d_z² (dz squared)

At Ritual Echo, we don’t take too much stock in genre.  Yes, it does help a little, and we use it in a very broad sense.  Kompendium, Galahad, and Dec Burke are all be described as ‘prog’, but these artists all have a very different sound.  Do we like ‘prog’.  Yes.  Do we like all ‘prog’.  Of course not, it’s too varied.  Oftentimes, genre simply gets in the way.  Are we not supposed to like pieces by artists as diverse as Metallica and Bach, Robbie Williams and Miles Davis simply because they are not ‘prog’ or ‘psych’ or ‘folk’?  Just have a look at how many genres are available to choose when uploading music to SoundCloud!  We believe there are really only two types of music: music you like, and music you don’t like.

The d_z² imprint will release music falling into two categories; dz2-D for artists based in Scotland/Dundee and dz2-G for ‘solo guitar’.  Other than that, you’ll simply have to visit the SoundCloud pages at this site to decide – do I like it or not.

Two releases in the pipeline are works by Dundee’s SunHotStone and Keith Murray, a young classical/fingerstyle guitarist from Arbroath.  Check them out now.

Galahad
“Beyond the Realms of Euphoria”
Red LP + Orange 12″ EP: £22.95

Shipping

UK = £5.50

Europe = £7.50

RoW = £13.00

Available in the Shop for £22.95 + Shipping

Ritual Echo Records releases the vinyl edition of Galahad‘s latest album “Beyond the Realms of Euphoria” on November 12th.  Available as a limited edition red vinyl LP (33rpm) plus an orange vinyl 12″ EP (45rpm, >30 minutes) pressed on 180g vinyl and housed in a gatefold sleeve.  Initial copies come with a sticker and CD version of the album housed in a clear plastic wallet.

Musicians:
Roy Keyworth – Guitars
Stuart Nicholson – Vocals
Dean Baker – Keyboards
Spencer Luckman – Drums
Neil Pepper – Bass, Guitars, Keyboards
Plus: Mark Andrews – Additional keyboards on Richelieu’s Prayer

Red LP
Side 1:
Salvation I – Overture
Salvation II – Judgement Day?
Guardian Angel

Side 2:
Secret Kingdoms…
… And Secret Worlds
Guardian Angel (Reprise)

Orange 12″ EP
Side A:
All in the Name of Progress
Richelieu’s Prayer 2012

Side B:
Sleepers 2012

All songs conceived, written and arranged by Galahad
Produced by Galahad and Karl Groom
Words by Stu
Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Karl Groom at Thin Ice Studios, Surrey, England
Design and Art Direction by Paul Tippett for Vitamin P
Cover Illustration by Emma Grzonkowski

The Execution of Frederick Baker

Released Monday 12th November

Ritual Echo Records releases the first full length album from Head South by Weaving & Alison O’Donnell on November 11th.  “The Execution of Frederick Baker” is available as a limited edition 180g vinyl LP housed in a full colour jacket and lyric inner sleeve designed by Arild Torvund Olsen.

Click here for the promo video for “Fleeing Limbus“.

Alison O’Donnell is best know as the vocalist from cult folk-rock band Mellow Candle whose “Swaddling Songs” album is now viewed as a classic of the genre.

Graeme Lockett (HSBW) learned his chops whilst supporting bands such as The Levellers and Mega City 4.

Musicians:
Alison O’Donnell – Vocals
Graeme Lockett (HSBW) – Guitars and Programming

With:
Tony Swettenham – Flute Organ, Mellotron
Jonathan Banks – Drums
Bryan O’Connell – Drums

Side A:
Fail In Flight
The Execution of Frederick Baker
Act of Contrition
Fleeing Limbus

Side B:
Bird in a Cage
The Stonemason’s Daughter
Prying Eyes
Hedge End Day

Alison and Bryan recorded in Dublin by Geoffrey Perrin
Tony recorded in Luton.
Jonathan recorded at Factory Road Studios, Eastleigh.
Everything else recorded at The Kilter Rooms, Hampshire.

Mixed by Graeme at The Kilter Rooms, Hampshire.
Mastered by Fran Ashcroft @ Happy Beat Studios.

Sleeve art and design by Arild Torvund Olsen.

Released Monday 12th November

Whilst recording two critically acclaimed EPs of cover versions for the Fruits de Mer label, Anders and Britt, better known as Us And Them, built up a collection of self-penned songs.  Four of those songs appear on this EP.

Ritual Echo Records releases the “Walk Light EP”, by Us And Them on November 12th as a limited edition 7” EP available in Blue/White (200), White (200), and Clear vinyl (100).  The EP can be purchased from Ritual Echo Records, the Us And Them web site, and your favourite purveyor of vinyl records.

Musicians:
Anders – Instruments
Britt – Vocals

Side A:
A Love Will Find Its Way To Us
Walk Light

Side B:
Weston-Super-Mare
Oblivion

All songs written and arranged by Us And Them.

Taken from the “Walk Light EP“, Ritual Echo Records (rerEP006)

Taken from the “Walk Light EP“, Ritual Echo Records (rerEP006).

Kompendium
“Beneath The Waves”
Blue: £22.95

Shipping

UK = £5.50

Europe = £7.50

RoW = £13.00

This is the promotional video for “Fleeing Limbus” taken from the forthcoming album “The Execution of Frederick Baker” (rerLP007) by Head South by Weaving & Alison O’Donnell.

View Video

Album Track List:

Exordium
Lost
Lilly
Mercy Of The Sea
The Storm
Beneath The Waves
Sole Survivor
Alone
Il Tempo È Giunto
A Moment Of Clarity
One Small Step
Reunion

Visit the official Kompendium web site – more videos, photos, and audio will be posted as the release date gets ever closer.  Of course, while you’re there, you could also treat yourself to a copy or two of the album, it is available in black and transparent blue editions!