Attic Lights tour over the next month, here’s the dates:
3 Jul 2008 Water Rats, London
4 Jul 2008 Manchester Academy, Manchester
5 Jul 2008 Leeds Cockpit, Leeds
7 Jul 2008 Islington Academy, London
9 Jul 2008 Thekla, Bristol
10 Jul 2008 Apple Store, Glasgow
22 Jul 2008 King Tut's, Glasgow!
23 Jul 2008 Little Civic, Woverhampton
24 Jul 2008 Jabez Clegg, Manchester
Monday, 30 June 2008
News - Attic Lights July Tour
News - The Brightlights Gigs
The Brightlights will be playing these gigs soon:
4 Jul 2008 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Club, MILTON KEYNES
5 Jul 2008 The Place I Love, BIRMINGHAM
22 Jul 2008 Cluny w/ Ida Maria, NEWCASTLE
26 Jul 2008 BEN & JERRY'S FESTIVAL, LONDON
News - Raiding Your Town
The Raid have these dates lined up:
13 Jul 2008 White Hart, Hemel Hempstead
19 Jul 2008 Kaleidoscope Festival, Welwyn Garden City
19 Jul 2008 Summer Explosion 2008, Buntingford
20 Jul 2008 H2O, Bishops Stortford
News - The Brute Chorus Tour Dates
The Brute Chorus have these upcoming tour dates:
2 Jul 2008 The Star of Bethnal Green w/ The Rumble Strips, London
5 Jul 2008 De La Warr Pavilion, w/The Puppini Sisters, Bexhill on Sea
11 Jul 2008 Thornton Little Theatre, Thornton
12 Jul 2008 Kiko, Bolton
13 Jul 2008 Korova, Liverpool
14 Jul 2008 SINGLE LAUNCH PARTY - Wilmington Arms, London
15 Jul 2008 Instore performance - Pure Groove Records, Farringdon, London
18 Jul 2008 Cluny, Newcastle
19 Jul 2008 Lamp, Hull
20 Jul 2008 The Grapes ***CHANGE OF VENUE***, Sheffield
25 Jul 2008 Amplified @ Inside Out, Darlington
27 Jul 2008 Secret Garden Party, Cambridge
News - Matt Costa Eyes
Matt Costa’s new single "Cigarette Eyes" will be released on Brushfire/Island records on July the 21st. The song is taken from his new album "Unfamiliar Faces".
News - innerpartysystem Is Burning
Submitted: "innerpartysystem have remixed Lady Hawke’s current single "Paris Is Burning" and the band has made it available to download for free through their MySpace and website:
www.myspace.com/innerpartysystem | www.innerpartysystem.com
The band also release debut UK single "Don't Stop" today June 30th."
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Review - Maroon 5 - If I Never See Your Face Again (Featuring Rihanna) (Single)
Maroon 5 - If I Never See Your Face Again (Featuring Rihanna) (Single)
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6 out of 10
Maroon 5's smooth guitar pop has always had a funk edge, but on 'If I Never See Your Face Again' they're turning it up to ten! Combining chunky guitars, solid drums and urgent synths they create a cheeky groove, over which Adam Levine (Maroon 5's lead singer) and the stone cold sexy Rihanna deliver their vocals with a confident swagger.
Listen: www.myspace.com/maroon5
Tracklist:
1. If I Never See Your Face Again (Featuring Rihanna)
News - No Longer Rejected
The All-American Rejects will release their new album on the 15th of September.
News - The Morning Of Need YOU!!!
The Morning Of need a new drummer:
- Auditions will start from July 6th and go until July 15th or deemed fit.
- Must be fun with a great attitude! We all love what we do and are looking for a great addition to the band.
- Previous experience in touring and ages 17-22 preferred; exceptions may be made.
- Must be able to play with a click track (metronome) live.
- Adequate equipment required.
- Preferred if applicant lives within 100 miles of Newburgh, NY and have personal transportation.
- MUST be able tour full time by July 20th.
Please send the above information including a descriptive resume (youtube videos of live drumming and picture of applicant preferred) to themorningof@yahoo.com with the subject "DRUMMER AUDITIONS"."
News - The American Dream
Walls Of Jericho have added their new song "The American Dream" to their MySpace page.
Review - Funeral for a Friend - Beneath The Burning Tree/Waterfront Dance Club (Single)
Funeral for a Friend - Beneath The Burning Tree/Waterfront Dance Club (Single)
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8 out of 10
Well, well, well. Funeral For A Friend is back. Having formed their own record label, Join Us Records, the Welsh quintet will put out Beneath The Burning Tree/Waterfront Dance Club as a double A side single on July 14th and frankly, Emo kids everywhere will love it.
Sounding remarkably like it wouldn't be out of place on the soundtrack to a mid-90s American teen flick or 'Saved By The Bell', Beneath The Burning Tree is a fairly awful Funeral For A Friend effort. The rhythm is nothing more than perky and massively average. In short, it is disappointing.
So it was a nice surprise that 'Waterfront Dance Club' is a different animal entirely. As close to a stadium anthem as you can get, this is a big tune and should, if all is well in the world, allow the band to be taken more seriously as 'grown-up' musicians.
Switch them around Funeral For A Friend - don't make us listen to 'Beneath The Burning Tree' first! A less patient listener might not have made it as far as track 2.
Listen: www.myspace.com/funeralforafriend
Tracklist:
1. Beneath The Burning Tree
2. Waterfront Dance Club
Review - Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
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9 out of 10
More than a vehicle for providing their first UK number one single, Viva La Vida marks a new era in the reinvention of one of the best loved British bands of recent times. It is surely an odd experience - to be thrust from student life to megastardom in what feels like a blink of an eye, but there must be a point at which Mr Chris Martin looks across the table at his Hollywood wife, considers his impending stadium tour, eyes the platinum discs that hang from the wall and chuckles to himself. "Yes Mr Martin", you can almost hear him say, "You are a king".
And indeed he should. Coldplay's fourth offering sees the band head in a new direction and the result is a record where groovesome programmed beats jostle with the grand swells of church organs, where the space between verse and chorus is filled with deliciously propulsive stabs of North African-styled strings and tables (According to the press release), where breezy Flamenco handclaps drive a tale of gloom and despair, or where pounding rhythms meld with weeping strings for an ode to lost glories. This is still Coldplay. But it is different.
Viva La Vida takes you on a journey. This isn't a quick listen. This isn't even really radio stock-rock anymore. This is serious music for grown-ups and every time you hit play, you notice something new. "We've definitely stretched ourselves", says guitarist Jonny Buckland, quoting the album's influences to be as diverse as Rammstein and Tinariwen, Marvin Gaye and Radiohead, Jay-Z and Gerschwin.
The album is produced, in part, by Brian Eno, and as a result has a tendency to sound suspiciously similar to U2's The Joshua Tree, but that in itself is no bad thing and hasn't done Bono any harm over the last 20 years though I can't help but sing "I want to run, I want to hide. I want to break down the walls that hold me inside." over the introduction to one particular tune.
Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends takes its title from the extremes of emotions that fuel it. It is an album characterised by loss and uncertainty, good times and bad times, happiness and regrets, and according to Martin, the album is built on love, joy and excitement.
This is a worthy record and if justice serves, it should be remembered as something more than "the fourth album" - it is 42 minutes of hope and enjoyment with ten great songs that will each be somebody's favourite. Go and buy it. Listen for yourself.
Listen: www.myspace.com/coldplay
Tracklist:
1. Death And All His Friends
2. Strawberry Swing
3. Violet Hill
4. Viva La Vida
5. Yes
6. Lovers In Japan / Reign Of Love
7. 42
8. Lost!
9. Cemeteries Of London
10. Life In Technicolor
Review - Pendulum - In Silico
Pendulum - In Silico
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6 out of 10
Drum 'n' Bass for people who don't actually like drum 'n' bass; it's pretty much Pendulum's tagline. It's ironic in many ways that for a band which has increased interest in the genre from the outside are so belittled inside it. Not that I'm sure Pendulum will mind in particular, unless they really are egotistical enough to want universal validation. What they have with 'In Silico' much in the way that they had with 'Hold Your Colour' is an album that will sit comfortably with say the student crowd and with the youths who like to use their mobiles as boom boxes.
The driving dance beats are still in place; however more emphasis is on the vocals. As such, at times it feels a little rock album-esque, like the Foo Fighters gone electronic. You have to commend them in many ways for embracing the appeal which can see them happily be reviewed in DJ and Kerrang. If there is one slight negative, they do sound a bit like a modern day Apollo 440.
Not much more can really be said for 'In Silico'; it continues where the band left off and will be successful for it. It's hardly criminal that the band has produced an album for the people that like Pendulum as they are. It does though start to raise some question marks as to whether the band can continue flogging this particular sound for many albums more.
Listen: www.myspace.com/pendulum
Tracklist:
1. Showdown
2. Different
3. Propane Nightmares
4. Visions
5. Midnight Runner
6. The Other Side
7. Mutiny
8. 9,000 Miles
9. Granite
10. The Tempest
Review - Sick City - Nightlife
Sick City - Nightlife
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6 out of 10
One thing I like about reviewing is that I get the lowdown on the bands that the kids are into these days and there's nothing better than name-dropping some band when you're chatting up some unsuspecting emo-girl. Tracklist:
Me - "So, what sort of music are you into?"
Emo Girl - "Well, I like everything but I really like emo and hardcore."
Me - "Oh really? Have you heard
Emo Girl - "OMG, I love them."
Me - "Me too, in fact, I reviewed their latest album."
Emo Girl -"OMG so you're practically in the music business LOL."
Me - "Yes I am, come back to mine and I'll show you my vinyl collection."
Emo Girl - "OMG.ok LMAO."
