Pharis & Jason Romero - Long Gone Out West Blues

Pharis & Jason Romero - Long Gone Out West Blues
Independent


If you're looking for some authentic country banjo bluegrass, this act out of British Columbia may just be your saving grace. The thirteen tracks on this album include songs of heartfelt and honest introspection of life's troubles, lightly plucked instrumentals and even some of the rambunctious clamourings of musical fervor that many look for in banjo music.

The album lays on the sentimental side for the most part, especially when Pharis is singing. At times her voice carries softly over the acoustic guitar she plays, but at other times it soars with the emotional intensity that this music is born out of. Jason's vocals are equally impressive with his relaxed and natural drawl that will draw you into the heart of stories he sings. Combined, their harmony is sweet to the ears and ever so appreciatively invigorating.

Most of the songs have a classic sound, but do not tread too close to anything specifically familiar. For those in need of some genuine comfort music for the soul, this group will get the job done in no time.

 

Cloudkicker - Let Yourself Be Huge

Cloudkicker - Let Yourself Be Huge
Independent




Cloudkicker is a post-metal project that stands head and shoulders above most of its contemporaries; only, B.M. Sharp is just one person. His output is prolific to say the least, and his style is varied. One minute it's a slowed down acoustic riff, the next it's a barrage of tone that leaves your ear searching for the route you took into this land, and unable to find it, the mind relaxes and starts to drift. Exclusively instrumental, epic, monstrous and grand, Cloudkicker will not disappoint fans of post-metal or progressive music in general.

Let Yourself Be Huge is a far more subdued mathy album from Cloudkicker. Past albums have had an almost assaulting feel from front to back; walls of guitar were the norm. LYBH, however, has opened up a softer side of Sharp's writing and recording style. I recommend this album if you're a fan of cheap red wine, cigarettes and writing poetry alone in a darkened room.

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