Bark Cat Bark - Á Lífi

It is 1:47 am and I am sitting here writing this review. I do not know where to start. Maybe I should lead off by highlighting this young man's age - he is 18 years old. That's younger than me. The musical maturity displayed on this record is comparable to that of modern classical composers such as Max Richter or Kashiwa Daisuke - at such atender age this French native has crafted an eclectic record that showcases his relentless ability to combine the rich and engaging history of French folk and European historical stylings with the modern electronic swaray is breathetaking.

The opening track Verona invites the listener to have a taste of everything Josh Todd has to offer - a 10 minute meditation around a simple idea to showcase hiss multi-instrumentalist talents - most notably on the piano and acoustic guitar, but ranging from accordian to violin. Much of this record can be compared to Zach Condon but i find a much more sombre mood in Todd's compositions, as well as a lot more variation between the elctronic and the historical musical citations.

It is his solo piano piece that marks the centre of the album that really drives home the fact that this teenage prodigy is the real deal. Père Lachaise is this centrepiece and if it does not move you i do not know what will. It's contemplative and evocative - just sit there, with the lights down and no distractions please...because this album will take over.

Saltillo - Ganglion

Saltillo crafts the most beautiful and demanding trip hop beats intertwined with classical movements of simple beauty. Also incorporated are sound clips from god knows where, but they add a layer of intensity and urgency to the songs. Certainly refreshing and laid back, dark and disturbing yet beautiful and majestic at times. The heart tugging vocals on "i'm on the wrong side" grip at you and dont let go. A must have of 2008.

The Cinematic Orchestra - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

I've just bought tickets to this amazing bands show in Adelaide on January the 19th and in doing so it has prompted me to offer you this stunning live album by the Cinematic Orchestra. This eclectic live show brings together genres of all kinds including soul, jazz, classical, pop, electronica and trip-hop offering the listener with a smorgosbord of tastes to dabble into. Perfect for a hot summers night chilling outside with your favourite beverage, this band will help you pass the time without a worry in the world.

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Venetian Snares - Rossz csillag alatt született

Aaron Funk, the man behind Venetian Snares somehow manages to meld classical works with his unique and well known brand of jungle/drum n bass and does it to absolute perfection. This extremely dark and melancholic record demonstrates the sheer veracity of Funk's heavy and hard hitting beats while presenting another world of beauty incorporating achingly painful string arrangements and serene soundscapes.

No matter what you are into, this record is a must have, as it delves into an extremely innovative and fresh way of mixing genres and does it so well, it holds your attention for the whole record. It is great to lose yourself in such beauty and catharticness at the very same time.