Dallas Greens third spectacle in his career as City and Colour is nothing short of inspiring. By spectacle of course, I refer to his recently released compilation of wondrous compositions, effectively titled ‘Little Hell’. 

From my very purchase of the new album, it was just the beginning of the journey that the record has taken me in these last few weeks. At a first listen, it was hard to decipher whether it’s the same music I fell for throughout the course of the first two records ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Bring Me Your Love’. However as I grew ever more sunk into the record, I shortly came to realize its very much the same Dallas as always, he has but adapted and grown in all musical and songwriting aspects. As I listened more and more to each song, I began to relate even further to the record than I have even with the past two, and I’m sure I can speak for the majority of Greens followers when I state this. With songs such as ‘Northern Wind’, a brutally honest and humble song of love, to ‘Fragile Bird’ the first Single off the album and inevitably the most diverse track, it’s a journey well worth the experience. 

The blues influence and touch of soul in this record has hooked me from beginning till end. With tracks such as ‘Weightless’ and ‘At The Birds Foot’, it’s a voice not yet heard from Dallas till now. The monstrous solo that breaks in during ‘Hope For Now’ was frankly shivering, whilst the slow country western influence in ‘Sorrowing Man’ is equally relaxing. Dallas has expanded himself and his music both emotionally and practically in his latest achievement, going from simple acoustic performances in his last couple records to now full band instrumentation throughout the bulk of the record. A few simple acoustic tracks still remain however and are unquestionably in keeping, and in touch, with the nature of City and Colour at its most vulnerable and best. 

The use of slide guitar with an impeccable mix of reverb in some tracks such as ‘Natural Disaster’ give such a spacious preciousness that is ever so endearing whilst the overwhelming organ that breaks in during ‘Sorrowing Man’ is altogether a desirably authentic and passionate work of art. 

In the short documentary that comes with the deluxe edition of the disk, Dallas understands that people relate to most music due to the emotional period of their life that they may experience at most points in their life, and as he has taken this record to an emotional place that he is in his life, some people may not be able to relate to it. He is ok with the fact that a lot of fans may not like his new record merely due to the fact that he has undertook a different aspect to his music. This is why I respect Dallas not only as a musician, but also as a man, and is the very reason I will forever continue to listen to his music.

Dallas sure has taken a leap of faith with the fans in this record, however its faith that we have always held. Whether your a City and Colour follower or not, there is always something there hidden in the midst of the music’s emotion that you will relate to, and it is that which you will forever fall in love with. 

Little Hell is a must listen and a must experience. 

Much Love,

Lee

   Sisters Kalie and Kennedy have both been into capturing photographs for around 4 or 5 years now. Starting off using an old compact point and shoot that was left lying around the house, Kalie claims that her seemingly favoured style of photography (Self Portraiture) was a result of her being from a family of 9 children.

   Although both sisters seem to focus their creative strokes of genius towards self portraiture, I personally feel that they both have very different and unique styles.

   Kalie for instance has an excellent eye for lighting. Tonally the majority of her images are spot on, showing not too much and not too little contrast and overall portraying a unique dreaminess that most photographers these days simply can’t achieve with their trillion quid lighting set ups. 

“I love portraiture. I believe different subjects connect with different artists and I love being able to tell stories with not the model’s face/body alone but also the setting I put them in. People are absolutely fascinating, no matter how much we try and downplay ourselves, and I want to document that in the most beautiful way I can through photography.” - Kalie Garrett

   Kennedy’s images on the other hand, although still very well lit, have a much more graphic / art & design appearance to them with a lot of her images having additional focal points added in post production. Even though critics would turn around and say that photoshop is cheating and is the lazy persons way of taking photographs, I feel that Kennedy has the right idea about digital photography and is using these image enhancing software packages not as a safety net, but as a tool to extend her creative potential to an all new level.

   I genuinely recommend if you are a fan of photography being used as an art and not just a means to snapshot memories, you check out both Kalie & Kennedys work on their Flickr pages. (Links below) 

   As both sisters seem to produce and upload work every second day, I look forward to uncovering some future masterpieces and being able to share them with the world.

Bryce  

Photograph Credits:

Top : Kennedy - http://www.flickr.com/people/turn_your_swag_on/

Botton : Kalie - http://www.flickr.com/people/kaliegarrett/

   As the photograph depicts, you could probably guess that this folky little number would probably run well with some of the other artists I’ve been posting recently. In fact, if you fire Mr McMorrow’s “If I had A Boat” in with some of Ben Howard’s, Moddi’s and James Blake’s tracks, then you would probably find yourself with the penultimate chill out playlist just in time for the summer.

