track Inside Out from the album Intoxicated.

Intoxicated is the new album from Dyonisis and is available on Singed Records now.

Julia Barry - Once or Twice

Julia Barry is an indie pianist, singer, and songwriter based in New York.  Her newest album, “Once, or Twice,” was independently released July 17, 2010 and features jazz- and blues-inspired songs of wonder and longing.

Often compared to artists like Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, Barry’s voice is as gritty and sweet as her songs are kick-you-under-the-table honest.  Her live sets have been described as “mesmerizing” and “provocative,” and you can catch her performing live across the U.S., especially in New York City.

Julia Barry

Barry found her love of creativity through music at an early age, improvising songs on piano and constantly singing around the house. She began formal study of piano (inspired by her older sister’s lessons) and joined a children’s choir during grade school, beginning to write more seriously as she got older. Her first album, Arrivals, debuted in 2002; fans review this album on CDBaby.com as “breathtaking,” “a blessing to find in today’s music world,” and “a real jewel.”

Once or Twice is an album that when listened to will create an atmosphere of charm and relaxation. ‘Tell Me‘ is definitely a track you can imagine listening to at Ronnie Scott’s, as it full of  that classic jazz ambiance.  Throughout the album, Julia Barry’s vocals are graceful and her piano skills are exemplary.

I was introduced to Julia Barry’s music on Soundcloud when she was given Artist of The Day status and quickly recognised her musical talents. I also admired Julia Barry’s independence following my research into her background. I realised that she is extremely self sufficient as she not only creates her own music, but also created and managed her own website. This in my opinion, shows real determination and is a recognition of her hard work and self belief, which is a strength beyond all measure in the music industry.

Tell Me by juliabarry

“Once, or Twice” features 11 original songs played by Julia Barry on vocals and keyboard instruments, John Lenis on bass, Dan Tinkoff/Samuel Stein on guitar, and Jon Searles on drums. Additional instrumentals include strings and organ (Ryan Gregg).  “Once, or Twice” was recorded and mixed by Meredith McCandless at FLUXstudios.net, NYC, produced by Ben Lindell, and mastered by Michael Tudor at Defiant Recording in Woodstock, NY.

For more information on Julia Barry visit http://www.myspace.com/juliabarrymusic

]]> http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/julia-barry-once-or-twice-album-review/3587/feed 0 http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/marisela-she-confidential-debut-album-review/3358 http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/marisela-she-confidential-debut-album-review/3358#comments Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:14:20 +0000 Joy Andrews http://www.buzzinmusicblog.co.uk/?p=3358

Marisela - She ConfidentialMarisela - 'She Confidential' Debut Album

Buzzin Media are extremely excited to promote this incredible new artist Marisela and her Debut Album - ‘She Confidential‘ which is due for release early 2011. We certainly like to keep our finger on the pulse for exciting and talented new artists and we feel confident to predict an amazing career ahead for this exceptional musician singer/songwriter from the Netherlands.

Marisela is a Latin rooted artist who at the age of 12 taught herself how to play the guitar to accompany her singing, which was one thing she was very happy she could do with such natural passion and feeling. After over 10 years fully committed to her music & artistic career, Marisela has now prepared her debut album “Marisela – ‘She Confidential’ to be released in early 2011, along with plans to prepare her first “SHE CONFIDENTIAL” Tour around Europe which we at Buzzin Media will keep you informed of dates and venues and will definitely be in amongst the crowds.

Marisela is most certainly a very versatile musician with soulful, rich and diverse vocals, outwardly expressing a passion for performing and delivering to her audience. Marisela’s style has been defined by merging different genres, from folk/acoustic sounds, to electronic, pop/rock and alternative.

Marisela successfully released her first video clip of her single “SHE CONFIDENTIAL”, in 2009 and now the world is ready to welcome another new emerging artist in her full bloom.

I asked Marisela to describe her musical journey so far and her plans for the future.

