Free Musikal Sin mixtapes online
Free downloadable compilations, ideal for any tastes.
I’ve recently put together two contrasting online mixtapes, both of which are free to download from Bandcamp, not only showing the different sides of my musical tastes, but also promoting the local and underground music scene. Titled as ‘Saints’ and ‘Sinners’ respectively, the former is a melodic, more chilled-out mix, whilst the latter is the exact opposite – a heavier, rockier mix of tracks.
Side A: Saints
1. Stuart O’Connor – Cage Is Rattling
2. Holly Knowles – Blue Heart
3. Lost Without Cause – Right Angle
4. Owen Stephen – Place Called Love
5. Professor Elemental – Pay Me A Visit (Ajuda remix feat. Count Bass D)
6. Fallow Fields – This Feels Like Home
7. Craig Harris – Sometimes I Forget
8. Disco Zhivago – Pistols In The Sun
9. AlicebanD – Catharsis
10.Indi And The Vegas – Pheromones
11.Asya Fairchild – Another Night
12.Hello Lazarus – I Am No Explorer
13.Sons Of Guns – I Am The Refugee
14.My Pet Junkie – Away
15.Trial By Fire – Demons At Your Door
16.Black Noise – I Turned my Heart into a Monster (demo)
‘Saints’ features artists mostly (with about four exceptions) from/based around the Herts area, from genres such as folk, electronica, pop-punk, funk-rock and more.
Side B: Sinners
1. Billy Skins 5th – The Incorruptibles
2. Rising Tide – Like A Shadow Of A Shadow
3. Speedshot – Too Far Gone
4. The Projectionist – Hide From The Facts
5. Daken – Weapons
6. Aghast – We Fear Silence (Megaton remix)
7. Hey You Guys – Record Deal
8. Cantarella – Beauty And The Beast
9. Distance To Fall – Hero
10.Castrovalva – Dining With The Pope
11.Ilenkus – Ram
12.Derange – Ego
13.Scar City – City Lights
14.Let’s Talk Daggers – #1 Spicy Bugger
15.Black Polaris – Lost Souls
16.Faces Of Eve – Dwellers
‘Sinners’ features artists from across the UK, and is ideal for anyone who likes the heavier veins of music, whether it be the various sub-genres of metal, alt-rock, punk or hardcore, etc.
I started making my own mixtapes when I was a child – I think seven-year-old-me would be quite pleased with what I’ve put together here. The main difference is that these weren’t recorded from records on an old turntable onto a separate Fisher Price cassette player, nor feature any young Cockney-tinged voices in the background. Seriously though, it was fun putting them together, and judging by the reception they’ve had recently, the hard work that went into them has been worth it. My gratitude goes out to all artists featured, for wanting to get involved.
Enjoy!
https://musikalsin.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/musikalsinmixtapes
Korn – ‘The Paradigm Shift’ review
Korn reclaim their place
Despite being a fan of Korn since ’95/’96, since the first album, I’ve never written an article purely about them, so thought it was about time. Now, I have to admit that I didn’t quite enjoy the previous two studio albums (‘Korn III: Remember Who You Are’ and ‘The Path To Totality’) as much as their earlier albums – not to say that they’re bad albums, only that they didn’t have the same impact with me. So, it’s with some degree of relief that I find this new album, ‘The Paradigm Shift’, much more enjoyable – the return of guitarist and founding member Brian ‘Head’ Welch may have something to do with this.
‘Prey For Me’ gets things off to a decent start, shedding the dubstep elements of their previous album and shifting focus back to the riffs and Fieldy’s bouncy bass, though they do bring them back for the catchy first single ‘Never Never’, a definite grower. For me, it’s when ‘What We Do’ hits that things really get going, followed by ‘Spike In My Veins’ – two massive tracks that pack the punch you’d expect from a Korn track. It’s in this fashion that the album continues, occasionally bringing back the dubstep and electronic influences to enhance, rather than take over at any point, and it works. With tracks such as ‘Punishment Time’ and ‘Lullaby For A Sadist’ harking back to the sound found on ‘Take A Look In The Mirror’ (the last album with Welch before his departure), perhaps this is a glimpse at the album that might have been released had Welch remained with the band? The album works as a whole, without the sense of being padded with filler tracks; each track is worth repeated listens, and those that don’t win you over instantly, are worth revisiting. The thunderous ‘It’s All Wrong’ finishes the album, another album highlight driven by Ray Luzier’s high-impact drumming.
