A SHAMELESS LINGERING

By RingMaster Review on June 1, 2024 • ( 0 )

As we again explore the latest collection of tracks discovered by Shauna, our friend from the sound weaving duo Ummagma and of Shameless Promotion PR, a certain number of the singles within revealed a hauntingly mesmeric prowess whilst simultaneously arousing the imagination. Four in particular fascinated as they left a haunting impression and call on constant attention…

They say some of the best things come in small packages and you can certainly say that about the new track from electronic indiepop artist RODNEY CROMWELL. His song, Madeline Trip just about nudges the one minute mark yet for its 55 seconds it makes for a teaser ears and the imagination just could not ignore.

RODNEY CROMWELL is the solo moniker of London-based artist Adam Cresswell who was previously part of 90s indie folk band SALOON and 2000s electronic duo ARTHUR AND MARTHA, two outfits that found keen support from John Peel. On June 14^th, he releases his new EP, Exercise Class, via Happy Robots Records, a proposition that we among a great many are keenly anticipating on the back of its impressive predecessors such as The Winter Palace and Memory Box.

As we said, Madeline Trip keeps ears busy for less than a minute but had the imagination going for far longer as it made a curiosity rousing taster of things ahead. It is a track inspired by Marcel Proust’s seven-volume novel, In Search of Lost Time, and a piece of music that very often introduces Cromwell’s band live on stage.

The instrumental strolls in like a summer’s breeze and with a radiance that is as haunting as it is suggestive. It is spectral and pastoral simultaneously, a piece that with every listen has urged the imagination into conjuring an array of interpretations and adventures that like the song far out stay its brief moment in time. It is also a teaser to leave them wanting more, something we are expecting Exercise Class to reward.

Another track to bring the imagination alive and to take to deep thought is Fini Chagall, the new single from Scottish singer songwriter CHRIS CONNELLY. The song is taken from his recently Shipwrecked Industries released album The Lives and Loves of the Serial Homesick, Vol. 1, a collection of tracks he describes as serving “as an impressionistic view of my life in Edinburgh before I moved to the States leaving behind what I now realize is unfinished business, unresolved aspirations, like a plant viciously ripped out by the roots and thrown away.”

Now Chicago-based, Connelly has earned legendary status as an artist through his time as part of Edinburgh outfit FINI TRIBE and contributions to the likes of MINISTRY, THE REVOLTING COCKS and PIGFACE as well as his own solo exploits and work as an author. After his acclaimed releases, the Nico inspired and examining Eulogy to Christa and before it the Scottish poet George Mackay Brown and his muse sparking contemplation of The Birthday Poems, Connolly brings personal intimacy to The Lives and Loves of the Serial Homesick, Vol. 1; the record particularly nurtured in the grief of his mother’s death in 2023.

Fini Chagall is another haunting moment in breath and presence, Connolly’s reflective thoughts embraced by the melodic contemplation of a guitar as electronic winds search the distance. There is a sense of being alone in its presence and contemplation yet it shares an instinctive catchiness in enterprise and temptation to embrace all and making it an emotively rich and a keenly enlivening proposal.

As a track Fini Chagall made its moment in time thickly memorable and enjoyable and as a teaser for The Lives and Loves of the Serial Homesick, Vol. 1 irresistible.

Uniquely continuing the craft of haunting the imagination is Heaven, the new single from ‘Alternative crooner-philosopher’ FRED ABONG. It is a track taken from the new album from the former THROWING MUSES and BELLY bassist who is earning just as rich acclaim and success with his solo explorations.

Blindness was released through Moochin’ About Records early May and is his first collection of songs composed entirely on keyboard/piano and, as he describes, reflecting “a willingness to follow artistic intuition wherever it may lead.” Heaven epitomises the individuality of each track within and of Abong as songwriter and artist, and the unique intimacy be brings to his music whatever their inspiration or theme.

Heaven comes forth on a melodic wind, its air suggestive and organically hazy sharing an ethereal veil around its piano and vocal cast heart. With electronic suggestiveness and a crisp rhythmic pulse adding their pull the song serenades ears and thought, its inherent emotive presence and haunting breath woven with a just as instinctive catchiness.

It is a song that also invites fresh contemplation with every listen and pure captivation through all.

We are assured that the summer is coming so as you consider its soundtrack GRAMERCY ARMS offer the perfect candidate for inclusion in After the After Party. The track, which is taken from their recently Magic Door Records released fourth album, The Making Of The Making Of, makes for one spirit and body sparking slice of indie pop that again all the while haunts the memory.

Dave Derby (THE DAMBUILDERS, LLOYD COLE) and producer Ray Ketchem (GUIDED BY VOICES, LUNA, ELK CITY) formed and are behind the NYC-based collective that is described as “a loose treasure-trove of musicians and artists”. Their latest album embraces the craft and invention of numerous artists with After the After Party in particular featuring long-time collaborators Kevin March (GUIDED BY VOICES, THE DAMBUILDERS, SHUDDER TO THINK), Hilken Mancini (FUZZY, THE MONSIEURS), Rainy Orteca (JOAN AS POLICE WOMAN, DEAD AIR) and Mike Errico.

A song about chances missed and taken, After the After Party immediately strides in with an eager swing and melodic entanglement of ears, its warm cheer around romance fuelled contemplation alone a manipulative embrace.

Continuing to share its lively intent with ear grabbing pop infection, After the After Party is a riveting fusion of sought after possibilities and instant joy, a track that almost teases the listener with its subtle crescendo and rewards with arms of creative joy and for us the most riveting moment with GRAMERCY ARMS yet.