One of our skills exchange members – whose business is music – has sent on some album reviews for your reading pleasure. So we have new albums from the likes of Deetrich, The Staves, The Saw Doctors, Noiseaux and DJ Beenie.
1. Deetrich/ Tug Of War
Reekus Records
Tug of War is the new album released on Reekus Records by Deetrich. The ten track album which includes the new single “I’m Alive” displays the range of Deetrich’s haunting vocals. Her unique voice is the perfect instrument to weave the tales that this record provides. The quietly uplifting track “No Job, No Money” is a strong start to the album which continues with good song-writing throughout, in particular the quirky and elegant “Can’t Sleep at Night” and cavernous sounds in “Maybe It’s Time”. The soulful yet subtle production allows Deetrich’s voice to shine throughout and is indeed a quality album from start to finish.
2. The Staves/Dead & Born & Grown
Atlantic Records
Three piece family outfit The Staves recently released their stunning album ‘Dead & Born & Grown’. Little musical delicacies like this creep in upon us only every once in a while. Pitch perfect, lush harmonies and simplified compositions make this album utterly sublime and non invasive on the ears. When you press the play button the world lies still for a moment. One should find themselves aglow in the sounds of intertwined harmonies that have been specifically made to make you stand still and reconnect with yourself. This is an album that reaches in and pulls on the heart strings. It emphasises the sometimes lost elements of life that you may have forgotten about.
One word: Wonderful.
3. The Saw Doctors/ 25.25
Shamtown Records
One of Ireland great musical institutions of this fair Isle; The Saw Doctors, have reached a mile stone this year. I guess its a done deal once Uncle Gaybo sits you on his couch to speak about the years of music and all that has come and gone, as they appeared earlier this year on RTE’s For One Night Only, a National recognition that every Irish Artist seeks. But with these veterans of the Irish Music Scene, there is still much to come. Their synonymous rehashed ‘best of’ album ‘25.25’ superbly showcases the bands utmost best hits and some hidden gems. An absolute must for dedicated Doc fans and for new fan alike. The perfect Christmas gift this year.
4. Noiseaux/Spectrum
Jeanne Dark Records
Spectrum is the latest release by Noiseaux, a Black German artist by the name of Noah Sow who prides herself on producing alternative dance music. And alternative it certainly is; I have rarely heard anything like it. Her voice is beautiful and tracks such as “A Loaded Voice” demonstrate the power of simplicity as she sings the wide ranging melody line which carries you with her throughout the song for over five minutes. The use of guest artists such as Msoke on the track “What I Want”, an upbeat feminist call to arms, makes the album truly hypnotising in its breadth of musical accomplishment. The overall sound is so unusual it couldn’t be pigeon holed into one genre but if one had to categorise I would suggest minimal/house with dollops of Afro-punk!
5. DJ Beenie/Skyfall Remix
DJ Beenie’s remix of the current James Bond theme song Skyfall sung by Adele is tonnes of fun. The remix is a proper funky house tune and the catchy bass line means it will stay in your mind long after you’ve listened to it. Which isn’t a bad thing at all. I prefer the vocal mix to the instrumental mix on this release; it is a Bond tune after all, you need to hear the climactic vocal melody.