Anyway, Sick City are Canada's answer to.well, every emo/pop punk band in the world. If you imagine Taking Back Sunday, A Static Lullaby & Funeral for a Friend had a big fat baby and for the babies first birthday they bought it a Synth then you wouldn't be far off hitting the nail on the head. Smooth guitar riffs complete with chuggy verses and big riff choruses and singing vocals with some nice harmonies are the mainstay of the record which is strangely let down by the drums. The drums on this record are average, nothing special, then you get to "Millions" and they take a turn for the worse with the most bizarre drum beat that neither fits the song nor sounds good. Aside from that it's pretty standard. On the plus side there is a couple of Alkaline Trio style riffs kicking around which are a welcome change to the standard emo/pop punk shredding that plagues 98% of this album.
To say this is bad record would be a lie because it's not a bad album but it's just so generic and boring it's unreal. There are about 50 other bands that have done this before and about 50 bands that will do it again after this album dies a death. Nothing special.
Listen: www.myspace.com/sickcity
1. Antoinette
2. XX & XY
3. Turning Heads
4. Killing Ourselves to Feel
5. Islands
6. Nightlife
7. Millions
8. The Heist
9. Moving, Not Moving Forward
10. Smiles & Cries
11. City Lights
12. Tora, Tora, My Dear Tora
13. Money Like To Party
Review - Camper Van Beethoven - Popular Songs Of Great Enduring Strength And Beauty
Camper Van Beethoven - Popular Songs Of Great Enduring Strength And Beauty
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7 out of 10
Even in the late '80s golden age of eclectic American punk, hardcore and alt. rock, cult Californians Camper Van Beethoven stood out. They played the same venues as the Minutemen, Sonic Youth and Black Flag but fund the punk and hardcore scene too restrictive, often confounding crowds by mixing country, ska and folk from Mexico and Eastern Europe into their sound (In no small part due to violinist and mandolin player John Segel). That they shared a label with REM, Black Sabbath and Jools Holland probably says more about CVB than the posters reproduced in the booklet accompanying this compilation. After disbanding in 1990, they got back together again in 2000 and put out their first record for fifteen years in 2004, 'New Roman Times'. This is a collection of songs from their initial 1985-1990 period, some of which have been re-recorded but you'd hardly notice.
Never afraid to be stupid or absurd, CVB sang lo-fi, Pixies-esque punk rock about Lassie going to the moon and sounded like ZZ Top playing songs about ZZ Top going to Egypt in the face of punks who took themselves too seriously. They covered a Status Quo song about the artist L.S. Lowry ('Pictures Of Matchstick Men') and had a unique take on punk's class war. On 'Opie Rides Again/Club Med Sucks', sounding like grungy hillbillies, they shout, "Authority sucks! I hate golf! Authority sucks! I want to play lacrosse!"
Their best songs, however, are some of the more straightforward ones, sunny fan's favourite 'Take The Skinheads Bowling' and 'Ambiguity Song', which act as a precursor to The Hold Steady's more literary bar band rock. The highly strung 'Seven Languages' and the post-punky (With sitars) 'Circles' follow similarly conventional lines, but CVB can be obscure with a straight face too. Country numbers like 'Sad Lovers' Waltz' and 'When I Win The Lottery' are good songs, as are the ska instrumentals 'Border Ska' and 'Skinhead Stomp'. A bizarre and occasionally brilliant compilation.
Listen: www.myspace.com/campervanbeethoven
Tracklist:
1. The Day Lassie Went To The Moon
2. Border Ska
3. Take The Skinheads Bowling
4. Pictures Of Matchstick Men
5. Skinhead Stomp
6. Opie Rides Again/Club Med Sucks
7. Eye Of Fatima Parts 1 & 2
8. ZZ Top Goes To Egypt
9. Sad Lovers' Waltz
10. When I Win The Lottery
11. The History Of Utah
12. Seven Languages
13. All Her Favourite Fruit
14. Good Guys And Bad Guys
15. Circles
16. One Of These Days
17. Ambiguity Song
18. Shut Us Down
Review - Dan Whitehouse - Demo
Dan Whitehouse - Demo
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6 out of 10
Ex-Sonara frontman and Eddie Vedder/Russell Brand hybrid Dan Whitehouse has struck out on his own and is one of the most emotionally hard hitting singer-songwriters since Cherry Ghost. He uses the passionate dynamics of U2, occasionally having a go at Edge style guitar sounds, but mostly stripping them of their pomp to their emotional essence, as on 'Somewhere I Don't Want To Go' and the brief 'Needles And Pins And All Sharp Things'.
Whitehouse's own, understated voice on these songs is better than the Eddie Vedder impression he employs elsewhere, such as on the plodding, pounding drama of 'Raw State' - the type of song people lose loved ones to on TV shows. Unlike a lot of male singer-songwriters around at the moment, Whitehouse has his own voice and real potential.
Listen: www.myspace.com/mrdanwhitehouse
Tracklist:
1. Somewhere I Don't Want To Go
2. Raw State
3. Needles And Pins And All Sharp Things
Review - Secondsmile - Tell Me A Story (Single)
Secondsmile - Tell Me A Story (Single)
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8 out of 10
It's been a little while since we've heard any new music from Secondsmile, although they have been playing shows as regularly as usual including supports for the split-up Blood Brothers, the reformed Rival Schools and The Fall Of Troy. Their contribution to BSM's 'Record Label, Schmecord Label' sampler, the previously unreleased 'Smokestacks', gave a brief preview of what might be coming on new album 'Years' (Out in July), but on 'Tell Me A Story' we get a better indication.
Working with Cave In and Pelican producer Andrew Schneider in New York, the Dorset five piece sound more beefed up and polished than on their previous record. Schneider has helped them combine the epic arrangements of songs such as 'Astronauts' and 'With Tired Eyes I See Clear' with the Fall Of Troy/At The Drive-In style fury of their early, shoutier work, the 'I Am Not Romeo, You Are Not Juliet' EP. 'Tell Me A Story' is stacked with rolling drums, a web of stellar riffs and mixed up time signatures and singer Ross Smithwick sounding on top form. With members of This Town Needs Guns, Meet Me In St. Louis and Radio 4 on the album, it sounds like we're in for a treat.
Listen: www.myspace.com/secondsmile
Tracklist:
1. Tell Me A Story
Review - Lapels - Painted Skeletons (Single)
Lapels - Painted Skeletons (Single)
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1 out of 10
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO. NO. Not another Babyshambles wannabe band. Dear God, one is bad enough.
However, I did start this in an objective mood. when this week's batch of review CDs arrived, I eagerly opened the big padded envelope with a heady mix of excitement and anticipation. It was all I could do though, not to laugh out loud at what looked like a home-printed CD wrapped in a piece of A4 paper, but at least the production line was ethical - there was very little plastic packaging involved so I automatically awarded 1 point.
'Painted Skeletons' constitutes three or four of the most uninteresting minutes I have ever endured and I will never get that time back. Song-craft aside for a moment, I can't help but feel that Lapels ought to spend some time evaluating the friendship groups that allow them to continue making this kind of noise. As a musician myself I know what it is like to pour your heart and soul into your creative output, but really folks, it is time to move on.
I imagine it'll probably go to number one when it gets released on 21st July.
James' Note: When Gray sent this review to me he filled in our template which usually has the appropriate links in to make it easier on the admin side of things with the following information:
Purchase: Don't.
Label: Unlikely
I thought that little bit of Gray's helpful guidance might assist you when considering to investigate Lapels.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lapels06
Tracklist:
1. Painted Skeletons
2. Last Great Civilisations
Review - White Denim - All You Really Have To Do (Single)
White Denim - All You Really Have To Do (Single)
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5 out of 10
Short, not necessarily sweet, but it does alright. This is 60s Detroit rock and jazz inspired cool at it’s most decent. The obvious connections for influence being the MC5, though not too dissimilar to the modern Nottingham based Lords.
Unfortunately this track suffers by how annoyingly thin it is, if it was a piece of paper it would be no frills proof, more strength in the rhythm section with the addition of an extra guitar, an extra lead in the chorus would help out a bit too, as well as adding a bit more energy to the recording. The proof is in the solo/jam near the end of the track, where things build up and strengthen.
Alright, could do better. My advice is to grab the band's album instead as it’ll sound better amongst their other tracks, like the vastly superior ’Paint Silver Gold’ and ’Lets Talk About It’.
Listen: www.myspace.com/bopenglish
Tracklist:
1. All You Really Have To Do (Edit)
2. All You Really Have To Do
Review - The Levellers - Burn America Burn (Single)
The Levellers - Burn America Burn (Single)
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7 out of 10
The Levellers are back and "Burn America Burn" is the first single from their latest album "Letters From The Underground", which you can download for free. It's alright as songs go, I think the band mean well with their songs but the fire within them has definitely been subdued with age. They have been going for 20 years now and it kind of shows, the song's production is great but the raw feel they once had before is now quite well done.
Listen: www.myspace.com/levellers
Tracklist:
1. Burn America Burn
Review - Various - Hassle Records - 5 Track Sampler
Various - Hassle Records - 5 Track Sampler
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9 out of 10
Hassle Records, a UK based independent label, home to such bands as Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats, Juliette & The Licks, City & Colour, Thursday, Attack In Black and Zico Chain, has been a noise factory for some time. With such an impressive roster, a five-track sampler simply doesn't do the label justice and offer a true reflection of Hassle's current output. However, it is not a bad selection at all.
Kicking off with Anti-Flag's 'Good And Ready', the sampler stomps off to a massive start. With machine like rhythm guitars and big socially conscious choruses, 'Good And Ready' sits like a window into the label's ethos and could well stand as the company's motto. Attack In Black's 'Broken Things' is more relaxed than the opening track and despite feeling like it is about to explode at any time; it never peaks, leaving me more than a little confused. The band is tight and the production is great, but I just can't help but feel that the song was never entirely finished. Four Year Strong, however, wake the whole thing up again and the intro of 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Hell' leaves me wanting to lean out of the window and scream at the neighbours. Sounding much like Fall Out Boy on steroids, Four Year Strong are sure to make an impact on teen audiences all around the world and should do well on radio-play alone. Cancer Bats, renowned for the jugular-grabbing riffs, are on fine form on this sampler. 'Pray For Darkness' is aggressive, meaty and raring to go from the very first beat., but lasting only 92 seconds the tune leaves you gagging for more. Finally, City & Colour turn the sampler down a more acoustic route, allowing the listener to get lost in 'Confessions', a tune reminiscent of the likes of Joseph Arthur and Jose Gonzalez which leaves you grinning from ear to ear.
