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Instrumental

Embrace the beauty and brutality of the human experience with Mirko Sangrigoli’s seminal neo-classic composition, Z

Posted on 17 February 2024

Mirko Sangrigoli’s latest single ‘Z‘, from his sophomore LP, is a cinematic instrumental emblem of his dual artistic identity. As a jazz musician and a composer of filmic soundtracks, Sangrigoli demonstrates his ability to straddle these worlds with finesse.

Z, the title single from his 2024 album, is a narrative of the complexities of our times, articulated through the eloquence of keys. The track begins with a sense of urgency, the piano keys dancing rapidly, evoking a sense of franticness that mirrors our chaotic epoch. Yet, there’s a method to the madness, which speaks to Sangrigoli’s jazz background. The improvisational feel of jazz is present, but it’s reined in, controlled, and purposeful.

As the piece progresses, it shifts into more reflective moments; these intersections are where Sangrigoli’s talent shines brightest. The transition from the frenetic to the contemplative interludes is seamless as they open a gateway to introspection, echoing the quieter moments in our own lives.

It’s a soundtrack for the ennui-inclined existential soul, capturing the beauty and brutality of the human experience. For those seeking a musical piece that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, ‘Z’ is a journey worth embarking on.

Z was officially released on January 31st; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Elevate your playlists with Tom Gimson’s architecturally inspired ambient electronica piece, Ridge

Posted on 11 February 2024

Tom Gimson’s latest single ‘Ridge‘ reflects his richly multi-faceted creativity as a London-based multi-media artist; the track is a journey through complex intersections of music, film, and architecture. Gimson, with his background as a performing saxophonist, composer, and crew member in the UK’s commercial photography and film industry, brings a unique perspective to his craft, and ‘Ridge’ is a shining example of this.

The single begins with the pulse of a heartbeat, a foundational rhythm that sets the stage for a multi-layered auditory experience. From this simple beginning, ‘Ridge’ builds into a complex tapestry of sound. The use of scintillating droning synth lines introduces elements of discordance, creating a striking contrast with the euphonically melodious core of the track. This intentional juxtaposition and use of more exotic percussive fills breaks the mono-cultural mould, showcasing Gimson’s ability to challenge conventional musical boundaries.

The amalgamative nature of the sonic catharsis and harbingering tones in the track elucidates the harsh realities of our social tapestry, inviting listeners to engage with the music on a deeper, more introspective level. Sink in, and sink into yourself.

Ridge was officially released on February 2nd; stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Let go of the tangible and embrace the ethereal with Ltronnika’s latest release, Drifting Away

Posted on 7 February 2024

As an ambient electronica producer, Ltronnika stands as a figure shrouded in mystery, yet their enigmatic presence has done little to dim the allure for their legions of fans. With their latest release, ‘Drifting Away’, Ltronnika sculpted an auditory experience that transcends the mundane and washes away every echo of anxiety.

The instrumental release is a paradox of simplicity and complexity. It’s as if Ltronnika has distilled the essence of a dream and set it to music. The track begins with a subtle, almost understated elegance, but as it progresses it reveals layers of sound that are both intricate and immersive. The use of piano keys is an infallible artistic statement; each note, a brushstroke, adding depth and emotion to this sonic canvas.

Drifting Away is a journey, but not one with a clear destination. Instead, it invites listeners to lose themselves in the experience, to let go of the tangible and embrace the ethereal. The ambient leftfield house elements serve as a guide, leading you through an otherworldly landscape. Do yourself a favour, and dive in.

Drifting Away was officially released on January 30th; check out the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

J reshaped the landscape of protest music with his jazzy guitar score, Shame on You

Posted on 28 January 2024

Busting the myth that protest songs need to antagonise in the same vein as Rage Against the Machine or Black Flag, the Brighton-based artist, J, exhibited how mellow sonic political activism can be with his latest release, Shame on You.

Paired with an aptly endearing official music video, the ‘oppressed version’ of the single, sans the snippets of dystopian diatribes from Trump and Bush, allows you to embrace the absurdity of our tumultuous political waters while rising above them as the lighter-than-air guitar lines seemingly defy gravity.

J’s guitar work is nothing short of phenomenal – his strings sing with a life of their own in the genre-fluid fusion of jazz, pop, and classical guitar, but notably, the secret ingredient is his unflinching sense of humour and his lack of artistic ego. It’s a rarity for an artist to be so talented and not locked into the singular vision of rock stardom; J always endeavours to create sonic experiences that resonate with his soul; in doing so, he opens up cathartic worlds with his virtuosic tongue-in-jazz-groove flare.

Shame on You will be available to stream from January 26th; stream the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

BlueMelt’s ‘Stardust on Your Dress’: A Nostalgic Riff-Laden Reverie

Posted on 27 January 2024

BlueMelt, spearheaded by the adept London-based Vito Tardia, has unleashed a sonic tempest with their latest single, “Stardust on Your Dress.” For anyone who kneels at the altar of rock, the track is a rite of passage. From the first note, you’re plunged into a whirlpool of nostalgia, driven by a lead guitar that dances with a fiery passion through the overdriven amplification.

The release masterfully blends the soul of classic blues with the grit of modern rock, creating a sound that is both raw and refined. The garagey texture of the track adds a layer of authenticity, a nod to the unpolished gems of rock’s golden era. As the guitar solos soar, they paint a vivid picture while the technical precision becomes a testament to Tardia’s skill and dedication to his craft. Each note is meticulously placed, yet there’s an underlying wildness that can’t be tamed.

Stardust on Your Dress is a journey back to the roots of rock, yet it propels the listener forward, hinting at the boundless potential of BlueMelt’s future endeavours. This track is a must-listen, not just for rock aficionados but for anyone seeking a taste of musical fervour that’s both nostalgic and exhilarating.

Stardust on Your Dress will officially release on January 26; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Every Progression is a Prog-Rock Revelation in Tempus Cucumis’ Single, It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today

Posted on 22 January 2024

With their seventh album, Rêves, the progressive rock duo, Tempus Cucumis, exhibited how innovation can drive classic rock forward, not as a separation of what came before, but a sublime continuum you can follow and lose yourself within. With those classic rock cuts reconfigured into tantalising time signatures which teach you to predict the unpredictable with each progression, you hand over all sense of control to the cohesive coalescence of talents from Jeroen De Brauwer (guitars, drums, composition) and Lukas Huisman (keys, production).

The seminal single, It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today, uses timbres hotter than the tarmac on the Sunset Strip in July to pay an ode to the capacity of sun rays to salve the spectrum of human tribulation, which may sound like a stretch until you remember that, for the most part, we have the same basic requirements as a house plant, beyond the complexities our autonomy bestows on us. With twists and turns amidst the ebbing and flowing momentum, you can’t help but strap yourself in for the ride and succumb to every new corner the track meanders around, exposing an even more breathtaking sonic scene.

It’s Alright, The Sun is Shining Today is now available to stream on Spotify with the rest of the 9-track LP, Rêves.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Stelios Kyriakidis created a passport to ‘Copenhagen’ in his seminal ambient classical guitar composition.

Posted on 17 January 2024

Stelios Kyriakidis staked his claim as one of the most evocative neo-classical guitar composers of his generation upon the unveiling of his debut album, 508 Days. The opening single, Copenhagen, pays a fitting ode to the titular destination; each note, a breath taken at the profoundly inspiring scenery, a moment stolen within the rich culture, a step taken through the enriching streets.

The serenity within the instrumental soundscape constructed by the London-based Greek guitarist and composer echoes his influence of neoclassical, folk and film music elements. If the soundtrack to the film Her made an ever-lasting impression on you, expect the very same affecting experience from Stelios’ intimately composed score which undoubtedly resounds as well in a live performance as it does on record. The connection he feels to the guitar in hand is comforting throughout, echoing his own familiar and fond acquaintance with the instrument he uses to make highly visual mirages from melodies.

Prior to the release of 508 days, Stelios Kyriakidis performed in prestigious venues globally and has been featured by BBC Radio London, The Music Dances When You Sleep, and the Minor7th. Since releasing Copenhagen, the single entered the iTunes Classical Charts at no.34. We can’t wait to see where he takes his sound next.

