Dan And Drum - It Tastes Like Milk, It Tastes Like Sausage

I got a poem from a guy calling himself Dan And Drum the other day. He was explaining to me in his rather hysterical and insane laced way, to which I am now accustemed, that he is randy because he has a new video out, and that if I like it it may result in an unbreakable bond between us! There was also a nice poem included in this message.

Yes. This happened.

Am I pleased it happened?

Yes. I am.

So let me introduce you to Dan and Drum, you will not regret reading this!

Who Is He?
Dan is an artist who previously gigged around LA as a musician and songwriter for Emily Osment (yes the actress singer person who I'd expect you will have heard of if you're under 25), under the name of Ramshackle. In his own words "her good intentions clashed with my depraved sensibility", so having been lead into poverty by his own deviance he decided to start his own project.

We should thanks him for his depraved ways.

Style
He calls it Growlpop and/or Sufferfunk. I call it a folk, soul, indie, breaks mutant that should be ugly but for some reason I can't take my eyes off it. Something that feels like it should be wrong but I can't seem to stop admiring it.

There is evidence of a multitude of influences in his music. I hear mostly Fight of The Conchords and Modest Mouse, probably mainly because I'm a fan of these acts, however such is the mixing of styles I'm sure listeners of other types of music could also name a few.

Finishing touches.

A photo posted by Dan and Drum (@dananddrum) on Jun 10, 2016 at 3:58pm PDT

The Music

Usually I concentrate on one album or release, but for this I will pick out some songs from his entire Soundcloud catalogue, in the hope it encourages you to discover the rest for yourself.

Mona Lisa is a track with a great vocal. It has a folk influence with some more aggressive soulful delivery intertwined.  It has an electro beat with a captivating guitar part that incorporates a picking style and a funk/groove element.



The tracks Fixin' up right and Bottle You Up have some hallmarks of one of my favourite bands, Modest Mouse. The vocal technique of the songs reminds me of some of their best work, but he keeps his own clear style and almost breaks style beats throughout.



Party 'Til shows off talent this man has for incorporating styles whilst writing good songs. It has a video, it's good, it was the cause of his randiness, it's good........

Lester and Fire n' Shit are my favourite songs, whilst not as chaotic and attention grabbing as some of the other compositions, I find them warm and comforting, a very well written pieces. Fire n' Shit has hints of folk and gospel with its layered vocals and is a slight departure from some of the other songs but just highlights the diversity and talent of this artist.



Over the last 15 years (probably longer, I got so bored I forgot to count) the popular music scene has heralded boring farts sat on a stools playing unoriginal songs. They have a couple of hits then fall off the radar because ultimately they have nothing new or interesting to offer. So why don't we start looking elsewhere for something interesting and clever?

Dan And Drum has clear influences that are worn on the sleeve that a lot of learned music fans will identify, but the clever mix of these styles, with the twist of insanity is really the kind of music we should be embracing and pushing into the limelight. It's fun, well written and incredibly well performed.

So listen to him on soundcloud, give him a follow and some support if you like this.

FOLLOW: Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr

Listening Post

I don't always sit around being a metalhead! I do have a softer side. (Although if you do want to heat what I've dug out from Satan's belly click here)

So here's a quick post about some of the non metal music that's been in my head over the last couple of weeks. There's some reminiscing with two well established acts and hopefully some artists you have not yet discovered and like the sound of.


Artists: Stone Roses
Track: I Am The Resurrection
Find Them: Facebook/Twitter

With the Stone Roses releasing a long awaited new single, I've found myself relistening to their previous 2 albums. They are simply one of the most important bands in British music history and my music history!

Artist: Jimbobeni
Track: Under Your Skin
Find Him: Facebook/Twitter

Jimbodeni is an exciting electro ambient music producer from Lincoln UK, and also my mate! Don't let that cloud your judgement though. He is getting a lot of support from BBC introducing in the East Midlands. There is an incredible vocal ability shown in all tracks and an ear for moving sound scapes. Check out his most recent track here!

Artists: Haun's Mill
Track: New York City
Find Them: Facebook/Twitter

I've recently been introduced to this Indie Folk duo from Austin, Texas. Lead by a husband and wife combination, I can't hear enough of the lovely vocal harmonies on this song.

Artists: Victory Dance
Track: Memphis
Find Them: Facebook/Twitter

These guys are an Alternative Indie Pop band hailing from New York. Whilst in this format they are relatively new, they have significant experience and calibre in previous bands and seem to have found the right formula if this track is anything to go by. Also, gotta love some Supernatural Demon eyes in a video. (Where are the Winchesters?)

Artists: Clones of Clones
Track: Hole (Live)
Find Them: Facebook/Instagram

I heard these after they liked an Instagram post I put up. They are an Indie band from Washington DC. I love the atmospheric feel of this song.  I feel they capture some of the spirit of great British bands like the Smiths and Doves. It's a really good listen.

