Nicholas Gunn Album "Pacific Blue" Reviewed

Nicholas Gunn is an electronic Chillout music artist from the UK, that has released around 20 albums and currently self releases his material and is promoted by Higher Level media, who are based in the states.

His latest album is called "Pacific Blue", which is rich and atmospheric, a body of work that is truly outstanding.

 

The album opens with the gorgeous "Into The Vastness", with it's mix of piano, strings and pads, the main melody in the song is beautiful, a brilliant piece of chilled electronica. wonderful!

Track 2, "And I" calls on the vocal talents of Alina Renae, who is featured on 4 tracks on the album, and what a voice she has, perfect for the music backdrop created by Nicholas, the vocals are given space to shine against the synth pads, acoustic guitar and excellent piano section, sometimes less is more and this track is evidence of that. Breathtaking.

"Sailing" has a nice gentle guitar intro and ambient sounds, with elements of percussion, a strong synth lead and then at the 1 miniute 45 seconds mark the track cleverly veers into trance territory, the depth in sound through headphones is amazing. A great relaxing vibe to this track.

"Chasing The Light" has a beautiful piano intro and pad sounds that are haunting yet warm, superb acoustic guitar too, he really knows how to mix different instruments into a song with great effect, I love the way the track drifts but keeps you focused, a fabulous and infectious piece of music.

The second track that features Alina Renae on vocals is "Fallen", yet again flawless vocal delivery, here we have more rhythm, which works well in the context of the track, a song that draws you in, I like how it builds, great synthesizers too, perfect again!

"Adrift" has an excellent guitar as its main driving force, the guitar work reminds me of the work of Mark Knopfler, it really stands out on this track, lush pads and strings compliment the guitar work really well. A very impressive chillout track.

The next song "Float", is an interesting one, it has dub like vocals against a minimal soundscape, great lead sound which could be a koto or a harp, at least thats what it sounds like to me. Nice strings again that have an icey cold feel to them.

Next we have the title track "Pacific Blue", which again features Alina on vocals. The pads and strings are in perfect harmony with the effortless vocals by Alina, a very cinematic track.

Following that we have "Coast", which has a sound that reminded me of Enigma, some beautiful guitar arrangements on the song, with a chilled beat driving the track, his use of strings again is something to marvel about, outstanding, the whole song has a fantastic arrangement.

The closing song is "Out From The Deep", which features Alina on vocals, I like the haunting feel of the vocals and the rumbling bass-line with sporadic guitar and of course the orchestration is amazing and really lifts the track to another level.

On his website the album is descibed as nothing short of breathtaking, lush and exquisite, I couldn't have put it better myself, this is an artist at the top of his game and for me is one of the best ever chillout albums I have ever had the pleasure to listen to, a magnificent piece of work.

Sit on a beach with the sand and the sea with this music playing....paradise.

9/10

The album is available from iTunes here:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/pacific-blue/1503882926

Vist the official homepage of Nicholas Gunn here:

https://nicholasgunn.com/

Visit Higher Level Media Website here:

https://www.higherlevel.media/ 

808 Dot Pop Album "The Colour Temperature" Reviewed

808 Dot Pop is a new side project of Passenger S of Metroland, his levels of creativity are truly astounding, hence the reason for starting this latest venture, I should also add, this in no way signals the end of  Metroland, as a new album is being worked on.

With this project Passenger S, wanted to create a more accessable, lighter, "pop" sound, and as you would expect, the album is concept driven, and is all about colour temperature, in short it revolves around the dynamics of electric bulbs and the various different colours emitted due to temperature.

The opening track "Planck's H" is about the scientist Max Planck, who devised that Blackbody radiation is radiation produced by heated objects, particularly from a blackbody. A blackbody is an object that absorbs all radiation (visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, etc.) that falls on it. This also means that it will also radiate at all frequencies that heat energy produces in it.

Enough of the science lesson and back to the music, the track is the darkest sounding track on the album with it's menacing pulsing synth sounds and a beautifully constructed sequencer pattern, which takes centre stage as the track develops overlaid with warm pads. Excellent use of voice samples to inform the listener what the track is about. A perfect opener.

