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SPOTLIGHT 249
25/05/2010 12:20
the Spot Light #249
d.d. Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
NEW RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
CIRCLE BROS - HAVEN (LP/MORC) At last, a new release from Circle Bros, the project of Morc-meister Wim Lecluyse. 'Haven' was pieced together with music that originally was meant to be released on different formats. However, in the end these tracks simply made most sense together and in this particular order. Michael Anderson (of Drekka) mastered the recordings, making the album sound even more coherent. On 'Haven', you'll hear echoes from classic drone-outfits like Windy and Carl or Azusa Plane, but the sound palette is no longer focused just on guitars. Organ, vocals and sound-collages give the more recent recordings a very warm tone, and sometimes refer to the experimental pop- and folk structures of e.g. Richard Youngs, Grouper or Castanets. Very limited edition!
AREKNAMES - IN CASE OF LOSS (CD-LP/BLACK WIDOW) A new album by this excellent Italian progressive band, masterminded by composer, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Michele Epifani, who handles the Hammond organ, piano, mellotron, synths, harpsichord, acoustic and electric guitars as well as the recorder. Influences include 70s heroes s.a. Van Der Graaf Generator and Canterbury bands like Soft Machine and Caravan.
ATOMTRAKT - SPERRSTELLE NORDOST (CD/STEINKLANG) For fans of the martial-industrial-neoclassical genre(s).
CAWATANA - ADVOCATION FOR PRIVILEGES (CD/EIS & LICHT) Apocalyptic folk from Hungary, with some slight industrial, classical, ambient and pop influences.
LARRNAKH - NOW WILL YOU BELIEVE? (CD/STEINKLANG) Featuring members from Cawatana, this outfit plays a mixture of neo-folk and martial-industrial hymns.
MOON FAR AWAY - MINNESANG (CD/AHNSTERN) The brand new album by Russia's much acclaimed underground folk band! They sound like a more progressive Dead Can Dance.
FRÄKMÜNDT - URBÄRGLIEDER (CD/PERCHT) A remarkable Alpine folk band from Switzerland, featuring Sturmpercht-members!
KIUAS - LUSTDRIVEN (LP/SVART) Ten tracks of heavy rock from Finland, produced by Janne Joutsenniemi (Ensiferum, Suburban Tribe and Stone) and mixed by Mikko Karmila (Children Of Bodom, Nightwish). Influences range from power metal to prog, death to doom, symphonic to folk-metal. But the strong melodies are at least as noteworthy as the many influences.
MAGNUS PELANDER - MAGNUS PELANDER (CD-LP/SVART)An impressive and surprising work by the frontman of doom-/protometal band Witchcraft, recorded with the help of an acoustic guitar and a handful of like minded musical friends. Released on CD and black plus limited coloured vinyl.
BEHERIT - ENGRAM (LP/SVART) Finland's Beherit (the Syriac name for Satan) was spawned in 1989 by spectacularly named vocalist/guitarist Nuclear Holocausto Vengeance. Along with bassist Black Jesus and drummer Sodomatic Slaughter, his main purpose was to perform the most primitive, savage, hell-obsessed black metal imaginable and now his dream has come true. Finally the comeback metal album of the decade is available on vinyl!
SHIZUKA - OWARINONAI YUME-LIVE SHOWBOAT 2008 (DVD/PSF) The last live concert of Shizuka who sadly died in January this year. Shizuka were THE great lost-in-action group of the Tokyo underground psych scene during the early to mid nineties. Led by doll-maker Shizuka, and with ex-Fushitsusha alumni Maki Miura and Jun Kosugi on hand, they created some of the most fragile and intense acid-rock of their time, but remained largely undocumented and under appreciated. Limited to 500 copies.
EXPECTED RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
L'EFFET D'EFEE - AL TROP (CD/PRIKOSNOVENIE) Imagine the lyricism of a fairyesque duet of voice and harp, combined with a progressive rocking combo featuring bass and drum with the energy of a band like Primus. And then there's an amazing female vocalist, who brings to mind Bjork and Kate Bush, but in a special way. Comes in a digipak with a booklet, 51 minutes of music.