Artists: Counting Crows
Song: Omaha
Find Them: Facebook/Twitter

The band that almost define the '90's for me! You've probably all heard it but listen to it again, still a great sounding song.

Artists: Slumlord Radio
Track: Bullwhip
Find Them: Facebook/Twitter/Bandcamp

Yes I admit it, there is a heavy element to this band. However part of their intrigue lies in there mix of genre's which makes them accessible to so many fans of multiple genres. If you like this and want more click here.

Thanks for reading, hope you found something for you.

Ritual Collective - &_¥. Review Blog

&_¥. Ritual Collective Review/Blog

&_¥. is the first release of aspiring Canadian label Ritual Collective. This is a 30 track album of acts currently associated with this label. I've been listening to this since its release studiously taking notes about the sounds on his release so I can bring you my ill informed gob shitedness on the thing.

Firstly my impressions of the label. Clearly from the mix of styles on this release the person behind it (the young Ayumi Miko, also featured on the release) has eclectic tastes but theres also a good wedge of atmospheric almost sinister tunes.

Overall I like the number of different styles on the album, whilst not all to my own taste there's plenty on there that made me stop picking my nose and take notice. If this is Ritual Collective's trajectory I think they'll cover enough genres to appeal to plenty of markets.

When speaking to Ayumi Miko about their reasons for doing this label/release I was told "Everyone I associate with, I want their artistic vision to come true". This statement alone makes a lot of what's on the release make sense. It's not all tracks you're going to necessarily jump on a dance floor for or play on repeat (some are, some aren't), but without doubt they're all forms of art that do well at creating atmosphere and provoking thoughts (my thoughts are just probably a bit more daft than most). In this way Ayumi Miko is doing these artists a great service.

On to the music. I will not cover every track but have picked a few out that resonate with me. 

Nultranq

Firstly, for those of you that ask yourselves, "what would Aphex Twin sound like on speed with a stick of dynamite up his arse?" (I know i do), you're in luck as this compilation holds the answer.

Enter Nulltranq with ACCEPTANCE ASSUNDER.

This is an aggresive, industrial and tense track.

Is it easy listening and accessible? Well that's the same as asking if Kanye West is a humble fellow with an outlandishly friendly personality . The answer is a profound no, but I think those with a discernable ear will appreciate the work thats gone into this track..... and that Kanye's a cock end. I love aggressive music so this worked well for me and is definately worth a listen.

Jimbodeni

Jimbodeni's Your Eyes stands out on this album as its feel is different than a lot of the album (a shout out to R.C's ecleticism). It is, however an outstanding track.

A great vocal along with excellent song writing ability, mixed with some thoughtful touches here and there make this a great ambient tune. The devil really is in the detail, and I really enjoy some of the little piano and synth parts he's put in. Not a note is wasted.

This is perhaps one of the more easily accesible tunes on this release, but this does not mean it is any less complex or skilled, it is a brilliantly thought out and well written tune. Jimbodeni is new blood, cutting his teeth and I can't wait to hear him after even more experience making this style of music. 

Copy Paste Medusa

Copy Paste Medusa provides us with &_L`. (Intro). It's a brilliant piece of work that takes a well known happy clappy crappy song and puts it smack bang in the middle of a twisted horror flick like House of a Thousand Corpses.

I don't want to give too much away apart from I'll say, you're not going to ponce about with your ipod listening to it on repeat, but you may have a graphic nightmare it's the soundtrack to tonight. And this is not a negative, it takes skill to evoke an atmosphere like that in music, and for that reason this very short track is very good as a composition.

Lense

Lense - the eyes of the people is the only track of it's type on the album, in that it's a bluesy rock number from writers that I can only say have some great influences and writing skill.

This track is a bit of a journey, starting fairly simplistic, then building into a fuzz driven solo fest before mellowing again to a more laid back song.

If after listening to the solo and some of the drum work in this song you look down and find you pissed your pants a little, be not afraid or ashamed, it happened to the best of us (I mean me).

I listen to it and hear blues, groove metal, indie (American indie a la Beck/Eels, not U.K) funk and more. I don't know if these genres are actual influences to these guys but it's there for me and as the track progresses the musicianship of guitarist and drummer are something to behold.

Much like the Jimbodeni track there is clearly a lot of thought into the composition, and I would (and have) recommend this to some of my more rock oriented friends.

Lord Nikon

Lord Nikon - Redshift. At first i was thinking "what the fuck?". Then the d'n'b drum beat smacked me in the chops and i started to get it.

About 1 minute 30 seconds in i was imaging it as part of the soundtrack of clockwork orange set in a cyborg era and thinking how awesome that would be and how if they were to ever make it and not use this track then I can only assume it's made by stinky ass monkeys.

