EP Review: Awesome Christmas Feelings - Poco Drom

Another brilliant slice of musical mayhem from the remarkable Poco Drom, who have reinvented Christmas for the modern age with a restless energy second to none. Their new EP, Awesome Christmas Feelings, provides a spectacular interpretation of some classic songs, where distorted guitars, mesmerising keyboards and a hypnotic drum machine are the order of the day. Not what you would normally expect from a Christmas EP, but this is Poco Drom; who specialise in the sound of the unexpected. The EP also features three stunning music videos on YouTube which you should check out at your earliest opportunity.

"Step Into Christmas" kicks off the EP in fine style, where OMD meet Kraftwerk and hire Elizabeth Fraser on vocals. The lead vocal truly is sublime, merging superbly with the harmonies hovering away in the background. The somewhat anarchic guitar creates a noticeable tension, allowing an array of sound effects to swoop and soar throughout the track.There is so much going on here, it powers away without pausing for breath. Magnificent!

"When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney" continues this upbeat approach, with a distorted guitar included once again for additional impact. The dichotomy presented between the purity of the vocals, and the timely aggression of the backing track is like nothing I have ever heard. Somehow the music sounds modern and retro simultaneously, where scintillating electronica is repackaged just in time for Christmas.

Slade's classic "Merry Christmas Everybody" begins slowly before really exploding on the chorus where an almost sci-fi sound dominates the air space throughout.  Here swirling synthesisers meet crystal clear vocals, delivering the kind of atmospherics that provide a breath of fresh air to the festive season. Once again a distorted guitar and pulsating keyboard dominate the sound, punctuated by a hypnotic drum pattern throughout.

Poco Drom are clearly one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the planet, and are way ahead of their competitors when it comes to pushing the boundaries of family music.  Here Santa arrives in a space rocket, propelled by the most magnificent experimentation you are ever likely to hear. The music is engaging, unique and completely different to anything else around at the moment. I'm sure even Noddy Holder would agree. Truly remarkable, I take my hat off to them.

Poco Drom - back to the future.

Album Review: Songs For Growing - Heather Feather

Canadian artist Heather Feather's debut album Songs For Growing is a truly inspired piece of work. Featuring twelve songs of imagination and intrigue, the album boasts musicianship and arrangements of the very highest standard. The lyrics are quite superb, and serve to soothe, inspire, educate and uplift throughout. Her voice is both warm and engaging, and provides the perfect fit for such highly melodic songs, which will undoubtedly provide huge appeal to children across the globe.

The album kicks off with jazz-inspired rendition of the children's classic "Sleeping Bunnies", a song which features a nimble acoustic guitar, blending superbly with a somewhat forthright piano. In addition, what sounds like a double bass hovers its magical spell over an ambitious and instructive arrangement. Here the music ups the intensity on the chorus where the artist orders the bunnies to 'wake up', enabling the children to hop along in gleeful delight.

"Shayne The Sheep" tells the story of a sheep that is somewhat different from the crowd choosing to go his own way. He does this by choosing to moo, instead of baa as we all know sheep are usually inclined to do. A song which celebrates resilience, and in particular having the courage to rise above peer pressure and ultimately 'do what you want to do'. A song which also expresses the importance of being yourself 'because everyone else is taken'. The song has a jaunty upbeat feel, which matches the mood of the lyrics which celebrate individualism and defiance.

"I Can Eat A Rainbow" opens with a double bass jamming alongside some light percussion, before the gradual introduction of an acoustic guitar and a somewhat jaunty piano. The music is steeped in jazz, and has a superb vibe throughout. The lyrics, in stark contrast to the erudite sophistication of the music, describe how we can eat the different colours of a rainbow through the variety of colours in the food we consume. For example we can eat red cherries, yellow bananas or green beans 'because they're so good for me', and ultimately will help me 'grow up big and strong'. A novel idea, highly original, and a song which provides a colourful description of healthy eating habits.

"Migration Song" reminded me a little of "The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book fame, with its sprightly piano, lively bass and heartfelt vocals. Here the lyrics provide opportunities for the kids to impersonate a variety of wildlife who get to 'fly away' because we can only live 'where it is warm'. The song would be an informative addition to any music class, where the children get to dance to the music, and also receive an education about the seasons, and the migratory habits of a variety of animals along the way. Brilliant!

