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October 7, 2013

BLN – “Moldern” Out Oct-07, Release Party Oct-11

bln_moldern_album_cover_2013Tracklist: “ILA” * “Care” * “Toy” * “Silk” * “Trip” * “Classic” * Prdss” * “Crystal” * “Naked” (feat. Luiza Zan) * “Gandurile” (vs. Monojacks) Remixes: “Care” (Plaid Inashed Remix) * “ILA” (Architect Remix) * “Toy” (Roel Funcken rmx) * “Silk” (r.roo Remix) * “Care” (Yvat Remix) * “Trip” (Erode Remix) * “Classic” (Dirk Geiger Remix) * “Naked” (Midimode Remix) * “ILA” (Basementgrr rmx) * “Care” (scrambled by Cycler on a rainy day) * “Trip” (Across the Bridge Mix by Talvekoidik) * “Prdss” (Reformed by Randomform) * “Care” (Core Dumped by Reform-1)

BLN previously on Viva Music sites: Brazda lui Novac in deschiderea concertului Covenant | Brazda lui Novac – “Dizzy”: Out Tomorrow |

Release date: Oct-07, 2013, via Bandcamp.com

Official launch event: Oct-11; 22:00hrs @Control Club, Bucharest, Romania | RSVP here.

About: Started in 1997 as a hobby, Brazda Lui Novac is now Romanian musician Victor Popescu’s fully blossomed electronic project. Having spent his childhood in a district called “Brazda Lui Novac” (translation: “the furrow of Novac”), Victor found it fitting to give the same name to what he creates musically, as adult now. Entailed in a genre fusion, Brazda Lui Novac’s sound stretches from melodic synth sounds to collages of IDM, industrial, electro and often encompassing subtle elements of shoegaze. In 2003, Victor opened Square Sound Studio, followed by Square Sound Records in 2009. This had a major influence on his livesets by shifting the digital feel of the music to a more physical one, including more hardware to the act. In 2011, Brazda lui Novac (currently BLN) released the album “Dizzy” with Raumklang Music.

BLN – “Moldern” – Viva Music Review: BLN’s “Moldern” comes as a revelation this fall, with sufficient warmth to keep us going through the coming cold. “ILA” is the opening piece of the two-disc album, serving both as an intro and a recipe for the entire album. It combines diversity and a common red thread that reads easily and makes a perfect soundtrack for the fall. The ensuing piece, “Care” is probably one of the best pieces of the album, and its eerie effect does not wear off even after several listens. “Toy” adds to the previous agenda-setting a little more boost, with its majestic arches and staccato flows over a cathedral-like anthem. With “Silk” and “Trip” the album gains in texture, and with “Classic” it marks a turning point int he album toward the nostalgic and the yearning. “Prdss” continues the series with a great melodic line, which would make the best soundtrack for the end credits of a new Bond movie. Up next, “Crystal” stands very well as a good competitor against “Care” for best track of the album. Of a special quality that matches in tone and hue the album, the Luiza Zan feature is a splendid example of what finely tuned vocals can do in finesse to the above trend, and you can notice her jazzy input for a track that is altogether brilliant. As for the last piece, “Gandurile” (Romanian: “The Thoughts”) is nothing less than we expected from a collaboration with the Monojacks. It bears their signature riffs, but blends in miraculously with the undercurrents of BLN’s music creating a topnotch track. The second disc of the album is a series of remixes for the first disc tracks, amplifying the voices in “Moldern”, ranging from Architect to Dirk Geiger remixes. An extensive listen, the second disc is a manifest for such collaboration, because of the wealth of musical ideas that can develop in collaborative music spaces. BLN’s “Moldern” is an album that is well worth many listens, and encapsulates enough musical material to sound different with every such listen. Highly recommended new addition to your album collection, enjoy!

BLN – on Facebook | on Discogs

April 22, 2013

Moon.74’s “How I Feel” new video premiers on Darkwave.ro on Apr-22

moon74_howifeel_single_cover

Tracklist: “How I Feel (Radio Edit)” * “Endlose Träume” * “How I Feel (Frozen Plasma Remix)” * “How I Feel (Bitchy Remix by Ginger Snap5)” * “How I Feel (Rob Dust Remix)” * “Endlose Träume (Club Version by Rob Dust)” * “How I Feel (Syrian Remix)

The song is written by Dominic Hein (MOON.74)| Music by MOON.74 and Rob Dust | Lyrics by MOON.74 | Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Rob Dust | Logos and Artworks by MOON.74 | The song “How I Feel (Radio Edit)” is taken from the limited Single Edition “How I Feel“. Worldwide available as MCD and via download. Published by INFACTED RECORDINGS ©2013. “How I Feel” will be also available on the upcoming studio album with the same title, “How I Feel”.

