2 New Vinyl Videos from 2018 Pickups

Been awhile since I made any of these. I forgot at least 1 record, so I will be making another video or 2 soon if time allows.

Or more per inspiration. I just may have to plan, I dunno. Sea Of Tranquility is doing a Top 10 Songs lists of videos, which I could easily do, if I write them out probably.




Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse Godspeed You Black Emperor - Lift Up Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven 22 - You Are Creating (Limb 1 and Limb 2) I was thinking of F♯ A♯ ∞ not "Yanqui U.X.O."






Black Belt Eagle Scout - Mother of My Children Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz Josh King - Into the Blue Bend Sinister - Foolish Games Kai Danzberg - Pop Up Radio Jeff Buckley - Mystery White Boy Murder By Death - Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them Kindo - Happy However After Bent Knee - Say So Kimbra - Primal Heart Fjokra - Evening Lights [1B] System of a Down - Mezmerize Chick Corea - Before Forever

Fjokra - Sugarface [1B] (2018)

11/14/18


10/20/18


Streaming Here

Sugarface + Sugarface Remix

Dig it. Love the horns of course, love Anne Bea + Fjokra are great together.

Maybe more later....

Video + Podcast: DISCLAND + Marvel's RUNAWAYS

Sculptured - The Spear of the Lily Is Aureoled [CD] Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds Pink Floyd - More Sega Genesis Games: MLBPA Tony LaRussa Baseball Lakers vs Celtics




Brian K Vaughan: Y: The Last Man Marvel's RUNAWAYS Kevin (Probably) Saves the World Fjokra - Evening Lights Bend Sinister - We've Heard it all Before

Fjokra - Evening Lights [1B] (2018)

Yeah, this awesome. But it's Fjokra, go figure. The guy and his band are brilliant.

I may wear this thing out, but then again right now, can't be sure how much at work.

Here's an interview with Fjokra 

Everything Everything + Fjokra songs

Look for Fjokra's gorgeous tune "Koi" around 2:26, and then listen to the interval pattern of the piano of the title track from the new Everything Everything album A Fever Dream.





rather similar  Kind of sped up or faster I suppose, but it crossed my mind, hearing this similarity, maybe the Everything Everything guys are fans of Fjokra? (and vice-versa).

That being said, I may find the title track (despite that, or maybe because of that), to be a standout on A Fever Dream which is released today (along with the new Steven Wilson album To the Bone).

Need more time with A Fever Dream though, but Everything Everything are becoming one of the most consistent bands and I imagine history will have them as 1 of the key bands from the 2010's.

Fjokra - Bang on the Door [1B] (2017)

Holy Crap! Too much impatience to wait until later.

Dig it, especially the little accordion section towards the end.

it seems Annie Bea is becoming rather involved in the vocal arrangements if you consider this new one and the single "Sick Kids" from a few months back (posted below). I dig her contrast to Fjokra.

And with this, 2 new singles in 3 months. Can't complain, although I wonder if the video/singles route could be easiest right now. A bit like The Reign of Kindo or other bands in the past (3, Pure Reason Revolution, Revere come to mind among others).

I'm also still hoping "Evening Lights" will be on the radar of course from that BBC Radio London Introducing from last Winter.

But man, great to get another new song and video from Fjokra.

From the Description:

Published on Jul 19, 2017

The official video from Fjokra for their new single 'Bang On The Door' digitally available on July 21st!

Videographer/editor/director - Ben K Adams http://www.benkadams.com/

Special thanks to; Nic Kozubik, Gav Mc and Olly Andrews.

Fjokra comprise of Annie Bea; vocalist, percussionist, Freddie Draper; bass, Jack Richardson; guitar and Filippo Galli, drummer and Fi; main vocalist, visionary and writer along with garbage lids and lots of sticks and things that would not normally appear on stage with any average band.

Instagram: https:/.instagram.com/fjokra
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fjokra
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fjokra/
Website: www.fjokra.com/

Bucket List of Artists I've yet to see Live

This was a list I made in 2013.

The Reign of Kindo
Imogen Heap
Hotel of the Laughing Tree
Fish
Andre Matos
Jan Hammer
Eric Johnson
Godpseed You Black Emperor
The River Empires
Pepe Deluxe
Vuvuzela
Faith No More
Arch Matheos/John Arch
Zak Stevens
Gatherer
Archive
Agalloch
Sigur Ros

I can't think of any off the top of my head to add other than Fjokra and Small Leaks Sink Ships for sure. Some others? bands like Bent Knee, iamthemorning, Textures, Spawn of Possession, Major Parkinson, Bruce Peninsula, Neverending White Lights, 22.

And I can remove thankfully Agalloch (2015), Godpseed You Black Emperor and SikTh (2016), and hopefully in a couple of months The Reign of Kindo.

Vuvuzela/Kiss Kiss (but maybe not Josh Benash), Fish, Andre Matos and The River Empires (but not necessarily Jessy Ribordy and possibly other projects of his) all seem pretty unlikely per they seem somewhat retired.

