Emporium - 'The Umbrella Shop' and 'From Another Planet' - reviews round-up.

*** Singles of the Week ***

Sounding not unlike something that might soundtrack a TV documentary about '90s Brit-pop - St. Etienne would, of course, curate the thing - Emporium's rather gorgeous ability to craft perfectly-honed melodies is certainly not in doubt with this - it's bloody lush. "The Umbrella Shop" (26th Mar - 4.5 stars) is a little bit Pulp (early), a little bit Cherry Ghost with a slice of Cud and a topping of Super Furry Animals. And that's all good. Very good. (4.5 out of 5)

http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/6199/_Singles_Roundup_Featuring_Phantom_Limb_Emporium_Allo_Darlin_Tom_Williams_And_The_Boat_And_More_Singles_Review.html
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BAND FAILING TO SOUND LIKE SOMEONE ELSE

You have to bear in mind that
Emporium are a band who've been active for
fourteen years and they now sound like, well,
they sound like Emporium. For the object of
this particular exercise I can suggest that
sounds like Alan Parsons Project and The
Idle Race are in there, but 'Umbrella Shop'
is really the sound of Emporium in full,
shifting, tinkling, drifting, psyche guitar
studded mode.
IS IT ANY GOOD? It's lovely, Emporium are
lovely, you are lovely, buy the lovely record.
http://www.unpeeled.net/singles.html

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Emporium - ‘The Umbrella Shop’/ ‘She Won’t Come Out To Play’, Single

Beautifully sumptuous sounds, evocative, tender piano paints prettily sparkling motif, mellow bass, steely guitar, orchestral strings and brass, storyteller, choir boy, honeyed vocal whispers warmly illuminated night time tale, washed by gentle chorus, woven seamlessly together into atmospheric epic of gas lit London.

‘She Won’t Come Out To Play’, similarly fully orchestrated and chorused, swings between sunny optimism and melancholic, despondent undertow, maudlin vocal describing sad tale of girl who just can’t face the day.

Both pieces, not structured songs, more sung narrative than poetically lyrical, melodically meandering, descriptive instrumentation, drawing on Classical idioms, showcase and support the star voice and its tale, could be from a, as yet unwritten, Musical score.
http://www.mudkiss.com/chumkimarch12.htm

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Scottish band Emporium kept layered progressive psychedelic pop harmonies alive, releasing a a string of albums and a couple of singles that garnered them rave reviews form the cognoscenti. The trio was basically a studio band, although they did tour for a bit in 1998. The band dropped from the radar in 2007 only to surface again in 2011 with the new album Silver Brainwaves. This year year has brought two new tracks so far: Mindbender and The Umbrella Shop (which will be released a single).

The 17 track collection From Another Planet - The Best Of Emporium (1998-2011) on Whimsical Records serves as handy introduction for newbies. Long time fans can plug the holes in their collection with the rare remixes and one-offs. It's hard to pigeonhole their sound, bur think the poppy songs of Pink Floyd ca. 1970 mixed with Beach Boys orchestral inklings dipped in Zombies-alike Odessey and Oracle melancholy.

Lead singer Ewan McKenzie falsetto gives their songs a pastoral quality that will go down well while lounging on lazy Sunday afternoon (or any other day of the week). Best enjoyed with a bottle of good wine and a basket of tasty tidbits.

http://blogger.xs4all.nl/werksman/archive/2012/03/08/744109.aspx

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For some reason I started off by listening to the latest single release, “The Umbrella Shop”. Described in Scotland’s premier tabloid as “a psychedelic cross between The Small Faces and The Beach Boys”. And for a second I glanced at the calendar and clock to see if time had stopped somewhere in the 60′s.

Emporium produce a retro-pop sound of sweet harmonies and melodies sung over luscious piano, string and horn arrangements, that are almost impossible to find in today’s music which is primarily constructed by loops, samples and beats.

They seem to have captured the essence of world renowned pop music composer, Burt Bacharach’s timeless music pieces, which were characterized by unusual chord progressions, striking syncopated rhythmic patterns, irregular phrasing, frequent modulation, and odd, changing meters.
Throw-in a vocal style which ranges from 60′s bands like the “Beach Boys” or “The Turtles” through to latter day acts like “Soft Cell” or even “OMD”. Plus add some Brit synth-pop rhythms, et voilà, ladies and gentleman you have Emporium!

Album highlights include, the watercolored harmonies of “Mindbender”, the beat momentum of “Wasted” and the slower, ethereal lead vocal of “Dice Man”.

My personal favorite track is the haunting “Mind Games”, while other tracks of particular note are “Elevate” and “She Won’t Come Out To Play”.

Seventeen tracks, is a lot of music and I could write page after page describing it, but music needs to be listened to. Needless to say, if you’ve experienced the 60′s musical era you would need no introduction to this album at all, and only have to enjoy it’s nostalgic karma.

However, if you, like many of our younger readers, belong to the new beat generation, my best suggestion would be to get over to the “EMPORIUM” website straight away and savor the sounds of their timeless melodies, set within a genre long gone by, and all but lost to modern music. If not for the stoic and solitary efforts of Scottish band EMPORIUM.

http://jamsphere.com/newreleases/emporium-from-another-planet-the-best-of
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A 14 year anniversary? There seems to be no suggestion for a gift between tin at ten years and crystal at 15 years – perhaps that’s why the vocals gloriously meander around like a lost sheep inside the slightly proggy, psychedelic musical musings of ‘The Umbrella Shop’. Quite strange but not totally unendearing either. 6/10
http://www.tastyfanzine.org.uk/singles120mar12.htm#Emporium
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Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland - Emporium have just released "From Another Planet - The Best Of Emporium (1998-2011)", a compilation of songs by the Scottish combo containing 17 tracks.

