Music

The Rattling Kind: Rise Up EP

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The Rattling Kind

Catchy, energetic and profound. These are the things that come to mind when listening to The Rattling Kind.

Album: Rise Up EP

Band members:

Eddie Sherlock: Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Tom Forde: Bass and Vocals
Ben McGinn: Lead Guitar and Vocals
Anthony White: Drums and Percussion

Genre: Indie/Folk/Rock

Sounds like: REM with a banjo.

The Rattling Kind are an exciting band with a fresh approach to Irish music that’s emerging from the  Northside of Dublin. If you play the title track Rise Up the first time this is what you will notice: A gradual build up of instruments, from the gentle percussion, a single guitar note that seems to wink at you, and then the swaggering banjo plucking that introduces the voice of Eddie Sherlock: Michael Stipe with a “Dublin howl.” Mainstream listeners would probably mistake The Rattling Kind as REM with a banjo, mandolin and other assorted mix of Irish instruments but the five tracks off the EP Rise Up will confirm that they have an original sound and musicianship that should be taken seriously.

I think The Rattling Kind have this exciting and melodic sound embedded all throughout their songs: A really fresh approach to Irish music! Another thing I noticed is that they can rock the house down without being noisy. There is that strong affinity to folk that is intimate and warm. Tracks like The Mero has this Simon and Garfunkel feel in the midst of the Dubliners’ marching energy.

The lyrics tackle topics ranging from economic, political to other aspects pertaining to the human condition. Rise Up actually touches the current situation happening not just in Ireland but the rest of the world; especially the economic instability that triggers the rise of immigration.

Rise Up is also a catchy EP. For instance Follow the Moon has this signature ‘woooh!’ stamped at the end of each verse that makes me do the same thing. But in spite of the positive and playful vibe, there is one poignant track that closes Rise Up and it’s called No Time To Say Goodbye and this is embellished by the beautiful sound of the tin whistle.

With Rise Up, I think The Rattling Kind will attract fans of diverse music, especially those who are into the combination of alternative rock, pop and Irish folk.

Trivia: According to Eddie Sherlock, the Mero is their take on an old Dubliners classic, written by Pete St John (the man who wrote the Fields of Athenry).

Links –
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rattling-Kind
https://soundcloud.com/#the-rattling-kind
http://breakingtunes.com/therattlingkind
http://www.reverbnation.com/therattlingkind
http://youtu.be/_PanCzrCRJc
http://chewyourownfat.com/near-fm-label-sampler/
http://reviews.ticketmaster.ie/7171-en_ie/1722346/the-rattling-kind-reviews/reviews.htm

Will Tun and the Wasters & MC Amalgam – Raggamuffin MC

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Will Tun and Aymeric Amalgam

This week, we are moving a bit away from the traditional /New Age flavor of this page to give way to a more pop rock oriented series of articles. It is after all summer is most parts of the world where most of my readers are. Live bands are playing in festivals and there are new releases from artists which will be featured here. You wont be disappointed that’s for sure!

I was totally stoked when these guys handed me their finished EP sometime ago. It is exciting to represent a young band that’s full of energy and looking good onstage. I think the onstage getups really represent their punk and zany musical personas. Who needs Prozac when you have Will Tun and the Wasters?

Hey Baxter! Hope you’re having a good summer! Thought you might be interested in the knowing the Wasters got a new tune out with our French rapper Mc Amalgam.. It’s a little far from the our pogues inspired roots, but what the hey… it’s summer and we were in the mood for some upbeat ska :)-Will Tun

The music video for Raggamuffin MC really say a lot about the spirit of summer in the vein of Irish music meets Rasta spirit. This track is going to be included in their new album ‘Unite and Charge’, release date TBA. I think they got what it takes to really court mainstream audience and play in big venues. Just help spread the music, blog about these guys and their fame will spread like virus. Oh and French rapper MC Amalgam really convinced me to listen to rap. Check him out and his solo work that, although not really Celtic but really fit the format if my other blog Sphere Music.

Additional info:

Taken from the upcoming release
To pre order/pledge go to http://www.pledgemusic.com/willtunand…

http://www.facebook.com/willtunandthe…
http://www.facebook.com/mcamalgam

Lyrics:

You’ve got nothing to say, from your writing it’s really perspiring
Is that only in your lyrics or does it extend toward you days?
You’ve got nothing to say in your rap so you’re only blabbering
Even though you should shut up you make 16 bars from dust
You speak into the void and even do it shamelessly
I almost got vertigo facing the emptiness that you just left
You even pretend to be giving a message
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about a life that you fantasise
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about the girls you pulled
Of the size of your penis and other lies you imagined
You’ve got nothing to say and what’s worse is that nobody’s forcing you to
You’ll always find an audience despite the lyrics that you have
You’ve got nothing to say so you speak about what you call batty boys
Of your LACOSTE tracksuits and the JD that you’re drinking
You’ve got nothing to say so you big-up, big up a lot
You’ve got nothing to say so you became Mc Jungle Ragga
—————————————-­—————————————-­—

Recorded at Downtown Digital Studios
Produced, engineered and mixed by Patch Harmonix
http://www.facebook.com/downtowndigit…

Video By EGOLIFE Productions
http://www.facebook.com/egolifeproduc…

Huzzah!

