Archive for April, 2007

Genika: The Purity

Monday, April 2nd, 2007

genika-thepurityGenika’s “The Purity” takes the listener on an introspective journey of self-discovery and realization of old passions. Essentially, challenging the listener to wake up and dream again without the fear of retribution or doubt. The thought provoking mood, lyrics, and soothing melodies are highlights throughout this work.

Haunting yet uplifting vocals, along with mainly guitar driven chilled melodies cause me to place this in the nearly extinct shoegazer category. “The Purity” combines elements of light goth rock, violin, piano, and electronic sounds backing the complex lyrical schemes. My favored tracks are “Slipping Away”, “Limitless”, and “Follow Your Heart”. At first listen, this album may sound simplistic, but listening closely reveals the album’s emotional depth and range.

“The Purity” is truly poetry in motion. It is a unique experience for the listener searching for meaning in music. It is a challenging and uplifting work that weaves a message of encouragement and hope while portraying the stark reality of life. With themes ranging from abandonment to the desire to break out of one’s self, Genika has tapped into the individual’s desire to do something special and meaningful. Included is a remixed version of the album, providing yet another perspective into the world of Genika. –Jess Hanna

Buy The Purity
Visit Genika’s Official Website

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Angel of the Month: Rebecca Coseboom

Sunday, April 1st, 2007

aotm-rebeccacoseboomRyan met Rebecca in 1992 while running his father’s notorious independent record store in Santa Cruz, CA. Three years later, the pair ventured north to San Francisco to pursue the sound that would eventually become Halou.

Their debut album, We Only Love You, was released in 1998 on a small independent label. Featuring Rebecca’s powerfully honest vocals, the album meandered irreverently through abstract beats and sumptuously languid pop music. We Only Love You received over-whelming praise, was spun by highly-influential indie radio stations and was reviewed by virtually every noteworthy electronic music magazine.

Halou continued to craft their unique sound on their second release, Wiser. Wiser further defined Halou’s sound – both crushing and delicate, intense and soothing. While still embracing electronics, the addition of live cello, acoustic double bass and drums further pushed the band’s effective blend of the electronic and organic.

Released on Nettwerk Records in 2001, Wiser was entirely self-produced by Ryan and new member and studio engineer, Count. Count has established himself as an integral member of the band not only as an engineer and mixer, but also as drummer. His production skills have been finely-tuned through his work with Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, Lyrics Born, New Order, No Doubt, and more.

Halou’s newest recording, Wholeness & Separation, has fully realized the delicate balance of organic and electronic. Luxurious strings, atmospheric textures from an array of instruments, infectious beats, and heartfelt vocals stretch this sonic collage across the spectrum of human emotion.

Ryan and Rebecca have also released albums under other project names such as Anymore, R/R Coseboom and Invisible Bellet (under the pseudonyms Lee Ryan and Lin Chen).

Check out the latest Halou and R/R Coseboom releases:
Wholeness & Separation
Beneath Trembling Lanterns

For more info on Halou visit:
www.halou.com
myspace.com/halou

For more info on R/R Coseboom visit:
www.dynamophone.com/rr
myspace.com/tremblinglanterns

For more info on Invisible Ballet visit:
www.invisibleballet.com
myspace.com/invisibleballet

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