Category Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Human Machine Interface ‘Futurespective’

Mastered in Berlin, ‘Futurespective’ is the debut album to come from Human Machine Interface. Inspired by travelling, ‘Futurespective’ was created everywhere; on the train, on the plane, in different countries and different soundscapes from cities, and used all types of equipment ranging from state of the art studios to a simple bluetooth speaker. Human Machine Interface creates his sound by using analogue and digital synthesisers and programming with Pure Data. Known for an immersive and mesmerizing live show, Human Machine Interface has played all across Europe and cites Kraftwerk and Karlheinz Stockhausen as key influences.

‘Futurespective’ is a unique and obscure collection of music as Human Machine Interface creates an expansive wall of sound through the use of dark, intense and sometimes disco-infused soundscapes. Utilizing sticky beats and swirling electronic pulses the songs submerge the listener in a futuristic world of Human Machine Interface’s creation. From the ominous synth progressions in ‘Why Not Swear’, funky disco elements in ‘Close Your Eyes’ to brooding asphyxiating soundscapes in ‘Retrospective of Time’, each track draws you deeper into the album’s core. Richly Layered textures and syncopated beats provide both flashing moments of scintillation and dark shadows of mystery with some earthy light fluttering embellishments in between. These elements are best shown in the immersive ‘Cordobazo’.

This instrumental album is a unique and engaging collection of tracks from an intriguing artist.

Stream ‘Futurespective’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Abacus Rings ‘Spout’ Album

‘Spout’ is the debut full length album to come from alternative rock / pop band Abacus Rings. This ten track album will have a video for each track. The record was partly recorded at Q Division and Ugly Duck in Boston and engineered by Matt Tahaney (Jimmy Eat World, Franz Ferdinand) and James Bridges (Juliana Hatfield, Fall Out Boy). An “after work” band of professionals, Boston based Abacus Rings is a fun passion project for the four piece. Formed of Michael Ringel (guitars and vocals), Carolyn Ringel (keys and vocals), Douglas “DJ” Johnson (bass), and Bill Kane (drums), the band draw on their life experience which includes time spent as a field biologist in the Amazon, a pastry chef at the Charles Hotel, legal counsel for the state Senate Oversight Committee, and a camper among the Himba people of Namibia.

‘Spout’ is a peppy light indie pop album laced in Abacus Rings’ vibrant and genre blending sound.Using warm indie rock guitar and animated percussion each track maintains a quirky bounce and peppy radiance. The band use intricate and rich musicianship to create a refined backdrop to their heartfelt and sometimes humorous lyrics. Their jangly pop sound floods tracks ‘Back At School’ and ‘Twilight’ in catchy light tones and positive vibes which exudes a playful atmosphere within the songs. Lush harmonies and sweet melodies saturate the tunes in a honey coating while the sometimes sharp guitar and intricate bass grooves maintain a rock flavour and edge. 

Abacus Rings have created a fun and melodically lush collection of tracks that are upbeat, sweet and full of wholesome goodness.

Stream ‘Spout’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Honeybone ‘Spheres’ Album

Honeybone have released their new album ‘Spheres’. Bringing you a collection of songs written between 2015 and 2019, ‘Spheres’ split the writing equally between drummer Rachel Trainor and guitarist Drew Handcock. Recorded in 2019, the band took a DIY approach, mostly recording at their home studio and Three Phase Studios in Brunswick, Melbourne, with Drew producing and mixing the album. Honeybone is a three-piece Psychedelic/Garage Rock band based in Melbourne, Australia, and hail from the city of Dunedin, in the deep south of New Zealand. The band is formed of drummer and vocalist Rachel Trainor, bass and backing vocalist Peter Jermakoff, and guitarist/vocalist Drew Handcock. Since their debut EP release in 2010, Honeybone have shared a stage with Beastwars, Wofat, The Datsuns, Dragon, and Luger Boa and released their first full length studio album in 2013.

