Music Reviews
Kira Neris - Behind Closed Doors
Futuristica MusicEven though Myspace gets bad press at times, it is still a great way to get your music out there to the masses and I know that was how Simon S, the man behind Futuristica, found Kira Neris aka Herve Poudoulec. Herve is based in Strasbourg and was brought up musically on radio and had a passion for many styles of music including jazz, rock and house. In 1999 Cinematic Orchestra's "Motion" album was released, which affected us all but caused a radical change in Herve's productions. He has so far compiled a vast library of samples, and "Behind Closed Doors" is the beautiful result of his work. This is simply a stunning album based around exceptional arrangements, samples and beats. This might just be 2007's summer soundtrack.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 05/07
Kirk Degiorgio Presents As One - Elegant Systems
Versatile RecordsKirk Degiorgio - aka As One - returns after what seems like minutes since his superb 'Out Of The Darkness' album was released on Ubiquity records in October 2004. This album is perfectly suited to Versatile records, and moves more to his deeper electronic sound but still manages to keep soul. Here features some future house classics like 'rumours', 'response ability' and 'this precious life' that would sit along side any Planet E and Underground Resistance release, and those are just the first three tracks.
Simon Harrison, 06/05
Kirk Degiorgio Presents As One - Planetary Folklore 2
Archive RecordsMr. Degiorgio is firing all cylinders at the moment. His amazing Beauty Room project is now in the shops and he's gone back to where I first heard of Kirk, when the first Planetary Folklore album was released on Mo Wax nine years ago. A lot has changed over the years but Kirk has never lost his touch. Volume Two is a beautiful electronica sound with broken beats, orchestral pieces and ambience thrown into the nine tracks. "Irradiant" and "It's all turning blue" are just two tracks that have been going down a storm. Archive were certainly wise to pick up on this gem.
Simon Harrison, 10/06
Koop - Koop Islands
Compost RecordsMessage boards and forums have been generating great excitement and hype for the return of Koop, and "Koop Islands" kicks off where their 2001 album "Waltz for Koop" left off. If there is any slight difference, it's that they've gone further back in time for the influences to the 1930's and 1940's and the days of swing. Bringing these ideas up to date is refreshing and a joy to listen to. Yukimi Nagano is back again on vocals and sounding as amazing as ever on tracks "Come To Me", "I See A Different You" and "Beyond The Son". Rob Gallagher also features and I think it's his best work since the first Earl Zinger productions, and, finally, Norwegian vocalist Ane Brun completes the package perfectly. Oscar has been quoted as saying "We play jazz", and they do that very well.
Simon Harrison, 09/06
Kris Drever, John McCusker & Roddy Womble - Before the Ruin
Navigator1Love this, there’s a nice raw feel to the production so the music and songs can shine centre stage and they do superbly. The feel is folk meets singer songwriter meets subtle rock but it’s the songs and their delivery (Roddy Womble takes most lead vocals) that make this enchanting and moreish. Guests include Norman Blake and Francis MacDonald of Teenage Fanclub, Philip Selway of Radiohead, Heidi Talbot, Donald Shaw of Capercaille, Andy Cutting (BBC folk musician of the year) and Michael McGoldrick. Have a listen to ‘Into The Blue’ or ‘Moments Last Forever’ - magic.
Graham Radley, 10/08
Kuljit Bhamra - Bhangra Latina
Keda RecordsDubbed as bhangra Latina this is Kuljit Bhamra, top tabla player and the name behind soundtracks like "Bhaji on the Beach", and "Bend it like Beckham", teaming up with top salsa pianist Alex Wilson. The marriage of styles flows easily and you often forget there’s two very distinct styles merging here, I especially like the opener ‘Pyar Ka Hai Bairi’ with vocals from Sangeeta.
Graham Radley, 08/09
Kylie Auldist - Just Say
Tru Thoughts RecordingsAustralian born Kylie Auldist first came to my attention from appearing with the Bamboos on their previous release "Rawville". When performing with the Bamboos, Kylie is clearly part of an ensemble but with her debut CD "Just Say" she stands out on her own. "Just Say" is a wonderful disc that embraces the formula that reaches back to the golden era of 60's soul music. "Still Into You" is a nice track with a mean groove that features some funky horn play, courtesy of the Bamboos. "Community Service Announcement" is a great record that feels like one of those summertime songs you grooved to in the park with your girlfriend by your side. Kylie shifts gears on "Pretty Things" and creates a nice mid tempo acoustic gem that displays her powerful voice. Kylie succeeds in creating songs that are rich in melodies and despite the old school feel, sounds fresh and current. At just under 50 minutes, it has just the right amount of songs to keep you engaged from start to finish. Kylie is part of the new generation of artists making uncut quality soul music. A real gem.
Reg Dancy, 05/08