5.12.2012

CD Review: Geyser - Fifth

by Lydia Takemoto
May 12, 2012

Fifth
Geyser (Riad Michael)
Release Date: 09/06/2011
Label: Geyser Recordings
©2011 Geyser Recordings
It's been a long time coming, but I've finally gotten around to a review of Fifth, by Geyser (Riad Michael). Riad has been generous enough to provide me with a digital copy of the album for listening,  and so here goes!

Unlike Atmosphere, which I reviewed last year, Fifth crosses over to the ethereal side of the melodic spectrum and exhibits more of Geyser's flare for the experimental. The tracks feature less "analog" instrumentation than Atmosphere, and more synthesizer - making Fifth in many ways truer to Geyser's usual style. But comparisons aside, this album features brilliant sounds, which carry with them a touch of relaxing ("therapeutic," if you will) energy.

One particular quality of Fifth which is worth mentioning off the bat is that the best feature of album lies not in any one particular track, but rather the way in which the songs themselves are arranged. I'm not sure if they were composed deliberately to flow so well together or if they were created one-by-one and then carefully sequenced, but either way Geyser did an excellent job of developing an album that functions as a whole and exceeds the sum of its parts. The album kicks off with the dreamy "Play," and then works its way up and down akin to a story line's rise in action until "Closer" - the sixth and most obviously upbeat of the nine tracks - which is then reigned in by what can be best described as a tranquil suspense in track 7, "Apollo." From there the triumphant and joyful sounds of "Serpent" kick in, just before we get to chill out for the denouement in the final track "Chill."

In summary, if you're interested in investing in Fifth (available in digital format only, by the way), I highly recommend avoiding the temptation to download individual tracks and just go for the whole thing. It's best enjoyed in its entirety and its original order, so be sure to keep the shuffle setting on your device turned off to get the most of it.

Listen to Fifth:




Fifth is available on Amazon, iTunes, and a variety of other online distribution channels around the web.


5.02.2012

Mix Fix: Kutsurogi Lounge Vol. 4

Here's the latest in Massa's Kutsurogi Lounge mixes, Vol. 4, which focuses on female vocals. The tracklist also contains Echolocation's recent release on 10Peace, a collaborative piece with Catherine Fleming. Enjoy!
"The fourth installment in my Kutsurogi Lounge series, this particular mix is composed of 10 sexy tracks, featuring 10 sexy-voiced female vocalists."
Genre: Chillout, Lounge, Jazz, Latin, Downtempo
Featured Artists: Zuco, Lazy Hammock, Stéphane Pompougnac, Echolocation (Feat. Catherine Fleming), Nico, Hooverphonic, Suba, Dilek Taskin, Orbient, Diana Krall

4.15.2012

Mix Fix: Kutsurogi Lounge Vol. 3

Here we go again with the Kutsurogi Lounge series. This time, kick back with 55 minutes of chilled sounds from Vol. 3, which features some of Massa's stuff from the "Desert Island" era.
"It's chill time. Relax after hours with this evening down-time mix, the third in my Kutsorogi Lounge Series."
Genre: Electronica, Chillout, Easy Listening, Jazz, Lounge
Featured Artists: Ursula Rucker, Big Muff, Mokkadi, Bebel Gilberto, Quicksand, The Easy Access Orchestra Feat. Melissa Heathcote, Toao, Fertile Ground, Massa Takemoto, Nathan Haines

4.08.2012

Mix Fix: Kutsurogi Lounge Vol. 2

Welcome back for week two of Massa's selection of chilled sounds! This week we feature the 45 minutes of Vol. 2 in the Kutsurogi Lounge series, a bit more laid-back the whole way through than last week's mix. Hope you enjoy!
"Just as the title says, this is second installment of my Kutsurogi Lounge series. This cozy yet upbeat mix goes nicely with a glass of wine before a quiet at-home dinner party with close friends."
Genre: Nu-Jazz, Jazz, Lounge, Electronica, Downtempo
Featured Artists: Jeff Bennetts Lounge Experience, Zimpala Featuring Benja & Fatalis, Hardkandy, Mindel, Nicolette, Clyb Foster Featuring Sibel Köse, Max Sedgley Feat. Z Star, Echolocation, Schow, Miles Davis

4.01.2012

Mix Fix: Kutsurogi Lounge Vol. 1

It's been a while, but Mix Fix is back, this time with one hour of Massa's own selection of downtempo tunes. In fact, all this month, we'll be featuring mixes from Massa's Kutsorogi Lounge series on Mix Cloud. So keep checking back weekly for more!
"Sit back and relax with this first installment of my Kutsurogi Lounge series. Featured here is a collection of my own personal favorite chill-time music -- mixed, shaken and served on ice for your enjoyment."
Genre: Nu-Jazz, Lounge, Chillout, Downtempo, Latin
Featured Artists: Ltj Bukem, Herbie Hancock, Preta Gil, Air, Jean Honeymoon, Tilt feat. Lianne Brookson, Morphine, Portishead, St. Germain, Echolocation, Nuyorican Soul, Manu Chao, Catherine Fleming

3.16.2012

Echolocation News Digest for Spring 2012

Compiled by Lydia Takemoto

My apologies for the strange timing! Due to a busy schedule, I'll be compiling news digests quarterly rather than monthly from now on. Special News Releases will be posted for the important newsworthy stuff that pops up between digests. -Lydia

Featured topics for Spring, 2012:
  • Upcoming release "At Peace" on Peacelounge's anniversary album, 10peace
  • Recent collaboration efforts
  • European radio debut on Klassik Lounge

"At Peace" out this month on 10peace

In celebration of ten years of great music, Peacelounge will be releasing a decennial compilation, 10peace, on March 23, 2012. This 10-track album comprises nearly one hour of peace-themed tracks, including Echolocation's "At Peace," which features the soft, full-bodied voice of jazz vocalist Catherine Flemming.

10peace will be available in digital format only, and can be obtained through Amazon.de, Amazon.uk, Juno, and other major distribution channels.
 

For more details as they become available, check out Peacelounge's Facebook Page. In the meantime, check out the sounds for yourself via the stream below.





Echolocation in Collaboration with Catherine Fleming

Catherine Fleming
With the aforementioned release coming up in just a few days, Echolocation would like to pay special thanks to the talented Australian jazz singer Catherine Fleming for her wonderful contribution to "At Peace."

Catherine has been collaborating with us these past few months, and together we've pieced together some great stuff. Hopefully we'll be able to post news on more releases with this talented vocalist sometime soon, so keep your eyes (and ears) open.

Thanks Catherine!

"Frosted Glass" featured on Klassik Radio

On a final note, we're pleased to let everyone know that we've finally hit the airwaves in Europe! As of late February, "Frosted Glass" has made its way onto the playlist of Germany's lounge radio station, Klassik Lounge.

Check it out!