Ataraxia-Llyr (2010) reveiw

There seem to be plenty of bands out there who share the name Ataraxia, not to mention several albums that are either entitled Ataraxia or at least include the word.  In fact there is a new Pelican album which uses that word.

My first experience with Ataraxia was a last.fm play when I was listening to similar artists to Amber Asylum.  I was impressed and decided then that I would purchase their latest album.  So i got onto the iTunes store and downloaded an album called "Melodious in Absentia."  I didn't listen to the album right off the bat.  The next day my iPod was on random and played a song from that album.  I had no idea what it was, but it sounded terrible.  Needless to say I wasn't listening to the same Ataraxia I had found on last.fm.  After running a search of the band's latest album, I discovered that the band I was actually looking for released an album entitled "Llyr" in 2010.  I found that one on iTunes, downloaded it, and haven't been disappointed since.

By now you are wondering what kind of music this particular band plays.  This Ataraxia is an Italian band who plays a folk-tinged selection of dark neo-classical tunes with minimalist instrumentation.  For those unfamiliar with the many eras of classical music, let me say that this is not your typical neo-classical music.  Instead of an orchestra playing this music, it is a band, whose three members each play various instruments.  This band plays many outdoor concerts on the sites of various landmarks of historical and spiritual significance, mainly in Europe dealing with spiritual qualities of Greek and Latin myths. 

This band employs anything from lutes, to banjos, to guitars, horns, violins and cello as well as modern technology.  It is a very diverse listening experience that can lend itself to a variety of emotional influences.  I would most compare this band to Dead Can Dance, but with less emphasis on ambiance and more weight put on the folksy, operatic vocals. 

For those not initiated to this type of music, this album can be a taxing listen in that it involves numerous odd time measures, minimal classical instrumentation, and an eclectic array of of mostly classical influences, including classical and early music.  If you have an open mind, there is beauty to be found in these songs.  Vocalist Francesca Nicoli has a heavenly, ethereal voice. 

The lyrics this band writes are in various ancient and contemporary languages, so if you need to understand what the lyrics mean, this band probably isn't for you. 

I enjoyed this album. Hopefully this band will reveal plans to record a new disc soon, because I am a fan.  Since forming in the late 1980s, Ataraxia has released no fewer than 20 LP albums. Take a listen to the title track from "Llyr" below.  As always, thanks for reading and enjoy!

Falloch-Where Distant Spirits Remain Reveiw

Falloch's new album, "Where Distant Spirits Remain" was first presented to me as an atmospheric ambient metal album.  Needless to say, I was confused enough to go listen to a track from the album.  What I heard blew me away.

The description was more or less accurate, though I would take somewhat of an expetion to calling this band a metal band.  The music is mostly keyboard and guitar-based, fusing long, stretched melodies with soulful guitar plucking and the occasional pedal loop effect.  Many of the basic power riffs serve to accentuate the atmospherics and to draw in a sense of doom to the music.  Additonally, the band employs elements from post rock, folk, and black metal, at times mixing in flutes and strings to deepen the texture of the songs.

The vocals are a blend of looping solo clean singing and raw shrieks similar to the style of vocals that many black metal bands use.  They are powerful when they need to be and sorrowful when circumstances warrant.

Falloch's name was taken from a local landmark called the Falls of Falloch, which is a waterfall in Scotland.  Falloch hails from Glasgow.  The feelings this album evoke are of melancholic wind brushing over grassy rolling hills.  You hear tales of sadness and wonder, and dire fears.  In truth it is somewhat difficult to put into words every emotion this album carries. 

"Where Distant Spirits Remain" is an incredibly diverse album that can satiate cravings for numerous styles of music. I highly reccomend this music to almost anyone who enjoys thoughtful, challenging music that flies against the conventions of popular music genres.  Enjoy We are Gathering Dust below.  Thanks for reading and enjoy :)

Chelsea Wolfe-Apokalypsis

As I have said before, once in a while you stumble across some music so outside your normal listening scope that it is laughable, yet you can help but like it.  I checked out Chelsea Wolfe's latest album on a whim, mostly because they ware talking about it on a metal blog I frequently visit.  They advertised it as an interesting alternative to metal.

Chelsea Wolfe is an indie alternative rocker who mixes a lot of slow, droing elements and bleak, folky singing.  The culmination is a strange breed of music unlike any I had heard.  I found myself liking Wolfe's voice and the near-constant vocal effects she uses.  Upon listing to Demons, I was impressed enough to go find the album and download it. 

The opening track is an ear-splitting howl that sounds like it was recorded in a tin chamber.  Thankfully, this is nothing but a short intro to the following tracks of doom-laden aleternative folk music that doesn't come across as either pure folk or unabashed doom.  The sound is interesting, yet appealing.  This isn't something you'll soon hear on the radio, but you might enjoy it. 

It came out of left field as something completely unexpected, but somehow I enjoyed it.  At times the melodies come across flat and uninspired, so the album isn't without its faults.  The cover art, though interesting, borders on the cliche and is passable.  I'll rate this album as 3.8/5 stars.  Check out Pale on Pale below.