Alvarez Kings - Patience is Strength (EP Review)
Thanks to a firmly built live reputation, this Sheffield quartet are hardly new to proceedings, and here on 'Patience is Strength' they’ve established a strong sound of their own before even releasing a full LP.
Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Thursday, 31 March 2011
The Black Angels - Haunting At 1300 McKinley (Single Review)
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding The Black Angels at the moment Stateside. Lucrative slots on Conan, a recent performance alongside Queens of the Stone Age and a Billboard Top 50 Album already under their belts, it’s about time they showed their mettle over here in the UK, right?
Written by: James Ball | Date: Thursday, 31 March 2011
Eliza Doolittle - Mr Medicine (Single Review)
It seems like forever since the first single from pop singer Eliza Doolittle hit our ears so I was a little bit surprised to find out that this track, 'Mr. Medicine', is still from the same album, her self-titled debut.
Written by: Liam Gascoigne | Date: Thursday, 31 March 2011
Adele - 21 (Album Review)
There isn’t much to say about Adele that hasn’t already been said. If you’re reading this now in Spring 2011 then you won’t be able to leave your house without hearing Adele at some point during your day. If you’re reading this in, say, Spring 2021 then Adele will probably be the Prime Minister and she’ll be singing your budget to you in order to try and make it sound that little bit less depressing. She is certainly popular enough.
Chris Brown - Look At Me Now (Single Review)
I’m going to be honest, like most people, Chris Brown isn’t top of my list of people to share a pint with but ever since smashing on the scene with ‘Run It’, his musical talent has been obvious and has evolved through every album. This single has been taken from the album ‘F.A.M.E’ which stands for ‘For All My Enemies’ and is strangely endearing and I shall tell you why.
Written by: Steve Wellman | Date: Thursday, 31 March 2011
Dexys Midnight Runners - Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (Re-Released Album Review)
It’s hard to believe that ‘Searching for the Young Soul Rebels’ is over 30 years old. It sounds fresh and draws influences from an eclectic mix of genres that are still present in the charts to this day.
Written by: Ali Shutler | Date: Thursday, 31 March 2011
Kevin Rutkiewicz - Fair Drawin In (Single Review)
It would have been so, so easy to make fun just before even listening to this. Picture the scene: You are a footballer just nudging your thirties. You played for the mighty St Johnstone and Aberdeen (before being loaned off to Dunfermline) but have had a career, like many footballers, that have seen an injury or seven. Therefore, as a side venture, a hobby, or a possible setup for a new post-SPL career, you decide it’s a good idea to pick up a guitar and microphone. Rutkiewicz has said he started writing music due to a long injury layoff and the birth of his daughter, which is nice to know but doesn’t stop the dread as the CD begins the spin inside the player.
Mastodon – Live at the Aragon (Album Review)
Mastodon are not the kind of band to do things in small measures. Their last album ‘Crack the Skye’ was, in a way not dissimilar to their previous three releases, a rock record of mammoth proportions, as their name suggests. Fortunately, ‘Live at the Aragon’ is no exception. ‘Crack the Skye’, the fourth album from the band, captured Mastodon at their ferocious and genre-challenging best, mixing gigantic riffs and rhythms with mind-bendingly abstract lyrics and song structures. This live album, recorded in Chicago in 2009, takes things a step further.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 29 March 2011
J Mascis - Several Shades of Why (Album Review)
J Mascis has worked hard to make himself one of the most respected and recognisable musicians to emerge from the USA’s underground rock scene. He is of course most famous for his work with seminal alt-rock band Dinosaur Jr. and his famous “monolithic” guitar riffs.
Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Sunday, 27 March 2011
Scumbag Philosopher - Scumbag Philosopher (Single Review)
Scumbag Philosopher (formerly the hilariously titled Fuck Dress) do like to keep things simple it seems. The duo behind the wonderfully titled 'God is Dead so I Listen to Radiohead” grumble their way through this slab of dirty avant-garde rock without really doing anything that catches the ear. Or at least it seemed after the first listen. Stick this on in the background while doing the dishes and all you’ll hear is a simple drumbeat backed up by a dribbling vocal and a guitar riff that would make Hendrix turn.