The band has gained a great reputation in the United Kingdom (also covered in world-famous publications such as the NME) because of their very unique sound formula: beat pop (think The Small Faces and Beach Boys) with a psychedelic twist and very interesting arrangements.

Since the very first opening notes, the listener is brought hand in hand into a journey through the songs - the tunes build a very peculiar and dreamy landscape with a very unique vibe that fascinates and intrigues greatly.

Although the band proclaims 60s influences, an 80s touch is also intelligible, while a more modern approach to melody is part of the picture too, infusing the music with great personality. A superb testimony of over 14 years of music!
http://hectorvex.blogspot.co.uk
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Edinburgh, Scotland-based whimsical pop trio Emporium, celebrate their 14 years of being together by releasing this compilation of seventeen-songs. They also added a new track into the mix, entitled The Umbrella Shop. [Check out the music video here.]

Their vintage-esque sound reminds me of a mix of a more-psychedelic version of The Sea and Cake, with hints of The Catherine Wheel, Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode.

I had the opportunity to interview Ewan yesterday, his answers were very refreshing and interesting to read. Always good to get to know the band a little more:

Briefly introduce yourself, and the band:
I’m Ewan, and currently I am ‘Emporium’. There was a fixed line-up at one time - in the early days. We played gigs for a while, but then the guitarist left to re-locate, and we continued as a duo for 5 years (with Brent Inglis on Bass), really as a recording outfit but also because we both enjoyed playing music so much, and the process of recording/production. We both really believed in the songs, and felt they deserved to be heard. We knew we had an original sound, and saw the potential to stand out from other artists .I’ve recently been recording completely on my own, I wanted to challenge myslef, so decided to make the next Emporium record effectively my first solo album.

In no particular order, list your top ten inspirations, even if they’re not musical:

The Countryside (especially in Scotland)
Universal spirituality (NOT religion!)
Animals
Old films (especially 70’s)
Watching the stars
Strange Chords which have no name
Harmonies
Paul and Linda McCartney’s RAM album (the greatest album ever released)
David Icke
Melody

What are your thoughts on the current status of the music industry?

Where the major labels are concerned - absolutely dismal. They’re not interested
in the art of songwriting anymore, it’s just a production line. They have ‘writing teams’ who can’t actually write proper melodies - they are incapable. It’s very ‘cliquey’ and the whole process is driven by money (obviously). They keep signing more of the same drivel, over and over again. Young singers are too easily influenced by other singers (their singing style) and have become copycats. Lack of originality in general. Style over substance in many cases.
And of course there are the TV talent shows and a particular mogul who has so much to answer for.
Technology and modern recording methods have also spoiled music production and have allowed people with no or minimal talent to make records.
It’s all like a dreadful cancer.
Creatively, Independent music is as healthy as ever, but in a sense has never been as so suffocated as it is now due to the dominance of Pop and RnB via the major platforms . So much fantastic music stays under the radar because the industry over-all is driven by money, power, style and politics.

I noticed on your site that you released your latest album “From Another Planet..” on Whimsical Records. What are your ties to the record label, if you wouldn’t mind explaining?

Started Whimsical in 1999 as a label for Emporium to release our music.
In 2005, following completion of the album ‘Silver Brainwaves’, I decided to develop the label by signing other acts, initially for singles deals. We also started a publishing business (Whimsical Songs) as well as a label servicing business (The Music Elevator) which comprises release co-ordination and promotion to media via subsidiary label Platform Records.
We’ve had some independent chart success in the UK and noticeable airplay and reviews with various bands and artists.

What’s the music scene like where you live in Scotland?

Pretty good, although Glasgow (Scotland’s biggest city) tends to dominate.
Scotland has always punched above it’s weight musically (within the UK) and there’s a rich creative pool of talent here. It’s frustrating too though, as traditionally acts have had to go to London to ‘make it’ via a major label. There are lots of independent labels here though and bands with ‘cult’ followings. Superb live venues and festivals - some of the best in the UK.
If Scotland gets independence (and I hope we do), then the music industry here will be forced to expand - have more of a ‘self contained’ business with improved infrastructure, then Scottish bands could make much more of an impression in Scotland initially (via tv/radio/charts) before venturing outside of their own country.

What would you hope people think about when they hear your music?

Evocative, planetary, beautiful, unexpected, dreamy, moving, uplifting, stirring, bizarre, intelligent, hypnotic, sumptuous and atmospheric.

Have you ever bought an album for its cover? Which one?

NEVER have, never would either.

What’s one place/venue in the world you’ve always wanted to play?

No-where in particular.

What’s your least favorite thing about being in a band?

The politics and closed mindedness of the industry which prevents the music
from reaching it’s full potential.

What’s your most favorite thing about being in a band?

Creating music and the escapism of it.

In your opinion, what’s the best way for a band to make $ these days?

Licensing their music (e.g to an advert, film or computer game).

If you could go back and change anything in your career, what would it be?

Wouldn’t change anything.

Do you feel like you sell more music online or at shows?

Haven’t recently played shows, so rely on online sales.

How do you feel about the new “facebook timeline”?

Don’t like it. They’ve gone and changed it for reasons which remain a mystery.
Makes it more difficult to navigate, and it’s particularly unpopular amongst musicians
I hear, for the purpose of e-commerce and building a fan-base.
Myspace destroyed their website for musicians a while back, and now Facebook. Maybe it’s deliberate? Who knows? If it aint broke, don’t fix it I say.

If you could interview any musical celebrity, alive or dead, who would it be?

Billy Mackenzie (the late lead singer of The Associates)

Who inspired you to sing?

