Mark Barrott
Sketches From An Island 2
International Feel
Mark Barrott is the person behind the acclaimed International Feel Recordings and you can check out his blog on Balearic culture below – I’d happily recommend that you do. But back to the music contained on this latest release, which acts as a taster for the forthcoming album to be released in June. What can I say other that it contains some seriously beautiful music. On board are the nine minutes of the blissful Formentera Headspace Blues (Pt’s. 1 & 2) which sets the scene for the mood of combined positive rhythms and inner vibes. Deep Water then follows smoothly on with haunting woodwind accompanied by pulsating percussion, while Go Berri Be Happy chimes perfectly with acoustic guitar and fuzzy bass. My favourite track is next, Essene which is picture perfect guitar and strings and I could listen it all day with pleasure. Back To The Sea ends the sense of release with the appropriate sound effects as slide guitar gently drifts off, as you will do, into the ether. This is music you can drink in: Smile and be happy.
release: May 5
http://sketchesfromanisland.com/category/sketches-news
http://internationalfeel.com
L A Williams
Lucid EP
Sounds Of Juan
Not always registering as my sound this distinctly Techno number is however high on atmosphere and intensity. Crafted by a succession of unnerving sounds and whirling repetition this captivating production deftly captures your imagination on Lucid. Second track, Night Walker again creatively fusses brooding sounds together with a dark intense groove that bubbles away with anticipation. Listen below….
release: May 5
https://www.facebook.com/pages/L-A-Williams/130560803683806
https://www.facebook.com/SoundsOfJuan
Cabarza
All Weekend
Savage Music
Infectious techy production from Cabarza who follows up his debut Daydreaming most impressively. Just the one mix for you to get your teeth into but then who needs another when it’s this good. Taught bass, hard hitting beats and jazzy snares drive this alongside vocal hits and the odd synth stab and effect. I guess you could say its strength lies in its simplicity.
https://www.facebook.com/Cabarza
Faded Ranger
Be On The Lookout
hfn music
Ahead of their new album is this taster to wet your appetite. In ways it’s the instrumental version of Be On The Lookout that proves to be great but then that would deny you the pleasure of these curious, rather enticing lyrics. Musically it’s a slightly oddball combination of House organ and staccato guitar like rhythms which are driving, funky and commanding. The Faded Rethink lacks some of the certain charm but then it is a tougher rendition.
release: April 28
https://www.facebook.com/FadedRanger
http://hfn-music.com
https://soundcloud.com/hfn-music/sets/faded-ranger-be-on-the-lookout
Rory More
Looking for Lazlo
Sudden Hunger Records
Spring has sprung just in time to soak this album’s glorious rendition of dreamy 60’s melodies and cinematic atmosphere’s. Rory More’s sterling production values ignite this seamless soundtrack in a blaze of Technicolor with the opening title to the album saying it all amidst hazy horns and rousing chords. Songs adorn numbers such as Gabriel’s Theme with Anna Sheard’s dreamy voice adding extra appeal to the smoky vibes and rolling rhythms. Gemma Ray also provides vocals in her case to the jaunty No Air. Yes it’s all superbly retro but then there are plenty contemporary hints to revel in too via the imaginative synthesisers on offer. Frankly, there’s not a rubbish track on here and if you’re looking for a summer evening’s accompaniment then I would highly suggest this.
https://www.facebook.com/rory.more.9
http://www.suddenhungerrecords.com
http://www.juno.co.uk/products/rory-more-looking-for-lazlo/519756-01/