Single Review: Hard Proof's Cassingle Release of "Soul Thing" and "Lake Tana"

Hard Proof
"Soul Thing" and "Lake Tana"

Hard Proof is a Texas-based, Afro-beat collective that will be releasing a new 'cassingle' during Cassette Store Day on September 27, 2014. The release will be digital and as a physical cassette. The instrumental tracks are lively, upbeat, and full of Afro-beat grooves that are funky, psychedelic, and jazzy. Both tunes are headed by guitars, horns, keys, drums, and sax. The result is a groovy mix of Afro-beat melodies that are produced with the aid of a ten-piece line-up. The two-song release is only nine-and-a-half-minutes long, but it seems to linger on much longer than that. In the end, we are left with a groovy medley of lush Afro-beat melodies and rhythms that bring to life jazz and funk sensibilities for a generation thirsty for diverse sounds. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atash's 'Everything Is Music'

Atash
Everything Is Music
Ars Mundi

Everything Is Music is titled from a poem by Rumi, a Sufi poet of the 13th century, which combines swirling, Middle Eastern rhythms with hypnotic flamenco, Indian, and Mediterranean influences. The mature vocals are not too boisterous and very akin to Cheb Khaled. The band is spearheaded by Mohammad Firoozi Dashtestani, who hails from Iran. The Farsi singer aids the help of fellow musicians, Roberto Riggio on violin; Dylan Jones on bass; Abou Sylla on balafon, djembe, and conga; Jose Manuel Tejeda on acoustic guitar; Jason McKenzie on drums and tabla; John Moon on violin; and Indrajit Banerjee on sitar. The nine tracks are a global goldmine of infectious sounds and world rhythms. The Austin, Texas-based band finds no trouble getting their music across to the local crowds, as well as an international audience. The music cuts through borders and beliefs by creating organic, yet accessible, music tunes. Rumi would be proud! ~ Matthew Forss