You have to listen to this

jackhammer · 05-05-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotjuice

You have my word

You know I have piercings, Tattoos and a skinhead? I will kick your arse boy if you lie

gotjuice · 05-05-2009, 07:27 PM

Haha, well I'll be sure to get my review up quickly then to avoid that fate

Kamikazi Kat · 05-05-2009, 10:59 PM

Alexander Tucker
Old Frog

I really had no idea what to expect going into this album. I honestly don't listen to almost any folk, let alone freak folk. Its not that I dislike the genre, from the little I've heard of it, I enjoy it, I just never really got around to getting into it. I really ended up liking this album, it has an odd, earthy feel that for some reason reminds me of backround music for a surreal and trippy movie about hobbits living in a village, don't ask why. The tracks drone on with the lush and beatiful acoustic work that somehow retains an odd, somewhat trippy feel, thanks to the vocals and sometimes dissonant-feeling instrumentation that set the overall mood of the album.

After the first few tracks, the vocals are sparsely used, returning only a few times where they smoothly join the full acoustic sound. Throughout the album, light touches of distortion (Hand of Reign), reverb (phantom ring) and other effects are used occasionally. These elements break up the drone-like nature of the album, which even on its own is done extremely well enough to keep me interested throughout the entire album. Like I said earlier, I never really listen to folk. This album showed me a side of folk I've never heard before and it really makes me want to further explore the genre.

jackhammer · 05-06-2009, 08:03 AM

My review:

Alexander Tucker - Old Fog

I like a lot of Folk music especially British, which is understandable as I can relate to the lyrics and sounds but a lot of Folk music recently has almost had one toe dipped in commercial waters and lacks authenticity.

Folk is not generally a commercial product and this why Old Fog is such a great album. It's a little rough around the edges and lacks the clean lines and catchy riffs that can sometimes be found in mainstream Folk.

The use of Piano, Banjo and Mandolins on the album coupled with eerie tape loops and effects lends Old Fog a surreal yet rewarding listen. This is not gentle folk or neccessarily harsh either. It's brooding and atmospheric and I could just imagine living in the forest with just candle light, a bottle of booze and this playing- it would probably freak you out!

If you are new to Folk or have an image of guy in a wooly jumper talking about sheep or some such shit as Folk music then give this a spin. You will be pleasantly surprised.

gotjuice · 05-06-2009, 06:31 PM

Alright well I'm nearing the end of my initial listen, and overall I enjoyed it. I can legitimately say I've never heard anything really of this particular style or genre. I'll also agree with 4ZZZ that this is definitely a mood album, but that doesn't diminish its impact or beauty.

With the constant introduction of new instruments or effects, I never really found myself bored with the album. I don't really think it fully hits its stride until the third song though, Patron Saint for Troubled Men. Up until that point I was kind of hesitant with the first two tracks, but that was the point where the album got my attention, and it never really let go after that. Phantom Rings is weird in a completely kickass way. I loved the minute and a half interlude-track Welsh Harp. The album ends with a major bang too, with the distorted Hand of Reign and the applicably titled Sung Into Your Brightening Skull.

I enjoyed the first playthrough of this one, but it definitely feels like one that will take several listens for it to finally click. At the moment though I'd give it a 7/10. The Mice Parade gets a 9/10, I'm enjoying that one a little too much I think. Looking forward to the next one.

Piss Me Off · 05-07-2009, 09:29 AM

I liked it, brilliant dark atmosphere and the guitar distortion parts were a very pleasant surprise. It's not something i'm craving to listen to again however, i suppose it's mood music. Should be a keeper though!

jackhammer · 05-07-2009, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the reviews. It seems as if Old Fog was recieved fairly well! OK here is your next one. PMO has had a taste of this so at least one review is in the bag!

Noisy, droney schizz

PM for link!

Piss Me Off · 05-07-2009, 05:45 PM

And if it gets a few more downloads by saying it, fans of MBV may like it! More abrasive and lo-fi.

gotjuice · 05-07-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piss Me Off

And if it gets a few more downloads by saying it, fans of MBV may like it! More abrasive and lo-fi.

If that's true, this really can't download fast enough.

Meph1986 · 05-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotjuice

If that's true, this really can't download fast enough.

