Not so much reviews as they are thoughts, here are some words about the music I’ve been playing lately. Some of it is new, some of it isn’t. That’s just the nature of this series. I hope that works for you.
If the record was released recently, I’ll provide a link to the band and its music.
MILES DAVIS & MARCUS MILLER, Siesta (1987). A bad movie with a good soundtrack is far from unusual (Virtuosity and Judgment Night can be found in my collection). Trouble is, music being associated with a bad film can find itself buried or just lost in the mind of those who might otherwise be fans. Such is the case here, where Miles Davis, Marcus Miller (the primary composer) and a top musicians like John Scofield (guitar) and Omar Hakim (drums) have put together a lovely suite of Spanish-influenced instrumentals. Comparisons to Miles’s Sketches of Spain album are both inevitable and warranted. The primary difference between the two comes down to the number of participants. Miles is in fine form and Miller’s multi-instrumental prowess is also prominently on display. A nice record to go with a glass of wine and a sunset. Just don’t trouble yourself with the movie.
RIVERSIDE, Live ID. (2024) One thing can be said for progressive rock and jazz bands: they know how to bring the goods from the concert stage. Riverside’s latest live effort is no exception. Here is a band that knows how to grab the audience, pull them in, and give them a groovy experience. The keyboards provide lush soundscapes while the guitars and vocals provide the best melodic elements. Don’t sleep on the drums and bass that are holding everything together. These guys aren’t afraid to stretch a tune out in order to wring every ounce of musical value from it. It works.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, American Primeval Soundtrack (2025). Post-rockers Explosions in the Sky bring forth a soundtrack album just as brutal and desolate as the television show it represents. American Primeval has the feel of Game of Thrones in the Old West, and the band has written dark and spacious music to match. You can practically taste the dirt and feel the violence taking place around you. Even their take on “This Land is Your Land” is somber and foreboding. Explosions has done a great job conveying what the filmmakers have put before our eyes. Highly recommended.
https://open.spotify.com/album/0N1aDLJfHd3s78yZINQAqH?si=Vv3wotWVTHCqzghrbRSozw
CAVERN OF SOULS, “Sea of Leaves” (2025). (Single) A lovely bit of math rock with a steady, complex guitar line and a stutter-step kick drum, along with a simple but steady bassline. The melody skitters about, forcing the listener to pay attention and look at the bigger picture as the rest of the band brings everything into line, making the guitar that much more enjoyable. I look forward to hearing more from this band.
https://cavernofsouls.bandcamp.com/album/2
THE SPIRITUAL MACHINES, Lockhearted (2024). Listeners of a certain age may feel that this band has hopped into a time machine and taken a trip back to the mid- to late eighties, as The Spiritual Machines does a fine job of capturing the college rock sounds of the time. Catchy synth pop-driven tunes carry the spirit of bands like Depeche Mode and The Smiths, but still manage to forge their own identity. The grooves are infectious and the vocals are plenty dreamy, making this an enjoyable listen. Light a candle and enjoy!
https://thespiritualmachines.bandcamp.com/album/lockhearted
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