You can't really have a children's album without a dinosaur song and this one is quite superb. Here, a honky-tonk piano spars with a rhythm section that wouldn't sound out of place on a Charlie Mingus album. This truly is twelve bar blues at its foot stomping best. The lyrics describe the dinosaurs in some detail, as well as their daily motions whether this is stomping, biting, or even swimming, there's a lot going on here. A song that is easy on the ear, and easy to dance to, culminating in the lyrical request to 'do the dinosaur dance'.

"Hey Ho" is another foot stomper, with a slight sea shanty vibe, which pays a certain homage to the Pogues. The song is interactive, providing opportunities for the kids to answer a series of geographical questions about their homeland, before enthusiastically joining in on the chorus. The song, as you might expect also features a lively fiddle dictating the pace of the song as the music gradually speeds up. As the music progresses, you can almost picture punters dancing along in a barn to the music in good hearted revelry. Old fashioned, charming and an absolute must to get any party going.

Other stand out songs on the album include the call and response "Construction Holiday", the somewhat melancholy "Dance with You" and the sprightly "Big Feelings". My favourite track however, is the wonderful "Plant a Seed"which certainly planted a seed in my heart. The song features a Beatles inspired acoustic guitar, which serenades the soul, yet which still provides the space for the melody to soar and swoon and ultimately melt your heart along the way. 

"Time For Bed" is a gentle ballad written to help get the kids to bed after an active day. A hypnotic acoustic guitar dominates the song, alongside a melancholy vocal which reminded me a little of Kate Bush. The descriptive essence of the lyrics helps the listener to picture the gentle ritual, where 'the shadows grow across the bed'. The melody is captivating throughout, as are the lyrics which describe this familiar scene, where 'nothing can harm you' because 'you are safe in my arms'. There is a lush, exotic feel to the track, which draws the listener in further, to the majestic majesty of the mood on display. 

The album finishes with the single "Ants in My Pants" a delightful ditty, with a very cool vibe, where an electric guitar competes with a lively piano for space. The song is great fun, and easy to dance to, I'm sure the kids will love it. The rhythm sounds a bit like the Stones' "Harlem Shuffle" although this time speeded up for good measure.  A very cool, jazzy piece of music as catchy as anything you're likely to hear and a great way to finish the album.

This is a terrific album, packed with delightful songs and potent melodies all topped off with a lavish production. The vocals are sublime, as are the lyrics which dramatise the music superbly. Despite the musical dexterity on display and the sophistication of some of the instrumentation, this by no way detracts from the playful essence of the music throughout. This album is essentially all about fun, and on this form I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from this exciting artist in the near future. 

Heather Feather - songs to grow and sing.

Book Review: Molly's First Festival - Katherine O'Shea

Katherine O'Shea is both the author and illustrator of the delightful book, Molly's First Festival, which tells the story of the ups and downs families may experience whilst attending a music festival.  The story also provides insight into what you might expect if you are unfamiliar with a festival-type experience.

The story unfolds like a guide for parents who may be taking children to a music festival for the very first time. It also provides parents with useful tips regarding motivating their children about this exciting adventure. 

However, the book doesn't pull any punches or seek to hide the truth as to what can go wrong at any given moment. I'm sure if you've ever been to a music festival, you'll know exactly what I'm referring to. The story provides a very realistic account, warts and all, including how inclement weather can sometimes put a dampener on proceedings. 

The book reads like a trip down memory lane for me, having experienced many festivals from Glastonbury to Roskilde, where negotiating a muddy terrain was part and parcel of this type of experience. In this sense the author captures the very essence of such fun-filled adventure, but this time for the little ones to share.

The book is beautifully illustrated and is crammed with the most superb artwork which really brings the tale to life. After reading it, I almost felt like I had attended the festival myself, such is the inventive realism on display.

The story is sure to delight both young and old, whether you are a parent reminiscing on lost youth, a teacher looking for an engaging book to use in the classroom, or a child delighting in this wonderful tale, there is something for everyone here.

