Secret Colours are a new group to me. Based in Chicago, they're all set to release their fourth LP, Dream Dream in July. This is the title track and lead single. I don't often post new videos on here but thought this was pretty good! A mix of '60s psych and '90s Britpop. Pretty cool I'd say!
(This review was first published in issue 51 of Shindig! magazine)
A live LP collated from
the final two shows of a month long hometown residency, Land of
Plenty showcases two musicians at the top of their game. Ryley
Walker is perhaps today's most fêted finger-style guitarist, his
Primrose Green album almost certain to feature in the end of
year polls. He's joined by fellow Chicago resident and Darts And
Arrows guitarist Bill MacKay for seven instrumentals which merge
folk, jazz, blues, early music and ragas.
As with all great
improvisational music, the pair push, compliment and inspire each
other. Such seat-of-the-pants playing echoes Davy Graham's flights of
fancy, the intuitive understanding of Jansch and Renbourn, and the
emotional playing of Vini Reilly.
The heavy stereo mix
(Bill to the left, Ryley the right) allows for isolated listening,
though it's really all about interplay and counterpoint. With moods
ranging from mournful, to contemplative, to celebratory, the music is
always tasteful, fluid, and inspired.
Limited
edition 7” from long-serving Chicago psych band!
For a band that's been
around since the '90s TLOEH still come up with the goods. This very
limited release on Mega Dodo Records contains two tracks of top notch
neo psychedelia and comes complete with a cover illustration that
will have book and art lovers wetting their pants. Author Neil Gaiman
(yes that one!) has kindly donated a drawing for the front cover of
the single. So frame the sleeve on the walls by all means but do play
the record!
'The End of the Lane'
is inspired by Gaiman's book The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
It fades in gently with guitar motifs and softly sung vocals. With
tasteful use of echo it's a soothing balm that builds into a more
manic segment underpinned by frantic drums and guitar shreds.
The flipside 'Blown to
Kingdom Come' is taken from the band's recent long-player The
Acceleration of Time. A
Bowie-esque full band stomper and a nice contrast to the gentle side
of the band displayed on the lead track.
This 7” single is
released on 15th of August and is available on two colours
-
Blue vinyl edition
limited to 150 numbered copies (Singles Club members only).
Black vinyl edition
limited to 150 numbered copies (general release).
