Nickie’s Niches 13 – January 2023

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23:41 — 114.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

1. 

   MydWynter

   by Mediæval Bæbes

   • 
   favorite track

   Carol of the Bells

   I usually avoid Christmas music like the plague. Unless it comes all wrapped up like this. In typical Mediæval Bæbes’ style, they create a gorgeous atmosphere of antiquity with these songs. There is a pagan sensuality to the vocals, bolstered by the myriad of period instruments such as harps, recorders, viola da gamba, bombarde, cittern, hurdy gurdy, pipes, hand percussion, and various soft horns. With the winter season in mind, they are rich and warm, and truly enjoyable any time of year.

   1. 

      NORDIQUE

      by QRN
      favorite track

      BROKEN ANIMALS

      Seattle area multi-instrumentalist and composer Peter Tutak returns with a synth-heavy instrumental release. This time, he incorporates a bit more jazz and world music into the mix, but still looks to classical composers for inspiration. He creatively uses a theremin-like patch to produce what would be the vocal lines of several of the pieces. I would love to hear these with a singer, as the lyrics are thoughtful and suit the music. A satisfying sophomore release.

      1. 

         Zephyros

         by Akroasis
         favorite track

         Zephyros Suite

         There is not any information I can find about this Italian symphonic progressive rock act, but at least the musicianship speaks volumes. The release opens with a sweeping 20 minute suite, starting with solo piano and moves on with lush strings and flutes. Other instrumentation include drums and acoustic and electric guitars and bass. The melodies are captivating and complex, the electric guitar proving the “rock” point to the music when it appears. There are also nods to world music and jazz.

         1. 

            A Profusion of Thought

            by Antimatter
            favorite track

            No Contact

            I don’t often go for the heavy stuff, but this has a different kind of feel to me than most of that genre. Lead singer is reminiscent of some post punk and grunge, but the music is much more sophisticated. Instrumentation is the usual, both acoustic and electric, plus sax, flute, and quamancha (which even I had to look up, an Armenian bowed gourd instrument), providing extra dimension. Dark and moody, with thoughtful lyrics, and full of angsty despair.

            

            Siiilk “Eemynor” Long-lived French band Siiilk bring us this gorgeous crossover prog music. Between both of the vocalists, Richard and Catherine Pick, the music has a bit of an air of French mystery, nostalgia, and tragedy. Instrumentation is what one expects with progressive rock, plus harmonium, daf, and clarinet sprinkled about. There is such a lovely other-worldly sensibility to their music that it is difficult to define. Let the music do the talking. Favourite Track: 5:39 Eemynor, Pt. 1

            1. 

               The Kitchen Sink

               by Eric J. Confer
               favorite track

               Find Your Way II

               Multi-instrumentalist Eric J. Confer returns with a blend of electronica and his soaring signature electric guitar. Accompanied only by himself, he has released another fine varied and often meditative collection, which often jettisons directly into space.

               1. 

                  The White Witch – A Symphonic Trilogy

                  by Magenta

                  • 
                  • 
                  favorite track

                  Part 3 Survival

                  Here we have a reworking of an older Magenta piece of music, with full orchestra. The original has been turned into a trilogy, and it is just fantastic! Christina Booth’s voice is, of course, magnificent, and Robert Reed’s production and arrangement is masterful. Chris Fry provides superb acoustic guitar throughout. There is a bit of narration from Les Penning to tie the tale together and flute and oboe are especially featured, as well as delicate harp coming to the fore from time to time

                  1. 

                     Apparition

                     by Jambinai
                     favorite track

                     Until My Wings Turn To Ashes

                     EP of mostly long tracks from Korean sensation Jambinai this time around. They create a mostly dense post-rock, yet ethnic sound, utilizing both Western rock and Korean folk instrumentation. They include a female singer this time, from of all things, the K Pop scene. True to the title, the songs give a sense of visiting spirits of those who have gone before, who do not frighten, but instead offer comfort in grieving