Nation of Language – A Way Forward (2021) – Album Review

16th Nov 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Nation of Language are a Brooklyn-based trio, led by songwriter Ian Devaney, along with his wife Aidan Noell on synths and bassist Michael Sue-Poi. Their 2020 debut album, ‘Introduction, Presence’ was a lovingly crafted, pitch-perfect tribute to 80s synth pop, in all its shiny, euphoric, swooning glory. So precise was their re-creation of an iconic sound that even on first listening … Continue reading Nation of Language – A Way Forward (2021) – Album Review

Clinic – Fantasy Island (2021) – Album Review

3rd Nov 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Back for album number nine, Clinic remain as fiercely idiosyncratic and uncompromisingly odd as they did on their debut album, over twenty years ago. Fantasy Island, according to the press release, sees the band explore the themes of time, music and entertainment and going “...funky disco, broadening their sonic palette with the addition of several … Continue reading Clinic – Fantasy Island (2021) – Album Review

DARKSIDE – Spiral (2021) – Album Review

18th Aug 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Over the last decade and more, the Chilean born and New York based producer Nicolas Jaar has been subtly rewriting the rulebook on what constitutes electronic music and its many myriad forms. Under his own name and a clutch of aliases and side projects - Darkside being the occasional duo of Jaar and guitarist Dave … Continue reading DARKSIDE – Spiral (2021) – Album Review

Snapped Ankles – Forest of Your Problems (2021) – Album Review

31st Jul 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

It’s impossible to mention Snapped Ankles to anyone who’s familiar with them without being told how excellent they are live. For any band that builds their initial reputation as a formidable live act, transferring that energy and intensity to a recorded album is always going to be a challenge. A challenge which can result in … Continue reading Snapped Ankles – Forest of Your Problems (2021) – Album Review

Daniel Avery – Together in Static (2021) – Album Review

15th Jul 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Daniel Avery is one of a handful of noteworthy electronic producers who, over the years, has transition from a relatively slick and shiny sound to something much rougher around the edges. Andy Stott being another one, who a decade ago transformed his clean-lined techno into a lumbering reverb and distortion-caked take on dance music. Over … Continue reading Daniel Avery – Together in Static (2021) – Album Review

Loraine James – Reflection (2021) – Album Review

2nd Jul 20212nd Jul 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Rather than club music or urban music, Loraine James says that first and foremost, she produces ‘experimental music’. And though Reflection kicks off in relatively straightforward fashion with the bouncy lo-fi garage of ‘Built to Last’, which sounds archetypal of James’ North London roots, things soon meander off in varied unexpected directions. Reflection is the … Continue reading Loraine James – Reflection (2021) – Album Review

µ-Ziq – Scurlage (2021) – Album Review

9th Jun 202124th Jun 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Much of Scurlage was written while Mike Paradinas spent a family holiday on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, during lockdown in 2020. Rather than an idyllic get-away in one of the most scenic parts of the country, from the opening bars of first track, Blakers Loop, you might think Mike had a somewhat nightmarish time … Continue reading µ-Ziq – Scurlage (2021) – Album Review

Skee Mask – Pool (2021) – Album Review

29th May 202110th Jun 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

With the release of his third full-length album, Bryan Müller a.k.a. Skee Mask has surely established himself as one of the leading figures at the vanguard of electronic music. His 2018 album, Compro, rightfully found itself near the top of several year-end lists, and now with a bumper selection of brand new tracks drawn from … Continue reading Skee Mask – Pool (2021) – Album Review

John Beltran – The Season Series (2020)

28th May 202130th May 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Despite hailing from Lansing Michigan, rather than techno’s heartland in nearby Detroit, John Beltran could nevertheless be considered a member of US techno royalty. His CV boasts early releases on legendary imprints such as Derrick May’s Transmat label, Peacefrog Records and R&S, both under his own name as well as various aliases and collaborations. His … Continue reading John Beltran – The Season Series (2020)

Sofia Kourtesis – Fresia Magdalena (2021) – Review

27th May 202110th Jun 2021 ~ George's Music Blog ~ Leave a comment

Sofia Kourtesis’ new EP, Fresia Magdalena, is a timely and much needed ray of sunshine - as the warmer months approach and with them, the promise of evenings outdoors, picnics in the park and open-air music festivals. The anticipation of spring is always something to be savoured, but is heightened tenfold this year, given how … Continue reading Sofia Kourtesis – Fresia Magdalena (2021) – Review