What seems to be an unlikely pairing of former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant and bluegrass superstar Alison Krauss is actually one of the most effortless-sounding duos in modern popular music…

Formed in the streets of East London by vocalist Peter Ellis (Ex- White Wizzard, The More I See), MONUMENT is bringing back a sound that has been missing from the UK for nearly 30 years… True British Heavy Metal!With thunderous, melodic bass tones, dual guitar harmonies, rock-solid drum beats and signature falsetto wails, the band is determined to make a difference in today's Metal scene and is celebrating a sound that is rooted in melody and good songwriting that will inspire a new generation of Metal fans.True Metal is back in the Empire and MONUMENT will undoubtedly be the band at the forefront of this new wave.

Given the Beatles' fondness for covering Motown favorites like "Please Mr. Postman," "Money (That's What I Want)" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me," it was only logical that Motown stars like the Supremes, the Four Tops and Stevie Wonder would also cover the Fab Four as well, albeit to varying degrees of success. It's telling that none of the17 tracks collected on Motown Milestones: Motown Meets the Beatles were major hits, as most seem like filler in comparison to the individual acts' best-known performances of the day; only Stevie Wonder's driving "We Can Work It Out" and Marvin Gaye's gossamer reading

Thirteen tracks that epitomize Ralf Uhrlandt’s very own sound and cover a wide range from several trippin’ slow jams and downbeat tunes, swinging midtempo grooves and minimal techhouse business. An album that takes the genre defying Index ID style even further in a collision of many different ingredients. Even some string laden soundscapes and afro-tronic influences come in, engulfing some tracks more or less dreamily. Then again you have this overall dubby and atmospheric feel giving this album an added dimension while making way for some delicious funktified rhythms. ‚Expedition’ is a sensational release of exceptional quality that both soothes your ears and still keeps that feet firmly on the dancefloor.

This is the last installment of the Pacifica Quartet’s Shostakovich cycle named “The Soviet Experience” because it adds one quartet by other Russian composers (Miaskovsky, Prokofiev, Weinberg, and Schnittke) to each release. Although there are many performances of the complete Shostakovich quartets available, the Pacifica Quartet’s traversal of these masterpieces is one of the best. Their sheer brilliance of execution, the emotional depth of their interpretation and the stunning sound make this a most desirable set……

Robert Moon @ Audiophile Audition