Submerged in psychedelic shoegaze, ‘Spheres’ is a pool of rich musicianship as Honeybone delve deep into their heavy multi dimensional sound. The band blend Rachel’s and Drew’s vocals to create a diverse and wholly engaging collection of tracks. Edgier rock smattered tunes ‘Bruises’ and ‘Stratosphere’ surge with energy and allow the band to explore their more abrasive side as the swirls on guitars, pummeling drums and expansive blasts of distortion create a swagger-drenched rock soundscape. There are ample shredding guitar moments on the album as the band flesh out their expressive guitar prowess in ‘Sands’ and ‘Metathesiophobia’ with thick bluesy riffs and strut ready confidence. These tracks are ballsy and powerful.

There is no shortage of mighty courses within ‘Spheres.’ Honeybone display their ability to create eargasmic melodies and anthemic choruses with ease; the dreamy progressions and instrumentals within the songs capture the band’s musical vigor as wild solo’s and pounding drums create a hefty wall of sound for the slinky bass to weave between. Each song on ‘Spheres’ carries weight and power as the band tease, entice and lure between fantastic mosh pit worthy instrumental drops.

The band explain:“There’s an undercurrent theme throughout the album of unease with the state of the world, alongside concerns for the environment and relationships”


‘Spheres’ is a well-crafted album and a joy to listen to. The second album to come from Honeybone shows real growth and maturity in their sound and songwriting style.

Stream ‘Spheres’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Michael Lumby ‘Wolves on the Mountain’

Inspired to write this record by different genres and fictional stories, alternative rocker Michael Lumby has released his new album ‘Wolves on the Mountain’. Collaboration was a vital part of this album. Michael Lumby works with a wide variety of other artists allowing each of them to add their own unique spin on the songs. Featured artists include Michael Galloway, Christopher McDougall, Fiona Reid, Callum Campbell, Lola Elvira Dorado.

Michael Lumby is a solo Scottish artist who writes, records and produces his own music from his own home recording studio in Perth.

‘Wolves on the Mountain’ is a buoyant collection of tracks that tell witty tales of unique characters surrounded by Michael Lumby’s lively musicianship. The tracks are driven by radiant sprightly guitar lines, punchy vibrant percussion and warm cheery melodies. Lumby blends folk and country tones with indie rock elements to create a vibrant and satisfying sound. From the jangly piano and country-esque vocals of Fiona Reid on ‘Wolves on the Mountain’ to the darker lamenting ‘That’s What A War Does’ the album surges with catchy melodies and sweet little refrains. The warm guitar solos and intricate instrumentation flowing through each track creates a cohesive thread and fluid quality to the album. There is no shortage of jaunty rock songs on the album either with the shredding sharp guitars and punchy drums in ‘Knights Nightmare’ and swaggering rock n roll soundscape in ‘Maybe I’ll See You Tonight’ there is something for everyone.

‘Wolves on the Mountain’ is a tight and well crafted album with uplifting and catchy tunes brimming with warmth and rich musicianship. 

Stream ‘Wolves on the Mountain’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

Plastic Barricades ‘Self-Theories’ Album

Alternative indie rock band Plastic Barricades have released their new album ‘Self-Theories’.The album was written and recorded in a backyard shed in North-West London, mixed by Paul Love in London and Paris and mastered by Andy Baldwin at Metropolis Studios in London.

‘Self-Theories’ is a bright melodious collection of tracks as Plastic Barricades showcase their uplifting indie in this unique and engaging album. The band use jaunty guitars and intricate drums to flesh out their rich and bubbling wall of sound while a vibrant percussive rhythm keeps the tracks light and bouncy. There are folky elements within ‘Weightless’ and ‘The Great Unknown’ while ‘Game of Numbers’ takes a more indie rock swaggered approach. The band discuss themes of loneliness and self understanding with moments of joy, sadness and curiosity all displayed through bright energetic musicianship.

