Lello

 The first group that comes to mind when listening to these July Skies is precisely [The Durutti Column], but it’s an impression that fades as the tracks continue to flow.

 An ethereal, sweet album that could, for certain sounds, belong to the ECM catalog, well-arranged and with great atmosphere.

July Skies' album The English Cold is a deeply atmospheric work evoking English rural landscapes with sweet, flowing guitar chords and subtle electronics. The album draws comparisons to The Durutti Column and the Cocteau Twins but stands on its own with nostalgic and emotional tones. Dedicated to WWII aviators, it offers ethereal melodies and beautifully crafted arrangements. Antony Harding's voice and compositions create a unique, immersive experience that honors both place and history. Discover the haunting beauty of July Skies' The English Cold—immerse yourself in its serene guitar landscapes and nostalgic moods.

 Nergaard certainly manages to melt the ice surrounding her, and gives us very warm moments.

 Her voice is high and with a distinctive tone, more akin to a pop diva than to these sacred monsters.

Silje Nergaard’s 'Port of Call' offers a warm and sophisticated blend of jazz and pop, featuring classic standards and well-crafted originals. Accompanied by an excellent trio and guests, her distinctive high voice stands out in jazz interpretations. The album skillfully melts the icy distance of Scandinavian jazz with inviting performances. Live festival appearances further showcase her professionalism. Listen to Silje Nergaard's Port of Call and experience her warm, sophisticated jazz-pop blend today!

 Songs that caress the palate without a penetrating chorus, truly beautiful.

 The bad thoughts of the title don’t actually come, or at least they didn’t come to me.

The Montgolfier Brothers’ album All My Bad Thoughts features gentle, piano and guitar-driven tracks that evoke sweet memories rather than anger. Unlike their earlier pop-oriented album Seventeen Stars, this work embraces calmness with long, soothing compositions. The album flows quietly without fades or closing chords, creating a tranquil listening experience. Fans of subtle, elegant indie pop will appreciate this refined and relaxing record. Listen to The Montgolfier Brothers' All My Bad Thoughts and experience serene, elegant indie pop like never before.

 A record that is truly a 'journey' to a very white and remote place, it doesn’t thrill, it transports.

 When the 'strings' become softly obsessive you really can’t distinguish the two sounds anymore, and these are probably the 'highest' moments of the entire album.

Lau Nau's Kuutartha is a captivating Nordic folk album characterized by minimal electronic touches and haunting vocals. The music transports listeners to a cold, remote landscape, offering an intimate, solitary listening experience. The interplay between string instruments and voice creates a beautiful tension and dissonance. This unique folk record stands out for its poetic and atmospheric qualities, showcasing the rich cultural moment of Scandinavian music. Explore Lau Nau’s Kuutartha for a mesmerizing Nordic folk journey unlike any other!

 Rarefied atmospheres, piano, faint and anguished voice.

 Highly recommended for those nice and unfortunately rare cold afternoons spent under the covers.

Idaho’s album The Lone Gunman offers rarefied and melancholic soundscapes led by Jeff Martin’s anguished voice. The minimalist instrumentation, dominated by piano and subtle electronics, creates a haunting listening experience. Short tracks carry deep emotional weight, ideal for solitary, reflective moments. The album contrasts with desert-inspired imagery yet evokes a cold, introspective mood similar to Red House Painters and Codeine. Dive into Idaho's haunting melodies and experience The Lone Gunman’s emotional depths today.

 This record kills me and delights me, for more than twenty years.

 From the first guitar notes you understand you’re about to listen to a masterpiece.

Ben Watt's North Marine Drive is a deeply emotional and beautifully cold folk album that has stood the test of time for over twenty years. Its delicate guitar work and sparse arrangements create a haunting and intimate atmosphere. The album evokes feelings of sadness and beauty simultaneously, with standout tracks that convey themes of loss, warmth, and reflection. The presence of Robert Wyatt adds subtle depth without overwhelming the record. North Marine Drive prefigures the later success of Everything But The Girl, capturing a unique musical moment. Dive into Ben Watt's North Marine Drive and experience a timeless, beautifully cold folk masterpiece today.

 "Never a misplaced chord, never a predictable melody line, everything is very beautiful."

 "These tracks lifted my spirits considerably, a little smile appeared on my face and with my eyes closed I continued until my station."

Spearmint's 2001 album 'A Different Lifetime' delivers flawless pop melodies reminiscent of 80s icons like Prefab Sprout and XTC. The review highlights the album's beauty, originality, and uplifting quality during tough moments. The music carries a subtle atmosphere with influences from Ben Watt, making it a high-quality, enjoyable listening experience. This third album by the London-based band is praised as a dependable companion rather than groundbreaking, yet full of charm and emotion. Listen to Spearmint’s 'A Different Lifetime' for a beautifully crafted pop experience that lifts your spirits with every track.

 Garbarek uses the saxophone as if it were simply the fifth voice, he doesn’t dominate, he doesn’t accompany, he participates.

 In small doses, it’s a masterpiece.

This review recounts a live concert by Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble in Bari during the 'Voices of the Soul' festival. Initially reserved, the performance grew more captivating as Garbarek’s saxophone blended seamlessly with the vocal ensemble’s chants. The church setting contributed significantly to the atmosphere, enhancing the experience. The reviewer left satisfied and found renewed appreciation for their album Officium. Discover the unique blend of saxophone and vocal harmonies—listen to Jan Garbarek & the Hilliard Ensemble’s live magic from Bari now!

 Elegance, style, sophistication, and above all, a lot of study—these are the things that come out when listening to this album.

 One breathes, as now seems inevitable in French productions, a Serge Gainsbourg atmosphere, which I believe is the primary reference even for this artist.

Bertrand Burgalat's Portrait-Robot album is a refined blend of elegance, style, and musical sophistication. The French and English songs carry a sweetly melancholic tone with rich, complex melodic sequences. Influences from Serge Gainsbourg and 60s rock are prominent, creating an engaging listening experience. The album's 19 tracks flow beautifully with standout songs like 'Je Suis Seul dans Ma Chanson' and 'Another World Gone By'. Burgalat's songwriting showcases both genius and uniqueness. Dive into Bertrand Burgalat’s Portrait-Robot and experience an elegant fusion of French charm and rich, melodic complexity.

 A magical atmosphere that seems stolen from Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances yet is less attuned and harmonic.

 An enjoyable album that doesn’t aspire to become a masterpiece.

Jeremy Barnes' project A Hawk And A Hacksaw offers an eclectic folk album with strong Balkan influences. The music features accordion, winds, strings, and piano, creating a magical but subtle atmosphere that alludes to Eastern European traditions without fully embracing them. Some tracks deviate into Celtic and nursery rhyme styles, adding variety. Overall, 'Darkness at Noon' is enjoyable but does not seek to be a masterpiece. Listen to 'Darkness at Noon' and immerse yourself in unique Balkan folk-inspired sounds now!