Johnno Casson, known by his stage name Snippet, draws on a vibrant musical history in his latest endeavor, “English Fables Vol. 1.” From his days recording and touring with bands like Deep Joy during London’s early ’90s acid house and club scene, collaborating with luminaries such as Andrew Weatherall and David Harrow, to his work with labels like James Lavelle’s Mo ‘Wax and Adrian Sherwood’s On-U-Sound, Johnno has firmly established himself with hits resonating from New York to Tokyo and London. This rich background provides a fertile backdrop for an album that is as genuine as it is diverse.

Crafted DIY-style at home with a weathered tube microphone and a nylon-string guitar, “English Fables Vol. 1” bursts with personality and vitality. Each track serves as a snapshot of Johnno’s England, woven with tales of people and experiences set against a backdrop of musical grit, lively rhythms, bouncing guitar refrains, and lush strings.

“English Fables Vol. 1” distinguishes itself through its authentic voice and deep storytelling. The album brims with vibrant characters and life experiences, from quirky tunes like “Michael, I Knocked You Off The Ladder” and “Billy With The Wonky Toe” to original gems such as “Funny Habits,” “Tip of My Tongue,” “Resting Face,” and “Stop and Enjoy It.” The velvety tones of Marina Florance grace the album, adding an additional layer of warmth.

Beneath Johnno’s seemingly carefree persona lies meticulous craftsmanship. His multi-instrumental prowess and astute lyrical interplay captivate, deftly navigating weighty subjects with wit and empathy. “English Fables Vol. 1” boldly tackles issues ranging from chronic health conditions in “The Little Things” to reflections on toxic masculinity in “Patriarchy vs. A Mother’s Love” and societal challenges like male violence in “Punch,” pollution in “Pipe Dreams,” and mental health struggles in “Sometimes Life Is Really Shit.”

Highlighted among the album’s treasures are “Come On Down” and “The Little Things.” “Come On Down” serves as a poignant reflection on life’s journey, championing authenticity, community, and reconnecting with one’s roots. The song paints a vivid picture of a determined child striving to meet expectations while preserving personal freedom and choice. Its recurring invitation to “come on down” symbolizes a call to return to one’s origins, a place steeped in formative memories and experiences that have shaped one’s identity. The chorus, “Sing it like you mean it, sing it like you can,” encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and express their passions with unbridled enthusiasm. The song celebrates community through scenes of dancing, laughter, and collective uplift, grounding its narrative in real locations imbued with sentimental value.

“The Little Things,” an introspective acoustic indie folk ballad, explores life’s trials while underscoring the significance of small moments of joy and love. Vulnerability and resilience permeate its lyrics as the singer grapples with personal struggles, seeking solace in life’s simple pleasures. The song acknowledges the desire to give one’s all despite feeling “battered and bruised,” finding strength in resilience and perseverance. At its heart lies the recognition that “it’s the little things in life that get me through the big things,” emphasizing the transformative power of small acts of kindness, love, and laughter during times of adversity. The song also addresses the singer’s experience with chronic fatigue syndrome, shedding light on daily challenges and the misconceptions surrounding invisible illnesses. Rejecting pity and superficial judgments, it highlights the frustration and isolation often experienced by those living with such conditions. Yet amidst these struggles, the song finds solace in “short, pleasing bursts of loveliness” and moments of peace and hope, reinforcing their crucial role in sustaining mental and emotional well-being.

“English Fables Vol. 1” is an album brimming with empathy, compassion, and warmth. Johnno Casson, aka Snippet, has crafted a poignant piece of English outsider art that resonates deeply with listeners. His ability to blend humor with profound themes, coupled with his captivating instrumentation and astute lyrical storytelling, positions this album as a standout in the DIY music landscape. “English Fables Vol. 1” not only offers a collection of musical gems and memorable moments but also encapsulates the essence of the England Johnno knows and cherishes.

For more follow Snippet-on-SoundCloud, Snippet-on-Instagram, johnnocasson.co.uk

Bob Gemmell’s musical journey is a testament to the rich and diverse landscape of American music. From the honky-tonk tunes of his mother’s favorite country radio station to the rebellious anthems of rock and roll, Gemmell’s evolution as an artist has been marked by a deep connection to the twang and whiskey-soaked sounds of the cow-punk genre. Influenced by iconic California bands like the Beat Farmers, Rank and File, and the Long Ryders, Gemmell honed his craft with the critically acclaimed Big Medicine Head before embarking on a solo career with his debut album, “Parts and Labor.”

