Ivy Lab – ‘Missing Persons’ (EP)

Opening with the title track featuring a guest appearance from Frank Carter III (he’s on it so little I hope they didn’t pay him much) the EP gets off to a soulful start before someone sets the drum machine going and ruins it, with the fast-paced drum and bass riff being entirely different to the slow, sensual nature of the rest of the record. ‘Missing Persons’ is fine at the times when the drum machine is given time to rest but even without that it does sound like an off-the-shelf relaxation CD has been put on. It’s hardly dolphin sound but it’s hardly engaging music either. {rating}

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Darius – ‘Romance’ (EP)

Sadly not Darius of Pop Idol fame, this is a different, more French, Darius out with his EP of smooth electronic laid back numbers. Lead single ‘Espoir’ is samey, repetitive and lacking the oomph needed to really lend appeal to a minimalistic synthy composition, though it does echo the calmer more subdued numbers from fellow countrymen Daft Punk’s earlier catalogue. ‘Espoir’ doesn’t do enough to really grab me though its atmosphere and smoothness are definite positives. {rating}

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Hannah Peel – ‘Fabricstate’ (EP)

Track number one on her EP, ‘Silk Road’, is as silky as the title, a slow, meandering number but one that pulls you in with its simple, evocative nature boosted by a mesmerising harp sound. It’s difficult to put my finger on what makes the track but the gentle well-constructed production is definitely one of them. {rating}

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Little Comets – ‘The Gentle’ (EP)

Opener ‘Little Italy’ is a pointed, indie number led by the distinct vocals of the lead singer and it bounces along for a very quick three minutes but doesn’t leave a massive mark on you as it lacks the killer hook of an indie classic, and the converging elements at the two minute mark don’t quite gel. The synthy bits are quite fun though. {rating}

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CLAIRE – Games (EP)

I remember when I first started learning the keyboard I could have done a piano riff like this, someone stabbing at five notes on the keyboard over and over again. Here on ‘Games’, joined by three remixes on the extended-play, CLAIRE is more listenable than the irritating, repetitive off-the-shelf backing; her voice is a pleasure to listen to. {rating}

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Guitar Pedal Rock Legends

4 Guitar Pedals Used by Rock Legends

Guitar pedals have become an integral part of the music scene. Such is the guitar pedal’s role in creating modern music that there has even been a documentary called The Pedal Movie, which tackles the history, craftsmanship, and different usages of the equipment. Though it has been used in many different genres, rock is arguably […]