In keeping with the tradition of summer here are festivals you might want to check out:

Michelle Butler Ceramics

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 5 Comments

Michelle Butler Ceramics

These are fantastic ceramics by Michelle Butler!

When listening to Celtic music, why not embellish your coffee table with something lasting and beautiful as well? Michelle Butler Ceramics offers a unique way of looking at crafts. If you want something striking and personal then her designs are definitely something you should consider as gifts to loved ones, souvenirs if you happen to be in Northern Ireland or if you just want to awaken the ‘other you’  buried by years of cultural sleep.

Celtic Stone-Peacock Plaque
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 5mm

I know how priceless these items are because I happen to own two of her ceramics. One is the Celtic stone peacock plaque and the other one is a brooch with a Celtic knot work design. She made sure the items have natural surfaces. She developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. What’s more, they are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of luster-according to her website.

If you look at her catalog you will see that there are so many designs and they are divided into four types: Celtic stone, iron stone, jewelry and the unique. There is also a section for new products in case you are searching for something else. Her designs are so addicting that I am actually thinking of ordering items in the future for my growing collection of Celtic art at home. My big thanks to Northern Irish singer/songwriter Eve Williams who sent me these items. Thank you Eve for giving me something tangible and lasting. And also thanks for doing it at the time when I need something comforting and beautiful.

About Michelle Butler:

Michelle Butler is a Design Graduate from Falmouth School of Art, Cornwall, where she specialised in Ceramics. In December 1998 she started her business in the Omagh Enterprise Centre from where she relocated, in August 2005 to a barn at her home on the Gortin Road, Omagh where Sperrin Ceramics Studio was born.

Her stoneware ceramics have developed a style which reconciles primitive Celtic influences with contemporary designs and forms. The pieces are all handcrafted using textured stoneware clay and are finished with a rich metallic oxide producing a depth of lustre.

One of the brooches

A large variety of glazes are used to apply colour to specific areas of pattern and relief creating a rustic earthy ambience that makes each piece a unique gift from Ireland.

Celtic Stone, Iron Stone, Unique and Jewellery Collections are available in outlets throughout Ireland and abroad. Celtic Stone draws its influence in strong ancient Irish legacy while Iron Stone includes more contemporary designs and forms; Ironstone also features larger pots and lamp bases which are coil built and handcarved and are available as commissioned pieces.

The Michelle Butler Jewellery Collections boasts as amalgamation of these styles in a range of smaller distinctive jewellery items.

You can find more of her works in facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Butler-Ceramics/10293475761

Online store: http://www.michellebutlerceramicartist.com/

Or the store address:

Sperrin Ceramics Studio, 92 Glenpark Road,
BT79 7ST Omagh

***

Huzzah!

And now few ads from friends:
Purchase the CANTUS LUNARIS – Debut-Cd : Fabula antiqua
Thank you for order and we hope you enjoy listening of our vocal-instrumental ensemble for old music and celitc !
Kind regards Cantus Lunaris
www.cantuslunaris.com

Celtic music record in Belgium.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celtiquez-vous/259037564114379

New review of “Affinity”  Moya Brennan and Corma De Barra: http://www.newagemusicworld.com/affinity-moya-brennan-cormac-de-barra/

The Elemental Music of Karin Leitner

/ mrbaxteria2008 / 3 Comments

Karin Leitner

Flutist and composer Karin Leitner has sound magic.

With her extensive studies in classical music, flutist Karin Leitner has mastered the tempo, dynamics and  expression of the instrument. She also plays the Irish tin whistle Susato Kildare model key C and Yamaha wooden flute. Whither she is playing the classical pop rendition of the theme from the Titanic, or rendering the chromatic beauty of some of her works, it is true that she leaves listeners enchanted and refreshed.

She already released evocative albums titled: Earthmagic, Seamagic and the upcoming Skymagic (June 21). Earthmagic has  received positive reviews from music critics. The album has 16 tracks. If  you are stressed out and in the mood for escapist tunes then just take out one of her CDs and you are off to go  with the destination of your choice.  Even if such journey is in your head. Seamagic has twelve tracks all water themes asopposed to the  Earth themes of Earthmagic. Her compositions are closer to the elements : Earth, Sea, Sky…go figure.