No-one.

Any advice to up and coming bands?
Be as original sounding as possible - try not to be heavily influenced by any particular
band or singer. Don’t EXPECT to ‘make it’ or to earn much money, regardless of how talented you actually are - as there exist obstacles of politics and bias which can put a stop to you having a thriving career.
Be in a band because you love music and genuinely believe in what you are creating. If you don’t then there’s no point, unless of course you are part of a money making machine which has nothing or little to do with the art of music, but that’s all so far removed from where I’m coming from with Emporium, I can’t identify with it.
Bottom line: Make music for YOURSELF to enjoy listening to (music that you would ideally like to hear) - then if anyone else likes it, it’s a bonus!

Do you all play in the band for a living?

No, we’ve all had other jobs in addition. For me, currently it’s Music Publishing and Promotion.

I noticed that you guys have known each other for a really long time, how did you meet your band mates?

When we started out, through other bands and adverts in music shop noticeboards.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say “U.S.A.”?

Cheerleaders, that’s all. (No offence intended).

http://whisker-a-nogo.tumblr.com/post/21254678771/emporium
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This is like Teenage Fanclub, They Might Be Giants, and The Beach Boys, and a sprinkle of the Pet Shop Boys. I really like it. The music sort of reminds of children’s television shows, but morose. I don't know if its my aforementioned love of Scottish indie that makes me like it (although I don't think that it would work if Mumford and Sons had Scottish accents). This is good well crafted indie pop, and much better than the artwork makes it look. http://www.collective-zine.co.uk/reviews/?id=8473

New Release on Whimsical - EMPORIUM return with new single and 'Best Of' album.

Emporium Best Of brings you sounds “From Another Planet”

......and a new single - The Umbrella Shop (released 26/3/12)

Edinburgh band, Emporium, celebrate their 14th anniversary with a seventeen track compilation, From Another Planet - The Best Of Emporium (1998-2011), and a new single, The Umbrella Shop.

Memorably described in Scotland’s premier tabloid newspaper as "a psychedelic cross between The Small Faces and The Beach Boys”, new single The Umbrella Shop showcases everything that makes their psych-indie-pop melange an attractive treat.

The unique sound of Emporium first came together in January 1998 when they started work recording what became their debut album, A Fine Fine Line, which emerged blinking into the world, in 1999. Right from the off, acclaim was theirs, with the track Sleeping Dogs featuring in the NME published year-end top 10 songs of BBC Scotland’s Beat Patrol show, along with a 5-star (out of 5) review in Guitarist magazine for the Happy High EP. Naturally, the boys in the band let this go to their heads, and embarked on a wild time, which culminated in the Elevate single collaboration with Freddie Phillips, best known for his work on the "Camberwick Green", "Trumpton" and "Chigley" TV programmes.

The arrival of the 21st century saw Emporium lay siege to the airwaves with Zombie appearing on the legendary Steve Wright’s radio show and Happy High on BBC Radio One’s The Evening Session, amongst many others. The album It’s The Thought That Gets You High arrived, and the single Lisa On The Screen saw the band expand internationally, with airplay in Germany, Holland and America.The next record, Hallucinations was album of the month on Popscene (Netherlands) and Planete Indie (Belgium).

Then, their country came calling, and Emporium answered that call.The Scottish Arts Council gave a grant towards the next album, Silver Brainwaves, conferring money and status upon the band. The single Wasted received some of the best reviews to date, but save for a remix of Dice Man on the Whimsical Records compilation “Elevate”, everything went quiet for several years, as the band concentrated on developing their Whimsical label and its subsidiary, Platform Records, yielding over 20 releases and winning critical acclaim and indie chart placings with numerous artists.

But with the music industry in freefall, Emporium have decided the time is right to return, in an attempt to save the day. Their pop music from another planet with sixties keyboards, Beach Boys harmonies, ethereal falsetto vocals and slightly twisted melodies, has always been timeless, but that time is actually now. The world doesn’t need more bad karaoke. What it needs is the feel of Soft Cell getting it on with the Stranglers while Brian Wilson watches from his sandpit.

And you get all that and more, across the seventeen tracks on From Another Planet...., as well as the unsettling sense of someone looking at you skew-wiff through a telescope.

Emporium have the capability to take you on a true listening experience with their song writing and new single The Umbrella Shop reinforces their unique take on modern indie pop music, with floating melodies that are constantly on the move. It's B-side She Won't Come Out To Play, a track from 2001 offers a lighter taste of the band, harking to their Silver Brainwaves period, with prog, psychedelic undertones so fundamental to their dynamic.

Emporium are a rare beast of their own making and their sound is genuinely difficult to type cast. It's all rather strange and eccentric but you won't hear many other tunes like these, so go get some now.

The album From Another Planet - The Best Of Emporium (1998-2011), and single The Umbrella Shop are released March 26^th on Whimsical Records. CDs at Amazon, download from all stores.

facebook.com/mckenzieemporium

New Release on Platform - Debut single from THE OK SOCIAL CLUB

The Shape of Things to Come is the debut single from Edinburgh's The OK Social Club, one of Scotland’s brightest young bands. Drawing from a diverse range of influences from 50's girl groups to 70's punk, The OK Social Club exhibit their writing talents in full throughout the song - it's guitar driven, with a foot stomping rhythm and unforgettable hooks. This catchy and energetic track has radio play written all over it.

Backed up by two B-Sides - Twist, Learn, Kick and Scream and Twisted Young Gentlemen, this release is a strong mark in the sand from a band with a confident grasp of their own identity.

"it's all about the melody - we're a pop band at the end of the day", says the band's charismatic front-man Raff.

