Merry X-mas

what can I say? I wish every person that reads that blog X-mas every day.

stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad

the precious band - baroque

Rate:9/10

This ep is extremely nice and I must say that I quite enjoyed it. The band swiftly revolves around Pink Floyd, pop-rock and psychedelique modes. About the songs… Most of them sound like a very nice space-out travel between melodic Brit-pop and Pink Floyd-like atmosphere. There is a piano sound and catchy choruses, so that’s one point up for the band. Sometimes, keyboard is a little bit too midi, but the guitars and the way songs are composed covers that.
A propos… The cover of the record reminds me of some gothic or dark experimental band, but it’s lovely, so it doesn’t curtail my grade.
It’s nine for now, and I just hope that another precious ep will be ten.

stay cool and saluto,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Epoxia - Epoxia

Rate:8/10

After I had listened Epoxia for the first time, I thought that I’m listening to some Kraftwerk-like, Vate-similar production. Well, I couldn’t be more wrong. It’s true that they Epoxia is one of Vate’s bands and both composers, Vate and Luar, have some inclinations towards Kraut-electro, but the resemblances end here. Epoxia creates a style completely different from Vate’s one, although it’s still cool, rhythmical electronica, it’s different and, what’s more important, very much creative.
My favourite tune are both versions of Soberbia Spiritual. It really rocks (although guitar samples are very subtle here), and it really flows, the way I like it. It doesn’t mean that another tunes are useless. Hombre Soberbia is really rhytmical, and El Hombre Nuevo is extremely melodic.
The cover is also two thumbs up, however it would be better without the picture of the author in it.
Ok. To summarizes it. Very cool and neatly done electro. Definitely worth recommending.

Stay cool and prosper,

galaktycznyzwiad.

better that I expected

I promised myself, that I would take another week relief after ...and nobody cared record would go through 300 listenings. It's a surprise for me, however, that only after 11 days of release there are more than 500 of them! What can I do? I have to go on a week-long jamendo-break! But I declare solemnly, that on 14th of December I'm back and ready with my little review business.
Oh... One more thing. The next break after a clear-cut 1000 of ...and nobody cared plays.

See you in a week,

galaktycznyzwiad.

100 listens of ...and nobody cared record

Yeah, exactly what I've just written. Over 100 listens in just 4 days! Due to this (job well done) I take a week rest from jamendo. Check out this site 7th of December for a new review!!!

stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad.

...and nobody cared - Breakfast in Tanger

From obvious reasons I'll not review the record I myself co-produced, but what can I do is to publish an embedded player widget of the record on my blog. I really like these tunes, and I hope you'll too. So, there you have it:

stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad

p.s. This is our jamendo space

Fluydo - 7 moons - 03

Rate:9/10

Fluydo's single is not a single at all, but rather a part of a bigger album, that is presented on jamendo tune by tune (that's why 03 in the name of the song).
About the music itself. It very nice crafted easy listening, reminding me of Broadcast (does anybody remembers such band?),
Morcheeba or Goldfrapp. The vocals are nice, the composition is extremely melodic. A bit too melodic for me, because I like
trip-hop ( Fluydo is more of a trip-pop) served dark and raw. Nevertheless people should like 7 moons. It's nine for me.
It would be an eight, but the cover is lovely. The Italians know how to design things, no doubt about it ;-)


stay tuned,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Arthur Cravan - Set Star

Rate:8/10

Ok. I promised myself to review some other album by Arthur Cravan, so I’m here. It’s all a little bit similar to the previous record I recommended. It’s still Warp, Aphex Twin and Plaid like ambient, the way I like it. The names of the songs are still cryptic (try to say: I quite liked Set Gliese 876 and do not sound retarted ;-) and I like it also. My only reservation is that pieces are to short, so one can’t really get in the mood.(ok, the last one, Set Modular Life is that way, but it’s only one in five). It would work if there were more beats, but with slow chilling-out kind of music we find on Set star it’s a vice.
Ok. The cover is cool in the style that is similar to other covers of Cravan’s records. It’s good, because it works as a kind of trademark.
Overall, it’s an eight. Still looking for a masterpiece from his artist, and still hoping I’ll find one, because I simply enjoy his music.

Stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Josh Woodward – Dirty Wings

Rate:9/10

Well… How to put it in words and not to lie? Simply, Dirty Wings is one of the best things that have been released on jamendo from dark rock since ages.Beginning from very emotional I Want To Destroy Something Beatiful till the last song Nincompoop you get really nice piece of music. There is no doubt that this Ohio guy knows how to rock.
Dirty Wings is an indie-pop the way I like it. Deeply melancholic but melodic with a strong, distorted gitar. Unfortunately, there are just drums, gitar, bass and that’s it. I think the arrangement should be expanded for Josh to achieve excellence.
My favourite tracks are I Want To Destroy Something Beatiful and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (hard to pronounce, really) where the energy takes over. In the second tune we have a moment with keyboards and there I felt the potential of the musician.
Gallows Hill is whether hilarious or cool, whether you like such tunes or not, nevertheless it’s also one of my favourites.
The cover is great. Very atmospheric and dark.
If I could give nine and a half, I would give it to Woodward’s album. However it’s nine that time. I’ll check his second album, and maybe that one will satisfy my sophisticated taste so fully that I’ll give ten.
Greetings to the autor of the LP, and I hope people we’ll hear him somewhere else that Ohio also.

And visit www.joshwoodward.com for more his songs. It’s a must!

galaktycznyzwiad.

