World Unite Lucifer Youth Foundation
A Wave That Will Never Break 
(LYF Recordings)                                         
★★★★★

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKP9pbvA6uA 

WORLD Unite Lucifer Youth Foundation emerged in Manchester in 2008 as a progressive  alternative rock four-piece band. Managed by Warren Bramley, who had worked at Factory Records under the mentorship of Tony Wilson, their debut 2011 album Go Tell Fire To The Mountain was an awesome heavy pop cult adventure. Singer Ellery Roberts, an inventive front man, combines a Tom Waits/ Nick Cave/ Ian Curtis sensibility. A year later the band disbanded, so their self-financed return album is hugely welcome.

The first track Love Your Fate opens around majestic guitar lines, arching bass, stylised claustrophobic shuffle drums and bursting vocals.

The Fool, a standout track, has a slow tempo, opening with an ethereal organ refrain then a bold Springsteen-esque melodic intent. Tib St. Tabernacle, a sprawling epic, starting on guitar intros then a 70s-inspired breakdown section. Produced by Sonic Boom and recorded in Portugal and in Wales, the sound is clear with an emphasis on anthemic dynamic leanings.

Bjorn Meyer 
Convergence 
(ECM)
★★★★★

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5_dtY6LkCY 

THE six-string electric bass offers composers and players the opportunity to explore deep harmonic bass and upper low mid harmonics. All based on solid foundations. Architecture in motion.

Former computer coder, Bjorn Meyer from Sweden is a leading exponent on the instrument and his second solo six string bass album for ECM is an adventurous masterclass. The opening track Convergence winds slowly, based around a central theme, that is then explored with full dynamic counter-part bass work. Subtle harmonics and off-centre reverb, reverse FX drive the work into original atmospheres.

Next up is Hiver, which further explores this sonic palette, a constant here.

On Hope is another highlight, at times reminiscent of the work of Pat Metheny’s guitar textures and unique rhythmic approach. The album concludes with the slow arching bassline drama of Nesodden. Produced by Manfred Eischer and recorded in the Bavaria Music Studios in Munich by Michael Hinreinerthe, the sound is detailed, focused and bold.

Luca Longobardi  
Tempo Fugit 
Just Music  
★★★★★

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5OGkJBWcl8&list=RDo5OGkJBWcl8&start_radio=1                                         

Luca Longobardi is an Italian pianist, experimental electronica expert and multimedia artist who studied classical music in New York and Italy. His first release for the renowned Just Music UK ambient label is a six-track work of defined, intimate and delicate beauty, reminiscent of the work of Harold Budd, David Sylvian and Brian Eno.

The first track is Repetition, and a flowing, circular, dream-like textured piano line sets the scene. A rhythmic intensity gives way to drone left-field drama, then further piano development. In On Flowers the tempo slows into introspective tonal optimism. Fire Against Water slows the mood further with driving intensity; crystalline piano lines seemingly transported into a dark cavernous mysterious cave. The album concludes with Lights, moods and textures explored in a dust like room setting.

Simple and moving. Longobardi is a gifted ambitious composer and producer whose work looks set to develop and build on this very fine release.