Listen: www.hasslerecords.com
Tracklist:
1. Anti-Flag - "Good And Ready"
2. Attack In Black - "Broken Things"
3. Four Year Strong - "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Hell"
4. Cancer Bats - "Pray For Darkness"
5. City & Colour - "Confessions"
Review - The Cedar Falls - Abandon EP
The Cedar Falls - Abandon EP
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7 out of 10
Deftones? No. Soundgarden? No. Smashing Pumpkins? No. Pretty damn good? Why, yes. In fact, in the words of the almighty Bill S. Preston and Ted Theodore Logan, The Cedar Falls are most excellent, and despite sounding nothing like their influences, I find myself turning up the stereo on the long drive home as the opening riff to 'Abandon' rips its way through my car.
Sounding more like Breaking Benjamin meets Slaves to Gravity with just a little bit of Seether, these three lads are on a mission to redefine British rock music. Will they succeed? Well, that's up to you, but in the meantime they sound great.
'Abandon', the first track on the EP is a well-crafted anthem that would sit well on the Radio 1 playlist. It has everything you would want, from foot-stomping drums to sing-along choruses and a fat collection of power chords. 'Twilight' and 'Unity' continue in the same vein, but the pleasant surprise on this CD comes in the form of 'A Place To Stand' that reflects the bands more sensitive side. Acoustic and soulful, 'A Place To Stand' demonstrates the band is very capable of stripping a song to its basic roots and still producing something outstanding. It was at this point in the EP that I realised that maybe, just maybe, The Cedar Falls may dent the British rock scene yet.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thecedarfalls
Tracklist:
1. Abandon
2. Twilight
3. Unity
4. A Place To Stand
Review - Kind Of Girl - Lonely In A Modern Way
Kind Of Girl - Lonely In A Modern Way
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1 out of 10
This makes my ears sad. Is this really what the world has come to? Overproduced helium voiced synth pop that makes Mika sound like Megadeth? No thanks. Oh, they're from Copenhagen, as if that somehow makes it out. I can't think of a single thing to come out of Denmark worth mentioning, except bacon. This doesn't change that at all. Wait, were Roxette from Denmark? Or were they Swedish? Oh God no, there are even vocoders. Can this get any worse?
Listen: www.myspace.com/kindofgirldk
Tracklist:
1. This release is lacking in a track listing.
2. There are ten of them, though.
3. Each and every one
4. Is just as horrible as the last.
Review - William - Self In Fiction
William - Self In Fiction
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4 out of 10
I'm not sure I entirely approve of a band naming themselves after me without at least consulting me first. I mean it's just rude, isn't it? What if I hated them? That could lead to all sorts of awkwardness. Luckily I don't hate them. I don't really like them that much either, but I suppose that's something.
On first listen Self In Fiction is easy to pigeon hole as generic, by the numbers chirpy indie rock. See anything from The Kaiser Chiefs to The White Stripes for reference. The jangly guitars and vaguely disco beats prevalent in the genre are all present and correct, but listen a little deeper and there's more going on here. There's some of the lo-fi charm of Pavement here, and a nod to the staccato guitar of Rites of Spring there. There's even a hint of Placebo in the love 'em or loathe 'em often squeaky vocals, all of which serves to elevate the band at least a little above the mundane. Perhaps if the band embraced these influences some more rather than just going down the easy route of jangly pop they could elevate themselves into something actually worth listening to.
Listen: www.myspace.com/williamtheband
Tracklist:
1. Five Minute Wonder
2. Whoreditch
3. DS1
4. Thomowski
5. South of the Border
6. ERRR.Lee
7. Aperture
8. Playground
9. Porco Dio Vs Schweinehund
10. zHERO
Friday, 27 June 2008
News - Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) Solo Outing
Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) is set to release his self-titled solo album on the 4th of August through Wichita Recordings. A group of Conor’s friends who have come to call themselves "The Mystic Valley Band" shall be accompanying him when he does a UK tour in August.
22-Aug-08 Leeds Carling Weekend
23-Aug-08 Birmingham Carling Academy 2
24-Aug-08 Reading Carling Weekend
26-Aug-08 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
27-Aug-08 London Electric Ballroom
28-Aug-08 Manchester Academy
29-Aug-08 Argyll Connect Festival
30-Aug-08 Belfast Spring & Airbrake
12-Sep-08 Dorset End of the Road Festival
News - Come Feel The Noise...
The Verve’s new single "Love Is Noise" will be released on the 3rd of August through Parlophone Records. The single is taken from their new album "Forth" which is due for release on the 18th of August.
The band will be playing the following festivals over the summer:
27/06/08 THE EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL
29/06/08 GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL, GLASTONBURY
04/07/08 WERCHER FESTIVAL, BELGIUM
05/07/08 BOBITAL FESTIVAL, BOBITAL
11/07/08 T IN THE PARK, KINROSS
12/07/08 OXYGEN FESTIVAL, DUBLIN
16/07/08 ITALIA WAVE FESTIVAL, LIVORNO
18/07/08 SUMMERCASE FESTIVAL, MADRID
19/07/08 SUMMERCASE FESTIVAL, BARCELONA
09/08/08 SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL, TOKYO
10/08/08 SUMMERSONIC FESTIVAL, OSAKA
16/08/08 V FESTIVAL, STAFFORD
17/08/08 V FESTIVAL, CHELMSFORD
News - Get Suicidal With Bring Me The Horizon
Bring Me The Horizon’s new album "Suicide Season" has a provisional release date of the 29th of September for digital download and then the 6th of October for physical release.
The band have also started a blog, so head on over to www.bmthisdope.blogspot.com to get news and updates direct from the band.
UK tour dates:
October
16 Newcastle - Academy
17 Dundee - Fat Sam’s
18 Glasgow - Garage
19 Stoke - Sugarmill
20 Sheffield - Academy
21 Oxford - Academy
22 Nottingham - Rock City
23 Norwich - Waterfront
24 Liverpool Academy
25 Wrexham - Central Station
26 Brighton - Concorde 2
27 Leeds - Cockpit
28 Cardiff - Ifwor Bach
29 Yeovil - Orange Box
30 Bristol - Academy
31 Southampton - University
November
1 London - Astoria
2 Manchester - Academy
3 Birmingham - Academy
News - Envy On The Coast/Underoath Tour
Envy On The Coast are returning to the UK in September for a full UK tour with Underoath. The band will also be releasing their debut full-length album "Lucy Gray" on the 15th of September through Verse One/Photo FinishRecords.
September
Saturday 6 Academy 3 Manchester 0161832111
Sunday 7 Garage Glasgow 08444999990
Monday 8 Academy 2 Birmingham 08444772000
Wednesday 10 University Solus Cardiff 02920781458
Thursday 11 Waterfront Norwich 01603508050
Friday 12 Astoria 2 London 08712310821
Saturday 13 Cockpit Leeds 01132455570
Sunday 14 Wedgewood Rooms Portsmouth 02392863911
Tickets are £11 in advance except London £12.50. Doors 7pm.
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
News - PlayRadioPlay! No Longer On Island Records
PlayRadioPlay! is no longer on Island Records. Read about the less than positive split here:
"Good news, everyone! (Sorry. Futurama reference.) PlayRadioPlay is no longer affiliated with Island Records or Universal Music Group.
As much as I’d like to say that it was a good run, it wasn’t. It was a nightmare. When I signed my life away on the dotted line to Island Records almost 2 years ago at the well-seasoned age of 17, my outlook was optimistic. I knew that the music industry, especially major record labels, was a dying place rotting carcass, but I thought that I could be an exception to the hundreds of major label horror stories.
2 years, 2 albums, and many months of exhaustion later, I am a free man, and I certainly was not an exception to the horrors of the music industry.
Not only did the time I spend with Island Records not benefit my career, it hurt it. Even for an artist like me, who gained interest from thousands of fans in a completely new way (The Internet, if you, like Island Records, haven’t heard of it, you should check it out), Island records simply wouldn’t depart from their sluggish, outdated, and clearly flawed corporate model of trying to "break" a new artist.
Major record labels, due to their lack of ingenuity and their fear of change, are going the way of the cassette tape (and cassette tapes SUCK, vinyl lives!). And for that reason, major record labels deserve every multimillion dollar loss that they suffer. Music is not dead, the industry is. (Although sometimes the music I see on TV makes me think otherwise...)
All I have ever wanted in PlayRadioPlay has been to create music and share it with you. In the year 2006 I thought that a record label was my best means of reaching that goal. Now, in the year 2008, I realize that I don’t need the clutches of a record label to share my art with you. I was doing just fine, if not better, when I was able to release as much music as I want, whenever I want, for as cheap as I want. And, in this age of information, I don’t need a greasy old record label loaning me money to do so.
Hindsight is 20/20, I guess. I apologize to you, my most loyal supporters, for not thinking of your best interests. I sit here, only 3 months after releasing a full length record on a major label, an unsigned artist.
With all of that being said, now that I am a free man, I’m going to be giving you so much new music, you’re not going to know what hit you. Fuck the major label "album cycle".
In late 2007, early 2008, shortly after finishing Texas, I recorded an EP entitled The Organic/Synthetic EP, and VERY recently, I recorded an entirely new EP that is thus far unnamed, but, for fun, we’ll call it This is why we can’t have nice things! EP. Island Records didn’t want you to hear either of those EPs, or any new music, for that matter. They threw little baby fits every time I ignored them and posted new music. (See: "Elephants As Big As Whales", "Selfish Introvert", "1989".)
Luckily for all of us, those days are over. The Organic/Synthetic EP and This is why we can’t have nice things! EP will be compiled into a full length album that I will re-record and release THIS YEAR.
The way in which you, the supporters of PlayRadioPlay, are going to be involved in the creation of this new full length album is revolutionary, something a major label would never allow me (or us) to do.