Vomitt - Smalltown Rock

What can I say? I'm the biggest fan of these crazy-heads, so whatever I'll write is not objective.
Just listen to it if you have strong nerves and sense of humour! ;-)
I'm embedding a player widget on my blog just right now.

Stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad

p.s. link to Vomitt's album on jamendo 

Psilodumb – Mutiny of the Robots

Rate:8/10

Well… This record is strange and funny. Its 8-bit self ironic nerdy tunes make it both hard and pleasant to listen. In fact, this 8-bit is not a real eight-bit, but quite neatly produced psychotic electro, which just resembles the sound of the scene demos. The compositions are very the same as the demo music, but with much better sound quality. The only exception is Virtuoso, which is rather sociopatic than psychotic ;-).
The best track on the record is Ok., So the Ninjas Went to Space. The title itself is hilarous, and the beat, which reminds me of arcade games theme is very nice to listen to.
The cover is also good. A little bit minimalistic, but it gives us a hint what the record may sound like.
In summary, the album is good, and although it’s not the top of the world, it’s still recommendable. It would be cool to listen some more of it, perhaps in some live act, somewhere.

saluto and take care,

galaktycznyzwiad.

300

Yesterday I got my 300th recommendation. So, it means that it's time for me to have a little jamendo break. As the 300th recommendation was on 4th of November, I'll take a week off. Expect next jamendo rewiev on Sunday, the 11th of  November.
Stay cool y'all.

jamendo top 12 hits vol. I

Doctor Strangelove – Psychoneural pathways

Rate: 10/10

Whatever I’ll say about this record, it will be subjective. Goa-trance is a specific music style, and you can only love it or hate it - there is nothing in between. With me, it’s even more complicated, because if I listen to some goa which is not perfect, I despise it from the beginning to the very end, but when I come upon the one it’s done well, than I’m very much emphatic, and I don’t see flaws of such record. Psychoneural pathways is such a case.
I love all of this album. From 10 Years Too Late, the first tune on the record, to Skunk Rock the last one, it’s the old retro-trance in its best. The beats are neat and in the correct rhythm, the melodies are frantically crazy, as it should be. What more to say? If you love goa, you’ll love Psychoneural pathways.
About the cover. It’s another thing, that makes me like Doctor Strangelove’s set. It’s simple but attractive. Definitely recommendable.
The last but not the least… If I had a chance to listen Doctor Strangelove’s live act I’ll do it. I hope it’ll be as energetic as the LP.

stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad.

The Georges Habitbol Brothers – Myfuckingkey

Rate:9/10

Some time ago I said that 14th of September was a quite good day for jamendo. It was because of VS’ new piece, but the second thing worth mentioning is the new Habitbol Brothers single. I wasn’t a great fan of their eps because of the histerical vocals which are, in my humble opinion, completely unnecessary. Myfuckingkey is different. The beat is phunky, the vocals are melodic instead of noisy. I like experimental electro, and I must say, that Smile, the song on Myfuckingkey is a very smooth and interesting tune. It is groovy, so you can easily dance to that, but it also has that cold atmosphere, which makes the song much more than just disco. I don’t know if I’m right, but I sense some Fischerspooner influence, isn’t so?
The cover is simply great. Funny and neat. Two thumbs up.
Summarizing, I would give a ten to the record, but there is no second track, so it’s too little for me to consider this as a completed single. Because of that it’s nine for now, but I count on more next time I’ll listen to something from The Georges Habitbol Brothers.

Paul D. Miller aka Dj Spooky : Dj Spooky's contribution for the 'One Laptop Per Child Project'

Rate:10/10

Now that’s something! The DJ Spooky himself is uploading jamendo! At first I thought that someone simply didn’t know thaat the nickname Has been already taken and started to produce things under it. But, no – instead we get a great surprise. Ok. Let’s get down to the tunes:
- Moon rain – great jazzy-funk. Very much modern and very much classy.
- Scratch battle - tutrntablism at its best. Sometimes, with that kind of music, when the break it’s too long it maybe be boring, but that one is not!
- One laptop – Good leitmotif for the whole campaign. Sounds like an upgraded Expo2000 theme ;-)
- One laptop drum solo – Little bonus for smaple-seekers ;-)
What can I say? It’s the top shelf of the top-shelf. An excellent single, that could easily hit the underground charts, but it’s served to us for free.

Big respect,

galaktycznyzwiad.

VS - VS-suite 2

Rate:10/10

The 14th of September was a day of two important releases from the bands which are my personal jamendo favourites. First one was the next part of VS’ suite. What can I say about this record? The only song on the single End of noise is a prove of the constant band’s evolution form copycays to original band. Maybe the chorus sounds a little bit Mansun/Muse-like, but it’s still much theirs than the first self-titled album. The heat is getting higher every new release form the band, so I expect that when the whole record will be ready and published it won’t leave my mediaplayer very soon. For now I give ten to the song, and I hope i won’t get disappointed in the future.
The cover is great. I thought every record will have the vertigo-cover known from the debut but it has changed. I liked the vertigo-cover, but I think some diversity won’t do any harm.