   First heard on his self titled EP that was unfortunately never released in the UK, “If I Had a Boat” has been gently caressing the eardrums of its lucky lucky listeners for just over two years now and finally made it over to the UK earlier last year on his international debut album “Early In the Morning”

   As always, let us know what you think and if you think you have any artists you would like to see featured on CAB then leave us a little post in our ask box.

Bryce x

   Okay, now I know this is my third post on Moddi as an artist, but that should show you all just how talented this guy is. I have picked this particular track just because of the sheer energy he creates, if you listen from 3.35 onwards then you’ll see what I mean.

   Vocally flawless, being able to witness Moddi play live is certainly an experience that will stay with you for the whole of your life. As I have mentioned before his intricate and unique playing style captivates the whole audience literally to the extent that you can hear a pin drop during the quite parts of his songs.

As always I hope you enjoy listening to the music we post here at CAB and I look forward to hearing some requests from you all in the “Ask” box.

Bryce x

Young Glasgow based photographer Russ Forrester has always been an inspiration to me. He specialises in portraiture, often experimenting with different types of film including chocolate polaroids (below). His work is very unusual and extremely eye catching!

I really love editorial and fashion photography, thats what draws me to Russ’s work plus his strict technical approach you don’t get with many young photographers these days. After studying at Glasgow Met for 3 years he has decided to move on to bigger and better things. Good luck to Russ in all his future conquests what ever they may be. He certainly deserves it.

Amber

Allison Wells is an american 18 year old student with a talent. After being handed her first serious camera at the age of 15, Miss Wells has been documenting her life photographically not in an attempt to build a photographic career, but just as a hobby.

Although a lot of her work is classed as “Self Portraits”, Allison likes keep her horizons open and not restrict herself to one particular genre. Photographing her friends, family and day-to-day adventures gives her images a much more personal touch; something that most “photographers” these days seem to miss out.

Learning in reverse, Allison started off taking pictures on a Nikon D60 Digital SLR camera, however after picking up a 35mm Nikon fg-20 at a garage sale close to a year ago, she has been experimenting a lot more with film. 

“It’s the only camera I’ve been using lately. I have a couple other cameras as well- canon ae-1, holga, and nikon d6o, which i use on occasion. Film is definitely my favorite medium to use though. There’s just a whole different feel to it.”

In conclusion, Allison’s online collection of photographs is truly breath taking. If you get the chance to check out her flickr photostream then I urge you do so. Admiring her work online has given me the well needed motivation to pic up my film camera once again and make the investment to at least attempt to capture some truly unique photographs for myself.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allisonwells/

Bryce x
 

This track is just a beautiful contrast between heartbreak and hope. Crash Land is one of those tracks that automatically stands out both musically and emotionally. Off of their newest released album ‘Free’, Twin have stripped this one right back, focusing on a more acoustic feel. Working on a progression of four chords its not the most complex song, but lyrically it is the most simplistic but beautiful song I have heard this year. I would highly recommend giving this track a listen, not only that but check out the full album ‘Free’ which was released earlier this month (look out for a full album review coming soon).

Calum

Best listened to with your speakers on Full; 

   Now I know I haven’t posted anything of this genre recently, and I can only blame that on the good weather putting me on the ultimate chilled out mood, but now that the rain has flooded the streets of Glasgow once again, you guys are in for a treat.
    After killing Club520 in Glasgow not that long ago, Dillion Francis has boosted himself to a special place in my heart where only artists like Crookers and Kissy Sellout have made it to in the past. 

   Don’t let the slow-ass tempo of this track put you down. It isn’t quite Dubstep, but the beat will defiantly take a hold of your body to the extent that by the end of the night you’ll be rubbing deep-heat on every joint.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Bryce 

   With this post not only are you getting this beautifully created melody of Ben Howard’s flowing through your head, but you’re also getting a visual masterpiece created by Mikey Smith; The very same Mikey Smith that created “Dark Side of the Lens”, one of the first videos posted on CAB.

   Of all the places where I could of found this track, I was taken aback and slightly impressed that it was actually my mum who delivered this neatly wrapped package to my ear drums. Go Mummy!

   The silky smooth vocals and intricate guitar playing seems to reflect Ben’s life style as a surfer; and is, again, another new track to make it into my summer playlists.

   Give it a listen, and as usual, let us know what you think!

Bryce x 

Yes, I have wrote about Mr Blake previously, but this song is of a totally different genre, It might as well be written and produced by someone else.

This just shows how talented James Blake.

This Electronic / Glitch track, named after the 4 different colours of printer ink, has immediately made it into my top tracks this week. 

Give it a listen, and as usual, let us know what you think.

Bryce x 

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You may also be interested in :

James Blake - CMYK (eLDOKO Remix)

CABview’s post on James Blake - Limit to your Love (Lucid Rhymes Remix)

So the summer is fast approaching, and I thought to myself that I’d throw together a proper chilled out playlist for you all to enjoy. If you are running Spotify premium then fire it into one of your offline playlists and enjoy it in the sun! I know no one actually uses these BtOpenzones…

ANYWAY! Sit back, and enjoy the music!

Clicky for CABview’s Summer Chillout

Bryce x

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Tracklisting : 

1. You don’t know how lucky you are - Keaton Henson
2. Moonchild - Moddi
3. To build a home - The Cinematic Orchestra
4. Dreamin’ - Feldberg
5. Choice Notes - Alex Winston
6. Jacksonville - Sufjan Stevens
7. Welcome home, son - Radical Face
8. Bedroom Eyes - Natty
9. Leaving Blues - Bombay Bicycle Club
10. Swimming Song - Vetiver
11. Spanish Sahara - Foals
12. Return to sender - Elvis Presley
13. Pole - Frightened Rabbit
14. July - Natty
15. Quiet - This will destroy you
16. Uptown Top Rankin - Althea and Donna 
17. Heartbreaker - Metronomy
18. Einaudi: Ora - Ludovico Einaudi
19. Dance this mess around - The B-52’s
20. Blood Bank - Bon Iver
21. Swim until you can’t see land - Frightened Rabbit
22. Barrie for billy mackenzie - Rockettothesky
23. I’d rather dance with you - Kings Of Convenience
24. Elephant Gun - Beirut
25.  Crystalised - The xx
26. Someone to watch over me - Coeur de Pirate
27. White winter hymnal - Fleet Foxes
28. Skinny love - Bon Iver
29. I woke up today - Port O’Brien

   So this little number is actually quite a dated piece… unlike photos from 2 summers ago, this track has not faded in the sun. Australia by the Shins has and will forever be on every single one of my summer playlists.

   The cheery melodies and lively beats make you just want to jump in the car and drive into the middle of no where.

Just a quick post from me today, but if you want, I’ve left a cheeky wee remix down the bottom for you as well…

Bryce x

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This Will Destroy You are a flourishing four piece band hailing from San Marcos, Texas. They are masters of the instrumental and ambient world, and conductors of utterly blissful compositions. What with their extensive use of guitar effects, sampling, and modulating dynamics, the band create a completely different atmosphere within every song, that can only make you want to keep on listening and relax to the sounds and noises that they create. 

 They have many songs that are unlimitedly euphoric; such as Freedom Blade, They Move on Tracks of Never Ending Light, Brutalism and the Worship of the Machine.

“TWDY’s sound is near perfect. Production wise, everything is right where it should be. Tone wise, it doesn’t get much better. The quiet parts are tear jerking. The loud parts, while equally tear jerking, are brutal.”

 (Quote from a Sputnikmusic review)

   The band have many past releases; beginning from 2006 with their self produced debut EP “Young Mountain”. 2008 brought us their self titled debut studio album “This Will Destroy You”, followed closely by “Field Studies”, their split EP along side Lymbyc System in 2009, and capped off with their 12” EP entitled Moving on the Edged of Things in 2010.

   The band are now set to release their second studio album (Recorded and mastered by John Congleton) entitled Tunnel Blanket to Europe on May 9^th with Monotreme Records, and to the rest of the world on May 10^th on Suicide Squeeze Records.

 As a massive fan of this band (if you couldn’t already tell) the anticipation for Tunnel Blanket is growing ever more intense.

 For anyone who is interested in checking out the band, I urge you check out their myspace page by following the link below.

Lee

http://www.myspace.com/thiswilldestroyyou

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You may also be interested in :

This Will Destroy You - ‘Black Dunes’

   Another face has just joined CABview. Lee Edward McGilvray has been a good friend of mine for a number of years now. Studying HNC Sound Production and Musical Technology at Ayr College, Lee’s vast knowledge of independent labels and artists is almost never ending. 

   We currently have a few projects planned for the this summer, including some original footage of some of Glasgow’s up and coming names.

   Stay tuned guys!

Bryce