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Nim-FM 102.3, with the invaluable assistance and guidance of Mr Martin Preedy, has assembled and released for your listening pleasure, the second volume of Hand Picked Home Grown. This album is another example of just how deep the talent pool here in Nimbin is. The only part of the local talent pool not represented on this new album are the non-swimmers, although they do get mentioned in a song or two. The album opens with a track lifted straight from Kaliba's album “Stormriders”. Trials of Fire is a track worth exploring, the metaphors are strong, the rhythms electronic. Matt Melel is a musical story teller of note and does well describing his world in this track. The second track on the album, while titled “A Little Less
Beautiful”, is anything but that. Hannah Pearl has a voice that has been
dipped in honey. This song features some minimalist drumming from Jaoquin
Gimenez, filling perfectly the spaces that ought be filled without
overwhelming the striking rhythmic guitar of Hannah. Ably backed by
Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemone on violin and Alfonso Jiminez on bass, a track
from the deep end. Track 3 is from Manifest, with David Hyett on vocals doing
his punk rock thing so perfectly. Street Scene is a dark view of life from
Bringabong's window, out onto Cullen Street. A tight sound with a heavy
emphasis on attitude, best played loud. Diana Aniad gives us track 4, her unique fem-rock power-folk
flavour shines as a beacon for the success that awaits the other talent on
this album. From the album “Live at the Bush Theatre”, Flowers expresses
her dissatisfaction with certain relationships. Thought provoking
stuff. Choral Spawn brings “Wayne's Mum” to the collection for
track 5. Tim Tonkin on drums drives this song, guitar and bass by Doug
Johnston. It's catchy, another well expressed musical postcard of life in
Nimbin... Waaaaayne's Mum... Essie Thomas brings her “Silly Little Friend” from the album
“Live at the Nimbin Markets” to the collection. As a solo artist, Essie
has a powerful style reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge at her peak. A stand
out track also available for download from JJJ Unearthed. The Pagan Love Cult shared “The Rising of the Fall” as their
contribution to this community snapshot. Neil Pike, Pete Pix and Nina Rae
seem to generate a lot of music for one song. Esoteric layering and
lyrical depth, this is more sound than three people should be able to
make. Don't Take The Music Away is Vic Florey's contribution, in
combination with Davy Hill on guitar and David Basten on bass. This track
has a melancholy feel, a sense of impending loss, fear and genuine pain.
Definitely music for a lonely and rainy night. ImanDan bring Jah to the album with their local reggae
classic, “Heart Head and Hands”. From the album One Drop, this track is a
call to freedom, to unity and features some simple yet intriguing, deeply
tonal guitar riffs worthy of note. Gabi Bliss expresses fully her desire to Shine on track 10.
The song unfolds over some simple and melodic piano, Gabi's pleading
lyrics draw your mind into places of introspection. Maxx Maxted fronts Blue Mango for track 11. The song
Impromptu also features Burri and Dave, and sounds as though it was
written for the big band era. The swing feel expands its impression of
days gone by. Renee English encourages us to “Lay Down” in her acoustic
folk song. The relaxing feel of this tune is like a home coming, Renee's
soothing sound is like yoga in music form. “Hard Road to Hoe” from Rob Bruce's album “The Somnambulist”
is a great country tune, opening with a violin solo from Lye Wood. Michael
Fairly's perfect timing on acoustic guitar is a prominent feature of this
song. The “Grotty Girl Song” from Rancid Candy is a great combined
effort from local ladies Mim Handley and Peppa Rose. Hard to fit this one
into a particular genre, with a vocal track so visually descriptive, it
defies you to pigeon hole it. The Lunatic Hill Mob bring us “Don't Knock the Bin” for
track 15, a fair comment on the opinions of Nimbin which so often pass for
fact in media circles. Jeremy Pierce and Chigani King describe the jaw
dropping look on the faces of judgemental tourists arriving here for the
first time so very well. Notable and consistent drumming by Brett Bradley,
smooth bass from Tony Baron fills the sound of the Lunatic Hill
Mob. Mr Widershins' song “I Let Go” is a solo effort from
musician Rod Davis, and encompasses some great life advice. Multiple
layers of sound, enhanced by his technical prowess provide perhaps my
favourite song on the album. Robyn Francis takes us on an electronic journey to the
“Space Between The Stars” from her album Dancing in the Windstream. Synth
driven, gentle rhythms, relaxing back ground tune. Maiden Mother and Crone is a song from Nimbin Market
regulars Healing Earth. It is the story of woman, told succinctly with
harp, recorder and a drum. The vocal harmonies on this track are able to
whisk one away, but the relevance of the lyrics doesn't allow you to waft
too far. Folk music at its finest. Bo Kaan brings us the last track on the album with his
disparaging views on the effects of television on our society. A lot to
say on this topic he has. Musically his style is unique on the album,
heavier than the rest, good use of syncopation, sampling and vocal
effects. A well presented snapshot of musical talent, with art by
Benny Zable and photography by Thorsten Jones, this album would make a
great gift for anybody with an interest in Nimbin. Review by Peace Freeborn |
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