Neo 6.54

An obscure (but brilliant) Italian rock combo Phoenix were founded in 1981 (after the disbandment of a rock project named Gruppo Studio Alternativo) by the three Lorandi brothers - Claudio (lead guitar, voices), Antonio (bass), Sergio (guitars) - and Silvano Silva (drums, percussion), all of whom had been remarkably influenced by 70s British progressive rock scene (e.g. Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graaf Generator). In 1986 they recruited Emilio Rossi (keyboards) and their soundscape could get more symphonic. With the collaboration of many session musicians, they had recorded some material for releasing a medium, that had not seen the light of day until 2011…

Snce the release of their debut studio album Do Hollywood (on 4AD) in 2016, The Lemon Twigs—the New York City rock band fronted by brothers Brian (27) and Michael D’Addario (25)—have waved the same revivalist torch as Alex Chilton and his Big Star crew, working to prove that archaic music from the ‘60s and ‘70s can still be relevant in digital world. Alongside peers like Foxygen and Drugdealer, The Lemon Twigs have explicitly documented a synchronistic blend of contemporary narrative motifs, old-school recording techniques, and flawless, consistent attitudes collaged from various crucial stages of rock ’n’ roll. After a whirlwind 2023, the D’Addarios are continuing the momentum of their own evolving vision and voice, distilling a history lesson of baroque and power pop into A Dream Is All We Know out on Captured Tracks.

Legendary guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen releases Blue Lightning on March 29, 2019 on Mascot Records To call Yngwie Malmsteen a 'maestro' or 'virtuoso' is to state the obvious. But such terms don't do sufficient justice to either his talent or impact. There are innumerable guitarists who have copied a small part of the vast musical spectrum that defines him, but nobody comes close to achieving what he has over a period of nearly four decades. Now, with 'Blue Lightning', the man highlights not only his enduring dexterity and diversity, but also pays homage to those from the blues world who have fuelled his artistic spirit for so long. Anyone who is expecting Malmsteen to copy exactly the way the original versions sound is in for a shock.

New Orleans' Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews knows the music biz inside out. Hounded for years by friends and music business types to jump into the game, he understood the lessons of his lineage elders: too many had been been ripped off and discarded. He took his time, assembling, rehearsing, and touring Orleans Avenue, a band steeped in brass band history, jazz improv, funk, soul, rock, and hip hop. He finally signed to Verve Forecast and released Backatown in April of 2010. Entering at number one on the jazz charts, it stayed there for nine straight weeks, and was in the Top Ten for over six months. For True hits while Backatown is climbing again. Chock-full of cameos it is an extension, but sonically different. It's production is crisper, but the musical diversity more pushes further. In addition to trombone, Shorty plays trumpet, organ, piano, drums, synths, and, of course, sings…

Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums, percussion). They were later joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher (lead guitar and vocals) as a fifth member, becoming the band's settled line-up until April 1995…

Formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1989, MERCURY REV quickly grew to become leading figures in left field alternative rock. Earlier albums veered towards experimental, off-kilter psychedelia but by the end of the decade, the band had developed their own brand of serene, piano-based Americana with the acclaimed, best-selling LP Deserter’s Songs (1998).

Poland can be considered like a second home for current neo Progressive music, along with Italy and the Netherlands. QUIDAM is certainly the main and most appreciated act to have emerged from this field, with ABRAXAS and COLLAGE. Note that female singer Emila DERKOWSKA's vocals and charm add a lot to the whole. As the sophisticated pop-rock melodies of "Sny Aniolow" ("Angels' Dream" for the English-sung version, 1998) contrasted with a first eponymous album (Revelation of the year 1996) extremely appreciated for its instrumental developments, the third opus "The Time Beneath The Sky" (2002) orchestrates a new stylistic change that keeps the characteristical QUIDAM sound.

Produced by Sean Ono Lennon and mixed by Dave Fridmann (Beach House, Spoon, The Flaming Lips) , Temples fourth full-length album takes place in an impossibly utopic island dreamed up by the four band members. With its resplendent collage of psychedelia, krautrock and time-bending dream-pop, Exotico brings that world to life in crystalline detail, all while exploring an entire spectrum of existential themes: impermanence, mortality, our connection with nature and the wild immensity of the mind.

Methyl Ethel will release their third album Triage on Friday 15th February 2019. The album was written, produced and performed by lead singer Jake Webb, recorded in Jake's home studio in West Perth and mixed at Mute Studio in London with Marta Salogni.