Which leaves among some of those, people like Imogen Heap and maybe John Arch/Arch Matheos being the longest wait.

I suppose I am missing some others like U2 or even Paul McCartney. But that has a lot to do with cost and crowd-size, although I felt the same about Springsteen many years ago, and then was lucky enough to get tickets from my Aunt who ended up with extra tickets that were better than the original ones she got.

2016-2017 Midseason Albums Videos

So I crammed in all the titles for the most part, from the lists on the entry I posted like a week ago.

I didn't include the Offa Rex thing and only included a bit about the Steven Wilson album at the end of the 2nd video.

But, anyway, somewhat par for my course, We'll see how, when the end of the year stuff happens given these will be the last videos for this current years music as lists, that I can make at my apartment.

Fjokra - Sick Kids [1B] (2017)

New single/video from Fjokra "Sick Kids."

Thoughts(steps):
-Has a bit of an ear-wormy chorus.
-Use of Vocal Distortion is interesting, if almost expected
-A fair amount of rapping, also is not new, except maybe how polished it is

edit: sucker is GROWING on me. Great Track! very memorable.

I heard another new song called "Evening Lights" back on January 1st per BBC Radio London Introducing HERE
which was a fair amount different. But that's kind of the beauty of Fjokra among other things, the band's diversity and combinations of a vast number styles and influences.

Evening Lights I thought had more Big Band and horns in it, etc, which some of I remember well from Thoughtsteps from 2014.

At any case, I enjoy this new track Sick Kids certainly and will be playing it more of course.

Here's more from the description in the video:

Published on Apr 19, 2017

The Official Video for Fjokra's new single 'Sick Kids'! Digitally available on April 21st on all online digital stores!

Fjokra comprise of Annie Bea; vocalist, percussionist, Freddie Draper; bass, Jack Richardson; guitar and Filippo Galli, drummer and Fi; main vocalist, visionary and writer along with garbage lids and lots of sticks and things that would not normally appear on stage with any average band.

The band have gained a reputation for exhibiting uniquely bizarre and eclectic live performances which are reflected in their insanely exhilarating videos. The visual element of Fjokra fully embraces the band’s music, encouraging the outrageous, the unexpected, removing all boundaries of reality, taking the viewer and listener to places that are equally fantastic as they are surreal.

‘Thoughtsteps’ the band’s debut EP was released a year ago, with the video and lead track ‘Get Amongst It’ collecting plaudits on a daily basis, shortlisted for the ‘Most Bizarre’ section of the Berlin Video Awards 2015 and securing a part and sync in the movie ‘Miss You Already’ starring Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore. The EP picked up numerous plays across national radio for both the UK and Ireland including the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Absolute Radio and RTE 2.

The new release ‘Sick Kids’ will be out in early May 2017 - ramping the imagery and musical stakes to a whole new level....

Fjokra are taking on The Black Heart in Camden on April 24th 2017 for the single's official launch show. Details can be found here - http://bit.ly/2mpzxjk

Instagram: https:/.instagram.com/fjokra
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fjokra
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fjokra/
Website: www.fjokra.com/

Fjokra - Sick Kids (Teaser, 1B coming soon)

The new single drops sometime in April. I think the release show is April 24th, just seeing posts on Social Media.

Very excited for this (and hopefully more in 2017).

2016-2017 New Album Anticipation/Spec (Frequent Updates in 2017)

12/17/16 6:34PM

So like the actual Calendar with confirmed titles, release dates and artwork, this entry will be frequently bumped/updated.

The 1st list below is a list of artists who it seems very likely will be releasing a new album, but it's not been confirmed with the date/month or even the title yet. But the recent evidence points towards that information could be right around the corner.

The 2nd list is more of artists that either have talked about writing new music in the last few years and they seem due for one.

Of course this list, even more than the Calendar Entry, is a work-in-progress per there's likely dozens if not more artists I am not remembering at this point.

There also may be removals for various reasons (breakups, artists mentions a new album coming in a few years, etc).

And like the Calendar Entry, I should make a new video about the stuff from this entry. Speculation, etc.

As far as the Bluechips: Fjokra and Pepe Deluxe still stand out the most. The Reign of Kindo also, but receiving 1 track every so often per their Patreon is already happening, it's just officially release and hopefully a physical copy, etc will hopefully come, likely in the Spring.

Kimbra, Subterranean Masquerade, Galactic Cowboys, In Vain, Small Leaks Sink Ships,  are among the biggest likely to come out. Tiny Giant and Bullet Height from ex-Pure Reason Revolution members also have me intrigued.

Anathema, dredg, The Family Crest are some of the other hopefuls that will be a big deal if/when they come out.

And that's hardly all of the stuff I am hoping for, as I'm sure I'll be remembering many others to add in here soon (and removing, and adding to The Calendar Entry).

