Blonde Louis - Midnight Kiss (Single Review)
I’m a twenty year old student who concedes that he is slightly musically pretentious and listens to everything that isn’t mainstream and intentionally bad mouths anything that’s in the charts. Well I’m going to have to reassess my life, because whether with this track or another, Blonde Louis ARE going to hit the charts in the coming year and these guys are infectious. These four lads already have a crazed set of teenage fans packing out small venues and word of mouth hype has established them as one of the best unsigned pop acts around.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Tuesday, 19 October 2010
China Soul - Secrets And Words (Album Review)
It is quite the challenge to pick fault with China Soul. Even from her melodramatic name you’re forced to let out a resounding, aching sigh. Not only that, but she’s the daughter of Starsky and Hutch star David Soul – what’s not to like?
Written by: Rich Kemp | Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Crystal Fighters - Star Of Love (Album Review)
Have you ever wondered what the Talking Heads might have sounded like if they had moved to a Spanish village in the mountains, done a load of acid and run around like loonies? Crazed five-piece Crystal Fighters seem to do just this, filling in that much required niche market.
Magnetic Man - Magnetic Man (Album Review)
Now, supergroups are pretty common place in today’s music landscape: Them Crooked Vultures, The Dead Weather and Atoms For Peace are just a few. But music’s newest genre, dubstep, was still lacking a collaboration of the highest order. That was of course until the three most influential forerunners of dub decided to push Magnetic Man, the intermittent collaborative name to full group status.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Monday, 11 October 2010
Bandwagon - Wasting Time (EP Review)
After a hugely successful 2009 topped off with a coveted support slot with the Answer, Bangor three-piece Bandwagon began 2010 in the studio recording the eagerly anticipated ‘Wasting Time’ EP. The result is a well polished, professional sounding EP of 4 original tracks and, on some copies, a recently recorded bonus track. Having begun life in Thin Lizzy tribute bands Bandwagon have been tarred with an unfair image of generic classic rock. However, as Phil Edgar(guitar/vocals) and Joe McQuillan (bass/vocals) mature and develop their own style has become increasingly evident and it won’t be long before they’re a huge name in the UK rock scene.
Written by: Daniel Lynch | Date: Wednesday, 06 October 2010
Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip (Feat. Kid A) - Cauliflower (Single Review)
Reaching the end of a busy summer of festivals, Brit-hop duo Dan vs. Pip are back with the third single to be taken from their recent album ‘The Logic of Chance’. ‘Cauliflower’ is a collaboration with American female solo artist Kid A, who provides the chorus to this love song of sorts.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Monday, 04 October 2010
Skunk Anansie – Wonderlustre (Album Review)
“Don’t call it a comeback/I been here for years”, the press release proclaims, quoting LL Cool J’s classic ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’. Well, that may indeed be true. After nine years, Skunk Anansie are finally back on our stereos with their fourth album ‘Wonderlustre’. Following the release of their last album, 1999’s ‘Post Orgasmic Chill’, the London-based group decided to take a break, which turned out to be a lengthy one, and the four members went their separate ways to work on some other projects. Among these was vocalist Skin’s brief career as a solo artist, which saw the release of two albums.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Thursday, 30 September 2010
Bad Religion – The Dissent of Man (Album Review)
After 30 years of recording, touring and inspiring almost every other punk rock band on the planet, the granddaddies of melodic punk return with their fifteenth album ‘The Dissent of Man’. Although the LA-based group have suffered a number of line-up changes over the years, this is now their fourth consecutive album as a six-piece with original guitarist and songwriter Brett Gurewitz.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Brandon Flowers - Flamingo (Album Review)
Following a 6 year run of recording and touring, most musicians would be ready to take a well earned break. Not Brandon Flowers: when his bandmates announced that they were taking a rest, The Killers frontman responded not by following suit, but by releasing a solo album.
