Engine7 : "Songs For The Lonely Mix"

Another couple of weeks have passed, so that must mean its time for another exclusive mix courtesy of Engine7. This one is entitled "Songs For The Lonely". These mixes are providing a fascinating glimpse into Engine7's wide ranging influences.


Tracklisting

1. World Trade Center Cello Theme - Craig Armstrong
2. Camille - George Delerue
3. On the Nature of Daylight - Max Richter
4. The Sun's Gone Dim and the Sky's Turned Black - Jóhann Jóhannsson
5. Des Plumes dans la Tete - Sylvain Chauveau
6. Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten - Arvo Pärt

Download

Engine 7 : Songs For Children Mix

It seems with the nice change in weather has brought about more than sunshine, as it appears to be the mix season as well. Engine7 has sent the first of three exclusive guest mixes for Boring Machines and it's entitled, "Songs For Children". This ties in nicely with the theme of his forthcoming album, "Me, But Perfect", and also serves as an insight into the music that has inspired him of late.

Tracklisting

1. Wake Up Wake Up - Lullatone
2. Window - The Album Leaf
3. Ba Ba - Sigur Rós
4. Silent Park - Yasushi Yoshida
5. Nightly Cares - Múm
6. Goodnight, I Love You - Engine7


Download

Herb News

Here's a couple of points from Herb Recordings latest mailing list update:








Rubens

The U.S release date for the Rubens CD is the 13th April 2007. Fans in the U.S can pre-order the CD now for $14.96 from

www.ear-rational.com

As from next week the Rubens (Review) CD will also be available from Norman Records for £7.95

www.normanrecords.com

~ism from Rubens has also released his "Surface Life" Ep which you can get for free here.


Engine7

The fantastic debut album release by Glasgow's Engine7 is imminent. This album will be released in digital format first and then on CD shortly afterwards. We'll keep you updated with the progress on both formats.



Solipsism "Free Ep" & "No Entry Ep"

Both of these are free downloads that Solipsism have kindly made available. The Free EP is a collection of 4 ambient tracks that were recorded during the "Electricity Flows In Squares" (Review) sessions and the No Entry EP is basically just a collection of 7 tracks that they've recorded over the past two years and not used in any other projects. Please feel free to download and share these out. You can download both eps including artwork here.


Kingbastard

Kingbastard has released a free ep under his "myheadisaballoon" alias. The ep is titled "Hello-Fi" and can be downloaded for free from his artist page at the herb site.

4 of a Kind - March

This post was initially meant to be a monthly event, but I kind of got side-tracked with end of year lists and album reviews. However, I have decided it is time for it to resurface and have collected together exclusive (and legal) mp3's from four very talented artists who, in their respective fields, are producing some excellent music. There is one common thread between these artists though, they all operate with the same degree of emotion.

Talkingmakesnosense

A member of Scotland's Benbecula collective, Talkingmakesnosense is the work of Dom Dixon. Influenced by the likes of Labradford, Mogwai and the Constellation bands, he creates sounds that are instantly compelling and highly emotive. These "experiments" are based around sounds generated from computers, analogue tape and a number of acoustic and electronic instruments. Loose reference points include the organic sounds of n5md's SubtractiveLAD. The mp3 below is taken from his limited edition CD-R, "Surroundings" which has been described as a "warm flowing album with plenty of emotive qualities". Dixon is also a member of Genaro and is currently recording a debut for Benbecula Records under this guise, as well as recording a follow up to "Surroundings".

"Subtract The Sky" mp3 - Talkingmakesnosense.