Stay cool y’all

galaktycznyzwiad.

fukufuku - self-aaa

Rate:8/10

What adjective can I use to describe that record? Strange, unusual, unique. Fukufuku situates itself on the border of self-awared kitsch and nice electronica ride. The compositions are a little bit nerdy, electronic 8-bit explorations, not too melodical, sometimes even resembling minimal-techno. If you don’t like listening to such music it’ll be a torture for you, but if you have no objections to a little bit of digital craziness this record is for you. There are only six compositions on the album, so I’ll go through all of them, if I may:
self aaa – sounds like Takkyu Ishino first steps as a composer. A piano sample is a little bit too agressive, and that’s one point down for me.
Air abyss – nice ambient tune with breakbeat drums. Here we got piano for the second time, but it’s creates atmosphere instead of spoiling one.
1→2→1’→2’– breaktbeat craziness. It would be very good, but the piano is a little bit annoying. Again.
Chemosynthesis – I think my second favourite on the record. Moving, Authechre-like breaks, with no annoying piano samples ;-)
Little fox – resembling Aphex Twin a bit, but it’s not an objection. Just an interlude, but very neatly done.
Solitude – very good, cold tune, with great atmosphere. The best on the record.
Summarizing, the record is quite interesting, with only one sample that spoils two potentially good pieces. However, the album as such is still recommendable and pleasant to the listener.

Stay cool and prosper,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Kolektyw Etopiryna – Kolory ulicy soundtrack

Rate:7/10

That’s a good record. Cross-overing funk, experimental jazz and what is called in Kolektyw’s land of origin yass is a good metgod to make a nice, solid album. Etopiryna does not fail and I won’t hesitate to recommend this debut to anyone. I wouldn’t be me, however if I didn’t find something that is far from perfection on this LP. ;-)
The music is ok, the experiment is acceptable and it does not turn into its parody, as it happens sometimes with avangarde music. We got a nice piece of good instrumental, technically skillful without any composition flops. I’ve got some remarks concerning the last part of the record, though. I know that Tymanski’s blueses are hilariousm but that one is not. If this part, ‘A sad song’, was meant to be funny, it isn’t, if it’s serious than it’s nothing special, maybe even a little bit embarassing because of not very elaborated lirycs. It’s five minutes out of the 28 minutes of the record, so it’s almost 20 percent of the reocrd. Two points down for that (in my humble opinion, of course).
The next thing is that the record is not divided into particualr compositions. I understand that it is a concept album, but it can have tunes nevertheless, isn’t? Personally, if I would like to mark out one of the compositions, I couldn’t. These two things make my note slide to seven out of ten.
The cover is nothing special, and it’s not innovative or astethic enough to change my note. I would listen to Etopiryna live, though, because they are a very promising band.

Stay cool and evolve,

Galaktycznyzwiad.

Vate – Diablo

Rate: 9/10

This single is a thing to be recommended to everyone that likes electro music. Diablo very nicely mixes synth-sounds with technobeat. Diablo has unique samples (resembling crickets and other nature sounds) very neatly composed in the marimba swing. This record is one of my favourite tracks from Volk, and, although the whole LP is a little bit boring (but just a bit ;-), Diablo is definitely one of its highlights. I quite enjoyed listening to remixed versions of this piece. They are quite similar to the original, but it’s not just some beta-version that aren’t good enough to be presented as a complete tune, so one sells it as a remix. They are alternative sets as good as the variant chosen by the artist on the album. I regret that there isn’t any interesting B-side piece different from remixes and that’s why there is nine instead of ten. But well... you can’t have it all. The single deserves jamendo fans’ interest anyway.

Big respecto and stay cool y’all

galaktycznyzwiad.

100

Yesterday I got my oned hundredth reccomendation on jamendo, which means that a hundred times someone considered my review useful in his jamendo exploration. Not bad, concerning a month
and a half at the site. 
Because of it I gave myself a little holiday - a week off from jamendo. I've just got to gather some strength
before I'll go into the jamendo music further, and as I see there will be a lot to listen when I'll be back.

see you soon,

galaktycznyzwiad. 

Arthur Cravan - 222777444777782555 555444

Rate: 8/10

First of all, congratulations. I have never found more complicated title of the record! ;-) Ok, it fits into code and numbers mood intelligent dance music composers like, but try to tell a friend: ‘Have you heard Cravan’s 222777444777782555 555444?’ ;-) I challenge you just try...
About the music. Well... I think the author shouldn’t have confessed that the record comes from his Aphex Twin’s influence period, because you can sense it from the very beginning of the record. The music is not original, but I simply like this kind of music too much to make a fuss about it. The compositions are just right, not too long (which happens very often with IDM and its unbearable for me) and not too experimental (ditto). Everything is in order. You know it’s sophisticated electronica but so ambient and melodic that you listen to it more to relax than to explore. It’s an eight for me, minus two points from the highest note possible because of too big resemblance to Richard D. James works and because of the titles, which one is unable to pronounce.
About listening it live, I would, I would, I would... If Arthur Cravan will have a live act in some chillout room close to me, just let me know ;-)

Live long and prosper you all,

galaktycznyzwiad.

VS- VS-suite

Rate: 9/10

It’s hard to write anything about the single that’s consists only of one composition, but I will ;-). After listening to epinomously called debut album of the band we’ve got a little teaser that is suppose to tell us which way the music evolution of VS went. I must say that, however VS is a solid piece of electro-rock, VS-suite is more than that. It’s a little jewel very close to the excellence. There is an evident progress in band’s style, but there is still something I lack. I could hear too much of Radiohead’s there there from Hail to the thief’ (especially in rhythm section), and too little of VS’ own style. This is still a question of time for me whether I’ll consider them skillful xeromen or a gros band on its own, and I will wait unpatiently for their second LP, though with those mentioned fears. That’s why is an eight again instead of ten. However the cover is still my favourite vertigo, so it’s one point up.