Previously on darkwave.ro: Moon.74 – “Newborn”: Viva Music Review 

About the singleMOON.74 is back to earth with the new Hit-Single “How I Feel” taken from the upcoming and album with the same title, to be released by Infacted Recordings. “How I Feel” is modern, catchy, brutally honest and better than ever before! So be careful, while “How I Feel” will take over the clubs and enter the charts! Take also attention to the B-Side with the De/Vision all time classic “Endlose Träume” in a absolute incredible brandnew version of MOON.74. Don’t miss the new video of “How I Feel” as well.

MOON.74 – “How I Feel” – New Video:

MOON.74 is back on earth! After the successful debut album “Newborn” and the following strictly limited edition remix album “Reborn“, now the second studio album called “How I Feel” by MOON.74 will be released soon. Much straighter, more emotional and also more personal than the first album. “How I Feel” satisfies from the first tune and leads you into the world of MOON.74. The album is completely written by Dominic Hein again and will be released by INFACTED RECORDINGS. In a very close collaboration with producer Rob Dust, who has worked in the past with artists such as De/Vision, Camouflage or Joachim Witt, a masterpiece of electronic music was born. “How I Feel” includes a lot of hit singles that have the potential to become classics of electronic music. Synthesizers of the 80s and 90s meet modern crunchy sounds and fat beats. Hymnal melodies and deep touching lyrics blend with the unmistakable charismatic voice of singer and songwriter Dominic Hein. The album also covered an enormous range and is absolutely unique! In the last years MOON.74 has been made a tremendous development and now with “How I Feel” at least gained a lot. So welcome back on Earth! Welcome to the Sound of MOON.74!

Moon.74 – Official Website | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

Jean-Marc Lederman (Fad Gadget, The The, Gene Loves Jezebel, The Weathermen, Front 242, Ghost & Writer) about “How I Feel“:

“The latest song released by Dominic Hein (MOON.74) is a wonderful musical jigsaw that sums up and climaxes in a great chorus that’s not unlike Depeche Mode‘s best moments. They say that our brain expects its rewards when a chain of events pushes the expectations and, with this song, we’re very much at home, enjoying this cool tune. As it always happens with MOON.74, the music and the vocals intertwine and chase each other with inventive subtlety. A definite must-have.”

Jean-Marc Lederman introduces himself as “JML of Ghost & Writer“. After sharing his thoughts about the new MOON.74 new release with Darkwave.ro, he also stated:  “as it often happens with composers, we don’t like to speak much about other composers. All I have to say is: Bravo, Dominic, I just hope you don’t do many other perfect electropop songs like this one ;)”.

Jean-Marc Lederman‘s projects in review on Darkwave.ro:

La Femme Verte“Small Distortions” review

Ghost & Writer“Shipwrecks” review

Ghost & Writer“Red Flags” review

Ghost & Writer on Bandcamp

April 18, 2013

Tenek – “Another Day” (EP): Viva Music Review

Filed under: Album Reviews — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 5:07 pm

tenek_another_day_epOana Dorobantu for Viva Music 

Tracklist: * Another Day (Radio Edit) * A New Foundation * Elusive (Alien Six Remix) * Another Day (Airwolf One Remix) *

Release date: 11 March 2013 with Alien Six Productions

About Tenek: Tenek is an electronica act from electro motherland the UK. They’re actually based in the musician city of the Brits, Brighton. Their history starts in 2007 when they were formed and passes through some milestones up to this day: from opening for legendary band The Human League to playing iconic gothic festivals around Europe, including our very own Darkwave.ro Fest in 2011 – where they pretty much stole the moment for the audience. For eager fans, this EP launch is just a tiny morsel of a tease to their upcoming album due to be released this year.