I hope you’re as excited for the future as I am. More details will follow.
Explore.
Dan"
News - Norma Jean And Their Anti Mother
Norma Jean’s new album "The Anti Mother" is being released on the 5th of August through Solid State Records.
Track Listing:
1. Vipers, Snakes, And Actors
2. Robots: 3, Humans: 0
3. Birth Of The Anti Mother
4. Self Employed Chemist
5. Death Of The Anti Mother
6. Surrender Your Sons
7. Murphy Was An Optimist
8. Opposite Of Left And Wrong
9. Discipline Your Daughters
10. And There Will Be A Swarm Of Hornets
News - Alkaline Trio: Agony & Irony Stream
Alkaline Trio will be streaming their entire new album "Agony & Irony" from today on their MySpace page.
News - The Devil Is Green
Anthony Green has added the song "Devil’s Song" to his MySpace page. The track is taken from his new forthcoming album "Avalon" which is being released on the 5th of August through Photo Finish Records.
News - Dance Gavin Dance Album Details
Dance Gavin Dance are going to release their self-titled album on the 19th of August.
Track Listing:
1. Alex English
2. Buffalo!
3. Me and Zoloft Get Along Just Fine
4. The Robot With Human Hair Pt. 3
5. Hot Water on Wool
6. Hot Water on Wool (Reprise)
7. Uneasy Hearts Weigh the Most
8. Caviar
9. Rock Solid
10. Burning Down the Nicotine Armoire Pt. 2
11. Reprogramming Mental Preprogramming
12. Skyhook
13. People You Know
Thursday, 26 June 2008
News - Gogol Bordello = Gypsy Punk
Submitted: "Gogol Bordello will join Iggy & The Stooges, The Gossip, Kate Nash, Reverend & The Makers and The Hives by performing at the Get Loaded In The Park 08 Festival on Sunday 24th August at Clapham Common in London. They are confirmed to perform on the main stage at the festival.
The following day they join Roisin Murphy, The Magic Numbers, Lightspeed Champion, Hercules & Love Affair and The Young Knives at the Beachdown Festival in Brighton on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August.
More dates are being slated for later in the year."
News - Buena Vista Social Club: Chan Chan
Submitted: "Buena Vista Social Club are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Carnegie Hall performance with the release of the single 'Chan Chan', which was also the theme tune for the documentary film based on the gig. The single will be available to buy digitally from 1st July. This will be followed later in the year by a special double CD album set."
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
News - Dear Prophets
Dear Life has posted a new song called "Prophets" to their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/dearlife) which is taken from their debut album "Framework" that is out this week through Uprising Records.
News - The Maine Do What They Want
The Maine have put their new song "Girls Do What They Want" online here: www.ilike.com/artist/The+Maine
News - Lagwagon EP Artwork
Lagwagon have released the cover for their new EP "I Think My Older Brother Used To Listen To Lagwagon" which is due out on the 19th of August through Fat Wreck Chords. Check it out at:
News - Midheaven Due In August
The Human Abstract will be releasing their new album "Midheaven" through Hopeless Records on the 19th of August.
Track Listing:
1. A Violent Strike
2. Procession of the Fates
3. Breathing Life Into Devices
4. This World is a Tomb
5. Metanoia
6. The Path
7. Echoes of the Spirit
8. Calm in the Chaos
9. Counting Down The Days
10. A Dead World At Sunrise
News - Murder By Death Enter The Silly Band Name Contest...
Murder By Death have the following UK dates in support of their recently released "Red Of Tooth And Claw" album:
JULY
Fri 11 OXFORD Zodiac
Sat 12 BRISTOL Thekla
Sun 13 NOTTINGHAM Bodega
Mon 14 MANCHESTER Night & Day
Tue 15 LONDON Borderline
Wed 16 GLASGOW King Tuts
Thu 17 BIRMINGHAM Academy
Fri 18 LATITUDE Festival
News - The Saturdays Set It Off
You can download a new track by The Saturdays called "Set Me Off" by going to this link: http://zaphod.uk.vvhp.net/v-v/080616145150
News - More Than Just A Murmur?
Murmur are set to release their debut single "Dynamite" on June the 30th.
News - It's A Nural Hit
Nural have just added a new song called "The Hits Keep Coming" to their MySpace page for streaming. The song was recorded with producer David Bendeth (Paramore,The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Breaking Benjamin). The track can be found on the Hopeless Records Summer Sampler available on this year’s Warped Tour and the track will be available for download beginning July the 15th.
News - Ace Enders: The Secret Wars
Ace Enders new EP "The Secret Wars" is available for free at Fuse TV: http://fuse.tv/music/free-music.html. His full length debut album "When I Hit The Ground" will be released this September through Drive Thru Records.
News - Not Advised & Paige UK Tour
Not Advised & Paige are touring the UK together in August. Here are all the dates confirmed thus far:
Fri 1 NEATH, WALES Windsor Club
Sat 2 OXFORD Ignition
Sun 3 NEWCASTLE The End
Mon 4 EDINBURGH The Hive
Tues 5 DUNFIRMLINE PJ Malloys
Wed 6 DUNDEE Dexters
Thurs 7 GLASGOW Ivory Black’s
Fri 8 ABERDEEN Tunnels
Sat 9 MIDDLESBOROUGH The Warehouse
Sun 10 SCUNTHORPE Lincoln Imp (Matinee Show)
Sun 10 HULL Ringside
Mon 11 WEYMOUTH Queens Hotel
Tues 12 EXETER Cavern
Wed 13 PORTSMOUTH Railway Rifle Club
Thurs 14 BRIGHTON Engine Rooms
Friday 15 LONDON Purple Turtle
Sat 16 SOUTHAMPTON Joiners
News - The Skyline Drive Want A Name Change...
The Skyline Drive want to change their name, and you can help decide. Read here for more details:
"After a few hundred shows in forty something states, an EP and a full length record, and a whoooole lot of memories...we've decided that it's time for a change...NO, we're not breaking up...but we feel like a name change is in order! Why? Well, a couple of reasons:
1. We never really liked the name that much in the first place (I know I know, why did we name ourselves that then? Truth is, we just suck at coming up with a decent name!)
2. There's getting to be more and more confusion and emails flying around asking if we're A Skylit Drive...love those guys.
3. We are getting ready to announce a BRAND NEW EP coming out very soon and we feel like it's such a step for us that it merits a clean slate.
SO, in order to avoid blowing it again (and to have a little fun)...we're asking for YOUR HELP! We want YOU to name our band. Leave a comment below and (or) send an email to RenameTSD@GMail.com (Make sure to send the email so we can keep up with it!) by July 1. We will then make a decision and the person who submitted the name will get a shout out in the credits of our new album, an exclusive first listen before anyone else, and some other cool merch stuff once we get that up and running with the new name.
SO! Let's see some names! RenameTSD@Gmail.com Thanks so much for your help!
p.s. In celebration we're offering big deals on TSD gear in our online store which you can check out right here: www.downtownrivals.com/store/TheSkylineDrive"
News - Give It 2 Madonna
Madonna is releasing her second single from her album "Hard Candy" in the form of "Give It 2 Me" which is coming out on the 7th of July. Madonna will also be starting off her "Sticky & Sweet" World tour this August, with UK dates in Cardiff and London.
UK DATES
23rd August - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
11th September - Wembley Stadium, London
News - Parade The Day Are No More
Parade The Day have called it quits, here's the statement:
"Friends, Family, Fans, Lovers,
Today we are writing with some bittersweet news. Parade the Day will be going on an indefinite hiatus. I hate when bands say that! What does that even mean? The word "break up" feels angry and negative. Neither word could be further from our reasons for the break. It feels like we are some of the best friends we have been in our time as a band. It also means that we are not opposed to playing a show here and there when the time works out. Don't hold us to anything though! Lets take a look back....
For the past 2 years, every member of this band has poured there hearts and souls into Parade The Day. Striving to create the best music we knew how, each song underwent intense scrutiny before becoming songs we have grown to love. Two years later, none of us could have ever predicted that we would be playing amazing shows to people who love us and have incorporated our songs into your own lives. I don't think words can describe how flattered we are to have been able to share the past two years worth of memories with all of you.
We have treated the band as a "full time" kinda deal for the past year or so. That means we had no alternate jobs and tried to stay writing and touring as much as possible. Along the way we have experienced so much that has changed our lives. We have seen so many places and learned so much about ourselves and others. However, we have also learned that the music industry is so fickle and doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It is so hard to make much money when you are always putting money back into new merch and gas. It all adds up and in the end, and its very hard to live off of.
We all have so much we want to do with our lives, and we have accomplished so much in the time we were together making music. Some of us are starting or going back to school, some are staying in the music industry, but moving to different areas other then being in bands, some may join new bands, others plan on opening businesses some day. It is crazy exciting the amount of plans each member has. We will be sure to keep the myspace updated with what everyone is doing.
We didn't plan on announcing this for awhile, but from the overwhelming amount of stories I have heard in the past few days of how Parade The Day has changed peoples lives, I felt like we owed it to all of you to know what was going on. You guys have supported us through thick and thin. It means the world to us to know that we have impacted lives in some way. What more can you really ask for?
In honor of our plans, we will be putting the songs "Park City" and "Coast to Coast" on iTunes. They should be up in early August! Please grab and enjoy them!
Finally, like I said at our final show last night;
Do whatever the fuck you wanna do with your life. The past 2 years have been some of the best ones of our lives and we have all of you to thank. We will never regret a second of it.
Sincerely,
Matt, Blair, Nick, Manch, Ben
The last song we played
www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1025719241415"
News - That Was Something Video Blog
That Was Something have posted a video update of their latest tour. Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XehqcvHkHU
News - I Never Met Powerspace
Powerspace have added their song "I Met My Best Friends In Prague" from their album "The Kicks Of Passion" to their MySpace page.