Confirmed/Likely to be Released (but no Title or Release Date Yet)
Ayreon FB
Bent Knee FB Tw
Bullet Height (Spring) FB Tw
Diablo Swing Orchestra FB Tw
Flying Colors FB Tw
Galactic Cowboys FB Fan Pg Tw
In Vain FB
Kimbra  FB Tw
Major Parkinson FB Tw (low activity)
George Michael FB Tw (low activity)
Native Construct FB Tw

Reign of Kindo, The FB Tw

Small Leaks Sink Ships FB Tw
"Small Leaks Sink Ships will release their forthcoming album (their first on vinyl) next year via Lefse Records"
Solstafir (1st Half) FB
Spock's Beard
Subterranean Masquerade FB
Tiny Giant FB Tw
Typhoon FB Tw

------------------------------

*speculation/hope*
Anathema FB Tw
Arch / Matheos FB Tw
Barnum Meserve, The FB Tw
Bend Sinister FB Tw
Brice Plays Drums FB Tw
Broken Social Scene FB Tw
Bubblemath FB Tw (last update 2014)
Capital Cities FB Tw
Chromeo FB Tw
Disillusion FB Tw
Dissociatives, The FB (Paul Mac) Tw (Paul Mac)
dredg FB Tw
East of the Wall FB Tw
Faceless, The FB Tw
The Family Crest FB Tw
Fjokra FB Tw
Godspeed You Black Emperor FB (last update 2015)
House of Fools FB Tw (not updated since 2015)
Jazzkamikaze FB Tw
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (Post-Humous) FB Tw
Journal FB
Karnivool FB Tw
Live FB Tw
Spencer Ludwig  Tw
Mastodon FB Tw
Mew FB Tw
Mutemath FB Tw
Ne Obliviscaris FB Tw
Neverending White Lights FB Tw
Pepe Deluxe FB Tw (not updated since 2012)
Ramona Falls FB Tw
Red Paintings, The  FB Tw
RisingSide Tw
Sigur Rós FB Tw
SikTh FB Tw
System of a Down FB Tw
Roger Waters Tw
Steven Wilson FB Tw

I'll believe it when I hold it in my hand
Guns N Roses
Tool

2015-2016 Albums Anticipation Videos

Not perfect, but also a lot of ground covered in a reasonable amount of time. Many of course I didn't include, and the 3rd actual preview entry likely will include many artists/titles that I failed to mention (Protest the Hero for example)

2015-2016 Anticipated Albums ********Part 2********

Okay, so here's the 2nd part, of 3 about anticipated albums for 2015-2016. Most of these seem pretty likely to come out, although no guarantees of course, both on the time frame and if the manage to be released by next Halloween.

But if most of these do, I'm certainly looking at some pretty big blue-chip releases. Of course with most years though, many albums are highly anticipated, and don't fully end up being as addictive as I hoped, while a bunch of other artists I have never heard of, or are new, or I didn't have a clue would be releasing a new album, totally come out of that nowhere place to win me over (see Small Leaks Sink Ships from 2014-2015 for example).

Probably/Likely

22 - You Are Creating

22'sTwitter 

It's been anticipated for a number of years, and likely would have been released in 2014 or early 2015 had their singer not left. I recall the Summer of 2014 they posted some updates more or less ready to drop the record. But when they made the announcement of their singer leaving, they included that the album would be re-recorded (or even re-written).

Their social media presence has been sparse over the last year, but that doesn't mean they aren't moving to finally putting this long anticipated 2nd record.

We'll see, but I certainly am hoping it does come as I really love more or less all of their music. And their debut record Flux is catchy and addictive as hell.

Anakdota

Israeli duo making piano-driven progressive rock, a bit in the vein of The Reign of Kindo. The singles they released the last couple of years are awesome, and they confirmed they are working on their 1st full length album last Summer. So don't be surprised to see the Anakdota debut album to drop in 2016.

The Barnum Meserve

UK-based chamber rock band put out their Self-Titled debut album in 2015, which I enjoyed and found new fans. But when they announced the info about it, they also talked about how they had written their 2nd album and were working on their 3rd. And that info came out many months before the debut record did.

So logically, the already written (and possibly recorded?) 2nd record could also come out in 2016, to mark a 2nd LP in as many years.

Blackfield

The 5th Blackfield album, which it has been a few years since the release of their last record. And the most recent update confirmed it was coming, and it would involve Steven Wilson again, maybe more than their last couple of albums. And guests, which include Alan Parsons.

I guess my feeling about Blackfield right now is, their last 2 records I don't even remember much about. But 2012 was their last album, so it's been 4 years, and I could go for getting back into them. But if this record doesn't do much for me, it's not a big deal. At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if this album was pretty good. Perhaps that could have to do with Steven Wilson being more involved again.

British Theatre

British Theatre's Twitter ("Numan" a working song or album title)

Mike Vennart "Something excellent this way comes, January 26th. X" 

With the success of Vennart's record The Demon Joke in 2015, the 1st full-length from British Theatre seems to have more intrigue. And Mike mentioned more than once in interviews in 2015 that British Theatre has a full-length album in the works.

