Personal Playlist by Iris (22 September 2016)

Time for a brand new playlist again, filled with brand new music, and also one slightly older album. Go check it out! 

Must have album: TILT – Hinterland (2016)

In early May, I received an email from a certain guy named Steve Vantsis. He asked if I was interested in reviewing his album that was going to be released in late June. Not knowing who Steve was, I was interested in this album he was talking about. I should be ashamed, because I didn’t know that Steve is the bassist of Fish’s band! Stupid me! … Anyway, let’s talk about the album!

Iris interviews: Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Written interview with Jem Godfrey (if you prefer to listen to the interview instead of reading it, click here).

Jem Godfrey established the band Frost* in 2004. The band released two studio albums, several live albums and is about to release their third studio album named Falling Satellites, which will be released in May 2016. There are eight years between Frost*’s second studio album Experiments In Mass Appeal (2008) and Falling Satellites. In the meantime Frost* had some line-up changes, but their latest line-up already consists for six years. I interviewed Jem Godfrey via Skype on 28 April, 2016. We talked about Falling Satellites, the story behind this album, Jem’s influences, and how Steven Wilson ‘stole’ drummer Craig Blundell for his tour.

Must Have Album: Frost* – Falling Satellites (2016)

Finally, Frost* is back after eight years… And what a comeback it is!!! Wow! This album immediately grabbed my full attention the first time I listened to it! I can hardly contain myself when listening to this album, I can’t sit still when I’m listening to it behind my desk. What can you expect? For the people who never heard Frost* before; think about Spock’s Beard with balls! The music is energetic, fast and contains so much power! It’s also a real mixture of different music styles, from dance to metal. Is this ‘prog’? I don’t care if this is prog, this is some splendid music! The band consists of wonderful, talented musicians; Jem Godfrey on keyboards and Chapman Railboard (never heard of that instrument before, but I’m sure it has something to do with Chapman Stick), John Mitchell (It Bites, Arena) on guitar, Nathan King (Level 42) on bass guitar and Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) on drums & percussion. Jem and John are good lead vocalists who provide most of the lead vocals on the album.

HeKz + Lonely Robot Live At The Boerderij, Zoetermeer, 4 December 2015

(NOTE: This is a short concert review)

A duo gig with two fantastic bands, HeKz and Lonely Robot. I’ve never seen both bands perform live before (ok, it isn’t unusual for Lonely Robot because this was their first tour of course). I was very curious and looking forward to both bands. I interviewed the lovely blokes from HeKz after their performance (you can listen to the interview here).