In his latest track, “Lesson Number Two,” Gemmell delves into the profound themes of life, love, and loss. The song moves from pensiveness to joyous rock and roll, encapsulating the emotional spectrum of watching a loved one prepare to leave this world and the poignant message they leave behind. This track follows a series of solo singles and an acclaimed album that reflect the mood in America since the pandemic and the growing political turmoil.

The creation of “Lesson Number Two” was a collaborative effort with talented musicians: Bob Gemmell on guitar and vocals, JeffyD on drums and bass, Lee Takasugi on piano and vocals, and Johnny McGuire on guitar and vocals. Together, they crafted a song that resonates deeply with its listeners.

“Lesson Number Two” distills life’s essential teachings into two simple yet profound rules. The first lesson, “Always keep a hand on the wheel,” serves as a metaphorical reminder to maintain control and responsibility as we navigate the unpredictable twists and turns of life. This practical advice underscores the importance of staying grounded and focused, even in the face of adversity.

In contrast, the second lesson, “Let everyone you love know how you feel,” emphasizes the significance of expressing love and appreciation openly and honestly. This poignant message encourages us to cherish our relationships and ensure that our loved ones know the depth of our feelings. It’s a call to live life fully, embracing both the practical and emotional aspects of our existence.

The song’s lyrical journey is a testament to Gemmell’s storytelling prowess. As the narrator crosses a metaphorical river and gains insight into what lies beyond, the song captures the bittersweet realization of life’s inevitable truths. The transitions between introspective contemplation and moments of joyful celebration reflect the complex emotional landscape that accompanies profound life lessons.

“Lesson Number Two” stands out as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment, express love freely, and navigate life with a balance of practicality and heartfelt sincerity. Bob Gemmell’s ability to convey such deep emotions through his music makes this track a standout in his catalog and a touching tribute to the wisdom gained through experience.

With its heartfelt lyrics, moving melody, and stellar musical performances, “Lesson Number Two” by Bob Gemmell is a song that will resonate with listeners, reminding them of the importance of love, connection, and living life to the fullest. This track is a testament to Gemmell’s talent and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his music.

For more follow Bob Gemmell-on-Spotify, Bob Gemmell-on-Instagram, bobgemmell.com

Seßler/Zeeb, a dynamic musical duo from Bad Saulgau, Germany, consists of Kurt Seßler and Werner Zeeb. Their journey from school friends to professional collaborators began in the summer of 2021. Kurt, a passionate songwriter and singer, joined forces with Werner, a talented multi-instrumentalist and producer, to transform their written songs into polished, well-produced music.

Their collaboration bore fruit quickly, resulting in an album titled “Märchen” (which translates to “fairy tale” in English) in 2022, followed by three singles released in 2023 and 2024. With a versatile style spanning rock, pop, blues, folk, and jazz, Seßler/Zeeb primarily focuses on rock and pop. Their music is widely accessible on major music platforms and various social audio platforms.

Their newly released “If You Believe Me” stands out as a progressive rock piece deeply inspired by legendary bands like Genesis, Yes, Saga, and Toto. Yet, it retains a distinctive character that reflects Seßler/Zeeb’s unique artistic vision. The track is a profound exploration of belief, magic, and self-empowerment, inviting listeners on a journey through its evocative lyrics and powerful metaphors.

“If You Believe Me” delves into the transformative power of belief. The song suggests that when two people truly believe in each other and the magic they can create together, they can achieve the extraordinary. This idea is vividly illustrated through metaphors such as turning water into wine and dust into gold, symbolizing how belief can elevate everyday experiences to miraculous heights.

Endurance and trust are central themes in the song. It acknowledges the inevitable struggles and doubts that life brings, depicted as storms that can threaten the magic and dreams created by a couple. Yet, the song offers reassurance: by holding onto belief—not only in each other but also in themselves—they can weather these storms. The lyrics emphasize that self-belief is the key to realizing one’s dreams, encouraging listeners to find strength and destiny within their reflections.

Ultimately, “If You Believe Me” underscores the paramount importance of self-belief. While belief in magic and mutual trust is vital, self-belief is the foundation upon which all other forms of belief rest. This message of personal empowerment is woven throughout the song, suggesting that true magic happens when one believes in oneself and in the potential of what can be created with another.

Through its rich lyrical content and compelling metaphors, “If You Believe Me” inspires listeners to trust in their magic and the magic they can create with others. Seßler/Zeeb have crafted a song that not only honors the progressive rock tradition but also offers a timeless message about the power of belief, endurance, and self-empowerment.

For more follow Seßler/Zeeb-on-Spotify, Seßler/Zeeb-on-Instagram, sessler-zeeb.de