SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHURCH OF TREES – COURAGE

Church Of Trees
Courage
Independent

Bernard Frazer, the mastermind behind Church Of Trees, is not one to let the grass grow around his feet or rest on his many laurels. Courage is Church of Tree’s fifth studio album since their debut EP in 2017. They have also released a compilation and numerous EPS. Frazer is an extremely creative artist, so one thing was for sure, his follow up to 2022’s Pish Posh (great title) was going to be spectacular and it is. Frazer made the brave decision to take older tracks from his very respected catalogue and have some very talented artists (and friends) remix and re-do them. The end result is an entirely new album consisting of new and imaginative takes of classic songs. The title, Courage, is very appropriate. It must be very nerve wracking to trust your creations to other artists, but that is exactly what Frazer has done and it worked. The thing with remix albums is that the source material has to be strong for the producers/musicians to remix. They are.

The album is bookended with opener Slave To The SQUAREwave’s “Progression (Rob Stuart Numanoid Mix)”, and closer “Progression (Paragon Cause Darkwave Mix)”.  The song is from last year’s Pish Posh, and in Stuart’s hands, the song has a very hard edge to it, with perfect vocals from Frazer. Paragon Cause’s mix has a much more melancholy sound to it. It is brilliant, with great use of guitar. Whereas Stuart brings out the anger, Paragon Cause brings out the sadness.

Rob Stuart remixes the second track as well, an oldie but a goldie from 2018’s The Dark & The Light. “I Can’t Be Loved – Bhangra Mix)” featuring vocals by Jill Kleef is the perfect pop song for the summer. Featuring a distinct rhythm and very warm vocals, the song is the perfect mix. Although it is only five years old, it sounds more updated than the original, although the original is well worth looking into. Rob Preuss (The Spoons, Honeymoon Suite) also mixes from The Dark & The Light for a great remix of “Me Myself I – Rob Preuss Morning Mix”, featuring Krista Hartman. Again, another classic slice of electro-pop. This is pleasant and demonstrates the versatility of Frazer’s writing.

Rob Stuart remixes the remainder of the songs. “Lost My Job – Stick It To The Man Mix” is perfect. Here he lets the anger come to the forefront with a great deal of foreboding sounds. On Pause it was a highlight and it is a highlight on this collection as well. “Paralyzed – Loss Of Function Mix” is excellent and “Oxygen – Relaxed Breathing Mix” featuring incredible vocals from Stella Panacci and excellent use of almost demonic instructions is absolutely brilliant.

Frazer has taken older songs and made brand new material from them. Courage has a distinct and unique flow to it. It is another work of art from Bernard Frazer and company. He has employed very talented artists and each remix brings out the genius of each song. Well done, Mr. Frazer.

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