The McKenzie FIX "Don't Feed on Me"

Here's something interesting I've come across - a new track by UK-based act "The McKenzie FIX" - we'll get to that in a second. First, though, I thought I'd remark on one of my passions as a songwriter/composer, that is, a mild obsession with period sounds (be it Ancient music, Romantic, or 1950's pop). I've always wanted to achieve a realistic sound but found it just out of my reach. 

This is why I'm somewhat jealous of "The McKenzie FIX" - here is an accurate arrangement of a more archaic sound from the aforementioned 1950's pop genre with a very robotic (yet stylish) voice singing melancholy lyrics about existence. This creates for quite the cognitive dissonance on the part of the listener and to that, I say, is the foundation of poetry. 

INADRM "Down, Down, Down"

Some of you may remember Phoenix, AZ-based INADRM from several blogs ago. Now, they're out with a new track for the new year titled "Down, Down, Down" - a slow and lo-fi number that bridges the sizable gap between electronic pop and Avant-Garde sound design to a remarkable pleasing effect. 

"Down, Down, Down" starts off with a Stockhausen/Varese-esque menagerie of sounds before settling into a really sweet groove which accompanies female speech. The guitar/bass and synth is very pretty and pleasing - plus the time FX make for a very psychedelic experience. 

I think what I like most about INADRM is that it is experimental without sacrificing aesthetics. It's like the more esoteric nature is a seasoning to an otherwise tasty meal. At least that is how I hear it. 

Hinkfuss "In the Middle"

I think most readers understand that what makes this blog work is the search for the original. Sometimes it's comical, sometimes eclectic, often unrefined (in the best possible way), but always new and virtually always passionate. In that lineup, we have Hinkfuss, a gifted singer/songwriter who fits squarely in that dream pop/shoegaze genre (if you're a fan of early/middle Cure, His Name is Alive, etc, you should feel right at home here). 

"In the Middle is replete with shimmering thick chords and throbbing bass parts accompanying pulsating drums - Hinkfuss's voice is somewhat chant-like while conveying a sense of melancholy sensitivity and the composition itself is meditative. Overall, it's a beautiful sound, not to mention the music video which splashes colors on the screen giving the atmosphere a retro look. It's a sweet sound for sweet visuals.