Review: Originally released in 2008, Phantom On The Horizon is the grandiose, progressive rock worshipping high concept EP from Washington based math-rock indebted post-hardcore heroes The Fall Of Troy. Initially abandoned following the leak of early versions in 2004 on what has since been dubbed The Ghostship Demos EP, the band would finally get over this setback and bang out the entire project in secret over October of 2008 before dropping it the very next month. Renowned for its epic, lengthy pieces segmented into chapters like all good prog concept records, the work stands as solely unique from the majority of the trio's remaining output, bridged in the gap year between 2007's instantaneous Manipulator and the more melodic alt rock of 2009's In The Unlikely Event. Utilising an array of guest musicians adding elements of keyboards, violin, cello and glockenspiel for that extra proggy flair, while featuring guest vocal appearances from the likes of Fear Before's Dave Marion as well as both Ryann Donnelly and Jonah Bergman of Schoolyard Heroes, the mini-epic 5 tracks clock in at a 37-minute runtime detailing story of a Spanish galleon meeting with a ghost ship from another dimension. A true outlier gem conjuring a Venn Diagram intersection between early noughties sassy post-hardcore and timeless 70s indebted prog absurdity.
Review: After starting it in 2019, the superb Emotional Rescue brings its series of non-defined reissues to a close here with another licensing and remastering of a timeless favourite alongside new interpretations by contemporary producers. The likes of Hawkwind's drone mix by Cherrystones, Thomas Leer's cosmic-Balearics reworked by Bullion and the post-punk dubs of The Embrace have all featured so far but finally, the percussive journey of 80s band The Impossible Dreamers arrive with their cult B-side 'Spin,' including an extended percussion-dub extravaganza and a bonus drum reprise by Dan Tyler of Idjut Boys under his NAD alias.
Review: Decca has seemingly listened to the cries of collectors and diggers everywhere by serving this reissue of two sought-after 7-inch singles from the 1960s Mod era, including their original B-sides intact. This is one of them, 'Tax Man' by Loose Ends, the British Beat quintet formed in 1963 in Bexleyheath in Kent and fronted by Alan Marshall. The band toured alongside acts like The Paramounts (later Procol Harum) and The Birds and this, their second and final single, was released in August 1966 to coincide with The Beatles' original. Featuring an added organ for extra dancefloor appeal, this is a timeless delight that still gets any floor going.
Review: Ohio-based instrumental organ trio Parlor Greens, known for their blend of soul, funk and blues, return with a new 7" that follows their acclaimed debut from 2024. Side-1 features 'Driptorch', which is driven by crunchy drums from Tim Carman, funky guitar riffs by Jimmy James and Adam Scone's expressive Hammond organ. The track delivers a high-energy, groove-filled adventure. On Side-2 ,'200 Dollar Blues', introduces a fresh, mid-tempo instrumental. This blues shuffle highlights James' searing Stratocaster solos, complemented perfectly by Scone's soulful organ work. Their interplay exudes a raw, electrifying energy, while Carman's steady, dynamic drumming grounds the track, making this one for fans of deep soul and blues.
Review: Au Pairs imploded shortly after releasing this terrific second and last album of theirs. The Birmingham post-punk band are said to have burned the candle at both ends after the success of their debut and rushed into the studio to make this album. Despite internal disputes, the band managed to take their Gang Of Four-esque sound to new levels. They are more adventurous than on the preceding record as there's saxophone and synth, making for a more textured and layered approach than before. Lyrically, Au Pairs are one of the most important bands of their era. Shockingly avant-garde in the early 80s when it was released, they tackled sexuality and gender politics with ire and wit. The standout on this album: 'Sex Without Stress' - a brilliant lampooning of the societal pressure around sex.
Review: Bad Omens expand their sonic universe with this ambitious triple LP, an experimental companion to 'The Death of Peace of Mind'. Featuring reimagined tracks, interludes, and collaborations with artists like ERRA, Poppy, and HEALTH, this release ventures into bold new territory. 'C:\Projects\CJOST\BEATDEATH' sets an ominous tone, while 'V.A.N (feat. Poppy)' injects a dose of dark pop energy. The band explores their heavier side with 'Anything > Human (feat. ERRA)', and 'Nervous System (feat. iRis.EXE)' delves into electronic textures. Live versions of fan favourites and collaborations with the likes of Let's Eat Grandma add further depth to this expansive project. This is Bad Omens at their most ambitious and experimental, pushing the boundaries of their sound and captivating listeners with a truly immersive experience.
Review: Vashti Bunyan's latest piece offers a serene journey through delicate folk landscapes. The expanded edition takes these already beautiful tracks and enhances them, giving them a richer, fuller texture. Bunyan's soft vocals, laden with vulnerability, intertwine perfectly with the gentle instrumentation, creating an album that's both calming and emotionally stirring. It's easy to see why it became a cult classiciher ethereal storytelling and minimalistic approach resonate with anyone who's ever sought solace in music's simplicity. This edition elevates it further, making it an essential listen.
Review: Originally part of the British folk revival movement of the 1960s, Vashti Bunyan quit music following the release of her 1970 debut album Just Another Day, only to make a surprise return 35 years later with the brilliant Lookaftering. A fragile, sleepy and pastoral masterpiece in which Bunyan's sweet, high-register voice rises above finger-picked acoustic guitars, dreamy string arrangements and gentle woodwind and brass solos, it feels like a belated sequel not only to her own slim catalogue of the late 60s, but also contemporary Judy Collins' 1966 set In My Life (titled in honour of the set's incredible cover of the Beatles song of the same name). This anniversary edition arrives in expanded form, with the second disc boasting a mixture of live recordings, demos and alternate takes.
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