GP~00

The strangely named GP~00 hails from the United Kingdom and his minimalist approach to making music ensures that it is an intriguing listen. Taking his cues from the likes of Earth, JK Broadrick and The Tribes of Neurot, the artist also known as Adam W. Flynn, merges his slow-burning sound with some melancholic guitar work reminiscent of Radiohead's later work. He also has a novel approach to recording and perfecting the right sound, in some cases using strong fans to oscilate the strings of several guitars (which are equipped with different guages). This in turn creates a "mini 3-piece guitar orchestra" that complement the brooding drones and hypnotic soundscapes. Flynn has now completely abandoned synths and computer based programmes, in favour of manipulating instruments and experimenting with sounds. Around the 3 minute mark of "Trains" (mp3 below) it will all become clear, this is one talented individual. His forthcoming album, entitled "i" is expected to contain minimalist guitar driven pieces that range from light to very dark. For more information see his record label Forgotten Empire.

"Trains" mp3 - GP~00


Innocent Civilian

Possibly named after that infamous fake Radiohead track that surfaced on the web a couple of years ago, Innocent Civilian is the solo project of Eerie Days' Espen Ludvisgen. Based in Oslo, Norway, "Flown" grabbed my attention immediately upon hearing it on myspace. Ludvigsen's vocals recall Thom Yorke both in tone and production. Listen to the way the different harmonies float together and merge to create this calm, reflective track. Claiming to be influenced equally by the Norweigen landscape, the aurora borealis and "world leaders playing with their toys", Innocent Civilian will appeal to fans of Radiohead, Stars of the Lid and The White Birch.

"Flown" mp3 - Innocent Civilian

Engine7

Regular readers here will know I have been a fan of Engine7 for a while now, his "Hope Street" ep was one of the first reviews I attempted for this site, while I have tried to get along to as many of his live shows as possible. Having developed his dark and gritty style of organic electronica by cutting his teeth at netlabel level (12rec and Legogo), late last year the ever-impressive Herb Recordings saw his potential. The result is "Me, But Perfect", two years in the making and with each beat and each chiming tone strategically placed, this album deserves to propel Engine7 into the limelight. Encompassing shoegaze, ambient, downtempo and electronica the amount of variety on the album is staggering. Minor issues aside (artwork etc) Herb are almost ready to release this little gem. In the meantime, Engine7 hasn't forgotten his roots and has contributed this exclusive remix of, 12rec contemporary, Crepusculum's "Anachronism".

"Anachronism" (Engine7 Twilight Mix)mp3 - Engine7/Crepusculum

An Abundance of Herbs

Quite a lot of Herb Recordings news to digest here, but I'll give it a bash. Firstly, the innovative Scottish label has released full details of their two latest signees, Engine 7 and Skytree. Meanwhile, Solipsism have made 4 unreleased ambient tracks available for download and Kingbastard has uploaded some older material.


Skytree

Skytree is the work of Evan Snyder, an Afro-wielding Minnesota-based musician who mixes folk with IDM in his own experimental way. Having released some music via Benbecula and Eaststroke Records, a full length debut for Herb Recordings is expected in the no too distant future. "Windings Of The Dragon Track" will be available via digital download and CD. Listen to the sample track below, it comes across like a less evil Boards of Canada performing in some weird and wonderful forest. This is the real "Campfire Headphase"

"Horizon Rock" mp3 - Skytree


Engine7

Engine7 is a stalwart of the netlabel scene having released records on 12rec and a few others. It was only a matter of time before someone else took notice. At the tail end of last year, Herb Recordings certainly took notice snapping up Engine7 in time to release his forthcoming "Me, But Perfect" album. His most polished work to date, it retains the heartfelt emotion and those uplifiting melodies. Each track is carefully constructed, with painstaking attention to detail. It is a triumph for organic instrumentation and digital innovation. A must for fans of Sigur Ros, The Album Leaf and Helios.

"Sunrise, Catalonia (7.14 am)" mp3 - Engine7

You can also stream the absolutely tremendous and live favourite "Tempertantrum 11.36 am" here


Solipsism

"Electricty Flows In Squares" (review) is certainly one of the freshest electronica releases I have heard this year. It mixes swirling, ethereal melodies with precise and mechanistic programming, a wonderful contrast. Solipsism have since uploaded some unreleased ambient tracks, recorded during "The Electricity Flows..." sessions get them here.



