Library Tapes
Certain people find comfort in sadness and I admit I’m one of those people, at least where my music tastes are concerned. However, there must be melody somewhere amidst the melancholy, otherwise it’s hard to derive satisfaction from it. Sweden’s David Wenngren’s has proved to be a master of this particular art, recording under his Library Tapes identity. Pleasingly, after 2007’s ‘Höstluft’ he’s produced another fine record of minimalist beauty.
The mood for ‘A Summer Beneath The Trees’ is bleak from the outset as the mournful strings of the opening track dominate. The fact that this track is named ‘The Sound Of Emptiness Part 1′ tells you all you need to know. Perhaps continuing the theme of train journeys from ‘Höstluft’, ‘Pieces Of Us Were Left On The Track’ offers little reprieve from the despair but its chilling melody is tastefully understated. Raising a smile slightly, ‘Above The Flood’ is cute and multi-layered; not unlike Icelandic group Múm in the way in which crosses between classical and folk music. Then from out of nowhere, ‘The Modest Triumph’ gladdens the heart with its stirring mix of guitars and stringed instruments whilst the glorious finale ‘…And Then Rain Did Fall’ ends events on a positive note.
It can be sometimes difficult writing about music which begins in such a sad and morose fashion as ‘A Summer Beneath The Trees’, yet when it’s presented in such a subtle and haunting style, it can be poignant and quite beautiful. Furthermore, there’s enough shades of light on offer to shift the balance.
Artist: Library Tapes
Album: A Summer Beneath The Trees
Genre: Classical / Ambient / Experimental
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/librarytapes
- Tracklist -
1.- The Sound Of Emptiness Part 1
2.- Pieces Of Us Were Left On The Tracks…
3.- Above The Flood
4.- A Summer Beneath The Trees
5.- The Fragile Tide
6.- The Modest Triumph
7.- The Sound Of Emptiness Part 2
8.- The Rivers Turned To Cobblestone
9.- … And The Rain Did Fall
Read MoreTry Album [Mediafire] | Library Tapes – A Summer Beneath The Trees
Anchor and Braille
The 11 songs on Anchor & Braille’s debut were four years in the making for Anberlin frontman Stephen Christian, each written and recorded between Anberlin’s albums and tours. In such a case, one expects the disc (produced by Copeland frontman Aaron Marsh), to sound something like Christian’s primary project. But the tracks on Felt exist in their own musical sphere, resonating with quiet, emotive tension. Occasionally (like on the surging “Blur”), Christian’s distinctive voice reminds the listener where he comes from, but generally the album is its own creation–and its songs contain a distinct beauty.
“Blur” layers a dulcet, hushed melody with Christian’s aching vocals as he sings, “Can’t tell where I stop/And you begin,” while the piano-driven “Calm, Calm Yourself” is lovely and delicately orchestral. “Wedding/Funeral” pairs the piano with static drums, building to an earnest chorus where Christian wails, “Why did I let you go?/How could I let you leave my side?/Would have been something amazing.” The rest of the songs are equally introspective and moody, invoking a sense of falling dusk: Marsh’s talent for production is also evident throughout the disc. He transforms Christian’s thoughtful songs into complex, ethereal arrangements while allowing Christian’s emotional urgency to seep into each layer.
Felt is both beautiful and impressive, showcasing the talents of two musicians whose musical skills are not always so explicitly evident in their other bands. Or perhaps Felt just reveals a new facet of those talents–and it’s a facet of which we hope to see more.
Review By Emily Zemler of AP Magazine
Artist: Anchor and Braille
Album: Felt [2009]
Genre: Alternative / Ambient / Indie
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/anchorandbraille
-Track List-
01. Rust (The Short Story Of Mary Agnosia)
02. Like Steps In A Dance
03. Blur
04. Introspect
05. Summer Tongue
06. Calm, Calm, Calm Yourself
07. Wedding / Funeral
08. Sleep. When We Die
09. Forget Love, I Just Want You To Make Sense To Me Tonight.
10. Sing Out
11. Sheet Music / Sheet Music
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City Escape
If Closure In Moscow’s signing to Equal Vision and Parkway Drive’s international success wasn’t proof enough that Australian heavy music is on par with the rest of the world, City Escape’s new EP Avalanches is the final piece of the puzzle. Comprised of everything from jazz noodling, samples, prog/psych riffs and textures, and even the odd breakdown, Avalanches is impressive, unbelievably tight and boasts some formidable production values. Take note world, Australia is coming to get you and ity Escape are among the foot soldiers of the revolution.
Review by Rave Magazine
Artist: City Escape
Album: Avalanches EP
Genre: Rock / Post-Hardcore / Ambient
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cityescaperock
-Track List-
1. Opener 0:32
2. When The Vultures Start To Circle 3:09
3. Black Satellites 3:34
4. Now, The Hard Part 4:53
5. Give My Remains To Broadway 3:46
6. The Deeper Water 4:17
7. Closer 1:26
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