Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s Bryaaaaaaaan!

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One of those memorable sessions with Layne Greene (left) Alex Lank (center) and Bryan MacDonald(right)

One of those memorable sessions with Layne Greene (left) Alex Lank (center) and Bryan MacDonald(right)

Yes that’s the name of Bryan MacDonald in Soundcloud. This dude is kind of laid back and shy but he has a good sense of humour. His guitar playing is a must-hear for those looking for unique styles. He has already collaborated with many musicians and among them is appearing in the new album of Layne Greene called “Everywhere Around Here.” You can’t miss his style. It has that spacey characteristic along with the gentle use of reverb. It is hard to compare him to other  guitarists but I recommend you hear him out. His sound is really different. It will blow you away.

If you are a recording artist or a band living somewhere in Nova Scotia, try to look for him and bring him along. I am sure he is going to be a great asset to your recording needs. He is always ready, all geared up to play his guitar. His many experiences in performing in front of live audience (busking and actual gigs on stage) have stood the test of time(and weather).

I am looking forward to hear more from this amazing instrumentalist. I hope to catch him in a new album by another brilliant musician.

Surfin’ and Rockin’ tunes from the new EP of Maff

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Currently listening to this band called Maff. They are from Chile. Their EP is composed of nine songs(one is a reprise). I will mention my impression of songs I like in random order.  It is hard not to like Walking on Fire with its anthemic guitars and great melody. The song sounds like it could have been recording inside a stadium as it gives out that kind of vibe.image You and Linger Around have the same pace and should be played side by side. Million Year picnic gives me the overall impression of their style. A definitive song.

 The vocals are laid back and the emphasis on the melodies and atmosphere. Million Year Picnic sounds like a potential single. 

It is hard to decide what songs are my favorites when I reached Blue Seas because each track is beautiful and the satisfaction builds up by sequence. Someday slows the pace with its thoughtful ballad style. Planet Wave reminds me of the late 90s. I see surfers in my mind. Act 1(the opening song)is perhaps the only one that sounds ‘different’ because of its rhythm. It is complex and its abstract aspect makes it cool. What a lovely EP!

The band excel in its execution and style. This is the kind of music where lyrical depth is secondary to musical texture. And I guess for someone who is not a ‘lyrics’ guy, it is easy for me to embrace this.

Links:
FOR SHARING:
Bandcamp https://maffmusica.bandcamp.com/album/maff-2
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/maffmusica/sets/maff-ep-2015
YouTube sampler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RgcpXqDPyE

TRACKLIST
1. Act 1 03:30
2. Linger Around 02:54
3. Walking On Fire 04:57
4. Million Year Picnic 04:33
5. Someday 06:13
6. You 05:06
7. Planet Wave 03:10
8. Blue Seas 04:00
9. Walking On Fire (Radio Edit) 3:20

Keep up with Maff
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud | Instagram

Imagur by DiM13NSiON: Beautiful Sound

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imagur_coverart

Ten minutes to Imagur by DiM13NSiON makes you realise that this album is created by people with deep understanding of new music. Most of the tracks are inspired by insdutrial sounds and effects good for movies. It is great hearing  the 5-string violin of Thomas McGregor while combining that sound to Cédric They’s U8 Touch guitar. If you are not familiar with these types of guitars then I want you to visit this site.

There are tracks that are hypnotically repetitive like Birth of Shape which, for most part reminds me of Wim Mertens and Philip Glass. Although I am not really well-versed in minimalist music, this can be a good introduction to the genre. But other than that, the eclecticism of the album lends its beauty to many influences. If you a fan of film music then there is something here for you. Of course the closest reference would be those written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.

There are short and long tracks. The longest is Flight Over Ruins clocking at 9:23. The tunes make you forget that this album is only made by two people, as they maximise their instruments’ capacity and adding appropriate effects. I probably played this album several times in one day while taking my computer out in the garden and using good headphones. DiM13NSiON really take you to the next level of audio experience and I wish to hear more from these artists.