And so he kind of hinted at something there. And I can also include that per The Demon Joke Pledgemusic page, a new Pledgemusic campaign will be launched for British Theatre's debut album soon (likely on the 26th?).

So I suppose the only thing that may prevent this from coming in 2016 would be timing. But it seems like it'll come out relatively soon. And I'm definitely enticed by that, per loving Vennart's work and enjoying the 2 EP's they made previously a lot.

Edit: per another update/email, January 26th (next Tuesday), the campaign is coming.

Bullet Height

Jon Courtney, formerly of Pure Reason Revolution, new band. With a female vocalist, along with his own vocals as well. The 1st single "Bastion," they released recently sounded a bit like some of PRR's last record industrial/electronic rock style. Which I certainly am curious about.

The female vocalist is Sammi Doll, who per Wiki, had done some work with alternative/dark wave/industrial band IAMX, which kind of fits with the initial impression from Bullet Height.

Also interesting how they plan to release a debut record on Superball Music, which PRR had been with along others like Oceansize and now Vennart (and British Theatre perhaps?).


 
Diablo Swing Orchestra

DiabloSwing on Twitter

They posted frequent updates in 2015 from the studio recording. Many over the Summer I recall, or possibly in the Fall. Per their next album seems to be nearing release.

Another band who we haven't heard from in a few years, the last being 2012's Pandora's Pinata, an album I remember being lengthly, but still enjoying a fair amount of it's style of jazzy/dance/quirky prog metal of a sort.

Dream the Electric Sleep

I was pretty won over by this Kentucky-based progressive rock band late in 2014 with their record Heretics. Their singer, almost reminded me of Jimmy Gnecco or maybe closer, Judah Nagler from The Velvet Teen.

And last June? I want to say, they posted about working with Nick Raskulinecz, whose maybe best known for working with Rush on some of their recent records.

So their's multiple reasons to look forward to their next album, which if that was last June, this album could very easily drop in 2016 sometime.



The Faceless

TheFaceless-Twitter

This may be a comeback album for me, as my interest in The Faceless dropped a bit from their last couple of records, after loving their debut record Akeldama.

But I say that per the 1st single, "The Spiraling Void" totally working for me. I think it may be in part from the return of their original singer Derek Rydquist

Also per Wiki, I just noticed a possible title to this upcoming record is "In Becoming a Ghost."

The Family Crest

I was totally won over by the band in 2014, after seeing them open for Mother Falcon at 7th Street Entry, and then picking up their new album Beneath the Brine. And that album ended up being in my top 5 records for 2014.

But after seeing them live a few times since and conversing with some of the members after those shows, they began and have been working on their next work since.

Beneath the Brine, while it gave credits from all the members living in their native San Francisco, also included an incredibly long and detailed list of other musicians from other parts of the States (at least). In other words, they are more or less an rock/pop/folk orchestra of sorts.

But just from the conversations I had, the record they are working on to follow-up BtB is supposed to blow BtB out of the water. Or rather, it's not necessarily going to be a record, but record(s) potentially.

The band I'm sure will come forward in due time about it, but the ambition level seems potentially through the roof, for this next work(s) they put out. It may make Beneath the Brine seem like just a stepping stone.

And how they are making their next records, at least partially, is per their tours and traveling to various towns and working with/recording with different musicians when time allows.

But I almost get the sense this album stylistically may go in many other places, along with just the approach to the subject matter and songs themselves. How they are recorded among other things. A bit like The Dear Hunter's The Color Spectrum perhaps in some ways.

Fates Warning

Midway into this interview Joey Vera mentions Mid-Summer is a projection.

It's well documented how big a fan of Fates Warning I am. And while not every record they've made, I've loved, there is too much history and I suppose admitted fanboy-ism, for me to not be excited for a new album from Fates.

And even with their last record, Darkness in a Different Light, really not including a ton of material I've grown attached to. I do wonder though, as I mentioned in a recent Random Artist Feature about them, how given Jim Matheos (and John Arch) may have wrote the music for the Arch/Matheos Sympathetic Resonance, not too long before Darkness was written; per some of the best ideas Jim Matheos had recently for songs, may not have ended up on Darkness.

But, given it seems Jim's largest focus the last few years has been on Fates, and the band I suppose playing more together, including with Frank Aresti, may make more of a difference in this next record.

And like I wrote there, linked, bassist Joey Vera mentions they are looking to have it out in the Summer.

Fjokra

Fjokra-Twitter 

I have become a mega fan of Fjokra in less than 2 years really.And it could possibly be premature given how limited amount of material to draw from.

But, I was addicted to the Thoughtsteps EP in 2014, and even the Mellowsound Sessions and some of the covers that they have done.

And throughtout much of 2015, Fjokra posted a number of images of recording/collaborating. In NYC I recall, possibly among other places (I forget).

So, I'm hopeful something new will be released from them in 2016. And as a fanboy, I cannot be more excited for it. I would say at this point, there's not another artist who could put out a new album, I'd be more excited for sans for Kevin Gilbert or if Apes and Androids came back.