With a sense of revitalisation that I can’t help but feel comes (partly at least) as a result of Brian Welch’s return, this album would be a much more comfortable listen for those who might have been put off by the dubstep elements of their previous album – whilst they are still present here, that is only one aspect of what is quite a solid album, in my opinion. Korn have never written the same album twice, and whilst some may still miss the sound of the first two albums, this deserves (much like every other album) to be judged on its own merits. Sound-wise, TPS seems to encapsulate everything achieved by Korn during the past several albums and sits comfortably beside ‘Untouchables’ and ‘Take A Look In The Mirror’, and as such I would urge fellow longtime Korn fans to check out ‘The Paradigm Shift’.
‘The Paradigm Shift’ is out now, available at the usual CD stockists and digital outlets.
Trailer:
The video for the first single ‘Never Never’:
Local music from local people.
Hello Daaavvee (sorry, couldn’t resist)
Over the past couple of weeks, lots of new music has appeared online from local(ish) acts, some of which I thought I’d share here.
Sons Of Guns – ‘Bad Blood’
The lead track from their forthcoming EP, which will be available on August 22nd digitally (as a free download) and on limited edition CD. Features one angry clown, and some familiar faces from Herts’ scene. It was also given some exposure via Artrocker’s website, where it was featured exclusively on the day of its release.
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The October Game – ‘Beg Cycle’
TOG are coming back with a darker, more electronic-sounding third album ‘Balancing’, which will be released via Scylla Records on Monday 7th October. Pre-order packages include a limited double 12″ vinyl, bonus CD (with exclusive track) and digital bundle.
http://scyllarecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-october-game-balancing
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The Floe – ‘T-Minus One’
Well, not really new as such, as it was released in July 2012 (after being written and recorded in less than 24 hours for The Nathan Timothy Foundation – The Songwriting Charity) but it’s now been made available as a free download.
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Stuart O’Connor – ‘Ons’ (Live Looping Under a Tree)
This track originally featured on last year’s ‘Bright’ album, as part of the ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ multi-format/genre project. This live version was posted online last week, recorded by Mark Garvey.
http://stuartoconnor.bandcamp.com/album/bright-2
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Further links:
https://www.facebook.com/sonsofgunsband
https://www.facebook.com/theoctobergame
http://www.scyllarecords.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheFloeMusic
http://www.stuartoconnor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuart-OConnor/169812053077845
(re-blogged) Dessert pizza, AKA ‘Sweetza’
Please check out what I’ve been doing on another blog! I also contribute to randomkitchenexperiments.wordpress.com, an experimental cookery blog. This is a re-blogged entry.
One Minute Silence – Fragmented Armageddon EP review
British rap-metal legends return.
Tracklisting:
1. Fruit From The Lie
2. Pandemic Schizophrenia
3. You So Much As Move
4. Fruit From The Lie (Ben Hurd Remix)
5. You So Much As Move (Massimo Fiocco Remix)
6. Early Morning (acoustic)
Line-up:
Yap – vocals
Massimo ‘Massy’ Fiocco – guitars
Glen Diani – bass
Martin Davies – drums
Following a 10 year absence from our stereos and venues, UK rap metallers One Minute Silence are back with a brand new EP of fresh material, the first batch since 2003’s ‘One Lie Fits All’ album. After spending several years dabbling in their own respective projects in various genres, the band came back together in 2010 to begin the honing and recording process for what was to come. The first to feature new drummer Martin Davies, alongside the much missed Yap, Glen and Massy, this EP has been highly-anticipated by both press and their fanbase, who never forgot their high-energy live performances and ability to deliver catchy, in-your-face tunes with a message. Made possible by the Pledge Music incentive, fans who pledged money to the project will also be receiving limited physical versions and other items of appreciation.