Listen to the tracks by clicking this link: http://madducksrecords.com/dim13_imagur.html

– Cédric Theys: 8-string U8 touch guitar& effects
– Thomas McGregor: 5-string violin
& effects

– All songs improvised by DiM13NSiON
– Edited, mixed & produced by
Cédric Theys
– Mastered by Adrian Benavides

Florescent by Protobaby addresses our generation of excess and isolation

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The video starts out with a paranoid guy walking down the narrow street then getting harassed by a couple of bystanders. He gets into his place then starts putting on that virtual reality glasses. Now, I gotta warn you. You need to have a strong stomach to finish the music video because the scenes that follow are graphic.

Man, that is one hell of an actor. A good one. I would definitely refuse the part(unless it’s from a favorite band and knowing my track record I can be easily seduced). Now I know the video is going to shake the indie scene. It has made a huge impression. It is hard to ignore. I think a lot of netizens out there think so too! It’s taken from Protobaby’s debut album ‘Spark.’ Flourescent is directed and edited by Shane Serrano. Starring Adam Traynor.

…..Which leads me to the music of the band. I love the name. It sounds cute even though the music hardly sounds the same. Think of Joy Division and old Cure. Now you get the picture. They have another awesome track called State of Affairs which finally cements my liking for this band’s music.

Protobaby are a four piece band with members Colm McGuinness, Tony Monahan, Bryan Ronan and Aidan Graham. They are from Limerick Ireland. The same place that gave us the Cranberries.

The team:

Colm McGuinness: Vocals-This guy’s got amazing pipes. I love his style of singing. It has a dark beauty and can be quite expressive.

Tony Monahan: Electric Guitar-Now that’s the kind of playing I miss.

Bryan Ronan: Drums-He is pounding those skins with gusto.

Aidan Graham: Bass-He’s got the groove and he is the reason why I got to know this band.

Check the video out and if you like Flourescent then do share it.

https://www.facebook.com/Protobaby

http://www.breakingtunes.com/protobaby

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More info: www.protobaby.com
YOUTUBE CHANNELl: www.youtube.com/protobabyvids
ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/protobaby/id349032392
BANDCAMP (Album download): http://protobaby.bandcamp.com/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/protobaby
REVERBNATION: www.reverbnation.com/protobaby
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/protobaby
BREAKING TUNES: www.breakingtunes.com/protobaby

February 2015 Indie Music Updates

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Hello folks! It’s a soothing weekend and I am bringing to you updates on cool music around the web. It’s amazing to know that 2015 is anther great year of music. We have electronic,acoustic and other types of music that’s ‘not radio.’

I discovered Alex Pardini more than a year ago when I stumbled upon his music on the web. Since thn we have kept a tight correspondent covering many topics including photography( he’s a pro). He gets better each year as he creates fantastic and elegant tunes. His music speaks to the side of me who likes finer, better and beautiful things in life. This is the first playlist I listened upon waking up. These are evening tunes but then again, beautiful music is always enriching any time of the day. So good, so rich!

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If you like something acoustic and soothing then check this song by singer/songwriter J.P. Kallio. What I like about his songs is that, you can appreciate his songs even if you are not a fan of folk music. His recordings are always excellent in terms of clarity and balance. This is the kind of quality that I look for in any stripped down tune.

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Whenever I listen to any Michael Stovall song, I get carried away. His emotional pieces always have a room for the ‘soundtrack of your life’ kind of moment. The depth of lyrics and beautiful singing are his strong points. The melodies are his gold.

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Talents between New Zealand and Ireland have created Altocirrus. I feel so fortunate to listen to their latest album plus review it for this site!

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This musical asset of Romania by the name of LeVant continues to dazzle me with his unique ideas. His tunes are somewhat in the  pop-but not so pop, category. His deep understanding of Classical, Medieval,Jazz,Electronic is astounding. Unjaded is his latest release.

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Pierre Masse continues to dabble with different styles of music. From acoustic to electronic, his versatility is excellent. I don’t think any artist who started a career doing acoustic rock could pull that off elegantly. And he did. Amazing!

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I am enjoying this new upload from Norwegian artist Kjell Roll Elgsaas. Very energetic and complex. Beautiful beats.

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And last but not the least, I need you to listen to this beautiful song from Cornish singer/songwriter Dan Aston.  Lemonade Sea is the title. This is recorded at The VIP Lounge in Penzance and featuring Sue Aston on violin and members from Cornish jazz band, Endangered Species.

Enjoy your weekend with beautiful music.