Peter Yorn PETER YORN. Vagrant

Peter Joseph Yorn (born July 27, 1974, Montville, New Jersey, United States) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who first gained international recognition after his debut record, Musicforthemorningafter, was released to critical acclaim in 2001.

Yorn toured with Coldplay as an opening act through summer 2009 and collaborated with actress/musician Scarlett Johansson to record a project entitled “Break Up.” Pete’s brother Rick is Scarlett’s agent. The album was released on September 15, 2009, and its first single “Relator” was released digitally on May 26, 2009. The record has since gone Platinum in France.

“This record rocks. pure energy and emotion. frank black’s streamlined and powerful production really helped bring Yorn’s amazing songs to the next level… without the usual studio gloss. this is real music for real times.”

“It sounds exactly like he plugged in the ol’ guitar, and decided to just rip. The songs are not over thought out or planned, they have kind of an organic feel to them. Again, like a jam session. Which from what I understand was kind of the point of the album. Apparently, Pete Yorn got together with Frank Black (of the Pixies) and decided to record an album over a short period of time - 5 days if I’m not mistaken. That is what I read in an article anyway…”

“In a nutshell this album wors as a whole, with it’s sum greater than it’s parts. That’s not to say that there are’t some great individual tracks, “Future Life” is a fantastic song with a great chorus, and “Precious Stone” is a wonderful opener.”

Well, I have to admit I’ve overlooked Yorn for too many years albeit I was never quite in tune with his previous music. This, however, is very different, as these Amazon reviewers have pointed out. Like it? I love It!

4/5

Rebekka Karijord THE NOBLE ART OF LETTING GO. Lillfacit Records

Signed to a multinational label at 17, even from that impressionable age she was unable to bend and twist to the restraints put on her by those in positions of power. ‘What? You want me to make that kind of music? Sayonara!’ She spent the ensuing five years crafting her sound and reached the end of that time with a finished album, confidently approaching a label which was quick to grab her and release ‘Neophyte’ in 2003, a simultaneously symphonic and electronic debut. Two years later she was ready to go with her second album ‘Good or Goodbye’, according to her more of a pop journey than the experimental escapades of her debut. Both albums were met with critical acclaim, rave reviews and even a Grammy nomination or two. Are you as winded as I am trying to keep up with her? As if these accomplishments weren’t enough, our fairytale protagonist was searching world cities (New York, Paris, Stockholm) for a place to lay down her waterlily roots, singing all the while and even acting along the road. Oh yes, she is an accomplished actress as well, but I am here to extrapolate on her musical pursuits alone. Stockholm won the place-to-rest-her bones award, and work on her first truly ‘solo’ album, ‘The Noble Art of Letting Go’, began there in the dark early months of 2009, as she wrote herself clear of heartache and one fear in particular, a rather private one I am told. Armed with a harp, a piano and that magnificently otherworldly voice that graces her vocal chords, Rebekka snatched up a few
close friends and recorded in the city and woods surrounding her adopted Swedish hometown.

‘The Noble Art of Letting Go’ has truly taken on a life of its own. Since its release in late 2009, sound clips from this fantastically original album have been featured in films, TV series and commercials, which all pale in comparison to its being adapted as the soundtrack for the highly acclaimed Cirkus Cirkör’s new show, ‘Wear It Like A Crown’, named after one of the album’s tracks. As Cirkus Cirkör director Tilde Björfors so prettily posed, ‘(When I heard Rebekka’s songs for the first time,) it was as if someone had created the music for what I was all about.’ Rebekka is both composing a soundtrack based on her third album for the circus to carry with them on the road, and will be performing the album live in its entirety with them in Stockholm.

I love the title of this album which in meaning rings so true. And it’s so beautiful. Just listen to opening track ‘Wear It Like A Crown’ with its gently flowing piano notes; its distant percussion; and its compelling, moving vocal…

4/5

Lotus Mason. LOTUS MASON. Glowb

Fronted by Blair Jollands, Lotus Mason is the latest project from this Brick Lane based ex-pat New Zealander. Ending up in London after an epic journey via New Orleans and New York, making blues tinged pop music along the way, Blair has previously been compared to the likes of Jim Morrison, Scott Walker, The Associates, Bowie and Rufus Wainwright. With Lotus Mason, Blair has expanded his sonic soundscapes, from the power ballads of Beso and Who Needs To Start Again and Apple, giving Blair’s vocals the space to soar, coupled with a new electronic MGMT and Empire of the Sun-esque tinged sound, Broken Silence, Automatic Human and Rust and Roll, together with the cultish Dream Of you give the forthcoming album a classic feel.

If you like your pop adult and meaningful, then you’d be advised to listen to this little beauty. Imagine Snow Patrol but meatier, harder-edged. Well that’s Lotus Mason and you’d be hard pressed to find a duff track here, and one that doesn’t move you. Opener ‘Beso’ is a highlight and precedes single ‘Rust & Roll’ which isn’t the strongest track here. ‘Apple’ is a bass-driven, epic, emotional stunner with it’s rocky instrumental arrangement
combined with quieter, contemplative moments. ‘Automatic Human’ changes tack with an electronic humdinger that should be belting out from Radio 1 on a daily basis. ‘Dream Surreal’ is a spaced-out melodic beauty and a potential chart-busting single if ever there was one.

Great debut, great band.

4/5

Depth SITUATIONS FULFILLED. Rising Records

Depth are a four-piece Rock/Post Hardcore band from Norwich. They have recently recorded their debut album “Situations Fulfilled” which is now available nationwide. A commendable debut effort with diverse pace and sounds backed by strong melodies and confident performances. There’s a strong emotional vein running through songs and there’s music integrity by the truckload. The band still has a short distance to travel before we can give our strongest recommendation, but this represents an excellent start.

3.5/5