News - Rancid UK Tour Dates (November)
Rancid has these UK tour dates in November:
1-Nov Newcastle Academy
2-Nov Glasgow Barrowlands
3-Nov Manchester Academy
4-Nov Bristol Academy
6-Nov Cardiff University Great Hall
7-Nov Sheffield Academy
8-Nov Leeds Academy
10-Nov Nottingham Rock City
11-Nov Birmingham Academy
12-Nov Portsmouth Pyramid
14-Nov London Astoria
News - Rotational Streams
Cute Is What We Aim For is streaming their new album "Rotation" in full at their MySpace page right now.
News - You, Me, and Everyone We Know Gets Romantic
Aaron Stern (Formerly of Matchbook Romance) is the new drummer for You, Me, and Everyone We Know. Here's the announcement:
"First of all, we want to thank everyone who sat through our acoustic sets on this last tour. Second, we want to thank our buddy Dennis for filling in for us so last minute in Philly. Third, we want to thank Steve from Just Surrender for filling in for our drummer a bunch of dates as well. We didn't want to make a big deal about this lineup change but we are very pleased to our announce that we have a new drummer. His name is Aaron Stern. He's really good at drums and really good at life. Thanks so much. Have a great day. -You, Me, and Everyone We Know"
News - Anarbor Sign To Hopeless Records
Anarbor have signed to Hopeless Records. Here's what the band had to say about it:
"Hey Everyone -
We couldn't be more happy to announce that we have officially signed to Hopeless Records. We have joined an amazing roster of bands that has included All Time Low, Avenged Sevenfold, and Thrice - and we're so happy to be a part of that legacy.
We're in the studio now finishing up some brand new songs and we can't wait to share them with you.
Expect some new exciting things in the coming months!
Thanks for all of the support along the way. We love you.
-Anarbor
This is just the beginning..."
News - Montana Pre-Order
Montana’s album "Montanimals" is available for pre-order from their record label Sound Devastation right now. Head over to www.sounddevastation.co.uk to get your copy early!
News - Hello Hallelujah Hate New Forks
Hello Hallelujah have the following upcoming shows in support of their recent release of their "Old Spoons EP":
26th June - Monkey Chews, London
6th July - The Pitz, Milton Keynes
9th July - Dublin Castle, London
21st July - Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London (Rescheduled for late July)
10th August -SNOZone, Milton Keynes
12th August - Bullet Bar, London
Review - The Humour - The Humour
The Humour - The Humour
View The Review
5 out of 10
The Humour aren't a very funny band, and from their moniker you might assume they're either peddling a brand of cheeky ska or a variation on a theme of pop-punk perhaps? Well you would be barking up entirely the wrong tree, you're not even in the right forest to be honest.
Playing a type of rock this Wakefield quartet have a bit of a sleazy garage rock vibe going on and more in common with AC/DC, Airbourne and Kiss than the slick pop outfits you might see and hear in more modern times. The production is quite raw with the vocals sounding ever so slightly distant and the drums/guitars sounding more live-orientated than you might come to expect from artists recently.
The guitar solos on this, The Humour's self-titled EP are short-lived such as on "Mr Rockefeller" and a bit simple to be blunt. I'm a real sucker for a great shredding guitar solo, that usually ends up with me air-guitaring along, but the instrumentation on show here is passable, but nothing really endearing or long lasting.
To classify The Humour as pub-rock would be under selling them as much of the tripe I've been forced to watch at my local toilet-circuit venues has been far far worse than The Humour, but I wouldn't purchase more material by The Humour or pursue an avenue to go watch them live either.
"Your Robot Dance Is In Time" tries to stick a dance beat in there with some quickly sprayed vocals over the top, but it doesn't all quite mesh together and does appear to be a bit of band-wagon jumping from The Humour. Not a horrible release by any means, but distinctly average.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thehumour
Tracklist:
1. Momentary Moment
2. Mr Rockefeller
3. Your Robot Dance Is In Time
Review - Vessels - A Hundred Times In Every Direction (Single)
Vessels - A Hundred Times In Every Direction (Single)
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6 out of 10
Let's get the bad news over with. The title track here is aptly named, Vessels throw the likes of Gomez, Explosions In The Sky and Futureheads into an electrified airliner and set it to 'tailspin'. The whole comes out sounding like a low-precision Tool or kindergarten Clinic. There is power, there is thought, there is Babylonian structure but there is also an overwhelming desire to wave your hands in front of your face in an attempt to blot it all out. Let us be thankful, then, for the remaining tracks, which show a band with rare promise and imagination.
Forget that "Yuki" is reminiscent of Coldplay without the annoying, middle-class, globalised guilt trip and instead revel in the ethereal vocals and piano, complimented by pin-perfect percussion and guitar. A potential festival anti-anthem capable of moving the hearts of thousands, providing it's not used to flog cars or as the incidental music to a TV show where Davina McCall goes to 'find herself'.
Two minutes into a track which would send most of the Glastonbury crowd to the toilets or the beer tent (Depending on how tediously quiet and noodly they thought it was), fears that "The Beast" wants to pull us into a sweaty bed with Mogwai and Radiohead are cleared in the final minute, where Vessels unleash a riff surely intended to send chin-stroking muso-critics into the foetal position and the bar-scrum into an all-too-short mosh frenzy. Certainly a moment where no sound system would be loud enough, and one which definitely leaves the sound of 'more!' in the air.
"Descent" has us back in the Green Field at two a.m. watching people dressed as neon druids planting a garden of glow-stick flowers, its loping, stop-start melancholia providing an ideal soundtrack to the strange-tasting cake you bought from that girl with the pierced lip and tattooed feet. Almost the definitive early-morning groove, despite an overly fuzzed-up beginning.
An audacious amount to cram into four tracks. Vessels could be going places, I just hope they don't find the Glasgow mega-snake men or Oxford's introvert-messiahs there first.
Listen: www.myspace.com/vesselsband
Tracklist:
1. A Hundred Times in Every Direction
2. Yuki
3. The Beast
4. Descent
Review - The Lights - The Score (Single)
The Lights - The Score (Single)
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7 out of 10
The Lights are a five piece band, offering a huge spectrum of sounds and "The Score" is a fast paced, female fronted track showing plenty of promise for this young band. I think the track has been let down on the production/mixing side, but there is still a lot to like about it. It's hard to really pigeonhole a band like The Lights, however it really tests the style of the typical guitar band of today.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lightsmusic
Tracklist:
1. The Score
Review - Various - Elevate: 21 Pop And Indie Gems From The Underground
Various - Elevate: 21 Pop And Indie Gems From The Underground
View The Review
7 out of 10
There are at least two reasons why this compilation should be a good listen. One: I like label compilations for some geeky reason that I haven't fathomed yet. Two: Whimsical is an indie label from Edinburgh and Scotland have got an impressive track record with this kind of stuff over the past ten, twenty years. It's by no means a flawless collection, it would be hard for most labels to put together 21 songs and for the listener to like all of them, but label founder Ewan McKenzie has an exciting roster here of indie and folk from all over the country (And NYC), largely influenced by classic rock and pop.
Whimsical's first ever signing The Harmonic Storm, for example, are what happens when you copy early Beatles and early Dylan at the same time. Or Lemanis, whose drifting 'Laughing, Smiling, Joking' is what grunge would have sounded like had it been invented by Brian Wilson and not grimy men in plaid. Joe Viglione's jerky NYC no wave falls in between the Ramones and Sonic Youth, while Subconscious and Emporium (Two ex-Subconscious members) are Edinburgh's answer to the Super Furry Animals but applying their own voice to playful, trippy, magpie pop.
There are some genuine originals here too, such as The Idea's daft psychedelic journeys with Casio keyboards and the angsty folk of Karle Odegaard. 'The Sad Thing Is It Is Sad At All' collides two very different worlds to dazzling effect, the gritty Wild West and the exotica of the Middle East. The undeniable stars, however, are New York's fun(ky) experimentalists the Westport Sunrise Sessions, with their weird clanging beats, falsetto harmonies and old school MCing. It's TV On The Radio with no David Sitek production and no money.
Most likely for success though are gloomy, Editor's style post-punks Jack Butler and Alfie Kingston's piano driven soft rock in the mould of The Fray. They might not be the two most original artists on 'Elevate.', but any success for Whimsical would be well deserved.
Listen: www.myspace.com/whimsicalrecords
Tracklist:
1. The Idea - Hello
2. Sunshine Variety Club - The Girl With The Crooked Smile
3. Day 44 - Harold's Bad Trip
4. Jack Butler - W. Fire
5. Guy & Vivienne - After The Rain
6. Row Z - Chloe
7. Lemanis - Laughing, Smiling, Joking
8. The Harmonic Storm - Daddy's Little Princess
9. Emporium - Dice Man
10. Adam Tedder - Eastern Girls
11. Karle Odegaard - The Sad Thing Is It Is Not Sad At All
12. Westport Sunrise Sessions - The Prize
13. Big Life Desire - She's Got It All
14. Joe Viglione - There's Nothing Like A Hit
15. Subconscious - On The Streets
16. Alan Burge - Saturday
17. Alfie Kingston - I Will Wait
18. Balloon Man - Unlucky Ones
19. Big Life Desire - In Pieces
20. The Mandrakes - We Will Fail
21. Emporium - Elevate
Review - Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Till It Was Light
Johnny Foreigner - Waited Up Till It Was Light
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9 out of 10
Sometimes a band just gets you. Inexplicably, irrationally gets you. It's even better if they get you by accident (You catch a song on the radio or, like me, you turn up early and catch them supporting another band who they blow away). Johnny Foreigner are one of those bands, where you learn all their names (Alexei Barrow, Junior Laidley, Kelly Southern), all the words, remember entire set lists, what t-shirts they were all wearing (Plain white, plain black, light yellow) and who stood where (Stage left, stage centre, stage right). You download the 15 demos they've put online for free, buy last year's mini-album 'Arcs Across The City' with its cool pop-up packaging and get very, very excited when their debut proper comes out and it's, naturally, the best record you've heard all year. Well, that's how it is for me anyway.
