Ashley Reaks - The Earth Swan Sings Again
by Lisa Torem
published: 10 / 12 / 2018
Label:
Ashley Reaks
Format: CD
intro
Imaginative latest album from Harrogate-based experimental musician Ashley Reaks which is a great culmination of uncompromised talent
There have been a couple of collaborations between Ashley Reaks and spoken word poet Joe Hakim over the years, namely 2014/2015’s ‘Cultural Thrift’ and this year’s ‘The Science of Discontent,’ which prepare Reaks' fans for ‘The Earth Swan Sings Again,’ his latest harvest. In the later project, there’s a song entitled ‘The Customer is Always Wrong’ but I dare say, the discerning customer is always right. Some might say that Reaks is an acquired taste, as he definitely goes out-of-the box at times, but this customer looks forward to his outlandish trips. ‘The Earth Swan Sings Again’ draws the listener in immediately with the stark cover of a lonesome bird. Once one tears off the shrink wrap, however, nature, isolation, spirituality and angst really smack you in the teeth. The nine tracks cover a myriad of deep emotions. Throughout, the vocals are translucent and haunting. Maria Jardardotir only appears on ‘The Embers of Tomorrow,’ whereas we could rely on her lovely musing more in the past, but there are plenty of other novelties here which will distract us from that sadness. The title song is like a Bulgarian folk dance on steroids. Joel Purnell’s stepwise sax solo oozes sensuality and his nuances also hit the spot. Olly Mike’s rabid beats are hopeful serum for the dying. Ashley’s bass is as virile as expected. ‘Her Body Convulsed’ begins with a tear-drop pastoral intro. which jettisons in to a slick beatnik groove. Purnell’s steamy horn fills the head with floating, cumulus clouds. ‘Inside the Shimmering Agony’ proves that Ashley Reaks is a truly underrated bassist. You will love the patter: "She smiles in silence/I’ve got to get out of the basement.” Nick Dunne’s devilish guitar is just outrageous. ‘She Stretches Open (Like a Parasite’s Echo)' has one bad-ass intro. Images like, “skinny dipping in the afternoon” follow suit. Soon the party is over: “She’s like a curse to me.” ‘Blackness Closed Against the Summertime’ is a complete contrast. If a Marrakesh souk could speak, it would sound like this, a scintillating cacophony, a call to prayer… ‘Sunflowers Wilting’ finds Reaks engaging in another blistering bassline, heightened here by Olly Mike’s swell vibes and delightful beats. Love the fugue-like structure and Nick Dunne’s lounge comps. ‘I Stroked Her Like a Leper’ is probably my favourite. I was swept afield by the call and response of the flirtatious instrumentals, Dunne’s trippy solo, and the beautifully expressive lyrics. The closer ‘Today Hurts More than Mercy’ has some killer images too: "mosquitos clinging to the lights," for one. This track also underscores some of Dunne’s best ideas. ‘The Earth Swan Sings Again’ is a dynamic culmination of fresh ideas turned sideways. Something here for everyone, and even more for the slightly intrepid.
Track Listing:-
1 Inside Her Shimmering Agony2 She Stretches Open (Like a Parasite's Echo)
3 I Stroked Her Like a Leper
4 The Earth Swan Sings Again
5 Her Body Convulsed
6 Blackness Closed Against the Summertime
7 The Embers of Tomorrow
8 Sunflowers Wilting
9 Today Hurts More Than Mercy
Band Links:-
http://www.ashleyreaks.com/https://twitter.com/ashleyreaks
http://ashleyreaks.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ashleyreaksart
https://ashleyreaks.bigcartel.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/ash231266
interviews |
Interview (2023) |
Harrogate multi-talent Ashley Reaks just released ‘Winter Crawls,’ which includes a host of well-known guests, superb imagery and one-off instrumental work. He updates Lisa Torem with the back stories. |
Interview (2018) |
Interview (2010) |
Interview (2009) |
soundcloud
reviews |
Before Koresh (2015) |
For his seventh album, London-based collage artist/guitarist/singer Ashley Reaks, with old and new friends, examines the seamy side of urban life through riveting story lines and a barrage of instruments |
Compassion Fatigue (1-8) (2014) |
Power Failure (2013) |
Here's to the Good Life (2010) |
Melancholia (2009) |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Kula Shaker - Natural MagickLewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for Bread
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart