ALBUM: Immersion – ‘Sleepless’

If your cells are set alight by the sound of analogue synths and ambient electronics, you should invest in Immersion‘s upcoming album, Sleepless, which is set for release on 15th June via swim~ Records. Comprised of Wire’s Colin Newman & Malka Spigel, Immersion specialise in what their namesake describes and their latest record is a shining example of this.

Influenced by German krautrock pioneers such Tangerine Dream and Popal Vuh, Immersion have created their own version of “widescreen music” and opening track ‘Microclimate’ is a gentle electronic plunge in to their sonic world. The cyclical, mesmeric nature of ‘Off Grid’ seeps in to your consciousness, before the rippling synths and percussion on ‘MS19’ keep you suspended in ambiance for a further seven minutes.

Eponymous track ‘Sleepless’ articulates the restless state of mind its named after, with it’s moody brass arrangements and synths, whilst ‘Propulsoid’ – which features Matt Schulz of Holy Fuck – is propelled by the drum pattern Schulz programmed and more layers of synths and guitar. The upbeat ‘Hovertron’ glides by, making way for the smooth waves on ‘The Humming Sea’, before aptly named ‘Manic Toys’ scurries through your ear drums. Penultimate track ‘Seeing is Believing’ – a collaboration with Gil Luz and Asi Weitz of Hexenschuss – could score a dystopian sci-fi flick, whilst ‘Io’ closes the record on a hopeful, celebratory, grandiose note.

If you’re keen to hear Immersion’s music in the flesh, they’ll be performing a free show on 16th June at London’s Rough Trade East. You can pick up your copy of Sleepless there, or you can pre-order it here.

Follow Immersion on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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ALBUM: Sharon Lazibyrd – ‘Half Shame and Half Glory’

Our ancestors once passed on their tales of caution, woe and political angst through the form of ballads, a theme explored in Half Shame and Half Glory. Throughout her new album, Sharon Martin – aka Sharon Lazibyrd – uses this tradition with her messages of modern life mixed in with foot-stomping, gypsy-folk tunes.

As its name suggests, Half Shame and Half Glory tackles head on our conflicting emotions in our day to day lives – all delivered through vocals reminiscent of music halls, cheerful ukuleles and passionate violins. Sharon Martin invited an array of musicians on board for her debut solo outing – which even included her own father! Having others along for the ride is evident in the delightfully whimsical sound, with many of the tracks being the aural equivalent of walking through a field of wildflowers with sunbeams on your face.

Half Shame and Half Glory dives straight in with the cautionary tale of ‘Mr Smilie’. Mr Smilie has known both love and heartbreak with Sharon bringing this character to life through traditional accordions and, despite the sadness which Mr Smilie has to endure, it’s hard to be drawn too far down when ukuleles are involved.

 

An album of ballads would not be complete without politically charged protest songs. ‘Opium of the Masses’ and ‘More For Less’ tell us what to expect from the title alone, before we even hit the play button. Although the title is lifted straight from The Communist Manifesto, ‘Opium of the Masses’ also pays homage to Tolkien with the lyrics embedded within the solemn violins. ‘More For Less’ does more to release Sharon’s political dismay at the powers that be, and demands that we pay attention – “Now listen to my story…” she tells us, before jaunty violins and rhythmic tambourines keep pace with her tongue-twisting vocals.

Half Shame and Half Glory isn’t just an outlet for political anger, gentle pianos can be found on ‘Winding Road’ which is a touching ode to maternal love. ‘Don’t Worry’ is a sun-fuelled track, reminiscent of Lily Allen’s early work, with spoken-word style vocals. Whilst ‘Blood on Bone’ takes us down a gothic path, ‘And They Danced’ closes the album with fun spontaneity with scattering vocals and a rhythm which will have you whirling around the room.

Sharon Martin has packed her debut full of hidden delights, igniting a free-spirited passion with each listen. Through her stomping ballads which wouldn’t be out of place in Fiddler on the Roof, Sharon not only delivers her truth, but causes her listeners to realise their own.

Nicky Lee-Delisle 
@Nicky___Lee

 

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ALBUM: Jo Passed – ‘Their Prime’

Living in the city with nowhere to rent? No time outside of employment, and no realistic expectations to live up to? Then you should invest in Jo Passed‘s debut album, Their Prime. Released via Sub Pop Records, the Vancouver-based four piece have written a record that encompasses these anxieties – but most importantly – uses a combination of melodic noise and grunge-inspired sound to break through them.

Comprised of Jo, Elliot, Bella & Megan-Magdalena, Jo Passed’s new record is the amalgamation of front-man Jo’s fears and frustrations at not being where he thought he’d be in his 30s. Jo has been part of the DIY music scene since his late teens along with high school best friend Elliot, both of whom thought they were “freaky music weirdos” when they began writing their own tunes. Now, with the multi-talented Bella & Megan-Magdalena on board, Jo’s fear of missing out has been neutralised and channelled into songs like hazy album opener, ‘Left’. It’s three minutes of reverb-heavy riffs that cloud the ears with gentle anger.

Second track ‘MDM’ hosts noise-rock riffs and floaty, quietly furious vocals, before ‘Glass’ and ‘Undemo’ pass by in steady fashion. The brief ‘Facetook’ bleeds in with its distant vocals and diluted guitar sounds, before ‘Repair’ pushes things in a more positive direction. Breathy, laid back vocals are mirrored in the gentler percussion and guitar parts, preceding the cathartic pay off which comes three minutes and twenty seconds in.

The guitars on ‘R.I.P’ drift dreamily above more pensive vocals, before the relatable ‘Millennial Trash Blues’ punches its way through with more noise and feedback, ricocheting between loud & quiet. ‘You, Prime’ rings out in similar fashion, as does following track ‘Sold’ with its manic riffs and driving percussion. Ambient interlude ‘Another Nowhere’ provides space for reflection, before the spacey ‘Places Please’ closes this journey through uncertainty and finding your identity.

Jo Passed’s debut record is a strung-out, melodic tonic for those pushing through the fear of missing out, or indeed, being past Their Prime. You can purchase your copy here.

Follow Jo Passed on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Gurr – ‘Hot Summer’

Contrary to its title, Gurr‘s latest single ‘Hot Summer’ was conceived on a grey day in London town. The Berlin duo tried to capture “that feeling of despair when everyone around you is happy, but somehow you just don’t feel it,” and the result is a frustratingly catchy “anti-summer” anthem.

Produced by Richard X (Roisin Murphy, Goldfrapp, Kelis,) ‘Hot Summer’ is the first taste of new material from the band since the release of their debut album In My Head, which won the IMPALA European Album of the Year Award in 2016. Gurr – comprised of Laura Lee & Andreya Casablanca – wanted to explore the idea that as the temperature rises, so does the pressure to enjoy and partake in all things summer related.

“Summer is such an iconic time of year and something we long for so often, but it ends up having very little to do with reality,” the band explain. “We wanted to write a song that sounds like you want to get fucking crazy to it, but also shout: Shit, maybe the condom did break? Or shit, did I forget to take the pill? Or shit, why is everyone around me doing ok and I feel like I need therapy? It’s a celebration of the imperfect summer, and everyday neurosis.”

The duo are gearing up for their Hot Summer Festival Tour which will see them grace the stages of over 20 European festivals this year, including performances at Rock Am Ring, Melt and Lollapalooza Berlin. They can also exclusively announce a headline show at The Garage on November 29th, their biggest show in the UK capital to date.

Listen to ‘Hot Summer’ below and follow Gurr on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Rowan Allen

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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