Composition

This show features a mix of brand new material as well as some 'encore' performances from the days when we didn't offer podcasts/downloads of the show.

We also offer a very unique insight into the creative process. The remarkable Imogen Heap, a British artist who we have featured a few times now, released 'raw, unprocessed' vocal tracks on the internet for composers anywhere in the world to download and write and record their own music as accompaniment. The result we showcase is spectacular.

To listen, click on "Listen" (at www.planetnerve8.com) or simply click the title of this blog. Select "Listen online" or "Download to a portable player".

The featured artists:

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

Shaolin Temple of Boom (Los Angeles, California)
"The end of reason"
Turn your speakers up for this one. Containing elements of industrial rock, the production gives this a warmth (and thunder!) often missing from industrial rock. Very powerful piece of music.

Neveragain (Oakland, California)
"No Heaven"
Somewhat continuing the 'industrial theme' of the first track, this cut off Neveragain's new album "The Great Betrayal", brings a compelling mix of the alienation of industrial with a melody that is guaranteed to stick in your head. Very cool.

Shen (UK)
"The Journey"
An 'encore play', this was picked because I loved the intro guitar part. Some cool playing (and singing) throughout.

Klimt 1918 (Italy)
"Skygazer"
Why we (in North America) don't typically get access to material like this is beyond me. This has "monster hit" written all over it.

New Groove Formation
"International waste of time"
Interspersing the rock with a touch of ska. Great groove and great lyrics.

Urbandux (Gothenburg, Sweden)
"The aftermath"
Very tasty production on this piece. Well written, well played and well sung. Great job all round.

Noble Brats (Tel-Aviv, Israel)
"The offer"
Another example of great writing and production. Love the guitar tones and phrasing on this song. Very strong vocals, also.

Imogen Heap with Lunartheory (UK/Canada)
"The song that never was"
This is the piece referred to in the intro to this show. Remarkable insight into the creative process. A MUST listen!

Gravity Field (Hastings, UK)
"Paris based think tank"
Definitely a contender for "Best song title". This song takes you on a trip through thundering Black Sabbath territory, into Pink Floyd/Porcupine Tree and throws in a touch of Radiohead for good measure. Really interesting writing and arranging (as well as playing). Great song!

John Bassett (Hastings, UK)
"For Sale"
This is a very stripped down song from the man behind Gravity Field (as well as KingBathMat). Just a man and his guitar. I love it!