Who: German electronic band, formed in 1967 by mastermindEdgar Froese.
The line-up changed frequently over the years with Froese as the only continuous
member until his death in 2015. Present line-up: Thorsten Quaeschning, Hoshiko
Yamane, and Paul Frick. Active: 1967-present / over more than 100 LPs
Info: “Composed and produced with full access to Edgar Froese’s Cubase arrangements (and Otari Tape Archive with recordings from 1977-2013). Raum is the band’s second studio album after the passing of the founder Edgar Froese in 2015. With deep respect for the sound of the previous five decades, this record continues in the ever-evolving pathway of Tangerine Dream.”
Band: ARAB STRAP (Scotland)
Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton Active: 1995–2006, 2011, 2016–present
7 studio albums so far.
Last year the Scots scored with their excellent album As Days Get Dark. And now they announced a new
limited edition 7”, out on 4th March, featuring two
tracks Aphelion and ‘Flutter.
Moffatt: “These two songs were written, recorded and mixed during
the sessions for As Days Get Dark but as much as we loved them, we
couldn’t find a place for them on the final album. Maybe it’s because
they seem to have their own distinct identities, but sometimes a song
just sounds better on its own, when it’s not part of a crowd and vying
for attention. So, to celebrate the anniversary of the album’s release,
we present ‘As Days Get Dark”s two runaway loners; a couple of black
sheep who might not click with the rest of the family but, even though
they aren’t very happy, are still worth a cuddle.”
It was their very first single that entered
the USA Singles Chart (50 years ago today).
The boiling belter stayed for 8 weeks on
the charts and peaked at #15.
This new single is vintage Korn. Uncomplicated nu-metal for everybody
who wants their ears to go bonkers. From their forthcoming, 14th LP Requiem, out early next month.
This comeback haymaker is” “about standing your ground against bullies, whether that
be on the playground, at work or anywhere.” I was a fan of early Muse exploits (their 2004 masterwork Absolution still gives me goosebumps). Their stardom made them go a bit too artificial and predictable for my liking. But this new one roars hard with a metallic sound as big as St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Cast-iron!
The late 70s cult post-punks (Factory Records) are back and their free-jazz-punk
firework is still intact. Led by poet/musician Ted Miltonthe mavericks groove as hell.
Message to all young bands out there: listen and take notes.
Not really a new track. It’s a previously unrealized song from their Twilight Terror
album sessions (their final LP – 1999). It will be part of a deluxe reissue edition titled ‘Terror Twilight: Farewell Horizontal’, out next April. More info here.
NME: “Anyone surprised at the trio’s continued success clearly hasn’t been listening.
Pop ambition, indie ideals and sonic experimentation: it’s all here. ‘Fix Yourself…’ is
the first indie release of 2022 that might weigh into Ed Sheeran and Adele’s mud fight
at the top of the album charts, and it might not even be long before The Wombats are headlining major festivals. Don’t look so surprised.” Full review here. Score: 4/5.
Turn Up The Volume: This one will catapult the Liverpool trio up high on the charts.
They apply here the quintessential formula for pop-ular indie success: irresistible tunes,
a bit cheesy here and there (they know) but always groovin’ and movin’ (you can dance
to most of the tracks). The Wombats fixed themselves, now the rest of the world.
Singles: Method To The Madness / If You Ever Leave, I’m Coming With You /
Everything I Love Is Going To Die / Ready For The High
TURN UP THE VOLUME 