KEEP MUSIC LIVE

Sunday, January 31, 2010

QUIET REBELLION - THINNEST HOPES MAGNIFIED

SHAUN T HUNTER, musical visionary and the writer of my all time favourite song, HAPPINESS MY DESTINATION returns with the project QUIET REBELLION.

THINNEST HOPES MAGNIFIED vindicates him as the shakespeare of songwriters - indeed it had once been noted that Hunter was the writer of not just songs but mini operas...his individual and practically note perfect delivery, which echoes the command that marked the work of Jeff Buckley towers to the fore of this unique progressive acoustic/world sound he has created.

Shaun has always been a performer never afraid to push the musical boundaries, and reaches levels of vocal and lyrical experimentation which many of his contemporaries dream of aspiring to but never do.

Whilst evoking comparisons with artists of the likes of Steve Hackett, Peter Gabriel, Jeff/ Tim Buckley and Roy Harper amongst others he still maintains his individuality.

THINNEST HOPES MAGNIFIED takes the listeners mind and soul on a journey of cerebral depths, possibly some chartered for the first time as he produces an album which combines incredible energy with delicacy, all interwoven by magical strong lyrics and vocal range.

The first track MORE BLESSED THAN CURSED brings the upbeat percussion in combination with incredible quivering vocals to set a standard which amazingly is maintained throughout the album. the next 2 tracks ESCAPE and HITCHER IN MY SOUL moves the album to the level where the listener has to travel to a higher plain for an escape route or guidance, before realising the need to keep pushing on until something finally avails itself. the opening of DECONSTRUCTION IN PRODUCTION at first feels like the title track of a BBC produced scottish drama, before transporting the listener to things which go so much deeper in the dramatisation of events in most human experiences.

The role and limitations of modern life and its complex persona are brought to life during ALLIGATOR SMILES and LONG BLACK LIMOUSINE as the pace of the modern world speeds you to your final breathe and its realisation.

All of life’s challenges and experiences are brought to life by layers of discriptive lyrics, especially on a SURFACE WATER where the stretching of dreams which are so near to being grasped before sadly fading away or as through LOOK BACK IN WONDER being fully retrospective and acknowledging your role within life, some planned some not, and the experiences they have brought to your existance.

A bonus track is added, audience favourite DISCOVERY...A SCIENTISTS STORY which being a live version recorded in a chapel resonates with a deep angelical acoustic sound and is the perfect end to an album where every day concerns and demons are brought to life and excorcised with relish.

THINNEST HOPES MAGNIFIED should be shouted from the highest rooftops.

NOW RELEASED AND AVAILABLE to buy through voiceprint, amazon, and myspace.

www.myspace.com/quietrebellion09

Thursday, January 21, 2010

EXOTERIK - BUTTERFLY IN YOUR HAND

The delicacy of the cover comprising, not surprisingly a bufferfly in cupped hands, does not prepare the listener for an album of sheer power and class. The opening tracks of “Reason To Live” and “No Happy Ending” could well be from an established “Gothic” style band with its powerful back-drop of sound. The power-ballad style of “Scream To Be Heard” and “Pressure” also allows the strong vocals of lead singer Anneka Latta to shine through before a return to the style of the opening tracks with “Breakdown” and a rockier pitch with “Start Again” and “Reason In Ruins”. The final tracks highlight the enormous range the band can cover with an acoustic-feel “Uninvited” and the title track “Butterfly In Your Hand” which, in one track exhibits the versatility of a very impressive four-piece band, comprising of vocalist and keyboard player Anneka, guitarist Tom Fay, bassist Darren Townes and drummer Steve Riley. An excellent album from the musically expressive Exoterik.

For more information please visit;
www.myspace.com/exoterik

Friday, January 15, 2010

LOST TRANSMISSION - THE FRAGMENTS

One band who look destined for a long and successful music career are Lost Transmission, the band have their own distinctive feel throughout an EP which will touch every listener’s musical psyche differently. The track “Levitate” allows vocals and instruments blend effectively to produce a smoothness which is both enduring and inspiring. The rest of the EP includes “Fragments” which has a 1970’s feel but is also innovative at the same time, a Pink Floyd sound in “Bad Seeds” and finishes off with the well thought out track “10,000mph Train Ride” to produce a very classy CD. With each track averaging six minutes plus, these guys definitely give value for money and should be caught “live” at any and every opportunity.

For more details please check out;
www.losttransmission.co.uk
www.myspace.com/transmission4

Sunday, January 10, 2010

MARCIA MELLO - FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO LONDON

Anyone who enjoys the Ragtime or Traditional Blues should check out Massachusetts based Marcia Mello. After recording her latest CD, “Bouquet of Blues” in London in 2009, Marcia will be back in the UK from January 2010 to independently promote her visit and album. The 33-minute CD takes the listener back to the pure “Roots Blues” style and reveals a singer performing with a freedom and an obvious delight in playing, that shines throughout.

For more information please visit
www.myspace.com/marciamelloragtime

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

WELSH T BAND GETS THE OWL DANCING

It maybe a new year, even a new decade, but some things thankfully remain a constant, so are the four-piece West Yorkshire based Welsh T Band. The marriage of The Owl and The Welsh T Band is made in a musical heaven, as the band, as always, were full of enthusiasm which many bands 30 years their juniors would do well to take on board. From the notes of the first song, the audience participation of dance kicked in, and continued to the final chords of the evening. The over-riding appeal of The Welsh T Band is their enjoyment of playing the blues with an infectious feel-good factor. With their own compositions interwoven with classis such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Honkytonk Woman” the night swept along at high-pace, and concluded with the audience meeting the arctic conditions outside with a smile on their face and a bounce in their step.

For more information please visit;
www.myspace.com/thewelshtband
www.welsh-t.co.uk
www.theowlatrodley.co.uk

Friday, January 01, 2010

TEN FOR TEN

10 Singer-songwriters/Bands to definately check out in 2010.

ABI MOORE
Following the release of Abi’s latest album “Things we should have said” and the critically acclaimed DVD, classed by many as one of the best “live” DVDs released in years and Abi looks destined to create a big impression in 2010, especially following her recent Caffe Nero “Artist of the month” UK tour.
www.myspace.com/thisisabimoore

ZEITGEIST ZERO
Now firmly established as one of, if not THE best gothic band currently performing in the UK and Europe at present. Their unique and revolutionary live performances have to be witnessed to be believed. If “Gothic” is not a genre you have indulged in before, be prepared for something very, very special.
www.myspace.com/zeitgeistzero

NICKY PHILLIPS
Nicky has burst onto the West Yorkshire music scene like a hurricane during 2009. Her performances of original material has left many audiences stunned at the talent on show and Nicky must surely rise rapidly to the top of her genre through 2010.
www.myspace.com/nickyphillipsmusic

BIG FAT KILL
With the wonderfully crafted songs of Jon Palmer supported by his very professional and talented band, the Big Fat Kill are surely destined to increase their West Yorkshire fan-base to national proportions during 2010.
www.myspace.com/thebigfatkilluk

THE DAN HUDSON BLUES BAND
The talented singer-songwriter from York is current ally recording an album for the release in early 2010. With his polished performances as a lead singer added to his musicianship, complementing an experienced and slick band, Dan Hudson and his band have everything in place to set the music world alight both next year and many years to come.
www.myspace.com/thedanhudsonbluesband

HOPE AND SOCIAL
Anyone who has attended a gig featuring Hope & Social will have experienced something that no other band can achieve. Their music ability and showmanship is second to none and yet the feeling you are left with when you leave a H & S gig is one of camaraderie and friendship, you feel as tough they are your best mates and who have produced something very special just for you. These are top blokes with a musical gift which should be covered on every music channel possible.
www.myspace.com/hopeandsocial

GARY STEWART
As Gary continues to gain accolade after accolade, both as a solo artist of fronting his exceptional band, it can only be a matter of time, and hopefully in 2010 that Gary makes the breakthrough his immense talents deserve.
www.myspace.com/garystewartband

LOST TRANSMISSION
With a UK tour planned for the early part of 2010, this 4-piece band based in the south-west of the country are starting to brand their name on the Indie Rock Metal industry in big letters. This is a band that realises where the musical roots should be based and promoted as they concentrate in giving “Live” music venues a gig not to forget.
www.myspace.com/transmission4

CROSSFIRE
The 3-piece heavy rock band from Leeds, are a band that takes no prisoners. Their “Live” performances are becoming legendary on the local scene while the downloading of their impressive tracks is gathering momentum and pushing the band to the forefront on the West Yorkshire music-scene and beyond.
www.myspace.com/crossfireliveuk

THE LIGHT STREAMS
The release of their 4 track EP “Lost” will undoubtedly push this talented 4-piece band to the forefront on many music-lovers “must see” lists. Their harmonic style and well-crafted songs are very much a breath of fresh air in the sometimes repetitive music industry.
www.myspace.com/thelightstreams