ARTROSIS - Melange

As I am unfamiliar with this Polish bands earlier output it is with delight that I can announce that they are rather splendid. Now claiming to be one of leading goth bands in Poland is a bit like me claiming to be one of the hairiest men in Leith. Although, to be fair, their popularity is such that there is a Polish version and an English version of the CD

Hitting all the right notes and the right inluences (Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Paradise Lost, Sisters of Mercy but with nods to the likes of Skinny Puppy and orchestral horror soundtracks), this is a diverse and always interesting release.

It works best when the various intstruments click in together, throwing up a wall of sound that is quite compelling. The vocals can take some getting used to, but that is part of the charm of this release. Who wants to listen to another whispering gothette when you can have someone treating their voice as an another instrument. Ending in style with a Dracula theme tune soundalike, this is compelling listening.

http://artrosis.rockmetal.art.pl/


ANDREAS BOTTCHER & MACK GOLDSBURY - Lost Paradise

A rather splendid jazz odyssey from Andreas Böttcher on pipe organ and Mack Goldsburg on saxes and piccolo flute

There is a sensivity to some of the music here that can't help but touch you in all the right places, elevating mood pieces into something superior. Combined with a spontaneity often lacking in modern jazz, this is a rare treat.

In the hands of lesser musicians this could have been clumsy, but with an outstanding display of virtuosity, Andreas elevates the pipe organ into an instrument of baroque power. The five years spent in the rock band Syncopators also seems to have left a melodic touch not often seen in the more outre regions of jazz.

He and Texan expat Mack Goldsbury have been playing together for nearly ten years now, and they have that almost telepathic communion longstanding musical colleagues often display. Mack himself has sessioned with the likes of The Temptations, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder, so has an unparallelled crossover musical pedigree. An unusual but rwearding release.


STEVE WILSON AND THE INNOCENT BYSTANDERS - Steppin’ It Up a Notch

Thanks as ever to Simon at Pink Hedgehog for sending me this release. Every PH release I’ve heard has been most commendable and this one is no exception. Steve Wilson was the bass player in Cheese whose ‘Let It Brie’ was released to favourable reviews a year or two ago. His band The Innocent Bystanders includes Robbie McIntosh who has played with The Pretenders and Paul McCartney and cellist Chas Dickie, ex Van Der Graaf Generator on 3 tracks. Check out the exquisite ballad about a broken relationship ‘Nobody Home’- just Chas, two acoustic guitars, Steve’s plaintive voice- I remember my Mum singing ‘Send in the Clowns’ as well, Steve! A lot of the music has a country rock feel to me and there is one song that stands out- the 7 minute long ‘Hold On’- this has everything a wonderfully perceptive and reflective lyric, a great feel (Some of the piano work has a Carole King ‘Tapestry’ feel about it), a smattering of harmonica at just the right moments and a soulful harmony vocal from Jess Upton.
There is nothing innocent about this album- it’s the work of seasoned veterans and skilled craftsmen who know exactly what they’re doing- at least I hope Steve knows what he’s doing sitting atop the skyscraper rafter with the rest of the steel monkeys on the sleeve!
Contact: www.pinkhedgehog.com (SMILE 4)
(reviewed by Phil Jackson)


DETROIT COBRAS - Seven Easy Pieces

Everyone is talking about Detroit again. Unfortunately, the current crop pf wannabee garage bands are fit to lick the spittle infested Chelsea boots of their 60s predecessors. Apart from the Detroit Cobras. Making music the way it used to be,this is fun. Stomping through seven tracks in nineteen minutes, there;s no hanging about, as they tackle an array of forgotten classics.

If you're looking for the soundtrack to your next party, then you can't go far wrong, especially with the whiplash tight vocals of Rachel Nagy. Why listen to dull and uninteresting new songs (paging Mr White), when there's so much better music waiting to be rediscovered. A peach of an eepee.