Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

24 October, 2014

Shadow Lad-Still Point Of Turning World

Filed under: acoustic,folk,grunge,indie,Recorded Reviews — Tags: debut album, eve privitera, shadow lad, still point of the turning world — willmunn @ 08:33

Shadow Lad (also known as fifteen year old Eve Privitera) is a singer-songwriter hailing from Worcester who is taking her first steps into the world of music. I first encountered the project after reading a facebook message asking for advice on how to get started, having already written an eleven track debut album and so I offered to cast my ears over the album.

The album in question, Still Point Of Turning World is an intriguing debut that showcases a songwriter who pens lyrics way beyond her years, the self-reflective lyrics, instantly capture the imagination and will resonate with anyone looking for their place in life, the lyrics are often reflective and introspective yet at times almost bordering on quirky whilst musically, Eve has a stripped down almost primal sound, an acoustic guitar strummed, plucked and beaten into submission complimenting her already world weary voice.

The album opens with Idiot, a wonderful introduction to Eve’s sound with a short yet infectious number complete with a simplistic yet affecting riff and a drawled vocal, whilst showcasing those introspective lyrics that Eve seems to pull out of the hat at ease.

The album continues in much the same vein, acoustic guitar, catchy melodies and biting lyrics, musically Eve, hints at a folk influence, whilst the barbed wire, close to the bone lyrics hint at the 90’s grunge scene or perhaps even Ani Difranco, Eve pulls no punches on the likes of How Can I Be Worse she wishes someone dead and talks about the cancer in their brain, whilst Flesh is an anguished tale of loss and despair, Lying Is An Art features the somewhat shocking couplet of “the angels say if I cut out my tongue, I could still get into heaven” over a machine gun strummed guitar, whilst Loss, Grace And Acceptance is a suitably mournful yet lament as one might imagine.

The eleven tracks on here are raw and demo like in quality and yet the unpolished production suits Eve’s delivery, each of the songs on here are short and concise with not time for embellished thrills and sound all the better for it. As first forays go Still Point Of Turning World is an impressive debut full of promise, it’ll be interesting to hear what she comes up with next, after some heavy gigging, Shadow Lad (or as I prefer Eve) is definitely one to watch for the future.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 7

www.facebook.com/theshadowlad

 

Album Artwork by Oscar Boyle

16 October, 2014

Danny & The Champions Of The World-Live Champs!

Filed under: acoustic,americana,Blog,country,folk,Recorded Reviews,rock n roll,roots,soul — Tags: danny and the champions of the world, live champs, new album — willmunn @ 19:27

A few years back I got to see Danny & The Champions Of The World perform at a small basement club in Cheltenham (Subtone) supporting their recently released album, Hearts And Arrows, the band were a revelation, the album was damn good, but the live experience was on another level completely. That night the band blended rootsy Americana with soul and the rock ‘n’ roll attitude of Springsteen, every song hit the mark, every morsel lapped up by an audience at fever pitch and even now I’d regard it as one of the best gigs I’ve attended among literally hundreds over the years.

So when the chance popped up to review a double live album (recorded this year at the Jazz Cafe, Camden) by Danny George Wilson and maverick band, I leapt at the chance to don my headphones and disappear into a world of stripped down rock, strummed acoustics, parping sax, rich harmonies and pedal steel guitar.

The album opens with the band building up a wall of sound before dropping down to a  gorgeous slice of drums and pedal steel guitar before Danny delivers his gorgeous folky (Dylan-esque) croon. (Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket is a glorious opener, instantly showcasing that rich and rootsy sound that could hark straight out of Woodstock (think the organic sounds of The Band!!). only with an additional inspired sax solo, stretching the sound into a cosmic soul direction.

Cold Cold World follows, adding vocal harmonies to an already potent sound creating a 60’s pop feel, whilst the combination of the aforementioned pedal steel and acoustic guitar keep the rootsy sound very much at the forefront. Let’s Grab This With Both Hands is a stunning soul number with Danny really letting his expressive voice go over rolling beats and horns that could have been lifted from a best of Stax compilation, highlighting those various influences that make Danny & The Champions Of The World such an experience.

