By Keith Walsh
There’s holiday blessings galore in this mix of sweet songs, with mostly inspiring messages.
Pull Of Autumn “Live Today”
Featuring Once Grace Forever, “Live Today” is a lovely, dreamlike tune that immediately put me in a good mood. Pull Of Autumn, from the Eastern U.S., and Once Grace Forever, from Japan, combine their talents in a blissful synergistic mix. It’s a preview of the upcoming Beautiful Broken World album, due out Dec. 9.
RBM Records Dot Com
RBM Records On Facebook
Hem Netjer “Elemental Cry”
This epic pop/classical hybrid has Game Of Thrones vibes, with orchestral strings, pounding drums and inspiring lyrics. Featuring the synth wizardry of David Deckard, the lovely soprano of Raven Rissy, and the unusual sound of throat singing by Jesse Ellytt, “Elemental Cry” is from the upcoming debut album The Song Of Trees. The mix of traditional folk instruments and electronics is nothing short of enchanting. The band name is from the Ancient Egyptian language, and means “A God’s Servant.” All of that mystique is found in the stirring vibes of this awesome trio. Hem Netjer are located in Vancouver, Canada.
Hem Netjer Dot Band
Hem Netjer On Instagram
Hem Netjer On Facebook
Julian Shah-Tayler “Kintsugi”
A song about the ancient art of repairing broken pottery with gold presents the perfect metaphor for emotional healing. “Kintsugi” features Shah-Tayler’s instrumental and studio prowess, and that lovely baritone. It’s from his brilliant new album, Elysium.
Julian Shah-Tayler Dot Com
Julian Shah-Tayler LinkTree
The Bleak Assembly “Wash It Away”
Assembled with smart pop song sensibilities and a vocal similar to Terri Nunn of Berlin, “Wash It Away” is from the EP We Become Strangers by this duo of Kimberly Kornmeier (Bow Ever Down) and Michael Smith (Fiction8). The atmosphere of this darkly melodic song is built on guitars, drums and those plaintive vocals.
The Bleak Assembly On Bandcamp
The Bleak Assembly On Instagram
The Bleak Assembly On Facebook
Stariana “Paradise Is Lost On You”
This catchy post-punk anthem fights the stigma suffered by outsiders with a catchy guitar hook and passionate vocals. Info on the band is scarce at the present moment, but Stariana is a duo featuring Nikki Brackett and Victor St. Petersburg. For a song that condemns hatred, “Paradise Is Lost On You” is relatively upbeat.
Stariana Dot Com
Stariana On Instagram
Stariana On Facebook
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