THE
CLING - Just In Time EP
They're
being touted round some houses as the next big thing, but those of us
with memories from the days before Big Brother will recall their 1998ish
release, "Mucho Dineros", when they were being touted as the
next big thing.
So
has much changed in the last 4 years. Well, yes, the comparisons to
Gene and Strangelove can be removed, as there's little point in impersonating
yesterdays men, and in its place, an odd melange of new wave influences,
and a peculairly English skewed look at what funk might sound like,
when played by skinny white boys.
And
it's rather good. Especially when the influences come together to form
something new as it does on "Falling Down", with its cry of
"In my dreams a plastic mouth breathes for me, speaks my lines"
In
a world of mediocrity, it's refreshing to see someone trying to reinvent
the wheel. And even better, you cave it all for free by heading off
to their web site. Enjoy
www.thecling.com
thecling@nme.com
SOMNUS - Through
Creation's End (Root Of All Evil)
When
"Awakening The Crown" came out, we said 'Overall, a REMARKABLY
good album that breathes life into a somewhat tired genre.' And it was.
Now,
a couple of line up changes later, Somnus have returned. And, lo, it
is still good. There haven't been any huge leaps forward creatively,
but what you are left with is thoughtful, symphonic, gothic black metal.
As much keyboard driven, as guitar driven, it's the slanted approach
that Somnus take to their chosen genre, that makes it infinitely more
worthwhile than most.
Somnus
have taken the time to arrange their music properly, and when they hit
100% as they do on "The Deceiver", they take some beating.
If you're looking for that handy peg to hang this CD on, there are hints
of early Cradle of Filth, but panic ye not. 'Tis much better than that,
and without the irritating singer. As borderline black metal goes, this
is very good, and the combination male/female vocals give things an
interesting lift. Highly recommended.
http://somnusmusic.com/index2.html
http://www.rootofallevil.com/
TIDAL FLOOD
- Scientific
We
got quite moist over the Tidal Flood demo a year or so back, and here's
the first 'real' ceedee. Worth the tissues? Oh, yes!
The
two Greek Georges have nailed their spacetrance flag firmly to the mast
and from "7Tide" onwards, there was a plague of happy bunnies
in Castle Zeitgeist.
Taking
the clasic Ozrics template but refining it through their own cultural
reference points, there are moments when they remind you of Ole Lukkoye,
but Tidal Flood resolutely remain 'now', referencing classic space rock,
but without being in thrall. And when they attempt to take things to
a new and different level, as on "Raft Dub 01", when they
let the trance kick in to great effect, you realise there's still places
for an old genre to go. A must have item.
A
soon to be released CD at The
Rocker
http://www.tidalflood.com
Many
thanks to Tim and Terr-B at Stone Premonitions. You're spoiling me!
TIDAL
FLOOD - Scientific" (Review 2)
Thanks
once again to Terri B for drawing my attention to this highly talented
Greek band whose 7 minute 'Tidal Mew' was featured in the July 14 edition
of Alchemical Radio (www.aural-innovations.com)
'Tidal Mew' the longest track on the 5 track EP 'Scientific' has all
the quality of a classic Ozric Tentacles track- the swirly synths, the
fluid guitar break by George Stavroulakis and let's not forget some
funky fretless bass from George Karras- you know the script!
It's incredible what Tidal Flood pack into a mere 3 minutes 26 seconds
on the opening track '7Tide', mesmerising guitar and synth variations
with changes of tempo about ½ way through and near the end. 'Raff
Dub '01' is dominated by 'voices' and those bubbling synths again- there
is some rather disconcerting 'static' 2:20 that leads to another theme
and next we come to a favourite of mine on this album- 'The Mahaya Puzzle',
the jazziest track with Fripp and Holdsworth influences evident in the
guitar work. The jazz direction continues on the last track 'Helium',
dedicated presumably to ex band member, drummer Helium Polites who helps
out with the composition on this one (and on 'Tidal Mew')
If you want to remind yourself what analogue oscillators sound like
this is the best place to do it- and the art work's pretty neat as well!
Recommended.
A
soon to be released CD at The
Rocker
http://www.tidalflood.com
(Phil
Jackson) musician
and reviewer
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