Written by: Andrew Lilley | Date: Monday, 27 September 2010
Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man (Album Review)
Let me set out my stall: I’m a Manic Street Preachers fanatic. They’re a band that aren’t concerned or made anxious by reviews, and make music because they love it. I’m not going to go comparing this to 'The Holy Bible', as I realise that after Richey’s tragedy, the band had to evolve. And so they did, in to a much more ‘poppy’ band that that could connect to a larger audience. And on this album they have succeed in a way they never have before.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Monday, 27 September 2010
Wild Dogs in Winter – Homba (Album Review)
For those people who are familiar with the style of music known as post-rock, your opinions on it may vary significantly. However, regardless of whether you consider post-rock to be intelligent, thought-provoking music or nothing but pretentious, arty-farty noise, there’s no denying that it’s an interesting and often underrated genre. Although the likes of Mogwai and Sigur Ros have carried the flag for a number of years, post-rock has rarely left the confines of the avant-garde. It has even struggled to compete within today’s indie community, which frequently claims to crave new and exciting music while continuing to recycle the same old stuff year after year.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Sunday, 26 September 2010
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Album Review)
The three year wait has ended and the often (rightly or wrongly) named ‘Greatest Band On Earth’ have delivered their third studio album, ‘The Suburbs’.
Written by: Rhys Morgan | Date: Friday, 24 September 2010
Tinie Tempah - Disc-Overy (Album Review)
Coming at you like a great, obnoxious storm cloud of fast-paced, moronic drivel, Tinie Tempah unleashes his brand of electrocore hip hop at an astounding rate. From the get-go, it becomes clear this lad is not going to let up, which really is a shame.
Written by: Rich Kemp | Date: Thursday, 23 September 2010
Emerald – Master I Am (Album Review)
Somewhere back in the mid- to late-Eighties, whilst enjoying an unhealthy diet of the recent rock favourites, such as Iron Maiden, Dio, Guns n’ Roses and Metallica, the band Emerald were frozen in time with a great idea for an album locked firmly in their minds. Over twenty years later, Emerald were awoken and led into the studio to record their debut album ‘Master I Am’, and here it is.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Monday, 20 September 2010
Kele - The Boxer (Album Review)
Having become famous being the charismatic frontman of indie band Bloc Party, you'd be forgiven if you didn't expect Kele Okereke to posses much knowledge in regard to dance and electro music. However Kele - whom often could be found DJ'ing in a nearby club after a Bloc Party gig, seems to have developed quite the repertoire of impressive dance tracks with his new album 'The Boxer'. The same does not apply to the album's producer XXXChange however, who previously worked with electronic and R&B artists Kid Sister and Amanda Blank.
Written by: Andrew Lilley | Date: Monday, 20 September 2010
The Blue Aeroplanes - China Brilliance Automotive (Single Review)
A new single released to mark The Blue Aeroplanes' takeover of legendary Bristol venue The Fleece, 'China Brilliance Automotive' captures the cult art-rock outfit's verve, diversity and style as well as any track from their early-90's heyday.
Written by: Jacob Mier | Date: Sunday, 19 September 2010
Colour Of Sound - When (Album Review)
An album that initially excited me with its breezy, lightweight charm, 'When' by Colour of Sound turned out (after its ten tracks) to be a mostly unreverberant manufacturing of mediocre soft pop-rock that left little impression on me.
Audiodroid - 7in7 (EP Review)
'7in7', the forthcoming seven track EP from Andy ‘Droid’ Byram, promises an energetic electronic rollercoaster from the first track.