Rare Futures

I came across this name from memory, in a Reddit AMA Casey Crescenzo did like 9 months ago. I think 1 of the members (the singer?) filled in on a tour with Casey solo or TDH, I forget.

Anyway, I also came to learn of a connection or 2 with this band and the now broken up college-prog band Facing New York, who were a band I liked in the mid 2000's, but never got highly into. But fans of bands like dredg and Kaddisfly I specifically remember loving Facing New York. And then I think they broke up. But I hadn't heard about this band some years later.

And I picked up their 2010 debut disc Dreams of Water in 2015 and enjoyed a good chunk of it. Textured college prog. A bit like dredg or Woven maybe.

And I recall seeing some stuff not long before or after checking that out, about their next record being made on Facebook. So that album shouldn't be too far away.

Edit: So Happy Body Slow Brain is no more, and their new name is Rare Futures (thanks to altprogcore for the update per twitter)

Journal

I grew to love Journal's 2010 debut record Unlorja more and more. They make a really impressive style of progressive metalcore. Like Between the Buried and Me or Painted in Exile (or Native Construct).

I just haven't listened to them a lot since that year, but with fond memories, I certainly will be excited to hear a new album from them, which from some Facebook posts in 2015, it seems likely to happen soon.

Spencer Ludwig 
The trumpet specialist from electronic pop/soul/rock band Capital Cities has a solo debut record coming in 2016. Spencer's trumpet work certainly is one-of my favorite parts of Capital Cities sound, so I'm certainly curious to hear what he may do when he is the main songwriter and center of the songs.

I recall the genre listed on Facebook? was "Trumpet-Pop" which when done well, I'm very much into. I even used to play trumpet myself afterall.

Marillion

Per the latest Pledgemusic Campaign Update:


We’re now back in the studio developing the song ideas for M18 (which is still available to pre order at www.pledgemusic.com/marillion). We begin the new year in good shape, listening to the 6 current contenders currently working-titled:
The Leavers 14m 26sec
El Dorado 12m 18sec
Class 4m 58sec
Things Buried 3m 53sec
New Kings 16m 30 sec
Melt Our Guns – 5m 20 sec
If you can add, then you’ll see there’s already an hour of music on the boil. The time references are current song lengths but will lengthen or shorten depending upon creative decisions currently being taken. It’s also possible that songs will be subtracted and added to this list. Song titles may also change, so don’t write to us asking where things came from and went to!
We have another two or three strong ideas queuing up for development which we are on course to have ready for the “backing track final performance” stage which will take place at Peter Gabriel’s “Real World” studio in late February. It’s all coming together nicely now.

Being a huge fanboy, I'm excited again for a new Marillion album, their 18th studio work. Sounds That Can't Be Made and Happines is the Road, I definitely enjoy, but at the same time, don't find as addictive as some of their other recent records. But some of it is just time spent listening to them, as I likely haven't invested as much time as I wish.

The projected track list sounds interesting enough though. "El Dorado" "The Leaves" and "New Kings" all being of epic length. Might this be a double? I guess we'll see, but they have mentioned more than once, the Spring is their goal for it to be released. I guess we'll see, but it should come out in 2016 sometime.



The Mercury Tree
This Portland, Oregon based mathy/prog band won me over rather well with their record in 2014, Countenance. They combine a lot of different styles, to really work well. From mathrock, jazzrock to metal(core), to progressive rock. The dynamics really work well.

And when seeing them for a 2nd Summer in a row in Minneapolis with Brice Plays Drums, they played some of their newest music and mentioned how they had finished most of their next record and were looking to release it in the Fall.

But obviously that didn't happen, but logically it would be close to done and looking to be released sometime in 2016.

From memory, the new music was more technical and heavier at times, which I'm all for as I really was impressed by it. I recall some of it reminded me of the syncopation of early Cynic.

Moonloop

I recall being introduced to these guys a few years ago from seeing That Drummer Guy's End of Year List. This Barcelona-based band makes a very cool kind of atmospheric progressive death metal.  Their last album was in 2012, and just from going to their facebook, I recall they posted about recording and possibly even being finished with the new record.

Edit: they posted about mixing their next album in January.

So, the album probably will follow not long after.

Oddland

Like Moonloop, this is another progressive extreme metal band I was introduced to from That Drummer Guy's end of year list in 2012. They hail from Turku which I guess is in Finland. Their last album from 2012, The Treachery of the Senses I really enjoyed. Just scanning my blurb to refresh, their vocals aren't as much about growling as intensity. Sort of a mix of Opeth and Green Carnation in some ways.

When this album comes out: their most recent post on Facebook on December 1st says their album is done. They just need to get the artwork and I imagine how it will be released. But I imagine that stuff will be announced sometime in the near future.


Ours

One of my long-time favorites, which like some others on this Anticipation list, I have a large fanboy bias about. 2013's Ballet the Boxer 1 I enjoy, although not as much as any of the other Ours records.