Kingbastard

Kingbastard unleashed the sinister "Bastradize Ep" (review) earlier this year, I described it as "quick-fix of frenzied beats, effervescent melodies and a lo-fi style production". He has now gone into his back catalogue, re-mastering and reloading some of it. You can obtain "Sad Machines & Things That Go Bump In The Night", free for a limted time only, here.

Netlabel Focus #1

I made this playlist at MyFlashFetish.com.
Check out this MySpace MP3 Player!



I have been enjoying various netlabels since the turn of the year and thought I should introduce you to some of the great labels that are out there. Listen to these ten tracks and then investigate further by using the links below . I have focused on the 12Rec and Thinner/Autoplate labels. This mix contains cinematic electronica (Engine7), downtempo house (Lomov), folk (Crepusculum) and other avant-garde genres. There is so much wonderful, untapped music out there, that is just begging to be heard!.

Below are the links to each of the artists featured:

Engine7 (12Rec/Legogo)
Philipp Weigl(Thinner/Autoplate)
Lomov (Thinner/Autoplate)
Holger Flinch (Thinner/Autoplate)
Crepusculum (12Rec)
Unit 21 (Thinner/Autoplate)

Engine7 Live @ The Rio Cafe, Glasgow, 17/01/07

Engine7 won over an initially indifferent crowd during last night's set at Glasgow's new Rio Cafe. Although the venue is pretty cool, it is much more suited to being a restuarant than a venue for live music. Engine7 faced the daunting prospect of performing to some people who had their backs turned to the stage, due to seating arrangements, while the lighting initally took away the effect of the excellent visuals. It was a challenge that he,gladly, rose to, along with visual manipulators These Are Ideals and (a new addition of) a live bassist.

Firstly, a quick mention about those visuals which ensured my attention was constantly directed towards the stage. The pig in a suit was fantastic, as was the repeating cycle of a ferocious steam train, but the one thing that sticks in my mind was the continued appearece of the words "We Gather Energies..", as it seemed to sum up Engine7's performance. He seemed to gain extra verve as the gig progressed.

The majority of his set encompassed newer material, with no fewer than 5 tracks from forthcoming album "Me, But Perfect", but there was still plenty of scope for some of his older material, which in a live setting is injected with extra passion and, of course, distorted and abused guitar work (sadly no champagne bottle this time)

This performance was part of the Freakscene Electronic Sessions, which are held twice monthly in The Rio Cafe. Kicking off with old favourite, "Blood Nerves America" is always a good idea, with its tense build up, dark melody, scattered beats and obscured vocal sample. Engine7's guitar work (after a few minor sound issues) added extra power to this song and the next few compositions, such as "Glitches".

Of all the new tracks, "Tempertantrum" is my favourite and it is a huge slice of absolute genius, featuring a driving uptempo rythmn and a crazy melody that drills itself right into your head, refusing to leave.

Closing with "Hive Mind", another new track, the Kraftwerk style electro-pop number worked in perfect contrast with the frantic nature of both "Tempertantrum" and the eerie paranoia of penultimate song "Nichts".

It was a triumph over adversity, several problems (bad weather, bad lighting, a not so good music venue, idle chatter at the bar, sound issues) tried to dampen Engine7's spirits, but it was to no avail as he emerged with another glorious victory. No details as of yet when "Me, But Perfect" is due out, but it's a cracker.

Points of Interest...

1. Engine7 will be performing at Glasgow's Rio Cafe tomorrow night from 8pm. Those excellent visuals will be on show, courtesy of These Are Ideals, while a live bassist will also be added to add extra weight to the overall sound. I have heard the forthcoming album, "Me, But Perfect" and it is a scorcher. More info and a map of how to get to the venue, for those who are unfamiliar with Glasgow's West End, can be found here.


