Nickie’s Niches 13 – January 2023

Artist Song Time Album Year Mediaeval Baebes Carol of the Bells 3:09 Mydwynter 2022 QRN BROKEN ANIMALS 5:25 NORDIQUE 2022 Akroasis Zephyros Suite 20:10 Zephyros 2022 Antimatter No Contact 5:16 A Profusion of Thought 2022 Siiilk Eemynor, Pt. 1 5:39 Eemynor 2022 Eric J. Confer Find Your Way II 5:31 The Kitchen Sink 2022 Magenta Part 1, Sacrifice 22:12 The White Witch: A Symphonic Trilogy 2022 Jambinai Until My Wings Turn To Ashes 9:08 Apparition 2022 MydWynter by Mediæval Bæbes favorite track Carol of the Bells I usually avoid Christmas music like the plague. Unless it comes all wrapped up like this. In typical Mediæval Bæbes’ style, they create a gorgeous atmosphere of antiquity with these songs. There is a pagan sensuality to the vocals, bolstered by the myriad of period instruments such as harps, recorders, viola da gamba, bombarde, cittern, hurdy gurdy, pipes, hand percussion, and various soft horns. With the winter season in mind, they are rich and warm, and truly enjoyable any time of year. NORDIQUE by QRN favorite track BROKEN ANIMALS Seattle area multi-instrumentalist and composer Peter Tutak returns with a synth-heavy instrumental release. This time, he incorporates a bit more jazz and world music into the mix, but still looks to classical composers for inspiration. He creatively uses a theremin-like patch to produce what would be the vocal lines of several of the pieces. I would love to hear these with a singer, as the lyrics are thoughtful and suit the music. A satisfying sophomore release. Zephyros by Akroasis favorite track Zephyros Suite There is not any information I can find about this Italian symphonic progressive rock act, but at least the musicianship speaks volumes. The release opens with a sweeping 20 minute suite, starting with solo piano and moves on with lush strings and flutes. Other instrumentation include drums and acoustic and electric guitars and bass. The melodies are captivating and complex, the electric guitar proving the “rock” point to the music when it appears. There are also nods to world music and jazz. A Profusion of Thought by Antimatter favorite track No Contact