Track 2 "Illuminants", definately has a lighter flavour, soft rhythms and the King Of Sequencers, is on top form here, different layers of sequenced sounds hold this track together, nice lead and melodic parts, quite upbeat as well, I like his use of voice samples again.

"Radiation Laws" is another science lesson for you (check the web), I have said many times about the music Passenger S makes, it is always an educational journey too, you want to find out more about the concepts used and this album is no exception.

Another bright uptempo track with a lot of melodic hooks, fantastic rhythm section and of course the sequencers are in overdrive, nice use of choir sounds, a strong electro pop track.

Next we delve into the mechanics of a light bulb, "The Tungsten Filament" (the bit that lights up inside the bulb). Another sequencer driven track, some really exquisite sequenced parts created here, really give this song a "pop" feel, the track builds up superbly and holds your attention, fantastic use of vocals and without a doubt this is one of my favourite tracks.

Next we come to the track "Blackbodies (Radiation)", which feature the superb vocals of Noemi Aurora of Helalyn Flowers, and of course is the first single released by 808 Dot Pop, and it is easy to see why it was chosen as the first single, it has everything, strong melodies, memorable chorus and exceptional synth work, this is one of those songs you listen to that grabs your attention everytime you play it. Outstanding all round.

Next we have the dreamy "Kelvin (2700)", it is simplistic, no rhythm, with what I would call etheral floating melodies, it is clearly a song Passenger S likes, as various versions have been recorded including recent B sides and I share his passion for the track, it is a really nice interlude segment, although other versions are more of a complete song.

"Thermal Contact" is instantly likeable with it's strong bassline and dance beat, good use of percussion elements/noises, in some ways it reminded me of early John Foxx, it's upbeat and powerful and the sequencers are just fantastic, catchy and inventive, another track I really like and one of the strongest on the album.

"The White Tone Of Lamps" is introduced with voice samples telling you what the song is about, the best use of vocal samples on the album, a moodier synth driven track, I am a sucker for those Kraftwerk inspired zap sounds, a really well constructed track.

"Ultraviolet" has a strong Kraftwerk influence on it, especially the rhythmic aspects of the song, and the master of sequencer patterns delights us again, with his array of sequenced treats, how he gets so many sequenced melody lines to overlay and work amazes me, I would be happy to come up with one sequenced line in a song!

This is another upbeat track and its strength is the depth of the music all perfectly layered.

Now we come to a track that fans are going to adore, "Incandescent", and I will stick my neck out and say this is one of the best tracks Passenger S has ever written. It is infectious beyond belief with one of the best synth riffs I have ever heard, it gets into your head and stays there, an ensemble of brilliantly fused synths and sequencers, this track has everything, pure pop and a diamond in this collection of gems, on the album.

"Thermodynamica" is another well constructed Electo pop track, has darker overtones, with sprinklings of sequencers over the top, as you would expect the backdrop is punctuated by simplistic synth melodies, once again great use of vocal samples.

The album closes with "Inside The Light Bulb", the bassline sequencer is fabulous, drives the song with an equally impressive rhythm. Beautiful warm synth sounds and sequencers, I like the haunting way the vocal samples are delivered and the choirs are divine.

I have followed the work of Passenger S with true passion for 8 years now and can only marvel, at what he can do with a concept, he can constantly deliver outstanding work, for me there is no one to match what he does with a concept, and it must be said, the concept is an essential cog in the music process.

I have learned about subjects I knew nothing about when emersing myself into his music, it drives you to find out more about the concepts used, he truly is unique and and gifted.

This album has been incredibly special and personal for me, as I have been privileged to see it develop from early demo's, to the finished product and can appreciate the work that has gone into the whole concept and album, it has also given me the fantastic opportunity to be involved again in making promo video's for this project, something I have really enjoyed.

Be in no doubt this is a first class debut album, that existing fans of Metroland and electronic music will enjoy, it delivers from start to finish.

9/10

The album is released on CD and as a Digital Downkload on June 5th.

