Boomba Operatic (Archive 39)

While our last show (Archive 38) focused on one genre, this show is probably one of the most diverse shows we've ever put together. Definitely, a show to challenge your ears with selections ranging from Aussie Rock through to neo-classical/opera. Check out the selections below!

(To listen, select Archive 39 off the "Listen" page at http://www.planetnerve8.com/ or simply click the title of this blog)

The featured artists:

Off the top (with thanks to Amit Riff for the intro to the show):

The Love Dogs (Melbourne, Australia)
"Boomba Roomba"
A quiet start that pulls you in and then BLAM! Turn it up to 'feel' this one. Great 'straight ahead' rock that Australian bands seem to have a knack for. Also, check out what a world class rock voice singer Nic Haxaw Leon has.

Gravity Field (Hastings, UK)
"Psychoanalyze"
The first of two songs featuring the diverse talents of singer, composer John Bassett. This song has the thundering sound of Black Sabbath and throws in some interesting twists. Very cool song.

KingBathmat (Hastings, UK)
"Paper Bag"
The second project featuring John Bassett. You'll have a hard time believing this is from the same person. A very dreamy feel through most of the song giving John a chance to showcase the remarkable expressiveness of his voice. Some very tasty work also from guitarist Lee Sulsh

Phil Morrissey and the Alchemists (Oxford, UK)
"Through the rain"
A delightful "all acoustic" piece. Acoustic guitar, viola and bongocero create a mesmerizing sound through which singer Phil Morissey weaves a captivating vocal. Hints of Traffic. Very nicely done.

Sophya Baccini (Naples, Italy)
"Aradia"
We move into a very different category with this piece. The intro has a very operatic/classical feel to it. If you're a headbanger, I challenge you to listen all the way through! Sophya exhibits a truly remarkable vocal range (and great control over her voice). Great job with the slow build of the strings and orchestration which climaxes in a final third that is much more in Marillion/Pink Floyd territory, complete with soaring guitar. Remarkable work.

Tenth Planet (Toronto, Canada)
"See yourself"
The first of two tracks off their new album "Everything is never over", co-produced by Jeff Martin (ex The Tea Party) and Mike Turner (ex Our Lady Peace). This is one of the strongest albums I've heard in a VERY long time.
"See yourself" is another song that gets off to a thundering start and doesn't let go until the last note is played. Powerhouse vocals!

"Balcony"
This second song has a much quieter start and features a mood setting keyboard pattern reminiscent of Led Zepplin's "No Quarter" without being derivitive. As with the two songs earlier in the show featuring John Bassett, this second song allows singer Martin Ouellette to expand on the tremendous depth of emotional range in his singing. Guitarist Brian Paul brings in some very tasty work, also. Initially on acoustic but when it's time to 'power out', Brian 'POWERS OUT'!

Ozric Tentacles (somewhere in the wilds of the west of England)
"Mooncalf"
We just received an advance copy of this track off their brand new album "The YumYum Tree" scheduled for release on April 27. As with their previous work, this track immediately serves notice that this is a 'players band'. Outstanding musicianship throughout as they weave through multiple styles; Progressive, jazz fusion, dub, trance, wherever they choose!
Can hardly wait to hear the rest of the album.

Voodoo Johnson (Brirmingham, UK)
"Nobody does it better"
Yes, you read that correctly. This is not a 'formal' release. This is 'the lads' pushing some boundaries in rehearsal. I was almost afraid to listen at first but this truly ROCKS! Think Guns 'n Roses covering this song (with Queen's Brian May invited to join them). Kev Bayliss again displays his great vocal range and the entire band absolutely rocks. Great way to end the show!