A very lysergic trip with a talented multi-instrumentalist who is, in particular, an astonishingly good guitarist. Verging on space sometimes, but keeps you on your toes enough that you cannot get lulled into any one place. Vocals are subdued and layered for the most part, almost like you’re hearing them through a fog, or if they’re coming from behind a closed door, which suits the material perfectly. Also recommended is his “1978” outing, under his name.

” Continuing on in his tradition of exploring progressive rock, jazz and classical music, Tenk Van Dool is truly hitting his stride with this new release. This excursion is also thoughtful and moody, laced with irony and sarcasm at times, and hard-hitting too, with plenty of percussion for those who like their drums complex. Tenk’s inventive and imaginative guitars are the centerpiece throughout, which really is showcased on the longest track here.
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Solo work of Nolan Potter, leader of Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, which is headquartered in Austin, TX. Psych and snark side by side, with some heavy, whanging guitars and layers and layers of vocals in a heavy lysergic wash. These pieces were composed during the exile that many of us have experienced during the pandemic and here, he puts fabulous use to his time and energy.

Here is one that is among my favourite releases of 2021. Dikajee has released 10 digital recordings, this is the one that brought her to my attention. Here are all originals, with a few guest appearances. Dark chamber folk is the focus here, with delicate instrumentation and the St Petersburg singer’s exquisite voice entwining throughout all of the pieces. Not all is faery and light, however, for there are also heavier progressive elements throughout.

“The Train Ride” Hailing from Sarajevo, Lakiko performs primarily on cello, which she loops, and also has a stunning singing voice, which she uses to great effect, both in a solo and also choral fashion. Her music is haunting and eerie, firmly rooted in a classical, yet modern style, also drawing on medieval choral tradition. I kept hearing one piece, particularly, in my mind, long after my first listen.

Ambient and electronica go East and West here. The two principals have released many different concoctions over the last few years and this continues in the tradition. Nothing under 10 mins here, which is right and proper for music that is intended to draw the listener in and gradually expand upon the original theme. Lots of music for those who intend to dance, as well as be lured to exotic places.

Primarily the work of composer/guitarist Warren Russell, and a host of collaborators, this outing explores progressive and symphonic music, edging at times into classical. Each musician he brings in provides their own slant to the various pieces. One is taken on a journey that runs parallel to itself as the music unfolds.