Monday, May 20, 2013

DGR Brings You Ul2raViolet

Good day folks. It has hit that time again for another band review and this week I am honoured to bring to your attention the work of Ul2raViolet.

Ul2raViolet is Andrew Manning from the UK.

He started writing electronic music in May 2011 for fun, then started networking with other artists whom he has collaborated with over time. These include: The X, Chrissyohh, Delta Pavonis, Nexus Of Crisis and Orbitally Re-Arranged Monatomic Elements. He also works with abstract artists who have allowed him to use their work as cover art such as Mike Henry and James VerDoorn. Andrew has written 6 albums of material in this time.

Andrew's motto is -

"Music is the universal language. The most important commodity you have is imagination & the desire to create. Ul2raViolet endeavours to create beauty, simplicity & perfection."

Listening to Ul2raViolet is to experience new realms. It is so electronically layered, it deserves taking the time out to listen to all of the tracks from his albums in their entirety for they all blend with such a creative infusion it is mind blowing to hear the depths of which they speak.

It is all too easy to analyse music and miss the point of the artist's creation. That is why with Ul2raViolet, I merely wish to explain the emotions from listening. It is music to liberate, suffocate and entice, mostly, it is music to free the mind from its prison of control.Whatever your genre of pleasure, Ul2raViolet offers something for all.

I have had the honour of collaborating with Andrew and his devotion and talent are awe inspiring.

Ul2raViolet takes you through the avant-garde, melancholy and electronic futuristic vibe, all at the same time. It is hard to choose a favourite track to be honest. Two favourite tracks for me would be from his latest album "Mbl.1" which was released this year (2013).

"Ărtэmis ĐäяκWiɲg" is a fantastic track of ebb and flow. It is the pulsating energy of a storm. A whirlpool of chaos amidst serenity. It is darkness blended with the knowledge that there is also light in the strangest of places/emotions. This is a great track and offers so much freedom of thought. It is metaphor!

"Darkestnoon" is another excellent track off this album. The programing is intelligent to say the least. The build up of the song is magnificent and leads your senses to a point of wanting more and yet relishing what you are given. The whole atmosphere to this song is eerie leading up to 3.07 and then boom, the tension is released and is felt with power! It throbs with life and decay. It offers epiphany and the urge to scream. It is a walk in a dark forest in search of who knows what one will find. In short, it is a masterpiece of musical programing and thought.

Andrew has an impressive discography and his website can be found below. The website alone is wonderful to walk around, like a gallery of sorts. There you can find where to purchase his music and what his current projects are, he always has something on the go. 

I really am in awe of his talent, for those who truly appreciate music in every sense, this is a treat to the mind, heart and soul.

So fellow artists and supporters, pop over to his website and FB page and show a talented musician the support he so deserves via the two links below! Peace to you all! Poppy.



Ul2raViolet's Website

Ul2raViolet at Facebook





Tuesday, May 14, 2013

JOEY RAMONE 2013 BIRTHDAY BASH IN NYC 5/19/2013


Attention DGR Nation & RAMONES Fans

Anyone looking to Donate money In Joey's Memory in search for a Lymphoma Cure can find the CORRECT Information Below. 

This info was given to me DIRECTLY by Joey's Brother Mickey Leigh. 

Mickey also told me, and I quote "PLEASE Tell People "The BEST, SAFEST and Most Direct way they can support what I am doing in my brother's name and to help raise money to find a cure for Lymphoma is by going to www.joeyramone.com where they will find the address for the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research and Donate there, or buy the T-shirt or Poster that will be available at the birthday bash and online after the birthday bash" that's what i suggest. 

We're happy to announce the 2013 Joey Ramone Birthday Bash, benefitting The Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research. This year's Bash will be held at Bowery Electric, just off of Joey Ramone Place on the Bowery, featuring a lineup headlined by CJ Ramone, with additional performances by The Independents, Andy Shernoff, The Bullys, George Tabb, Ingrid & the Defectors, Sic Fucks, Heap, and the Joey Ramone Tribute Band. 
The Bash will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at Bowery Electric - 327 Bowery, New York, NY 10003. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the show will begin at 7pm. 
Tickets are $20 advance, $25 day of show, and are on sale now - http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?

Please Donate - Help Find A Cure - 
"In Memory of Joey Ramone"
Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research
P.O. Box 1107
Cooper Station
New York, N.Y. 10276

You can also visit www.joeyramone.com for more information and links to the Joey Ramone Merch Store to purchase all kinds of great Ramones & Joey Ramone Swag. 

