Soft bands and artists from the Semi-finals:
Neko Case (antigoon)
Gotta say, I really love her latest album (which you sent a song from) and have done from the very first listen. I guess I’d describe her as a folky singer-songwriter, but that just doesn’t do her justice, and there’s so much more to this album. She has a lovely voice, and the music is great; very diverse and engaging, but always pleasant and enjoyable. I’ve also been listening to one of her other albums, which is also very good but not really as exciting – bit more straightforward I guess. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like it, far from it, it’s just that I like the new one so much! Gonna check out her other albums at some point as well I think.
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood [2006] – 7/10
Middle Cyclone [2009] – 9/10
Vonassi (DTVT)
Well, I said during the roulette that I liked the song you sent but wasn’t thrilled enough to go out and buy the album without hearing it first. Well I changed my mind as the digital download on Play.com was only £7 so I figured I’d take the risk, and I’m glad I did because this is a really good and very promising debut! They definitely a straightforward old school prog tinged with hard rock thing going on, reminding me a little of Spock’s Beard at times. Not every song is killer, but there are a few really good ones (for example Gini is really nice, and my favourites are probably the opener and the title track) and the rest are solid. I really like the vocalist as well. I hope they do well enough with this album to make another, because I see a lot of promise in them!
The Battle of Ego [2010] – 7/10 – (bought on digital download)
The Beta Band (orcus)
These guys are really interesting! I find them a bit inconsistent, but their good stuff really is fantastic. Been mostly listening to the 3EPs compilation, and Dry The Rain is, admittedly, probably the best thing on there, but some of the others are really top-notch as well (She’s The One was one that stuck out). Just a really nice vibe with a small amount of experimentation! Overall I find there to be a couple of songs that drag things down though, particularly Monolith which just seems to drag on for 15 minutes. I’ve also been listening to their last album, and I find a similar problem, although it’s the other way round there – the album starts weak but really picks up with the third track, and is then pretty up and down for the rest. Still, I can always just make a playlist of the songs I like!
The Three EPs [1998] – 7/10
Heroes to Zeroes [2004] – 7/10
Jason Molina (Voxyn)
This guy’s music is really nice, but I have to be honest, it doesn’t do a huge amount for me. I think it’s because every song is pretty similar and the vibe all the way through (while very pleasant and chilled) doesn’t really change. That said, I’ve been listening to both his albums and the first I’ve come to like quite a lot, particularly as background music if I’m trying to work. The newer album is still decent, but I just find it wafts by unnoticed for the most part. Ah well, can’t win everything!
Pyramid Electric Co. [2004] – 7/10
Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go [2006] – 6/10