TRACKS
PHILIP JONATHAN IN THE GARDEN Words: Tom McLean Northumberland-based folk singer-songwriter Philip Jonathan reveals his latest single, In The Garden. It’s a track infused with the artist’s trademark soothing blend of folk, peacefulness and passion, which immediately instils a sense of calm within the listener, wrapping a warm, homely blanket around even the coldest heart. When interviewed, Jonathan has been quick to cite the likes of Icelandic folk rock band Sigur Rós among his inspirations. However, while the Icelanders’ impact is clear, Jonathan’s own timbre shines through superbly as he effortlessly combines balletic, soft violin with a bedrock of warm acoustic guitar and harmonic vocals. If In The Garden is a love letter written to Jonathan’s rugged homeland, upon its release it’s certain to gain many more signatories. Released: 08.10.21 www.philipjonathan.bandcamp.com
KIELDFAL FORWARD, TO THE LIGHTS EP Words: Laura Doyle You don’t always need words to tell a story. Ambient music project Kieldfal has expertly captured the sounds and soul of Northumberland in a new release, Forward, To The Lights. The EP takes the listener on a journey from scenic countryside to the gritty industrialisation of the region. The birdsong and pleasant timbre of opener Barrowburn transport you to breezy summer walks around Wall Country. It segues seamlessly through Forward, To The Lights Parts 1 & 2, which build incrementally towards that richer, diversified sound as we get closer to bustling streets and city lights. Getting the entire history of the North East into a three-track record is no small feat, and anyone with an iota of knowledge about Northumberland should feel strangely comforted by this auditory representation. Released: 15.10.21 www.kieldfal.bandcamp.com
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REVIEWS OF SINGLES AND EPS BY NORTH EAST ARTISTS. WANT YOUR MUSIC FEATURED? EMAIL NARCMEDIA@GMAIL.COM (PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)
THE LAST OF THE FALLEN ANGELS FEAT. TARA TINE IVORY TOWER Words: Laura Doyle The Last Of The Fallen Angels is Heaton-based multi-instrumental artist Conrad McQueen’s ambitious project which brings together singers from all over to collaborate on his tracks. This global mindset makes for a diverse sound covering diverse experiences. Ivory Tower takes on the establishment with a classic punk flare. Tara Tine’s Celtic twang shines bright in her frustration-filled vocals – a real middle finger to the received pronunciation crowd. If you have the opportunity to check out the video that goes with this release it’s well worth the effort. This is a project as passionate for its visuals as its sound, and serves as a celebration of the unity between artists that the digital age can bring about. Released: 30.09.21 www.lastofthefallenangels.online
THE MOTH TRUST S/T EP Words: Michael O’Neill Formed without “any specific genre of music, concrete plans or real goals in mind” The Moth Trust are an enigmatic quartet of North East-based musicians who wear their hearts (and accents) on their sleeves, but give little else away throughout a five-song collection of spellbinding, shape-shifting songs, which are as rich in stylistic right-turns and time-signature shifts as they are in sugar-soaked melodies and moments of sheer sonic beauty (particularly in the jaw-dropping splendour of Two Ghosts, and the anthemic euphoria of closer Be Right Back). This self-titled release is a cathartic burst of heart-stirring wonder from four incredibly talented musicians who owe it to themselves to step a little more confidently in the spotlight. An essential listen. Released: 22.10.21 www.themothtrust.bandcamp.com
