ELLA BLAME

ELLA BLAME has an incredible vocal range: her voice covers the entire baritone, tenor and contralto ranges and exceeds the upper limit of the soprano range. She can produce sounds that are very similar to synthesizers, with no effects. Sometimes angelic, sometimes satanic, the many colors of her voice can be described as Billie Holiday meets Bjork and Loreena McKennit… yes these three names together sound very absurd, you just have to hear it for yourself... more

Kevin BARTLETT

This month's interview guest is KEVIN BARTLETT, musician, composer, bassist and guitarist extraordinaire, founder of the record label "Aural Gratification". Most of you know him as the co-producer of 9 Happy Rhodes albums. He lives in Woodstock, NY where he owns a newly built studio. He recently released his second CD "Glow In The Dark" as a follow up to his first album "Near Life Experience" which was released in 2003... more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

THE CONSPIRATORS

ONE SURE THING/TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

The Band:

The Conspirators is a brand new band from Bedale, North Yorkshire, UK. The members got together in late 2006 and in a little over a year, they were ready to release their debut single on March 3rd 2008 (Transcend Records). It has 2 songs on the A side and one on the B side. You are probably wondering why we say A side, B side… Well, because this single will not only be released on CD and online for downloads, but also on limited edition (500 copies all autographed) vinyl.

The Conspirators worked with a legendary name on this project: Judy Dyble (Fairport Convention / Trader Horne / Giles, Giles, Fripp, McDonald and Dyble). She has an angelic voice and shares vocals with Genevieve Parker on “One Sure Thing” which was originally a Fairport Convention tune that was released on their first album. Judy added the extra verse to the song that they left out back then and The Conspirators made a brand new arrangement which is faster than the original version with more electric guitar sound, but still with the folk rock spirit. In fact the guitar work and the drums in some parts reminded me of Fleetwood Mac’s early Lindsey Buckingham era in the mid 70‘s. Their drummer Laura Goodacre (yes, a female) is doing a great job especially on this song.

The band’s music in general can be described as The Clash meets Blondie. “Take Me To Your Leader” is a good example of that, with Genevieve on lead vocals this time and Dyble accompanying her on background vocals. I have to admit their voices harmonize pretty good. Genevieve’s vocals have a Deborah Harry feel to them but in a more folksy tone which makes you want to listen more and more.

The B side is “Connected” with John Gillies on lead vocals and Genevieve on background vocals. This one stands alone from the first two with its new wave/trance sound, very much like a modern twist to an 80’s flashback. I encourage you go to their myspace page where you will find two more songs: “Turning Green” and “Robots” (www.myspace.com/theconspiratorsuk). You can read more about them and get the latest news on their website (the conspirators.co.uk).

They are not prog, but I wanted to write this review anyway. The Conspirators deserve attention with the fresh sound they bring to the music scene. They have great guitar riffs and vocals, the bass is in perfect harmony with the rest of the instruments (Nathan Reeve has a flawless style with a punk-rock approach except on “Connected”) and they have a really awesome female drummer.

HANDE BURDG