LILY STORM - IF I HAD A KEY TO THE DAWN (CD/PRIKOSNOVENIE) Classical trained chanteuse Lily Storm has gathered beautiful songs and laments from Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary...). These tunes are sparsely accompanied by duduk, accordion and strings. 15 tracks in 46 tasteful minutes.
MOVIE STAR JUNKIES - A POISON TREE (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) Tales of ordinary madness, dirty love, illness and sorrow lead us to the deepest and darkest side of rock'n'roll. Voodoo Rhythm Records is proud to announce the second album by Italy's greatest blues punk combo, the Movie Star Junkies. 'A Poison Tree' is intense and devilish journey through timeless and sinister murder ballads. Noisy and gloomy tunes, some altered visions from the holy inquisition to William Blake.
VARIOUS - FAIRY WORLD, VOL. 6 (CD/PRIKOSNOVENIE) 'Fairy World 6', consisting of a 16 page booklet (21 x 14cm) and a CD sampler, evolves around the theme of the five elements and is an ode to musical blending, openness and sweetness. Features a.o. Stephane Cave & Yves Souron, Jean Paul Trutet, Antrabata, Lys, Caprice, Lily Storm, Ivo Sedlacek, Dizzi Dulcimer...
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
SVANFRIDUR - WHAT'S HIDDEN THERE (CD/SHADOKS MUSIC) CD reissue of an obscure yet highly rated album (1972) by an Icelandic band, recorded in London. This is an outstanding collection of heavy underground prog rock, with vocals in English. Comes with 12-page booklet.
TRUBROT - TRUBROT (CD/SHADOKS MUSIC) In 1969 Trubrot, featuring leading members of Hljomar (Sounds) and Flowers, was the first Icelandic super group. Their debut album, originally released by EMI in 1969, is full of well crafted, Brit inspired underground 60s pop that should appeal to fans of f.i. Blossom Toes and Billy Nicholls. (After this LP Trubrot recorded three more albums, which also will be reissued by Shadoks.)
ODMENN - ODMENN (CD/SHADOKS MUSIC) More great sounds from the Icelandic underground, c.a. 1970. The politically aware Odmenn were a superb outfit that played blues rock with flashy psychedelic guitar work. This is a reissue of their splendid double LP, recorded in Copenhagen. With 12-page booklet containing the full story and many unseen pix!
ELONKORJUU - HARVEST TIME (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC) Another great Shadoks reissue of a legendary prog/psych album from Northern Europe, in this case Pori in Finland. 'Harvest Time' (1970) is a true cult-album, influenced by a.o. Cream, Sabbath and Colloseum. Expect great compositions with heavy guitar work and English vocals. Limited luxuriousedition of 500 copies on 180 grams vinyl.
EMBRUJO - EMBRUJO (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC) Reissue of a legendary album from Chile. Embrujo was the next incarnation of late 60s heroes Kissing Spell. This album dates from 1971 and deserves to be mentioned in the list of great Chilean rock releases, along with the LP's by Blops, Aguaturbia, Los Vidrios Quebrados and Los Mac's. 500 copies on 180 grams vinyl, with heavy sleeve and 2 page insert.
SHOES - ONE IN VERSAILLES (LP/SHADOKS MUSIC) This remarkable mid 70s album (recorded in Illinois) can be regarded as an early lo-fi effort. 'One In Versailles' has that typical underground charm with lots of heavy guitar, appealing vocals and tight song-structure. It reminds of an early new wave/pop album and also offers a touch of avant-garde à la Spoils Of War. 500 copies, 180 grams vinyl and heavy sleeve.
SELECTED PRESS QUOTES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
DEAD BROTHERS - 5TH SIN-PHONIE (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Patrick Bruneel for Gonzo Circus (translated excerpt) The best Dead Brothers release so far, which means something!
URBAN JUNIOR - TWO HEADED DEMON (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Joost Jan Meertens for Planet Trash (translated excerpt) At the end of the album a childrens' choir sings that Urban Junior is as hot as shit and piss, and that this record is a modern classic. And all of that is true.
