Surf spell comrades melodies is a phrase that evokes a sense of adventure, magic, and togetherness. The combination of these words suggests a unique experience or journey. "Surf" suggests the excitement of riding the waves, feeling the rush of the water beneath you, and the freedom of being in sync with nature. It brings to mind images of sunny beaches, blue skies, and the thrill of conquering the sea. "Spell" adds an element of magic and enchantment to the mix. It implies that there is something mystical or extraordinary about the experience being described.
Burna Boy, I Told You…
Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist, Voir Dire
Toro y Moi, Sandhills EP
Luh Tyler, ROTY EP
Buck Meek, Haunted Mountain
John Glacier & Surf Gang, JGSG
Yeek, Future Reference
Becca Mancari Left Hand
Fat Tony & Taydex, I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy
Bebel Gilberto, João
Harmony, Dystopia Girl EP
Fridayy, Fridayy
James Fauntleroy & Terrace Martin, Nova
Drab Majesty, An Object in Motion
Kibi James, Delusions
Hiss Golden Messenger, Jump For Joy
Jaboukie, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
Open Mike Eagle, Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering
Ashnikko, Weedkiller
Grandaddy, Sumday: Excess Baggage
Becca Mancari, Left Hand
Maluma, Don Juan
Our Broken Garden, Blind
Islands, And That’s Why The Dolphins Lost Their Legs
Digga D, Back To Square One
Ratboys, The Window
Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan
Hannah Georgas, I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care
Prince Josh, Moth
Ruth Garbus, Alive People
Titi Bakorta, Molende
Prison, Upstate
Euglossine, Bug Planet Is the Current Timeline
Jonathan Scales, Re-Potted
Ta-Ku, Songs To Come Home To
Academy of Light, Open Air
Clementine Valentine, The Coin that Broke the Fountain Floor
Film School, Field
DJ Muggs, Soul Assassins 3
Barker, Unfixed EP
Mad Keys, Soulection White Label 025 EP
Sun’s Signature, Sun’s Signature (Extended) EP
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, Australian Carnage – Live at the Sydney Opera House
What might superficially seem like a step backwards actually expands the scope of Cabral s talents; the songs on Mystery School feel like widescreen 35mm projections of films that were previously only available on VHS cassette of course, this takes nothing away from the relatively hardscrabble charm of the originals Mystery School s songs aren t improvements but more siblings from beyond an enchanted mirror. SPELLLING has already proven herself a one-of-one singer-songwriter in modern music a soul diva beamed from planet Kate Bush with three excellent albums released since 2017.
It implies that there is something mystical or extraordinary about the experience being described. It could refer to the notion of being under a spell of joy and wonder, captured by the beauty and power of the waves. "Comrades" suggests a sense of camaraderie and friendship.
Album Review: TOS – Killer
For those of you who read my review of TOS’s CD release show, you know the backstory. I stumbled across this incredibly talented young band solely because I was looking for some live music here in the outer Boston suburbs one weekend. I’ve been listening to the Killer CD ever since, including most days during my commute. (I have also more recently reviewed another of the band’s concerts, and I may continue reviewing their shows regularly if they keep scheduling gigs a whole lot closer to my house than any of my other favorite local bands.)
Album Review of TOS: Killer
image courtesy of TOS
TOS is a rock band with timeless songwriting, talented musicianship, and a unique, identifiable, modern sound.
The band is led by singer/songwriter Sophia Ward, whose sensitive-but-powerful, often haunting vocals provide an appealing delivery of her well-crafted lyrics; both the delivery and songwriting lend artistic credibility to TOS, a band that can be easily considered both rockers and artists.
Her comrades are talented enough to be up for the task. Many of the songs seem to be driven by the rhythm guitar, generally acoustic, delivered ably in varied stylistic formats by Jonathan Sommer. This frees up lead guitarist Jackson Parker to add texture to the songs with his electric axework, his solos proving difference-makers on a few tracks. Then there’s the rhythm section. For the most part I’d label bassist Jae Mannion and drummer Mitch Rolla as steady and dependable. Occasionally one or the other will add a hook or featured run to a song while the other holds down the rhythm fort; the two work together well as a team.
photo courtesy of TOS
The album-opener “Death of Me” is the standout on the disc, though it’s one of a half-dozen I’d consider exceptional. But this song is appealing on multiple fronts. It introduces the listener to both Sophia’s quintessential somewhat haunting vocal and her occasionally called-upon insistent wail, the strumming rhythm guitar that propels most of the song, the subtlety of the rhythm section (there’s an occasionally recurring bass hook that unassumingly raises the song’s memorability level), and a lead guitar line adds texture in fortuitous spots. As a result, it’s a potential fan favorite with staying power.
Throughout Killer, it’s the variety on the disc that helps it stand up over multiple listens. That begins with the songwriting. There are a couple of my favorite lines that exhibit the lyrical cleverness I look for.
First, during the band’s anti-love song, “Need This Love” – one of my favorites – in a tone that reaches sadly into the soul, supported by a blues-infused rhythm, you’ll hear “I need this love/To go away/’Cause all it’s brought/Is tears and hate.” Great blues lyrics from this alt-rock outfit.
photo courtesy of TOS
Also, in “Mouthful.” Musically, this song crept up on me but is now on heavy rotation on my stereo. Sophia’s voice dances around the melody deftly in fits and spurts in this one. It’s moody, at times either sultry or sadly angry, and delivers another of my favorite lines on this disc, “Your biggest mistake starts with my name.”
Oh, but the songs get deeper. “Ghost,” anyone? Another haunting song with powerful musical builds and tempo variance. It’s a catchy song you’ll find yourself singing along with, one of the standout tracks on the disc… about being abducted in the woods and held captive. It’s jolting every time you realize what you’re singing along to, but it’s oh-so-well-written.
Lest you think the album’s serious and/or angry, don’t. Even the aforementioned songs are fun listens in all their seriousness. Also, at the absolute opposite end of the spectrum, beginning with an electric guitar riff that’d make a ’70s metal band proud before flowing into a rather pop-rocking, energetic song, is “Reckless.” A partying song that features an excellent, well-placed electric guitar solo.
photo courtesy of TOS
Another amusing tune that’s a personal favorite is “Cry Baby,” an energetic, rock-strumming-driven ditty with the electric axe line almost a modern twist on ’60s surf rock-style guitar.
And while “Soul Keeper” is yet another relationship song that’s not exactly cheerful, it’s not all romantic doom and gloom in TOS’s repertoire. “Waterfall” is reminiscent and wistful, while “The One” is rather romantic and hopeful, even if its opening reveals that it’s a bit neurotically so.
The disc closes, though, with its title track, “Killer.” Another anti-romantic song. The guitar line is like something Metallica would come up with if it were to write a heavy alt-rock song. And “Killer” does, indeed, close the album emphatically with power-howled vocals, aggressive stop-start drumming, mile-a-minute acoustic guitar picking… every tool in TOS’s kit but the kitchen sink. The ideal album-ender to leave the listener content and out of breath.
So yeah, I’ve been enjoying having this CD in my car the last several weeks. It’s a rockin’ disc from a tight, talented group, containing enough depth and musical variety to remain interesting across dozens of listens.
photo by Geoff Wilbur
Looking Ahead
Get out to hear TOS if you can. This is absolutely one of the best live bands in Boston. TOS’s next performance is Saturday, September 10th at the Remember September Music Festival in Brockton, MA. The band also has an upcoming Saturday, September 24th gig (11:00 AM-1:00 PM for you morning people) at the 22nd Annual Weston Car Show in Weston, MA, a Saturday, October 1 early afternoon (2:00 PM) set at MaynardFest in Maynard, MA, and a Friday, October 10th gig at Out of the Blue Too Art Gallery in Cambridge, MA with Company One and Pillbook. Check the band’s website for more information on those gigs and others as they’re added. You can also sign up for their mailing list like I did.
So yeah, I’ve been enjoying having this CD in my car the last several weeks. It’s a rockin’ disc from a tight, talented group, containing enough depth and musical variety to remain interesting across dozens of listens.
It brings to mind a group of people, joined together by a shared love for surfing and adventure. This implies that the experience described in the phrase is not only thrilling but also best enjoyed in the company of like-minded individuals. "Melodies" adds a musical dimension to the phrase. It could refer to the rhythmic sounds of the waves crashing or the soothing melodies of nature. It suggests that the experience is not only visually captivating but also has an auditory allure. Overall, "surf spell comrades melodies" paints a picture of a captivating and enchanting experience shared with friends. It combines the exhilaration of surfing, the magic of the environment, the joy of companionship, and the soothing melodies of nature. It invites one to imagine a moment of perfect bliss and harmony with the ocean..
Reviews for "Surf Travel: Exploring New Melodies in Uncharted Waters"
1. Sarah M. - Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
I recently listened to "Surf spell comrades melodies" and was thoroughly disappointed. The album lacked any cohesive structure and seemed to be thrown together haphazardly. The melodies were repetitive and mundane, with no unique or memorable hooks. It felt more like a random assortment of sound effects and noises rather than a well-composed musical piece. Overall, I found the entire listening experience to be frustrating and unsatisfying.
2. John D. - Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Surf spell comrades melodies" based on the hype surrounding it, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the album had some interesting experimental elements, it failed to create a lasting impact or evoke any genuine emotions. The lack of clear structure and direction made it difficult to fully appreciate the artist's intentions. I found myself getting bored and detached from the music rather quickly. It's a shame because I was really hoping for something more profound and engaging.
3. Lisa R. - Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I must admit that "Surf spell comrades melodies" did not resonate with me as much as I had anticipated. The album seemed disjointed and lacked a cohesive theme. The experimental nature of the music did not align with my personal taste, resulting in a disconnect between the artist and myself. While I appreciate the artist's willingness to push boundaries, I found it difficult to fully engage with the songs and connect on an emotional level. It's possible that this album may appeal to fans of a more avant-garde style, but it didn't capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.