New releases today: Post Rock/Experimental

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Review: The London collective, Shovel Dance Collective, breathes new life into folk music with their album The Water Is the Shovel of the Shore. Embracing folk song as a living tradition, not a relic, they connect centuries-old songs to modern struggles. Through haunting vocal performances and sparse instrumentation - utilising hammered dulcimer, bowed cittern, and pump organ - they evoke a deeper, stranger antiquity. The album's collage-like presentation, interspersed with field recordings, adds contemporary resonance to traditional pieces from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Guyana. The cumulative effect is both mesmerising and uncanny, reminiscent of the films of Robert Eggers. Shovel Dance Collective's emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity, as well as their non-hierarchical approach, adds depth to their reinterpretations. Whether delving into historical narratives or exploring themes of liberation and solidarity, their music speaks volumes. The Water Is the Shovel of the Shore is powerhouse of traditional music in today's world.

Review: Six Organs of Admittance is the main project of the American guitarist Ben Chasny. His music is widely considered new folk but he operates differently to most, infusing various sounds like chimes, percussive elements and layered drones and here features nine new songs that explore a strictly more soundtrack approach than anything he's done before. The result is riveting, with tracks like 'Summer's Last Rays' busy tonal compositions where multiple instruments and percussion blend together to a triumphant crescendo. Whether something left on in the background and absorbing your full attention, this works well and the evolution of the band's sound is exciting. With over 25 albums to their credits, this may be their most experimental and groundbreaking yet.

Review: The latest record from the trio marks a significant milestone in their decade-long friendship, being the first album written while all members reside in the same city since 2017's Assemblages. The band's relentless rehearsal regimen, focused solely on supporting each other's growth, has resulted in noticeable developments in their individual performances. Jess' vocals have deepened, Fin's guitar work has become richer, and David's drumming has gained intensity. With production allowing for layers and elasticity, the band fully stretched their creative muscles, incorporating analogue techniques to enhance their sound. The resulting album, exudes a sense of beauty and emotional depth. Widely regarded as the band's most generous release to date, the music feels expansive and demands less, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully and discover its intricacies with each subsequent play.

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Review: Tara Jane O'Neil's latest album, The Cool Cloud of Okayness, is a poignant reflection on transformation amidst adversity. Recorded in the aftermath of the devastating Thomas Fire, the album embodies resilience and renewal. O'Neil's ethereal vocals and spectral guitar work are complemented by a talented ensemble, including drummer Sheridan Riley and multi-instrumentalist Walt McClements. Together, they craft a sonic landscape that blurs boundaries between genres, challenging easy categorization. The album's themes of grief and hope are palpable, underscored by deft production and rock-solid bass lines. Each track feels like a journey, offering both solace and introspection. The Cool Cloud of Okayness is a powerful album of music used to heal and inspire, reminding listeners that even in the darkest moments, there is light and possibility.