Album Review: Nick Drake – Bryter Layter (Remastered and Boxed Vinyl Edition)
John Martyn laughed when Nick Drake died, that was the first thought that came to mind when I read about the reissue and mastering of Drake’s sophomore album Bryter Layter. It was something for which his wife never forgave him. 18 months before Drake died of an overdose of antidepressants, Martyn released the acclaimed album, Solid Air, the title track about the doomed singer songwriter, and in many ways it is the perfect description of the... Read More
Album Review: Fionn Regan – The Bunkhouse Vol. I: Anchor Black Tattoo
There’s a belief amongst some musicians, that more – not less – is more. The more singers, instruments, harmonies, the better. But Fionn Regan’s latest record, The Bunkhouse Vol. I: Anchor Black Tattoo, proves that music served raw can be equally powerful. Armed with just a guitar, voice, microphone and a 4 track recorder, this is Regan’s most stripped back album ever. But instead of sounding bare, Regan once again produces depth, intrigue,... Read More
Album Review: The Drums – Portamento
The new Drums album is named after a 17th Century Italian word meaning a slide between two vocal pitches, an apt name for an album, which also slides from one mood to another. The first album, Summertime!, is a release the band describe as a concept album, that while visceral and fun, lacked depth. This time around they have focused inwards, taking time to reflect and make a more personal LP that tackles issues such as religion, heartbreak and….trans-genderism.... Read More
EP Review: DJ Shadow – I Gotta Rokk
DJ Shadow is perhaps the ultimate postmodern expression of the potential within electronic dance music. His 1996 debut album “Entroducing” was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the first to be composed purely of samples. Forget the Halle orchestra – all Josh Davis needs to make music is an Akai sampler, a dark mood, and a pair of turntables. Perhaps not surprisingly the tracks on this EP – comprising remixes of tracks from... Read More