Her delivery is seamless as she slides from meno mosso to molto expressivo with the grace of a swan. You should check out her Theme from the Titanic video. She breathes new life into the wooden flute making the instrument sound the way we sing. I can hear traces of vibrato  the way a human voice does, until the diminuendo leaves listeners gasping for more.

For those who are hungry for classically inspired music with Celtic, orchestral or mystical influences then I am sure she has a hungry  market out there waiting to get her releases, all eight of them! Trivia: She is playing concerts with harpist Cormac de Barra-they recorded an album for Ireland’s Blue Book Music of Great Irish Houses.

EARTHMAGIC: http://www.amazon.com/Earthmagic-Karin-Leitner/dp/B0035ZWQKO/ref=sr_1_2_digr?ie=UTF8&qid=1370355058&sr=8-2
SEAMAGIC: http://www.amazon.com/Seamagic/dp/B0063PI3MS/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370355073&sr=301-1
SKYMAGIC will be out on 21st June.

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Huzzah!

Check out the album release launch of Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra:

Grammy award winning musician, Moya Brennan, and internationally renowned harpist, Cormac De Barra, are set to release their brand new album titled ‘Affinity’ this June. The recording is the result of a merging of two of Ireland’s most acclaimed musical minds. Join the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/177927489035726/

Cheers! Wrong & Right

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Cheers!

Band: Cheers!

Album: Wrong & Right

Genre: Folk-Rock/Punk

Location: Czech Republic

01 – Frying Pan 3:01
02 – Cliffs of Galway 3:24
03 – Molly’s Eyes 3:36
04 – Mary Hogan’s 4:05
05 – Collier 3:46
06 – Parnik 3:49
07 – Jim 5:03
08 – Poor Man’s Hat 2:24
09 – Tearberries 2:36
10 – I’ll Never Be the Same Man Again 3:47
11 – Rugged Day 4:11
12 – Wrong & Right 2:59
13 – In the Maze 5:07

Release date: 9 May 2013
Running time: 47:46

One of the most energetic releases in the Celtic punk genre is Wrong & Right by Czech band Cheers. I featured an interview with the lead man Pavel(Pafka)Steidl last year and it was fun. You get to feel the punk attitude sandwiched between melodic  tunes. Wrong & Write is fun to listen to.This is an all out party album not for the faint of hearts. But the sweet melodies will keep the balance between spicy strong sounds and crunchy beats. Yes take a bite. Feel it sizzle. Get drunk to the music!

The confidence is present. Take note: this band has performed in many live shows prior to recording this album. All the tracks were recorded live at the Saloon Roudna. The sound quality is also excellent. You really get to savor the crunch of the drums and the sharp edge of the guitars. The Celtic instruments aren’t drowned by the louder sounds as they are given room to breath in Rugged Days, Wrong & Write as well as other tracks. Katka Hofmanova also sang the female parts in the tracks when not playing the flute. This creates a balance with Pafka’s testosterone induced voice.Cheers!

Freddy Kruger who played the accordion maintained that melodic envelope all throughout. The fiddle of Filip Matyas has that Irish feel which I really like.  The punk power of Wrong & Right is brought  to you by the guitar of Mates Sistek who also provided the backing vocals. His rocking contribution is really important. Paja Vesela made the groove and the fullness of the recording with her bass.I just love it!  And last but not the least, Prema Broz kept the tunes in one place with his drums. As you know drummers are awesome.

The lyrics are in English but they are translated to Czech in the liner notes. I think the cover rocks. It shows a tattooed hand holding a lollipop . This clearly showcases the band’s sense of humor. My favorite song is the ballad in track 5. This is one of the tender moments when the band show their intricate and expressive side. I think this is a track that should be a single because it is easy to sing along. The other one is track 13 called In The Maze. But I tell you Wrong & Right is an album intended for energetic gatherings where you invite your friends for a pint of Guinness and great live tunes. All the tracks in Wrong & Right are recommended for big speakers.

Wrong & Right is one of the releases you should not fail to check out as it provides a satisfying listening experience. Especially if you want your tunes to rock big time.

***
Huzzah!
Music keeps me alive. I am sure it is doing the same to you. Whatever problems we may face in life I have learned to rely on the wisdom of the Sound and how it has the power to pull us from the darkness into light. I know that our  brothers and sisters are having problems over there in Europe as flooding continues. My prayers go to the people of the Czech Republic, Germany and the neighboring countries. These are hard times. I had hard times last month but I know that as long as we live our lives in music then nothing will ever destroy us.
Now on the lighter side, check this youtube playlist from another Celtic band from the Czech Republic called Poitin which I am sure you have read about them in my past posts. I love posting their music because I have their albums and yes I am a certified Poitin fan. Do check this out:
Info: It’s taken from a show they had recently in Prague-  with a live webcam and the sound quality is quite good.

Poitín live at the Vagon Club, Prague March 2013
Poitín http://www.reverbnation.com/poitin