Written by: James Ball | Date: Friday, 25 March 2011
Hyper - The Panic (Album Review)
When your day job is to be a DJ, a Producer and a Label Boss you’re going to be a busy boy. Especially when writing your third studio album, writing tunes for the soundtracks of hit shows and films such as CSI, Ugly Betty and Borat. Not to mention the countless remixes for everyone from Foals to Pink and everyone in between. Hyper is a man filled with ideas and every single one he’s ever had seems to have been planted somewhere in this third studio offering 'The Panic'.
Das Fluff - Happy People/Hey You! (Double A-Side Single Review)
Ooh. Now this is dirrrrty.
The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? (Album Review)
From hearing all the hype about The Vaccines over the past few months, I wasn't sure exactly what I did expect from The Vaccines.
Written by: Liam Gascoigne | Date: Monday, 21 March 2011
Noah And The Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. (Single Review)
I feel like I’ve heard Noah and the Whale’s new single somewhere before, there’s something about the breathless delivery of the verses that’s very familiar, and the way the name of the song is spelled out in the choruses is giving me a certain sense of déjà vu.
Written by: Jonathan Cockburn | Date: Monday, 21 March 2011
Blackwater James – Vol. 1 (EP Review)
Blackwater James from Nashville, Tennessee play music that sounds exactly like what you’d expect a rock band from Nashville, Tennessee to sound like – hard-rockin’ party tunes interspersed with heavy blues riffs doused in an ample amount of Jack Daniels. Unlike fellow Tennesseans Kings of Leon, Blackwater James have chosen not to wander into trendy indie territory as the Followills have and are instead sticking with their old school influences.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Sunday, 20 March 2011
Noah And The Whale - Last Night On Earth (Album Review)
Noah and the Whale’s career so far reads like a book; a continuing autobiographical account that tracks the naivety, excitement and the plights of youth. Their debut ‘Peaceful The World Lays Me Down’ introduced them as whimsical, innocent and a little twee, whilst the follow up ‘First Days of Spring’ progressed into a realisation that love can actually hit you hard and smash you to pieces.
Written by: Hayley Taylor | Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Green Day - Cigarettes & Valentines (Single Review)
Premiering in a live capacity on Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown World Tour and said to be a song on the unreleased album of the same name from the band’s history, the track ‘Cigarettes and Valentines’ is finally getting an official release on their upcoming release ‘Awesome as Fuck’.
Written by: Heather McDaid | Date: Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Avril Lavigne - Goodbye Lullaby (Album Review)
Cast yourself back ten years and you’ll find a young teen skater chick breaking into the mainstream with ‘Let Go’, an angst ridden rebellion of a new alternative icon for young girls. Come 2011, following a divorce and brand new start at life, Avril Lavigne is back to show the world her new offerings in the form of 'Goodbye Lullaby'.
Eagleowl - Into The Fold (EP Review)
In the shadow of the city’s famous castle, Edinburgh lo-fi folksters Eagleowl have been taking it steady since 2005. Their latest offering the 'Into the Fold' EP, which was meticulously planned and rehearsed around mealtimes, shows that sometimes slow and steady does in fact win the race.
Written by: Patrick Gormley | Date: Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Marc Robillard - Left London (Album Review)
'Left London' is the much anticipated follow up to Marc Robillard's debut EP 'Paper Airplanes' (2005). Released on March 29th and inspired by his time living in England, this stunning album includes 13 honest, intimate tunes that are bound to tug at your heartstrings.
Written by: Elin Sutton | Date: Monday, 14 March 2011
Josh T Pearson - Last Of The Country Gentlemen (Album Review)
Having already briefly tested the murky waters of success, Josh T Pearson has since existed quietly on the very periphery of the music radar for the best part of the last decade.
Written by: Brian Thompson | Date: Monday, 14 March 2011
Natasha Bedingfield - Strip Me (Album Review)
Natasha became an instant star and role model to thousands of young girls, including myself, when she first released her album 'Unwritten', which, deservingly reached number one in the UK album charts in 2004. After the success of her singles 'Unwritten', 'Single' and the beautifully boho 'These Words', she was all set to show the world what else she could do.