When asked why they chose The Shape Of Things To Come as their debut single, he added, "it's a good representation of what we're about, it's a new song with bags of energy and an indicator of what's to come."

The band will be celebrating the launch of their first single with a gig on 24th March at Electric Circus in Edinburgh, followed by a UK tour in April.

Guitarist Chris Finn says "It's been great fun recording these songs, but I've missed playing live, I can't wait to play in front of people again. Our first demos were played on local and national radio shows which led to us gigging up and down the country, hopefully this single will help us build on that."

The Shape Of Things To Come is released April 2nd 2012 on Platform Records

http://www.facebook.com/theoksocialclubofficial

Emporium - 'Silver Brainwaves' - Reviews Roundup

Originally released in 2005 with sponsorship from the Scottish Arts Council, Edinburgh band Emporium have just digitally re-released their fourth studio album ‘Silver Brainwaves’. Formed back in 1998 and having released three studio albums by 2002, the three-piece have received much acclaim over the years from being featured on European radio shows to appearing on end-of-year lists for BBC Scotland. With ‘Silver Brainwaves’ not quite receiving the attention it perhaps deserved following its original release, it’s understandable why the trio have decided to give it another shot. The album features an almost 60s vibe and is fairly unique sounding, drawing influence musically from a number of different sources. Tracks like ‘The Feeling’ and ‘Dice Man’ are made up of lovely and interesting pop melodies whilst the piano-led ‘Mind Games’ shows a softer side. Ewan McKenzie’s vocals bring to mind a mix between Brian Wilson and Nick Drake and of course, the harmonies work very well indeed for example on ‘Rock For Sand’. The album drifts nicely to a close with final track ‘Sixes And Sevens’ which has some soft and slightly eerie instrumentation. Ultimately, ‘Silver Brainwaves’ is well-produced and a tad different; two factors which make it a worthwhile listen for anyone looking for something with a little bit more of an individual flavour. (7 out of 10)

http://www.shout4music.com/album-reviews/emporium-silver-brainwaves/

Hailing from Scotland's capital Edinburgh, Emporium formed in the winter of 1998 and released three albums by 2002. 'Silver Brainwaves' was actually their fourth record, but has been given a second shot at stardom with a digital re-release. On listening I can understand why Silver Brainwaves didn't quite take off in 2005. With the likes of Akon, Crazy Frog and James Blunt dominating the Charts, Emporium's sound was just way before its time.

Cut to six years later, Silver Brainwaves should find an approving audience with its fantastical ethereal, trippy feel. It is a very unique listen and I myself needed multiple replays to fully appreciate the delicacies of each track accompanied with the easy-biting vocals. Although music is ageless, I would very much like to hear Emporium's new studio works as I am sure they have used their exceptional flair to polish and develop their talent further.

On this release, my personal favourites were Mind Games, Whimsical Theme, Fragments of Knowledge and Wild Star.

Jenness Mitchell (3 stars)

http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/5725/Emporium_Silver_Brainwaves_Album_Review.html

I'm not sure of the place this album has in the modern world. After all, the outlet for XTC influenced electro-pastoral pop must be fairly limited. But at least when people point and laugh, you can hold your head up and say you followed your own path.

It's pop music from another planet with sixties keyboards, Beach Boys harmonies, ethereal falsetto vocals and slightly twisted melodies which give you the feeling that someone is looking at you through a telescope, unsettling but oddly exciting. At least for a while, until you get the restraining order.

It takes some getting used to, but is ultimately worth the effort, as songs like "Wasted" and "Mind Games" seep through your back brain in much the same way as late period Talk Talk did. The latter (my favourite) makes as good use of space and silence as Mark Hollis at his best - a rare compliment.

If you like to walk slightly outside the line, then this is for you.
The Rocker (4stars)

'This is the fourth album for this Edinburgh 3-piece.Again, they don't disappoint by delivering some seriously cheerful but clever pop.
Cannot wait to see them in a London venue'.Bonafidestudio.co.uk

This album has to be the most bizarre collection of pop tunes I’ve ever heard. The songs are well structured, they are exceptionally pleasant to listen to’.
Funkymofo.net

'This album is very structured with each song sounding unlike the previous one….Emporium have a decidedly personal style with skilful stirring organ sounds…. constructed around falsetto vocals and harmonies which reflect atmospheres of the Small Faces, Beach Boys, and in more recent times the psychedelic sounds of XTC…… it is pop-rock of excellent making.’’
Munnezza.com (Italy) 4 Stars

This band has a unique and yet hauntingly ‘familiar’ sound. This seems to be a very successful combination for huge bands of the past. I feel the "Brit" influence and almost hear a little Supertramp flavour, and that really makes the songs easy to digest. Great beats and rhythms, and when the vocals come in to tell the story you can really tell this group spent some quality time with the audio engineer during mix-down.

First up on my play-list was "Wasted". This one is nice. I liked the way it was put together and the beat was consistent. This song has a rich grouping of instruments and gives me a nice vacation back in time. It reminds me partly of the sixties and partly of the British invasion while floating a little bit around an eighties electro pop sound. It is difficult to say what the strongest influence is because the song is very unique and strong in its own way.

Next up was the song "Mind Games". This one seems a little somber and translates well with a powerful piano riff and some kind of ambient overlay. Very effective in a simple and understated way as well as entertaining, and the story makes you want to know more as it unravels. We all know there is no where to hide and this song gives a glimmer of acceptance while remaining independent. Very good track.

"Dice Man" starts with a simple yet strong vocal. This singer is very talented and sings on key without and apparent "auto-tune" effects - refreshing as there are so many bands that attempt to do what this group makes seem effortless. That is the right formula if they expect to grow an audience. Another quality track by this band.