The CD version is available from Alfa matrix here:

https://alfa-matrix-store.com/808-DOT-POP-The-Colour-Temperature-CD

The Digital Download, which includes a bonus 20 minute mega-mix is available from Bandcamp here:

https://alfamatrix.bandcamp.com/album/the-colour-temperature

I can also recommend you snap up the limited edition "Blackbodies" 7 Inch Vinyl single, which is available from the official 808 Dot Pop website here:

https://808dotpop.com/shop.html#!/products/blackbodies--0x28-dislocation-0x29-

You can view the official promo video for the single "Blackbodies (Pulsation)" on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/GHFKmdfNsxM

Also released recently, is a 5 track Digital Download "Blackbodies (Radiation) EP", which features 2 new tracks "RGB" (two versions) and "Gamma Rays" (again two versions, including my KRAFTman Remix), that is available from Bandcamp here:

https://alfamatrix.bandcamp.com/album/blackbodies-radiation-ep

Visit the 808 Dot Pop Website here:

https://808dotpop.com/index.html

Visit 808 Dot Pop on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/808dotpop/

The day before the album is released, White Lion radio, will be releasing a special "Introduction to 808 Dot Pop" audio documentary, that will be available on June 4th.

i-Select #57

White Lion Radio have released edition #57 of i-Select.

This is a series of shows dedicated to electronic/synthpop bands that are unsigned, signed to a small independent label or self release their material. White Lion Radio prides itself on bringing you music which you don't always get access to and to showcase bands and artists that are really very talented and deserve to be heard.

These shows will feature bands from across the globe!

Listen to the show on Mixcloud

Listen to the show on Hearthis.at

Full Playlist

Synesthete - Redux (Radio Mix)
Fused - Never Let Me Go
MINDMODVL - Tempestuous Days
Francesca e Luigi - (I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena
Jonteknik - Mount Fuji (People Theatre's Sensei Mix)
AGENCY-V - This Time
808 Dot Pop - Thermo Dynamica
Synthax Xtructure - Before You (Nature Of Wires Remix)
The Grey Disorder - Isolation
Cliff Wedge Ft James Knights - Cold Days Hot Nights
She Hates Emotions - Edge Of The Night
Emma Kelly - Drunk
Uncreated - So Many People
Robert Schroeder - Secret Elements
Reliant - A Friend So Kind
Spray - Chump (For My Love) (Single Remix)
Debris Discs - Survival Technique
JeffMcCall - Boys Don't Cry
Easy - Day For Night
Analogue Electronic Whatever - Hole
Bliss My Heart - We Are All The Young
Eric C. Powell - Crash
Jonteknik - Yellowstone (Staggman's Supervolcano Radio Mix)
Tenek - Chameleon
Trade Secrets - Games (Synesthete's Deconstructed Mix)
Volker Milch - The Way
Vaylon - Time Flies
808 Dot Pop - Inside The Lightbulb
Matthias Ft Mark Bebb - Hold Me (MDA ADM Radio Edit)
Reliant - High Hopes And Disappointments
Carlos Sicrock - A Pinon (Remix)
Layo - Cry Baby
Positronic - World Full Of Love
The Sables Ft Real Experts - Sublime Pt III
Normoria - The Cost  Of Freedom
Leaderboard - The Picture
Caboan - Virus Can't Kill Music
Sharon Next - In My Sphere
Darwinmcd & Eminent Sol - Jubilation
VOITH Crazy From The Heat
Analogue-X - The Last Word (Depechen Remix)
Dockhuset- Behind The Sun

The Story Of Kraftwerk (Audio Documentary)

White Lion Radio present, "The Story Of Kraftwerk", an audio documentary about the godfathers of Electronic Music, right from their "Experimental Rock" beginnings through to the band we know today.

A comprehensive overview of their career and of course, music too.

A must for any Kraftwerk fan, or a fan of Electronic music.
Listen to the show on Mixcloud or on Hearthis.at

Music featured in the Documentary

The Man Machine
Tanzmuzik
Autobahn (7 Inch)
Radio-Activity (Original Version)
Trans Europe Express
Neon Lights
Computer World
Pocket Calculator
Tour De France
The Telephone Call
The Robots (The Mix Version Single)
Expo 2000
Elektro Kardiogramm
The Model

http://www.kraftwerk.com/

The Electronic Music Hour #57

Welcome to edition #57 of our series "The Electronic Music Hour", which features some of the best electronic and synthpop music from the last 40 years.

These shows not only include well known artists from the last 4 decades but new and emerging bands on the electronic music scene from around the world, a lot of which are either unsigned, or on a small independent label, or self release their material.