Stay cool,

Galaktycznyzwiad.

Vate - Aeronáutica y otras tecnología

Rate: 9/10

This record it’s a great journey into a Kraftwerk-like electro-world and beyond. You can see it in the music, but also in the names of compositions, cover design etc., all that epanage that makes listening to music more than just listening to music. You may feel an atmosphere of a naive, self-ironic belief in science and its importance in art.
About the tunes:
Aeronáutica I and II – ground control and airplane samples create real aero-atmosphere. Great tunes.
PC music – good, little drum’n’based piece but it sounds like an unfinished scetch of Kraftwerk’s ‘Computer world’ remix.
Circulo Polar – my favourite. Fabulous ambient ascetic mood that really reminds you of the Great White.
Xalisko – Teléfono – extremely transformed and somewhat experimental but it has this telephone rush in it, that makes the cut exciting.
Shibari – not bad, but a little bland comparing to the rest of the album.
Summarizing, all I can do is to recommend this album to others. I liked all compositions with only few reservations mentioned above, that don’t let me give ten. However I’ll check another Vate records so, in the future, the highest note possible is not impossible ;-).

VS- VS

Rate: 9/10

Never had I heard such a Brit band from France! ;-) It was enough to listen the first piece, NoWay to hear tones and melodies from Radiohead, Archive with a little splash of Pink Floyd here and there. After the second song I added Mogwai and Sigur Ros (ok, not a Brit band but in the mood) to the collection. The vocalist’s manner reminds me of Paul Draper, Mansun’s singer (one of the most underestimated Brit-pop bands, BTW). As I’m keen on the most of the bands mentioned above, I had to like VS. This album really moves and touches, and, as it is really professionally made, it has a big chance to get into every rock-fan favourites. The best tracks, in my humble opinion, are: very melancholic Re_Verse, an atmospheric (thanks to keyboards) UnseenBox, and surprisingly floating Silencio. Overall, self-titled VS’ debut is a worth-knowing eight-tune solid modern-rock performance. I have only one remark, though gravious one: the band is not extremely innovative, as I had heard the things the band played before. I mean it’s good to be rooted into great bands, but VS sound like it wouldn’t want to go any further the band mentioned went. That’s a big disadvantage. In my private note measures I would give them an eight, but the cover is a real vertigo, so it’s nine, and I think I check the VS’ single VS-suite quite soon, because if guys evolved they may be big.
Hm... hearnig them live. It would be pleasure... I would love to if I had a chance.

big respect and greetings,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Pharmacopia – For the Stilling of Volcanoes

Rate: 7/10

The tunes on the record are good, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have few remarks. First the good things – the Lp is undoubtedly a piece of solid and very climatic acid-jazz. It has a soft mood and nice melodies. The problem is that the record is too long and because of that one piece becomes a copy of another one. The tunes are so soft and easy that after a while it becomes nothing more than a background and, frankly speaking, you cannot remember if you had heard a particular composition or not. However, the album has its highlights. Samadhi with nice ethnic drumbeat, Long Time Baby with smokey woman vocals and For The Stilling of Volcanoes with pleasant keyboard combo in it, are definitely highly recommendable. But when Optico Angelica begins, it all becomes quite dull and I wanted to switch into another record. If I were the band, I would add two more tracks, and then I would split it up into two albums. It’s a solid music and technically skillful, but it’s just too much of it, however I think it would be more acceptable while listening in concerto.

my regards,

galaktycznyzwiad

Fonetik - demo

Rate: 8/10

This record should not be called ‘demo’ at all. Comparing it with other Jamendo albums (no offence ;-) its a decent full-length album. Fonetik is a very skillful jazz band, and it’s simply pleasure for ears to listen to such LP.
About the pieces… Dolorosa is a guitar and flute chill-out. Free gun, a crazy funky trip with amazing speech samples (an account with a free gun!). Poursuite – it’s too short to evolve into a serious piece, but still it sounds nice. Bigdaddy – an interesting ambient intro, and then a little bit to rock-drive for me, I would prefer it to be more electro jazz. Claris – it’s more jazzy, but I still lack some turntablist or sample craze.
Ok., I didn’t want to compare it to Revolution Void, but I will.;-) The band mentioned can mashup electro with jazz in such proportions that it’s almost a new electrojazz style. Fonetik is more straight jazz with some samples and ambient keyboards, so it’s not that ‘revolutional’ ;-), although it’s fun to listen to their music. It’s a good record, but not sensational, that’s why an eight and not ten his time. It’s only my humble opinion, of course, you must remember his.
Cover is nice, more electro than the music (ok., I’m getting boring ;-), and I would love to listen to them live as some lounge act.

regards,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Earl Grey and The Legomen - Plooms of Doom

Rate: 6/10

Well…mates from Liverpool, looks promising. So, let’s see. Britain in the rain - live instruments clashes the rhyming guys a little bit, but the chorus is melodic, so the thumbs goes up for that one. Retreat – interesting instrumental which sounds like a rehearsal jam so I won’t count it as a serious piece. Big man – quite depressive, headless vocals don’t work good there either. Catch me as you can – very good composition, if only it was recorded better! Secret Bunkers – Nice, Joy division like atmosphere, I think the best one on the record. Generally, it’s hard to say if Earl Grey and The Legomen might be giants or not. It’s just poorly recorded, with vocals too loud and the instruments too quiet. Plooms of Doom it’s a nice teaser, but I will wait for something a bit more professional to recommended further. For now, it’s fifty-fifty.
The cover is cool, and they got one point more for it. Reminds me of The Charlatans or Happy Mondays covers. Too bad the band is not from Madchester ;-)
I think their live act maybe interesting. If I got a chance I would go to see it for sure.