Overall, I would give these guys the thumbs up and recommend them to anyone who really appreciates great music. The time it takes to make a good record is well spent with this band and one can hear that they all know what they are doing. The talent is there, the unique sound is there, and these performers should have no problem gaining a solid fan base.

-Mr. Lee
CEO, Absolute Media July 6th 2011
http://absoluteceo-musicreviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/emporium-silver-brainwaves-album.html


'Silver Brainwaves', the inspired 2005 album from the Edinburgh based band Emporium, has just been re-released. Formed in 1998, Emporium centres on the songwriting of singer Ewan McKenzie. 'Silver Brainwaves', the band’s fourth studio effort is melodic pop, shimmering and engaging, exploring a similar direction to the work of bands like the High Llamas.

The song 'The Feeling' is warm and welcoming, very nostalgic and very 1960s, echoing the musical beauty of that classic era. The lyric expresses mixed emotions: “Something unseen is tugging at me… the feeling is dying.” Cautious optimism nevertheless accompanies an upbeat sound: “We’re looking for better days.”

'Dice Man' explores a repeated theme of luck on the album: “Go with the flow… Any way that you play, you just can’t lose.” Meanwhile, the sound, with lovely harmonies and layered instrumentation, brings to mind the influence of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.

'Wasted' expresses hints of melancholy, while 'Blackened Blue” is moody and thought provoking. 'Mind Games' is likewise a sombre tune, with distinctive piano playing. The lyric reflects the tone: “Still the storm’s inside my head/It will linger till I’m dead.”

Emporium’s work has received some notable critical acclaim and their songs are at once sun-soaked, trippy and enchanting. Like the High Llamas, their music is more indicative of the 1960s and California than either the current charts or their U.K. home.

'Wild Star' tells the story of a shining girl who, burning brightly, “torched the heavens every night.” 'Mystic Angela' is distinctive psychedelic-tinged pop with flowing instrumentation. The band meanwhile captures a healthy touch of magic in the sound they create.

'Sixes and Sevens' is the mellifluous closer, returning to the subject of luck: “You can rest in heaven/You can toast in hell/It’s all sixes and sevens/How we know it so well.”

In the end, 'Silver Brainwaves' is a novel effort from Emporium and a worthy re-release.

Carl Bookstein
http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/CatPages/CatItem.aspx?id=78679

Emporium - 'Silver Brainwaves' album re-released.

'Silver Brainwaves', the 2005 release from one of Edinburgh’s finest bands, Emporium, is set for a digital re-release on June 13th 2011.

Formed during the winter of 1998, the 3-piece began writing their sun-drenched and healing pop music, releasing 3 albums between 1998 and 2002 filled with radio friendly tracks, attracting deserved attention alongside national and international airtime.

No strangers to hard work, Emporium honed their craft over years of writing and recording to create a truly original sound which received critical acclaim from a variety of sources, whether it was a 5 star review in Guitarist magazine, or mentions in end-of-year lists for BBC Scotland or various European radio Shows. Emporium’s dedication to their art was bearing its fruits.

In 2003 the band were awarded a coveted Scottish Arts Council Grant to record and release 2005’s Silver Brainwaves album. The band’s fourth studio effort is unashamedly so far removed from the current heartbeat of British music it feels like a timeless classic. Drifting top lines and fragile vocals reminiscent of Brian Wilson, backed with faraway harmonies, it is hard to believe this music was born in Edinburgh and not California in the mid 60’s.

Silver Brainwaves is an appropriate title for this album of trippy, nostalgic, fantasy pop songs that penetrate like bright lights in a dark room. Uncompromising, unique and alerting, this record will melt the coldest of hearts, either through the enchanting vocal lines or stark raving mad song writing. A genuinely original listening experience for the perfect balance between the Pet Shop Boys, Frank Zappa, Belle and Sebastian and everything else!

This album is a must for any music aficionado who wrongly believes they have heard everything original. Emporium have re-written the rule book, or perhaps they never read it at all. A must listen.

Silver Brainwaves will be available on digital download and cd (via Amazon) from June 13th 2011.'

New Release - The Best Of Whimsical. Press Release and Reviews.

THE BEST OF WHIMSICAL - 21 TRACK COMPILATION - Released February 7th 2011

Ever since the emergence of the Edinburgh born Whimsical Label in 1999 and their subsequent growth spurt in 2005, their artist roster has grown to an impressive and deep quality in a short period of time. With the likes of Jack Butler, Alfie Kingston, The Encierro and Natasha England releasing incredibly strong material on Whimsical or subsidiary label Platform, it is not forthright of them to release what can be deemed as simply an excellent ‘Best Of’ LP. This record makes even more sense in light of the support the label has been receiving throughout the industry via such respected institutions as XFM, NME and BBC Radio One.

The beauty of this ‘Best Of’ is immediate. The quality and diversity of the collection showcasing some enthralling sounds, demonstrating that Whimsical supports fantastic music rather than a particular ‘look’ or genre to back up it’s existence. The amount of variety contained on this LP makes it a true pleasure to listen to.

As well as including Whimsical’s biggest and crowd pleasing releases on here that have already received rave reviews from the industry such as Jack Butler’s “Velvet Prose” and Sunshine Variety Club’s “The Girl With The Crooked Smile”, there are as one might expect some beautifully crafted tracks to be admired and enjoyed over and over again. An album which takes you from 0 to 60 and back down again as quickly as you got there, making you sit up and take note of the truly excellent music. Refreshing turns such as the jazz like breezy ramblings of Natasha England on “I Casually Strolled By” contrast the more traditional Indie musings of Vegas Nights in “It Came As No Surprise” and then again to the haunting key sounds and beautiful harmonics of Emporium’s “Mind Games”. Dig deeper, and you get to see the real secret to this compilation’s appeal - it’s diversity.

