Archive for January, 2010

Lori Cunningham: Unseen

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

“Unseen” is the impressive debut from singer-songwriter Lori Cunningham. This release combines dreamy, electronic arrangements with deep, introspective lyrical prose to create a moving listening experience for the Angelic Voices audience.

The album begins strong with “Reflections”, a primarily instrumental track laced with beguiling vocal work. It prepares the listener for an enchanting, contemplative experience. The remaining compositions ebb and flow from sweeping, ethereal tracks to infectious, upbeat tunes that issue a challenge to pursue dreams and love without restraint.

“Silver Threads”, “Inside”, and “Without You” are prime examples showcasing Lori’s passion for creating songs that examine the soul. In addition to eleven original compositions, the CD also features a dance/trance remix version of “Empty Well”, and an instrumental version of the title track “Unseen”. While it has universal appeal, fans of ambient greats such as Delerium and Sleepthief will thoroughly enjoy this emotionally charged experience. Even the CD artwork beautifully portrays the esoteric vision within.

As a classically trained vocalist, Lori made a conscious decision to follow her dream of creating music the way she wanted rather than performing as instructed by her professors. I applaud the risk she has taken as her obvious vocal range and depth is explored throughout this release. I hope to see this exhibited to an even greater extent in the future, therefore I am looking forward to her continuing collaboration with Adam Amos (also featured on on 3 tracks on “Unseen”) on the project “Emeria”, to follow her progression as an artist and vocalist. -Jess Hanna

Buy Unseen
Visit Lori Cunningham’s Official Website

Summer Of Space: Summer Of Space

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

The debut self-titled album from Summer of Space is dynamic and hypnotizing. The infectious melodies and introspective, thought-provoking lyrics dare the listener to explore the depths of their own psyche. The range of emotions, from thankful praise to heart-felt self examination, reveal the ups and downs felt by all of humanity throughout time.

Through her impressive vocal performances, singer/songwriter Haley Gibby is able to express feelings of gratitude, desperation, and perseverance. In 2001, Haley teamed up with music producers Finn Bjarnson and Ryan Raddon (Kaskade) to create the project Summer of Space. In March 2007, their dedication and combination of creative talents paid off with this electrifying release that thoroughly entertains and engages the listener.

I was particularly taken with the exploration of the subject of spirituality, presented in an inspirational, yet subtle, style that reverberated throughout this release. The album starts out strong with “With You”, but other standout tracks include “New Found Art”,“Drowning”, and “Solace”. I feel these display the greatest depth of this project’s talented team. Fans of bands such as Beauty’s Confusion, Mandalay and Weekend Players will surely enjoy this album. “Solace” is an extraordinary work that is well worth the listen. It is a positive, uplifting experience that will leave a lasting impression. -Jess Hanna

Buy Summer Of Space on iTunes.
Visit Summer Of Space’s Official Website.

Our Broken Garden: When Your Blackening Shows

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Our Broken Garden’s, “When Your Blackening Shows”, is a haunting slow ride, featuring singer-songwriter Anna Brønsted of Denmark. While primarily a solo project, the album also includes the raw talents of Søren Bigum on guitars, Moogie Johnson on bass, Poul Terkildsen on percussion, Palle Hjorth on organs and Lise Westzynthius on piano. This team combines their efforts to create the moody, thoughtful melodies to lull the listener into a dream-like state of consciousness.

These elements are especially evident on the title track and “La Sagitaire”, which I found to be the stand outs on the album. Some may feel the content is monotonous at times, but it will appeal most to a mature, thoughtful audience. Anna’s child-like vulnerability shines, similar to that of the great Stina Nordenstam. The melancholy, dark, enchanting compositions make this a release to reflect on.

Although “When You Blackening Shows” launched the band independently through word of mouth, their recent signing to the Bella Union record label will surely bring about even more recognition. Since this signing, Our Broken Garden has additionally released an EP entitled “Lost Sailor”. Check them out today! -Jess Hanna

Buy When Your Blackening Shows
Visit Our Broken Garden On MySpace

Angel Of The Month: Haley Gibby

Friday, January 1st, 2010

haley gibbyFrom a young age, Haley knew she wanted to pursue music. At the age of ten she was already fully immersed in performing, sometimes for crowds as large as 20 thousand. In her teens she began writing music. Her first recordings were made at 19 and caught the attention of Warner Brothers who soon after offered her an Artist/Writers deal. Haley decided not to take the deal, wanting to pursue her own musical course.

In 2001 Haley met Finn Bjarnson, a local music producer. Over the next few years Haley and Finn worked on songs together, honing their collective writing styles. In 2005 along with Ryan Raddon, Finn and Haley officially started the project “Summer of Space”. They wrote and produced a song called “A New Start” that was immediately picked up by Hed Kandi recordings. After the initial success of that song they decided to start work on an album.

Ryan Raddon and Finn Bjarnson, writers and producers of multiple #1 billboard charting songs are the producers behind this newly finished album.

Check out Summer Of Space’s latest release on iTunes:
Summer Of Space

For more info on Summer Of Space visit:
www.summerofspace.com
myspace.com/summerofspace

For more info on Haley Gibby visit:
myspace.com/musichaleyg