Previously on darkwave.ro:  BAS 2013 – Celebrating Basildon’s Musical HeritageTenek – “EP 2”: Viva Music Review | Tenek @Darkwave.ro Festival 2011: Viva Music Review with Photos

Tenek – Another Day: Viva Music Review

Tenek has been a long time favorite of ours so it comes as no surprise that we were looking forward to this release. Another Day consists of two new songs and two remixes. The starting track is also the title track of this album, “Another Day(Radio Edit)” – a production complimenting pure synthpop treat that will make electronica fans go on a frenzy on the dance floor. Next we’re brought down tempo with an enchanting, dark track “A New Foundation”, a song that shows this more mature direction in which Tenek has been heading for a while.

The first remix off the album for the 2011 song “Elusive (Alien Six Remix)” feels like a well deserved afterthought for really impeccable creation. We’re thinking it was time to revive this song for the current alternative club scene. The last track, “Another Day (Airwolf One Remix)”, definitely brings a new twist on the song, it’s quite a dandy number to dance to. We enjoyed this almost frustratingly short EP, so give it a listen or twenty before their new album reaches stores this year!

April 8, 2013

Desireless & Operation of the Sun – “L’Oeuf du dragon”: Viva Music Review

desireless_operation_of_the_sun_l_oeuf_du_dragon_2013Oana Dorobantu for VIVA MUSIC.

Tracklist: * Sertão * Le Sel sur tes Mains * Joue * Uchronia 2012 * John * Voyage, Voyage * Les Petits Poissons * Sertão [ Remix Oil10] * Joue [ Remix Stolearm] *  Sertão [Remix Electrosexual] * Le Sel sur tes Mains [Remix BakXIII] * Sertão [Remix People Theatre] *

Release date: 26 March 2013 with Urgence Disk Records

About Desireless & Operation of the Sun: Remember that 80s single Voyage Voyage sung by a punk looking chick? Well, that chick happens to be Claudie Fritsch-Mentrop otherwise known as Desireless, 80s chart topper sensation. In 2011, Antoine Aureche of 80s revival project Operation of the Sun was working on a new album and invited Claudie to record vocals for a song. It felt so natural that they ended up doing a double EP together and according to him, she’s not just punk looking, but also punk spirited. Here’s a combination we’re willing to bet some hard earned money on.

Desireless & Operation of the Sun – L’Oeuf Du Dragon: Viva Music Review 

We weren’t expecting this album, but after 2011’s Uchronia, we had definitely set our hopes up for it. Good thing we did, because in the summer of 2012, Desireless & Operation of the Sun delivered a stunning EBM sounding 80s infused synthpop double EP named L’Oeuf Du Dragon which featured 5 original songs, 2 tasty rehashes  of older Desireless songs, and 5 remixes.  (more…)

April 1, 2013

IAMX – The Unified Field: Viva Music Album Review

iamx_the_unified_field_2013_cover

Oana Dorobantu for VIVA MUSIC 

Tracklist:  “I Come With Knives” * “Sorrow” * “The Unified Field” * “The Adrenalin Room” * “Quiet the Mind” * “Under Atomic Skies” * “Screams” * “Come Home” * “Animal Impulses” * “Walk With The Noise” * “Land of Broken Promises” * “Trials” *

Release Date: PledgeMusic – International 22-Mar.

About IAMX: IAMX  is Sneaker Pimps’ frontman Chris Corner’s multimedia project, a melting pot of music and visual art experiments. Bordering somewhere between dark and sensual electro with an agressive or nostalgic beat, IAMX has been the talk of the town since its debut in 2004. Come 2013, the project has more unified aural and visual roots which stand up to the test with this new album based on the scientific theory of a universal consciousness that binds all people together. Chris Corner has stated that in this body of work he is attempting to “accept human nature for what it is and learn to love it”. Not an easy task, but when creative juices are pumping and flowing, the end result is both mesmerizing and challenging.