If you want 21 songs that exemplify not only the richness of new music as well as the strength of a relatively experienced independent label, then you would be incredibly hard pushed to find any collection of tracks that does so as easily and as effortlessly as this one. An album which will absorb you from start to finish and surprise you on the musical voyage it takes you through.

(Mark McDermott)

The Best Of Whimsical is released on February 7th 2011

www.whimsicalrecords.co.uk
www.myspace.com/whimsicalrecords
www.platformwhimsical.co.uk
platformwhimsical@themusicelevator.com

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Reviews:

Edinburgh based Whimsical Label was launched in 1999 and the subsequent years has seen them build a diverse roster of artists, many of whom are on this 'Best of' album. Jack Butler open the album with their infectious 2008 single 'Are you a hustler?'. Jack Butler are clearly the jewel in Whimsical's crown as they not only open the album, but they have another 5 tracks including closing the album with the dark synths of 'Apocalypse Clocks'. But this is a label's best of and it isn't just about one band. Be it the smoky vocals of Natasha England, the straight to the point indie from The Shermans (who I was very impressed with), or the astounding harmonies of Emporium. I think there may be too many tracks from individual artists on this album, but they way the collection has been put together it doesn't seem to matter much. This album, with it's diverse range has got something for every taste. It is quite rare for an independent label to have such diversity rather than flying the flag of a certain genre. I have to admit I wasn't really aware of Whimsical as a label before listening to this album, but on the strength of this collection I will keep an ear out in future. (7 OUT OF 10) James Sykes

http://www.subba-cultcha.com/album-reviews/the-best-of-whimsical/article/contentID/22819

BORN in Edinburgh in 1999, Whimsical's blueprint is Glasgow's Postcard record label.
This 21-track offering - out on Monday - is filled with strident indie that takes its DNA from Orange Juice.
No more so is this apparent than with Stirling four-piece Jack Butler who kick off the album with the angular and funky Are You A Hustler? The band have five more tunes on the album proving that they are Whimsical's house band and the most fully formed act.
The tracks include the Franz Ferdinand snarl of Hit Out The Park, Son and the unsettling album closer Apocalypse Clocks, with its ticking guitars.
Eighties star of Iko Iko - Natasha England - has also found a home on Whimsical and offers the smoky I Casually Strolled By.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/sound+check.-a0248300025 (Daily Record Feb 4th 2011)

Whimsical Records hails from Edinburgh and boasts a modest roster of indie-pop singers and bands, none of which have broken the mould, neither have they floundered in a cess-pool of dull indie-dom. This collection rounds up the more memorable releases, drawn from over ten years of existence, an admirable landmark given the recession and digital age, although most of the material here has been drawn from their second-wave of activity since 2005.

Jack Butler is the most-sampled artist on here and weighs in with jangle-disco efforts of some repute, namely the album's opener, "Are You A Hustler?" and another five similar exercises. The catchiest little tune comes from Sunshine Variety Club, a breezy little effort that wouldn't sound amiss on The Coral's best of (if they'd written it), while other notable belters include Adam Tedder's ballad "It'll Be Soon", The Firm's powerful new-wave jerk-punk anthem "Life's Dismal Results" and the slinky jazz-noir of Natasha England's "I Casually Stroll By".

Throughout the compilation however, there are signs of inconsistency amongst the stable-mates - the other England and Butler tracks are indie-by-numbers or cheesy-retro '80s pop, while The Shermans fail to get off the ground with all three of their efforts. I'll make a special mention about Vegas Nights who have gifted us with possible the worst band name since Those Naughty Lumps, Cardboard Meatnappy or Jedward, yet have recorded one of the sweetest psychedelic twee-pop songs EVER.

Overall then, Whimsical isn't that whimsical at all, but a polite and studious class of scruffy yet well-meaning student-types with a natty line in contented anger and joy that might just keep them in downloads for another decade. (3 stars)
Paul Pledger
http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/5464/Various_Artists_Best_Of_Whimsical_ALbum_Review.html

So, it's time for a Whimsical best of, eh? Well, I have to publicly declare that I have an interest here, as I used to write press releases for them. However, they dumped me without any explanation or, indeed, a farewell pie. The bastards. So, I think it's safe to say you don't want to buy this.

However, if my pride is of little interest to you, and judging from my life so far, that would seem to be the case, I'll tell you a wee bit more. Edinburgh based Whimsical Label was launched in 1999 and have been ploughing an indie rock furrow ever since, looking back over one shoulder to them there eighties, when skinny white boys with guitars were all the rage in Scotchland. So if Josef K influenced guitar pop is your thing, read on.

Label mainstays Jack Butler manage to snag half a dozen of the 21 tracks on offer, with the best of them 'Apocalypse Clocks'. The Shermans get more than their fair share of tunes, but if you're looking for a lost gem, point yourself towards Vegas Nights, a band who should be huge, if the shuffling bagsy of 'Touch And Feel' is anything to go by. Natasha England from them there eighties made a surprise return to music via Whimsical, and her two tracks are well worth hearing.

Elsewhere, there's a mighty fine ballad in the shape of Adam Tedder's 'It'll Be Soon', and Sunshine Variety Club’s 'The Girl With The Crooked Smile' remains lost classic. Naturally, there are a few tracks that don't pass muster, but you have to admire Ewan Mckenzie's perseverance as the music business collapses all around us. Still no pie for me, though.

http://www.the-rocker.co.uk/

Natasha England with Logan - New Album. Press Realease and Reviews.