But that's hardly a bad thing or a reason not to be highly excited for this. Probably as big of a reason being, many of the songs Jimmy's written lately, he played for the Black Card Holders on live streams, and they were of course amazing.

Some of the titles from the live streams:
Rise
Fallen Flower
New Age Heroin
Miles Away
Ring the Bell/When the Daylight Comes
Cry No More
Got a Feeling
Burn Down the Night

"Cry No More" was certainly one I recall enjoying a lot, as it had this *epic* feel to it.
I guess a word of precaution though given how sparse the info about this record has been the last 6 months. But the last bit I remember was saying the projection was to record it last Summer/Fall in the new "Echowing" studio that was setup in NYC.

However, Jimmy and in some cases, the band have done some live dates here and there, which may have impacted the timing. And just to recall some history, back in 2006, it seemed the Mercy record was going to come out, but it was pushed back for the better part of 2 years. Although that had a lot to do with the record label and possibly working with Rick Rubin's schedule. But also the fact Ballet the Boxer 1 sounded like it may have been rushed for the Pledgemusic campaign's promise, etc I'm not sure if Jimmy and the band want to go through that time-conscience process again, as they don't need to really.

In other words, a campaign may get launched again, but even if it does not, I would only hope but not expect it to be coming out early this year. But there still seems like a chance it'll come out in 2016 sometime at least. Whenever it does, I'm hoping for big things again though.


Pain of Salvation

A band I used to highly love. And I still consider incredibly important in my music taste. With the lineup changes and some style changes, my interest in their recent music isn't as high as it once was. However, I still enjoy the Road Salt records and Scarsick enough. And I recall at least 1 quote or account from a forum talking to Daniel and how the music the band are working on now is heavier and more remiscent of their early albums like Entropia and One Hour By the Concrete Lake.

Although Daniel Gildenlow has posted a ton about Star Wars of late, but that could be just mood and him being a huge fan. But if a SW reference showed up in their next record, it wouldn't be shocking.

The last thing they put out, Falling Home, which was a re-arrangement/re-recording of a number of tracks, and a couple of covers. I actually enjoyed that quite a bit. There was even 1 new track from memory, which was the title track I think.

But as far as timing, the actual PoS Facebook page has posted studio pics recently, so there certainly is a chance their next album could arrive in 2016.

Pepe Deluxe

Pepe Deluxe, a band who came out of nowhere in 2012 with their album Queen of the Wave,which totally floored me. Their style of retro psych/prog/classic pop/rock, with a heavy Dick Dale influence among a lot of others.

Their history of evolving sound, organic and analog sounds, tones, textures, etc and large gaps with albums suggests that their next album may still be a ways away. However, it has been 4 years and they have posted a fair amount on Facebook about recording new music, or about their new music, etc in the last year.

I guess I'm very hopeful something may come this year, but whenever it does, I have very high hopes for it regardless.

Tiny Giant

Chloe of Pure Reason Revolution's new band. They have released 1 or 2 singles in the last year, which impressed me a lot.

The 1st 2 singles, "Heavy Love" and the newest "Seeing Everything As Thought It Is Real" are both excellent, emotional and dynamic rock tracks.

"Dream Pop and Future Rock" is what they describe themselves on FB, which makes some sense. I suppose one thing to wonder is how different will their sound be from the last electronic-driven PRR album and even Bullet Height. And I suppose with Chloe doing the lead vocals more prominently, and maybe not so much of a prog influence but maybe more pop and other styles, I dunno.

I suppose their influences are more varied potentially.

Also the fact Mat Collis is a co-member/writer? of this group adds something, having a background playing as a multii-instrumentalist with Steven Wilson and Katatonia among others.

Kaddisfly- Horses Galloping on Sailboats (Vinyl)
This Link should indicate when it's available.

This is for the vinyl for my 2nd favorite record from 2014-2015. And maybe more importantly, a long awaited follow-up album, that having on vinyl, frankly, any Kaddisfly on vinyl, will be awesome. There was of course a few TEST PRESSINGS made that some paid a pretty penny for ($400 or more?). But when this vinyl does finally come out, it will be less than that I imagine. And the pressing is not 2 12-inches, but a 12 and a 10. And some will be colored.

I'm of course curious about the jacket/liner/notes, etc as well.

And in a perfect world, it sells incredibly well and they decide to press Set Sail the Prairie eventually as well. Baby steps, but we'll see.

Also Transatlantic and Spock's Beard vinyls are also coming/just came out which I suppose are worth adding as I just found out about them. I would guess I'll pickup the TA's and maybe some of the Spock's eventually.


Transatlantic - SMPT:e February 12th


Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever. February 12th.


