Review: Scarlette Fever – The Great Expectations EP
An eerily ambient hand clapping accompaniment paves the way for the Regina Spektor being interrupted by Sheryl Crow vocals, as the expressive Scarlette Fever ponders the meaning of significant others, ‘Hour Of Sunshine (Remix by Cenzo Townsend)’. The versatility of the vocals is celebrated proudly here. They can take on a low-key pleading touch when needed and, then build up to a full frontal pop push when the twinning guitar led and rustling percussion instrumentals increase in volume and heart.
‘Cheatin’ Man (Live Mix By Ashley Howes)’, shows an ability to lean in a more blues country direction, possessing the vocal clarity of a Thea Gilmore. Scarlette Fever bears out her bleeding heart well enough, without appearing too self-pitying. Striding guitar backing and a shattering percussion touch that’s trodden over by a rumbling bass edge sets the scene perfectly, for some reassuringly assertive gospel backing. ‘Good Day (Live Mix by Ash Howes)’ , oozes with peaceful serenity as Fever hovers her vocals to deliver a romance backing ode that coasts along, on top of a trickling key-led instrumental.
In revisiting songs that have raised her profile and stripping them down to bear out the lyrical punch that may have previously, not been fully appreciated. This ranging songstress, ironically, illuminates the point that there is a lot left in this locker and fans will have to keep guessing about her future direction. It could go anyway!
CasioKids – Golden Years
Chiming orchestral pondering with a playful pop backdrop and the sincere low-key cry of Ketil Kinden Endresen sets the scene for a reflective glide, ‘Golden Years’. Nordic nostalgia contrasts with a rumbling rhythm base, allowing part of the mind to wander and the other bit to focus on a pressing matter.
More bass is added to and an almost lounge vibe takes hold of the ‘Bathers Remix’, before morphing into a rhythmically rousing samba skirting sojourn. This release, as a whole, is more focused and less incongruous than the previous pop distorting foray, ‘Det Haster’. Seen together, these tracks highlight the potential spice, variety and adventure of this instrumentally nimble outfit.
Mike Patton – The Solitude of Prime Numbers
Mike Patton’s new album is another film score. Kind of. It’s “music from the film and inspired by the book,” which from my understanding means that it’s music from the score and the stuff that was left on the cutting room floor.
Solitude of Prime Numbers is an Italian film that looks like it won’t be released in the States. It’s a bit of a shame, because I’d like to hear the music in the context it’s meant to be heard in. So I tried to read the novel which is extremely depressing. Which I’m fine with, but didn’t really find much depth in the characters outside of being lonely and miserable.
But the music is very good. Quite different than his last two scores. This one’s a bit more somber and ambient. Very string and piano laden synths. Looking through the credits, Patton thanks Carpenter which wasn’t immediately apparent, but makes sense thinking about it now. I guess the best way to describe it is as one of those artsy albums that I probably won’t think to listen to a lot, but will enjoy very much when I do.
VRSA – Galaxia
OK. So the year’s ending, and because the site was down, busy schedule, and general procrastination, I’ve had a couple albums sitting around for months that I’ve been intending on reviewing. I’m going to reacquaint myself with these albums and give a couple quick reviews to get myself caught up as I’m already getting albums to be released next year.
Galaxia is the sophomore effort from the Connecticut rock group. This is a pretty different album from last year’s Old Man Gray. For one thing the songs are longer. Its more of a streamlined writing style. The diversity is found more within each song as opposed to splitting up into different songs.
Like Old Man Gray it starts out with a heavy rocker and progresses to spacey jams. It’s cool. If you like the first, you shouldn’t be disappointed. If you haven’t heard the first, check one them out. Seriously.