There is no shortage of sublime heartfelt melodies throughout the album. In true Plastic Barricades manner, the album spreads dreamy warm melodies over expressive instrumentation to create a satisfying listening experience. ‘Self-Theories is a wonderfully crafted album from Plastic Barricades. 

Stream ‘Self-Theories’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Edith Lane ‘Eden on the Park’ Album

‘Eden on the Park’ is the brand new album from Australian Alt-rock band Edith Lane. The album is almost a coming of age for Edith Lane, who have been around the local Melbourne scene for the last 8 years, performing with different bands and groups. Inspired by lead singer Victor’s own life experiences, the idea of ‘Eden on the Park’ was largely informed by the poetry of Peter Porter and the works of bands such as Radiohead and Sonic Youth. The album was recorded in a small home studio in Footscray called Love Shack Studios, owned and run by bandmate Jessicca. This isolated setting gave way to intimate performances recorded without any sense of pressure.

 ‘Eden on the Park’ is a mesmerising and expressive album that broods with emotion and erupts with crashing instrumentation. Throughout the album Edith Lane expertly build and release tension through sublime musicianship. Venturing between soft ethereal moments in tracks ‘B(I’m Glad We Talked’ and ‘32&’ to raw unadulterated grunge rock in ‘A Conversation With The Devil’, the band craft their songs superbly. Of particular interest is the 90’s grunge elements and haunting vocals which exude mournful tones in ‘Quite Observation’ and ‘Frame by Frame’ – tracks such as these are joy to the ears. The band swirl crashing ( and at times psychedelic ) guitar riffs and refrains through dreamy or raw backdrops creating a varied, multi-textured wall of sound. However the fluctuating, ominous bass and drums provide the brawn and foundation for this magnificent guitar work to ricochet off. 

There is abyssal darkness within the album. At times, it’s harrowing, painful and heart-rending as a powerful vocal delivery accompanied by emotive piano moments express innocence and vulnerability.

This introspective album takes you on an emotional journey of bittersweetness. ‘Eden on the Park’ is a wonderful display of musical prowess. Edith Lane majestically blend genres to create a wholly consuming album brimming with energy, sulky moments and aggression.

Speaking to the emotional state behind the album, Victor explains “It’s emotional, and there’s a lot of vulnerability in it, but we don’t want to portray it as a sad album, nor do we want to come across as having a sense of self-importance. I guess the feelings would be honest, self-aware, something along those lines.” 

Stream ‘Eden on the Park’ below

Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Paper Souls ‘The Great and The Grieving’ Album

Tasmanian rockers Paper Souls have released their debut album ‘The Great and The Grieving’. Paper Souls have reimagined old songs and mixed them in with fresh new material to bring you their debut album. A long way from their early days as an acoustic duo, the five piece band are formed of husband and wife Sarah (vocals and percussion) and Luke (guitar and vocals), and are joined by Josef Bound (drums), Tom Harvey (bass) and Angus Austin (keys).Over the years, the band have featured at most of Tasmania’s biggest festivals, including Party in The Paddock, The Falls Festival (Marion Bay), Festivale and The Taste Of Tasmania and also supported ARIA Award Winners Killing Heidi and COG on their recent Tasmanian tours.

‘The Great and The Grieving’ is a powerful album of alternative rock as Paper Souls lace their tracks in gusto, emotion and 90’s grunge elements. With shredding guitars, anthemic choruses and pummeling drums the album is a dynamic collection or tracks. The band manage to create a sound that blends and twinkles with eerie haunting soundscapes and bashing rock tones. ’Feeling Unknown’, ‘Shapes’ and ‘Put Me To Shame’ all rumble with the raging rhythmic foundation and brawn filled drum progressions of Paper Souls while the intense jabs on guitar and jaunty keys provide a lighter tone and contrasting texture to the darker elements. With a mixture of soft vocals, rasped exclaims and lush harmonies the album is diverse and engaging. The band flesh out their power ballads with 90’s grunge infused passion. The moodier tracks like ‘Reading Minds’ use icy soundscapes to create the lonely alternative rock atmosphere allowing the lamenting keys and guitar distortion build the song’s tension right up to the power rock crescendo of shredding guitars and expressive vocals. 

