Something More From Last Year

 

Over the past weekend, I listened more closely to some bands that inspired me last year. One of them was Deeply Armed, a new band from Dublin. They recorded a song called The Healing, which is now available in several remixes. The original is a mixture of relaxed music that could have been released 40 years ago. Psychedelic and Krautrock that could have been produced by Conny Plank.

The other band that really impressed me was Thought Leadership, a band from the greater Manchester area that has released several albums. What they all had in common was a reduction to echoing guitar sounds in the tradition of Durutti Column and David Gilmour. With III of Pentacles, they have created an album that enchants with its blend of ambient, Cocteau Twins, and Johnny Marr.

The Healing

 

Belfast's Deeply Armed released their debut EP The Healing a few weeks ago but I only became aware of them recently. I don't want to bet on it, but this gem will probably be overlooked.

The trio (Michael McKeown on vocals, synth and guitar, Aaron O'Neill on electronics and Kenny Whaley on bass) were active on Belfast's club scene for years and have found their unique style now. It is an intoxicating sound, put together with krautrock like Neu!, a Peter Hook like bassline and Sonic Boom sitting at the control. For me a highlight in relaxed psychedelia this year.

Keith Tenniswood made a remix of this song and minimized the sound, stripping away guitars and putting the bass in front of.