Visit Copenhagen via Spotify and explore the rest of Stelios Kyriakidis’ debut LP,

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick Pike has debuted a neo-classic composition of profound contemplation with the release of ‘Norastoria’

Posted on 12 January 2024
Nick Pike

Nick Pike’s instrumental neo-classical piece, Norastoria, is a composition of contemplation, capturing the tenderness of tentative new beginnings as vividly as the tumultuousness of reality which demands resilience to weather life’s relentless storms.

Each note is as accessible as the last in the endlessly inviting piece which keeps its finger on the evocative pulse. Words are surplus to requirement through Pike’s talent in depicting human narratives in humble neo-classic melodies. Pike’s ability to infuse each note with a sense of purpose and feeling is remarkable. The single is a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience, rendered with a sensitivity and depth that only a musician of Pike’s calibre can achieve.

As a London-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator, Pike brings a unique blend of influences to Norastoria, the title single prised from his debut solo album, from the classical echoes of Beethoven and Debussy to the rhythmic intricacies of jazz and funk. The title single is a testament to Pike’s versatility and his ability to weave diverse musical threads into a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Norastoria will be available to stream and purchase on all major platforms from January 12th. Discover Nick Pike’s sound via his official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kanyun sonically embraced the duality of December with the warmth in the chill of ‘Winter In Sight’

Posted on 24 December 2023

Kanyun’s seminal single, Winter in Sight, is a testament to the power of musical innovation; the journey through the heart of winter encapsulates its contrasting emotions with a finesse that only a cultivated artist like Kanyun could achieve.

The track opens with a haunting melody reminiscent of a Nils Frahm composition, setting a profound and melancholic tone. The minor keys speak volumes, hinting at the long, dark nights of winter and the introspection they bring as the lo-fi production shares the cosiness of intimacy, away from the biting cold.

The soft meandering guitars weave through the track like warm threads in a winter tapestry, creating melodies that comfort and embrace the listener. The guitar lines are an embodiment of sitting by a crackling fire or finding solace in the arms of a loved one.

Kanyun’s journey from a trap-beat producer to a lo-fi maestro is evident in this track. His ability to create a sound that resonates with a broad audience while retaining a distinct personal touch is remarkable. Winter in Sight is not just a song; it’s a feeling, a moment in time captured through the lens of a gifted artist.

As we look forward to Kanyun’s future projects and the evolution of his new record label, Amelia Grace Recordings, Winter in Sight stands as an attest to his artistic growth and the potential that lies ahead.

Winter in Sight is available to stream and purchase on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joseph Batrouney gently deconstructed the monocultural mould with his jazz fusion score, At Hand

Posted on 16 December 2023

For his latest seminal piece, Joseph Batrouney collaborated with Niran Dasika, Flora Carbo, and Jacques Emery to orchestrate a beguiling instrumental serenade, which sees jazzy smoke signals billow through the progressions in the sublime score, At Hand.

At Hand stands as a beacon of his unique musical vision, seamlessly blending influences from Middle Eastern, jazz, and flamenco traditions. Batrouney, with his profound understanding of musical fusionism, presents a track that is as organic and fluid as a meandering river, gently challenging and deconstructing the monocultural mould. The track moves with a natural grace, each note and rhythm flowing into the next, creating a harmonious and captivating auditory experience.

Batrouney’s musical skills, honed under the tutelage of luminaries like Tony Moreno, Nate Smith, and Israel ‘Piraña’ Suarez, and through his studies at prestigious institutions like Monash University and New York University, shine brilliantly in this release. His ability to infuse his music with a rich tapestry of rhythmic textures and motions is evident in every beat.

The artist’s noteworthy performances, including appearances alongside the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and tours with Arte Kanela Flamenco, have undoubtedly contributed to his deep understanding of rhythm and melody. This understanding is palpable in At Hand, where every chord and rhythm seems to tell a story, inviting listeners into Joseph’s world of rhythmic exploration and cultural fusion.

At Hand was officially released on the 20th of November ahead of the EP of the same name, which subsequently reached the airwaves on December 8th. Stream the EP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast