Well, after last weekend’s shenanigans we are back. This week’s Wallet Emptier features 5 new albums and a glorious blast from the past (and a new empty wallet…). So, without any further ado, let’s crack on…..
Breznev Fun Club – il misantropo felice
Incredibly intense progressive rock with a mad side to it. Not to everyone’s taste and not for the faint of heart but this is a thrill ride of immense proportions. ‘Instrumental avant-garde chamber rock’ is the name it goes by, bloody bonkers brilliance is what you get from this Italian collective. Another superb release from AltrOck Productions.
30th April 2015
Stand out track – il misantropo felice VIII – After the Last Silence
Buy il misantropo felice from bandcamp via AltrOck
Muse – Drones
Muse have developed their own inimitable style of stadium filling symphonic rock with progressive tendencies but have gone a bit stale recently, in my opinion anyway. They return with a bang and at the head of an incredible riff-fest of mammoth proportions where Matt Bellamy & Co. are let off their virtual leash to deliver some hair (and eyebrow) raising monstrous rock. Smile inducing and seriously good played LOUD!
Released 5th June 2015
Stand out track – Reapers
Buy Drones from the official store
The Unthanks – Mount the Air
I have seen many recommendations for this band floating around so I thought it was about time I had a listen. The Unthanks sisters were brought up around Tyneside and introduced to the folk and jazz clubs in the area by their parents yet their music has an American alt-country/folk feel to it although, to try and pigeon-hole them is an exercise in futility. Lazy, calm & collected and with a simple beauty to the music, it is wistful and nostalgic and well worth a listen. One minor gripe, maybe they should cheer up a bit!
Released 9th Feb 2015
Stand out track – Foundling
Buy Mount the Air from the official site
Wolve – Sleepwalker
I love surprises and nothing pleases me more than new music that comes straight out of left field. I was contacted by the man behind the musical project Wolve (no ‘s’) and asked if I’d be interested in hearing his music. Well, Julien Sournac, I can only thank you now. A brilliant blend of intense post-rock, alt-rock and progressive rock that hits you right in the solar plexus. Emotional, immersive and an unexpected delight.
Released 29th January 2014
Stand out track – Cassiah
The Enid – The Bridge
Dramatic, symphonic and theatrical, The Enid are on many people’s favourite lists and there is nothing quite like them.
From The Enid themselves
” ‘The Bridge’ is one of two new albums for 2015. Following the success of their 2012 studio album ‘Invicta‘, the band wished to explore the classical elements of the band’s music in more detail. The orchestral arrangements and vocals are accompanied by Jason Ducker’s symphonic guitar textures and Max Read’s choral arrangements.”
Beautiful music that just plucks at your heartstrings and emotions, this unique band have hit it out of the park again.
Released 10th July 2015
Stand out track – My Gravity
Pre-order The Bridge from the official website
Here is a video of The Enid playing live at the Holy Trinity Church in Leeds, a concert I was privileged to attend.
A blast from the past………
Stephen Caudel – The Earth in Tourquoise
Imagine Mike Oldfield meeting up with the likes of Steve Hackett and jazz guitar virtuoso Martin Taylor and then releasing an album of instrumental 70’s progressive rock based on the Arthurian legends, are you still with me? Well Stephen Caudel did in 1996 and produced this beauty. Uplifting and just plain brilliant, I cannot believe I had never heard this until now. For my money, a must have album and that’s high praise from me indeed!
Released 9th April 1996
Stand out track – A Legend is Born
Buy (and stream) The Earth in Turquoise from the official site
This video is from ‘Wine Dark Sea (Outward Journey)’