Written by: Sophie Monk | Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011
Surface Of Atlantic - A Frame Per Season (Album Review)
French philosopher Blaise Pascal once noted that, “beauty is a harmonious relation between something in our nature and the quality of the object which delights us”. So if monsieur Pascal is to be believed, Surface of Atlantic's delightful second record 'A Frame Per Season' is indeed a work of beauty.
Written by: Patrick Gormley | Date: Wednesday, 09 March 2011
The Chapman Family - Burn Your Town (Album Review)
Anticipation! Hype! Both serial rapists of the hopes and dreams of so many fledgling bands. Countless bands get brushed aside because of the fleeting reviews of their debut albums. But things may be different for The Chapman Family. In all honesty I had heard little of their music until writing this review. I had heard their name thrown around in conversations with a few of my musically enlightened acquaintances but that was about the long and short of it.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Wednesday, 09 March 2011
Emily Baker - House Of Cards (Album Review)
'House of Cards' is the debut album by Arts Foundation Songwriting award winner by Emily Baker. It doesn’t take particularly long for such an accolade to reveal itself.
Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Funeral For A Friend - Welcome Home Armageddon (Album Review)
Releasing their EP ‘The Young and Defenceless’ at the tail end of 2010 was a chance for Funeral for a Friend to show the fans where they were currently heading musically. Now, their latest release ‘Welcome Home Armageddon’ is the chance to fully showcase the rejuvenated Welsh rockers and catapult them back on top form.
Written by: Heather McDaid | Date: Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo (Album Review)
Gruff Rhys is no newcomer to the Welsh music scene. At 42 years old, he's had more than a few hits with the Super Furries, Ffa Coffi Pawb and numerous solo numbers. 'Hotel Shampoo' is no different, his third solo album that was released on February 14th.
Written by: Elin Sutton | Date: Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Rosie Doonan - Lay Your Love (Single Review)
With folk music enjoying a fruitful revival thanks to the likes of Mumford and Sons and Laura Marling, it seems that the door is open for new talent to rise up and get some well deserved exposure.
Written by: Hayley Taylor | Date: Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Long Distance Calling – Long Distance Calling (Album Review)
When it comes to rock music of any description, most of us are probably more likely to opt for a band with a singer over one of their instrumental counterparts. Supposedly, it's preferable to have a bit of a good old sing-song when you're at a gig or maybe it's just the presence of a frontman that helps to hold things together. It's probably also fair to say that, apart from the odd few exceptions like Mogwai for example, there aren't too many instrumental groups about that have actually had their fair share of success. But anyway, one of the latest bands attempting to buck the “lead singer” trend is German five-piece Long Distance Calling. Like the aforementioned Scottish post-rockers, LDC depend on powerful and enchanting guitar music in the absence of any vocals. However, unlike Mogwai, Long Distance Calling are being careful to steer clear of the term “post-rock”, preferring the much more direct genre description of “instrumental rock”. Probably to avoid the lazy pigeon-holing that is far too often associated with bands that don't have a singer. Fair enough.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 08 March 2011
The Chapman Family – Burn Your Town (Album Review)
If you've happened to stumble across this Stockton-on-Tees quartet over the past five years, you may be pleased – or not so pleased – to hear that they have finally got around to finishing and releasing their debut album. And it has indeed been a long wait – or a reasonably long wait at the very least. Some of you may have already noticed that two of the band's singles that have previously been taken from this album were released two whole years ago. One of the tracks in question, entitled 'Kids' – yes, another song called 'Kids' – even gained the group some minor success, receiving a fairly significant amount of airplay. Since then, the band have made a few festival appearances, done at least one major headlining tour and performed on the NME Radar Tour. Here they are, two years later and the all-important question is... what's the score? Is 'Burn Your Town' worth the wait? Well, the short answer is... yes. Pretty much.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Monday, 07 March 2011
The Blackout - Hope (Album Review)
Described as “the preserve of the foolish and the brave, the light at the end of the tunnel and the ball and chain that leaves reality inescapable”, The Blackout already have a lot to live up to just from a one-line summary of their third full studio release ‘Hope'.