Music is my Love, my Life, my  Freedom, my Passion and my Refuge. Music is the vial through which I want to experience life, as well as making the world a more harmonious place to live and share with others.”JOIN ME & LET’S ENJOY THE WONDERS OF MUSIC TOGETHER…”

Marisela

I was recommended a listen to Marisela’s track ‘19 Days’ on Soundcloud by a friend and was absolutely blown away by the power of Marisela’s emotive, soulful and passionate expression through her music.  The powerful emotions she expresses via her vocals, lyrics and music sent shivers down my spine, especially when listening to the magical track ‘Like A Child‘ which is exceptional in its beautiful vocals, lyrics, subtle violin and ends magnificently with Marisela’s stunning spanish guitar.

On listening to the album I felt an immense sense of  tranquility and consider this artist to have an abundance of heart and soul, as well as talent.  I was completely captivated and entranced by her music, which took my imagination to the most sensational places imaginable and would only expect from the power of film. Marisela has the power to captivate the listener with her music which is completely mesmerising and is without doubt food for the soul.

I can only describe this Debut Album ‘She Confidential’ as ‘Exquisite’ and Buzzin Media will be following Marisela’s career avidly.  We wish Marisela a very long and successful musical career and feel it well deserved as it is obvious the level of hard work, determination and passion Marisela has put into making her debut album.

Marisela – ‘She Confidential’- 19 Days

19 Days (without you)/ MARISELA by MARISELA MUSIK

Album Track List

1. She Confidential

2. Like A Child

3. I Love You

4. Some Kind O’ Magic

5. Just To Be With You

6. I’m No Angel (Ultra House Lounge Music)

7. 19 Days

8. I’ll Call You Back

9. I Carry On

You can hear all of Marisela’s Album from the link below:

http://soundcloud.com/mariselamusik/sets/she-confidential-mariselas-debut-album-demo-version

http://www.mariselamusik.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/MariselaSuperstar

sharon van etten - epic

In contrast to her previous album, the stark, sparse, yet beguiling and beautiful Because I Was In Love, which first brought the Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten to my attention, her latest album Epic is a bigger produced affair where the singer has allowed herself the luxury of using additional musicians to push her songs into a new dimension.

Adding drums, piano, steel guitar and three backing singers to her guitar and elegant, yet at times already world weary vocals, enhances  Sharon Van Etten’s beautiful songs launching them into the territory of a wider audience.

The music on Epic is more accessible than her previous material, although following the same themes of sadness, hope and fear. Van Etten’s latest songs appear more confident and upbeat within the framework of other musicians and the beautiful arrangements on the album endear themselves to the listener immediately.

Van Etten writes songs about the the things that affect us all, everyone can connect to her songs, meaning that there is a big audience out there that this album will win over, given the chance.

On the opening track, A Crime, she sings about Never letting herself love like that again and the fear of telling someone you love, how you really feel about them.

On the gorgeous alt-country style Save Yourself Van Etten sings “Don’t you think I know you’re only try to save yourself, just like everyone else” to fend off advances, from a former love I imagine.

There is beautiful musical mood change as the track DsharpG segues into Don’t Do It where Van Etten sings “If you wan’t to do it, You will if you want too, even if I don’t want you to” on top of a wonderful soaring soundscape.

Epic closes with the wonderful ambience of Love More, another wonderful arrangement in which the vocal appears almost suspended on the sparse instrumentation and heavenly backing.

After a couple of years playing round the New York club circuit Sharon Van Etten will embark on a tour of North America and Europe (with her band in tow), this winter.

Listen to her remarkable new songs now on Sharon Van Etten’s My Space page

Buena Vista Social Club

One of the most wonderful things about music is that there is so much variety, so many different genres to explore, always something new and at the same time always something that brings back a special moment or time in ones life.

While browsing the Last FM site recently I was intrigued to come across the tagline, Music For Sipping French Wine. As there was no content available and I was indeed sipping some grape juice I looked through some of my music collection for inspiration.

