Klifton Filente – “Common Ground”

February 25, 2011 at 6:38 pm

Klifton FilenteThe first thing that strikes me as I start to listen to Klifton Filente’s album “Common Ground”, is the sound from the thin, somewhat mechanical drums and the undefined, rolling bass, with the impression like it’s programmed on one of those all-in-one-keyboards. But soon enough the songs open up and reveal excellent pop songs, with beautiful melodies and chord variations.

The sound becomes a part of the charm with the songs, which remind me of pop and country pop from early seventies or maybe like a more humble Magnetic Fields.

“Common Ground” is available on Spotify or on Klifton Filente’s Bandcamp page. Klifton Filente also has a Myspace page.

It Takes a Thorn to Remove a Thorn
You Decide

Marcus Wallner

January 17, 2011 at 4:46 pm

Marcus WallnerMarcus Wallner puts the microphone on the piano, sits down and plays and sings. Afterwards he adds the choirs. As simple as that. When I ask him why he hasn’t aimed for a bigger sound with a better production he answers that he’s tried that, but that inte the end he likes this way the best.

And the songs and the sound create a special feeling, I agree with that. Like a small choir gathered around a piano singing modern hymns in front of us. Less is more? Judge for yourseld in a couple of songs from his latest EP, “A Needlework”.

You can find Marcus on his Myspace page.

Row, Dear
Hookless

Gocart System – “Across the Nation”

October 26, 2010 at 10:47 pm

Gocart SystemIt’s been a while since I heard from Gocart System, ever since they released their first EP here on Meadowmusic. Thankfully they are back with a new one, called “Across the Nation”.

And yes, it’s the same crazy playfulness, jump between genres and with contagious songs. Here’s one that could be a modern lo-fi version of early Velvet Underground, another a disco flirt, and, well, you tell me. I recognize the music, but at the same time I don’t.

On Spotify you can listen to both EP:s as one release, or you can head over to Myspace and listen there. Here’s “Heavy Rotation”, and also the video to “Always Been the Same” from the first EP:

Heavy Rotation

Always Been the Same:

Shotgun Language

August 5, 2010 at 12:55 pm

Shotgun LanguageIt’s time to start again after a short summer break. And I begin with Shotgun Language, aka Gustav Berry.

This May he released the single “It Leaves Me Worried”, a song that breathes fifties rock, and earlier this year the album “Nerve”, a collection of songs with the same lo-fi sound, caught on his tape recorder at home, and serves us pop gems, country and fifties rock. A little like if Buddy Holly, Neil Young and John Lennon met in someones home and recorded outtakes for their new album.

All tracks can be heard and downloaded on Shotgun Language’s Bandcamp page. You can also meet Shotgun Language on Myspace.

It Leaves Me Worried

The Argument

December 13, 2008 at 2:55 pm

The ArgumentIt’s a day of contrasts today. At six a’clock pm I’m going to church to listen to the Lucia performance. Traditional, beautiful and extra emotional since my little daughter is singing in the choir. And I’m sitting here, preparing myself by listening to something completely different. From the fully predictable to the total opposite. But, of course, there is also beauty in The Argument’s new album “Summer/Winter Nights”, so it’s not completely the opposite in all aspects.

This feels very fun to listen to. As I said, it feels unpredictable in this lo-fi indie-pop/rock from The Argument. You’ll find great pop gems mixed with considerably more experimental tracks. In one track I feel the vibes from Talking Heads and in another I hear Bright Eyes, but it’s far away from some kind of description of the music overall. Basically it feels quite unique.

The Argument are generous enough to offer their entire album free for download, track by track or the album in one zip-file. You can access this on The Argument’s page on Bandcamp. (excellent service Bandcamp, btw)
You can also visit The Argument on Myspace and also their blog.

Listen to three tracks from “Summer/Winter Nights”:

Forget About the Politics
What I Like
The Boat

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