Written by: Elliott Batte | Date: Friday, 17 September 2010
Annuals - Count The Rings (Album Review)
Count The Rings, which was released on the 6th of September, is a collection of B sides and personal favourites from The Annuals. This is the group’s first European release since Be He Me, in 2006, an album which gained the group critical acclaim and led to tours with The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party and Calexico & Minus The Bear.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Freebass - It's A Beautiful Life (Album Review)
It is with sadness that I write this album review, as Freebass announce that they have split, just days before they finally release their debut album, It’s A Beautiful Life, some six years since the Freebass concept was formed. The original formula of three Manc bass playing legends, never quite came off as expected, with Andy Rourke, formally of The Smiths moving to New York in 2009, however he does appear on this record. But to put Peter Hook “Hooky” of Joy Division and New Order, Gary Mounfield “Mani” of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream and Andy Rourke “Rourkie” of The Smiths together and you have something rather special in my opinion.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 11 September 2010
Dawn Kinnard - Wrong Side Of The Dream (Album Review)
Wrong Side Of The Dream, released on the 13th of September is singer/songwriter Dawn Kinnard’s second album, following on from her debut. 2008’s, The Courtesy Fall. Released on her new label, DK Records, in partnership with Damian Montagu, who produced the album, Wrong Side Of The Dream is a disappointing and depressing record which surely cannot receive the same critical acclaim that her debut received.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Friday, 10 September 2010
Shout Out Louds - Work (Album Review)
Shout Out Louds are senior citizens of the indie world, having released their first album 'Howl Howl Gaff Gaff' all the way back in the distant, hazy past of 2003. The five-piece band from Stockholm return with their third release, 'Work', hoping to join the likes of The Hives, The Knife, Robyn, Journey and (not to take their name in vain) Abba, breaking across the North Sea and becoming an adopted act in the British music circuit.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Friday, 10 September 2010
Royksopp - Senior (Album Review)
There is a saying that all good things come to those who wait and that’s certainly true of the new Royksopp album 'Senior'. After 18 months the wait will be over on Monday (13th September) and it really has been worth it.
Written by: Andy Byram | Date: Thursday, 09 September 2010
Yeasayer - Madder Red/Odd Blood (Single and Album Review)
Experimental New York group Yeasayer, release their latest single, Madder Red, on the 13th of September. Taken from their new album Odd Blood, which is on sale now. The experimental three piece have had quite a year in the UK, with headline shows and a slot at Leeds and Reading, with their visually and musically excellent live performances continuing to impress audiences.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 08 September 2010
Screaming Females - Castle Talk (Album Review)
Castle Talk is Screaming Females fourth album, released on the 13th of September. The punk three piece from New Jersey, USA have managed to produce an album that is unthinkably good. Marissa Paternoster’s vocals, do for this music what Siouxsie Sioux did for The Banshees and what Debbie Harry’s vocals did for Blondie and her guitar riffs are exceptional too, Mike Abbate’s bass is fantastic as well, it has a real UK new wave sound to it, straight from the early eighties and then there is the drumming from Jarrett Dougherty which keeps everything sounding tight and adds a franticness to the groups sound.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 07 September 2010
Alesha - Drummer Boy and Remixes (Single Review)
Alesha Dixon's Drummer Boy may not be the most lyrically astute song ever written, nor a track graced with musical brilliance or vocal excellence, but who cares really? Drummer Boy is a catchy, good fun pop record, full of marching band drum beats and blasted with Alesha’s unique shouty vocals, which have always had appeal. If the trash that so called pop stars N Dubz and the like record can do well in the charts, then the down to earth Alesha is certainly deserving of success with Drummer Boy.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Monday, 06 September 2010
Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip – The Logic of Chance (Album Review)
When Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip’s ‘Thou Shalt Always Kill’ burst out of our radios back in 2007, it came as a fascinating and slightly shocking attack on British pop culture. Rapped over a catchy electronic beat, it took an ironic glance at life in this country and featured some humorously frank lyrics about the music and popular opinion of the time, including the now famous “just a band” verse. The single was soon to be followed by the duo’s debut album ‘Angles’, which was jam-packed with more thought-provoking and often comic songs about a variety of recent topics and it provided buyers with a stunning selection of beats and music that could compete with any of the then rising British hip-hop stars. Also, thanks to MC and poet Scroobius Pip, the album featured some of the best use of the Queen’s English ever to be heard in the rap genre.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Sunday, 05 September 2010
Arabrot - Revenge (Album Review)
Norwegian rock band Arabrot are certainly not quiet chaps, the metal noise makers are Kjetil Nernes and Vidar Evensen, who have been joined by noise artist Stian Skagen. Playing drums and guitar only, the group produce a hellish noise, which is quite incredibly loud and deep, considering the lack of instruments. There is no doubt that Revenge, released on the 13th September and the group’s fourth full album, since starting out in 2001, displays musical talent. The drum kit of Vidar Evenson is pummelled into submission, throughout the record, with thumping, high paced whacks of skin and reckless, crashing of symbols. Kjetil Nernes's guitar is frantically strummed also, I am sure he has broke a string or two in his time as he produces tormenting, screaming riffs and crazed, deep rhythms.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 05 September 2010
Every Avenue - Picture Perfect (Album Review)
Easily accessible melodies, classic hooks and the ever-present subject of young love make "Picture Perfect", the third studio album from Marysville, Michigan pop punk outfit Every Avenue, the ideal i-Pod filler for teenage girls everywhere. While many of the records are undeniably well-structured in compliance with the conventional pop-rock format, stylistically much seems heavily borrowed from bands like All Time Low and The Maine - it's pretty hot right now amongst its aforementioned target audience, but early noughties skate-pop revival is not this writer's cup of tea.
