Memory Flashes - Anison

The pile of CDs waiting for review has been growing lately, I admit it has started to get out of control and the bigger it gets, the more daunting it becomes. I have dipped into it over the last few days, trying to find those that jump out at me, the ‘easy win’ as I call them; something that inspires me to prattle on for a few hundred words.

Enter Ansion, the CD has been in and out of the CD tray a few times lately, with each play it gradually sinks in a bit more each time. They have seemingly been quietly going about their business, releasing a stream of singles, each one gathering them a little more momentum and attention. With the release of their debut album ‘Memory Flashes’ this brings together a number of those tunes such as ‘Sail Back To Sleep’, ‘The Colour Red’ and the upcoming ‘Fluidity’.

Recalling the likes of Bloc Party and even shades of dare I say, Marion, Anison are aiming for the big indie sound and pretty much hitting the mark.

Opener ‘Repeat The Process’ and the aforementioned ‘Sail Back To Sleep’ offer up the big indie-rock numbers, gently building from the verses to the explosive choruses. ‘Spatial Awareness’ follows and has a decidedly more ‘math rock’ feel, Bloc Party drums with angular guitars echoing and the haunted vocals of Dan Frau drifting over the top.

Adopting the classic loud/quiet motif for ‘Pedestrian Thespian’ the calm of the intro is splintered as yet another hook laden tune unfolds. There is an almost eerie quality about ‘Revert To Type’, Radiohead meets The Cure but with a more uplifting sound than that implies. ‘Fluidity’ has the radio appeal, a more danceable Muse, multi-layered sounds that wash over you and are absorbed before you realize it. The minimalist beats of ‘Imaginary Lists’ recalls Keane, not a selling point to many I know but the rolling piano and background pulse create a deftly hypnotic appeal.

The whole indie scene feels like it is a state of flux at the moment, Anison have all the right moves to make an impression.

written by Jules/Tape to Tape

The Ocean Master by Nadia Ackerman in stores

Nadia Ackerman, the Australian born singer/songwriter from down under releases her worldwide new album "The Ocean Master" on Spectra Records. The album will hit stores Tuesday March 6, 2012 at retail outlets as well as your favorite online store. Recently Nadia hosted a CD release party and DVD filming of her latest CD in its entirety at one of "The Big Apple's" premiere music venues.

On April 3rd, lucky fans can witness Nadia as she takes the stage with likes of Sting, Elton John, Billy Joel and James Taylor at the Rainforest Fund Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall. Attendees will receive a free copy of 'The Ocean Master" in their grab bags given at the door. For those who can't attend this year, make sure you pick up a copy of "The Ocean Master" which will be a gem amongst new releases this year.




For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com

Stephen Bishop Joins Spectra Records

Stephen Bishop had a major hit in 1977 with the song "On and On", which was a Number 11 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bishop’s other hits include "Save It for a Rainy Day", "Everybody Needs Love", "Something New In My Life" and "It Might Be You", the theme from the blockbuster movie "Tootsie." Stephen has also performed many movie themes, including the theme from "National Lampoon's Animal House" which he sang in falsetto before having his guitar smashed by John Belushi. He also provided his talent to the theme song in the Christmas movie "All I Want for Christmas" and the 80’s Tom Hanks classic “The Money Pit” among others.

Bishop penned the hit song "Separate Lives" which was later recorded by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin from the movie "White Nights" and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985.

Stephen Bishop will be releasing his latest album in 2012 on Spectra Records.

For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com

Suzerain - Midnight In The Drawn City

I have seen one possible future of rock and it’s called Suzerain. Like all good bands they are aware of their place in the continuum of music and having picked up the post-punk adornments left scattered by various bands as they headed off for more mainstream pastures; from dark gothic vibes to the edgy, embryonic sounds that would eventually coalesce into the more commercial New Romantic movement, they have neatly refashioned these into something of the here and now. The scope of the modern studio, not no mention their employment of Steve Lyons whose work with The Cure, Depeche Mode and Souixsie Sioux must have made him the ideal candidate, has allowed them to add a modern gloss and glamour to the music and when all of this is bolted on to a driven rock drive, what emerges seems like the obvious way forward.




Suzerain offer us slick, contemporary, eye-liner wearing, rock, equally comfortable with a guitar or synthesizer. The false posturing of rock is dropped in favour of a cool veneer that ticks both commercial and cult boxes alike, the often insubstantial nature of electro is beefed up into an urban-rock onslaught and the over-earnestness of goth is turned into a sexy tribal dance vibe – the whole thing feels like a new unification of music, a unification that sees clubland and rock festival, serious music fan and throw away party animal all on equal footing.

Their ability to write hook laden, rock anthems at the drop of a hat, Hell of a Way To Go, Leave it There and What Happened, is enough to make any rock wannabees envious but it’s when they dish out haunting, cello washed ballads like Crying Now or the dark electronica of Keeping Tabs that you realise that Suzerain have many facets to their musical being. Nearly a decade of relentless gigging has certainly paid off, not only have they graced the stages of some of the biggest festivals across Europe, picked up adulation and awards along the way but has also giving them the tools and experience to be able to create an album full of songs this good. After the horrors of rap-rock and Britpop being the bastion of guitar music in the mainstream, it’s refreshing to have bands like Suzerain taking over the reigns.

Article by Green Man Music

For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com

The Rainforest Benefit at Carnegie Hall April 2012

Nadia Ackerman will be taking the stage in this years Rainforest Benefit to be held at the world famous Carnegie Hall. Some of the all-star performers will include Sting, Elton John, Billy Joel, and James Taylor among many others. This will make the 22^nd birthday of the charitable organization founded by Sting and Trudie Styler to help protect and preserve the worlds threatened rainforest areas.

The performers, plus additional surprise guests, will also attend a live auction and gala dinner following the concert. Over the last 21 years, the Rainforest Fund has raised more than $30 million for its efforts, which have expanded from the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil to include efforts in 23 different countries. Everyone will receive a copy of Nadia Ackerman’s latest CD “The Ocean Master.”

Visit www.rainforestfoundationfund.org

For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com

Scarecrow - Blood, Sweat and 20 Years

Scarecrow was founded in the mid-eighties by vocalist John Blaze and guitarist Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister. Scarecrow started off in the right direction with mega rock producer Tom Werman of Motley Crue fame behind them. Scarecrow went on to record 2 full length LP's and climbed to the top of the heavy metal rock charts. Scarecrow is still being played regularly in Germany, England and Japan.

Scarecrow's new album "Blood, Sweat and 20 Years" is a collection of hits, rarities and new tracks spanning over the 20 year career. The album is available now at Best Buy, FYE, iTunes, Amazon and more.

For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com

Nadia Ackerman CD Release "The Ocean Master"

Nadia Ackerman kicks off the release of her brand new album with a sold out CD release party in one of "The Big Apple's" premeire venues. The show will also feature a live DVD taping of her new album "The Ocean Master" in its entirety. Lucky ticket holders will be able to experience being a part of the taping which will be out on DVD later in the year.

The new album "The Ocean Master" will be hitting the stores March 6, 2012 and available at Best Buy, FYE, Target, Sears, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Amazon and more.

Visit Nadia's website at www.nadiaackerman.com

For more information, please contact: info@spectrarecords.com