So the shows will feature old and new tracks that fit in the electronic/synthpop genre.

Listen On Mixcloud

Listen On Hearthis.at

Playlist

Sister Electra - Down By The Park
Parralox - The End Of Summer
The Human League - Only After Dark
Erasure - Because You're So Sweet
Electro Spectre - The Way You Love (Technomancer Remix)
Tears For Fears - Mad World (World Remix)
The Rain Within - Violet Glow
The Eurythmics - Love Is A Stranger
Wiegand - Floating Away (T.O.Y. Remix)
Black Nail Cabaret - Bete Noire
Ultravox - Private Lives
Yazoo - Too Pieces
B-Movie - Rememberence Day
Eurotix - Hypnotized

"Svensk Kvalitet - A Tribute To Swedish 80s Pop" Album Reviewed

PBH Media are on a roll with releases, and another quality new release is "Svensk Kvalitet - A Tribute To Swedish 80s Pop", a 12 track compilation that celebrates Swedish 80s pop, again this includes familiar names to WLR listeners, with contributions included from Martin Blix (Italove), 1984, Saft, Obsession Of Time and Evan.

Martin Blix opens the album with "Nevermore", a pure pop gem, delivered with passion by Martin, an infectious opener and excellent production, lots of pop elements are on display here.

1984 have been on a bit of a run, with releases on PBH Media, and it is pleasing to see them contribute a track for this album, they have recorded "Lady O" and it is full of energy with a Pet Shop Boys vibe, one for the dancefloor.

Next we have "Brick" by The Lovers Of Valdaro Featuring Full Of Keys, a truly excellent vocal over a dance arrangement, I like how sparse the verse sections are, which makes the chorus more effective and packs more of a punch, a lot to admire in the synth work, excellent track.

"Night In The City" by Yuhniversia is fabulous, a strong bassline, with some nice sequencer parts, again upbeat, they have captured the 80s sound perfectly on this track. Another very enjoyable track.

Saft, who have been regulars on PBH media compilations that have been released, their contribution is the track "Ut Natten", which is sung in Swedish, the music is fantastic, almost anthemic, love the synth sounds used, the track is melodic and infectious and although it isn't in English I can appreciate what they have done with this song.

Our good friends Obsession Of Time are next with "Point Of View", they are a band that have really increased their output of late and they are a band I am appreciating more and more. On "Point Of View", they have certainly put their music blueprint all over this track, strong melodic hooklines, boy/girl vocals which work a treat, and of course excellent production, a big favourite of mine on this album.

Evan, another regular on PBH Media releases provides a wonderful version of "How Could I Live Without You", I love the use of piano alongside the electronics, worths really well, a great heart felt chorus that is full of emotion, a mid paced track that I thinks gets the award for my favourite track on the album, superb!

Next we have a Swedish sung song "Ifran" by Modiga Agenter, a great driving bassline and the sequencer driven elements are fantastic, again great synth work, I would love to hear an English version of the track :)

Again in Swedish we have "Rider Omkring" by Rymdkaptenen, reminded me of the Eurovision this track, I have no idea why, I think it is just the general vibe of the track, a great sing-a-long track.

"Mitt Hjarta Slar Samma Slag" by Peter Sjoholm is a fast upbeat number with a delightful little melody in the chorus, reminded me of the catchy melody on Depeche Mode's "New Life" single, even though it is in Swedish I enjoyed the track, it's catchy and fun!

"Ogon Av Is" by 7e Inseglet is more of an aggressive track, very dark sounding and was the one track I didn't connect with.

The beautiful "Dansande Man" by Rymdkaptenen closes the album, this piano driven track is such a pleasure to listen to, warm and inviting, the only ballad on the album, but deserves it's place on the compilation, really nice melodic moments throughout the track. Perfection.

Another mighty fine compilation from PBH Media and an excellent introduction to Swedish pop songs from the 80s, that you have probably not heard before, outside of Sweden.