NATASHA ENGLAND with LOGAN -

'Deeper Into Reality' - 11 track album, featuring the lead single

'Stop Doing Nothing'

- Released February 14th 2011 on Platform Records.

At a time when the electronic genre has come to the fore of popular music, it is rare to find an album that takes as many risks and succeeds with such aplomb as Natasha England’s new album Deeper Into Reality. Natasha’s rich and illustrious musical background makes this album all the more interesting to listen to. After successfully cracking the UK top 10 with her single Iko Iko and the 80’s pop classic L.P Captured, Natasha immersed herself in the writing and recording of new material.


Following her collaboration with many industry notables, England came across Robert Logan - a producer and performer who skillfully reworked Natasha’s ‘Iko’ hit for a 2007 re-release, and has also worked with acts such as Faithless, Siobhan Donaghy of Sugababes and Grace Jones who he supported at the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall amongst others. The result of this collaboration is an intelligent, cutting edge electropop record that is bound to have you wanting to listen over and over again. A wonderfully innovative and creative album that draws on many different musical genres to create a truly great and original listening experience.


The immediate thing which stands out to the listener is that the music so effectively merges classic synth-pop with new found electro beats and sounds. An incredibly direct, punchy album in places, yet delicately ambiental, this seems to create a perfect balance between the vocals and instrumentation, particularly evident on the track Life’s For The Living. The album also has a wonderfully haunting quality, with reverb on both vocals and keys used to quite stunning effect, outlining Logan’s wizard- like production. Lead single Stop Doing Nothing is a lyrically fascinating song on the perils of idleness. Powerful and evocative in the mould of a slow dance track, its memorable hook with electronically tweaked steel drums gives the track a beautiful vibe. The Passion is another of the albums real stand out tracks, merging a club-style tubby bass line with a more traditional electro hook not out of place on any Boys Noize or Erol Alkan track. Natasha England’s haunting vocal gives the track a great edge. Title track Deeper Into Reality ups the BPM to rave status whilst never betraying that retro feel in the vocals. This cut also brings together a great Dubstep style bass with a semi-Soca beat that really gets you moving wherever you’re listening.



Natasha England and Robert Logan, who together wrote 10 of the 11 tracks, have created an album packed with musical gems which are lyrically fascinating to listen to and slickly produced. Throughout Deeper Into Reality there are risks being taken, but with the musical pedigree and background of both England and Logan it is no surprise to see that the results produce an album which is sure to push the boundaries of electro synth a little further. (Mark McDermott)

www.thenatashaengland.com

www.myspace.com/natashaengland

www.myspace.com/robertlogan

platformwhimsical@themusicelevator.com

Reviews:

Natasha England may already be a familiar name to some readers, having already had a top 10 single in the form of 'Iko Iko' in 1982.

Nearly thirty years on and Natasha is making a return with some ambient electronica.

'Stop Doing Nothing' sounds like Hayley Bennett's alter-ego Cora Corman from Music and Lyrics, with an exotic beat and eerie waves of instrumentation.

The vocals whirl in 'Darkside', which has ominous cello-esque tones with echoing mid-range notes. The vocal is hypnotic in this song, which feels a lot like a soundtrack to an avant garde thriller.

'Come' continues in a similar vein, although it has a more substantial beat behind the swirling electronica.

Final track, 'Remember Me' is a dream-like carillon that spins around and around with a gentle voice gently laid on top of the warm bell-like tones.

This record has some good moments, although I would personally like to hear some remixes that feature more of a dance beat. Importantly, the character of the songs and the vocal itself are both very strong.

http://www.the-mag.me.uk/Music/Articles/Item/Natasha-England-Stop-Doing-Nothing/


Most notably commercially known from hitting the UK Top Ten in 1982 with a cover of Iko Iko, Natasha England returns to the spotlight after spending the past few decades behind the scenes writing and recording.

Having worked with Robert Logan to revamp and remaster her famous smash hit for a 2007 release, England again teams up with the producer/performer for this cutting electro-pop record that sounds as if it has been teleported straight from the decade of shoulder pads, scrunchies and happy pants. At the moment electronic-laced music is favoured within the Charts, so England should find no problem in gaining an instant new fan base with her ethereal vocals backed to a heavy new wave beat. With an alternative underground sound, 'Stop Doing Nothing' appeases all things brilliantly wicked.
Jenness Mitchell   (3 stars)
http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/5306/Stop_Doing_Nothing_Natasha_England_EP_Review.html


It's a couple of years now since eighties popster Natasha England reworked and reissued her big hit 'Iko Iko'. And now she's teamed up with remixer Robert Logan for an entire album of new material. This sampler highlights four of the tracks from that release, and it's pretty darn good.

Of course it helps that the eighties have been back in vogue for a wee while now, so this electro flavoured material sounds surprisingly current. There's lots of beats and swooshes to keep the kiddywinks happy, and enough nods back to the olden days for the more mature listener to enjoy. And with events like Rewind packing out theatres across the land, there's no reason why this new material won't find an audience.