2. Rubens' forthcoming album, "Carnivalesque" (review) has a release date (Feb 10th). It will be available via digital download and CD via Herb Recordings. Pre-order it here. Furthermore, Kingbastard has a limited edition Ep available on CD form Herb too. Get the "Bastardize" Ep here now.

3. Hot on the heels of Sigur Ros' latest album new, My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields has declared that he "still intends to record" another MBV album, according to Magnet.


4. Mogwai have been asked to play at this ATP festival, with a decision expected very soon (source), while Slint will be once again dusting down those vintage guitars to play the influential "Spiderland" in its entirity at the Primavera Sound Festival.


5. The collaboration between Solipsism and Neil Carlill of Vedette, will now be going under the name shoosh. There are more new tracks for you to digest here.


6 My Formica Table, the project run by Strap The Button's Jack Hunter has posted a few of the upcoming ventures. This project is partcularly interested in the "swapping of music". Get in contact with him, if you would like to do this here

7 Some interesting news(to say the least) coming from Radiohead fansite At Ease. Korn are expected to release a cover of "Creep" on their forthcoming Unplugged album. The album will also feature The Cure's Robert Smith. Jonny Greenwood, meanwhile, will oversee his own Reggae compilation in conjunction with Trojan Records. Tracklisiting and details here.

Tips for 2007

This is a blatant rip-off, of Brett Spaceman’s article which you can read here. But it’s a great idea. So here are my top tips for 2007. I expect (or hope) each of these bands or artists to make a significant impact this year.
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Romance of Young Tigers

This Dayton, Ohio three-piece absolutely blew me away with their self- titled, self-released Ep. They make one incredible sound using just two guitars and one bass. I was inclined to give it a 90% score in this review, with “Long Withdrawing Roar” and “We Sing Sin” being some tremendous compositions. The Ep will be getting a release, via Arclight Communications, on 10” vinyl in 2007. There is an aura of something special surrounding this band. Remember seeing Explosions In The Sky for the first time?, well I reckon this band are in the same catergory. Romance of Young Tigers are destined for very the top.


immanu el

Like Brett Spaceman, I too, reckon 2007 may belong to Sweden’s immanu el. Listen to “Panda” here and tell me it is not one of the most glorious pieces of music you have ever heard. The band are at the final recording stage of the new album, which will be a mix of old and new material. I, for one, hope the band continue exploring those serene, glacial soundscapes. This is THE must have record of 2007.



The Strange Death Of Liberal England

An Ultra-cool name and an ultra-cool sound to boot. The UK may have just found an answer to those pesky Canadians, Arcade Fire. This male and female six piece, also flavour their sound with a cinematic Godspeed sweep. Their debut single is due out soon, watch them explode.


iLIKETRAINS

Much like Brett Spaceman (again!!), iLIKETRAINS too. Last year’s “Progress:Reform” Ep hinted at an epic Sigur Ros style sound. But being English, gives this band a certain degree of eccentricity and those brooding vocals blend effortlessly with massive sounding guitars. They have enormous potential, let this band win you over.


Strap The Button

It must be very cool to be a member of Strap The Button. The rule is, there are no rules and anything goes. Post-Rock, Folk, Krautrock, Psychedelia anything and everything, really. God only knows, what they will do next, but one thing is for sure its going to be good.


Our Sleepless Forest

Type Records rarely get it wrong and they seem to have scored another goal by signing this young South-East London three piece. Currently recording their debut for Type, it is taking shape while the band hone their experimental psychedelic/electronic sound into a fine art. This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2007.


Engine7

Glasgow’s Engine7 has been under the radar for too long. Various releases are available on netlabel’s, but now its time for the music buying public to sit up and take notice. “Me, But Perfect” took 2 years to record, but these efforts have been worth it. The album features inventive beats, lush string arrangements, hazy guitars and filtered vocals, “Me, But Perfect” basically has it all and is set to be one of the most refreshing releases of 2007.


