rescuing musical virtue in distress.
There are many ways of writing music, from the rigid and formulaic to the abstract and fluid. It is at the latter end of the spectrum that you find Inkräktare, an occasional collaboration between Dean Garcia and Mark Wallbridge. It takes a brave man to jot down sonic ideas and musical creations in their most unstructured... Continue Reading →
Where We Sleep almost feel like the front runners in the search for a new form of rock music, one which very generously tips its hat to the darker swathed, post-punk originators but which also reminds us that commerciality and success should be the by-product of creativity not the driving factor. But it isn’t even... Continue Reading →
Ummagma always take me by surprise, but I only have myself to blame. When I haven’t played any of their music for a while I seem to leave them compartmentalised in the drifty, ambient section of my memory, possibly taking virtual tea with SPC ECO or hanging about with members of Beach House. But then... Continue Reading →
In many ways Fifteen, and indeed SPC ECO’s music in general, seems like the latest chapter in an ongoing story, one that was only ever aimed at a more discerning, left-field and underground audience. Whilst many are familiar with where the story line jumps off, a swirl of experiments and musical visionaries embracing new and... Continue Reading →
I tend to use the word soundscape a lot in reviews because when put together right, when suitably structured, when layered with intricate textures, when music moves beyond the familiar, it has the ability to build new worlds. They may be sonic worlds but they can be as beguiling, as varied, as wondrous as anything... Continue Reading →
Dean Garcia’s post and parallel Curve career is a CV which demonstrably shows that he has never been someone to rest on his laurels and coast on past achievements. Bands such as The Secret Meeting and more recently SPC ECO prove that he hasn’t lost his sense of musical intrigue, always moving forward as he... Continue Reading →
Fassine has been teasing us with chilled and sophisticated tracks accompanied by intriguing videos for months now as they pave the way for Gourami, the latest, long awaited full album. This last chapter before the big reveal sees them at their most minimal, a beat cloaked in whispers and anticipation, the trip-hop vibe of the... Continue Reading →
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Dancing About Architecture music review podcast. This week we review; the new EP from SPC ECO called "Under My Skin", Iktelan, the new album from Israel's Zoo Harmonics, Plummie Racket and the Dicemen's new EP, Frontback's "Heart of a Lion", Gotthard's "Silver", Gravedigger's "Healed By Metal", and Orango's "Mules of... Continue Reading →
Preconceptions will always let you down. After all, a band made up of a dad and daughter just smacks of working men’s club acts and pub duos doesn’t it? Well, not when the dad is Dean Garcia, better known as one half of Curve and certainly not when daughter, Rose Berlin, has a voice, which... Continue Reading →