The first CD continues in much the same vein, stripped down Americana colliding with big soul and timeless rock ‘n’ roll effortlessly, from the rousing, eleven minutes plus of Colonel & The King with it’s “Elvis is a flaming star” refrain and squalling electric guitar and sax solo’s to the organ drenched, country soul of  Darlin’ Won’t You Come In From The Cold, to the band’s tale of the road and firm fan favourite, Henry The Van, a gorgeous folk lament of touring and the band’s old mode of transportation, which even had me singing-along months later in the comfort of home.

The second CD opens with a pounded beat, those stunning pedal steel tones and a quite breathtaking twelve minute plus take on Other Days that again showcases the depth and musicality of the band’s sound, with each of the members of the Champions being allowed to express themselves, whilst Danny introduces the band.

From there the band take it home with a further five tracks that simply blow your socks off, beginning with the one-two winning combo of Every Beat Of My Heart and You Don’t Know (My Heart is In The Right Place) where the band unveil their inner E-Street Band fantasies with a couple of slabs of prime time, driving rock ‘n’ roll that’ll have the most restrained music fan punching the air in salute.

The band could have finished there, but no, Danny and the boys somehow muster the energy to unleash a thirteen minute take on Restless Feet with support act for the night, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou joining the band for additional vocal harmonies whilst the band weave their magic, with thrilling solos and driving riffs aplenty (checkout the stunning sax solo by Geoff Widowson). whilst the crowd show their appreciation clapping, hollering and crooning along gleefully.

There’s still time for a show stopping encore of Been There Before and a wonderfully ragged, stop-start, grand finale of These Days (again assisted by Trevor and Hannah on vocal duties) leaving the crowd (and me) baying for yet more.

Live Champs is a mind-blowing live album, the band are in glorious form throughout, Danny’s vocals are incredible from folky croon to soulful holler, whilst the song selection highlights the rich and varied sound of the band’s back catalogue. As for production, well it’s so crisp, you can almost smell the cider from the punter by the bar, few live albums truly capture a live atmosphere, but this one does and then some, it leaves you elated, drained and desperate for a repeat performance, like all memorable gigs do.

If you buy one live album, no scrap that one album period, this year make it Live Champs, the perfect document of the best live act in the UK right now.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.dannyandthechamps.com

25 September, 2014

Matt Woosey-Wildest Dreams

Filed under: acoustic,blues,country,Recorded Reviews,roots,soul — Tags: matt woosey, new album, wildest dreams — willmunn @ 19:54

 

Wildest Dreams, Matt Woosey, Album Release November 3rd

Most of you who have seen and heard Matt Woosey perform, either solo, or with his band, will know him to be a talented blues man, acoustic guitarist and an excellent writer. Matt does not need to fill his set with blues classics, though sometimes the odd song may be slipped in. He is also gifted with an excellent voice, capable of gentle, melodic country songs or spitting out the grit when a bit of passion is required. His last full album, ‘On The Wagon’, has provided plenty of material for a Woosey gig, a follow up EP bridged the gap to this new release, Wildest Dreams. This is where we find new elements to Matt’s work, the style is more expansive. There is still a blues connection, its an anchor that does not lift easily, but the album opens into new areas, Matt is spreading his wings. My initial thought on first play through was, wow, this is bloody good. Dissect it and you will certainly find blue veins, but you’ll also find a a massive heart, pumping out rock, country, maybe even some gypsy jazz. It starts with a beautifully written and performed,’Exactly As We Please’, a song about shared moments alone with someone you love. Then comes Wildest Dreams, bags of reverb opening with Tom Tom, and finding an ethereal Matt, evoking feelings of Woodstock and an almost forgotten era of peace and love.

‘I’ve Seen The Bottom’, starts slightly sullen and blue, but quickly bursts into a glorious rock anthem complete with Hammond Organ, and great, emotive, one liner lyrics. ‘Don’t Tell Nobody’, is a deliciously dark tale of forbidden fruits, and is, quite simply, superb.

