Review: Bayonne – Primitives
Bayonne’s rich tapestry of musical assortments that makes up Primitives is a refreshing listen. Attention to detail rarely goes amiss yet can often be overlooked in our perpetual haste to do things as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thankfully this is not the case with Bayonne’s rich and intricate compositions that prove just how much […]
Review: Fauna Twin – The Hydra EP
The Hydra showcases Fauna Twin’s ultra-suave pop arrangements, Lynchian imagery and the roar of the city coming together in one attractively patterned jungle. French/Welsh pop duo of Claire Jacquemard and Owain Ginsberg (leader of Hippies Vs Ghosts and We Are Animal) have produced their four track debut EP entitled The Hydra. “Our influences are a […]
Review: Virginia Wing – Forward Constant Motion
Virginia Wing encourage experimentalism and sonic discontinuity on their second full-length LP, Forward Constant Motion. Initiated by guitarist Sam Pillay’s development of Labyrinthitis, the south London synth-pop duo have delved into an exploration of the decay of the human body. The condition in question results in vertigo and disorientation which would come on in spells […]
Review: Roger Goula – Overview Effect
Roger Goula’s Overview Effect draws on a centralised cognitive concept within a neo-classical framework to produce a truly immersive and dynamic debut. Born into a contemporary classical background, and building on his involvement with the free improvisation scene in the mid 2000s, Goula’s work has seen him develop into an experimental blend of classical chamber […]
Kouslin explains the anatomy of his culture-spanning label, and bass-laden release
Ahead of the debut release on his new label ‘Le Chatroom’ this Friday, I spoke to London-based producer Kouslin about his unique take on bass music and the importance of promoting musical diversity. Sam Ross-Laye, aka Kouslin, is part of the new wave of artists experimenting with and innovating UK bass music. His productions over […]
Review: Mauno – Rough Master
Nova Scotian quartet Mauno serve up a diverse sonic palate on their debut album, Rough Master. Glistening with an autumnal glow, ‘Rough Master’ provides an enticingly eclectic sonic journey. From shimmering strings to moody guitar, with flurries of delicate piano and smooth vocals weaving throughout the tracks, Mauno gleefully defy expectation at every turn on […]
The Professionals | Running a record label / store with Idle Hands owner Chris Farrell
Last year we hosted an evening of talks looking at the various professions within the music industry. Today we’re officially launching our new series called ‘The Professionals’. To celebrate the launch of this new series, we’re unearthing archival footage of our talks from last year, before bringing ourselves up to date. And so to get the […]
Review: C.Diab – No Perfect Wave
No Perfect Wave channels the ethereal sounds of natural beauty through exquisitely enduring strings and powerful sonic manipulation. Capturing the sublime transcendentalism and haunting remoteness that nature encapsulates is no easy feat, to say the least. Yet this is what multi-instrumentalist, and resident of Port Hardy’s raw landscapes, C.Diab, conveys with a deeply emotive and […]
Review: Citizenn – Say It Like You Mean It EP
Since surfacing on the Kerri Chandler owned record label MadTech, and being acknowledged as the ‘Best Breakthrough DJ of 2013’ by DJ magazine, Citizenn’s attraction with house music has propelled him into an internationally renowned artist, with releases on Love Fever Records, 20:20 Vision and Crosstown Rebels. Over the years, the London based imprint ABODE […]
Review: Luke Roberts – Sunlit Cross
For album number three Luke Roberts trades musical intricacy for lyrical substance, as he recounts heavy-hearted narratives abroad with a soft indie backdrop. Many may view Sunlit Cross as relatively simple and lacking in innovation, yet the emotion in Roberts’ voice resonates throughout, producing a comforting assortment of simple, alt-country songs. Roberts’ third record expresses […]