MTN BEATS has released his second EP, ‘Infinite’.The title ‘Infinite’ reflects the endless, awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. ‘Infinite’, a solo project, was created in a home studio overlooking the mountains of Colorado.Trained as a classical musician, MTN BEATS creates instrumentals that incorporate hip hop drums, chill synths, and electric guitar. His sound combines elements of trap, EDM, and lo-fi into a unique musical blend.
‘Infinite’ is a chilled three track instrumental EP brimming with ambient and vibrant tones as MTN BEATS displays his musicianship and meticulous attention to detail to create a wholly consuming listening experience. The songs flow effortlessly into one another with twinkling keys, swirling delicate electronics and buoyant groove-infected beats as MTN BEATS fleshes out the dreamy melodies and pacifying soundscapes. Each layer unfolds beautifully from the vibrant and radiant ‘Perspective’ with its 80’s pop tones and chilled synths to the sultry flow of title track ‘Infinite’, and warm golden guitar in ‘Reflection’. It’s a tight and well crafted EP. The sun kissed ethereal textures fuse with hip hop beats and subtle EDM seamlessly to create a spacious rich collection of tracks. MTN BEATS is continuing to define his sound creating wonderful music within a laid back lo fi medium.
Cal Raasay has released ‘Over Blue’, the lead single from his ‘Still’ EP. The ‘Still’ EP is the follow up to last year’s double A side single ‘(still the) Horizon’ / ‘Afore (sun)’ and features four brand new tracks including the lead single ‘Over Blue’. Taking his surname from an Island off the West Coast of Scotland where he spent his childhood holidays, Cal Raasay is the moniker of songwriter, composer and producer Callum Lawson. He released his debut five track EP ’57 – 6′ in April last year which was the result of twelve months spent building a studio in his hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Acclaimed by local press and featured on a number of playlists, the EP was also picked up by radio and was played by Nick Roberts at BBC Introducing North East and BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq. A quick follow up, the aforementioned ‘(still the) Horizon’ / ‘Afore (sun)’ single, arrived just a month later and the sparser and more reflective sound of the two songs saw him compared to artists such as Nils Frahm and Bon Iver.
‘Over Blue’ is a beautiful elegant piece of work that twinkles and glides with a grandeur and finesse that is mesmerising. Inspired by the recent purchase of his first piano from a lady in Scarborough, the music here attempts to capture Raasay’s deep exploration of the sounds and differing textures from said keyed instrument. The piano glistens and drifts in a floaty dreamy manner oozing depth and warmth while the flickering sweet trills add a fairy-like magical quality to the piece as the melody twists between melancholy and menace to great effect. It’s an entrancing majestic piece that feels wholesome and pure with rich depths and sweet tones.
To coincide with the release of his new EP, Newcastle based producer, Cal Raasay will play a special live date on Saturday the 19th of May 2018. He will perform three half hour solo piano performances from 7pm at Bamburgh House Arts Centre as part of ‘The Late Shows’ culture crawl in Newcastle over the weekend of 18th – 19th May for more see here https://thelateshows.org.uk/
Ziegler Co. are an alt-Indie-Pop four piece based in London. Band members Adam J. Morgan, Daniel Priddle, Fraser Rieley and Michael Benöhr have released three EPs and six singles through Foof Records in the last two years.They have gigged extensively over the UK and have played at festivals including Green Man, Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury. They have also supported, amongst others, the Penguin Café Orchestra. Their latest EP ‘Soap & Water’ was recorded at an ex-girlfriend’s house during a long rainy summer weekend, and indulges the band’s reflective song-writing side and captures a softer sound not heard in their previous release. ‘Clarity’ is the first track on the EP and showcases a sophisticated immersed sound complete with an elegance and delicate charm that is mind easing. Graceful piano twinkles and sparkles like shimmering water while the warm cooing vocals soothe and wash over you with an almost purifying presence. The simplistic beat anchors the track letting the glistening mellow guitar and piano almost dance together as their melodies sway and glide with grandeur. Beautifully crafted, this track fills you with a feeling of piece and tranquillity. The song builds to a stronger more instrumentally intense crescendo with eerie haunting backing vocals where you realise the melancholy darker undertone. Ziegler Co. have produced a tightly wrapped track that lets the listener unwind with a lyrical depth and profoundness that leaves an imprint on your soul. The video for Clarity was directed by Anna Patarakina who is a great friend of the band and directs/DPs almost all of Clean Bandit’s videos.
Ziegler Co. are currently sitting on another four tracks which they recorded last year so hopefully they will be released soon.Looking forward to that.
Watch the video for ‘Clarity’ below
Originally from Huddersfield, now based in Manchester Arro Jones has released his new single ‘Set My Mind Free’. This track glows with delicate fine flurries of blissful sun kissed radiance. Warm mellow acoustic guitar accompanies and caresses Arro’s creamy smooth vocal while the elegant sweet melody drifts you into a state of fluttering delight. Soft twinkling piano adds a tender dainty quality to the track. The instrumentation builds as the track progresses becoming more bouncy up to the zealous guitar solo which gives the cruising track a free open road letting go vibe and refreshing breezy feel. Rich in subtle textures and luminous qualities its an absolute joy to listen to. When we asked Arro about the track he said “it’s more stripped back than my usual stuff and is kind of a transition between two EP’s and two stages in my life”. Arro is working on new material at the moment including a collaboration EP called ‘Freak Show Collaborations’ which is due for release in March so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Set My Mind Free’ below
Inkfields was formed in Australia, 2012 by Brit Singer-Songwriter Sam James-Griffiths, but has appeared in band-form from time to time. Inkfields is most often a solo act that crosses indie, rock, pop and electronic. Sam James-Griffiths is a multi instrumentalist from Edinburgh he has mastered guitar, piano, bass, drums.
The first official record from Inkfields was titled ‘Paperless Book’, and was recorded and released in Sweden, in 2015. This 5 track EP is a beautiful arrangement of light ambient songs where the electric guitar and vocals are most prominent. The EP as a whole is relaxing and has the power to put you at ease and create a peaceful atmosphere while subtly showing off Sams guitar skills.
His EP ‘You forgot the roots’ was recorded in Germany and released February this year and is a compilation of well composed tracks as Sam displays his instrumental talent with bluesy style piano and guitar and deep lyrics. Each track is so easy to listen to and beautifully arranged and melodic with strong beats and soft piano,perfect for summer evenings.
Summer 2016 will see a third EP to be released. It will be recorded in a studio in Wales and as of yet, the title and launch date are not known. I for one will look forward to hearing more from Inkfields.
Stream ‘Take My Card’ Below
https://soundcloud.com/nkfields/take-my-card-ep
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
