All posts tagged Shield Patterns

Elizabeth Vince – I Was All I Was

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Manchester’s Elizabeth Vince first came to my attention as a member of Laekyn, an electronica outfit that dealt in downbeat digitalism. Vince’s ethereal and lovelorn vocal work stood out… so news that she would be releasing a debut solo EP left me intrigued.

Our Loving Cage is certainly a rich canvas of ambience and glacial beats, it’s defining moment I Was All I Was is a beautiful composition of shimmering synths and industrial glitch. Vince’s tender and fragile voice finding strength towards its climax.

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‘Our Loving Cage’ EP is available to download here: http://elizabethvince.bandcamp.com/

Phill Young

Acre Tarn – This Once

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I’ve always been a believer that artists need space and time to develop, aware that those thrown into the spotlight too soon, often end up on scrapheap before they’ve even got going. Manchester is the perfect city to hone your craft, away from industry eyes but very much part of a vibrant and competitive scene. Having previously fronted Letters To Fiesta, Anna-Louisa Etherington will be a familiar voice to many, and it feels like her musical development might be reaching it’s destination with new project Acre Tarn.

Debut track, This Once is a perfect example of how to balance electronic minimalism with inventive textured beats. With the right production now behind her, Etherington’s ethereal vocal channels Karin Dreijer Andersson; darkly seductive, pushing you towards the edge of a dream.

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Acre Tarn support Alpines at The Deaf Institute on June 11th.

https://www.facebook.com/acretarn

Phill Young

Shield Patterns – Dust Hung Heavy

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It’s fair to say I’ve been increasingly excited by the direction Manchester’s Shield Patterns have taken this past few months… so much so that I recently collaborated with vocalist Claire Brentnall on Visions. Originally a solo project, the addition of multi-instrumentalist Richard Knox has added depth and texture to Claire’s sound, and as such her ideas seem to be flourishing.

Taken from a forthcoming debut album, lead single Dust Hung Heavy is wrapped up in a sensual mist of shimmering electronica. Claire’s vocals are always so understated and expressive; quietly beautiful rather than demanding to be heard. Each carefully chosen breath, word and piano note finding form together, creating a very personal and lucid dream.

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https://www.facebook.com/ShieldPatterns

Phill Young