Nickie’s Niches 16: May 2023

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Not on Bandcamp: Solstice “Light Up” This is an intriguing mix of folk, with neo-prog, art rock, and even some funk thrown in. As suspected by the name, there’s a generous dash of world and Celtic also. Jess Holland’s voice is what cements the whole thing together, in my book, with superb support from bandmates (Andy Glass ) guitars and vocals, (Steven McDaniel ) keyboards, (Robin Phillips) bass,(Peter Hemsley) drums and fiddle and viola (provided by Jenny Newman). I absolutely love the sheer energy and excitement of (5:59) “Mount Ephriam.

1. 

   10 of Swords

   by Peter Lawson/Venus Loon
   favorite track

   Canticum pro mortis

   This time Peter Lawson draws on the Tarot card of 10 of Swords for inspiration. The 10 of Swords typically represents destruction, or an inability to act due to multiple reasons. Not a card of death, but a challenge to overcome. Much of the release reflects this general anxiety and forcefulness, with driving guitars and effected vocals. Space and psych abound.

   1. 

      I Am Proud of You

      by Mice on Stilts
      favorite track

      Anxiety Baby

      The introspective lyrics and vocals are an examination of addiction and recovery. The music is mostly acoustic in feeling, with pervasive melancholy throughout. The sliding string arrangements echo the instability of retaining sobriety. Folk is a strong descriptor, but the lush orchestration adds a crossover prog element to the overall sensation of the material. In his world, nothing is going right, but you are left with a sense of hopefulness.

      1. 

         Dancing in the Face Of Danger

         by Exploring Birdsong
         favorite track

         Bear the Weight

         A second EP from this trio, who do not feature guitar in their instrumentation. Despite that, it is a very satisfying progressive rock outfit, which veers into pop territory at times. The layered vocals are the pivot from which the drummer and both keyboardists turn. There is some violin, viola, and cello, adding to the density of the production, which maintains a delicacy, even in the heaviest parts

         1. 

            As Smoke Is Driven Away (EP)

            by Compassionizer
            How’d you like a 20 minute epic single? I would, thank you. Roz Vitalis’ Ivan Rozmainsky has done just this, composing this avant chamber piece. (In his own words, “this album is about the Mystery of the Victory of Good over Evil.”) Instrumentation includes various keyboards and percussion, guitar, bass, clarinets, kalimba, vibes, and viola. The music is haunting and sometimes jarring, but always engaging.

            1. 

               False Lankum

               by Lankum
               favorite track

               Go Dig My Grave

               Lankum performs traditional music in a very dark, drony, heavy style. They utilize practically a pocket dictionary of typical European and American prog folk instruments and modern ones as well as male and female vocals. The music feels as though it is coming up through the centuries and reinventing itself for our modern dark ages. Fave track is Lord Abore & Mary Flynn (unselectable here).

               1. 

                  One Man’s Grief

                  by Deposed King
                  favorite track

                  Path of Forlorn

                  Hailing from Budapest, Deposed King is a duo who blends post-rock, psych, and jazz into an atmospheric progressive melting pot. There are also elements of electronica, classical, and even some heavy riffing. Rather than seeming disjointed, as it might become, with so many flavourful influences, it is a wonderfully cohesive and satisfying meal. This is their debut, and I’m already hungry for the next serving.