Here we switch to the near 3 minutes of mesmerising gypsy jazz finger picking guitar lead in to, ‘Love Is The Strangest Thing’, where the lyrics float in like a sea mist, and still that guitar plays on. Two songs are lifted straight from The previous EP, always destined, I suspect, for an album, ‘Hook Line & Sinker’ is joined by ‘let It Flow’, both very worthy inclusions. This album was recorded, mixed and mastered in 4 days flat, at Monnow Valley Studio under Tony Hobden. Dave Small on percussion, was also joined by Paul Quin on Hammond, and Rob Newell on bass. Including ‘Hook Line & Sinker’, is pretty appropriate, because that is exactly how it grabs you. Its difficult to select a favourite or stand out track, they are all that good, but I do particularly like the steamy, ‘Don’t Tell Nobody’. This is a long way from being a formulaic album, the genre are varied, with the common thread of Woosey talent stitching it all together. To record this in just a few days, points to the select group of collaborators and the inspiration engendered by Lisa, Matt’s partner.

I cannot find the words to do justice to this CD, it is stunningly good, it deserves to find a much wider market than the blues genre alone, can provide. Matt has long demonstrated his musical credentials, a good vintage has matured into a premier Cru.

 

Words Graham Munn

23 September, 2014

Levellers-Greatest Hits

Filed under: acoustic,folk,indie,punk,Recorded Reviews,rock — Tags: greatest hits, levellers, new album — willmunn @ 20:29

levellers

The majority of the readers of this piece, should at least have an inkling about Brighton based six-piece The Levellers, the band have graced every music venue and festival (worth their salt) across the land in a twenty-five year career (to date). The band have regularly crossed over into the charts (twenty of the tracks featured on this compilation have charted!!), throughout their career, with their blend of fiery folk, rock and punk. Whilst their political and social commentary has received both critical and commercial acclaim, whilst paving the way for the likes of Frank Turner, The Leylines, The Roving Crows and perhaps to a lesser degree the likes of Mumford And Sons, Dry The River and the alike.

In recent years the band have continued with their heavy work ethic, constantly cropping up at festivals including the likes of Hop Farm, Lakefest, Wychwood and their own Beautiful Day festival, curated by the band themselves. During the little down time the band has had over the years, frontman Mark Chadwick has found the time to release a couple of solo albums along the way, whilst the other members of the band have also collaborated and produced on a number of other projects.

Disc One kicks off with three of the biggest guns in the Levellers armoury in the shape of Fifteen Years, Hope Street and What A Beautiful Day, each one showcasing everything that’s to like about the band, punchy riffs, contagious hooks, socially aware lyrics, fiery forays of violin and stomping rhythms combine to create a trio of long term live favourites. Hope Street still sounds as potent as the day it was released with its quiet-loud-quiet dynamic, barbed wire riffs, barrage of drums, weaving fiddle and Chadwick’s tale of social and political injustice, whilst What A Beautiful Day has that instant fist in the air upbeat chorus right from the off.

levellers1

This Greatest Hits package, two CD’s and a compelling documentary serves as a brilliant overview of the band’s twenty-five years together, bringing together all their well known sing-a-long anthems, a few rarities and four classics newly recorded with very special guests.

From such an impressive opening shot the band continue to dazzle with choice cuts lifted from the entire duration of their career, including the harmonica and horn assisted Dog Train, the new wave inspired duo of Belarus (notable, particularly for the edgy punk rock riffing and pounding drums middle section) and The Last Man Alive (with it’s pulsating chorus, thunderous rhythms and spiky guitar). Whilst the likes of Truth Is highlight that folk (perhaps even gypsy) influence with it’s rolling drums, upbeat fiddle and strummed acoustics, whilst Just The One and Before The End are both sensational, quirky indie pop numbers that bring to mind the likes of XTC and Celebrate is a gorgeous acoustic ballad, complete with female harmonies, whilst Too Real is an unworldly slice of baggy indie all proving there’s much more to the Levellers than blazing violins and punky riffs.