Written by: Jacob Mier | Date: Saturday, 04 September 2010
The Daredevil Christopher Wright - In Deference to a Broken Back (Album Review)
The name "Daredevil" all seems terribly exciting initially. That is until you read further on and meet the somewhat lacklustre name Christopher Wright. "Daredevil?" you may ask. "What could possibly be so risky about this chap?" For one thing, this chap is a band of three lads from Wisconsin that seem to harvest lusciously fun harmonies and bountifully jumping beats while creating a load of lavish indie rock enjoyment. To all intents and purposes: these boys cover many bases.
Written by: Rich Kemp | Date: Saturday, 04 September 2010
Revere - Hey! Selim (Album Review)
Revere don't seem to be a band in any hurry. Despite being active in one form or another since 1995, Hey! Selim is the band's first feature length album after a wave of self-released EPs brought the band to acclaim outside of their London base. The band's social networking potency has seen the band feature at the "Best of Myspace" event, taking place on September 8th at the Bull & Gate in Kentish Town. With social networking fanbases notoriously fickle, the real matter at hand is that Hey! Selim marks 15 years hard work for Stephen Ellis. Time well spent?
Written by: Mark Booth | Date: Saturday, 04 September 2010
Karoshi - Not Sitting (Single Review)
Karoshi are Dan Burt and Sam Burt, they release their debut single Not Sitting on the 6th September. Karoshi will be hoping for good things from this release, following Radio 6 and Radio 2 air play and a top 10 in club chart. This single and its many remixes is an over synthetic indulgence of manufactured beats and Jedward like vocals, singing us the most unimaginative and thoughtless lyrics. Known as twisted electro pop, the radio edit, plus original are far from great.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 01 September 2010
The Heebie Jeebies - Misery Guts/Murderous (Single Review)
Jungle Pop three piece, The Heebie Jeebies, are due to release Misery Guts and Murderous on the 6th of September. The jangly, ska and reggae infused pop music created by Owen J. Adams, Thomas S. Barnett and Del H. Hoyle has a definite feel good factor to it and a very danceable catchiness. Misery Guts is an intensely catchy track, the frantic drum beat is wonderful and Caribbean in sound, the bass line that flows over the top is fantastically warm and deep, these elements combine to create a lovely back drop as the jangly, climbing riffs and vocals then flow over the up and down track.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Mogwai - Special Moves / Burning (Album & DVD Review)
Mogwai aren't known for being the most mainstream band on the planet: despite their success and long-standing reputation as rock goliaths, they're a long way off moving to Japan and advertising toothpaste. They're equally unlikely to be releasing a 'Greatest Hits' album anytime soon. So, for those of you looking to see the band given the Westlife treatment, I'm afraid that new live release Special Moves / Burning is probably as close as you'll ever get. Recorded in Brooklyn last year, the 2-disc set CD/DVD presents fifteen classic tracks in all their live glory, validating the reputation that Mogwai have earned as one of the most intense performers on the circuit.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Friday, 27 August 2010
Shine 2009 - Associates (EP Review)
Finnish duo Shine 2009’s debut EP, Associates, is a dreamy, melodic collection of tracks which defy the fact that summer is on its way out, if it ever started that is. The self released EP, available on the 6th September, is by no means the best lyrical, vocal or musical work you will ever hear, however it is one of the catchiest, happy, dreamy releases you will hear. This EP, takes you back to the 90’s, whilst remaining fresh and current. The 90’s was a good decade though; we were all younger, life seemed better. No complaints there then, and that is what this record does. It takes your mind back to happier, care free times.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Thursday, 26 August 2010
Secret Sirens - Black Heart (Single Review)