It's not perfect, it has bits that are skipable (Though not many) and bits that are messy (The many cataclysmic blasts of guitar and off-kilter harmonies between Alexei and Kelly), but life has bits that a skipable and messy which are just as important as the good, clean bits. 'Waited Up Till It Was Light' is magnificent in its joy and chaos; the current generation of British bands obsessed with US indie bands (Hot Club de Paris, Los Campesinos!, This Town Needs Guns, etc) reaching its peak. Earlier songs such as 'Our Bipolar Friends', 'Cranes.' and 'Yes! You Talk Too Fast' still possess their original untidy charm, while 'Eyes Wide Terrified' and 'Salt, Pepper And Spinderella' are poppy enough to take them at least as far as The Cribs have gone with their mix of chart, critical and cult success. If he latter isn't a future single then the record label are mad, because it's brooding keyboard build-up to a clatter-punk-pop finish can be put in the same bracket as 'The Wrong Way To Be' and 'Used For Glue'.
The acoustic 'DJs Get Doubts' is a revelation, showing off not only how good Kelly's singing voice can be but also Alexei's cleverness as a lyricist. That it's a thing of alt. beauty is a massive bonus. The understated, scruffy-but-epic discordance of 'Absolute Balance' is also captivating. Johnny Foreigner are, to put it in lazy journo bluntness, one of the best bands since the Pixies. They'll expand people's record collections via their points of reference and the bands they call friends, but those won't be loved like this record will be.
Listen: www.myspace.com/johnnyforeigner
Tracklist:
1. Lea Room
2. Our Bipolar Friends
3. Eyes Wide Terrified
4. Cranes And Cranes And Cranes And Cranes
5. The End And Everything After
6. Henning's Favourite
7. Salt, Pepper And Spinderella
8. Yes! You Talk Too Fast
9. DJs Get Doubts
10. Sometimes, In The Bullring
11. Yr All Just Jealous
12. Absolute Balance
13. The Hidden Song At The End Of The Record
Review - Avenged Sevenfold - Dear God (Single)
Avenged Sevenfold - Dear God (Single)
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9 out of 10
Eight bars into 'Dear God' I stopped the CD player. Opening the drawer I peered inside and pulled the disc out, just to check I had put the right song on. The label said Avenged Sevenfold after all, but instead of the usual noise-mongering, I was confronted with a veritable nomination for best newcomer at this year's Country Music Television awards. Complete with acoustic intro and haunting steel-slide guitars, 'Dear God' confused my musical senses. So, when the song was over I listened again. And again. And again.
This is a single that will break down preconceived ideas of what constitutes a modern metal band and despite its rather cheesy sentiment; the song's construction is solid. The vocal harmonies, layered instruments and intricate melodies shine through and demonstrate that Avenged Sevenfold are capable of so much more than what we have heard so far.
Avenged Sevenfold will issue the single 'Dear God' with 'A Little Piece of Heaven' as a limited edition single on July 7th to coincide with this summer's festival dates and Twickenham Stadium show as support to Iron Maiden.
Listen: www.myspace.com/avengedsevenfold
Tracklist:
1. Dear God
Review - The Briggs - Come All You Madmen
The Briggs - Come All You Madmen
View The Review
7 out of 10
Riding high on the wave of this year's Warped Tour, The Briggs are an unstoppable force. With all the tenacity of a drunken brawl, the Los Angeles quartet stomps through punk anthem after punk anthem on this album leaving you hoarse but happy. More shout-along than sing-along, 'Come All You Madmen' inspires you to yank that volume dial to 11, leap up on the sofa and bounce like there is no tomorrow. Frankly, it's an exhausting listen!
Standout tunes on the album include 'The Ship Is Now Sinking' and 'What Was I Thinking?' which encapsulate the true identity of the Californian punksters who cite Elvis Costello, The Clash and The Pogues amongst their influences.
For those of us unlucky enough to be unable to catch The Briggs on their extensive US tour, the band are set to appear at this year's Reading and Leeds festivals on the Lock-Up stage where British crowds can expect one hell of a show.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thebriggs
Tracklist:
1. Madmen
2. This Is LA
3. Bloody Minds
4. What Was I Thinking?
5. Charge Into The Sun
6. Not Alone
7. Ship Of Fools
8. The Ship Is Now Sinking
9. Oblivion
10. Until Someone Gets Hurt
11. Final Words
12. Molly
Review - Alphabeat - Birmingham Academy 2 - Thursday 12th June 2008
Alphabeat - Birmingham Academy 2 - Thursday 12th June 2008
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9 out of 10
Tonight's sold out gig was another instalment from the 'Wonky Pop' family, who celebrate "all that is warped and pleasingly eccentric in modern pop music". Suitably support came from London based foursome The Clik Clik; who mix the best bits of pop, indie, electro and hip-hop to create their infectious, keyboard heavy sound that is laden with danceable beats. Although lacking in polish live they do show promise and went down a treat, so are definitely worth checking out (www.myspace.com/theclikclik).
In contrast headliners Alphabeat glisten with polish! Singers Stine and Anders are the perfect combination; Stine is refined and glamorous, all shoulder shimmies and pop glitter, whilst Anders is an animated flurry of flailing limbs and endearingly enthusiastic banter.
Singles 'Fascination' and '10,000 Nights' went down a storm, but so did songs from their recently released debut album 'This Is Alphabeat' and the audience were already singing every word to tweaked live versions of tracks 'Boyfriend' and 'Fantastic Six'. Highlights included 'Touch Me Touching You'; a contagious, fast-paced, pop masterpiece that instantly had the crowd dancing and a cover of Sugababes hit 'Push The Button', an unexpected sweet treat! Thank you Alphabeat!
Listen: www.myspace.com/thisisalphabeat
Tracklist:
Review - Infadels - Free Things For Poor People (Single)
Infadels - Free Things For Poor People (Single)
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4 out of 10
'Free Things For Poor People' is catchy; not in a life changing, chart topping way but certainly in a radio-friendly, bob your head along to way. It's driven by a rhythm that builds, but unfortunately it never reaches a crescendo and that's the problem, it winds up just plodding along.
'Godzilla' has a bit more oomph and would no doubt result in some serious shapes being thrown at your local indie disco, but it suffers from the same lack of spark, leaving you waiting for an aural explosion that disappointingly never comes.
'Like Tomorrow And The Day Before' sounds like something the Kaiser Chiefs might do, but better, the Kaisers aren't very good though, so that's not saying much and the remixes aren't very good either, generic efforts at best.
Listen: www.myspace.com/infadels
Tracklist:
1. Free Things For Poor People (Radio Edit)
2. Godzilla
3. Like Tomorrow & The Day Before
4. Free Things For Poor People (Remix)
5. Free Things For Poor People (Dub Remix)
Review - Jonas Brothers - S.O.S (Single)
Jonas Brothers - S.O.S (Single)
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8 out of 10
The Jonas Brothers are Kevin (20), Joe (18) and Nick (15), hugely successful in America the boys are now bringing their brand of clean cut guitar pop to the UK and that's a very good thing if all their songs sound like the insanely catchy 'S.O.S'!
Imagine what a glossier Busted would sound like (Pop fact: the Jonas Brothers covered two Busted songs 'Year 3000' and 'What I Go To School For' on their debut US album), or McFly minus the serious musician rubbish, sprinkle that with electronic blips, huge sing-a-long choruses, references to high-fives, conversations on IM, texting and the lyric "Hugs are overrated just FYI" and you get brilliant pop!
Listen: www.myspace.com/jonasbrothers
Tracklist:
1. S.O.S
Review - Mêlée - Built To Last (Single)
Mêlée - Built To Last (Single)
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8 out of 10
Melee's debut UK single 'Built To Last' is far from a disappointing first attempt for Orange County piano-rockers. A beautiful ballad based around a well-crafted piano melody, it will impress and melt you at the same time. Although this is their first UK single release Melee have already had experience of releasing their first album back in the States and their confidence oozes through in this single in good anticipation of their second album. If you are a fan of bands such as Sugarcult, Motion City Soundtrack or Bayside then I would highly recommend you give this a go. It's an easy listening track that you will find difficult to dislike.
Listen: www.myspace.com/meleerocks
Tracklist:
1. Built To Last
Review - Hadouken! - Crank It Up (Single)
Hadouken! - Crank It Up (Single)
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7 out of 10
Fresh from their latest album, 'Music For An Accelerated Culture' comes another energetic and riotous track from the Hadouken! boys. 'Crank It Up' is yet again a rave-reviving, lyrically rich and youth-defining track. Every time I listen to a track by Hadouken! I always find myself smiling at their lyrical banter about today's popular Indie culture. With lyrics such as "Give it five stars in your iTunes library" and "log onto your msn and spread this tune like a virus Trojan" it welcomes us to the digital revolution with a moving market for tech-savvy lyrics. Another culture defining track from this Leeds 5-piece it makes you wonder if others competing with Hadouken! just aren't moving fast enough with our times.
Listen: www.myspace.com/hadoukenuk
Tracklist:
1. Crank It Up
Review - Templeton Pek - No Association (Single)
Templeton Pek - No Association (Single)
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6 out of 10
This band raises a lot of interesting moral questions. One cannot help but wonder whether the missing "c" in their name should, perchance, be due to the legendary member of the A-Team and a team of crack lawyers, or whether it's just to be cool. There is also the question as to whether it is possible to start liking them now and then stop again when they become cool, or whether they have already progressed far enough down the dreaded "scene sell out" path to have become cool enough to be no longer cool. I suspect because I've heard them they can't be underground enough to be cool any more. That and they've been in Kerrang.
Not too bad a CD anyway, kind of like a weaker Hitechjet. Pop punk with a few slightly heavier bits and some singy bits. Meh. I'd also prefer it if it didn't have the same song THREE TIMES. That's not very punk rock, is it? I had a cheeky listen to some of the album tracks on myspazz, and they're much better - perhaps this is the ballad of the album.