regards,

galaktycznyzwiad

Brad Sucks – I don’t know what I’m doing

Rate: 9/10

This record is an absolute killer for me. If you grew up in the 90s’ with its indie-rock revolution and post-modern mashups and you still like such music, I don’t know what I’m doing has a lot to offer to you. Brad Turcotte, a leader of one-man band Brad Sucks ;-) very neatly mixes digital tracks with guitar energy. Add a little bit surreal lyrics to that and what you get is an extraordinary blend reminding me of the best moments of Beck’s Mellow Gold.
My favourite songs of the LP are:very dancy Making me nervous and quiet and sentimental Overreacting. These songs are like two sides of the same gold coin. Work out fine and Look and feel years younger with its modern-rock ballad mood are also potential hits from the album.
The layout of the CD is very cute. This little lost mate in the boat is simply adorable! The description of Brad Sucks – one man band with no fans is also cool. You know that the author is self-ironic and thinks more about music and not stardom – an attitude hard to find these days. Personalny I think Brad doesn’t suck much – it rocks, dude! ;-)
The only disadvantage are tiny glitches at the end of some tracks. I think mp3 files should be smoothed out, because sometimes it steals the delight one has from listening to the album. One point down for that.
In summary I don’t know what I’m doing is the most frequent record in my player, and I suppose it will be his way for next few weeks.

Big respecto for Brad!

galaktycznyzwiad.

p.s. checking Brad Suck's website is a must.

Fresh Body Shop – orgamilk

Rate: 8/10

I should have got bored with the record which has only acoustic gitar/male voice arrangement, but I didn’t. There are two reasons for it. First of all, the songs on orgamilk are really good. Such tunes as nice day, all it gives, or big wood cross are genuine indie gems, and I can only regret that I haven’t heard them played by the full band yet. Second thing is that you can feel huge music erudition that Pedro, the one that recorded tracks, has. In his pieces I could hear gentle influcences from such bands as Dinosaur Jr., Sugar, Sebadoh, or whatever you may remember from inteligent independent college music scene from the 90’s. My suspicions can be certainly wrong, and the author may have slightly different precursors, but that’s how I see it in my humble opinion. The most important thing however is that Body Fresh Shop does not copy their music but builds their own upon it.
Why an eight then, and not ten. One major reason. There are two many songs on it. To create a perfect acoustic gitar rock record you should be either Nirvana (but even they had more instruments) or hm… noone else. My favourite unplugged is recently Godsmack, but they decided to go for EP and not a full 12-song album. A thing to remember.
The cover is all right and gives a gist what mood the record is. About hearing Fresh Body Shop live… Bring them on! It should be good whether acoustic or electric.

Regards and recpects,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Revolution Void – Thread Soul

Rate: 10/10

I have to admit that Thread Soul has been one of my favourite records lately. In order not to make this review a continous praise of how fabulous the compositions are I will just focus on the songs one by one:
Ventus Solaris – nice fusion jazz tune with buzzing electronica in the background.
Biomythos – good vibro with funky bass, highly recommendable.
As we may think – Philip Glass-like piano quite worth listening
City lights at night – groovy composition, you must checz skillful turntablism on that one!
Geodetic transmissions and Infornography - electro bass with breakbeat drums and jazzy keyboard - these pieces sound like some kind of technical evolution of the best Herbie Hancock moments on his 80’s records.
Encoded Designs – this one is a real jazzmtazz with fuzzed gitar solo and sax overlaping eachother.
Robot is dreaming – very acid and chilled out, although droning background may be a little bit annoying for some people.
Evolutionary Expanse – medidative theme with a bit of ethnic spice make the composition a perfect outro for the record.
I cannot see a weak point of this record, and I enjoyed listening to this one even more than to Increase the Dosage. What else can I say? I give the highest possibile note and let God bless ya.

Respects high and low,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Drunksouls – On verra plus tard...

Rate: 8/10

Good job. This is the best conclusion I had after listenning Drunksouls’ album. The LP begins with catchy postpunk Pain of life, which may be consider as a minor underground hit, and it doesn’t get worse through the Rest of the record. Give me a sign reminds me of the latest RHCP songs, but it’s not an accusation, but rather praise of band’s composition abilities. No more fighting it’s typical euro-reggae, a priori worse than Jamaican original, but song is a good effort. There is a place is similar to the previous song, but it’s got nice up-lifting strings and vocal intro. Barfly sounds quite like uninventive rock music, but it has this cold new wave mood that saves the composition. Dernière cigarette is a good rock drive with a little bit silly lyrics, but rock energy covers this imperfection. Obao is a bit pompatic and theatrical in a bad meaning of this word, and I think that this tune is simply unnecessary.
Generally, it’s an 8. A record very close to excellence, but with few slips while achiving it.
Cover fits the inside, and it looks nice so I would give plus for it.
I would like to see them some summer festiwal if I had a chance.

regards,

galaktycznyzwiad.