Written by: Heather McDaid | Date: Monday, 07 March 2011
Sucioperro - The Heart String & How to Pull It (Album Review)
My Heart String & How to Pull It Sucioperro have always put emotion into their songs. Indeed, they are one of a number of current Scottish bands (along with the likes of The Xcerts and Biffy Clyro) who have a wonderful ability to create a song that aren’t just cracking rockers but also works of great intensity and passion. The early indications of Sucioperro’s third record have been indications that the band is going down the route of tearing at the listener’s heart more than ever, as well as adopting a more straightforward and melodic sound than previously heard. Their debut 'Random Acts of Intimacy' kept its heart buried beneath energetic hardcore tinged heavy riffage and follow up 'Pain Agency' kept its heart from totally bursting out of its cage with impressive technicality and the odd progressive leaning. 'The Heart String & How to Pull It' makes no bones about the fact that it is just a little bit soppy...and when you manage to make the twinges of the heart sound as beautifully pure and invigorating as Sucioperro do on this record why should it?
Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 07 March 2011
Daystar - Daystar (Album Review)
Manchester quintet Daystar are currently riding high on the success of their first TV appearance, and are set to release their new single 'Slip and Dive' – the opening track to their self titled debut album.
Written by: Sally Atlass | Date: Monday, 07 March 2011
Claire Nicolson - You And I (Single Review)
Claire Nicolson has come together with Yellowhammer to release a second single, 'You and I.' This track has been released alongside 'Quiet Company' which is a track from her forthcoming album.
Written by: Kiran Johal | Date: Monday, 07 March 2011
Red Room – Waxpoetics (EP Review)
Drawling guitars and sharp beats accompany Sam Frankl’s Morrissey-esque (but much more distinctive) voice on this debut EP. The xx are an obvious reference point, with the fragmented drums interweaving throughout, but Red Room exhibit their pop sensibilities in a much more clear manner.
Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Thursday, 03 March 2011
The Quails - Games With The Devil (Single Review)
Perhaps the best known band from the town of Teignmouth, apart from the mighty Muse of course, there’s a warmth to their polished new single that suggests the band may be on the up.
Sucioperro - Reflexes Of The Dead (Single Review)
“Wake up, wake up my angel, you are my oxygen” Seemingly, the title of Sucioperro’s upcoming third record ‘The Heart String & How to Pull It’ is a pretty accurate one. If you thought first single ‘Threads’ and giveaway track ‘Running From All That Doesn’t Tempt You’ were pretty direct arrows to the heart then wait until you hear the latest track released from the album.
Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Monday, 28 February 2011
Kellermensch - The Lexington, Pentonville Road, London – Thursday 24th February 2011
The Nordic countries have always been major players in the murky world of underground metal. Thus it is no surprise that The Lexington’s monthly ‘Ja Ja Ja Music’ nights, celebrating the musical contributions of the Nordic region, often dip their toes into the metal depths. This particular night, curated by The Quietus, certainly has a heavy feel to it, headlined as it is by Danish art metal collective Kellermensch (whose debut album is utterly incredible).
B.O.B - I'll Be In The Sky (Single Review)
'I’ll Be In The Sky' is a very catchy and up beat song. B.O.B has once again showcased his rapping skills and produced another good R & B track. It’s not brilliant but it’s definitely not one to be overlooked.
Written by: Kiran Johal | Date: Friday, 25 February 2011
Nicole Scherzinger - 'Don't Hold Your Breath' (Single Review)
With no sign of her album being released, Nicole Scherzinger has revealed her second single 'Don’t Hold Your Breath.' It follows 'Poison' which managed to reach number three on the Official UK Singles Chart.
The Cave Singers - No Witch (Album Review)
Presenting traditional folk melodies alongside the raw gusto of the 70’s rock movement sounds like an unsavoury recipe for disaster. But with third album, ‘No Witch’, the Cave Singers endeavour to accommodate a handful of styles without too much of a fuss. Consequently this shows the band to be in several very different places over the course of this record.
