Coma Beach, Pork Pie & Richard Green
Lost in the Fire: A Deep Dive into 'Passion/Bliss'
'Bliss/Passion' by Coma Beach is not just an EP—it is a gripping emotional experience right from the first beat. It is the last entry in their Scapegoat Revisited series, which reworks aspects of their 1995 album, 'The Scapegoat’s Agony', and presents it with a reinterpretation of its raw sound. Themes of existential dread and harbouring unrelenting energy, as well as dark overtones, are characteristic of the EP. Each song narrates a tale of misery and conflicting emotions, all trying to find meaning in a world that appears to be cursed to endlessly repeat its errors. "Passion" sets the pace for the EP with violent emotions. The single is a result of zeroing on a very specific sound as verses from the original were removed, lending it a much sharper edge. Depressing as it may be, every single note is filled with imagery of an empty anti-hero facing the void he calls life. There is a visceral layer to the guitars; the drums bring relentless aggression, and the vocals desperately scream for help. There is no escape from the turmoil, only a plunge deeper into the chaos.
Next up is the track "Bliss". As the name suggests, one might assume the melody is soft but it is far from peaceful. If passion induces a metaphorical fight in the mind, bliss depicts the destruction that follows encompassing hopelessness and visions with a sadistic twist. The sense of melody possesses something supremely frightening, reminiscent of the pounding rhythm, bringing along distorted guitars that mirror a strong tempest. "Astray (Fallen Angel) - Radio Edit" comes next. The guitars, drums, and vocals in this track blend with the band's alternative rock influences. As a result, the rage gets elevated further, specifically during the climactic passages in the track. Following the anguished cries in the chorus, filled with profound lyrics portraying a never-ending, unattainable desire, the radio edit version undoubtedly reduces some of its impacts but allows it to flow more smoothly while still delivering the aggressive punch of a gut kick. Shifting gears, "Nothing Right – Original Version – Radio Edit", has a sailor punk vibe. The rebellious streak gives some variation to the tempo which is now rapid. Now, at one of the more straightforward parts of the EP, the bleak lyrical message screams, 'Everything is broken, and no one knows how to fix it'. The urgency in the vocals drives this home, making it one of the standout moments.
"The Final Door - Radio Edit", which was earlier incorporated into this collection, serves as the EP's ultimate track while also being a standalone piece. This track explodes with emotion and is filled with the suffering and claustrophobia from the surrounding pieces. The music is sinister, with the entire air around being heavy with tightness. This leaves listeners with more questions than answers, showcasing the true intention of Coma Beach. 'Passion/Bliss' is not only a formidable term but is strong throughout. It takes inspiration from the old works but reimagines them in a modern setting, showcasing that some feelings, such as anguish, rage, and solitude, will persist. The music is deeply rooted, almost raw. If you’re prepared to face the madness then step into Coma Beach's beautiful chaos.
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‘Golden Leaf Sheets’: A Mesmerizing Ride Through Sound and Emotion
Pork Pie’s 'Golden Leaf Sheets' are distinguishable from the garage rock, blues, and psychedelic scenes because of the vibrant energy that resonates with the band. The band’s use of trumpets and Hammond organ is nostalgic and blunts the punkish attitude of the music. Each song in the album is a narrative of its own, and here’s how: “City Lights” is the first track and immediately gives the listener powerful bass hooks and broad percussion accompanied by the retro-rock motif in the background. The song is fantastic, especially with the superb opener energy to garner the listener's attention at the start of the song. “Helplessly Waiting” creeps in with slow tempos, leaving you hypnotized and it's much more charming than the title suggests. It’s where the intended listening period of the song is eclipsed by the beauty of the song itself.
“Careful As You Go” perfectly blends roughness with toned-down sexy feels. From the sharp end of sheer emotional rawness to the depth of sensuality, the band completely hits power-goes on the spot with their superb potency. The combination of psychedelic guitar riffs with a chilling bass groove and an unsettling love for mystery make "The Raven" captivating. The single is set against moody bass lines and pulses with something deeply strange. The mixing of "I Want Everything" feels disrespectful with piercing screams and funky drumming. For this song, the volume knob should be played with. The more experimental direction of "Outta My Mind" features an aggressive, but more groove-saturated rhythm.
"Hold On Child" is deeply soulful and heartfelt. It shows the band in softer light but still retains its edge. The rhythmic driving and percussion are insane on "Into The Skies." All of the soaring melodies along with the complex instrumentation help this song to stand out the most on the album. "The Golden Leaf Sheets" is an emotionally raw yet polished beauty. This piece is the heart of the album where its themes and sounds converge. The track “Cabin Fever” serves as an epic, psychedelic explosion; it is the final passage on the journey. The layers of the sound build a clinical climax to the feel of the band’s creativity. Pork Pie demonstrates with 'Golden Leaf Sheets’ that they are not merely relying on techniques to make music. This album is a must-have for those who appreciate non-genre-specific music.
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"Wrinkles" – A Timeless Reflection on Life
The most recent single, "Wrinkles", by Richard Green, is an emotionally moving piece of art that analyzes the lapse of time and the consequences of living life. This song is a part of the larger trilogy which is intertwined with this EP, 'The Circle Closes'. Every piece of this trilogy has a connected story, making each of them important. The beauty of "Wrinkles" lies in the first note which peacefully sets a melancholic, soothing undertone that captivates the listeners. The opening of the Archimia Strings Quartet is deeply blended with Irene Veneziano's piano creating an orchestra that has a rich, immersive sound. This piece of art combines classical along with new-age music with elements taken from Ludovico Einaudi but in a more modern manner. The arrangement is refreshing, yet powerful. Each instrument is given a moment to shine, while the piece stays completely cohesive.
The philosophy behind "Wrinkles" is at once straightforward and intricate. It represents the concluding phase of life, the weariness that accompanies all the experiences life has to offer, as well as the wisdom that one gains during the process. Instead of showing aging in a pessimistic light, the song suggests that one should welcome it as the badge of honour it is. Richard Green has made his point unequivocally: every one of us ages at one point or another, but the pivotal aspect of concern is how one attains that stage; being happy and satisfied. The Elfo Studio located in Piacenza, Italy, is where the recording took place, and Green collaborated with high-level musicians for this project. The composition is made even more powerful by Irene Veneziano, a prize-winning virtuoso pianist who is emotionally and contextually sophisticated with more than 70 awards in piano competitions. Artistic excellence is further provided by the Archimia Strings Quartet, who have come to be known for their distinctive covers of Rock icons such as Pink Floyd.
As Richard Green is in the process of establishing his presence in live performances, the musicians involved in this project have already performed in some of the most important places in the world. Veneziano has sung in La Scala in Milan and the Archimia Strings Quartet has already had tours with important Italian singers. This collective experience and artistry makes "Wrinkles" more than just a song—it's already an experience. For those people who enjoy and appreciate "Wrinkles", it is for sure a song that needs to be listened to. It is a piece that tends to make you introspective; it brings out a mixture of emotions and, best of all, it surely creates an impact. Richard Green has, for once, created something primal, a song that speaks without uttering a word.
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