Prismatic Mantis - Umbrella (2008)

In the mood to exit the room your sitting in? Stick those headphones in because this is something thats sure to take your mind away for at least the duration of of this record.

Prismatic Mantis inhabit a realm of ambient shifts that glide toward controlled chaos.  Within this ecosystem at odds, the creatures that have acclimated to such a habit truly run the range as well. Acoustic spanish tinged guitar, space-jazz (space-jam?), math rock, electronic, controlled noise, sampled music and progressive rock. All of this and more with a layer of psychedelia blanketed on top. I use these organic words because what you're about to experience is a very natural sounding project that is incredibly honest.  With everything firing its easy to assume that it could come off incredibly cold....this is the furthest from the truth one would imagine.

I can't stress this enough. This is beautiful work from individuals that have a clear vision and are artistically restless. Rarely does one run head first into a work so dense and chalk full of ideas. To close, I would like to thank those responsible for opening my vision and to plead to our limited readers that this is something that you should not pass by without giving this a heavy listen.

 umbrella

Pastoral - Pastoral

FIRST OFF:
The reader submission's around here are really starting to blow my face off... sincerely appreciate all the email's, keep em coming guys and gals.

So lets speak about a musical venture from California.  A one man affair played by one, Zachary Thachet. Chances are strong that at its base you've heard this instrumental post rock/math before (this is not a negative). Think Kinsella...the Mike variety.  Nothing too technical but just that right amount of skill and rhythmic change that keep you on your toe's. It is unique however in a couple of exciting ways. Zach has an admitted love of finger style acoustic music and the acoustic guitars in Pastoral are a delightful tribute to the giants of the genre. Not so much in style or speed but in spirit.  I'm always shocked more bands don't use acoustic guitars for this sort of music, it really just makes sense.  This is some brilliantly executed solo bizz that I could see evolving even further either into full band territory or deeper into solo town. Production is incredibly solid as well here.  If your looking for something calming for the night then you should look no further. Some strong ideas going on with this one.

hit dat linkage for the downlowd :)
Pastoral

Antoine Dufour - Existence (2008)

A change of pace here for myself but no less awesome. Antoine Dufour is a Canadian "finger-style" acoustic guitar player. Think in the same vein as  Don Ross, Micheal Hedges and more recent contemporary Andy Mckee. Truth be told I am not huge on a lot of the other gents I just mentioned but Dufour's progression choices and playing style almost remind me of some kind of acoustic video game soundtrack...or something. All of his releases are super excellent picking this particular one was not easy. I will keep this short though and let you guys form your own opinions.  Can't think of many that wouldnt find at least something to like about this.

Existence (2008)

James Blackshaw - Holly EP

Heir apparent to the golden twelve string altar that houses such greats (Leo Kottke and John Fahey among others) is James Blackshaw. Just like his predecessors Blackshaw doesn't rely so much on ridiculous guitar runs and other such indulgent trappings that a lot of the newer "finger-style" artists fall into but rather its all about the preservation and mood of the piece. Don't get me wrong it's clear that he is a highly skilled player but its in that restraint that lies a mature musician capable of knowing when is right and when is wrong. All of his releases are great each with their own set of high's and lows. The "Holly EP" is a great two song entry into his work and in my opinion some of his best yet. Can't imagine any human beings being immune to such beautiful guitar pieces but then again people listen to ICP as well so there's that I suppose.

Holly EP

Diane Cluck - Oh Vanille

Slight change ups are always for good reason around this part of town, Diane Cluck is worth the notice.  Folk music has certain unfounded stigma's that seem to follow this most "academic" of musical genre's. Charges against? uninspired acoustic guitar music for old people that are bored and boring. You know where this is going. In every way these songs excel at giving hope to people that have written of Folk as such. Cluck has a wonderful sort of throw back voice that she has undeniable control over and isn't afraid to use. Acoustic guitar is played with a fairly unique rhythmic voice with interesting progressions to match for the genre. Folk is fat with female artists all trying to do the same things as one another. Diane distance's herself in every way and you don't need to be a fan of the genre to enjoy. Stand out track has to be "Easy to Be Around" I could try to sit here at 2:00AM and explain feebly how amazing this song is but let me just say that Diane harmonizing with herself is just too flipping tight for words. Any fan of music should be more than down and will be able to find at least something to enjoy here.

Oh Vanille

Derek Bailey - Ballads (2002)

Fact:          I love Math Rock.


If you haven't figured that out yet then you clearly don't follow this blog. But it can be exhausting if too much is consumed, hence today we have Derek Bailey. As its fathers day today for some reason it reminded me of this album. Bailey is a taste that divides listeners, Avant-garde improv. acoustic guitars. Now if that doesn't sound awesome then this is just not for you. Many of his releases even for me are just too much as far as an enjoyment stand point which is why I've always clung to Ballads. This was actually in response to many critics claims that maybe Derek had no clue how to "normally" play the guitar.  Well it kinda splits the difference with actually playing "straight" and his crazed picking and plucking.  Discontinuity between notes is one of the many things listeners will notice with his playing style. An idea or rhythm will disappear as quickly as it's played.  There is a longing feel to the album even a slight romantic bent but I cant say exactly why. Again most people are not going to be jamming this shit with their windows down this summer but I cant say I know too many acoustic guitar players that use this much emotion in their composition and playing style.

Ballads 

Bibio - Hand Cranked

Bibio's progression has surprised me with each new release. While I dont particularly agree with the direction, there is no doubt that this Brit is a highly talented individual. Older outings such as Hand Cranked displayed an almost eerie sense of melody, a universal nostalgia that is picked up on instantly. Looped and shifting acoustic guitar "folk" that sounds like it was recorded on someones cassette deck. Some might not be so receptive to the charm of this but those people need to fuck off.  I personally have never encountered solo acoustic music that has effected me emotionally this much.

Hand Cranked