8.5/10

The album is available ob both CD and as a Digital Download from the PBH Media Bandcamp page:

https://pbhmedia.bandcamp.com/album/svensk-kvalitet-tribute-to-swedish-80s-pop

PBH Media Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pbhmedia/

Heart Dance Records Chillout Journey #1

White Lion Radio have released a special music label showcase today

We are delighted to introduce you to the electronic/chillout/New-Age label, Heart Dance Records, in asscociation with Higher Level Media, who are based in Phoenix, Arizona in the states.

We bring you a wonderful selection of music, and for the first time, introduce you to Eleon, Doug Blair, Majestica, Nicholas Gunn and Brian Fechino, who are all making their debuts, on White Lion Radio, on this show.

We would like to thank Sherry Finzer, from the label, for providing the music featured on the show.

The show is available on Mixcloud:

https://www.mixcloud.com/whitelionradio/heart-dance-records-chillout-journey-1/

and it is also available on Hearthis.at:

https://hearthis.at/white-lion-radio-f7/heart-dance-records-chillout-journey-1-revised/

You can find out more about Heart Dance Records, by visiting their official homepage, where you will also find information about the artists and you will also find their official shop on there too:

https://www.heartdancerecords.com/

They also have a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/heartdancerecords/

Find out more about Higher Level Media by visiting their official homepage:

https://www.higherlevel.media/

Again, they have a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/HigherLevelMediaPro

Playlist For The Show

Nicholas Gunn - Into the Vastness
Eleon - Sandbox In The Rain
Doug Blair - In That Moment
Brian Fechino Ft Eric Hall - Aponi
Nicholas Gunn Ft Alina Renae - Fallen
Eleon - Winston's Journey
Majestica - Flaming Star
Doug Blair - The Open Door
Eleon Ft Jeff Pearce - Floating Just Above You
Nicholas Gunn - Chasing The Light
Majestica - Alpha Orionis
Eleon - The Crystal Portal
Nicholas Gunn Ft Alina Renae - And I
Doug Blair - Odyssey
Nicholas Gunn - Adrift
Eleon - I Touch The Sky

Maximum 80s #80

White Lion Radio have released edition # 80 of Maximum 80s.

A show that celebrates the 1980s 12 Inch Single!

The biggest hits in the 12 Inch format from the greatest decade in music history

Listen to the show on Mixcloud here

Listen to the show on Hearthis.at here

Playlist For The Show

Erasure - Chains Of Love (Unfettered Mix)
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Heavenly Version)
The Cure - In Between Days (Extended Version)
Seona Dancing - More To Lose (Extended Mix)
Blancmange - That's Love That It Is (Extended Remix Version)
A-Ha - Stay On These Roads (Extended Mix)
Dead Or Alive - My Heart Goes Bang Get Me To The Doctor (Extended Version)
Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good (Simon Boswell Re-Mix)
Tears For Fears - Suffer The Children (Remix)
OMD - Secret (Original 12 Inch Mix)

Tribute album "Midnight Man - Tribute To Songs & Sounds Of Michael Cretu" Reviewed

PBH Media continue their fine run of releases with two tribute albums, the first of which is a really
interesting project, it focuses on the music of Michael Cretu, the man behind Enigma.

The album is called "Midnight Man - Tribute To Songs & Sounds Of Michael Cretu", and once again we have some familiar names making a contribution, including, Vogon Poetry, Electric City Cowboys Ft Mia Moilanen, Leaderboard, Cliff Wedge Ft James Knights, Eurotix, Octolab, Uncreated and more.

The opening track is "Angel 07", by Paul Rein, a track originally released by Hubert Kah, this version has been given a fresh modern day sound, which reminded me of the sound of Italoconnection, warm synths and throbbing bassline, a fantastic vocal too.

"Samurai" was originally a single released by Cretu in 1985, Octolab's cover retains that 80s sound, fantastic synth work, again I love the bassline, superbly produced, a song that suits Octolab perfectly.

Retroteque & MJ Ft Louise Marchione tackle the track "The Different Story (World of Lust and Crime)", a track Cretu co-wrote with Peter Schilling, which has been given a brilliant italodisco makeover, a wonderful chorus that packs a punch, uplifting and infectious, an album highlight.

"Midnight Man" is a track Cretu Co-Wrote and produced for German singer Sandra, and our dear friends Eurotix put their mark on this song, and they have done a fine job too, this bass driven gem is fabulous, Dennis and Larry have a track record, for producing melodic infectious songs, and that is exactly what they have done with this track.