Alexander Tucker

This guy was meant to be nothing more than a mere support act for Bardo Pond a couple of months ago. But, while Bardo Pond were plagued by time and sound issues, ATP artist Alexander Tucker stole the show with his brand of looped guitar effects and operatic vocals. His experiments that night created a massive wall of hypnotic sound. “The absolute negative of Jamie Liddell”, Tucker’s album “Furrowed Sounds” was released last year, but 2007 will be the year the rest of the world will catch on.


Slow Dancing Society

Utterly gorgeous stuff from Washington based producer Drue Sullivan. A stunning collection encompassing Pink Floyd’s ethereal guitars, Explosions In The Sky melodies, shimmering synhts and delicate electronica. Australian label, Hidden Shoal Records, didn’t mess about, signing this guy immediately upon hearing the demo. “The Sound Of Lights When Dim” is inspiring. Full Review to follow.

Engine7 in 2007

Engine7 has all but completed his new album, "Me, But Perfect", with release details to follow soon. The opening track, the infectious "Sunrise, Catalonia (7:14 am)" can be downloaded here for the moment. Its an optimistic sounding track, that recalls a more electronic influneced Sigur Ros.

In the meantime, if you are in Glasgow, Engine7 will be following his successful Tronic appearence with a gig in The Rio Cafe, on January 17th. Here are the details..

"....playing a live set in the The Rio Cafe, Glasgow on Wednesday, 17th of January. Russ and Tomek from These are Ideals will be providing the finest visuals in the city, and I will be rocking those dirty beats. The guitar/ synth/ laptop combination went down well at the Tronic gig, so we're going to up the ante by adding a live bassist to the mix. The gig is free, and I'm told it's a cool place in Hyndland St, kind of a retro 1960s American diner with leatherette booths and glitter balls. They sell boiled sweets behind the counter as well as beer, which can't be a bad thing".

Top 5 Albums of the Year : Engine7

Engine7 has been around the Glasgow electronica scene for quite some time now. There are a few ep's dotted aroun the web, such as "Hope Street" which can be downloaded here, and "Panic's First Kiss" which can be obtained here. Praise from the likes of Sigur Ros and Julien Neto was soon followed by his first ever live performance, supporting The Orb. 2007 will see the release of his his first full-length album, "Me, But Perfect". You can read about his performance at Tronic last month here, or read on to find out what music inspired him during the course of 2006.
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5. Jóhann Jóhansson - "IBM 1401, A User's Manual" (4ad)

"I've just discovered this one (through the Last Days Best of 2006 Mix), but I realised from the first listen that it's a very special record. Orchestras and computers, magic."





4.Immanu El - "Killerwhale " (Self- Released)

"I hope this band does really well, because they are fabulously talented for such young guys. This is a simple, moving little record that's just so dense with emotion. It's perfect."





3. The Album Leaf - "Into The Blue Again" (Sub Pop)

"Warm instrumental music played on Rhodes, guitar, and strings, withsome pretty good drumming too."






2. Julien Neto - "Le Fumeur De Ciel" (Type)

"This is a thick, richly textured beauty of a record. Julien and Ihave similar influences, but whenever I've asked him about how he gets those sounds, he just says "I don't really like to talk about such things." He's so mysterious."




1.Helios - "Eingya" (Type)

"The most played record in my house, this year. Confidently simple instrumental music played on piano, guitar and lovely electronics. This record just floats."

Engine7 Update

Following on from his triumphant set at Tronic last Frdiay, Engine7 has emailed with some information about hsi future projects. First of all, his first full length album, "Me, But Perfect" is well on its way, although "not quite ready". He is looking for the right label to release it on, having previously worked with netlabel, 12rec. "Me, But Perfect" has been 2 years in the making and going by the live set, should be a storming affair of atmospheric electronica.

On the live front, there may be another appearence at a Tronic night, and he should be part of the exciting Tronic Music Festival next Summer.

