Arbouretum - The Gathering (Thrill Jockey)

Well, what a welcoming sound that is to my ears. A rolling guitar riff filled with that aurally pleasing crunching distortion growling away deep at the heart of the song. This is the exact enigmatic fashion that the album “The Gathering” commences fantastically played by Dave Heumann’s Arbouretum. This, the groups 4^th offering is as strong and fresh as any other it’s predecessors and showcase a band that is growing confidence, talent and are surely evolving into a tour de force that the music world will have to deal with very soon indeed.

Arbouretum declare their intentions, as aforementioned, with track one “The White Bird”. Clocking in at over 7 minutes long, it is a classic example of a band setting out their stall and making sure that they have garnered your attention.

This stranglehold tightens it’s stronghold on you in the second track “When Delivery Comes”. We are treated to further gritty rhythm which is greatly complimented. This song feels like it would be perfectly suited to accompany a gun battle in a modern adaptation of a Sergio Leone epic.

In the next track, “Destroying To Save”, Dave Heumann’s vocals are shoved into the spotlight as the voice is a predominant force in what drives the song. It must be said that one can make all sorts of comparisons of his style from Deep Purple’s Ian Gillian to one hit wonder maestro Arthur Brown. It is certainly a welcome sound to my ears, being musically trapped in that era as I am. I guess it is just nice to hear a rock voice with a whole lot of soul.

“The Highwayman” is delightfully in the vein of such acts as Counting Crows. That distinct, simple but deeply effective rhythm is effervescent here. Again, I feel myself impressed by the minimalistic approach. The beat kept by drummer, Brian Carey, is perfect; not too much, not too little.Corey Allender on bass does not deviate from complimenting the rhythm and Dave Huemann himself is doing a sterling job as front man.

“Waxing Crescent” changes the mood of the album completely. The ambience shifts to a eastern feel and could be compared to The Beatles in the mid 60s when they were majorly influenced by that artistic appeal. It is a perfect track to maintain interest in the band and keep up the air of mystery that Arbouretum have perpetuated since the opening bars of the album. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite songs from “The Gathering”.

We are brought back down to earth from the hedonistic heights of the previous track with a more familiar sound in the form of “The Empty Shell”. It almost feels like it is a prelude to a song by Black Sabbath as the band airs their experimental side. However, it eventually settles down into a catchy rock tune which, whilst effective, lacks the intrigue of some of the other tracks on the album.

So, “The Gathering” draws to a close with the final track “Song Of The Nile”. I am not left disappointed as the album grinds to a conclusion that is as dirty and gnarled as the album began. Again, note must be made of the pulsating driving force that Arbouretum provide that provide a perfect platform for Heumann to ply his craft. This song conjures up memories of those eponymous songs by The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to name a few whose long instrumentals made every bit of sense as the verses and choruses.

At the end of the day I am left with two thoughts. One, what a fantastic start to 2011 and two, where can I catch these guys playing live?

Words : Barclay Quarton

Coil Sea - Coil Sea (Thril Jockey)

‘A stranger is just a friend I don’t know.’ Ok, that is a cheesy, touching and somewhat schmaltzy sentiment of which to begin a music review but it is ultimately fitting way to begin this particular look into a very exciting EP.

Coil Sea is simply a coming together of a bunch of friends and acquaintances who just wanted to turn up, plug in and play. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t just some random jam session but a careful orchestrated set of tracks with musicians pooled in from excellent acts such as; Arbouretum, Big In Japan and The Anomoanon. What blossoms out of this culmination of talent are four tracks of quite incredible raw emotion and fervour that is really deserving of your attention and adulation.

The EP begins in a grand fashion with the compelling ‘Abyssinia’. This track has that uncanny knack of being able to stimulate the neurons and synapses in the brain that cause the foot to begin to tap and accompany the hypnotic beat that is being provided for by the drums. One thing you will come to understand instantly with this band is that these are artists that do not believe in the conventional structure of a song. They are very content and happy to make a song run its course for however long it takes rather than being shackled by the limits of a 4 minute rock effort.

It has to be stated that if Coil Sea decided to perform as a live unit, they would not go wrong by starting with the first track. It feels almost like a invitation to a musical journey that you understand the band is undertaking with you. On my first listen of this EP, I could not help but feel it sounded like The Who swirling around in a maelstrom of 80s electronica and what the outcome was, was a very experimental and elaborate sound.

