Cagri Raydemir: Compulsion for Approval

Munich based multi-instrumentalist Cagri Raydemir goes for a more acoustic approach on his new EP Compulsion for Approval, featuring four songs about the condition humaine. Stripping things back does not mean that he foregoes his love for adventurous time signatures or unexpected rhythmic shifts.. He is still very much a musician's musician - not the "look, mom, no hands" kind, but more like showing what can be done with just a few notes besides offering multi-layered parts.

Raydemir is prone to soul-searching and being worried, which makes perfect sense in troubled times like these. His music serves as an outlet, giving voice to his concerns. As a one-man progressive band he stands out from the crowd. The general public will not be able to make hay of it, but anyone who is serious about music will find plenty of things to study and enjoy.

Cagri Raydemir: Indifference

Germany-based multi-instrumentalist Cagri Raydemir once again tries to figure out what makes humans tick on his new EP Indifference. If anything, the supposedly superior carbon-based lifeform has an uncanny ability for self-deceit and not giving a fuck about the greater good.

Musically he feels at home in the progressive rock niche, with passionate vocals and an electric guitar commandeering the spotlights. At first it may seem that there is not much room for nuances, but attentive listeners will find that his sense of shifting rhythms plus a healthy dose of studio wizardry ensure that he is way ahead of the competition in his chosen field.

Cagri Raydemir: Jumping to Conclusions

To call Germany-based multi-instrumentalist Cagri Raydemir prolific would be a huge understatement. His new EP Jumping to Conclusions is his 20th release since 2010, with most of his music in the progressive niche: firmly radio-unfriendly but very interesting time signatures, multi-layered guitars, and slightly pontificating lyrics about the human condition.

Raydemir is pretty good at using tension and release, alternating between acoustic and electric guitar. His musical guest, trumpet player Julian Hesse added a bit extra jazz-tinged colour to Impulsive Judgement and Pigeonholed, definitely a collaboration that should be explored in depth on his future releases.