EP trailer:
The six tracks on offer here would appeal to their older fans, whilst newcomers might also appreciate the remixes. Opening track ‘Fruit From The Lie’ has a slow, steady build-up that eventually hits with a chorus that only OMS could offer, signalling a true-to-form return that won’t disappoint longtime fans. ‘Pandemic Schizophrenia’ is a manic number that recalls the bouncy but sharp delivery of their debut album (‘Available In All Colours’), married to the more adventurous feel of the ‘One Lie..’ album, whilst the calmer reworked ‘You So Much As Move’ (which originally featured on ‘One Lie..’) is carried along by a floaty riff. The first of the two remixes featured, ‘Fruit From The Lie (Ben Hurd Remix)’, shows that OMS haven’t failed to keep up with today’s musical climate and are still just as open to experimentation as before, injecting some dubstep into the mix. The second remix, by OMS’ own Massy, turns ‘You So Much As Move’ into a darker, brooding track, replacing the original’s proggy feel with one of chaos. In contrast, the final track brings the EP to a chilled close with the suitably-titled ‘Early Morning’, an acoustic track that winds things down – the perfect ‘morning after’ soundtrack.
A solid, varied effort, one that should please fans and build anticipation for a full-length album. Welcome back One Minute Silence, you have been missed.
Lead track ‘Fruit From The Lie’:
For fans of: System Of A Down, Breed 77, Lockdown Project
One Minute Silence’s ‘Fragmented Armageddon’ EP will be released on Monday 17th June by Freeport Entertainment via iTunes. OMS have written 10 new tracks towards a new album, which they hope to record this year for release in 2014, with live dates to follow.
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/oneminutesilence.band
https://twitter.com/OMSofficial
http://www.youtube.com/user/OneMinuteSilenceBand
Free mixtape online
After a little planning and a couple of minor hitches, I’ve got my first ‘mixtape’ online, and it’s completely free to download or stream.
Carrying the ‘Musikal Sin’ name, it features 14 tracks from artists across the South East of England, across various genres, and also features cover artwork courtesy of my friend Carla Johnston, who’s a talented artist and upcoming game developer.
Bands/artists who’ve contributed tracks include Distance To Fall, The Floe, Stuart O’Connor, Nothing Gained, Sons of Guns and more – whether you’re into metal, acoustic, electronic, alternative or experimental music (amongst others), there’s something for everyone. It also features a couple of exclusives from Ollie Taylor and The October Game, currently unavailable elsewhere.
To download Musikal Sin Mixtape Vol.1, just type in ‘£0.00’ when prompted. No sign-up or email address required.
Charlotte Church – ‘TWO’ EP review
New sound, new start
Tracklisting:
1. Glitterbombed
2. Breach of the Peace
3. The Mistress
4. Nerve
5. Lasts, or Eschaton
If somebody had told me earlier this month that I’d spend part of my weekend listening to Charlotte Church’s new EP, I (possibly) would have said one of the following:
a) Well, I’ve nothing against her, but I wouldn’t normally listen to her chosen genre.
b) You can’t tell me what to do; you’re not my real mum.
Erm, ok maybe an exaggeration.
BUT (it’s a big but and I cannot lie), it happened. After having my interest sparked upon seeing a live version of one particular track posted online, I felt compelled to research this further, having previously had little knowledge of this new material coming out.
This is the new, independently-minded direction that Church has taken, not held back by label constraints or press expectations. Having tired of relentless press scrutiny, standing up against the invasion of privacy alongside Hugh Grant et al at the Leveson court hearings and leaving behind the hedonism often associated with celebrity lifestyles, changes were made. Now back as a DIY artist, backed by partner/co-writer Jonathan Powell and a set group of musicians, Charlotte and the band have created this, five tracks which demonstrate where she now stands musically.
It can be argued that I’ve arrived a tad late for this party; ‘TWO’ as the name suggests, is actually the second of a planned five-part series of EPs to be released in coming months, the first having been released in October of last year. This EP was released on Monday 4th March, and is available on CD or via digital download.
