This week our eclectic selection of reviews covers the new releases from Mika, Little Man Tate, Ben Taylor, Tangerine Dream, The Waterboys and Cajun Dance Party. Click below and leave your views...
Tangerine Dream - Madcap’s Flaming Duty ----- Eastgate 3/5
Reviewed by Grace Tiede
Another of those bands that you assume have dwindled into obscurity, and are then pleasantly surprised to find still producing music.
This album has an unexpected folky edge in with its familiar Progressive sounds. Highlights were a lovely version of Creole Girl, and the vocal performances from Chris Hausl, the slightly Radiohead/U2 reminiscent guitar, and keyboards from founder Edgar Froese, and the overall uplifting ambience.
This is pleasant stuff, not hugely groundbreaking, but interesting enough to please the faithful, and perhaps win a few new fans too. Well worth a listen, if folky edged Progressive is your bag.
‘Nothing I Can Do’ Ben Taylor. Independiente
5/5
Reviewed by Rick Underwood
To come into the world as the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon is a weird karma for anyone.
Everyone listening to him for the first time must compare him to one or other, or both.
How can he step out of their shadow?
Can he, has he? Has he a talent all of his own?
He has. Certainly so, with a real warmth and passion in his fine vocals.
‘Nothing I Can Do’ is a lovely self penned song, and on the single it is accompanied by a sublime reworking of John Martyn’s ‘Glorybox.’ Quite Beautiful!
So is it nature or nurture that gives Ben his abundance of talent? I don’t know – no one does, and it really doesn’t matter! Fans of his parents or brand new listeners - don’t bother making comparisons, just give him a listen and you’ll be enchanted!
Cajun Dance Party The Next Untouchable/Buttercup 2/5
Not Cajun, no Dancing, no Party.
‘The Next Untouchable’ is driving guitar angst pop, good noises in
it, whiny early Curesque vocals, not unpleasant, and in keeping with
the lyrics.
‘Buttercup’ has something of a Grantchester Meadows Boys sort of a
vibe. Are they posh boys? I don’t know.
Really not bad. A band to watch for the future? Maybe. They are
experimenting, looking for a style that is truly theirs, and when
they find it, they might have something interesting to say.
The Waterboys Book of Lightning W14 Music 4/5
Reviewed by Mouse
The Waterboys, always interesting, otherworldly imps, freaky and
mysterious, and as friendly as the rag and bone man’s horse.
Lovely songs, jangly sounds, with plenty of swirling fiddle
arrangements and poignant lyrics.
Standout track for me is track four, Strange Arrangement, a great
song that blends a little wry humour with a tale of a hard lesson
learnt.
This album is bursting with life and energy and the Waterboys own
brand of eccentric feel good sounds.
This is a fine album that reminds us just why we love The Waterboys