LATEST REVIEWS
Nixon Tyme reveals his powerful new album, "How We Love The Sea"
Fred Bambridge at It's All Indie, on November 28, 2024
HOW WE LOVE THE SEA REVIEWS
How We Love The Sea – Nixon Tyme (reviewed by Dave Franklin)
Dancing about Architecture 12/11/24
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Nixon Tyme is a mercurial figure in modern music. Part music maker, part literary character, and with no discernable or direct social media presence, he exists solely on album and within the pages of “The Ballade of Nixon Tyme.” He also exists between genres—one foot in the folk world, the other in a more considered, classically infused place, a combination that you might call Folk Elégant.
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It is also between the singer-songwriter realm and full band sound that he makes his music. Yes, Nixon Tyme is a liminal character, a wanderer between worlds, stepping lightly along demarcations, gently hopping over borders, and hiding in plain sight on the periphery.
And so, with nothing solid to say about him, it is to the music that you must turn for answers. (Or perhaps more questions.)
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If “Dirt and Dust” is a slightly upbeat, lilting yet poetic piece that kicks the album off, it is “Inside These Walls,” which follows, that really grabs my attention, not least for its vintage Bowie-esque sounds and understated ways. “The Girl Without a Clue” is a beautiful slice of indie-pop that seems to shift and evolve before your ears, blending tones and textures as it moves – cascading piano, twin vocal sounds, spoken word, chiming guitar, neo-classical grace, and pop groove. “Single-Handed Crossing” feels reminiscent of Lou Reed’s more mainstream moments.
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Okay, I have dropped a couple of names, a couple of big names at that, but I’m not suggesting for one moment that How We Love The Sea is anything but original. Perhaps the point here is that I had to reach so far back and so far out for suitable points of sonic reference that speaks volumes.
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It’s great to find a songwriter (for want of a better term) who uses the piano as the central instrument, particularly in this age when most artists are still hacking away at guitars or turning to the cold calculations of the digital world.
It’s a unique album, a great album, and perhaps, even an important album.
The Exquisite Melodies of Nixon Tyme's Album How We Love The Sea
Black Fruit 15/11/24
An intriguing artist from Rennes, France, invites music lovers to dive into the soothing soundscapes of his album. This captivating record takes listeners on an emotional journey filled with the rich textures of the piano. The music is not just a collection of songs; it is an experience that engages the heart and mind.
The album embodies a serene shoreline, where gentle piano waves create an atmosphere that feels both refreshing and peaceful. Despite this artists absence from digital spaces, his music communicates profoundly, unlocking emotional connections through melodies that leave a lasting impression.
"How We Love The Sea" beautifully illustrates the waves of life, from the gentle caress of water on the shore to the turbulent tides of love and loss. The opening track serves as a perfect introduction; its enchanting motifs set the mood for the entire album. Each note feels intentional, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound that pulls listeners into a world of its own .
Listeners may find themselves absorbed in the vivid imagery within the lyrics, where every song feels like a postcard from a cherished destination. For instance, the track “Waiting For You” uses soft melodies to depict a heartfelt emotion, while other tracks capture the intensity of heartbreak with dynamic shifts in musicality. The blend of folk and pop elements offers a refreshing take, ensuring this album captures attention in today’s diverse music landscape.
The richness of Nixon Tyme’s lyrical storytelling is one of the album's standout features. Each track explores personal tales that many listeners can relate to, tapping into themes of longing and connection. The recurrent feelings of yearning are expressed through soft yet powerful melodies.
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Nixon reflects on missed opportunities, with lines highlighting both nostalgia and hope. Folk fans will appreciate the heartfelt authenticity found in the lyrics. Meanwhile, pop enthusiasts will be drawn to catchy hooks where the choruses invite sing-alongs, ensuring the music lingers in your mind long after it ends.
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If you're looking to escape into an auditory paradise, listening to "How We Love The Sea" is essential. Taking the time to relax, close your eyes, and let the soothing arrangements envelop you can be transformative. Each track captures a fleeting moment, offering comfort and introspection.
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The overall arrangement throughout the album feels like a warm embrace, inviting listeners to pause and appreciate music’s beauty. In our rush-filled lives, this record stands as a gentle reminder of the healing power of art.
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This album is a beautifully crafted musical masterpiece that deserves a place in your collection. Though the artist remains elusive beyond his records, the timeless qualities of his sound and the depth of his lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.
