Tom Fuller new album hits home

Tom Fuller is back on the scene with his new album Ask. And in short: it is brilliant.

It's the third studio album from the Tom Fuller Band. Hailing from The windy city Chicago, Fuller is a seasoned musician who while growing up, was a massive fan of Paul McCartney. 

I don't think the dream to one day record and hang out with Mc Cartney's band was ever within his grasp, but as the time went by, one day; it would happen. 

It is that early love of McCartney's music and influence which is ever florescent on Ask. On this third album Fuller is joined with Abe Laboriel Jr. and Brian Ray of McCartney's band to record the album and to fulfill that sound which was resonating in Fullers' mind all these years. And the result: a rockin' piece of music, a well produced, rounded and solid album of great proportions.

Ask begins with a catchy tune "Lovers" and continues with the infectious title track "ASK". Featuring uplifting melodies in an album full of many, it becomes a great introduction to an evenly flowing album. Ask continues with "Doin' Nothin," and it's memorable chorus which keeps an upbeat theme throughout. The album remains consistently buoyant and closes with the captivating "Garden Dreaming Days."

Inspired by the solid soundings of McCartney, this record is a just effort from Tom Fuller & band. His vocals are great, raw and true, buy this record its brilliant. Even better while driving with the windows open and volume up to the loudest... preferably in the sun too.

 9/10 

Download Lovers: A crackin' tune:

  

Ben Glover/ Before the birds

Ben Glover is not just a good looking chap with a guitar in hand, no no no, he is a good looking chap with a guitar in hand, great songs and a hell of an album to sell at gigs.

..Glover recorded new album Before the Birds in Nashville with producer Nelson Hubbard. Naturally when one finds a suitable and stellar workmate, a just relationship is formed where the producer can draw out the very best in the artist. And he did, because 'Before The Birds' is simply stunning. It's one of them more you listen to, the more you hear type of records, each song unveiling parts of Glover that he has laid bare.

His voice is also more heart felt and has developed a slight husky growl that gives his vocals an endearing charm. Opener 'Trick Of The Light' sets the tone for the entire album. The approach seems to be a less is more from the sparse instrumentation to the main focus being put on the vocals this time around and it works really well. Each track is allowed the space to envelope the listener and has a soothing and lasting effect.  

It's definitely a laid back dinner party record but it's also a long drive on a summers day 'lets all be glad about what we have' - type of album as he evokes a happy, hopeful chemistry throughout.  

There are stand out tracks that could hold their own on certain evening and night time radio shows, such as 'Trick of The Light' and 'To Believe'. But I don't see it sitting well between Beyonce and The Script on daytime/morning mainstream radio, as it's just not cast with the same iron, which is not entirely a bad thing either, in a commonplace where artists are slashing around at their integrity to write songs suited for radio it's always refreshing to find a songwriter that remains true to himself without sacrificing too much of his art. Besides, Glovers sound has a familiarity to it, he is like an old friend whom you will listen to when he speaks, this is an artist who can demand your attention as he HAS something to say. 

a fine album well worth checking out.

8/10

www.benglover.co.uk

JOHN EDGAR VOE; WESTERN NOTES; SUPERB

Martin Corrigan fronts folk/ alt country outfit: John Edgar Voe. They will be releasing a Four track EP titled Western Notes on June 24th, which gives a fine example of what is to come in the upcoming album, set to be released in early 2012. 

Their use of syncopation and asymmetrical rhythms with long and irregular melodies reflect the wide open geography of the American landscape, so it's a bit odd to find that they are from Fermanagh. 

There is wit and consternation and wonderful phrasing throughout. 'Highwayman' echoes Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire asserting that very important call-and-response format. While 'The Conscript' contains lyrics that make you want to listen to every word, in addition to every note, delivered in part dialogue and part song, it is one of my favourite tracks on the EP.

Overall, this EP will make a great addition to any Ipod or playlist collection. Corrigan has the uncanny ability to delve into the very soul of a song, he tells it as it is and delivers a song in an uncannily cool and austere manner, like that which only Cash could manifest. His voice is perfectly suited to the narrative style he has chosen for a good part of this project. He draws you into a story like few other people can. It's not surprising so, that here is another exceptionally good high quality act from the North of Ireland.

Like them: FACEBOOK
LISTEN TO THE EP:
    

John Edgar Voe; essential Summer listening

Seeping Into Cinemas Music Video : Shoot Out

I just Love Love Love this guy: here's his new single and official music video:

The album launch takes place June 16th in Odessa, you'd be a crazy person NOT to go, its music to sooth the ears and enlighten the soul with an electronic twist which is utterly sublime>  http://www.facebook.com/seepingintocinemas

JP Ryan; an astute songwriter

DANCING WITH ANIMA: ALBUM REVIEW.

I was recently sent an album of JP Ryan's. I hadn't heard of him, and the album's title was not alluring, yet after a little hesitation I pressed play and was pleasantly surprised. After all it was raining outside, wind was strong and the fire was lit. So why not. While reading the PR notes I learnt that he has supported the likes of Rod Stewart to name but one. I began to think how many new acts get such a platform? I later learned that he has a good rep for his live shows, so if you are out an about be sure to check on his live dates over at http://www.jpryanmusic.com/JP_Ryan_/Tour.html

The album: JP Ryan's songs are enriched by a wonderfully warm, rich breathy vocal similar to that of the late Christie Hennessey and resonant of Tracy Chapman. The album Dancing with Anima, was released last year, to a quiet stir, obviously a slow burner, but yet it is filled with heart rendering ballads, that don't necessarily have a place on mainstream pop, but yet can seep into the crevices of modern folk and merit him with a modest bit of respect. Tracks of note include "Leave the radio on" & a lovely rendition of "Yesterday". All in all the album will not break record sales, but is a nice anecdote for a rainy day. "In my shoes" melody is like a toned down version of Limp Bizkit's version of behind  Blue eyes, and its annoying, very annoying.. Other than that, there is nothing offensive about this album, its safe and plays out with ease.

Too easy in fact, so much so that it may just get forgotten. Hopefully not as he is a fine songwriter and guitarist.

6/10

Henrietta Game: Black Ship

Henrietta Game: Black Ship

Henrietta Game; are a band of many qualities, so lets tick all the boxes here: they can compose elite songs that will knock many of their contemporaries out of the water like in the game battleships, they can all sing (the harmonies are astounding), they can all perform, they are each multi instrumentalists and they are each exquisitely good looking (in a medieval striking way). There is Cello, Guitar, Stomp, Violin, Glockenspiel, Drum, Piano and a vast array of lead and harmony Vocals. A merging of disparate musical influences that has resulted in something rather special indeed. It's almost like they are a distant cousin of Julie Feeney, as it has that same masterful touch and a mix of unique sinuous music composed to utmost masterful musicianship.

They have just finished recording their stunning debut Black Ship and are about to launch a new Single Sleep Then to what I believe will be a fast growing fan base. 

Impressively, Black Ship never over indulges, as some new bands tend to do on their debuts in a ply to overcompensate for something amiss, no, instead it expands and boasts a conundrum of epic soundscapes and its daring is only matched by its warmth and sublime textures.  It is worth noting that various members of the band are classically trained musicians, which adds a depth of sheer quality to their work. 

This album begs for the repeat button, and when it finishes you want to know why? and find yourself back in your seat in reality as it sucks you into its own world. In a good way. In a very good way.

check out their acoustic version of Black Ship performed live in The Ruby Session;

Seeping into absolute bliss

Very very rarely does one come across something unseen and unheard, especially in the age of technology, over hype and buzz words over saturating it, but when it happens that a little rock contains a sparkle to reveal it to be a hidden gem, ah when it happens its is majestic. 

Such a thing happened to me recently when in my dropbox came a gem of an album by Seeping Into Cinemas, a name I was unfamiliar with, but was instantly curious about. The album 100,000 times blends beautiful low-key delicate whispered vocals strewn together in a perfectly sublime manner; allowing each track to evolve into the next. 

The album is made up of of ten dreamy melodic haunting tracks that pays homage to a world full of broken hearted misanthropes and sad souls who dream of escape. Indeed it would be suffice to say that Barry O Briens work is reminiscent of the early soft acoustics of Smashing Pumpkins, Yo la Tengo and Low, as they have an allure that remains with you and lingers on - its melodic, its sublime, its special, absolutely worth giving it a listen and of course, spending a few quid on when the album comes out.

Check out  a track (Dour Hour)  from the album here: Note how cool O Brien and indeed his entire band are:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100501453370916

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‘Seeping Into Cinemas’  ‘100,000 times’ the debut album –
gets its Release date on: June 17th
go to the: Launch night June 16th Odessa, Dublin!