‘The Great and The Grieving’ is a tight cohesive album of mighty alternative rock anthems as Paper Souls use bittersweet melodies, and dynamic instrumentation to create a moving and rich collection of tracks.

Frontman Luke says that whilst he writes a lot about his personal observations and experiences, “the band’s collaboration keeps the listener always discovering something new and dynamic for the ear to digest.” 

Stream ‘The Great and The Grieving’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Justin Jarrell’s Self Titled Album

Justin Jarrell has released his self titled debut album. Justin Jarrell is a singer/songwriter and born entertainer. No stranger to a live show, his commanding stage presence creates a high energy, feel-good atmosphere. Justin Jarrell’s goal is to write songs people can relate to, whilst also getting his audience to let loose and have fun.

Justin Jarrell’s debut album is a collection of passionate tracks which venture from electronic pop to soft rock with some doo-wop and sweet ballads in between. His ability to write catchy hooks with upbeat melodies makes each song a delight as he experiments with auto-tune to create light enjoyable tunes. From the twinkling 50’s-esque soundscapes in ‘Dream’ to the dance infused ‘How Do I Love’ Jarell provides a diverse listening experience. With cinematic soundscapes flooding tracks like ‘Where Does My Heart Beat Now’ and ‘Make My Broken Heart Whole’ the album captures rushing emotions through precise instrumentation, warm guitars and glistening keys.

Justin Jarrell’s self titled album is compact, wholesome and a tale of the heart expressed through emotive musicianship.

Stream Justin Jarrell’s self titled album below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Nic Norton and Alice Morell ‘Smoke and Mirrors’

British folk band Nic Norton and Alice Morell have teamed up once again with the County Band for their latest album ‘Smoke and Mirrors’. Nic Norton and Alice Morell were formed in Norwich by Nic in 2018. Along with the County Band, they have already released an album called ‘Last Orders’ which received critical acclaim from music journalists and publications.

‘Smoke and Mirrors‘ is a dramatic collection of stories translated through warm folk and indie pop. Elegant strings embellish tracks such as‘Hey Mister’ as Nic Norton and Alice Morell use celtic elements to add rich depth to their tracks. Their ability to surge emotion into the tracks along with tight instrumentation makes each song pleasant on the ears. The band blend Americana, English folk rock, indie pop, music hall ( and a dash of jazz in ‘Are You an Angel’ ) into the album to create a well rounded and diverse collection of tracks. The stories within the album tell tales of bogus mediums, battling magicians, unusual music hall artists and encounters with Hell’s Angels. Nic Norton and Alice Morell present these stories through enticing instrumentation and witty lyrics.

‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is an enjoyable album of delicate sweet tunes brimming with charm. 

Stream ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

GEOFF ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ Album

GEOFF has released his latest album ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’. With a polished and clean sound, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ is the second studio album to come from electro-alternative rocker GEOFF. 

Exuding hook filled melodies, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ is an anthemic album laced in alternative rock. From the exuberant energy and shredding guitar riffs of ‘My Egirlfriend’ to the thumping beat and rush of adrenaline in ‘You Dream Away’, GEOFF creates a diverse and explosive listening experience. Within this album we see pop punk melodies, driving rhythmic foundations and soaring guitar riffs. There are glimmers of 80’s pop within ‘Last Chance’, while ‘Treason’ provides a glimpse into the passionate and expressive alternative rock side of GEOFF. Delicate tunes such as title track ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ showcase the depth within GEOFF’s vocals as he coos through sweet melodies, elegant strings and soft guitar lines.

‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ is a collection of spine tingling heartfelt tracks. Displaying dramatic vocals, shimmering synths and passionate ballads, GEOFF utilises his refined musicianship to create an album of uplifting, diverse and dynamic tunes. 

Stream ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ below 


Author : Danu