Spock's Beard - Day For Night February 5th


Spock's Beard - Snow January 15th


Spock's Beard -  The Kindness of Strangers January 15th


Spock's Beard - Beware of Darkness February 5th

Subbing for Modern Kicks on KFAI Radio 10/14/15

So I was given the chance to sub again for the Modern Kicks show on KFAI radio last night/early this morning and here's my and Joyce's playlist

The show itself, went overall pretty well, although I'll admit the transitions could have been better and my issue with the "uh's" and "um's" but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to avoid those, but perhaps at least reduce them 

Also the station/studio has a brand new setup for the Promo Carts being automated, except I'm not clear on how to stop and play a different one later, that was previously lined up and skipped. I didn't realize by doing this, it skips further down in the schedule, thus the 1st 2 or 3 carts I didn't quite get in. But I'll know for next time.

And the fact they have new cd players, which the cds just go directly into without a TRAY. 
I.e. it was equipment I had to learn to use on the fly.

But my playlist is more or less a best-of 2015 and some 2014 stuff, which sort of spoils my Countdown slightly, but so be it.

Click On or "Save As" ..the "Listen Now" Link until 10/27 11:59PM

(Kyle)

Timbre/Night Girl: Nycteris Sees the Sun/Sun and Moon/Aurora Music 2015 5:49
Dream the Electric Sleep/Elizabeth/Heretics/Self Released 2014 8:22
Kaddisfly/The Painter/Horses Galloping on Sailboats/In the Clouds 2015 5:05
Major Parkinson/The Wheelbarrow/Twilight Cinema/Degaton Records 2014 7:52
VENNART/Doubt/The Demon Joke/Superball Music 2015 4
Mew/Rows/+ -/Play It Again/Universal Music 2015 1
The Dear Hunter/King of Swords (Reversed)/Act IV: Reprise and
Rebirth/Equal Vision 2015 5:07
Kevin Gilbert/Because of You (Demo)/Thud: Deluxe Edition/PRA 2015 4:38
Fjokra/Koi/Mellowsound Sessions/Self Release 2014 4:42


(Joyce)
The Orion Experience/Vampire/NYC Girl [EP]/
Sir Video/Backdoor Baby/Light Years [EP] Part II 2015
The Bird and the Bee/Doctor/Recreational Love 2015
Flight of the Concords/Carol Brown/I Told You I Was Freaky 2011
Brendan Benson/What I'm Looking For/Alternative to Love/ 2005
DJ Cassidy ft Jessy J & Robin Thicke/Calling All Hearts/Calling All Hearts 2014

(Kyle)

Everything Everything/To the Blade/Get to Heaven/Sony RCA 2015 4:12
Small Leaks Sink Ships/Midnight Jinn/Face Yourself, and Remove Your
Sandals/101 Distribution 2015 



Background:
Put Down the Muffin/Charged Particles 2014

Fjokra - TBA (2014-2015)

1/28/15 12:47PM

New entry, I expect a long display of Bumps of this entry throughout the next 8+ months at least.

Including the stuff about that Miss You Already the upcoming Drew Barrymore movie which Fjokra is involved/appears.

DO. WANT.

FB #1

Last month I snuck back to the Irish countryside to begin work on my biggest collection of new material to date. Here's a taste of what I got up to. Stay tuned..

Fjokra - The Mellowsound Sessions (2014-2015).+ "Miss You Already" + Full Length?

So, the 4th and I guess final track of The Mellowsound Sessions  Fjokra released today up on YouTube. I guess the whole thing will be available as a Free Download soon (likely on http://fjokra.com/ )

I love this whole thing, including the last/new track "GMF" which is a John Grant cover. But, I suppose I'll go with "Koi" being the standout on this thing.

Some stuff below is also worth keeping in mind as that movie Fjokra and his band are in, and the anticipation for a full-length in 2015 coming.

Tracklist

1. Salty
2. Koi
3. Oracle
4, GMF (John Grant Cover)











I also noticed this in the YouTube description which has me rather intrigued.

During the summer of 2014 Fjokra worked with director Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Thirteen, Red Riding Hood, Lords Of Dogtown) on her latest film Miss You Already starring Drew Barrymore, Toni Collette, Dominic Cooper and Paddy Considine. Fjokra and his band feature in a concert scene performing one of his own compositions and also plays the part of Dominic Cooper’s best friend throughout the film. Miss You Already is scheduled for international release in 2015.

With 5 track EP Thoughtsteps released June 2014, Fjokra is constantly writing and recording new material. The Mellowsound Sessions EP released online in December 2014 features a more ambient direction, and rumours of an album coming in 2015 are beginning to circulate.

Fjokra - Mellowsound Sessions #2: "Koi"

Wow. I can't believe how good this guy is. I mean, he is and I've more or less been floored by his music over the last 9 months, but here's another new song, which just adds to how amazing and in this case, breathtaking his music can be. And the video itself fits the lyrics/tone/theme of the song in many ways.

Honestly, last year when I saw the Kevin Gilbert 'Shaming tribute, it was almost the identical amount of time I had been a fan (actually knowing his music) and waiting to see it live from 2004-2013 (9+ years) as I had gone waiting to see my favorite band live, Marillion (1995-2004).