Listen: www.myspace.com/templetonpek
Tracklist:
1. No Association (Strings Version)
2. No Association (Radio Edit)
3. No Association (Album Version)
4. The Origin (Demo)
Review - Kaki King - Pull Me Out Alive (Single)
Kaki King - Pull Me Out Alive (Single)
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6 out of 10
It's always a bad sign when a press release takes longer to read than a CD takes to listen to, I feel. In this case however it's not too bad, at least partly because I got bored reading about halfway through the first A4 page, and listened to the music instead. The songs here remind me a little bit of a less saccharine Cardigans, with some wonderful guitar playing and tender, breathy vocals.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kakiking
Tracklist:
1. Pull Me Out Alive
2. Saving Days in a Frozen Head
3. Bone Chaos in the Castle
Review - Primal Scream - Can't Go Back (Single)
Primal Scream - Can't Go Back (Single)
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2 out of 10
Never a band for overt complexity when three minutes of stomping on the back of the head will do, Primal Scream's new album threat begins with this 'heady dose of brash future rock' (It says here). Well. 'Rock' it certainly is - an ideal soundtrack to being manically out of your face, in fact. 'Brash' I wouldn't argue with, either - the track seems to run around the edge of your consciousness hooting with lairy laughter, whilst waving a metaphorical bottle of lager in front of your face. 'Future' is of course also true, since it is released on July 14th. I wouldn't use 'future' to describe it any other way though.
But what to expect when such a band are combined with Paul Epworth, famed for his work with stabby-guitared shop-front dummies Bloc Party, the Rakes and Maximo Park? Not so much a song as an extended chorus (Gotta think of that ringtone market, so we can't be too complicated), "Can't Go Back" has everything trying to frantically keep up with an all-powerful bassline. The briefest of glitchy-bounce intros rapidly faints in shock before it. Bobby Gillespie's 'trademark snarl' watches from some distance away. The guitars probably melted as soon as the recording finished, only the drums stand a chance.
As a throwaway piece of midnight club-ride it works very well and I don't think we look to Primal Scream for anything else, to be honest. However it gets a low score because I like music to take me on a journey, and the one this track would take me on probably ends round the back of Zanzibar's surrounded by broken glass.
Listen: www.myspace.com/primalscream
Tracklist:
1. Can't Go Back (Radio Mix)
2. Can't Go Back (Clean Edit)
3. Can't Go Back (Album Mix)
Review - Some Monastery - Call 'Em Like I See 'Em Colosseum
Some Monastery - Call 'Em Like I See 'Em Colosseum
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7 out of 10
Imagine a younger, angrier Beck jamming with Lou Reed in some run down old warehouse in Baltimore. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Well that's pretty much what I'm listening to now, and although it's not quite as good as I'd like it to be, it's still not half bad. It's distinctive and has character, which is more than one can say for most of the rubbish around today.
Vaguely Kraftwerk electro and Beckesque folksy guitars underpin many of the tracks, although there are a few that veer off into almost Beastie Boys style distorted guitar. In fact the forays into distortion and noise that many of the songs end with are part of what makes the album work, along with the breathy, slurred vocals.
If you like Beck but wish he'd cast aside his pop sensibilities just once in a while, this might be just what you're after.
Listen: www.myspace.com/somemonastery
Tracklist:
1. Halloween Tune
2. Pretty Psyched
3. Glistening Luck
4. Yeah Whatevs
5. Hip-hop Featuring Rigor Mortis
6. No Shock
7. Which Was The Heroine?
8. Ink Scrimmage
9. A Mate of Mine
10. Interview with Empirical Data
Review - Reemer - Maniac (Single)
Reemer - Maniac (Single)
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6 out of 10
Named after a character Matt Stone (One of the South Park creators alongside Trey Parker who also starred, but as Joe Cooper) played (Doug Remer) in the 1998 comedy BASEketball, Manchester's very own Reemer are hoping to make a slot in your CD collection (Or space on your iPod's hard drive if you're that way inclined) available for them with their debut single "Maniac" that is released on the 21st of July.
I can't help but thinking that if Reemer had appeared during the mid-late nineties that they would have more success than I think they will in the naughties. What with the likes of P-Rock, Scuzz and a high-profile scene for the rock-lite that Reemer brandish around back then they would have fitted in a lot snugger. "Summer Sun" the b-side on the single is easily the best track out of the two on offer here. The chorus is much better, far catchier and the entire song has a more fully fleshed song structure to it that even lends itself to some high-pitched "Woo hoos"! Why they didn't pick this as the a-side single is beyond me.
So on to "Maniac", well it's not awful and it certainly has its redeeming qualities, but the production is frankly dreadful for the style of music they are playing. The drums sound really tinny, the cymbals sound horrendously muffled and don't have the clear crisp sound that they really should, which just drags down the rest of the efforts on the actual song-writing.
I do think there's a raw talent here waiting to be somehow unleashed, but they need to dig quite hard to find it and polish it a lot before they really shine. Here's hoping they improve as "Maniac" may as well be a demo that simply shows an overall promise, very much not the finished article though.
Listen: www.myspace.com/reemerband
Tracklist:
1. Maniac
2. Summer Sun
Review - Enemy Rose - Promises We'll Never Keep
Enemy Rose - Promises We'll Never Keep
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3 out of 10
Oh dear GOD! What is this? Writing music that has be done before and done better, with terrible lyrics. Enemy Rose sound like a bad Rolling Stones and they even use the words Gimme Shelter in the chorus for Tainted (With Regret)! Other contemporary's are The Back Yard Babies and the Hellacopters who again have produced a lot better music along the same lines.
My issue is that not are only the lyrics awful and obvious for example the song entitled Love & Hate, just should even be allowed. But the music is sloppy and the vocals are quite atrocious. It doesn't happen very often but I don't think I have anything positive to say? I don't even think Promises We'll Never Keep has much energy either.
Listen: www.myspace.com/enemyrose
Tracklist:
1. Rattles The Cages
2. Coming Down
3. Buried Alive
4. Rocket
5. Bleed
6. Just My Luck
7. Tainted (With Regret)
8. All Because Of You
9. Love & Hate
10. Trigger
11. Lonely Town
12. Tell Me
Review - Various - Juno - Soundtrack
Various - Juno - Soundtrack
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8 out of 10
Juno is an award-winning movie that deals with teen pregnancy, it's a teen movie for grown ups and a grown up movie for teens. It's noted for the 'Moudly Peaches' song 'Anyone Else But You.'
The soundtrack is an interesting mix of old and new, predominantly made up of tracks by anti folk artiste Kimya Dawson in various guises. It's nice to see artists and bands such as Cat Power and Belle & Sebastian sitting next to Buddy Holly, Mott the Hoople and Sonic Youth. There's even an appearance from The Velvet Underground.
Each individual track has it's own merits, but as a whole, they provide perfect background (And sometimes foreground) music for the movie. Standout tracks include 'All I Want is You' by Barry Louis Polisar, 'Sea of Love' by Cat Power, and 'Anyone Else But You' by The Moldy Peaches.
Whilst there is a great variety of music on the CD, it's really made for the anti-folk, quirky kind of listener, and I can imagine some people tiring of it pretty quickly, or not appreciating what's on offer here.
Juno is perfect for people who like something a little different and quirky. A sure hit of 2007 that was always bound to carry on in to 2008 and beyond. If you haven't seen the movie, what are you waiting for?!
Tracklist:
1. All I Want is You (Barry Louis Polisar)
2. My Rollercoaster (Kimya Dawson)
3. A Well Respected Man (The Kinks)
4. Dearest (Buddy Holly)
5. Up the Spout (Mateo Messina)
6. Tire Swing (Kimya Dawson)
7. Piazza. New York Catcher (Belle & Sebastian)
8. Loose Lips (Kimya Dawson)
9. Superstar (Sonic Youth)
10. Sleep (Kimya Dawson)
11. Expectations (Belle & Sebastian)
12. All the Young Dudes (Mott The Hoople)
13. So Nice So Smart (Kimya Dawson)
14. Sea of Love (Cat Power)
15. Tree Hugger (Kimya Dawson & Antsy Pants)
16. I'm Sticking With You (The Velvet Underground)
17. Anyone Else But You (The Moldy Peaches)
18. Vampire (Antsy Pants)
19. Anyone Else But You (Michael Cera & Ellen Page)
Review - Nell Bryden - Second Time Around (Single)
Nell Bryden - Second Time Around (Single)
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8 out of 10
Nell Bryden blends all the good elements of bluegrass, country, soul and good old boogie with dignity and provides a unique new sound that is a sure fire hit!
'Second Time Around' is nothing short of a good old foot stomping boogie track, which would fit perfectly in any Nashville bar! There's a really good sound going on here and Nell's lyrics are well structured. 'Late Night Call' is somewhat reminiscent of 'You've Got a Friend in Me' by Randy Newman, but I have got a weak spot for that song (A grown man probably shouldn't admit that) and 'Goodbye' is a sweet jazz style number that closes the EP perfectly. After listening, I'll definitely be looking in to what else Nell Bryden has to offer.
Although not for everyone, Nell Bryden does a great job of blending genres and offers songs that are familiar yet fresh. You can see her around the UK during July and I strongly suggest you do! I'll be there!
Listen: www.myspace.com/nellbryden
Tracklist:
1. Second Time Around
2. Late Night Call
3. Goodbye
Review - 0 - EP
0 - EP
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5 out of 10
0 have some killer riffs, but I am just not able to get passed the awful singing. It's flat in places and out of tune in others. It's a shame as the musicianship is great and whilst the production isn't the best, you can really feel the energy. Other singers have started out not so great such as Ginger from the Wildhearts and Josh Homme a la QUOTSA, so in time I hope it gets better for 0.
Listen: www.myspace.com/oproj
Tracklist:
1. Bblowup
2. Comeback Home
3. Samaritan Film Club
Review - Ben Onono - Native Stranger
Ben Onono - Native Stranger
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5 out of 10
This summer, according to a lot of people, was supposed to be all about the Afrobeat, with Vampire Weekend, Yeasayer, Foals and even Pete Doherty professing to be influenced by African music. There have been glimpses of it on Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer's albums, but Damon Albarn's Africa Express extravaganzas remain the most successful integration of indie rock and African music. So from Ben Onono, a man born in Cardiff and based in London but who grew up in West Africa, and who has won the favour of Pete Tong, Giles Peterson and, erm, Ewan McGregor, you might expect something exotic, a genuine melting pot of musical cultures, and it's there in places.