Thanks Everyone - Shawn aka DJ DarkGift of www.darkgiftradio.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

CD Review - Sills and Smith "No Way In, No Way Out"

Sills and Smith are based in Ottawa and class themselves as folk/rock. 

Members are Jeremy Sills, Frank Smith and Jonathan Edwards. Frank Smith is the main vocalist and lyricist of the band. Jeremy Sills and Jonathan Edwards share electric and acoustic guitar duties, backing vocals with drums and bass played by Jonathan. 

The band have released two albums: "Uncertain Vista" (2011) and "No Way In, No Way Out" (2012). Their new album is set for release in late Spring 2013. 



“No Way In, No Way Out” is a very nicely produced album that shows a good progression in terms of production from their previous CD, 2011’s “Uncertain Vista”. Their style varies from Midwest Indie Rock to 90’s 4AD and even has elements of folk, early goth and interesting alternative experimentation at times. 

The drum and guitar sounds work really well together and the plaintive vocals sit well in the mix. Vocal influences seem to range from Nick Cave/Interpol/Michael Stipe to Lloyd Cole and The Red House Painters. There is a strong sense of empathy in many of the vocals. 

If you like the styles of music described above, you will be likely to appreciate the song writing which is generally well thought out and full of diversity and innovation, just where it is least expected.
Arrangements are simple and not over busy and this helps bring out the songs to strongly showcase the band’s potential. 

Personally, three of my favourite tracks from the album would be “Clouds”, “Radiance” and “Pain”. 

“Clouds” seems to have a Red House Painters influence infused into it. Nice chiming chorus guitars and a folk influence from the use of a pedal steel guitar. 

“Radiance” is very emotive lyrical imagery and a lovely build up to the song. It has a good musical balance that has that happy/sad feel that could go either way. 

“Pain” is one of the most interesting tracks. It has a dynamic that usurps listener expectation in the light of previous tracks and has an experimental edge that borders on Bauhaus/early goth. For me it is one of the most innovative tracks on the album. 

Another stand out track would be “Would it all be Different” which has a beautiful, sad, unrequited feel where “luck is measured in a thimble.” It is a unique track full of layers and dimensions and a courageous track which culminates in an ending that veers towards a celebration of Pink Floyd. 

The album is available from the many links included on their Reverbnation site. If you like good quality, alternative music from independent bands not influenced by corporate greed then this is a recommended release. 

I look forward to the new album later this year and wish Sills and Smith all success from the DGR Team.



Sills and Smith Links –

Sills and Smith at Reverbnation
Sills and Smith at Facebook

Thursday, May 2, 2013

DGR's First Band Review...Meet Crimson Clocks



Greetings all!


It brings me great pleasure to review the first band here. 


A band called Crimson Clocks from Birmingham in the UK. 


Crimson Clocks set out to offer a myriad of sounds. They class themselves as rock, jazz, reggae and generally dark yet I also hear many more genres within their music such as medieval, folk, gothic and classical. Their music covers many topics such as the devil, revenge, Celtic Mythology and cats. 

I particularly like their song “Red Violin”.


This particular song is laced with medieval, dark folk quality and the vocals are interestingly melancholic. For those who prefer the darker side to music, this is a treat to the senses. It seems to hold an ancient power, a mythological aura. 


They have many influences and interests such as The Doors, Nick Cave, The Clash, Primus, baroque and classical. Sci-Fi to vampires, cats to Dr Who but to name a few. It is not often a band encompasses so many genres and pulls it off with a tasty power. The production is excellent and for anyone who likes to mix their listening pleasure by one band, Crimson Clocks are a must. 


Crimson Clocks are – 

Linzi - Vocalist
Jo - Violinist/Oboist
Colin - Bassist
Steve - Drummer



You can find their music at the following links below. 


Crimson Clocks, Ladies and Gentlemen, are an exotic blend of talent. May you enjoy the journey as much as I have. Now…time for “Gonna Get It”. 

Peace to all


Poppy Silver


Crimson Clocks Links - 












Behind The Mic w/DJ DarkGift - Wake Up Thursday


DJ DarkGift - Currently On The Air Waking Up The DGR Nation With All Your Metal Requests and Favorites At www.darkgiftradio.com.  You can leave your requests on our Official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/darkgiftradio. Hope Everyone Has A Kick Ass Thursday.