Written by: Brian Thompson | Date: Friday, 25 February 2011
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs (Album Review)
Every individual will have a moment in their history which changed their lives, which defines them as a person. It could be the delusions of ‘seeing’ God for the first time. It may be losing a loved one. It may be the vigorous spanking of your first S&M session. But for me (and I’m certain I’m not alone) it was the first time Radiohead blessed my ears. I was 16 and until then I had always written them off as too depressing to waste my time with. Obviously I was made to hugely regret those ignorant thoughts the first time I listened to 'OK Computer'. Baring this in mind I do hope you can forgive any gushing asides that may take place over the course of the next few paragraphs.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Monday, 21 February 2011
Slash – Slash [Deluxe Edition] (Album Review)
Being one of the most laudable guitar players in the world, as well as being a key member of arguably the biggest rock band of the last 25 years, can’t be the lightest of burdens to carry. The responsibility and hype that gets heaped upon you, in addition to the constant influx of questions regarding whether or not you plan to return to your former band, must be enough to drive a person to despair at times. However, watching Slash fondly speak about working with some of his personal heroes on the Making of The Album documentary that comes with the new Deluxe Edition of his debut solo album, you’d almost believe that the legendary axeman is completely unaware of the godlike reputation that follows him.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Friday, 18 February 2011
Jamiroquai - Lifeline (Single Review)
As the third single from Jamiroquai’s seventh studio album ‘Rock Dust Light Star’, ‘Lifeline’ comes as the latest instalment of their acid jazz sound. Immediately you can identify it as one of their tracks without advanced warning, yet it’s a fresh, new sound.
Written by: Heather McDaid | Date: Friday, 18 February 2011
Jonsi - Go Live (Album Review)
Jónsi is probably well known to people as part of the band Sigur Ros but he is also a well established solo artist in his own right. Jónsi released his debut solo album entitled ‘Riceboy Sleeps’ in 2009 and ‘Go’ followed a year later which saw Jónsi embark on a world tour in 2010 playing in Canada, Japan and Luxembourg to name but a few. ‘Go Live’ was recorded on the Belgium leg of the tour in Brussels and helps to encaptivate the live experience that the audience gets when at a Jónsi show.
Written by: Steve Wellman | Date: Friday, 18 February 2011
The BRIT Awards (A Viewer’s Review)
So it is that time of the year again, where rich, talented and beautiful people gather to congratulate other rich, talented and beautiful people on how rich. talented and beautiful they are while you, the viewer, gawp on at the bright screen praying that your regular, human eyes won’t be blinded by all their brilliance. The BRIT Awards ceremony is the long-standing jewel in the UK music industry’s crown, successful for the big name acts it draws in on an annual basis as well as the odd publicity-boosting outrageous celebrity stunt.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers - Lets Go (EP Review)
A star of BBC Introducing, it’s easy to see why Alexandra Legouix is hotly tipped this year. There’s a sense of freshness to this sunny extended play. Nothing is synthesised, and she has a very real and authentic voice that contrasts highly with the auto tuned R&B stars of today.
Written by: Jonny Rimmer | Date: Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Cold War Kids - Mine Is Yours (Album Review)
It’s been nearly 5 years since Cold War Kid’s acclaimed debut album 'Robbers and Cowards', and after their messy second album 'Loyalty to Loyalty' we’ve been hoping for the third album to prove a worthy successor to the first.
Written by: Jonathan Cockburn | Date: Tuesday, 15 February 2011
The Streets - Computers And Blues (Album Review)
We’ve known Mike Skinner for a while now; he’s befriended all of us through The Streets and we’ve come to love him and his penchant for weed inspired homemade beats and quasi-poetic storytelling, so in a way the knowledge that this is his final album as The Streets feels a little like hearing one of your friends is moving abroad.
Written by: Jonathon Cockburn | Date: Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Roddy Woomble - The Impossible Song & Other Songs (Album Review)
Oh Roddy, what have you become? Do you even remember the days when you strutted around with sneering punk attitude, shouting about anything and everything? Back when hope was important.
Written by: Ben Bland | Date: Tuesday, 15 February 2011