"Don't Be So Shy" is a song that dates back to 1985, when Michael Cretu was in a band called Moti Special, Stormby have covered the track, and it is a synthpop diamond, memorable chorus, superb production, for me, better than the original.

Francesca e Luigi have covered the track "(I'll Never be) Maria Magdalena", this is a band that is getting some well deserved attention and they have just released their debut album "Disco darkness", worth checking out.

Francesca e Luigi - Disco Darkness On Bandcamp

They have done an excellent job on this track, outstanding vocals over a fantastic synth backdrop, everything about this track is perfect, catchy, melodic and fun. The song was co-written by Michael Cretu and is another song recorded by Sandra.

You just know that if James Knights is featured on a track, you are going to get energy, and his collaboration with Cliff Wedge (The duo collaborated on a fantastic cover of "10 O'Clock Postman") on the track "Cold Days, Hot Nights", doesn't disappoint, a mighty fine pop song given the perfect synthpop makeover, originally this track dates back to 1985, again when Cretu was part of the band Moti Special, it was a hit in Germany too, reaching number 3 in the charts there.

Another band we have followed for a number of years are Vogon Poetry, their brand of synthpop is both endearing and warm, their task was to cover the song "Secret land", they have produced a darker sounding track, that works really well, as ever strong emotional vocal delivery, a strong melodic take on the song originally co-written by Cretu for singer Sandra.

Electric City Cowboys have teamed up with Mia Moilanen to cover the track "In The Heat Of the Night", once again they deliver, it is pure pop from start to finish, the vocals by Mia work perfectly with Electric City Cowboys soundscape, a very memorable highlight on this album, I highly recommend you check out ECC's debut album "Superstar", for more infectious synthpop bliss.

Electric City Cowboys - Superstar

This is another co-written track by Michael Cretu for German singer Sandra, what strikes me about the songs featured on the album is Cretu can write some brilliant pop songs, a world away from his Enigma output.

Wow what a start to Uncreated's cover of "So Many People", that melody synth sound is just heaven, the chorus hits you like a firecracker, the combination of Patrik's vocal and the synth sounds used, awesome! One of the best tracks produced by Uncreated, a candidate for best track on the album. I don't need to say anymore, just listen to the track! The track was originally featured on Hubert Kah's album "Sound Of My Heart", produced by Michael Cretu.

Stormby has a second track featured on the album, and it is a collaboration with Peter Wilson and Yuhniversia, they have recorded the track "Hi Hi Hi", and it won't surprise you to learn it was another track Cretu co-wrote for Sandra. This version again has a killer chorus and the music is wonderfully produced, a well executed cover.

"The Picture" is a track covered by Leaderboard, I really like the feel of this track, more of a ballad, the sound is superb, every synth has it's place in the mix, a strong vocal, a well executed cover version, another highlight for me.

"Missing Words" is a cover of a track that was released as a single by Cretu & Thiers in 1987, the title of the original being "When Love Is The Missing Word", the track has been covered on this album by Humanoid Invasion and they have kept faithfully to the original, a beautiful piano section over the synths and beats are what makes this track, it's melodic and has plenty of synth hooks, an excellent cover version.

{ich} close the album with a cover of an Enigmna track, dating back to 1993, called "Silent Warrior". They have done a mighty fine job too, sounds like Enigma! That's the best compliment I can pay. They have done their homework here, a soundscape that has both dark and light sounds, an excellent way to close the album.

It has to be said PBH Media know how to deliver music that fans want, this compilation is superbly executed by every artist that appears on the album, a testement to the respect they have for Niclas Blyh, the man that runs the label.

A superb collection and a really intereasting choice to pay tribute to the work of Michael cretu, which shows their is a lot more to his music than just Enigma, this has been an education listening to this album and finding out about the original tracks that have been covered.

Highly recommended 9/10

The album is available on both CD and as a Digital Download from Bandcamp here:

Midnight Man - Tribute To Songs And Sounds Of Michael Cretu

PBH Media Facebook page can be found here:

PBH Media Facebook page

Rubik's 80s Mix #80

Edition #80 of Rubik's 80s Mix is now out on White Lion Radio

This a series of shows that includes the very best in 80s music all in one continuous mix.