As synthpop goes, this is first division material with the single, 'Stop Doing Nothing' a hook filled treat. The other tracks are no slouches either with 'Darkside', ''Come' and 'Remember Me' all being worthy of a listen. With no duds on offer, the mix of electro, synthpop, harder dance tunes and pop melodies is well worth a listen.

www.the-rocker.co.uk



It’s difficult to accurately place the sound of this single. On the one hand there is a hint of the 80’s about it – England’s vocals are little reminiscent of Annie Lennox and at times verge a little on the melodramatic. But there’s also a hard underbelly to the four tracks on offer here. Strangely I’d suggest that the ‘lead’ single is the weakest, the best song being ‘Come’ as it most successfully avoids too many nods to the past and most successfully mixes up England’s ethereal vocal quality with a contemporary hard edged electro. 7/10

http://www.tastyfanzine.org.uk/singles106jan11.htm#NatashaEnglandwithLogan


It’s been a long time coming, but we finally have a collection of new Natasha England songs, something many of us have been waiting to hear since the excellent compilation of Natasha’s 80's recordings,‘Back From the Mists of Time, was issued a couple of years ago. That collection of songs served as a reminder that Natasha was not only one of our best singers, but also a songwriter who was never quite given the acclaim she deserved. Few who remember 'Top of the Pops' from those days will forget seeing Natasha perform on the show but maybe, looking back, her cover of ‘Iko Iko’, which is the song that she was best known for, didn’t help her career in the long run. Natasha was very much an innovator and she has survived in this business a lot longer than most still without the recognition she warrants.

Surely with the release of ‘Deeper Into Reality’ Natasha will attract a new, young audience without alienating the fans who have been with her since the eighties. A major part of Natasha’s music has always been firmly in the electropop genre. While there are indeed various sides to her music in many ways Natasha has been a pioneer when it comes to synth-pop. The passing years have seen Natasha, now with the assistance of producer/songwriter Robert Logan, add a darker edge to her take on this genre and in doing so she has opened up a completely new era in her musical career.

The eleven songs here are all Natasha England originals, ten written with producer Logan and although the lead-off single, ‘Stop Doing Nothing’ is a stunning display of both of their talents it’s by far not the only song on the album worthy of being singled out. It’s an extremely catchy electro synth soundscape, which moves at an almost deadly pace and where Logan shows his skills with various tweaks and effects. Lyrically it’s strong as well dealing with the lethargy that surrounds us and as a whole it’s a remarkable, affecting piece of music.

Natasha and Logan have really pushed boundaries on this album, rather than take the easy route, which both artists are extremely capable of, and recording lightweight but catchy pop songs that would appeal to a much wider audience than the original sounds and textures that they have moulded into the innovative pieces that make up ‘Deeper Into Reality’. They have created a satisfying album for both the artists and listeners that consists of songs that really do throw up new surprises and sounds every time you play them. It reminds me of Depeche Mode at times, not always in the songs but in the way that both that band and Natasha started out playing pleasant synth-pop and over the years their music has developed and matured with the artist and their fan base. While not abandoning their electronic roots Depeche Mode have nurtured a darker, more adult sound to their material through the years and Natasha, along with Logan, has certainly taken a similar route.

Those who have heard little of Natasha’s work since the ‘Iko Iko’ days will no doubt have problems believing that a song as complex as ‘The Passion’ was written and performed by that same artist they witnessed brightening our television screens all those years ago. In many ways it feels like a natural progression that Natasha is making music that reflects her past achievements, while creating a sound that is more adult-orientated than anything she has recorded in the past. But these songs really are more than we had a right to expect even from an artist of Natasha’s calibre. The title track, ‘Deeper Into Reality’, is an outstanding song with Natasha’s treated vocals weaving in and out of the atmospheric wave of sound that Logan conjures up. Again there is this feeling of the duo not forsaking their musical roots but presenting them in a fresh, exciting and creative way.

Many music fans were more than happy to finally have Natasha’s back catalogue complied so thoughtfully and respectfully on CD with the release of ‘Back From The Mists Of Time’, but it’s not just Natasha’s legion of fans who should check out ‘Deeper Into Reality’. There’s a whole new generation of music lovers out there who have yet to discover what a great talent Natasha England is and ‘Deeper Into Reality’ is where they should start. It’s a very contemporary sounding album and even though it would sound great in a club Natasha proves that she can still reduce grown men to quivering wrecks with the intimacy of her vocals on the closing song, ‘Remember Me (Waterfall)’ which also proves that she has lost none of the passion she has always displayed vocally.

Not only is Natasha England back, but she’s back with arguably the best album of her career to date.
http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review.aspx?id=7712


Alanis Morissete blindsided by the dark undertones of PJ. Harvey, is the initial impression given off by Natasha England, ’Darkside’. Mood implanting backing digitalism takes on a low-key and mildly harrowing stance, sitting off England’s delivery of her troubled by love lyrics. Only two tracks into this explorative electronic album and England ably assisted by the adept production of Logan, switches the tempo by adding a soulful glide and some muffled vocal distortion. Imparting shades of grey to an otherwise black and white tale of love’s ability to set you free, ‘Come’. The album then slows down and a vocal strain instils heart and longing, ‘Strange’.

A creeping, fuller bodied, yet lower key electronic steer creeps into ‘Stop Doing Nothing’, to add a more thoughtful and reflective vein to this moody full-length. England has an ability to impart her own mood into a song, almost independent from the instrumental, but still she manages to keep the songs even. This aids her ability to switch from pop to straight out electro without it appearing too laboured. ‘How Do You Like It?’ , is a rustling slow electro tilted, political nettle grasping epic, showing that electro can be slowed down to chilling effect in order to communicate your bemusement:

“There’s a young boy lying by the side of the road, an old man dying alone and cold.

A family starving on the other side: a world of corruption nothing but lies.”

‘The Passion’, ups the tempo and a jungle bound is kicked into the percussion and electro slant, as the vocals take on a more distanced stance to filter in a more ambient lag. It makes the song harrowing, yet compelling and the mood ranging really starts to take effect as the album heads towards its conclusion. England and Logan show that an electro album can contain mood building epics without them feeling too forced or fake. (DAVE ADAIR)

http://www.comfortcomes.com/2011/02/23/review-natasha-england-with-logan-deeper-reality/