Amazing reviews on 'Helichrysum + Riverine - Chris J Mocke'
https://musicoin.org/nav/artist/0xe52c6252db339b33edef1c50831ad3eaefe0a8b1
The first thing you realise as Snooze that Button kicks in, is that something about it gives you the feels. It’s immediately complex. It’s warm but dark. It is unfamiliar in the same way that Bowie, Waits or Cave is, at first. But you are going to become familiar with it, because as the album progresses you realise that it is not going to conform to anything else you’ve heard on the radio today. Or possibly ever. And you will need more for later. The unabashed eclecticism, soaring melodies, honesty and intimate tone can mean only one thing:
We have a live rare real authentic one. The rest is commentary.
Helichrysum + Riverine is an album for, and about two people that finally get a quiet moment alone to reconnect at soul level. The recommended setting includes enough wine and zero space or time for anything else. Just like the conversation at first, it comes across as sparse, until the beautifully measured sprinklings of genius become undeniable. Maybe not for newlyweds.
This is an album that lavishes odes of Love on the Beloved, in an archetypal tribute that treads tenderly while searching for the exact words and notes. It contains the in-jokes, subtle winks and tiny little inflections that are known only to the complete devotee of decades — and the little moments of hurt, anguish and disillusionment of the truly committed one. Threads of emotion that run way deep are woven with beautiful musical embellishments, and rushes of lyrical drama into a tapestry-offering with priestly skill and focus. With Helichrysum + Riverine we are invited to walk on it for a short distance with bare feet and hearts.
The boon from this masterful appellation, is the sweet response of the magical child-like artwork and backing vocals that Catherina Mocke contributes. Their inspiring partnership, and the fact that Chris plays and produces everything in his own tiny rooftop studio plays a significant part of the unfettered expression of Helichrysum + Riverine (and the corpus of Chris J. Mocke’s work). He calls the shots as a savant, and when he does, he bares his soul. No compromises and no fallacies for undue gain or fame. And if his somewhat haunting voice feels disconcertingly close at times, that is because you are indeed brought to close quarters, only to step again through a portal into soaring sonic dimensions. This here is micro-brewing of music, and it always produces a trip of sonic delight.
Whatever you need to do is what you need to do, to get this album. You’ll be needing it later.
Review by Robin Frederick De Roubaix (https://medium.com/@robinfrederickderoubaix)
Another Review ...
If you are looking for an intimate, beautiful and sincere music then take a ride on the sweet notes of Chris J Mocke, he will transport you to dreamlike realities. The texts will accompany you in the emotions as if you were in a movie. You will feel like characters inside real stories, deep and so simply direct. I chose one in particular because it touched me deeply, moved me. Map of your heart, enjoy listening
Review by Lorenzo Pistolesi (https://steemit.com/@lorenzopistolesi)
And another one ...
Chris J Mocke, South African multi-Instrumentalist and composer, has just released his 16th studio album. A soothing and sensitive Grand Piano leads and connects an eclectic rhythm of bass guitar and orchestral kettledrum to a single-shot marching snare. A moody accordion and a Greek bouzouki appear in two heart-warming tracks with surprise flourishes of gongs and church bells sprinkled here and there. Catherina Mocke guest features as backing vocalist on 3 songs and Chris’ low dreamy voice underscores this piece of romantic art. The listener is transported along a different journey on each song listened and enjoyed to the full. Check out Chris J Mocke’s Patreon address to get the entire album, Helichrysum + Riverine
Artwork by Catherina Mocke @ https://www.facebook.com/Catherina-Mocke-Art-kuns-1471398546338563/