And I thought based on that pattern, I'll discover soon and then (I hope not have to) wait 9+ years to see them. It very likely could be premature, but this guy Fjokra, could be the artist I become incredibly attached to for this present decade. He just seems to know how to capture an emotion in so many ways with his tone, lyrics, vocal styles, textures, and about 100 other aspects.

And this "Mellowsound Sessions" series, I dunno if it's material for his debut LP, or another EP or just some singles or some other concept, but shit, this guy can basically do no wrong for me. And damn, I would love him to release more music as soon as possible, even beyond these videos (mind you, I still love that he is releasing it per these videos regardless).

Fjokra - Mellowsound Sessions #1 "Salty"

Only just checked it out at a low volume once, but it does sound rather hypnotic, like a lot of other parts of Fjokra's music. Kindo f a trippy video with a girl with blue--ish painted skin and what seems like a small Squid or Octopus moving around in her hand.

Fjokra - Love, Thrust, Burn [Official Video, 2014]

Love the song, and the video is rather arty of course. I suppose I tend to picture (in a completely heterosexual way mind you) a guy (Fjokra himself namely) either in the shower or scantily clad or something, mainly with the lyric "ooh, you look so good, standing in my bedroom in nude"

Anyway, this video with the ballerina? and accompanied male dancer fits a bit in the theme/tone I suppose. What the deal is with the people in clear tubes or whatever, I'm not sure other than some other metaphor of looking at someone or these 2 dancers in a hidden, isolated space or something?

I often picture someone with binoculars across the street or something, a peeping tom or a P.I in some movie or show (or novel).

But regardless, one of the excellent tracks from Thoughtsteps, and if I'm not mistaken, now there's a video for every track on the new EP.

I wonder (hope) that means Fjokra is or will be looking to write and record some music soon and if not this year, perhaps in 2015 we'll get to hear more from this great new artist.

Major Parkinson (Norwegian Avant/Theatrical Prog): THUMBS UP!

So, I stumbled upon this name a little while ago per the fiveeightforums, as some discussion about Fjokra was brought up there. And at least 1 or more comparisons were to this Norwegian progressive rock band, who I'd never heard of.

And naturally, my high level of interest in Fjokra this year, got me both curious and skeptical, another band out there might be doing similar things to them, and maybe better.

Well, I can say while Major Parkinson do share some qualities to Fjokra, they also have a fair amount of differences. But, I guess over the last few weeks, listening to mostly their most recent LP from 2014, Twlight Cinema, my main take is just how good a band they are.

They make this sort of genre-bending, almost theatrical or dramatic kind of progressive rock. The vocals namely, are unusual. Their most prominent lead singer can sound like among others, Liam Neeson, lol. He sort of whispers or sings with less vibrato I suppose you could say. And his voice is much deeper than your typical prog or even just rock singer. But at the same time, he does sing, sometimes very emotively.

They even drop some pop-culture references here and there, as I recall a bunch of 20th century authors on 1 track, and another names some 50's and 60's actors.

I suppose in a way like Mike Patton or like one of the main singers in Pepe Deluxe who almost sounds like Frank Sinatra; and their sound/band actually I might compare Major Parkinson to, as much if not more than Fjokra.

But musically, they do progressive rock, using a lot of odd times, dynamic moods, using humor at times.

On Twilight Cinema, a song like "Impermanence" has this haunting melody that sounds like something out of a soundtrack. The piano driven hook stays in my head.

A song like "The Wheelbarrow" is very upbeat and catchy, and probably my favorite track on TC.

I've embedded all 3 of their LPs per their bandcamp page. I have not checked out their 1st S/T LP much yet, and their 2nd album From a Solitary Home only once, but I am enjoying the brief amounts of time listening to those maybe almost as much already as Twilight Cinema.

I'm not sure exactly if there is sort of a new genre of rock, or prog even that uses cinematic and circus style tones and dramatic or theatrical (cabaret?) sorts of melodies. In other words, bands like Pepe Deluxe, Fjokra and Major Parkinson might fit their own sort of subgenre. They all seem to be using a lot of kinds of influences and tones. From accordion, to trumpets to very distorted vocals that emphasize moods. Sort of heavily influenced by Mike Patton, Mr.Bungle. I might include Dog Fashion Disco in there, although in the case of MP, Pepe and Fjokra, they aren't really metal I suppose.

But Major Parkinson certainly have caught my attention. The fact their vocals are unusual, at 1st almost bugged me. But I have come/or am coming to see them as more interesting as they have grown on me a fair amount. Their singer really is a talented performer, and the fact he sings in such a deeper style, ends up complementing their music and probably makes it better because of it. Their music ends up sounding more original I suppose with the way/style he sings.

I likely will be spending a fair amount of time with these guys, and if/when the time allows, I may have to go into more detail about these records. But for now, I can say I already really enjoy their new album Twilight Cinema a lot, and wouldn't be surprised if I got into their previous 2 LPs as well.






http://majorparkinson.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/majorparkinson