IPR XLV 7”
Independent Project, 2025
9/10
A Limited Edition 7” that celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the label Independent Project Records, we’re treated to a song each from Shiva Burlesque and The Great Quiet.
Side A belongs to Shiva Burlesque’s “Raven (Ascending)”, where Grant-Lee Phillips lends his inimitable guitar and backing vocals to David J.’s bass and Dana Gumbiner’s drums for the swirling post-punk meets psyche-fueled journey that uses Jeffrey Clark’s acoustic guitar and flowing, mysterious voice superbly.
The back half is where The Great Quiet’s “Round Valley Walkabout” lands. The ambient tune enlists Bruce Licher and Karen Licher’s atmospheric electric guitars amid Stelth Ulvang’s well timed harmonica and moog, as well as Dorota Szuta’s rich violin, as the tune carries an earthy and cinematic appeal.
There’s only 500 copies of this 7” made, and it’s a great representation of the quality of music the label is known for, where the label owners (Clark and Bruce Licher) are both present for the occasion.
Travels well with: Woo- Whichever Way You Are Going, You Are Going Wrong; Stephen J. Kalinich & Friends- I Love My Life