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Electronmusic Adelaide, South Australia Member since: 01 Feb 2006
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Beltane
Australian band Beltane
Beltane began in May 1996. Initially starting out as a studio project constructed by founding member Paul Handley, Beltane's rather unique sound is created using an unusual blend of influences, their characteristic style makes it a little hard to find direct comparisons but generally tends to fall somewhere in the 'Gothic genre' vein, probably due to some of the ominous underlying synth oscillations. The band themselves see it more as 'electronica/rock', more along the lines of artists such as Delerium, New Order, and Garbage. The densely electronic based music is driven by synthesisers and rhythm programming, whilst still retaining a strong organic feel using; up front female vocals, bass and electric guitars, classical string instruments, and additional drums and percussion. The contemplative mood is melodic and atmospheric with emphasis on polarity of extremes; light and dark aspects are inextricably entwined, placing delicate vocals and gentle synth melody, within a less forgiving, disconcerting environment.
The first official release for Beltane was the self released "Dionysian Blood" five song single (1999), this was followed by a full length shortly after, "The Fire of Becoming" (2000). Due to the studio nature of the band, many musicians have been involved along the way and each release has guest musicians and a variety of female singers. 2003 saw the release of the "World of Dreams" full-length CD where the focus took a more orchestrated approach with a mild classical influence.
Beltane is the name of a pre-Christian festival celebrated on the May eve (April 30). The Beltane fire festival is a celebration of the coming summer and the death of winter, akin to a new-year celebration. It is still celebrated in Scotland today.
Beltane are:
Paul Handley (electronic programming, synthesisers, bass guitar, drums and percussion)
Karina Eames (vocals/electric guitar)
Sophie Horwood (vocals)
Contact Details:
Paul Handley (Beltane/Electron)
Phone: Home +618 8431 7936
Postal Address: P.O. Box 174, Kensington Park, 5068, South Australia
E-mail: beltane@electronmusic.de
Website: www.beltane.electronmusic.de
Mp3 Site 1: www.mp3.com.au/beltane
| news item electronmusic |
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Electron - NuanceRelease 2009Electron is the solo studio project of Paul Handley,Adelaide based songwriter and keyboard player who currently playsin The What 4 and electronic duo Beltane. Electron stems backas far as the mid 90's, writing sound-scapes for studentdance theatre, experimental theatre and independent short films. Thefirst official CD 'Atmospherics' released in 2006 was written whiletravelling through Japan and Europe, and recorded in Prague. Thisrelease utilised ambiences recorded in the 'field' of which, trainstations and downtown city centres were of particular interest. The forthcoming CD retains the ambient focus inherentwithin the music of Electron but utilises more complex drum andpercussion Read More |
| Posted: 2009-02-01 |
| news item electronmusic |
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The What 4 will play a 45 minute set 'live to air' on local Adelaide radio station 3D radio 93.7 fm. The show starts at 9pm on Saturday the 13th of September. We will be playing a selection of songs from the 'Say it Straight' cd plus some new numbers not yet recorded. Read More |
| Posted: 2008-09-05 |
| news item electronmusic |
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THE WHAT 4 by Kerry Loyson Deriving influence from the likes of Killing Joke, Primus, The Necks, Front Line Assembly, Sonic Youth and Mars Volta, The What 4 are Adelaide's freshest experimental rock outfit to explode onto our local music scene. Having recently released their debut album, Say It Straight, Paul Handley, the band's synthesiser operator, invites Rip It Up into their world of instrumental and novel quirky sound and dynamic musical scope while pondering the concept of cover bands "If you're a cover band, you might get some nice well paid shows at the Hyatt or whatever, but you can't sell CDs because it's not your music!" he begins. "We might play a few daggy pubs and stuff but there's a chance t Read More |
| Posted: 2008-09-01 |
| news item electronmusic |
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The What 4 2008 LP Say It Straight Reviewed by Dobbie Glasson 24 July 2008 Experimental rock band The What 4 has delivered their debut full-length album Say It Straight. With such diverse sounds on the one release, it's no wonder they have been busy playing and getting some air time on Three D Radio. The What 4 are Jo Herbert on guitar and vocals, Frank Usmiani on bass, Wil Martin on drums and Paul Handley on synthesizers. Say It Straight is full of mind blowing sounds and effects, coming together nicely to produce a very stable record. Rolling bass starts 'Science Fiction' which kicks the album into gear, and already it's into blazing synth and a guitar lick that tops this song off nicely. In 'Highbr Read More |
| Posted: 2008-09-01 |
| event Electronmusic |
| Friday 13th June 2008 |
This is a Friday 13th show with a difference! "BLACK FRIDAY" will feature 4 awesome Gothic - Industrial - Metal bands AND an 80s, 90s, Industrial Gothic DJ! Bands so far confirmed are the mighty OCTANIC, classy Black Orchid and the impressive Satoria... And THE WHAT 4. The dress-theme for the night will be decidedly... BLACK!!! Read More |
| Posted: 2008-06-02 |
| news item Electronmusic |
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Sin Masters from Finland have a new CD out 'Innocence Lost'. The two songs Crashing Down, and Whiplash, are songs Karina Eames, of Australian band Beltane, wrote the lyrics for. Read More |
| Posted: 2008-04-13 |
| news item Electronmusic |
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Australian band The What 4, now have a profile at Triple J Unearthed.Com. Three songs are available for free downlaod, The Seaside Song, Blowing Bubbles, and Highbrow. If you like them help them out and post a review on the site. Enjoy! Read More |
| Posted: 2008-04-13 |
| post Electronmusic |
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Band: The What 4
Debut CD: Say it Straight
The What 4, Adelaides new, experimental rock band have just released their debut, full-length CD, Say it Straight.
The band members, from diverse backgrounds, combine their experience and talent to produce a unique, melodic and innovative groove.
Previous/current projects include: Martire, Free Moving Curtis, Beltane and Lankey.
While focusing on dynamics and a simple formula, the band is driven by a fluid rhythm section, atmospheric synthe Read More |
| Posted: 2008-04-05 |
| news item Electronmusic |
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The What 4 Debut CD: Say it Straight 'The What 4', Adelaide's new, experimental rock band have just released their debut, full-length CD, 'Say it Straight'. The band members, from diverse backgrounds, combine their experience and talent to produce a unique, melodic and innovative groove. Previous/current projects include: Martire, Free Moving Curtis, Beltane and Lankey. While focusing on dynamics and a simple formula, the band is driven by a fluid rhythm section, atmospheric synthesizers, emotive guitars, satin vocals and sound effects. After generating interest through live performance over the last few months, the band were surprised when local alternative radio station '3D' responded wit Read More |
| Posted: 2008-04-05 |
| news item electronmusic |
| New CD release for Australian band Beltane 'Spell of Harmony' EP |
New MCD for Australian band Beltane
This new release "Spell of Harmony" contains 7 remix versions of tracks from the two previous full-length Beltane CDs "World of Dreams" and "The Fire of Becoming". All songs are remixed and produced by main band member Paul Handley, and provide a refreshing, inspirational take on some of the bands best material to date. Spell of Harmony is released on Electron label, to find out details of where it is distributed visit the Electron website, and this CD is also currently available direct from them wholesale.
"deeply melodic" Future Music Magazine UK
"9/10" Obliveon Magazine Germany
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| Posted: 2006-02-02 |
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