2nd

05-06-2009, 08:03 AM	#184 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	My review: Alexander Tucker - Old Fog I like a lot of Folk music especially British, which is understandable as I can relate to the lyrics and sounds but a lot of Folk music recently has almost had one toe dipped in commercial waters and lacks authenticity. Folk is not generally a commercial product and this why Old Fog is such a great album. It's a little rough around the edges and lacks the clean lines and catchy riffs that can sometimes be found in mainstream Folk. The use of Piano, Banjo and Mandolins on the album coupled with eerie tape loops and effects lends Old Fog a surreal yet rewarding listen. This is not gentle folk or neccessarily harsh either. It's brooding and atmospheric and I could just imagine living in the forest with just candle light, a bottle of booze and this playing- it would probably freak you out! If you are new to Folk or have an image of guy in a wooly jumper talking about sheep or some such shit as Folk music then give this a spin. You will be pleasantly surprised. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

05-07-2009, 09:29 AM	#186 (permalink)
Piss Me Off Moodswings n' Roundabouts Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: At the corner of Dude and Catastrophe Posts: 4,512	I liked it, brilliant dark atmosphere and the guitar distortion parts were a very pleasant surprise. It's not something i'm craving to listen to again however, i suppose it's mood music. Should be a keeper though! __________________ Last FM Rate Yr Music Muxtape

05-07-2009, 05:40 PM	#187 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Thanks for the reviews. It seems as if Old Fog was recieved fairly well! OK here is your next one. PMO has had a taste of this so at least one review is in the bag! Noisy, droney schizz PM for link! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

05-07-2009, 05:45 PM	#188 (permalink)
Piss Me Off Moodswings n' Roundabouts Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: At the corner of Dude and Catastrophe Posts: 4,512	And if it gets a few more downloads by saying it, fans of MBV may like it! More abrasive and lo-fi. __________________ Last FM Rate Yr Music Muxtape

05-05-2009, 07:27 PM	#182 (permalink)
gotjuice Rose City til I die! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 366	Haha, well I'll be sure to get my review up quickly then to avoid that fate

05-05-2009, 10:59 PM	#183 (permalink)
Kamikazi Kat Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 329	Alexander Tucker Old Frog I really had no idea what to expect going into this album. I honestly don't listen to almost any folk, let alone freak folk. Its not that I dislike the genre, from the little I've heard of it, I enjoy it, I just never really got around to getting into it. I really ended up liking this album, it has an odd, earthy feel that for some reason reminds me of backround music for a surreal and trippy movie about hobbits living in a village, don't ask why. The tracks drone on with the lush and beatiful acoustic work that somehow retains an odd, somewhat trippy feel, thanks to the vocals and sometimes dissonant-feeling instrumentation that set the overall mood of the album. After the first few tracks, the vocals are sparsely used, returning only a few times where they smoothly join the full acoustic sound. Throughout the album, light touches of distortion (Hand of Reign), reverb (phantom ring) and other effects are used occasionally. These elements break up the drone-like nature of the album, which even on its own is done extremely well enough to keep me interested throughout the entire album. Like I said earlier, I never really listen to folk. This album showed me a side of folk I've never heard before and it really makes me want to further explore the genre.

05-06-2009, 06:31 PM	#185 (permalink)
gotjuice Rose City til I die! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 366	Alright well I'm nearing the end of my initial listen, and overall I enjoyed it. I can legitimately say I've never heard anything really of this particular style or genre. I'll also agree with 4ZZZ that this is definitely a mood album, but that doesn't diminish its impact or beauty. With the constant introduction of new instruments or effects, I never really found myself bored with the album. I don't really think it fully hits its stride until the third song though, Patron Saint for Troubled Men. Up until that point I was kind of hesitant with the first two tracks, but that was the point where the album got my attention, and it never really let go after that. Phantom Rings is weird in a completely kickass way. I loved the minute and a half interlude-track Welsh Harp. The album ends with a major bang too, with the distorted Hand of Reign and the applicably titled Sung Into Your Brightening Skull. I enjoyed the first playthrough of this one, but it definitely feels like one that will take several listens for it to finally click. At the moment though I'd give it a 7/10. The Mice Parade gets a 9/10, I'm enjoying that one a little too much I think. Looking forward to the next one.