MELBOURNE
- "Night Star"
Carrie
Melbourne is apparently one of only three women Chapman Stick players
on Earth, played in Mike Oldfield's band in his Berlin 2000 show and
was a member of 'Babylon Zoo', playing on the 1986 #1 hit 'Spaceman'
(The Levis advert helped!)
The phrases 'world rhythms and sounds combined with electronica and
a dark melodic pop sensibility' are most apt in describing what is a
most consistent and enchanting album.
'Deep Deep Deep' reminded me very much of Kate Bush for some reason
and this track and the one following 'Water in the Well' utilise a kind
of 'Sprechgesang', half singing, half speaking (almost rap like on the
latter) And when Carrie sings 'I believe in angels' in that celestial
voice of hers you better believe it too!
'Love Remains' is perhaps the most remarkable song melodically with
a neat little guitar break by Carrie and a nice little synth break by
husband Doug, he of Genesis tribute band Regenesis.
Carrie's vocal on 'Shoot the Messenger' has all the wistful elegance
of Andrea Corr whereas 'Clandestine' reminds me more of Bjork in style.
In short there is much to admire on this CD. 'Intelligent and accessible'
it says on the sleeve. Add 'mellifluous and mellow' (Listen to the yearning
poignancy of 'Christmas is Gone Now') and I wouldn't disagree! And there
is always the Stick of course!
Contact: www.mysticrecords.co.uk
(Mystic Records MYS CD 159)
(Phil Jackson)
Super Massive
Object EP
According
to NASA this is a large piece of unidentified, undefined matter flying
through space.
According
to their audience Super Massive Object ROCK.
Formed
two years ago they have performed extensively across the UK. Following
a minor line up change S.M.O. have their feet firmly placed in the kick
ass rock/metal arena, with cutting edge sounds and songs. Fronted by
the sassy Sharron Levy this North East band are definitely something
not to be missed.
They
recently played Newcastle University, and with the kick in of the first
Chorus of "Random New Wish" the crowds heads were moving back
and forth. It wasn't long before the Mosh-pit took off and people were
being flung from one side of the stage to the other. S.M.O. sweated
and bled in their traditional manner and it was a surprise that Colm
did break anything. Phil on drums who had learned the set only three
days before seemed to be loving it, whilst occasionally screaming to
Sharron "I CAN'T HEAR ANYHING!". The band rocked and the crowd
loved it, ending with the killer track "Ruby Skin", which
from the numbers I've heard is by far their best.
Super
Massive Object have just released four of their best tracks on a CD
for £4.50 and it's well worth the price of admission for those
who like their rock nu and metal.
http://www.supermassiveobject.co.uk/
Econoline
- Music Is Stupid (Seriously Groovy)
By
the time you reas this, Econoline will have been wandering round the
country effortlessly knocking out live versions of these tunes and stirring
people in places where they didn't know it was possible to have places.
Seriously
Groovy have to be commended for nurturing the likes of Econoline and
labelmates Mother Goose, and Emetrex, for creativiyt is a rare flower
these days and needs to be Of the ten tracks on offer, earlier single
I'm Plagued remains a standout alongside Missing From Pictures and particularly
the intense closing track Buddy Bradley.
Ian
Scanlon’s somewhat fragile vocals constantly seem to be fighting
for air but the conflict of man and music makes for a discordant yet
compelling melody. The listener is sometimes struggling to comprehend
but music isn't supposed to be easy listening. In a world of Pop Idols,
this is a blessed relief.
It's
only a matter of time before lazy reviewers like yours truly drop the
Built To Spill and Bob Mould comparisons, and start dropping the phrase,
Econoline-like. Go get.
http://www.seriouslygroovy.com
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