La Goutte au Nez – Ouverture facile

Rate: 8/10

It’s a very chilled-out and easy-going record - that was my general conclusion after listening to Ouverture facile. It sounds as if it was recorded with an enourmous lightness and profesionalism. From opening Hongroise les doigts till the very end the band comes easily from funk to klezmer music and the other way round with no apparent sweat. The best moments on the LP are: latino-style Mulato, extremely energetic Chicango and funky Police district. Anarchie au Temps Des Rois, with its wild roaring and shouting is a little bit verbatim, if you know what I mean. Paso Dub is irritating with its three-minute silence at the end. But I think that these are only small slips on his quite interesting and original album. What is the most important is that La goutte Au Nez has this creative freedom, totally not bounded by music fashion or glueing to one music style. They should just keep it that way.
I will wait for their next recordings on jamendo, and if I ever got the chance I’d like to see them live.
Respekto,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Tryad - Listen

Rate: 10/10

So there you have it. – I thought to myself when I put ‘Listen’ on. – I’m wondering if that one is as good as ‘Public domain’. Well... I won’t tell you yet, you’ll have to wait for the end of the review. ;-)
‘Listen’ begins fine with Struttin’, where professional beats mixes with anti-system rhymes. Breathe, which comes next is just beatiful. The girl, Serene her name, as I learnt form Tryad website, sings almost like Sinead and modest trip-hop background creates great atmosphere in his tune . Alone is nice with catchy chorus, hovewer the composition is not as uplifting as Breathe. Listen - great piano and again fabulous woman’s vocals. You are god – of course, we aren’t gods, there is no doubt about it, but this futuristic tune (keyboards reminding me of Vangelis’ Blade Runner) may be treated as a warning of the consequences of human’s vanity. Lovely is lovely indeed, nothing more to add ;-). Beauty is a little bit similar to the previous one, could be more original, although it’s still highly recommendable song. Empty - nice electronic bass line and good vocals. Mesmerize – a little bit sentimental at the beginning but it evolves into Brad Sucks cover afterwards,so the song was quite a pleasure for me. From this composition on, I’m certain that the piano has been chosen to play an important part on this album. All the same – I almost fell asleep during this one, but it’s a correct response, because the tune is dreamy. This – great, reminding me of Beach Boys choir very swiftly corresponding to electronic beats. Waltz into the moonlight is a bit dissapointing, maybe because it’s not waltz at all. ;-) Far away – a marvellous solo piano ending of the marvellous record.
In summary it’s ten. Great effort, one of the most mature and enticing records on Jamendo. Visiting tryad.org to know more about the LP (almost 20 people collaborating while producing it!) website is a must! Will I ever see Tryad live, I wonder. Well… I can only hope so.;-)

Stay cool!!!

galaktycznyzwiad.

J.T. Bruce –The Dreamer’s Paradox.

Rate: 4/10

This record is simply strange. I have always considered power or progressive metal with its expanded guitar-solos and specific mythology that supposed to be fearful (but it’s not) extremely funny, and I would think the same about Bruce’s pieces. The production of the album is almost professional and the guitar riffs and compositions are technically dexterous but still I am not convinced to such music.
A Skeptic’s Hypothesis has nice strings at the beginning, but it’s lost in the wall of nosie afterwards. Hypnic Jerk sounded as a nice sample-cuts piece, but t lass a half longer it should (10 minutes!) plus the story is ridiculous.
Regardless of these all disadvantages, it’s still 4 because the record is good in its kind, I just think that this whole kind of music is slightly pointless. However, you must remember that it’s just my humble opinion.

regards,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Greg Baumont – Wood

Rate: 8/10

The whole LP situates itself in the spheres of world ethnic ambient mixed with some electronic music. The project is very carefully produced and, technically, it sounds very well, although I have a few remarks concerning the compositions. Here they go:
La sixieme porte de Shanaaghar – good, meditative ambient piece, reminding me of first FSOL or ORB records.
Le nettoyeur – sounds like some criminal series theme, too soft for me.
The blue star – good electro, but the beat is too slow to make it hit for me. Big plus for sweet French accent ‘always togezer’ ;-)
Respire – Word-music ambient in the way that is too much predictable for me, I’m afraid.
Why – great ethnic vocals with techno trance background much better than Respire.
The new day – the words and the manner of singing make it too pompatic form me, but as an instrumental composition the song is really good.
Why (Trance remix by Ilya Malyuev) – I like trance, so I liked that remix, however it’s not a proper techno-trance as from Dragonfly Records for example.
La face cachée de la lune – very lunatic indeed, I quite enjoyed it.
Les chevaliers de l'Aar – Extremely good, nice descending atmosphere, great vibrating keyboard. One of my favourites.
Generally the record is too smoothed for me. I like it a little more experimental and raw but with more life. It cannot be seen on ‘Wood’ in every recording, and that’s why is ‘only’ 8. But, I must confess that the production of the LP is impressive.

Rob Costlow Solo Piano – Sophomore Jinx

Rate: 10/10

Only after I had read the description of these pieces I realized that this is Costlow’s first record! It’s sounded strange to me, because I like the first one better than the second one, although the compositions on ‘Woods of chaos’ may sound a little bit more sophisticated. But I’m a crude person, therefore ‘Jinx’ would number be one for me after all.
About the tunes… I will just enlist few of them with my comments, because if you know ‘Woods of chaos’ you may expect what to hear on ‘Sophomore Jinx’. It’s still the old good solo piano…
I do – melody comes into your mind swiftly and it doesn’t comes out! Wonderful.
L.A./Passing by – melancholic, reminding of slow walk At the coast of the ocean (In the USA they hale oceans not seas, lucky bastards!)
Lost or found – very quiet but highly emotional tune.
Bliss – upliting although quite long, not boring at all!
Goodbyes – extremely sad soundtrack to an etremely sad scene of the movie.
Oceans – eponymously oceanic, a little bit similar to I do, but it's by no means disadvantage
Family – there is some conversation at the end, or have I misheard it? Cute.