Speaking of his live set, Engine7 had this to say....

"The Tronic night at the 13th Note in Glasgow was a huge success.

It was a pleasure to meet so many like minded people, and I enjoyed a massive release of energy on stage. Actually I managed to cut my hand during the set, causing it to bleed all over my instruments and clothes. I had to carry on of course, but smearing the slippy blood over my keyboard and laptop made the stage area resemble a massacre. The things you do".

When I reviewed the gig, I wasn't sure of some of the titles for the new songs. Here is that setlist in full.

Blood.Nerves.America.(Panic's First Kiss)

China (Unreleased)

Dubpatches

(Too Many Times) (Hope street)

Stella, We're Sorry (Snowpeas) (Hope street)

Glitches (Unreleased)

Tempertantrum (Unreleased)

Finally, he will be working with the same guys ,who aided him with some superb visuals, to make a video, which hopefull I will be able to post here. You can download his previous releases at these locations "Hope Street" and "Panic's First Kiss"

Engine7, 13th Note, Glasgow, 17/11/06

Engine7 performed a fantastic guitar heavy set, featuring superb visuals, downstairs at Glasgow's 13th Note Cafe. He performed as part of the regular Tronic nights, with three other artists. LAN Formatique, Babyshaker and 30k made up the rest of the bill displaying what Scotland has to offer to the electronica world.

First up was 30k's brand of inoffensive electronic music, that has been done to death these days. There were some nice beats and some interesting vocals that were cut up, filtered and looped backwards and fowards. But in all honesty, it was a pretty forgettable performance.

Next up was LAN Formatique, using a laptop and a barely audible guitar. Whatever programs this guy was using, they were dominating the speakers, leaving his guitar sounding rather empty. His music reminded me of Keser, but not anywhere near as good. Towards the end of the set glitches in his equipment meant some of his more rockier moments were completely lost in the mix.

Engine7 finally hit the stage around just after 10pm, the lights were dimmed and his superior visuals were on display for all to see. Kicking off with "Blood Nerves America", Engine7, in a live setting, is a completely different equation than his recorded output. Songs such as "Dubpatches" and "Stella, We're Sorry (Snow Peas)" are much weightier sounding live and adding those distorted guitars transformed each song into a My Bloody Valentine shoegazer extraveganza.

There were also 2 or 3 new songs aired too (not sure of the titles yet) that hint that his future direction may continue to explore more guitar orientated themes. In fact, he attacked his guitar with similar fury to Jonny Greenwood during the closing two songs. But it must be said, Greenwood has never dared to use a champagne bottle on his guitar. Overall it was a tremendous set, made even better by the fact this was, amazingly, only his second ever performance.

You can download his most recent release, "Hope Street" here.

All that was left was for Babyshaker, to pummel us all into submission with his Venetian Snares style drill and bass. It all became to much eventually, as his aural assault became more chaotic by the second and I had to leave for the tranqulitiy of the Glasgow City Centre!.

Update - would just like to say, despite the not so good things I said about him, LAN Formatique's recorded output is definitely worth listening to. Maybe he had an off night on Friday, I do know there were problems with his equipment so disregard what I've said above and instead listen to his music here. He has also posted his own review of the gig too.

Engine7 Myspace and Live Date

Engine7, the Glasgow downtempo electronica musician, will be performing at Glasgow's famous 13th Note Cafe this coming Friday (17th November). Having already provided sounds in a support slot for The Orb, it shaould be a good show and I am looking foward to seeing how he performs his music live. Visuals and "nice pictures" will be provided by this man.

Furthermore, after months of trying to find his myspace site, I have finally succeeded, here it is. Download his excellent "Hope Street" release here, which I reviewed a while ago here

Update: A Brief e-mail from Engine7 has given me information that Friday's performance will be 'live' and not just a laptop set. There will be use of guitars and it will apparently "rock". I am most looking foward to this. If you are in Glasgow, it kicks off at 8.30pm