IAMX: “THE UNIFIED FIELD” – VIVA MUSIC REVIEW:

Right off the bat one of our most contemplated upon releases in 2013 was the new IAMX album. With every release, this band raises the bar higher and higher for their scene and it never stays in the studio. The creative force behind IAMX is one encompassing music production, visual aesthetics, and powerful performances that make you yearn for more. After 2011’s Volatile Times, both the album and the associated tour left audiences everywhere with a sugar tooth that wouldn’t stop aching. With “The Unified Field“, Chris Corner delivered big time on a promise he silently made to his fans everywhere – a promise to never be forgotten.  (more…)

March 4, 2013

Swedish Electro vol.1 Compilation

viva_swedish_electro_scene_vol.1Tracklist: “Me and You” – Moist feat. Smith & Thell * “Devil & I (Control Mix)” – Optic * “Obscurity” – Rezonance * “Saudade (Swedish Electro Scene Mix)” – Arachnophobias * “Memories” – Avantgarde * “Quiet as a Knife” – Liebe * “European Lover” – International * “Bright” – Cold Connection * “Be Silent (Currency of Joy Remix)” – Dpoint * “Do You Want to Go” – Social Ambitions * “Lifeline” – Radiant * “Secrets & Lies” – Emmon * “Twilight Zone (Swedish Electro Remix)” – Endless Shame * “In Your Arms” – Vanguard * “Providence” – Neurobash * “Unknown” – Additive Nil * “Miscreation (Version)” – Unitary * “The Iron Sky” – Chaos All Stars * “Victims of Fashion” – Steelberry Clones * “Kick” – The Pain Machinery * “The Devil’s Just a Man” – A life lived-Bible * “Never Follow Anything” – Atari Cowboy * “Hela din Varld” – Spark! * “Progenitor” – Code 64 * “Zero G” – Cryo * “A Day Worth Time” – Libra * “Glas” – Fatal Casualties

The Facebook-based project “Swedish Electro Scene” delights us with a free/name-your-price compilation entitled “Swedish Electro vol.1” (release date: Jan-05). Compiling no less than 2 hours of quality Swedish electro, with 27 tracks (see above detailed tracklist), the Bandcamp compilation indulges in the vibes of Swedish electronic music with vying tempos, showing throughout the compilation just how vibrant and varied the scene is. Some of the tracks are exclusively reworked for the sake of this compilation, while others are standalone works of artists, both published and previously unreleased. If you want to make your way in the thicket of Swedish electro of today, “Swedish Electro vol. 1” is a well needed primer. Enjoy!

Facebook project page | Bandcamp (download) page

February 15, 2013

Ghost & Writer – “Red Flags”: Viva Music Album Review

ghost_writer_red_flags_2013Tracklist: “Gambit” * “[Do I Have] Your Word” * “Hurricane” * “Shine” * “Demons Crawl” * “Never Take Fire” * “Just the Same” * “Beyond Repair” * CD also includes 8 remixes of tracks above by various artists + 8 additional remixes are available in the “Black Album” limited edition, only available to purchasers of physical CD | Release date: Dependent (Europe) – 04-Apr; Metropolis (US) – Mar-12.

Previously on darkwave.roGhost & Writer – “Shipwrecks”: Viva Music Album Review

About Ghost & WriterGHOST & WRITER is a project group devised by JIMMYJOE SNARK III, a man of multiple talents featured as VIVA MUSIC’s Artist of the Month in October 2010, and SEABOUND’s Frank Spinath – a killer combination that comes with a great concept album and good vibes. Prior to the album’s release, JIMMYJOE SNARK III confessed toVIVA MUSIC that “Shipwrecks” comes as a mirrored structure of 8 tracks and their remixes, with a Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde quality to it: “both Frank and I are involved in different bands and projects, so there are some elements we put in here and not there, maybe because that is not the right project for it, and in that sense, there is a Dr. Jeckyll aspect to how we behave”’.

Ghost & Writer: “Red Flags” – Viva Music Review:

When the news of a new Ghost & Writer album got to us, we took it as a good sign for 2013. Not only had their previous “Shipwrecks” left a strong impression with us, but it also stayed. We somehow knew that the creative efforts put into a side project are sometimes larger, paradoxically, than in a main project, because you usually want to pour into it a larger scale of emotions and a more minute musical effect, so somehow, the news of a new Ghost & Writer album took us aback. Had time passed so fast? Have they found something new to show and proudly present it? To both questions, we were to find, the answer was yes.

The thing with “Red Flags” is that it hits you from the moment you see the disc. The strong colors and imagery of the cover play with disclosure and secrecy in the exact recipe that makes you curious to go further, with the next sense, that of hearing. Listening to the album, you realize, it’s a great distance from what you loved in “Shipwrecks“, but not at all least lovable. “Red Flags” uses this imagery – of ‘red flags’ signaling peril, getting attention, asking for caution. These are the red flags of a personal experience, in which things do not go as partners wish or expect, they are red flags for no-fairytale and put-your-feet-back-on-the-ground.