After the creepy opener 'Radio Silence' (Like 'The Exorcist' theme tune or the music from 'Home Alone'), with its mere hints of laid back Cuban sounds, there's the Fela Kuti referencing 'Badagry Beach'. It's edgy carnival music, with some undesirables lurking amongst the other happy go lucky revellers; hypnotic when the proggy, pysch guitar comes in over the top of the traditional rhythms. Onono's signature tune, 'Count To 10' has whistling part ready to take over from Peter, Bjorn & John's 'Young Folks', and it's Balkan-Parisian-Lagosian reggae is just as catchy. There's equally odd merging of sounds on 'Blink', which mixes techno, dinner party background music and the soundtrack to a documentary about birds.
'Caramel', though, perfectly captures the duality of 'Native Stranger'. It's like World Music made for Baa Bar, and for every quirky genre buster there's anonymous lounge ballads like 'Day Of Days', 'Big Blue Moon' and 'Rewind Erase' (Do you remember the music form the computer game 'The Sims'? It reminds me of that). 'Marvin's Groove' is late night commercial radio smooooth, like Simply Red or Lionel Ritchie, with a line about the Jackson 5 setting people free. Even with its intense middle section and rolling Afrobeats, 'Raoul's Wager' is boring. 'Native Stranger', as its title suggests, is stuck in two worlds.
Listen: www.myspace.com/benonono
Tracklist:
1. Radio Silence
2. Badagry Beach
3. Marvin's Groove
4. Count To 10
5. Day Of Days
6. Big Blue Moon
7. Blink
8. Raoul's Wager
9. Caramel
10. When The Moon Has Past
11. Rewind Erase
Review - A 750ml Affair - This Side Of Paradise
A 750ml Affair - This Side Of Paradise
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2 out of 10
This is one of those albums that starts off pretty bad, then just gets worse and worse. First impressions are of a second rate Americana album dragged further down by weak vocals, but about halfway down the whole thing deteriorates into an almost Simply Red fiasco of epic proportions. The guitar solos feel laboured and dull, the synth warblings grate and the weedy vocals certainly don't get any better.
Probably a good one to avoid, all told.
Listen: www.myspace.com/a750mlaffair
Tracklist:
1. Warning Chirp
2. Fine
3. King and his Horses
4. A 750ml Affair
5. Out of Time
6. Sail Away
7. The Everything
8. The Daily Ten
9. Last Laugh
10. American Dream
11. Goodbye to the Vampire
12. A Perfect End
Review - Karim Fanous - Architect's Son (Single)
Karim Fanous - Architect's Son (Single)
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5 out of 10
'Architect's Son' is the latest offering from rising singer-songwriter Karim Fanous. Karim is the son of Nabil Fanous, a renowned architect from Saudi Arabia. 'Architect's Son' is a folk like track, showcasing some nice chord progressions and good lyrics. However, after listening to the two-track offering, I couldn't help but think the tracks were the wrong way round. 'Top Of The World' has a much more impressionable pop status, where as 'Architect's Son' left no lasting impression on me.
Fanous has worked with some big names on these tracks, including Martin Terefe (Producer and writer) and Claes Bjorklund from Travis. In this day and age, I think it takes something really special to set an artist apart, especially in the 'singer-songwriter' genre, and sadly, I see nothing here that sets it apart. Whilst it's a good offering, it's nothing special.
Listen: www.myspace.com/karimfanous
Tracklist:
1. Architect's Son
2. Top Of The World
Review - Circuits - The Choir Invisible (Single)
Circuits - The Choir Invisible (Single)
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7 out of 10
Anyone fortunate enough to see Rival Schools on their UK tour won't only have seen the return of the creators of one the best albums ever, 'United By Fate', but if they got their early enough, they will have seen London four-piece Circuits as well. They might not be the most obvious support act at first - they're dapperly dressed, have played with Lethal Bizzle (But then again, what guitar band hasn't?) and have received praise from sources as diverse as Zoo, Artrocker and the Guardian, but a few listens to 'The Choir Invisible' and they seem an obvious choice.
A more polished version of the popcore lunacy Tubelord and Pictures have been tearing around with, like Walter Schreifels they appreciate and have the mastery of killer melodies and choruses that hit you in the heart and the feet. Get them a support slot with someone like Kids In Glass Houses or a decent festival slot and they could be very popular very quickly.
Listen: www.myspace.com/circuitsband
Tracklist:
1. The Choir Invisible
Review - Mark Morriss - I'm Sick (Single)
Mark Morriss - I'm Sick (Single)
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3 out of 10
Just to clear things up: Mark Morriss is the old singer of The Bluetones, NOT Mark Morrisson of Return of the Mack fame. I wasn't exactly disappointed by this, but I felt that I should point it out.
If you remember The Bluetones, this is just like them only with a bit of Spanish tootly stuff going on. If you don't, it's jangly mid 90s indie pop with a bit of Spanish tootly stuff going on. Not terribly exciting, and almost completely inoffensive.
Listen: www.myspace.com/markmorrissmusic
Tracklist:
1. I'm Sick
Review - Alexander Tucker - Custom Made
Alexander Tucker - Custom Made
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0 out of 10
Do you remember the Fast Show? Imagine if the Fast Show (Or indeed any comedy show of that ilk) were to perform a skit based on a teenage band formed by Kevin the Teenager trying to emulate 90s shoegaze bands such as Ride. Now cross that with some weird vaguely medieval sounding stuff, with everything but the "hey nonny nonny".
Yes, it really is that bad. Puts me off ever going to an ATP festival.
Listen: www.myspace.com/alexanderdtucker
Tracklist:
1. Phantom Rings
2. Veins to the Sky
3. Rodeo in the Sky
4. Florence Blue
Review - ANDWHITESTARS - Uncertainty
ANDWHITESTARS - Uncertainty
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6 out of 10
The cover looks like something Zao might have pulled in the self-titled era, a false impression indeed. ANDWHITESTARS hail from Barnsley, home to fiercely weighty behemoths Errander. Mixing together Metal and Hardcore apparently, so, Metalcore then. This CDep certainly leans more towards hardcore, with the gang vocals found on pretty much every track, you can imagine the kids tearing around the pit waiting to the time in the song to punch the air and sing along, by the forth track it becomes a little expected. The vocals are reminiscent equal parts Earth Crisis and Killswitch Engage. The production from the very consistent hands of Jason Sanderson is as big as you'd hope, bringing the guitars to the epicentre. It ticks all the boxes; each song has a section of every generic passage from the genre(s). The true hardcore sections of this CD do have potential to give the UK something it's been searching for since the days of Stampin Ground, a hardcore band with metal riffs you can get your teeth in to. But the metal sections, as slick as they sound, are the sort of metal by numbers you'd expect from Adam D and his obviously tongue in cheek crew.
ANDWHITESTARS could do with deciding what they want to do, and crossing the genre's causes conflict rather than cohesion, they are playing music from two very different worlds, a world filled with passion, heart, sweat and tears, and a world filled with technical riffage, stadium shows, lights, action and cameras. These guy's have members who are still at school, and after seeing bands in a similar position find their way and their sound through maturity and experience, the road could lead to greater things. At the moment, it seems like the sum of parts of a band pulling in different directions, though with undeniable competency.
Listen: www.myspace.com/andwhitestars
Tracklist:
1. Masterpeice
2. Tyranny
3. Floods
4. Hourglass
5. Heartstrings
6. Reclaim
Review - The Outline - You Smash it, We'll Build Around it
The Outline - You Smash it, We'll Build Around it
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4 out of 10
At first, before I listened to this I thought I was going to like it. Then when I put it on, I didn't like it, and I was rather disappointed. Then I listened to it for a bit longer, and I liked it a bit more, but not as much as I hoped I was going to like it. That pretty much sums up this album. It's ok, but not as good as you want it to be. Kinda nondescript garagey punky indie rock. You wouldn't change the channel if it came on, but you wouldn't remember it two songs later.
Listen: www.myspace.com/theoutline
Tracklist:
1. Aesthetics
2. Life or Life-Like
3. Death to Our Enemies (We'll Make 'Em Sorry)
4. Why We're Better Now
5. Shotgun
6. My Masked Lust
7. In Light of Recent Events
8. Sloppy Drunk
9. Perfect for the Plain
10. Tragic Times
11. Interlude
12. Broadway and Hurst
News - Millimetre Interview Online
Check out a really indepth new interview Stephen Eddie did with Millimetre by clicking on this link: www.dieshellsuit.co.uk/article_detail.asp?rID=2572
News - G-Love & Special Sauce. No More Is Needed.
G-Love & Special Sauce will release new album "Superhero Brother" on the 16th of July with single "Peace, Love & Happiness" following on the 4th of August, both through Brushfire Records.
Here are the lives dates coming up in July:
July 1 LONDON ELECTRIC BALLROOM
July 2 Wireless - LONDON HYDE PARK w/ Jack Johnson
July 3 BIRMINGHAM NIA w/ Jack Johnson
July 4 The Happening - Godrew Beach, St Ives
July 5 The Happening - Godrew Beach, St Ives
July 6 NEWQUAY WATERGATE BAY w/ Jack Johnson
July 7 MANCHESTER MEN ARENA w/ Jack Johnson
News - No, The Other Yorke
Andy Yorke’s new album "Simple" is being released on Andy’s label Aktiv on the 14th of July. Andy has an album launch gig at 229, Great Portland Street, London W1, on Wednesday the 16th of July.
Track Listing:
1. Simple
2. Found The Road
3. Twist Of The Knife
4. Rise and Fall
5. Diamant
6. One in a Million
7. Always By Your Side
8. Let It Be True
9. Mathilda
10. Lay Down
11. Surrender
12. Ode to a Friend
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