Immerse yourself in his world, and allow the waves of melody and storytelling to guide you toward introspection and joy. Whether you're a devoted fan or a newcomer, this album promises an unforgettable musical experience that will echo in your heart for years to come.
ALL THE KING'S HORSES REVIEWS
Will Munn September 25th 2005
Dogkennel Hill-All The King’s Horses
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At the moment it’s taking a little while for me to catch up on all the CDs I’ve been sent, I like to listen to a CD a few times before I sit down in front of the computer. Every time I’ve sat down to review this album I’ve found myself sitting back and just listening to the dark tales. Now I have to be honest I was a little oblivious to Dogkennel Hill before receiving this release, but after a little bit of research I’ve been left a little shell shocked, you see it turns out that Dogkennel Hill were formed by a couple of former members of rockers The Quireboys (and if you don’t know them, then shame on you), only this sounds nothing like that band whatsoever.
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All The King’s Horses is the groups second album, which has taken three years since the first, due to various touring commitments and a line-up change but (even thought I’ve not heard the first, but will certainly be tracking it down) this has been well worth the wait.
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Dogkennel Hill lurk where alternative country, rock and film noir meet, a dark sinister landscape that’s populated by the likes of Nick Cave and Johnny Dowd. The opening number Little Matters sets the tone, it’s a slow brooding number that equally menaces and entrances the listener, the instrumentation is sombre and the vocals a dark croon. Broad Church is a little more of a rocker but you can hardly call it upbeat as the band weave an intoxicating spell. Drink is perhaps the darkest ode to drinking ever known to man, violin, keyboards and haunting backing vocals provide the stark sound whilst frontman Tim Bewlay provides the blackened croon.
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Heavy Metal Lover is certainly a great deal rockier than anything that’s preceded it, in contrast it moves along at a decent pace and yet the ominous keyboards still provide that sinister edge, whilst the vocals bring to mind that of Iggy Pop (Avenue B circa). Miracle does offer up a little salvation and hope, the music is less sparse, a combination of pedal steel, piano and superb siren like backing vocals prove to be an enthralling and even uplifting mix. Judas offers up a new twist to the Dogkennel Hill sound with added refrained electronic beats joining the mix that along with the vocals give the song something of a Bowie tinge, it’s a fantastic brooding number that’s full of emotion and heart. Each time I’ve listened to All The King’s Horses I’ve enjoyed it more, it’s a superb dark, aching album from start to finish that I can’t recommend enough.
TIME OUT LONDON
After three years in the making, Dogkennel Hill finally release their follow up album to the acclaimed first CD, Sweethearts of the Rodeo. All the King's Horses is described as 'Iggy Pop meets Nick Cave in a film noir setting' and is due for release in September 2005.
This is a dark CD of retro sounding country and blues rock which creates a somber mood. The front half of this album has by far the stronger songs where Dogkennel Hill rely heavily on a melodic blend of vibrato and reverb on guitar, electric piano and keyboards and haunting string accompaniments. Singer songwriter Tim Bewlay adds the melancholy vocals which complete the lonely feeling throughout, ex Quireboys guitarist Guy Bailey has now parted company and moved on to other projects.
In my opinion this is a great mood filled CD that you would want to put on and listen to alone with a bottle of red wine if tranquility and relaxation is what your after, you're feeling a bit down and just want to stay that way deliberately.
Highlight songs are Drink, a number which starts off slow and empty and crescendos in a creeping Wurlitzer-esque finale, Little Matters which has a very distinct Dark Side of the Moon feel to it and Broad Church which is one of the more 'up beat' numbers on the album.
For those who enjoyed the first album and fans of Nick Cave, Dylan, Lou Reed and the Doors, All the King's Horses will not disappoint although it is a lot darker than the previous CD. The release will coincide with some live dates and low key acoustic gigs. Samples of All the King's Horses can be previewed on the band's website and are well worth checking out.
KEVIN MATHEWS PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
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20 September 2005
More proof that the '80s weren’t as bad as we first thought – as Dogkennel Hill features erstwhile members of The Quireboys and Flesh For Lulu. Based on the evidence on this, its sophomore effort, Dogkennel Hill parlays the influences of Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Echo & the Bunnymen, and David Bowie (natch!) into a compelling brew that can only be adequately described as country-goth-blues. Good stuff.