What I’m Listening To #15

What I’m Listening To, the blog series in which I reflect on all the music I’ve been exploring during the last few months. Press play on the playlist below, listen along and join me on this inspirational journey. Post your recommendations in the comments!

Linkin Park – From Zero
When rumors about a female vocalist started circling on the web, I had serious doubts about whether this could work. But then, after posting a mysterious countdown and count-up timer (clever hint at the album title), the band made its long-awaited return with Emily Armstrong as their new frontwoman. And honestly, her performances have blown me away as she possesses all the vocal capabilities needed to become the new voice of Linkin Park: from clean sung harmonies to raspy high notes and full-on screams. As for the music, I never would’ve expected them to revisit their original rap metal sound to this extent, but never does it feel like a simple carbon copy of “Hybrid Theory” or “Meteora”. Besides, “From Zero” also combines sonic elements from all other previous eras of the band. This provides the perfect opportunity for them to rediscover their sound with this time Emily at the forefront, continuing the legacy of Chester Bennington and keeping the spirit of Linkin Park alive.

Cassyette
Speaking of powerful female vocalists! The English Cassy Brooking, better known by her artist name Cassyette, makes music that can be best summarised as heavy P!nk. When I saw her live two years ago as a support act for Sum 41, I was taken aback by her range and the cool modern mixture between industrial electronica and hard rocking guitars and drums. Whether performed on stage or in the studio, you can tell her songs have originated from an authentic emotional place, as Cassyette sings and screams her heart out on tender melodic verses and loud hard-hitting choruses. I wrote this item based on listening to most of her standalone singles, my favorites being “Petrichor”, “Mayhem” and “September Rain”.

Mikis Theodorakis – Zorba the Greek
And now for something different. Although I have yet to see this film, I was curious to give its official score a listen in advance. The bright and often joyful bouzouki instrumentation on this record is not only regarded as the iconic sound of traditional Greek folk music. It also takes me back to those wonderful summer holidays in Greece, where I’d spent time with the family in the burning Mediterranean sun, bathing in crystal clear sea water and enjoying the most delicious foods together. I know about Mikis Theodorakis thanks to my grandfather who, as a Greek man himself, always liked his music and inspired me to dive into his catalogue for the first time myself. Theodorakis remains one of the most renowned Greek musicians and is credited with over 1,000 works. Ευχαριστώ Μίκης, that’s enough musical material for a lifetime!

The Wanderer – The Perfect Storm
As a complete synchronicity, not long after listening to “Zorba the Greek”, my girlfriend introduced me to The Wanderer. This band consists of Dutch independent singer-songwriters Victor Driest and Nikos Frangiskatos, whose name sounds suspiciously Greek-like. Never mind the origins though, because it’s all about the beautiful music they make. Their latest album “The Perfect Storm” is an ambitious project that intertwines gentle acoustic songs with fully instrumental ambient tracks, taking you on a transformative journey of higher awareness and inner piece. It’s a reassuring and comforting experience, putting on headphones and drifting (or wandering) away to the healing frequencies of this record. Especially at times of self-doubt or feeling down, these guys will regenerate your energy and help you achieve a more at ease state of mind.

S P E C I A L
S I N G L E S
Songs that have caught my attention.

New West – “Those Eyes”
One of the most authentic and sincere love songs I’ve ever heard.

From Ashes To New – “My Name”
This rap rock anthem boosts my confidence every time!

Paolo Nutini – “Iron Sky”
It hits me how relevant this soulful outcry for human evolution still is today.

Sam Tinnesz, Tommee Profitt, Our Last Night – “Spiral”
Dark and gritty banger with a hint of choral epicness.

Kensington – “A Moment”
The biggest Dutch rock band returns with new lead vocalist Jason Dowd!

Monkey Safari – “Safe”
Spoken word on a transcendental club beat apparently touches me deeply.