The cover is similar to the Woods of Chaos, so I can only say: Ok.
Live… I can only repeat myself. I would like to listen to Costlow’s music somewhere in the New England area, in some small city near Boston. It should be played from an abadonned house from the colonial times for better atmosphere ;-)

Greetings !

Galaktycznyzwiad.

Ehma – La plage de Blane-est

Rate: 8/10

I quite enjoyed this record. It has really great melodic lines resembling unforgettable ‘Amelie’ soundtrack. Although it’s not as neat and suggestive as Rob Costlow’s recordings, it’s still undoubtedly reccomendable. Nevertheless, there are some mistakes, for example too short sirene sound in Le chant des sirenes . I also think that Resemblances it’s just too simple and uncomplicated tune. When I was listening to the compositions I got bored after Sans histoire, but two last songs Le chant des sirenes III and a little bit experimental Le fin des vacances are quite unusual and interesting, so I went through the whole record without much dissapopintment.
The cover is nicely corresponding to the mood of the record, so it’s more than okay.
Abort live act… hm… I think such music is best listened alone At home but I would give Ehma a go If I had a chance.
Overall is an 8 for me because of few of the things mentioned above, but I think bigger fan sof such kind of music would rated it even higher.

Remember to stay cool!

galaktycznyzwiad.

CIRC – digital dust inhalation.

Rate: 8/10

This record didn’t make me shiver, but it is surely something, if I may put it his way, to lay your ears on ;-) Digital dust inhalation is a journey through experimental, astract beat music, although it is not an extreme drone music as from Rephlex music. It is rather a homemade Warplike minimalistic dish. Sometimes it’s well-cooked and nicely served, but sometimes it’s just raw and difficult to eat.
The best moments are funky and abstractly groovy (how else one may call it? ;-) petunia can play guitar and don’t be shad based on very melodic gitar loop. Morgue is also interesting with its strange vocal samples. But there are also moments that annoys me, drums overlaping keyboards in local warning, for instance. Ok., I know it’s suppose to be this way, but sometimes it’s simply becomes chaotic and not artistic.
What I lack the most in the record are phat beats, something that would be funk and experimental at the same time. There are some moments of it on the LP, but there is definitely to few of them.
Cover is ok, minimalistic and electronic, just as the record. I would like to see CIRC’s live act, why not? It could interesting or even exciting if the author would decise to be or more funky or more noisy ;-)
Generally the record is more than ok, regardless of all these drawbacks mentioned above. Frankly, I will listen to the next recording of his artist with pleasure.
Saluto and stay cool!

galaktycznyzwiad.

p.s. this album was recommended to me by fresh body shop. If you don't like it it's his fault ;-)

Rob Costlow –Solo Piano –Woods of Chaos

Rate: 10/10

After listening ‘Woods of Chaos’ you get to know that Rob Costlow is an extremely talented composer. When I checked his website I found out that, he has been also well acknowleged lately. I can only congratulated him and hope that he will keep up with his good work.
As for the music it is, as we can know from author’s description, a solo piano pieces. All of them are quite similar, all of them remind me of little-town West Coast America. Costlow’s music has this magic of WASP neighbourhood States, full of little wonders and great tragedies. His melodies sounds like instrumentals from Richard Marx or Don Henley’s songs. Beautiful.
My best moments are keyboard strings at the beginning of Tulip tress and completely sentimental Not alone.
I would like to listen to Costlow’s music somewhere in the New England area, in some small city near Boston. It should be played from an abadonned Mouse from the colonial times for better atmosphere ;-)
The cover is appriopriate for the kind a music Costlow plays. The composer and its environment. Just right.
It’s ten. Undoubtedly. Ten.

galaktycznyzwiad

Hype - Lies and Speeches

Rate:7/10

I don’t like pop rock too much. Blending those two music styles steals out the energy from guitars and intoxicates it with much too sweet melodies. But Hype is different and that’s a big ‘pro’ for his record.
It’s not that the recording is perfect. The songs are a little bit monotonous, and they lack in abundant arrangement (I could hear only lead gitar, bass, vocal and drums no piano or keyboards whatsoever), nonetheless the numbers are catchy enough to let you listen to them more than once. The singer’s akcent sounds funny, but on the other hand, it makes songs sound original.
The best moments are two first songs: ‘Home’ with great guitar riff, and ,My innocence’ with very melodic chorus, and the last two songs: very energetic ‘Get there’ and melancholic, acoustic ‘Spirits above’.
The cover is quite… hm… exciting, and it ensures me that I deal with a rock record ;-) I wouldn’t mind to hear them live, especially, that I suppose, they’ll be more rocking.
Ok. Summarizing the greatest disadvantage is very modest arrangement, but I’m a fan of Mansun records, so maybe I exagerrate. So, you have to see it for yourself as the LP is worth recommending although not my top favourites.

Saluto and stay cool!

galaktycznyzwiad.

