Album Review
NEEB drops a creative renaissance with its soulful summer masterpiece, “Take To The Sky”
NEEB is a band hitting its creative stride with an exhilarating vibe that thrives on collaboration and innovation, as evidenced by its latest single, “Take To The Sky.” The magic is an intoxicating blend of soulful jazz and chilled summer grooves, offering listeners a serene musical journey. The song, released under Shy Bairn Records, marks a significant milestone for the band, showcasing the sultry percussive genius of Martin Ditcham, a renowned songwriter known for his work with ‘Talk Talk,’ who joined forces with NEEB after a serendipitous encounter with their legendary drummer in London.
The most striking feature of this track is undoubtedly Jasmine Weatherill’s mesmerizing vocal performance. Initially a guest artist, Jasmine has seamlessly transitioned to a fully-fledged integral part of NEEB, and her growth within the band is evident. Her smooth, alluring vocals add an unmistakable layer of finesse to NEEB’s already rich instrumentation, blending seamlessly with the band’s delightful signature mix of funky basslines, intoxicating rhythms, Rhodes piano, synths, and drones.
The lush harmonies and overall charm of “Take To The Sky” lay the rhythmic groundwork for NEEB’s creative synergy. The ensemble musicianship of the band’s members, Tony Waite, Mark Lloyd, Jasmine Weatherill, and Mark Hand, are evidently in full creative mode, bouncing ideas and feeding off each other’s enthusiasm. The outcome underscores a fresh and profoundly engaging auditory experience that flawlessly embodies their musical evolution and dynamic vitality. It demonstrates the finest guitar proficiency, beckoning listeners to unwind and savor the relish moment of a sun-drenched day infused with a tranquil ambiance.
Having performed alongside renowned artists like Pee Wee Ellis, Gong, and Alabama 3 and gracing major festival stages, including Glastonbury and Freerotation, NEEB is no stranger to captivating audiences. With the release of “Take To The Sky,” they continue to push their creative boundaries, setting high expectations for their upcoming album. This single sets a promising precedent that particularly appeals to jazz fans with a soulful, summer-infused groove.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM NEEB’s “Take To The Sky“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
Mt. Kili Mt. Kili delivers quiet power and honest reflection on “The Noticer” (album)
Mt. Kili’s latest album, “The Noticer,” is a warm, contemplative acoustic folk album that finds beauty in the minutiae of life itself, as calm and bare as anyone would call it. Songwriter Rick Sichta of Asheville leads the project with delicate instrumentation and outspoken lyrics, bringing forth an experience that can be both personal and universal.
Recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, the music is refined and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Julian Dreyer and David Glasser. The current lineup still embodies this vision, with Matt Shepard holding down a heavy rhythmic backbone and Laney Barnett’s violin and vocals rounding out the sound, creating emotion.
There is a story and emotion hidden within each track. The EP opens with “Don’t Start a War,” which opens contemplatively, begging for peace rather than war. The title track, “The Noticer,” exudes a sense of awareness and the beauty of watching life unfold. “The Rain Song” features a soothing, near-meditative vibe.
With a hopeful reflection, “The Road Isn’t as Long as It Seems” is about perspective and perseverance. “Her Song” is pretty much a musical love letter, and “Kyle” is defined by its character-driven narrative. With “The Weather Report,” the change of feeling is reflected, while “Scars “ and “Strawberry Fields” hint at memories and softening imagery. “All in Good Time” concludes the record patiently, a soothing sigh of comfort. “The Noticer” is a reflective album with a soft reminder that sometimes the smallest moments mean the most.
Connect with Mt. Kili on | Spotify
Album Review
Tita Nzebi bridges heritage and humanity with new album, “Réminiscence”
Tita Nzebi is back with “Réminiscence,” her latest album, consisting of 10 tracks recorded in renowned studios across Paris and mixed with great care at Real World Studios. The Gabonese album has been part of a diverse international catalog and is rather well-produced. With arrangements and production by multi-instrumentalist Leny Bidens, the album reflects a long-term collaboration.
“Réminiscence” is about the beautiful messiness of being human, blending spirituality and social consciousness. The album opener, “REMINISCENCE,” is a contemplative meditation on memory and transmission that establishes the album’s emotional arc. “KEK’DA,” adorned with textured rocks, embodies concepts of spiritual growth in an earthy yet airy way. With “MBAMA Scène,” connection and cultural continuity are rendered in a magnificent current, wrapping that listening journey up with a powerful assertion.
“A’TA” offers a more complex perspective on wisdom, and “31 AOÛT” explores the concepts of time and memory with greater depth. “ARROGANCE” is an inward gaze at ego, and it pulls elements of bold music together to stoke social tension. Every song here has its own tale to tell, but they all effectively tie back together under the broad-stroke identity themes of freedom, memory, and dignity.
“Réminiscence” is an artistic manifesto, and much of what Tita Nzebi does honors its past while still feeling very much rooted in global sounds. The record serves as a reminder to listeners of the connections that gave rise to identity and collective memory.
Connect with Tita Nzebi on Spotify | Instagram | X | Facebook
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