Black Heart, is Secret Sirens debut single, due for release on the 6th September. The Leeds based pop duo of Andrew Siron and Narelle Frances, have managed to produce a tense and progressive pop track, which is both dark and catchy in equal measure. The first track of the single, the radio edit starts with huge, screaming electric guitar notes and thumping drum skins, before Narelle’s wonderful vocals open up over the plodding keyboards. The track rises and falls throughout, musically and vocally, shifting the depth, tempo and volume, from subtle to huge and back again.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Klaxons - Surfing The Void (Album Review)
A wise man once said: "A band has their whole lives to write their first album, but only six months to write their second." Or something along those lines. Anyway, that might be true, but it does not appear to be a philosophy that the Klaxons have followed. After releasing their debut album 'Myths of the Near Future' to huge success and a number of awards, including the highly respected Mercury prize, the London-based three-piece chose to take some time over their next offering, only to have it famously rejected by their record company two years later. In somewhat of a hurry at this point, the Klaxons got together with American rock/ metal producer Ross Robinson to make their follow-up album 'Surfing the Void'. Although the inclusion of Robinson, who has previously worked with Korn and Slipknot, may seem like an odd choice for an English dance-punk band, it may be just what the group need to escape the "New Rave" label that has hung over them for the past three years. Now, finally, 'Surfing the Void' has hit our stores and iStores, just in time for the Klaxons' headlining sets at this month's Reading and Leeds festivals. But is it here in time to save the band from the looming threat of obscurity? That may well depend on the album's content.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Roots Manuva - Jah Warriors (Single Review)
Roots Manuva’s new single Jah Warriors, featuring Ricky Ranking is due for release on August 30th This release from the forthcoming, Roots Manuva meets Wrongtom project, includes 3 tracks. A radio edit of Jah Warriors and a re-work of, Bashment Boogie and Buff Nuff. The title track, Jah Warriors, may have a reggae based, hip hop beat, but that is the only positive for the track really. Beyond the tin drums at the start of the track, you really do struggle to take away any more musical merits. The vocals from Roots Manuva at each verse may have a deep, urban edge to them, but the chorus’s fail to impress. Even the lyrics, are lack lustre as this track ultimately disappoints.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Monday, 23 August 2010
Spring Offensive - The First Of Many Dreams About Monsters (Single Review)
At almost 14 minutes long, Spring Offensive’s, The First Of Many Dreams About Monsters, is very difficult to call a single. The epic track is a five chapter story, each chapter encompassing Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's Grief Cycle - Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance . Dramatic from the opening samples of conversation and intense, slow drumming. This track rises and falls throughout, moving from stage to stage, with the intense sampling continuing amongst moody sections of depressive guitar and drums.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 21 August 2010
The Heads - Relaxing With... (Album Review)
The Heads, debut album, Relaxing With... originally released in 1996, is due for a re-mastered, re-release on August 30th, packed with an extra disc including unreleased tracks and John Peel sessions. The Bristol four piece, produce a psychedelic mass of feedback, riffs and amp blowing noise, straight from the underground scene created by the likes of the Stooges, Hawkwind and The Velvet Underground.
James Blackshaw - All Is Falling (Album Review)
James Blackshaw’s ninth album, All Is Falling, is eight tracks of musical sublimity, that need no lyrics or vocals to accompany the impressive instrumentals. Playing his 12 string electric guitar with a delicate and mesmerising subtlety, this album cannot fail to impress. The progressive, All Is Falling, parts 1 – 8, is one continually evolving piece of exquisite music, that flows with melodies and cascading sections of instrumental genius. This is James Blackshaw’s first recorded material, using a 12 string guitar, along with the use of piano, glockenspiel and percussion and with the assistance of Charlotte Glasson, who plays violin, flute, alto, saxophone and glockenspiel, Fran Bury, who plays violin and Daniel Madav, who plays cello.