Tryad - Public domain

Rate: 9/10

Tryad is for jamendo as Aphex Twin for Warp or Mudhoney for Sub-pop so it’s really hard to review this record and to fully grasp the meaning of Tryad music. First of all, it’s an essence of creativity available through the Net. Few people living in a completely differents parts of globe make music and then gives it away for free. That’s the future of music, nothing more to say.
Tryad is futuristic not only in its perception of music distribution, but also in its sound. The industrial pop of the group comprises of keyboard piano, heavy usage of samples and deeply reverbed vocals. The electronic beats links everything together, sometimes constructing the whole tunes, as for example in ‘Beat Into Submission’. The whole record is really professional, but my favourite songs are: very neat (and amusing) Intro and Outro, Peace on Earth – surprisingly hippie tune with acoustic guitars mixed with electronica, My Piano Sings – Great vocals with moving, setimental keyboard piano loop, and Dance of the Urbanite – with exceptional strings supported by electronic sound. Of course, there are some compositions that I would treat as fillers, Sampling Memory, for example. Just to similar to other tunes too be taken seriously as a fully developed song. It doesn’t diminish the entire record as one of the finest to be found on Jamendo.
Cover is cool, very representative and I suppose the most popular of all jamendo records, so I won’t go into details.
Watching them life would be a must.
Taking all under the consideration it’s 9, because, in my humble opinion, few songs are unnnecessary. If I were Tryad I would make the exceptionally good, such as Our Lives Change longer and skip few less interesting (for example Star Guide).
My regards and respekto!

galaktycznyzwiad.

Silence - L'autre endroit

Rate: 9/10

This record is brilliant. When it comes to instrumental music it’s very difficult not to make a recording which would be something more than just a background to computer work. Silence avoids it, giving us an interesting mixture of electronic beats and guitar energy. There is a good balance between these two elements, a great advantage for the tunes.
It’s hard to say which composition is the best, because each of them has something to hold on to. I think the best moments are piano introduction in larmes, and the whole particule and follow me. The first song, cellule is also worth noticing for its rock energy. The only annoying thing for me are woman samples in stop. Definitely to histerical for me.
Cover looks nice, although a little bit ascetic.
As for listening to Silence live I’m in two minds. Such music sounds the best when you listen to it alone, but perhaps it may be a live act could be an interesting experience after all.
Summing everything up, I would give 9 to the record. I though about giving an 8 because stop really annoys me, but after that there is short experience which completely erases bad memories from the previous composition.

Stay cool,

galaktycznyzwiad.

Amelie - be low

Rate: 6/10

It is not a bad record, but it lacks in few important dimensions. First of all, there is no ‘hit’. I could hardly remember what was the song about after it finished. Only get high has a chorus I can sing with, maybe because it has so simple words (perhaps I’m a simple person ;-).
The production is pretty cool, and the instruments are live, so, theoretically, I should like the record. But I don’t. This record simply do not possess energy I would require from music with live instruments. I’m sorry.
The best moments are shake you and get high. I’m a little bit annoyed by too mild piano at the beginning of soon a shine will come.
I suppose if I would listen to them live, I wouldn’t get very interested.

p.s. the cover is nice, however, still not very exciting. Just like the whole record.
Keep trying and remember it’s just my humble opinion.

galaktycznyzwiad.

Grace Valhalla - Psychopathethic

Rating: 8/10

Ok. This album is so short, that I can afford to tell something abort each of tracks.
1. psychopathethic – surprisingly, the worst number. The tune is not very convincing after you’d heard the way Aphex Twin use similar melodies. The drums are annoyingly plastik, and one of the samples is simply to midi for me.
2. today – much, much Belter. Nice gitar, quite catchy, worth listening for sure.
3. november MMIII – the best one from the record. Postrock looped guitars are In good concord with electronic gentle beat. Great background keyboard. Classy tune.
4. powers of the herb - very energetic, rock-guitar stuff with nice vocal samples. Goood one.
5. Little ball – almost trip-hop. The most samplified track on the record In the nice sentimental mood.

The cover is nice – a beach and the woman on it. What else should we want? ;-) And if I could watch Grace Walhalla in concert I would certainly do that!
Generalny the whole rekord would be a 9 for me, but psychopathethic is little too pathethic for me, so I will give 8.

Stay cool!!!

galaktycznyzwiad.

Revolution Void : Increase the Dosage

Rating: 9/10

This is really classy stuff. I have enjoyed the album quite al ot, although I've been listening to it three times already today.
To make the long story short: my favourite parts are speedy electro mixed with extravagant sax solo in Factum par ficto, sweey vibraphone tune that introduces Nebulous Notions, and Weekend Amnesia (very groovy, with nice scratches).
Generally it sounds as some Herbie Hancock rehearsal and I would surely quite enjoyed while listening to it live.
Cover is more than cool, cool psychedelic layout which corresponds neatly with the music that takes the listener onto the cosmic trip from 70's into the 21st century.
You can ask me why nine then and not ten? Well... Personally I think the album is one, two songs too long. When I listen to Obscure Terrain I wait for the grand finale, but still there is still some time. But the second record of them is shorter, so when I'll check I'll let you know.
Saluto!!!

galaktycznyzwiad

4444 - Apertura

Rate: 6/10

I listened to this album with quite mixed feelings. On the one hand it is smooth presentation of technical composing abilities. That's good.
Bits moves you to dance, but what I miss is the climax that makes you techno-crazy and gives you that sweet feeling of trance.
Some melodies, forexample the begining of Essaouira and Gallaezia sounds to much midi and unnatural. They are the worst moments of the record. The best however is Robot, when you can really feel electro.
The cover of the album is nice, neat and interesting.
As for my expectations how it would sound live, I think that it would be too amateur for real live-techno mix, but for a home-made rave will do.
It's not a bad album, but it's not also very convincing. Nonetheless I greet the composers and wish them that their music would be developing.

galaktycznyzwiad.