
Dash Hammerstein – Her Style Is Laura Ashley
Genre: Post-Punk, Art Rock, Indie Rock
Similar artists: Dry Cleaning, Ian Dury, Blur
There’s no other skill that can get into more trouble and/or provide you with better opportunities than possessing the gift of gab. For everyone else, bearing witness to someone deftly juggling with quick, sharp phrases must be nothing short of magic.
The ones that have somehow acquired this verbal jazz, from personal experience, end up becoming intimately acquainted with two scenarios. In one they are the owner of some kind of large business, using their words and personal magnetism to bend people to their will. In the other, they are starring down the walls of a jail cell. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Dash Hammerstein is one of the most quick-witted singers and writers we’ve had the pleasure of revealing on Alt77. The jury’s still out on where this will lead him. Her Style Is Laura Ashley finds in fine form, albeit unwilling to play nice anymore. Just like Elvis Costello after receiving a few too many kind compliments from the press, Mr Hammerstein is unwilling to hide a certain cruel, if humorous side. Its blood and roses pouring out of every window on Dash Hammerstein. The artist talks a good game and we’re unable not to believe him.
Phourist & the Photons – Where_Am_I?
Genre: Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Math Rock
Similar artists: TV on the Radio, Gogo penguin
The original prog-rockers were bragging overachievers. Sure enough, there were few able to dispute their merit. From Yes to Jethro Tull, these serious-minded musicians had managed to tame rock n’ roll to their will. Their works were studied as worthy statements on art.
But, they weren’t much fun. And, they didn’t know it either. Not only would these musicians deny their natural inclination to have a good time like a nun out on holiday. Their music favoured the kind of over-the-top, braggadocious playing that eventually got old.
Phourist & the Photons share a few of those traits. Where_Am_I? is a good example. They can certainly play. They certainly want you to know it. And, they want you to know that everything they’ve done has been carefully thought out. But, Phourist & the Photons are also able to embrace prog-rock’s greatest quality. They build their own world using sound. And, it requires complete attention to be able to investigate it.