Invariably listening to music while enjoying a glass of French wine is a very different experience to having a few beers in the pub and inviting your mates back to yours to listen to the latest noise fest on maximum volume while trying to hold a shouting conversation over the top of the music.

Indeed, sipping a glass of wine represents a more continental laid back attitude and our aural pleasure adjusts to that mood.

Conjuring up the culture of European street cafes and lazy but animated continental plaza’s, Rodriguez & Gabriella set the scene perfectly with their unique brand of latin and flamenco guitar playing.

In the mood now my next visit was to the Buena Vista Social Club, an intriguing and beguilling collection of traditional Cuban music featuring Ry Cooder amongst it’s endless cast of artists.

Portishead’s Glory Days then made an all too rare appearance, by the end of which the wine had disappeared and my head was telling me it was time to retire to bed.

What music do you choose to listen to while sipping a glass of wine?

Trace aka Dave Impey

Mike Oldfield’s symphonic folk rock classic Tubular Bells gets some twenty first century treatment from the successful soundtrack producer and composer David Impey, under the guise of Trace, on his new album Under Cover.

The track undergoes electronic treatment from Trace, as the familiar chimes are re-imagined using the electronic palette, through genres like minimalistic, techno and psychedelia, even tripping out on a funk rock excursion along the way.

Tubular Bells remains recognisable throughout its transformation, but the track somehow seems more accessible in its electronic reworking, possibly because it is brought bang up to date in this latest version.

Perhaps best known as the soundtrack from The Exorcist, Tubular Bells is an amazingly popular mobile phone ring tone these days, so this version should catch the imagination of the record buying public.

Tubular Bells, Part 1, to give its proper title is just one of three tracks that feature on the new album from Trace, the second is another classic but from a completely different era, George Winston’s piano piece September – Colors/Dance.

Whilst the Trace version starts off from the point of the original concept, it develops the piece using dance and musique concrete to give the new version something of a widescreen feel, this is my favourite of the three tracks presented on the album.

The final track ‘The Neighbours Complain’ (written by David’s father Norman Impey) was originally a showpiece for the drummer of the 1940s big band ‘The Skyrockets Orchestra’ to ‘give it some’. The original genre was big band swing and the new version is somewhat funkier.

Trace is chiefly oriented towards the chill-out end of the electronic spectrum. The tracks are blends of texture, soundscape and ethnicity taking inspiration from a number of different musical genres. Two new Trace projects are currently in the pipeline; ‘Fun’ – a dance-oriented album which becomes progressively darker and more ethereal and ‘Five Lines’ – a minimalist album in which each track has no more than five overdubs. The concept is inspired by the staves of a music manuscript. Another Trace project is already produced and will be available as a download before the end of 2010, entitled ‘Music for Yoga’.

His favourite project was recording the backing music for a documentary on brain surgery where the brief was to write ‘the world’s most depressing music’. The programme, aired by the BBC, attracted over 5.4 million viewers received positive comments from the Daily Telegraph.

This video was shot in London to accompany the track Tubular Bells Part 1 by Trace.

The album Under Cover is released on June 14th on Crash records, available from all major download sites. For more information visit the Trace website.

The video for Bleed Like There Was No Other Flood is directed by fellow Swede Patrik Instedt, with much of the footage shot in pre-volcanic Iceland where both EPs were recorded. It follows the theme of water, central to both Retina and the following EP Iris.

Both EPs are released as a limited edition white vinyl, Retina is scheduled for May 25th and Iris a month later on June 21st. The contents of both EPs will be compiled as an album called Rivers which will be available in conventional CD or digital format on August 23rd.

The duo play two very special show in the UK this weekend with a 12-strong handpicked Swedish choir. Tomorrow (Friday 14 May) sees Mariam Wallentin and Andreas Werliin’s project play at the Pavement-curated ATP in Minehead (Reds Stage: 8.30pm). On Saturday there is a headline performance at London’s Bishopgate Institute with support Choir Of Young Believers.

Wildbirds & Peacedrums – Bleed Like There Was No Other Flood