In an age where parents are increasingly attending music concerts with their children, this author clearly has her finger on the pulse, and succeeds in providing a heartwarming glimpse into family life in the twenty-first century. I sure wish I'd had similar experiences as a child.

I won't give away too much about the story, I'll leave that to you dear reader, but be sure to grab a copy of this book, I am sure it will be a big hit with children and families everywhere.

Katherine O' Shea - let the children boogie.

Flash Album Review: Let's Play - Yeah Nah

Let's Play is the latest album release from Yeah Nah aka Liam McAlary, an Australian artist from Port Macquarie, NSW. His music is witty acerbic and describes comical everyday experiences in true Seinfeld style. The album features twelve original songs, which are both punchy and melodic and guaranteed to hit the target.

The album opens with the delightful "Lets Scrub" a real foot stomper, where the imagination of the child is revealed through a somewhat detailed description of all the adventures that take place whilst 'having fun in the bath'. The music features brass instrumentation, alongside bass, drums and a lively piano hovering away in the background.

"Travel the World" does exactly what the title suggests, referencing some exotic destinations, where the artist takes us on an adventure of 'amazing beauty across many countries'. The chorus joyfully exclaims how 'when you travel the world there is so much to see'. A true celebration of different cultural sights from the Grand Canyon to the Northern Lights and everything in-between. The bridge describes the different methods of transportation you may require to get there, with a drum flourish that pays homage to Keith Moon.

The title track "Let's Play" is another interesting song, featuring a shuffle beat and some sparse instrumentation as the artist describes a typical day in the life of a kid. Whether this involves breakfast, watching TV or walking the dog, it is all described in great detail. There is a noticeable emphasis on play activities here as you would expect. I'm sure all you teachers and parents out there have experience of a child's infinite desire to 'play all day'. As the song progresses the instrumentation becomes more complex with the introduction of a brass section adding further texture to the overall sound. 

My absolute favourite track on the album is the haunting "Australia", which reminded me a little of non other than, Oasis, as the artist describes a host of exotic landscapes where 'there's so much to see'. The song bobs along in fine style, as the vocal melody soars and swoops along in melodic delight. The bridge breaks up the rhythm in staccato fashion, as the song builds to a climax before returning for one final chorus. Marvellous!

"Sunday Arvo" really is the sound of the suburbs, with a lively description of weekend family life in Australia. A positive reflection on simple family activities where 'the steaks don't take long', and where we get to 'play cricket in the yard'. You can almost visualise the picket fence and quarter acre block, as family life is celebrated throughout because amongst other things 'my family's fun'.  The song finishes with a delightful guitar refrain, which sprinkles a little magic towards the end.

"The Recorder" celebrates the many benefits of this much underrated instrument. Here, 'recorders are fun to play' because 'they make a lovely sound'. Amongst the other benefits 'they take away your stress',  they are 'easy to play and may even 'brighten up your day'. Maybe the artist is singing from experience here, although I would add portability, great value and the fact that you don't have to tune it to the equation.

Other standout tracks include the country inspired "City & Country", the lively "Being A Kid" and the inspiring "When I Am Big". Clearly, there is something for everyone here, whether you are into pop, country or just trying to find something interesting for the kids, you are absolutely sure to find it on this album. 

The album finishes superbly with the haunting "Sleepy Head", featuring a melancholy vocal courtesy of Danielle Lamb. The song describes this familiar bedtime ritual, where we ultimately get to 'dream the night away sleepy head'. About midway through the track a seductive keyboard is introduced which sounds like something taken from an Eno album. The melody is quite superb here, as are the vocals which radiate both warmth and richness.

A very promising album from an emerging artist who manages to incorporate a whole range of influences into one compelling and unified piece of work. The music is sprightly, engaging and highly melodic, and the lyrics draw the listener in with increasing intrigue. Some of the melodies on display here are truly magical, where Blur meet the Wiggles and hire Jerry Seinfeld to write the lyrics. The album has only just been released, so give it some love on its way, you'll feel all the better for it.

Yeah Nah - the sound of the suburbs.