The second track, ‘Dolphins In The Coil Sea’ emanates and resonates a feeling to the listener that it is heralding a gathering to a celebration of music and the creationism of sound. As soon as the toms on the drums ring out, as well as being accompanied by striking guitar notes, the song takes on the form of a tribal gathering where you have the pleasure of hearing this band ply their trade and showcase their art to some esoteric deity. As for all of the tracks on this album, one thing I admire about this EP is that lyrics do not need to be the vehicle of the song. Every instrument is given it’s chance to shine and it seems more like a mutual partnership than a band.

This ambience is certainly felt in ‘Revert To Dirt’ where it is clear that every band member and instrument is on an equal footing in the mix. There is no such thing as vying for position in Coil Sea, just that pursuance for the warmest sounds. A quarter of the way through the song, the beat changes to an slithering shuffle that is embellished by good use of guitar effects, all of which culminates in a very dream like quality.

The final track, ‘Waking The Naga’ definitely begins with a purpose. This is the definitive track that really indicates that this is the crescendo of the journey that shows how far these strangers have come in creating some musical brilliance. The music feels like a rolling electronic wave siphoning its way through your very senses and leaves you with a very warm feeling as the final dulcet tones of the EP cascade out of the sound system.

If I was to advise on anything this month, I would definitely urge you to check this group out and stress that sometimes all you need is a feast of friends to develop a feast of music that will no doubt incite your interest and definitely acknowledge what this act is going to come up with next.

Words : Barclay Quarton

Future Islands - live video for Tin Man

Future Islands - 'Tin Man' - Live from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

Here is a fantastic live track taken from Future Island's recent album In The Evening Air.

The trio are also heading over here a little later in the year, live dates underneath.

29/09 - London - CAMP Basement
30/09 - Brighton - Freebutt
01/10 - Manchester - Islington Mill

02/10 - Glasgow - Cry Parrot

New Double Dagger Video 'No Allies' and tour

Double Dagger - No Allies from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.

Here we have the new video from Baltimore's noise pop trio Double Dagger.
They will be on tour throughout May.

Wed 12 Nottingham Spanky Van Dykes (w/Friendship)
Thu 13 Leeds Nation Of Shopkeepers (w/Friendship)
Fri 14 London The Lock Tavern (w/Friendship)
Sat 15 London The Rest Is Noise (w/Friendship)
Sun 16 Bristol Start the Bus (w/Friendship)
Mon 17 Cardiff Arts Centre
Tue 18 London Cargo (w/Ganglians and Real Estate)

Wed 19 Dublin Whelans

Fututre Islands - In Evening Air (Thrill Jockey)

Future Islands are a band that I have been into for well over a year now, I just didn't know it. My first experience came way back last summer when I was working on Dan Deacon's merch stand in London, there was a great support band playing very energetic, synth driven pop with this charismatic lead singer who had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand but as I was working I didn't manage to catch their name, despite being very impressed. Fast forward six months and suddenly I'm getting emails about a trio of synth driven popsters doing things a little differently who recently signed to a new label and the pieces started to fit together.

Future Islands first release since relocating to Baltimore and signing to Thrill Jockey sees the three piece tackle that very oversubscribed genre of synth driven noise by truly adding something different to the mix. First of all vocalist Samuel T. Herring is unlike most you will ever hear, growling and screaming feverishly throughout as layers of synth and programmed drum beats ooze from track to track track tied together by William Cashion's Peter Hook influenced basslines creating a surprisingly feel good summer soundtrack.

Each song has been passionately put together, each with great beats and fantastically oddball sounds. The catchy-as-hell 'Tin Man' with it's fuzzy basslines and synths swirling and echoed like steel drums showcase a band that, despite calling themselves 'Post Wave' can actually write a good pop song. Inch Of Dust and Vireo's Eye both holler back much more to a retro vibe sounding almost as if the Cure could write a happy song and stand out song An Apology showcases their dynamic take on old school and new styles.

Future Islands are a very hard working band and this record will hopefully catch the right peoples attention as it so deserves.

Words : Gordon Reid