Hermanos Inglesos - Wanderland (Single Review)
Hermanos Inglesos, are believe it or not, a Belgian group. The brothers, Cedric and Didier Engels have already impressed Europe with their super cool techno and they now look to impress the UK, with the release of this single, Wanderland, on August 23rd and their debut album in autumn. Wanderland, is an infectious dance track, filled with throbbing bass and techno beats. Swooping over the throbbing techno pulses are wonderfully sensitive synth rhythms and keys, which hypnotise and enchant.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Hawk (ALBUM REVIEW)
Hawk is the third release from the unlikely duo of Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell, who have mixed gruff Americana with tender folk roots to form a diverse and compelling album. The pair embrace their contrasting natures as Lanegan's husky, Spaghetti Western murmurs seem an unlikely partner for Campbell's sheepish, melody-driven vocals, but there is an undeniable charm which penetrates through into every track.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Monday, 16 August 2010
Bad Religion - Bristol O2 Academy - 7th August 2010
The when, where and who questions that surround the origins of punk rock music are still widely debated to this day and the same old names continue to be thrown around whenever the argument is brought up. Bands like the Clash and the Ramones were successful for a short while in their day and are still remembered by many as the most influential of the genre. Then there are others like the Sex Pistols who, despite often being hailed as one of the greatest groups of their time, actually only released one album before disappearing in a puff of hype, only to return almost twenty years later to shamelessly capitalise on their bygone success.
Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Saturday, 14 August 2010
Lana Mir - Self Titled Debut Album - (Review)
Lana Mir is a Ukrainian singer/songwriter, based in New York. She is set to release her self-titled, debut album on the 23rd of August. Without doubt, Lana has a beautiful voice and a definite sensitivity in the way she constructs her songs. This 11 track album is a breath of fresh air, contemporary and timeless. Lana manages to create a large, wonderful sound from her sultry vocals and simple instrumentals.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Teeth - See Spaces (Video of the Day)
This is the video for TEETH’s new single, See Spaces. The video is directed by the band and the track will be available as of the 16th August. Coming from the East London DIY scene, these electro pioneers push all the right buttons, with their pulsing, big beats and rave inspired sound. Recently reviewed by stereoboard, this single whole heartedly impressed and also proved that there is definitely life left in the dance music scene.
Menomena - Mines - (Album Review)
Mines, is American indie rockers, Menomena’s fourth album, released on the 26th July, this record from the Portland three piece looks set to follow the success that I Am The Fun Blame Monster! and Friend And Foe achieved. Thumping drums and vocal variance dominate this album, along with all manner of instruments and effects that are put to good use throughout. All of the group’s members share vocal duties during the album, which brings a very different feel to each track, especially against the musical variation also on show.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Francis Neve - The Second Time We First Met (ALBUM REVIEW)
The Second Time We First Met is the debut release from Francis Neve, an Essex-born singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. The seven track mini-album covers the lifespan of a relationship, calling together various influences into a melodic and sincere record, full of dark undertones and pent- up intensity. From the first moments of opening track Brains Drying Up, Neve's intentions are made clear: sparse guitar strokes pave the way for his syncopated drums, creating a sound full of atmosphere and intensity slumbering just beneath the surface. Once his ethereal vocals break into the frame the track takes on something truly original: the emotiveness of Bon Iver side by side with fervent harmonics, echoing back to the days of early Foals. Neve forges traditional songwriting into a sound clearly influenced by the modern rock scene, without abandoning the acoustic tradition altogether.
Written by: James Conlon | Date: Monday, 09 August 2010
Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep - (Album Review)
Edwyn Collins may be in his fifties now, but the guy still knows how to make a pretty good album. Losing sleep is his seventh solo album, following work in the 80’s with his ex group, Orange Juice. This record see’s Edwyn collaborate with The Cribs' Ryan Jarman and Johnny Marr, The Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart, Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy, The Drums and Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 08 August 2010
Spring Offensive - Live at Night and Day, Manchester
Oxford five piece, Spring Offensive, played Manchester’s Night and Day on Friday 6th August. The penultimate show on their small, self funded tour of the country, which has seen them supporting and opening gigs as far north as Newcastle. They opened the night with a 30 minute set of dark, intense music, which definitely impressed the intimate crowd and rocked the small Manchester venue.
Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 07 August 2010