MAGICKAL FOLK OF THE FARAWAY TREE - THE SOUP & THE SHILLING (2CD/DESERTED VILLAGE) reviewed by Henk Rijkenbarg for Heaven (translated excerpt) ...essential for fans of C.O.B. and Thinguma*jigSaw. Timeless beauty.
DADDS - IDÉES CHOC & PROPOS CHIC (CD/GREEN COOKIE) reviewed by Punkrocktheory (excerpt) Listen to 'Les Filles', 'Le Jerk & Les Motos' and 'Ibère Hiatus' and find out why this is worthy of tour time.
MAMA ROSIN - BRULE LENTEMENT (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Julian May for Songlines (excerpt) Mama Rosin are hot - and witty too.
BLOWBACK - EIGHT HUNDRED MILES (LP-CD/TRANSUBSTANS) reviewed by Ief de Deurwaerder for RockTribune (translated excerpt) On record Blowback is a magnificent spring itch, which makes one long for red eyes.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
TARBABY - FEBRUARY (CD/GEARFAB) reviewed by Peter Marinus for Musicknockout (excerpt) If you use the select button of your stereo in a good way, you will have a CD with some great garage rock treasures!
LIVE JESSIE EVANS (PHANTOMETTE) May 28: Den Haag, NL (Berlin Ruft An/Paardvantroje)
C.W. STONEKING (VOODOO RHYTHM) May 29: Eindhoven, NL (Naked Song Festival/Muziek Centrum Frits Philips) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / August 8: Roermond, NL (Solar festival)
DEWOLFF (REMUSIC) selected dates - May 30: Landgraaf, NL (Pinkpop) / June 5: Amersfoort (Highlands Festival) / June 26: Wateringen (Nederlanddrie) DEAD BROTHERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
THE STAGGERS (SOUNDFLAT) June 4: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
THE DADDS (GREEN COOKIE) June 5: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
PETER BERRY & THE SHAKE SET (SCREAMING APPLE) June 5: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
SIXTYNINERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 5: Groningen, NL (Gideon festival) / June 9: Deventer, NL (Burgerweeshuis) / June 12: Amsterdam, NL (Pacific Parc) / June 26: Amsterdam, NL (Sleazefest) / August 8: Roermond, NL (Solar festival)
GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE (GREEN COOKIE) June 18: Haarlem (Patronaat) MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk (Festival On Stage) GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: Nijmegen (Valkhof/Affaire festival)
THE FLYING EYES (WORLD IN SOUND) July 18: Nijmegen, NL (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 25: Roermond, NL (DeWeegbrug)
KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) spring-summer 2010 THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) Fall 2010 t.b.a.
DEAD BROTHERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
THE STAGGERS (SOUNDFLAT) June 4: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
THE DADDS (GREEN COOKIE) June 5: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
PETER BERRY & THE SHAKE SET (SCREAMING APPLE) June 5: Rotterdam, NL (Primitive festival)
MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk (Festival On Stage) GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: Nijmegen (Valkhof/Affaire festival)
THE FLYING EYES (WORLD IN SOUND) July 18: Nijmegen, NL (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 25: Roermond, NL (DeWeegbrug)
KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) spring-summer 2010 THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) Fall 2010 t.b.a.
Blog
Previous editions:
06/09/2010 11:47 SPOTLIGHT 264
30/08/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 263
24/08/2010 11:09 SPOTLIGHT 262
18/08/2010 11:22 SPOTLIGHT 261
09/08/2010 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 260
02/08/2010 11:29 SPOTLIGHT 259
26/07/2010 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 258
20/07/2010 12:06 SPOTLIGHT 257
12/07/2010 12:22 SPOTLIGHT 256
05/07/2010 11:52 SPOTLIGHT 255
29/06/2010 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 254
21/06/2010 11:21 SPOTLIGHT 253
15/06/2010 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 252
07/06/2010 11:43 SPOTLIGHT 251
31/05/2010 11:35 SPOTLIGHT 250
19/05/2010 11:48 SPOTLIGHT 248
10/05/2010 11:26 SPOTLIGHT 247
03/05/2010 11:46 SPOTLIGHT 246
26/04/2010 12:04 SPOTLIGHT 245
19/04/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 244
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