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Album Review
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Leicester Bangs, Album Review >>
Short Shorts
Le Futur Pompiste – S/T (Shelflife)
Is December a good time to listen to sunshine indie pop? Of course it is! Le Futur Pompiste hail from snowy Finland, so their desire to play charming electronica with South American shuffle rhythms and sophisticated ‘60s vocals is probably a reaction to their chilly surroundings. Who knows for sure, but there’s no doubting their gorgeous tunes – “Five Hundred Heartbeats” and “Communication” in particular - and the warmth they emit. Central heating for grown-ups? Why not. Fans of High Llamas, Stereolab, St. Etienne and Broadcast should try and have a listen.
www.myspace.com/lefuturpompiste
Salt Of The Earth – So Sing To Me (Independent)
Formed in 2003 by Lynne Reif and Mike Schrand (both ex-Belle Starr), Salt Of The Earth play honest-to-goodness roots music with an emphasis on quality songwriting. Pretty much percussion free, their sound errs towards the folkier end of the Americana spectrum, with the presence of Jake Brookman’s cello providing a depth that might otherwise have been lacking. Rief and Schrand share songwriting and vocal duties, and their best songs, “Somewhere In Between”, “Walkin’ Down The Side Of The Road” and “At My Age” have an earthy, timeless quality that is appealing.
www.myspace.com/sotestl
Ted Hovis – Let It Shine (Independent)
Ted Hovis is a Washington DC based singer-songwriter-guitarist with a style that refers back to grunge bands like Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, but without sacrificing a well defined pop edge. It’s all very accessible. Hovis sings his songs with a strong, pure voice and his words, though hitting on a plethora of emotions, are uplifting and positive. The musicianship is exemplary – Hovis is talented guitarist with a band who are equally adept. The title song is the perfect opening track. A monstrous chorus is embellished by a guitar motif, which would have put a smile on Billy Duffy’s face (circa “Spiritwaker”).
www.myspace.com/tedhovis
The Pickpocket Ensemble – Memory (Independent)
If they say that variety is the spice of life, then The Pickpocket Ensemble are the musical equivalent of an Indian market on a summers day. They describe what they do as “contemporary world chamber music” which means they mix up a surfeit of influences from around the world, and channel them back in a neo-classical format. Violin and piano co-exist happily with guitars, banjo and accordion and although there’s absolutely nothing festive in what they do, I’ve a sneaky suspicion that “Memory” may well be played sometime on Christmas Day. It’s that sort of record.
www.myspace.com/thepickpocketensemble
THE PICKPOCKET ENSEMBLE – REMEMBER THE MOON
Simon M. 12/10/10 >> go there
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