Review: This EP is the first collaborative work by Andrea Belfi and Jules Reidy. Berlin-based and hailing from Italy and Australia respectively, the duo blends compositional precision with improvisational freedom. During a residency at Berlin's Callie's-a 19th-century factory turned arts space-they and engineer Marco Anulli crafted four expansive tracks in which Belfi's masterful drumming interlaces with Reidy's shimmering guitars and electronic textures. The opener layers just-intoned guitar figures over delicate brushwork and climaxes with a synthetic surge and tracks like 'Oben' and 'Alto' explore shifting grooves, propulsive rhythms and dynamic soundscapes.
Review: In December 2001, at Maida Vale Studios, Bill Callahan's Smog delivered a raw, haunting session for the BBC. Alongside bandmates Jessica Billey, Mike Saenz and Jim White, Callahan's performance embodied a Lynchian mood of U.S. darkness in the wake of 9/11, covering Stevie Nicks, Lou Reed, and Smog tracks with a sombre, tour-worn edge. Callahan reflects, "It's all live, no overdubs. The session felt encapsulatedisomething foreign, yet intimate." The band's reimagining of 'Beautiful Child' in a minor key, the fiery rendition of 'Cold Discovery', and the moving take on 'Jesus' highlight the raw, unfiltered essence of this live recording.
Review: This wonderful album delivers a tight, vibing collection of traditional old-time Appalachian music. Featuring Liam Grant on guitar, Grayson McGuire on fiddle and Devon Flaherty on banjo and guitar, this debut recording brims with raw, authentic talent. It was recorded straight to cassette with no overdubs and despite the carefree atmosphere, the trio expertly channels the spirit of old-time music. Tracks like 'Dry and Dusty' and 'Taner's Farm' reflect their playful yet poignant approach by blending upbeat melodies with deeper themes of rural life and hard times. This one is a real charmer.
Review: ukuoka-based band MuchaMuchaM, known for their breakthrough debut album Qantikala, returns with a collaborative EP featuring Malaysian singer-songwriter Zee Avi. After performing together at The Creators' Co-Write stage in 2023, the two artists have crafted a unique sound that blends their distinct Asian influences. The EP features the modern acoustic track 'Day By Day', a cover of 'Sad and Unfulfilled' and the Asian dance number 'Oyasumi na Sayang', sung in Malay. The EP's cover artwork, inspired by Borneo, was designed by Fukuoka-based illustrator TOYAMEG, further enhancing its cross-cultural appeal.
Review: Searows is the moniker of Alec Duckart, a Portland-based indie folk star who is signed to Matt Maltese's label Last Recordings On Earth. Searows is influenced by the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver and Iron & Wine and his falsetto has a similar power and timbre to that of his formative influences. Opening track 'Martingale' is beautifully stripped down and pulls you as a listener close to his soul. Meanwhile, on 'To Be Seen' Searows comes across like he's lamenting the death of something and it is a proper tear-jerker. Contrastingly, 'Toothache' is brighter with percussion and delay-laden electric guitar showing his talent for rich, lush arrangements. Matt Maltese has struck gold here by signing Searows. Plus, they're well-suited as they each appear to enjoy delving into post-apocalyptic work. Searows' previous release (on the Last Recordings On Earth label) is called End Of The World and before starting this label, Maltese released his hit single as a solo artist: 'As The World Caves In'. They suit it all so well.
Review: Soft Machine and Gong founder Christopher David "Daevid" Allen came of age under the influence of the Beat Generation writers while working in a Melbourne bookstore around 1960. The Australian psychedelic visionary then travelled to Paris, where he stayed at the infamous Beat Hotel, before heading to England, where his musical career really began. The point being, he was incredibly committed to exploring art forms like jazz and performance poetry. And a then-nascent field of synthesised sounds. Ten years after his death, Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life gets a timely repress to confirm it remains his Magnus Opus. A brave and incredibly unusual collection of tripped-out folk storytelling, curious garage guitar stuff, strangely naive and innocent weird pop, and progressive rock. One to keep diving into and still find new bits to love.
You Don't Love Me - Soul Serenade - You Don't Love Me
Statesboro Blues
Ain't Wastin' Time No More
Black Hearted Woman
The Sky Is Crying
Dreams
Don't Keep Me Wonderin'
In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
JaMaBuBu
In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (reprise)
Melissa
Revival
Southbound
Mountain Jam (Continued)
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Mountain Jam (reprise)
Whipping Post
Farewell Speeches
Trouble No More
Review: The Allman Brothers Band's final concert, performed on October 28, 2014, at New York's Beacon Theatre, is now being celebrated with the release of Final Concert 10-28-14, available as a 3xCD box set. Curated by Warren Haynes, the remastered recording spans 29 tracks and includes a 16-page booklet with exclusive photos and liner notes. The concert, divided into three sets, shows the band's extensive legacy, featuring classic tracks like 'Mountain Jam', 'One Way Out', 'Statesboro Blues' and 'Melissa'. Founding members Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks were joined by Haynes, Derek Trucks, Marc Quinones and Oteil Burbridge, making for a lineup that masterfully honoured the band's roots. The Allman Brothers Band's signature blend of southern rock and blues. This is a fitting farewell to their storied career with both nostalgia and exceptional musicianship. The final track, 'Trouble No More', closes the set and the band's legacy on an emotional note.
Review: Alvarius B's latest offering is a testament to the power of simplicity. The raw charm of his lo-fi, stripped-back arrangements allows his distinctive vocals to shine, lending a striking intimacy to every track. The album veers from covers of The Kinks to a hauntingly personal take on The Rolling Stones, but it's the original material that stands out. It's a rare thingiboth timeless and completely of its own time, drawing from folk, rock and an unshakeable sense of personal longing. It's unlikely anyone else could pull it off quite so well.
Review: Barbican Estate's latest release blends psychedelic rock with atmospheric folk influences. 'Reconquista' sets the tone with swirling melodies, while 'Abandon' offers a haunting, introspective vibe. 'Angel' brings a dreamlike quality, and 'The Innocent One' closes with intricate composition, showcasing the band's sonic exploration. This 2xLP captures their unique style and provides a captivating listen for fans of experimental rock.
Review: The nearly mythical Buckingham Nicks from 1973, featuring Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, has gained significant acclaim despite its original obscurity. With no CD or streaming availability, its tracks are typically found only through rare vinyl copies or dubious online rips. Enter Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham, whose collaborative project, Cunningham Bird, breathes new life into this largely forgotten album. Produced by Mike Viola, this reinterpretation strips away the original's heavy production, showcasing Bird's exquisite violin and Cunningham's smooth vocals. Their shared harmonies replace the tension that characterised the Buckingham-Nicks dynamic, transforming songs like 'Long Distance Winner' into poignant laments. Notably, 'Lola (My Love)' is reimagined as a heartfelt ballad akin to Dolly Parton's 'Jolene', adding depth to the material. Bird and Cunningham's interpretations not only honour the original but also enhance it, proving the songs' flexibility and enduring appeal. Their unique sound and vibrant acoustic instrumentation, offer a fresh perspective for a new generation, making Cunningham Bird a compelling and accessible homage to a classic.
Review: Violin extraordinaire and singer Andrew Bird teams up with an Americana icon, whose star has risen and is continuing to rise - Madison Cunningham. Bird says of Cunningham that she is one of the most talented musicians he's ever encountered. Together they've covered the 1973 album Buckingham Nicks - Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham's pre-Fleetwood Mac LP and done a brilliant job of it. Buckingham Nicks was a flop commercially when it was released and despite the duo's subsequent success it was never remastered or re-released digitally, so hard to come by. Thankfully, Cunningham and Bird bring this underrated gem into the limelight and do so in style. "The best reason to cover anyone is that little part of you that thinks you might do it better. This album epitomizes excess and confidence and it only made sense to embody that spirit ourselves," says Bird in a press release. And he's quite right - there's no misplaced arrogance here - they've nailed this homage to a classic.
Review: It's often the albums that fall between the cracks that are the greatest. Violin virtuoso and singer Andrew Bird and Americana singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham shine a light on the underrated pre-Fleetwood Mac gem of an album, Buckingham Nicks, by fully covering it. Released five years before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham went on to have mega success with Rumours, Buckingham Nicks was such a flop commercially that they were dropped by their label Polydor. But it is a cracking album and in covering it in their own style and having a palpably strong musical connection as a duo themselves, Bird and Cunningham have done it absolute justice and changed it. They have shed the 70s pop sheen of the original and made something more timeless to behold. 'Stephanie' is moody, majestic and cosmic and 'Without A Leg To Stand On' is one of the most stirring vocal performances you'll hear in 2024. A highly rewarding listen throughout.
Review: Walkin' After Midnight is a excellent collection that shows off the unparalleled talent of Eva Cassidy, featuring 12 previously unreleased live recordings on 180g vinyl. Recorded during a serendipitous performance at the King of France Tavern in Annapolis on November 2, 1995, this album highlights Cassidy's exceptional voice and ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances. The inclusion of the new track 'Down Home Blues', a lively western swing piece, is a delightful addition that complements her existing repertoire. With a stripped-down arrangement featuring violin, lead guitar, bass and Cassidy's acoustic guitar, the performance feels intimate and fresh, allowing her joyous vocals to shine. While most of the songs are familiar to long-time fans, their raw and unpolished nature makes this collection a unique listening experience. For both diehard completists and casual listeners alike, Walkin' After Midnight serves as a poignant reminder of Cassidy's brilliance, inviting you to immerse yourself in the warmth of her voice.
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