The songs in the album come in a narrative sequence: beginning with the melodious “Gambit“, in which we see the signs of a strong bond (“when one of us is cut/we both bleed“), which simply sweeps the listener off their feet, to “[Do I Have] Your Word”, in which the notion that the fairytale ended (“the fairy dust is gone“), we see a transition, both musical and lyrical. “[Do I Have] Your Word” strikes as a very vibrant and emotional piece, you can actually see how many boundaries of emotions are trespassed in front of your eyes, and it brings along a very elegiac, yet unhurt streak of feeling. “Hurricane” shows if not the storm, its aftermath, and lights up in bright and dark undertones which complete each others like tresses of hair. But then with “Shine“, when we also gain more intuition into what probably went wrong, we also see the facts as they are: the contrasting mild English and stark German lyrics add to the composition greatly and the result is a great musical piece. And if emotions are to be laid bare, the unleashed “Demons Crawl” shows more. Gradually we see how music during the conception phase of the album was thought to escalate and capture like a musical photo camera the emotions in their best melodic line. “Never Take Fire” shows in terms of the romantic affair described by the album some love fatigue – but luckily for the listener, this comes packed in a great tune. “Just the Same“, covers oceans of emotions and shows how intricate the question of ‘going on’, ‘with or without’ is when you talk about the sublime and mundane emotions which entangle two people. And then, “Beyond Repair” gives the verdict, although we don’t know whether they are going on, finding happiness together or elsewhere, or even trying to keep up appearances and content themselves with what they have, which, emotionally, is already a lot. But we do know “Beyond Repair” is a great track, even without a denouement – and has a wonderful effect of letting you wanting more of what Ghost & Writer have produced, which is a great quality for any album. Enjoy!

Ghost & Writer: Official Website  | on Facebook

December 3, 2012

Ad Inferna – New Album “im mortelle” out 07-Jan 2013: Viva Music Album Review

 Tracklist: “Eternity Regained” (feat. Melissa Ferlaak) * “The Freezing Light” (feat. MyLucina) * “Extra Life” * “ReBirth” (feat. Annie Bertram) * “One Million Miles Away” * “Equinoxe” (feat. Alina Dunaevskaya) * “In-Human” * “Moira” (Bewitched by Jana Cova) * “Ad Vitam” (feat. Melissa Ferlaak) * “Eternity Regained” (Acoustic Version/Bonus Track)

 

Other Ad Inferna news on darkwave.roDsm, the new release from Ad Inferna | Ad Inferna “There Is no Cure” Viva Music Album Review – Out April-26  | VoA VoXyD from Ad Inferna – the Exclusive Viva Music Interview  | New Ad Inferna Single “eXsangue” Out! | Ad Inferna “Ultimum Ominum” – New Album to Be Released in March 2012 – Viva Music Album Review

 

About: With their 6th album called “im mortelle“, the French unclassifiable band unveils an intimate and very personal part of their soul. Their trip into space takes us where the reason ends & where madness begins. Magic, bewitching, disturbing and so sensuous, “im mortelle” won’t leave you indifferent. Release date: 07-Jan 2013 on DSM Records, CD and digital (source: press release).

 

Ad Inferna – “im mortelle”: Viva Music Album ReviewWith the release of their previous material “Ultimum Ominum” just months away, and with the sharp effect of their “There Is No Cure” still active, Ad Inferna announce new material under the name “im mortelle“: the French word for “immortal” ripped through comes to mind, but also a different spelling of the phrase “I’m mortal” kept in the shell of the same word “immortal“. The album, to be released on 07-Jan 2013 is preceded by the release in early December 2012 of the single “Moira“.

