Reflective Music – Various Songs and Artists

     Sometimes a number of songs just seem to fit together. So, you burn a mixed-tape (shouldn’t it be a “mixed-disc?”) and a month later you either remain pleased with the results or ask, “What was I thinking?” The fit is subjective. But at least for today, these are five songs that belong together because they deserve far more attention than they are receiving, because they feature a purity in their vocals, and because they encourage reflective thinking.

.     Aquilo offers “You There.” This is a U.K. duo based in Silverdale. They are Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher (ages 22 and 18, respectively). The vocals are forlorn, working well with the piano at the start and the more inclusive instrumentation as “You There” progresses.

      "You There" by Aquilo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquilouk

Website: http://aquilomusic.com/

      Another song that uses the piano effectively is “Wild Again” by The Bright Smoke. The piano and vocals are from Mia Wilson, who also plays guitar. The other member of The Bright Smoke is Quincy Ledbetter, who doubles as the producer and guitar/bass player. The Facebook page states:

     "The Bright Smoke is the creation of Brooklyn-based musician, Mia Wilson. Formed in 2012 alongside producer/musician Q. Ledbetter, the sound blends blues, folk, rock and ambient experimentation with uncensored and personal lyrics that are both melodic and haunting."

      “Wild Again” by The Bright Smoke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bright-Smoke/

Website: http://www.thebrightsmoke.com/

      The third song carries us to a third continent. The Trouble with Templeton hails from Brisbane, Australia. The five members are Thomas Calder (vocals, guitar), Hugh Middleton (lead guitar, background vocals), Betty Yeowart (keys, background vocals), Sam Pankhurst (bass, background vocals) and Ritchie Daniell (drums). “Soldiers” is a recent release, but also embedded is “Bleeders,” which surfaced a couple of years ago.

     “Soldiers” by The Trouble with Templeton

     “Bleeders” by The Trouble with Templeton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTroubleWithTempleton

Website: http://thetroublewithtempleton.com/

     Keaton Henson is a singer/songwriter in London. Currently, he is allowing NoiseTrade downloads of the five-track EP “Birthdays: A Fragment” (embedded below)  But it is the song “You” that best qualifies for this post.

     "You" by Keaton Henson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keatonhensonfans

Website: http://www.keatonhenson.com/

Public Service Broadcasting with Kiev – A Concert Review

     Bottom line concert review: We recommend that you see these bands, if you have an opportunity.

     We almost made the mistake of being overly concerned about being disappointed. The concern was that Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) could not accomplish in a live setting what they are able to accomplish in their music videos. When PSB was first introduced to Indie Obsessive, it was noted that they play their music to archived video footage, such as World War II footage. Can that be interesting at a concert? Can the synchronization between the footage and the music be accomplished? The answers are yes and yes.

     The members of PSB are Wrigglesworth (percussion) and J. Willgoose, Esq. (guitar, banjo, computer and other electronic equipment/instruments). They played the “nerd” roles effectively. Wrigglesworth walked onto the stage in a dress shirt and tie. Behind him was Willgoose, dressed in a sport coat, plaid shirt and bow tie. Both wear black rimmed glasses and neither spoke during the performance. Instead of speaking, the computer was used to thank the audience, to ask how the attendees were doing, and to make periodic references to being thankful for being in [insert city name here].

     Truthfully, during the first few songs, the thought was that this style of entertainment relied upon the audience “getting it,” and there was some disappointment in the San Francisco crowd. A healthy percentage of people came to see Kiev, including the family of the lead singer’s fiancée. But the people in the Bay Area know their music and are receptive to talent that doesn’t fit the norm. The audience became increasingly louder and more appreciative.

     Going in, our favorite song was “London Can Take It.” But by the end of the evening, the song “Everest” was easily the favorite.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PUBLICSERVICEBROADCASTING

Website: http://publicservicebroadcasting.net/

     The opening band was Kiev from Orange County in Southern California.  The five members are Andy Stavas (piano, keyboards, saxophone), Brandon Corn (drums), Derek Poulsen (bass), Alex Wright (piano, keyboards), and Robert Brinkerhoff (guitars, vocals). Some of the music has a Radiohead feel, but other songs depart from that feel. 

     The performance by Kiev was enjoyable for a number of reasons, including Brinkerhoff’s ability to connect with the crowd (and his soon-to-be in-laws). But we admit to being particularly drawn to the songs that included the saxophone.

     Our personal favorites are “Failing Bough” and “3rnd.”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kievtheband

Website: http://www.kievband.com/

Sorry Wrigglesworth, we didn't capture you at your best 

J. Willgoose Esq.

Arthur Beatrice and Bear’s Den – New Material

     In our minds, Arthur Beatrice and Bear’s Den are almost insepartely linked. We became aware of the two bands at about the same time (within a couple months anyway), their songs were ranked one and two in the Indie Obsessive best songs of 2013, we are scheduled to see both of them in the near future, and their performances will be at the same San Francisco venue (The Chapel). And they are both based in London. So, referencing them within a single post seems natural. Both have recent releases.

     There is some evidence that Bear’s Den brought down NoiseTrade today. A media splash (emails mostly) made it known that “Bear's Den have created a special tour sampler containing two tracks from each EP available exclusively to NoiseTrade for a limited time!” So, we went to the offer and repeatedly tried to take advantage of the offer. One stall after another occurred. Finally, we received an explanation by the following notice:

Whata ya mean, we got nuttin'! Moreover, attempts to go to other NoiseTrade sites have been slow today. Nice work, Bear’s Den (if you’re actually the cause, we are pleased about the well-deserved attention you are receiving).
     We’re not optimistic that it will be any better tomorrow, so we’ll be patient in waiting for the March release of the album. Until then or until the offer disappears, we can stream the song “Writing on the Wall” ((click the arrow in the embedded offer).

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearsdenmusic

Website: http://www.bearsdenmusic.co.uk/
     Our favorite is still "Sahara"

     Next week, Arthur Beatrice releases their debut album “Working Out.” In preparation, they have been adding songs on Soundcloud. At least one seems to arrive each day. Songs that we haven’t already introduced to Indie Obsessive are embedded below.

     "Late" by Arthur Beatrice

     "Councillor" by Arthur Beatrice

     "Singles" by Arthur Beatrice

     "Grand Union" by Arthur Beatrice - We have posted this one before, but not including it would be a sin against our nature.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arthurbeatrice

Website: http://online-presence.info/