Nickie’s Niches #24: December 2023

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1. 

   AFR AI D

   by Mariusz Duda
   favorite track

   I LOVE TO CHAT WITH YOU

   Riverside frontman and Lunatic Soul multi-instrumentalist returns with another dark ambient electronica release. Here he explores the fear and anxiety of our obsession with AI, and whether it is ultimately good or evil. I say, like any technology, it depends upon whose hands it’s in, and how it is used. Obviously keyboard heavy, Mateusz Owczarek lends his very human hands by providing both searing and delicate work on electric guitar.

   1. 

      Friends

      by Gayle Ellett & The Electromags
      favorite track

      Via Valencia (Featuring Alfonso Rodenas)

      Djam Karet’s Gayle Ellett has assembled an array of friends to contribute to these very California-style instrumentals. His Topanga roots are showing throughout, this sounds just like he wanted it to, a gathering of friends, playing just for the fun of it. And fun it is, every track differs, yet they all stay firmly in their own lanes on the wide open musical highway. Drop on by the Topanga Corral after a day on the beach and enjoy he band.

      1. 

         Collection of Echoes

         by Circle of Dominion
         favorite track

         Velocity (album version)

         California band that harkens back to the psychedelic era, but adds art rock/pop sensibilities, as well as progressive influences. Comprised primarily of Clara Hembree and Craig Camp, they bring in friends here and there to assist them in creating their sound. In addition to ethereal lyrics, vocalized by Hembree, they dish out a couple of helpings of satirical observational songs, which achieves a nice balance.

         1. 

            Marginalia Suburbia

            by Jim Griffin
            favorite track

            Autumn Leaves in Winter

            I have to start by saying that I just love this release. It is ambient, with field recordings; wistful, and nostalgic somehow. This is lysergic and psilocybic, brooding and eerie, charming and delicate. At times, you feel as if you are walking through quiet streets and lanes, with stray sounds coming from open windows and simultaneously, from both the natural and hushed outdoor human worlds about you.

            1. 

               Pillars of Faith (feat. Ffion Elisa)

               by Van Deurzen
               Award-winning contemporary classical composer, Ronald Van Deurzin, from The Netherlands, offers this lilting and memorable Celtic-tinged piece of music. The piece opens with bagpipes, followed by a flowing piano and soaring vocal duet, which leads into lush orchestration behind the two. Altogether enchanting. I hope to hear more from this collaboration.

               1. 

                  The Mountain

                  by Analog Sunshine
                  favorite track

                  As the Miles Pass

                  This release is the vision of a resident of the southern US. Melancholic psych and space with a Floydian slip that is more reminiscent than derivative. I just love the various guitar solos, they are simply superb. There is a delicious darkness to all of the tracks, especially evident in the chilling tale told in Down In New Orleans. I am choosing As the Miles Pass as being most representative of what you’ll hear here.

                  1. 

                     Bardaginn

                     by KALANDRA
                     Right up my Nordic alley comes this single from Kalandra (the title translates to “The Battle.”), and there is an accompanying video available on YT, as well. Here, they have used one of my favourite languages, Old Norse, and created a stunning and powerful piece of music. Lead singer Katrine and the band have made proper homage to Odin, I am sure he will be pleased, and I expect you will, as well.

                     1. 

                        Trio

                        by Gabriel Keller
                        favorite track

                        Melancholia (Acoustic)

                        New outing from this French artist brings him (on guitars and vocals) together with female vocalists and a cellist, to rework some previously released progressive rock material in an acoustic setting. Sung in both English and French, the tunes are, to my ear, even more delightful when presented this way. I love the opening track, but going with Melancholia to represent more of what your your ears will be treated to as my favourite track

                     1. 

                        A Temporary State of Bliss

                        by Residuos Mentales
                        favorite track

                        The Missing Part

                        Eagerly awaited release from Greece, this duo once again delivers the goods. Various keyboards, guitars, bass and flute don’t properly tell the tale of what you’ll be served with, with these four tracks. Not an EP, three of the tracks are epic length, The result is in the progressive vein, utilizing lush orchestration in cinematic style, for a satisfying 45+ minute journey. I am choosing The Missing Part to showcase what you’ll hear on this fine release.
                        1. 

                           The Wicker Man EP – Katy J Pearson & Friends

                           by Katy J Pearson
                           favorite track

                           Katy J Pearson & Broadside Hacks – Willow’s Song

                           Katy J. Pearson and friends collectively have created this EP of cover tunes from the cult classic film, The Wicker Man. The music is haunting (as it should be) and has a way of edging into your psyche long after it’s ceased to play. Resting firmly in the psych/wyrd/folk genre, the stunning remake of Willow’s Song is my favourite. All three versions are alluring, but going with the EP release with The Broadside Hacks

                           1. 

                              Quia Nesciunt Quid Faciunt

                              by Roz Vitalis
                              favorite track

                              Bait of Success

                              The combined effect that this band achieves is progressive, avant, and symphonic, with some elements of gothic and even folk tossed into the mix. It is certainly transcendent and complex, veering from forceful to ethereal, and is simply a joy to listen to. These incredibly imaginative compositions make it almost impossible to choose a favourite, but since I must, I’m going with the opener.