Single Reviews: 30 May 2023: elshuffles, Penguin Cafe, La Faute, Mike Casey, Hannah Schneider

Posted by No Transmission on


Photo by David Sager 




elshuffles - months of electronic dreams

electronic


London-based electronic artist elshuffles' "months of electronic dreams" is a glitchy and pensive composition with a motivational undertone. While the emotional potency is akin to a video game soundtrack, the single constructs a world just as colourful and detailed as any digital realm. Through bright breakbeats and billowing melodies, elshuffles weaves intricate layers that stack on top of each other without collapsing. elshuffles' meticulous attention to detail occasions a hypnotic blend of glitch, electronica, and atmospheric elements. 







Penguin Cafe - Galahad 

modern classical 



Penguin Cafe is making a powerful return with their upcoming single "Galahad" from the highly anticipated album "Rain Before Seven." This epic and motivational track pays homage to Arthur Jeffes' beloved dog, Galahad, capturing the sentimental essence of the early work of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. With its modern production sensibility, the song strikes a balance between nostalgia and contemporary elements, leaving a faultless, though somewhat overly polished, impression; the type of music you might expect to hear at the end of a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, "Galahad" showcases the enduring musical journey of Penguin Cafe, offering an engaging and emotionally charged composition that is as sentimental as it is captivating.






La Faute - Let it Burn 

alternative


Canadian artist La Faute, the dark and dreamy solo project of Peggy Messing, unveils a captivating gem with her single "Let It Burn." The track exudes a gentle yet mysterious aura, showcasing Messing's highly personal and engaging performances. With introspective lyrics exploring themes of longing, betrayal, mourning, and desire, "Let It Burn" offers a somewhat over-the-top cinematic production that adds an extra layer of depth and intensity. With her penchant for serving music cold, Messing crafts a sound that is both enigmatic and alluring, though never innocuous. "Let It Burn" represent a musical sensibility that merges emotion and atmosphere in a mesmerizing blend.








Mike Casey - Ghazal

jazz



"Ghazal" from acclaimed LA-based saxophonist and composer Mike Casey's latest EP, "In The Before: Live at The Side Door," presents an intriguing blend of cultural influences and musical experimentation. The track, originally composed as part of Casey's master's thesis in Spain, aims to combine elements from different cultures without compromising the essence of jazz. Drawing inspiration from the poetic and musical style of "Ghazal" found in regions like India, the Middle East, and Persia, the composition takes listeners on a rhythmic journey infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms expertly woven by drummer Corey Garcia. While initially written for a quartet, the live trio performance with bassist Matt Dwonszyk showcases a fresh interpretation of the piece. Though the track displays Casey's artistic ambition and the trio's chemistry, it may appeal more to those seeking an adventurous and eclectic musical experience. 








Hannah Schneider - Bølgerne

neoclassical



Danish artist Hannah Schneider's most recent single, "Bølgerne" (The Waves), offers a contemplative and introspective listening experience. Delivering a melancholic Nordic sound reminiscent of Olafur Arnalds and The Cinematic Orchestra, the instrumental piece features a floating piano, expertly mixed by Brian Batz of Sleep Party People, that captures every nuanced touch. "Bølgerne" paints a sonic landscape that straddles the line between dusk and dawn, evoking a mixture of emotions, non of which are overly strong or potent, instead affording the listener space to realize their emotional responses to these enticing melodies. With a gentle and subdued approach, "Bølgerne" is an evocative composition that resonates by gently stirring instead of shaking the ground.