 

im mortelle” comes with a very specific red thread: the interplay of life and death, with suspensions thereof in immortality and unbornness/pre-existence. A very good material, it comes packed with numerous collaborations which give voice to the anima of Ad Inferna, which, with few but extremely notable exceptions, was kept silent in the works, with a limited set of feminine voices in the spotlight, but as if giving a hint that before life and death come into the equation, our gender is irrelevant, Ad Inferna give a lot of space to feminine voices on the new album. From very early on in the album, and to back this up there is “Eternity Regained” (feat. Melissa Ferlaak), this becomes an obvious reason why you should listen to the good work of Ad Inferna. They whole-heartedly take us on this round trip that starts and ends with “Eternity Regained“, trip in which you will have to shed your clothes and beliefs and join in the continuum of existence. With “Freezing Light” (feat. MyLucina) which undertakes the task of putting into music and word the legend of the ultimate truth found in the Vatican, the beats become a fusion of dark electronica and religious chants, not unlike we have heard before from Ad Inferna, but with an unheard before dynamism and drive. It is not until “Extra Life” that we realized that the sound work of Ad Inferna is indeed the needed link between the rich imagery of the album and the philosophical (or be it, theosophical) context thereof. And if what you mean, after listening to the new lease of life given by “Extra Life“, is to go on a treasure hunt with this album, you need no go too far. “ReBirth” provides another instance where music fuses around a strong core of elegance – and that’s a condition checked when artists such as Ad Inferna meet another multitalented artist such as Annie Bertram, while the ensuing “One Million Miles Away“, with its provocative swirl, takes us to the old Ad Inferna sound, under the wings of which we can feel secure and at the same time exposed to the darkness of the surrounding world. On a more lyrical side, “Equinoxe” (feat. Alina Dunaevskaya), is, not only because of the heartbeats sampled into the track, a sort of heart of the album, heart and hearth, at the same time. And after you listen to the efforts of combating de-humanization captured in “In-Human“, with equal shares of temptations on either side of keeping human on the one hand and communing with the otherworldly, it is high time you listen to “Moira” (Bewitched by Jana Cova). “Moira“, which can in fact be listened to here, although more danceable than the rest of the compilation, in which the philosophical acumen takes control and dons different clothes than previously with Ad Inferna‘s music, is probably – further listens of the album and of course the fans’ feedback will decide that – a center piece in the puzzle of the album, illuminating with its sound, and obscuring with its imagery, but keeping within the bounds of the common theme of what is before life and after death. “Ad Vitam” (feat. Melissa Ferlaak) is profoundly dual with an interplay of optimism and clair-obscur landscapes, which shows the great strides one has to make in order to become alive. Last but not least, the acoustic version of “Eternity Regained” is offered as a bonus track, closing the circle of life opened with the same piece in the album debut.

im mortelle” is not one million miles away (to quote an album track title) from the previous productions of Ad Inferna, and luckily so. Although, due to the diligent choice of topic the album gains a different consistency and changes more often colors, you can still recognize the veins that created Ad Inferna music before, and that’s a definite relief in a musical landscape dominated by change. Not only a very fecund act, but also one with total substance, Ad Inferna will amaze you starting 07-Jan with “im mortelle“. Enjoy!

Ad Inferna – Official Website | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

November 8, 2012

a.p.a.t.T. and Secret Chiefs 3 @Silver Church, Bucharest, Nov 07, 2012 – Viva Music review with photos

Without exaggerating a bit, I would say that last night I had my most notable musical experience of the year 2012.

The two beautiful and heart-felt shows of a.p.a.t.T. and Secret Chiefs 3 charged me with energy enough to last until I make sure I see them again, somehow. And I will. These are shows to look forward to, this is the music anyone can and should enjoy. Radio stations should make a rule of sharing excellent music, not mainstream music, perfect music gems that will surely survive the test of time and still be great 200 years from now. Last night the participants’ musical tastes were irrelevant; we all vibrated like one to the crazy experimental awesomeness of a.p.a.t.T. and then to the majestic musical occult of Secret Chiefs 3.

Why was I so excited? Why did I feel this was a night to remember? Not easy to explain… Most probably the infectious pleasure of the two bands to be on stage and share their passion, the impeccable execution of the instrument parts, the modesty and openness…

a.p.a.t.T.

 Official | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

a.p.a.t.T. stroke me as a jazz orchestra with a social message embedded in distorted and confusing melodies, a pizzicato of energy and regular human experiences, all topped with virtuoso instrumental tours de force from all band members. The show was theatrical and expressive, with all band members dressed in white and moving around like mad. They sang, danced, explained things and got into a trance just as the music was developing into a kind of short movie.

a.p.a.t.T. photos:

Secret Chiefs 3

 Official | on Facebook | Discography on Discogs

Secret Chiefs 3 can and should headline festivals and play stadiums.

