Album Review: Lana Del Rabies- Strega Beata

A stately, cinematic slab of music, Lana Del Rabies ‘ new album, her third, lies somewhere between the early brutality of Swans and the eerie, gothic neo-classical experimentation of Dead Can Dance. It’s absolutely heady, erotic and hypnotic. Sometimes, it’s a thunderstorm, sometimes a soft caress. Tracks like ‘Mother ‘ and ‘Master’ feel like miniContinue reading “Album Review: Lana Del Rabies- Strega Beata”

Lost In Music: AR Kane: i

I have a particular interest in bands who occupy liminal spaces, and do their own unique thing, apart from hype machines and trends. A R Kane are one such band. They were dream pop before it attained that definition, proto – shoegazing, or avant-pop way ahead of the curve. I adore their second album, ‘i’.Continue reading “Lost In Music: AR Kane: i”

Overlooked Classics: Julian Cope- ‘Fried’

There just aren’t enough albums that feature male singers with turtle shells on their backs. But then, Julian Cope, surely by now regarded as one of the UK ‘s greatest living songwriters, was always a true eccentric. ‘Fried’ is, I reckon, one of the best albums ever made. From the brittle psych meltdown of ‘ReynardContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Julian Cope- ‘Fried’”

Lost In Music: Christeene- Midnite Fukk Train

Louisiana -raised Paul Soileau, aka Christeene, is normally best experienced live, as the live artist is wilfully provocative. She’ll krump on punters, pull things from out of her ass and push you into the void. So her music often gets sidelinedJ. Not so with her third album, Midnite Fukk Train. It stands on its ownContinue reading “Lost In Music: Christeene- Midnite Fukk Train”

The Future’s Here Today: Shake Chain

Signed to our pals at Upset The Rhythm (always a sign of quality) Shake Chain have an imminent new release forthcoming with debut album Snake Chain. Featuring the genuinely unhinged vocals of Katie Mahony, they’re an uncompromising, bloody slice of post -punk. Whereas other bands believe themselves to be alternative, this band are truly uniqueContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Shake Chain”

The Surprise Hit of 2022: Justin Hawkins Rides Again

Who would -a thunk it? Justin Hawkins, lead singer of The Darkness, has become the YouTuber of 2022. With his brilliant comic timing, sense of irony and vast musical knowledge, he’s a louche, irreverent delight. Erudite and self deprecating, the stylish frontman also has an extremely eclectic taste in music.Essentially, he knows his Arca fromContinue reading “The Surprise Hit of 2022: Justin Hawkins Rides Again”

Film Review: Moonage Daydream

There is a shot of David Bowie travelling on an escalator in Japan which seems to sum up the otherworldly aesthetic of this unique film – he seems to float like an angel. Eschewing the usual cliches of talking heads, song clips and cultural commentary, Brett Morgen’s vibrant visual patchwork is more like a PopContinue reading “Film Review: Moonage Daydream”

Overlooked Classics:Summer Camp- Welcome To Condale

Ninety nine red balloons burst in the air. Polaroids are taken, curfews rejected and the Veronicas have taken over the prom, armed with little more than Harmony hairspray and sarcasm . If you recognise these references, chances are you’re in your forties and fifties. Married pop duo Summer Camp and their 2011 album Welcome toContinue reading “Overlooked Classics:Summer Camp- Welcome To Condale”

Eerie Wanda Is Back!

Marina Tadic, aka Eerie Wanda, is back with her gorgeous, ethereal dreampop. After a brief hiatus, the Dutch- Croatian singer -songwriter has a new single, Long Time, released ahead of the forthcoming album Internal Radio, released in September. A more expansive sound doesn’t mean she’s compromising. She’s still unique and low-key, making it all soundContinue reading “Eerie Wanda Is Back!”

Overlooked Classics: Gus Gus- Polydistortion

Why do so many people still not know about Gus Gus? The Icelandic collective are pretty much superstars in their native country, like Hot Chip or Chemical Brothers, but much stranger and sexier. From the bruised vulnerable Why? performed by Emiliana Torrini, to Believe, a squelchy sinister banger, Polydistortion, which came out in 1997, seemedContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Gus Gus- Polydistortion”