- @TwoDaff
Tiger EP - Art Block
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Art Block is a multi-instrumentalist alt-folk singer-songwriter from East London, England. In 2019 Art released a debut acoustic album, 'Accoustic Sessions' a collection of songs recorded in a day at The Premises studio in Hackney and mastered by the legendary Pete Maher (U2 Pixies Jack White Newton Faulkner). Art teamed up with Ian Barter (Paloma Faith, Amy Winehouse) in 2021 culminating in the release of his self-titled ‘Art Block Extended Play’ which received extensive airplay and reviews.
Last year saw the release of his unique transparent violet vinyl of 'The Basement EP'. The previous ‘The Basement EP’ was curated by the sound archives of the British Library and featured on Amazing Radio, international podcasts and music blogs. Various remastered songs were also released with the aid of Dolby.
Now in 2023, Art has released a new album ‘Stones and Fire' featuring 10 unique songs. Alongside this he has just released a new EP ‘Tiger’, recorded in Mile End and produced by William Robertson. It’s a collection of stories, emotions and feelings portrayed in music, with expressive lyrics and vocals backed with an array of skilled musicianship and song writing.
Lyrics flutter amidst the lush soundscape
‘Tiger’ Atmospheric right from the start, a blend of samples gives an almost eastern feel and create a backdrop for a melodic guitar and a truly fantastic vocal. Its ethereal, almost dreamlike. Lyrics flutter amidst the lush soundscape. The track builds to a crescendo, rich in texture with biting lyrics “A silence that kills, Insatiable rips my tongue, A tiger has ripped my lungs” This is a great opener.
Lyrics guide you through the streets
‘Vilnius’ Vilnius, where Art spent a year as a volunteer following the independence of Lithuania from the Soviet Union. This track tells of the sights and experiences found there. I find it has a slight melancholy feel, yet it tells a story and is delivered with high emotion. Vilnius, for me is a highly visual track, you feel transported there, the instrumental provides the mode of transport whilst the lyrics guide you through the streets. A beautiful song and showcases his undeniable talent for emphatic song writing and creativity
Another cinematic experience delivered in music
‘White Horses Alt Version’ takes a different turn to the previous tracks, more poppy, snappy drum beats and melodic pianos intertwine with guitars and are overlaid with a silky-smooth vocal. Again, its almost dreamlike, you find yourself getting lost within the track, absorbing the sounds and feelings emitted by the wonderful vocal and lyrics. Rich in texture and colour its another cinematic experience delivered in music.
Hauntingly beautiful
‘New Dawn’ featuring drumming by Raphael Bouchara is a stirring, highly emotive ballad. A change in vocal effect creates an evocative tone against a canvas of piano and resonating drums, creating a steady yet gentle beat allowing the vocal to shine through. This reminds me of Richard Ashcroft’s ‘On a Beach’. Its hauntingly beautiful and my favourite track.
I have said before many times that the great thing about writing reviews is you are often introduced to Artists and genres that are completely new to you. Its always a buzz when you find something new and that you find really appealing. Art Block is no exception for me. This EP is my first introduction to Art Blocks work and I have to say it’s very impressive.
A real sense of place within the music
Songs are portrayed in a way that allows you to feel the emotion, you get a real sense of place within the music. The musicianship is just fantastic giving him another medium to portray the message, the story. Each track takes a different turn offering variety yet the underlying theme remains…powerful emotion and this is delivered with high levels of dexterity and ingenuity. I thoroughly recommend giving this EP a listen, soak it in and enjoy.
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