However, I think they are too busy creating masterpieces, expressing their beliefs and enjoying live performances to have time to become famous. I know too many underground bands who choose to stay underground and I think they are right. Still, more people should enjoy the music of Secret Chiefs 3.

From the very beginning the band strikes as a group of introvert people with deep convictions and living in their own universe. They create a film on stage; the monks antagonistically placed next to a punk rocker who plays his heart out on violin, guitar and trumpet tell stories of lost souls and dark experiences, having us travel with them to faraway lands. I could hear and literally feel the Arabic music influences, the depth of metal and the darkness of Gothic tunes, I felt like riding a horse in the wild, wild West to switch quickly to a Balkan traditional songs mixed with some Bach and spiced up with Badalamenti. The energy, the determination to complete every piece with utter professionalism while having the best of fun and laughing and cheering moved all participants in an indescribable way. We asked for more and we received encores that seemed to project our experience in a parallel dimension, a timeless place where we could save this night forever.

Thank you, Secret Chiefs 3!

Secret Chiefs 3 photos:

October 16, 2012

Kosheen, October 13, 2012 at Panic! Club, Bucharest: Viva Music Review and Photos

I cannot imagine music in the years 2000 without Kosheen. I remember watching the video for All in My Head and wondering how in God’s name did Sian manage to survive that shooting? On Saturday, October 13, 2012, is Bucharest I had the immense pleasure to chat with her backstage, during the instrumental tracks her 2 colleagues were taking care of. Sian confessed that shooting that video was quite difficult as she had to take intensive diving lessons and she had to learn how to smile and keep her eyes open underwater! I don’t know how you feel after reading this, but I was stunned! Just watch the video again, and you will understand:

Some history behind this legendary group: they are a British trip hop, breakbeat and rock group based in Bristol, England. Bristol has given many unique acts to the world: Massive Attack, Tricky, Portishead, Roni Size, Smith and Mighty, Dr Meaker, AllFlaws to name a few. I will allow our readers to find the common traits for all these acts. The trio consists of producers Markee Substance and Darren Decoder, with singer and song writer Sian Evans. They could not have chosen a better name for their band but Kosheen (Ko = old, sheen = new, Japanese), as their music has been absolutely brilliant from the very beginning to this day. According to Sian Evans, the talented Kosheen vocalist, the name of their band “is phonetic and warm. Actually it is derived from a name for a North American Warrior, Kochese. When we were touring we discovered that the characters for Ko and She had a meaning of Old and New. Our group name was something that we where throwing around and Kosheen just sounded right, we didn’t realize that it had this meaning.”

We witnessed old and new Kosheen on the small stage of the semirefurbished Panic! Club in Bucharest and we enjoyed it immensely. After their gig in Cluj at the chic Boiler Club, Kosheen came straight to Bucharest to perform as part of their tour to promote their latest album, Independence. After listening to the new album I was even more looking forward to seeing them live, as the music was old and new at the same time, the ageless female voice over the beautiful danceable tunes. Independence is a coherent and well produced album that confirms in 2012 the status of premium band Kosheen have gained over the years.

Kosheen performance in Bucharest started with a DJ set that warmed everyone up, but the best was still to come. Without any former introduction Sian appeared on stage and started singing Empty Skies off of their first album, Resist, an amazingly energetic track that highlights the talent of the vocalist and literally forces the audience to start jumping up and down singing along! Kudos to the participants on Saturday night who tirelessly sang along and danced to every tune!

Sian herself pointed out a few times that the Romanian audience knew all the lyrics and she allowed the participants to sing the chorus of Hide U and Catch, without accompanying them. At the very beginning of the fourth song (exactly when the photographers are supposed to leave the photo pit), Sian invited the press to f**k off and allow the audience to dance and have some real fun near the stage. She also added that she could stop worrying about her mascara falling off once the photographers were gone! And we were gone! At a certain point, Sian invited a guy screaming his heart out, dancing and bouncing around on stage to sing with her and he was definitely very happy about that.

It was a great night and everyone enjoyed the well known hits such as: (Slip & Slide) Suicide, Hide U, Hungry (a famous track that made history with me because of the very sexy gothic Sian in the video, not only for the excellent music), Catch and so on. I had the feeling that the concert was not going to end. I remembered loving and being loved, dancing at the disco, playing Kosheen in the morning and getting their songs stuck in my head for weeks on end. Thank you, Kosheen!

 

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