‘Glitterbombed’, the lead single, is a slow-building but catchy, synth-driven opening number. ‘Breach of the Peace’ follows in a similar vein, a Goulding-esque number that could appeal to Ellie’s fanbase. Track four is the real gem in this collection – ‘Nerve’, a raw, honest declaration of a track that’s both engaging and relatable; the power of Church’s voice has not diminished in the slightest, and that chorus will stay with you. Check out the live video on YouTube. Closing with ‘Lasts, or Eschaton’, a chilled-out, mostly down-tempo track with a rising upbeat finish and an air of Leftfield, the EP finishes on a highnote – a victory, in my opinion, for Charlotte and co., who set out to break out of the old mould, and have achieved just that.
‘TWO’ is a strong, very modern sounding set of songs, with its blend of strings and electronics that isn’t a million miles away from the likes of Ellie Goulding and The Temper Trap, and as such could appeal to fans of such acts. With an added injection of emotion and sense of drama that takes it to the next level, there are enough reasons here to justify repeated listens and follow this series of EPs.
The video that got me hooked – this is a live performance of the track ‘Nerve’, one that suggests that it’s in the live environment that Church’s new material will truly shine; dramatic and utterly engaging, making full use of her range and not holding anything back. Fan or not, it cannot be argued that that is all you can truly ask for from any artist’s performance.
‘TWO’ is available from http://www.charlottechurchmusic.com/ and http://charlottechurchmusic.bandcamp.com/album/two
For fans of: Ellie Goulding, The Temper Trap, Skunk Anansie, Bat For Lashes, Leftfield
Contact:
http://www.charlottechurchmusic.com/
http://www.twitter.com/charlottechurch
http://www.facebook.com/charlottechurchofficial
http://www.youtube.com/charlottechurchmusic
Stuart O’Connor – The ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ Project
One night, four albums, four formats
On Saturday 18th August 2012, Stuart O’Connor released his fourth solo album at Club 85 in Hitchin – only, this was no ordinary album launch….
This was the ‘Go Forth Bright Scenic’ project, Stuart’s biggest venture yet – four albums, each with its own unique tracklisting, and each in a different format:
– ‘Go’ – Released on USB stick, presenting Stuart’s electronic/ambient side to his music, similar to his Midnight Moth material.
‘Alaskan Sky’, a track taken from the USB electro version of GFBS.
– ‘Forth’ – Released on CD, this features a band effort from Stuart O’Connor and friends, reflecting the more alt-rock/prog side. This version features many of Stuart’s previous musical collaborators, including My Pet Junkie bandmates Leon Camfield and Julia Bell, Chris Hollis, Riad Abji, Vicky Flint and Dave Smale, in addition to a guest appearance from Craig Harris, amongst others.
‘Squeaky Doors’, a track taken from the CD version of GFBS.
– ‘Bright’ – Released on audio tape, featuring a more experimental side.
– ‘Scenic’ – Released on double 12 inch vinyl, combining Stuart’s jazzier and experimental material, as well as live material recorded in Japan; a collaboration with Japanese musician Haco. Also comes with a bonus CD version of this album.
Also featuring live sets from The October Game’s Owen Stephen (debuting his solo material), Craig Harris and Philip Storey, the album launch show went down a storm, with great performances from all involved.
Here’s a little more on the CD and vinyl versions:
‘Forth’ features some of Stuart’s most raw and stripped down moments from the new crop of material, and will not disappoint fans of previous solo albums or MPJ. This version also comes with one bonus live track and three bonus demos, exclusive to the CD version of GFBS. Elements of this CD were recorded in Japan and New Zealand.
‘Scenic’ combines acoustic, jazz and experimental moments. Side C and D includes a live collaboration with Haco, recorded during Stuart’s tour of Japan in 2010, and includes a 33 minute track featuring the song ‘Less Than Lovers, More Than Friends’.
For a taste of what you can expect from current live shows, please check this out:
A live video recorded a couple of months ago, featuring the new song ‘Bright Scenic’ (which features on the USB version) and ‘Dare We Claim Victory’, taken from third album ‘Good Times With Evil’, which is also available from http://www.stuartoconnor.com/ and at live shows.
Contact at:
http://www.stuartoconnor.com/
http://www.facebook.com/stuartoconnormusician
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stuart-OConnor/169812053077845
http://soundcloud.com/stuart-oconnor/
thursdayaddams 