Disc Two continues the varied waltz around the pages of the Levellers successes featuring memorable hits such as One Way, Make You Happy and a fantastic live rendition of Exodus that captures the band in full flight as well the likes of Carry Me and a explicit run though the band’s War Child offering and political tour de force, The Recruiting Sergeant among numerous others.

But perhaps for long term Levellers fans talk should all be about the four re-recorded tracks (two a-piece on each CD) featuring guests Imelda May, Frank Turner, Bellowhead and Billy Bragg, helping out and giving old classics a new twist. May gives the aforementioned Beautiful Day a celtic soul twist with her glorious voice towering over an already potent mix, Frank Turner fronts up a lovely harmony assisted, widescreen folk of Julie, Bellowhead embellish Just The One with all manner of instrumentation (horns, strings, etc) and vocalization (including name-checking all manner of alcohol beverages) on a completely bonkers yet take. Whilst the Levellers rope in fellow folk-punk balladeer and social commentator Billy Bragg on a beautifully restrained Hope Street to close a stunning thirty-five track history lesson.

Sometimes when you get a greatest hits album you wonder how they ever filled an entire disc, in the Levellers case you wonder how they managed to keep the collection down to two CDs and a DVD, this is a loaded collection of the Levellers finest moments, so whether you’re a long-term fan, a newcomer or want a handy reminder this compilation does a find job of chronicling one of the UK’s finest musical institutions.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.levellers.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

21 September, 2014

Alex Rainsford-Gone Away

Filed under: acoustic,folk,indie,Recorded Reviews,singer-songwriter — Tags: alex rainsford, gone away, New EP — willmunn @ 19:14

Alex Rainsford is one of those singer-songwriters that I’d heard about, from playing around the local (Worcestershire) music scene, without ever managing to catch him perform live. Now having listened to the Bromsgrove based performer’s second EP, I can see I need to rectify that situation at the next possible opportunity, before he can only been seen gracing the UK’s biggest stages.

Looking through a brief biography I stumbled upon online, it would seem that Alex is already on the cusp of big things, back in 2013 he manage to grace the likes of Glastonbury and Oceanfest, sharing  a stage with the likes of Gabrielle Alpin Bastille and Willy Mason among others, whilst a trip around Europe saw him support both Hudson Taylor and Broken Bones.

Reading the self same blog online there are comparisons to such names as Ben Howard and Mumford And Sons, however I’d say that Alex has a sound that’s very much his own, sure there are folky elements in places, acoustic guitars run throughout the six track duration of Gone Away, however there’s more drama than either of the aforementioned artists mentioned, the clash of quiet subtle acoustic verses and the soaring choruses catch you off guard but you can’t help being caught by the passionate delivery and the uplifting indie-like hooks.

The EP opens with a glorious statement of intent in the form of Better Man, a track that begins with that strummed acoustic guitar, broken with bursts of electric before breaking into a spellbinding, soaring chorus that lifts the already impressive track to another level.

Alex has this ability throughout the EP to deliver a soulful croon one minute and a big sing-a-long vocal hook the next and the second track, Same Kind, showcases that ability perfectly, one moment he delivers this restrained soul like vocal, the next he unveils a massive wordless hook that sucks the listener, urging them to holler along. The title track shares that same light and shade, subtle and subdued passages give way to an anthemic hook, whilst the closing number Blood Lines is a big indie folk anthem that the likes of the previously mentioned Mumford And Sons or Noah And The Whale would give their right arm for.

However my favourite track is the short yet rather wonderful Lady Traveller, a solo acoustic number that features a stunning weathered vocal that belies Alex’s years, before finishing with a near falsetto that again points at the diversity of Rainsford’s sound.

Gone Away is a wonderful six track affair that deserves to be heard and enjoyed the masses (and I highly suspect it will, given the right push!!), I highly recommend you join me next time Alex graces a local stage and marvel at one of the most intriguing and infectious singer-songwriters to hail from round these parts in some time.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.facebook.com/alexrainsfordmusic

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