Anyway I digressed into rant..... The off tune twisting of the synth and driving drum beat create a pretty fantastic sinister atmosphere that resonates with me and I found it an enjoyable addition to this compilation. 

Ghosts Together! (Apologies for the typing)

Ghosts Together! contrubution is much appreciated.

THE MOON AND THE SKY has a very good vocal and a nice ambient start. The track gets stronger as it goes on and includes some lovely piano undertones which really make it. Plus it made me repeatedly think of the Mighty Boosh's I am the moon. 

https://youtu.be/IK2cfdsgzoQ

Ayumi Miko

Ayumi Miko, the driving force behind the label takes label owners rights and makes 2 contributions, the cheeky so and so. However they're fully deserving of their place. Especially the fine "Drug Deals".

The track samples a lovely soul vocal and is then made to sound, in parts, off time and throughout as though played through an aging p.a.

It's created an slightly psychedelic edge and is an enjoyable and interesting listen.

And the rest.....

I can't write about every track as there's 30 and I barely know that many words, however overall there's a bit of something for many different tastes on this release.

There's a fantastic trip hoppy track, the well crafted 4k from Vxshnx, a very well crafted song with lovely beat development throughout.

There some, what I see as, good old rave music with strong contributions from Rawpunk and Vatska.

Theres also plenty I've not mentioned. And not because they're not worthy of a mention. But because people should download this and hear it for themselves.

It may not all be your groove, but some of it will be and you might get behind not just the artists but the over all project that is clearly a passion for Ritual Collective.

Any one with this level of passion and the desire to facilitate peoples artistic vision deserves our attention, as do many of these artists, so I'd recommend you download, contribute if you can and watch the development of this label and it's associated acts.

Download it now bitch! 

https://variousrc.bandcamp.com/

Follow them on Twitter @ritualpeople

Follow me on Twitter @Simjonny

Idlewar - Listen up, Nod Head, DIG IN

Who are Idlewar?

Idlewar are a 3 piece band from Orange County (California not the super tanned Essex).

If your only experience of Orange County is a gritty teenage drama with a broody lead who can't act then here's some musical history for you.

Orange County has brought us Tim Buckley, RX Bandits, Avenged Sevenfold, The Offspring and many others.... and No Doubt. O.k so it's not perfect, but the sin of allowing No Doubt to exist can be forgiven. The musical output from O.C has been good and Idlewar are no exception.

They are made up of vocalist and bassist James Blake, Guitarist Rick Graham and Drummer Pete Pagonis and play riff driven ass kickin' heavy rock. 2/3 of them have beards, so they're more Rock than you.... deal with it.

They're likened to AC/DC, Clutch, Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters on their website and these are fair comparisons to make. Thankfully, unlike Foo Fighters, their e.p has more than 1 rehashed song on it. (Oooh I'm so controversial)

Since releasing they're e.p Dig In they've visibly gained traction in the U.K having had air time on Planet Rock radio and are shortly to announce a U.K tour. We here on these isles know good music when we hear it.

So for any UK readers keep and eye on their website for tour info and buy a ticket, this may be a band you could tell your kids you saw before they became a household name.

The E.P - Dig In

I'm going to give a brief overview of the tracks with the videos where possible. Where they are not I hope i say just enough to entice you to listen.

The E.P opens with Chunk of me, a strong track with a driving chugging riff throughout, short, sweet and effective.

This then leads into the excellent Out of my Head. Musically, it follows the lyrical theme and has a great solo. Idlewar have just released a video of this track which you can watch here.

Eleventeen is an absolutely storming track. This was Planet Rock's playing choice and you can see why, it has the right song length and head nodding qualities required for radio.

Feel the pain is my personal favourite. It's a slow sludgy track with a vocal performance reminiscent of Robert Plant. The guitar parts for me, are really well thought out and overall it's class throughout.

The final track, Stronger, reminds me in parts of Tool, which can never be a bad thing, but the chugging riff and then lead guitar part is very effective.

Why are Idlewar so Good?

As an initial E.P it makes me excited to think how Idlewar will develop song writing wise, as these songs already display great strength.

As someone who has generally eclectic tastes I have still found myself navigating towards the more hardcore heavy side of music over the last few years. Idlewar have brought me back to my roots. It's no coincidence that having listened to this E.P, I've also dusted off my Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Skynyrd and Alice in Chains albums, all bands I've never lost an love for, but that have been missing from my C.D player recently.

Idlewar bring together so many great genres. There are classic rock quality vocal performances. The guitarist brings together sludge, groove, grunge, straight rock styles brilliantly to create driving attention grabbing riffs and interesting solos. The rhythm section throughout are not just their to play paint by numbers rock as so many bands do nowadays, it's tight, skilful and interesting.

I can't wait to see them in the U.K, in the mean time click here and buy the E.P in preparation.

Follow them on twitter @idlewar

Follow me on twitter @simjonny