The mastermind and driving force behind the 'NOISEBRIGADE' music project, is the same man, who has embarked on a new stronger and ambitious synth trip, creating the 'A NEW LIFE" project, making a new beginning, inspired by important and life-changing events in his life.
Having already released an E.P. he presents his brand new two-track single, titled 'PHASE TWO'.
The first song, "In These Troubled Times I Won't Dig My Own Grave", is an intense, yet emotional journey, with strong and memorable lead lines and melodic elements, that manages to stay true to the early 80s synth/new wave melancholy while advancing forward lyrically and musically. The analogue synths take centre stage showcasing the artist's talent for melody and arrangement.
His almost haunting vocal delivery is enhancing the dark vibe of the song even further, taking the song to another level.
The second song of the single, "End Of A Barrel", is an equally strong track, with analogue beats, catchy arpeggios and analogue synth 'details'.
The vocals remain dark and haunting, with an infectious chorus, that compliments the expertly executed synth-work of the song.
This two-track single, is a brilliant showcase of 'A New Life's new, dark, melancholic exploration of sounds and lyric themes, that combined with the complex arrangements of the songs and the immaculate production, will leave you wanting more! A high quality release from every aspect.

As it is often the case, whenever a music scene/movement gains popularity, there's always the 'danger', of it getting saturated, soon, with people jumping on the bandwagon or just repeating the same thing over and over. The dreamwave scene's popularity is rising rapidly, and for a music lover - like me - this marks the beginning of a search for originality, talent and 'character' in the music, that will put things in perspective.
Well, look no further. The first 80s Stallone 12 track album 'HOTLINE', has just been released and it is a milestone and a point of reference for the genre. 80s Stallone, is one of the elusive godfathers of the dreamwave scene, with his very own, unique and instantly recognizable sound, a blueprint for those who follow, having released 2 singles and 1 e.p., and having done some of the best remixes. If you have already heard his music, you know what i'm talking about. If not, now it is a very good time to start listening.
With 'HOTLINE', 80s Stallone, presents a 'whole' package, covering every base, offering sides of his music, never shown before. There is a of variety of styles and moods on the album, some are faster electro disco tracks, some moodier and slower, with the majority of the sounds, provided by his hardware synths and drum machines, spicing things up, with some added vocoded vocals. His addictive arpeggiated analogue basslines, combined with his natural talent for melody, his trademark synth chords and disco beat patterns put together, provide a magnificent sonic result, which is pure joy for the listener.
Expertly mixed and mastered with punchy beats, deep low end and crisp and clear synths, the overall sound is warm and transparent.
For me, 'HOTLINE', is the dreamwave album of the year, VERY highly recommended.

A few days ago, i was happy to receive a sparkling, new, 12" vinyl, from 'Shewey Trax', the indie electronic L.A. based label, that has had releases during the 90s, as well, and has been reviewed in Urb magazine, XLR8, DJ magazine and has had many DJ chartings. From 2009, onwards, Shewey Trax, makes a strong comeback with quality vinyl and digital releases, within the deep house, gritty techno and electrofunk spectrum.
This new vinyl release, 'LBE and Ed States - 'Electric Baby e.p.' is a split 12". Side A, offers three tracks by LBE (Live Better Electrically). He keeps the music as the main focus, without any (often - unnecessary - production tricks). There is an aura of early 80s proto - electro reflections, in the sound of the first two tracks, 'Electric Baby' and 'It Can't Be Tonight', while keeping a funky vibe, melted with gritty synth bursts and electro beats, with the third track, coming in strong, a special hybrid of 4/4 beat, electro - disco, pads and distorted lead melodies, while a dirty bass drives the track.
On Side B, Ed States, offers three installments, of his 'Diamond Sky' track (vocals provided by Live Better Electrically). There is the main 'Ed's Lookout Mix', the 'Instrumental' and a shorter '3min Carat' mix. A gritty bassline sets the pace, a 4/4 beat, layered pads and distorted vocal phrases, have an almost hypnotic techno - disco effect.
As a whole, there is a high level of musical individuality, on both sides of this release, and that is something i always respect. If you like techno/electro/disco, in the form of a shiny, great sounding 12", this one is for you!

Well, i have listened to - and i own, quite a few 80s' compilations, and right from the start i have to say that the double CD: 'V.A. - Disco Pop Volume 2', (from the '80's Revolution Series'), is the best i've had the pleasure of listening to, in years! Mainly for three reasons.
First of all, all the tracks have been remastered (32 bit), and they sound fantastic! the sound is fuller, everything is crystal clear and they show off the warmth of the analogue recording process of the 80's! THAT fact alone, for me, is enough, to buy the album!
Secondly, choosing tracks for an '80s disco pop compilation' is not really an easy task, due to the plethora of brilliant hits of that decade. There must have been a lot of thought behind the song selection for the final tracklisting and it is obvious from the satisfying listening result from start to finish! The label managed to gather not only some of the biggest hits of the genre (from BROTHER BEYOND and JERMAINE STEWART to ERASURE and O.M.D, PEBBLES and HAZELL DEAN), but also some of the best 'songs', from a songwriting/composition point of you, as well. It's not just all 'No1's', and that is a choice that does make a difference. I believe the goal was to present the full spectrum of the genre's sound, and if that was the case, they surely succeeded!
The third reason, that makes this compilation special, is that all of the songs are presented here, in their original remixed form (like they used to do it, in the 80's) and many of them are rare and hard to find - even more so - remastered. Some of the remixes, have never before, appeared on CD!
This double CD, is a high quality production, form a 'technical', as well as, a 'musical' point of view. There is a lot of time, effort and evidently - love, behind this project, and the result is highly entertaining and highly recommended!

When I started playing the new 'Their Only Dreams' - 'Bubblegum Girl' album, I realized it was going to be a special experience, in the sense that this was the work of one person - David Lyudmirsky - a multi-talented songwriter/musician/performer, from L.A. that clearly stands apart from all the so called 'commercial' scene and does not jump on any bandwagons. That, is something I always respect in an artist. Individuality combined with talent.
The album is a journey, and takes us down different paths with each song. There are darker times that reflect Joy Division or early Cure, there are some humorous moments (lyrically and rhythmically) and also some plain rock n' roll.
All these, are blended nicely together, in his own unique style, assisted by his complex/rich arrangements and his musical versatility, making the album a pleasant and memorable experience, as a whole.
Production-wise, David, prefers a deliberately lo-fi style with slight psychedelic vibes, reverbs and spacious mixes, enhancing the individuality of his overall sound.
All of his three albums can be found on bandcamp, and they are all available for FREE, as well.
So, check out 'Their Only Dreams', and although, David's stuff, can sometimes be demanding, if you like alternative/experimental/psychedelic music, chances are that he'll win you over.
Plus, there will be a 'Their Only Dreams' 7" single, coming out mid November, on 'White Iris' records, so don't miss it!