Nickie’s Niches September 2022

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1. 

   THE SUICIDAL THEATER COMPANY

   by Bonzo Fimbres
   favorite track

   CRITICAL MASS

   If Bonzo doesn’t wake you up, there is no help for you. You won’t often find shredding in my purchases, but when you do, it’s likely to be Bonzo Fimbres. All instrumentation is him, guitars, bass, drums, keys and flutes. The thing that sets him apart is that even though he can certainly shred, he takes abrupt u-turns into lyrical passages, which really showcase his skill.

   1. 

      Stand in Your Light

      by Venus Principle
      favorite track

      Barricades

      Post-metal band, comprised of members from Sweden and Britain. Mostly the sound is heavy and steeped in wash, often slow moving, but in a fascinating and engaging manner. Male and female lead vocals, often intertwining. This is sinister, dark, and broody music, leaving one with the feeling that it’s always raining where the band is. Almost impossible for me to choose a favourite track, this is a stunning debut all around.

      1. 

         Chapter Zero (digital LP)

         by Jordan Reyne
         favorite track

         How This Will End (Zemsta)

         New Zealand dark folk artist brings us this haunting collection of songs and never pulls punches when it comes to her anger and sadness. The nine songs here are pointed and are an examination of, in her words, “exploring the turning inward when our worlds are blown apart.” It is an unflinching look, disturbing at times, but in a very good way.

         1. 

            Green Asphalt

            by Green Asphalt
            favorite track

            She´s a Cow

            This band proudly wears it’s Gentle Giant influence on it’s sleeve, and since the primary impetus behind the band, Dan Bornemark, has worked with them, why not? There is plenty of humour to be found, but nothing to laugh at as far as musicianship is concerned, as it is stellar. There are some of the madrigal-like vocals one might expect, as well as time signatures a-plenty, and plenty of whimsey. This is superb progressive rock and one of my favourites of the year so far.

            

            FAUN: “Pagan”: This aptly named release from German band Faun finds them still deep in the fields, forests and mountains of their ancestors. With authentic instrumentation such as hurdy-gurdy, harp, nyckelharpa, bagpipes, cittern and flutes, they capture a truly ancient sound. The male and female vocalists expertly intertwine the lyrics, which are sung in both English and German. Also utilized are various synthesizers and all variety of traditional percussion instruments. This is just a delightful band if you want to explore the ancient themes that they perform so well. Favourite Track: Wainamoinen

            1. 

               Ensemble Volcanic Ash

               by Janel Leppin
               favorite track

               She Had Synesthesia

               Here we have a RIO/chamber jazz group that brings beauty and cacophony, with a talented cellist and keyboardist at it’s helm. Everything from sublimely delicate to full-on sonic assault, sometimes within a single piece of music. Accompanied by bass, harp, guitar, drums and alto and tenor sax, this is music that demands active listening. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the danger.

               1. 

                  Ritual

                  by Ana Alcaide
                  favorite track

                  An mah

                  Ana Alcaide’s 6th album goes off into the Middle East for inspiration this time. She is known for playing the nyckelharpa and violin, and typically explores various cultures with each release. Here, she was inspired by Iranian singer Reza Shayesteh and Persian poetry. Additional instrumentation includes oud, ney, daf, for a deep and lush sound throughout the recording. Sublime.

                  

                  Mary Fahl: “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” I’ve been waiting for this release from one of my favourite female vocalists of all time. On this release, Mary features songs spanning the time from 1965 to 1979, a vast array, spanning familiar and also more obscure territories. Her voice is unforgettable and the material here is perfectly chosen. One thing remains the same throughout, and that is the focus on the vocals being at the center of each piece, which is as it should be. Every track deserves love here, but I have a particular penchant for the austerely moving Judy Collins tune, “Since You’ve Asked.

                  1. 

                     Weighted Keys

                     by Potter’s Daughter
                     Disclaimer: I do know Dyanne Potter and she has recorded a piece of music by my late husband, Tom Kelly. I hope I am justified in my positive review, despite this. Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell open and close this EP, and Dyanne’s interpretation is of the highest order. Her extraordinary keyboard skills and vocals shine, as does the expert accompaniment of Jan Christiana on bass, guitar and percussion. I hope I am forgiven for having a fond preference of the instrumental, “Catherine.”