“Lord, here comes the flood
We'll say goodbye to flesh and blood
If again the seas are silent, in any still alive
It'll be those who gave their island to survive
Drink up, dreamers, you're running dry”
(Peter Gabriel, ‘Here Comes The Flood’)
Back in 1977, Peter Gabriel came up with these lyrics for the closing track of his first of the three eponymous albums he recorded. Maybe there were floods back then, maybe he was inspired by those, or maybe he was inspired by something completely different.
No matter, in these times when ecological disasters follow each other in quick succession Gabriel’s lyrics in their most direct interpretation ring close to home. Or, better said, right in front of our doors.
So what with music in such times? Should it reflect the times warn us of the messes we made or keep on making, or should they detract us, make us clear our mind, and search for solutions? Most probably, the answer is both, and hopefully, this week’s selection of fresh releases reflects both.
Orion Walsh - Hurricane Hanna
It can’t get more direct than this track from Nebraska singer/songwriter Orion Walsh. Walsh is obviously the storyteller kind, and he certainly does it well. And here he has a story to tell, because it may not beat the name Hanna, but could be close to our homes sooner than we think.
Opus Orange - Breaking Mirrors
This one is masterminded by film/television composer Paul Bessenbacher and comes from Opus Orange’s forthcoming album ‘Object Lessons.’ Actually, it is an object lesson in how to craft a complex but extremely listenable pop. With nature as the background to boot.
Aristidir - Meanderings
The Icelandic band Aristidir was obviously inspired by their trip to Nashville here, but it is still much more than a country pastiche with its brilliant harmonies and a bit of a complicated storyline. Works a charm.
A Great Pile of Leaves - Beat Up Shoes
A Great Pile of Leaves are actually building their sound out of a great pile of all the good elements accumulated since the term alternative rock was coined. This time around they pick up on Chicago’s Sea and Cake and Yo La Tengo, with The Replacements latter-day phase thrown in for good measure.
Mathew Fowler - I’m Still Trying
Maybe with the title of this song, Fowler is referring to the fact that this is his first new release in seven years, but with it, he shows why he toured with the likes of Angel Olsen and Damien Jurado. Great outdoors visuals too.
Ghost Woman - Demons
Evan Uschenko, aka Ghost Woman calls this one Demons. He took the inspiration from an Apache text referring to the volcanic Superstition Mountains, rumored to conceal a portal into hell. And whatever demons he’s talking about, this old-school garage rocker might just be a good starting point to exorcise our own.