The biggest hits from the greatest decade in music history!

A show guaranteed to bring back so many happy memories!

Listen to the show on Mixcloud here

Listen on Hearthis.at here

Full Playlist

The Pointer Sisters - Automatic
The Rock Steady Crew - Hey You The Rock Steady Crew
Billy Ocean - Get Outta My Dreams Get Into My Car
Quincy Jones Ft Dune - Ai No Corrida
Mr Mister - Broken Wings
Shalamar - A Night To Remember
Erasure - Stop
Bruce Hornsby & The Range - The Way It Is
Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid (Album Version)
Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel - White Lines (Don't Do It)
David Grant & Jaki Graham - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
Ultravox - Hymn
Coffee - Casanova
The Bangles - Eternal Flame
Londonbeat - 9AM (The Comfort Zone)

Niels Gordon Debut Album "Land" Reviewed

Niels Gordon is an electronic musician based in Sweden and his brand of electronica has a more mellow sound, drawing on such influences as early Kraftwerk (Pre 1974), Jean Michel Jarre and Klaus Schulze.

I have enjoyed following his work for a few years now, and live he is Mr Cool, nothing phases him, so it was no surprise he played support to OMD in his native land, a huge endorsement of his work.

After releasing 3 EP's, Niels is set to release his debut album "Land" on May 15th, on CD, Vinyl and as a Digital Download.

The album opens with the track "Im Park", a beautiful melody weaves its magic over a minimal rhythm and a fabulous sequenced bassline, very reminiscent of the early days of Kraftwerk, before they were famous. Niels keeps things simple, and that is his secret to live performing, he is able to recreate his work live effortlessly, check out clips on Youtube etc, he is mesmerising to watch.

The bpm is lifted on the catchy "Inner Grounds", which contains some superbly crafted sequencer melodies and bassline, overlayed with a strong main synth lead, a hypnotic beat drives the song, I rate this track as one of Niels finest recorded. Definitely influenced by Jean Michel Jarre, at least to my ears it is.

A previous version of the track "Voyage Dans La Nuit" was released in 2018 and it is pleasing to see a version included on his debut album, the rhythm section reminded me of the rhythm on The Human League's track "Gordon's Gin", the song has a more ambient vibe, with more than one melody line working in unison, again fabulous use of sequenced parts. The piano refrain at the end of the track is wonderful.

"Helio" is the shortest track on the album running at just over 3 minutes and is a sparse arrangement but does develop with some nice melodic touches, especially the keyboard/piano melody that is used to great effect, almost a soundtrack piece of music.

"Outer Grounds" is a more solem track, with great use of strings, the ambient work of John Foxx would be a good comparison, nice melodic touches again.

"Ohrnacht (Am See)" is a thing of beauty, a different version appears on his debut EP from 2016, one of the first tracks I heard by Niels. This re-working has a lovely synth chord melody and the main lead works brilliantly alongside those Kraftwerkesque chords, I also like the way the song re-invents itself by way of a refrain at the end, a nice touch.

"Woodlands" has a fantastic, strong bassline and an exceptional rhythm section (Think Kraftwerk's original version of Radio-Activity), a really powerful lead synth, what an outstanding track, my favourite track off the album.

The closing track is called "Tides" and it is a more ambient affair and is also more experimental than the rest of the tracks on the album, and was the one track that I struggled to connect with.

Niels should feel very proud of this album, he has worked very hard over the last few years, one thing you can tell from this recording is that he really enjoys what he does, and whilst there are the obvious influences across the album, he truly does have a unique sound of his own.

Start the album, turn the lights off and absorb the music of Niels Gordon, you wont be disappointed.

9/10

The album "Land" is available to pre-order on CD and as a Digital Download from Bandcamp:

https://nielsgordon.bandcamp.com/album/land

The album on vinyl is available to order here:

https://shop.lamour.se/shop/vinyl/niels-gordon-land-lp/

Niels Gordon On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/nielsgordonelectronic/?fref=nf

Watch Niels performing live:

https://www.lamour.se/niels-gordon/?fbclid=IwAR366Az3UBkrT2S3rTioeUGmxUxRXiDkyE8tnzZftvqHVf_p_pZOCYhB2M0