018/100: "Valtari" by Sigur Rós

Billed as ambient, "Valtari" by Sigur Rós is definitely atmospheric. It is, however, more than simply ambient: there are stunning post-rock dynamics at play along with subtle orchestral moments, exquisite vocal harmonies and wonderfully ethereal choral pieces that stir the soul; all these factors gently temp this album out from the background.

I think the involvement of Jónsi's partner, Alex Somers, is apparent. There is an elegance to this music that could be lost if attention isn’t wholly given. The band, with Somers, have a remarkable understanding of sound that pervades every one of Valtari’s 54 minutes.

Truly magical.

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017/100: "Kveikur" by Sigur Rós

Sigur Rós are one of my favourite bands and their seventh studio album, "Kveikur", has become a destination when I am looking for something upbeat and loud.

"Kveikur" is their first album as a three-piece, recorded after the departure of Kjartan Sveinsson, and it really gives me hope for the band’s future.

Each Sigur Rós album has its own idiosyncrasies, and "Kveikur" is no exception: it is a broad, vibrant, wall-of-sound; with Jonsi's rather unique vocals contributing to the overall ambience exceptionally well.

From the opening of “Brennisteinn” you know you are in for an outstanding ride.

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016/100: "If You Wait" by London Grammar

I think it is too easy to label music as belonging to your preferred genre of disdain and subsequently ignore it. When we do this, however, I believe we lose out.

I could have easily dismissed "If You Wait" by London Grammar but I didn't. I gave them a go and, in doing so, discovered a wonderfully rich, powerfully immersive musical experience from the trio of Hannah Reid (vocals), Dan Rothman (guitar) and Dominic 'Dot' Major (keys & drums)

London Grammar create emotive soundscapes that revolve around Reid’s distinctive vocals. Her voice is rich & utterly beguiling, complementing the music so completely.


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015/100: "Twilight Kingdom" by Lisa Gerrard

There is something unmistakable about Lisa Gerrard's voice ... it is otherworldly and timeless, ethereal and magical;

I have followed Gerrard's work since her involvement with Hans Zimmer on the score for Ridley Scott's epic, "Gladiator". I subsequently discovered "Dead Can Dance", the exceptional band she co-founded with Brendan Perry.

Gerrard's album, "Twilight Kingdom", is a prime example of her ability as a musician. Her voice is stunning on this release: a deep, robust, mournful contralto; an emotive voice heard by the heart as much as the ears that, when matched with the engaging orchestration, creates a truly masterful album.

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http://www.lisagerrard.com

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014/100: "If You Leave" by Daughter

“If You Leave” by Daughter is an astonishing album, one that somehow always seems to catch me off guard whenever I put it on my hi-fi.

I find the combination of Elena Tonra’s exquisite voice and the cinematic walls-of-sound from guitarist Igor Haefeli, drummer Remi Aguilella and Tonra herself on bass to be utterly intoxicating and deeply intriguing.

Daughter’s music can easily fill a room and sometimes that's all you want. Their indie soundscapes have a presence worthy of 4AD.

I am entranced by the intricate details presented on “If You Leave”, details that reward your attention.

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013/100: "How I Live Now" - music by Jon Hopkins

I have a thing for Jon Hopkins' music just now and I am rather taken with his soundtrack for "How I Live Now", a film that portrays a war-torn England and stars Saoirse Ronan as the main character, Daisy.

The soundtrack opens with a powerful track from Amanda Palmer then goes on to showcase Hopkins' exceptional soundscapes: short, emotive ambient pieces that fill me with joy and wonder.

This soundtrack is very much Hopkins ... two further vocal tracks are present: from Daughter (remixed by Hopkins) and from Natasha Khan (with Hopkins) ... and is richer because of his inspired direction.

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012/100: "Solo" by Nils Frahm

Nils Frahm recently released "Solo" on "Piano Day", a day intended to celebrate the piano as an instrument.

"Solo" is an emotive delight: delicate, nuanced, mature; just Frahm & piano using the space between the notes with as much precision as the notes themselves. The album was conceived from eight improvised pieces recorded in one sitting on the world's tallest piano: the Klavins 450. Situated in Germany, the 450 weighs 1.8 tons, is 3.7 meters tall, and was built for Piano Day.

"Solo" is lovely: the outpouring of a talented individual ... something I will cherish for a long time to come.

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For more, got to http://www.pianoday.org

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011/100 - "And Silence" by Colbets

"And Silence" by Japanese duo Saitoh Tomohiro and guitarist Kari Takemoto, collectively known as Colbets, is another sterling release from Gavin Catling's Twice Removed microlabel.

The release consists of 61 minutes of the very best and most engaging ambient soundsculptures: 5 tracks that take me, as the listener, on a compelling journey into Colbets' beautifully nuanced and expertly handcrafted aural world.

I am really rather taken with this release: it has an unforced intentionality to it that I find appealing, particularly after a long and busy day in the office, a restful nature that gently persuades rather than forcefully demands.




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010/100 - "World Music" by Goat

Psychedelic has become a buzzword in alternative music circles. Some bands, however, deserve the title. One such band is Goat, the experimental rock band from Sweden.

Their album - "World Music" - is worthy of anyone's attention with its Afrobeat styling, hypnotic rhythms, and vocals that use repetition & combined unison to great effect. It is a swirling, floaty, psychedelic smorgasbord of sound that is expertly sequenced for maximum pleasure.

"World Music" feels like an authentic addition to late 60s / early 70s psychedelia and yet it is from 2012. I love this album and can only imagine what their live shows are like.



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009/100: "Soma" by Audio Mainline

I regularly receive music from musicians and labels who appreciate my thoughts on their latest offering. One such gift was the "Soma" from a new group called Audio Mainline, on Invisible Agent.

"Soma" is reminiscent of the output from San Francisco's seminal downtempo & house label, Om Records, with its chilled electronics, delicate rhythms and exceptional female vocals. What sets Audio Mainline apart is their choice of guest vocalists, each with their own unique voice and expression.

I particularly enjoyed “evolving” with its captivating otherworldly vocal or the title track with its laidback elegance.

This is a truly magical EP.



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