Friday 27 June 2014

Introducing.... Chiisai Ashi

Hi,

Just a short post today introducing you to a great little band called Chiisai Ashi.

You can buy their EP on bandcamp HERE or follow them on twitter @ChaiisaiAshi.

Chiisai Ashi are an indie-rock, alternative band from Derbyshire. They have a gorgeous electric rock sound with "Little Bird" as a beautiful acoustic, gentle track showing off the vocal talent and writing ability of the siblings. There are two vocalists, who offset each others grungey, youthful tones with seemingly effortless harmony. The raw, rock sound of this pair is something I've not heard before, their debut EP is an amazing starting point for a band that I hope will go far!



Tuesday 24 June 2014

Klaxons- Love frequency

Hi,

Klaxons' long anticipated new album "love frequency" came out a few days ago. You can buy it on iTunes for £7.99 or listen on spotify or on soundcloud HERE. This is the 'present' album in their trilogy of past, present and future albums so it was always going to be very difficult to predict how this one was going to turn out, they haven't done an awful job but I'm still a little disappointed with some of the tracks.



Tracklist
1) A new reality
2) There is no other time
3) Show me a miracle
4) Out of the dark
5) Children of the sun
6) Invisible forces
7) Rhythm of life
8) Liquid light
9) The dreamers
10) Atom to atom
11) Love frequency

It's a house style, electro beat, dance album but not the experimental, scuzzy, old-school electronics that we're used to with Klaxons. "Children of the sun" has some nice indie-rock electronic melodies and typical klaxons space age soundscape with a lot of varied verses and interesting harmonies. Some of the tracks aren't even recognizable as klaxons anymore. "There is no other time" is 70s disco music, while it played I imagined cheesey top of the pops dancing with flared jeans and a mullet! I struggled to listen to this song to the end. "The dreamers" however is smooth and lovely with poetic lyrics that are pleasing to listen to and a beautiful intro that really contrasts with the pop club beats of some of the other tracks. Songs like "invisible forces" seem to have lost the klaxons-esque ambiguous meanings and interesting sounds and word structure. The keyboard in this song and others is a nice effect and is the closest to a real instrument that we get to on this album. I'm not a fan of exclusively computer generated music.

I am a little disappointed at the long anticipated release of "Love frequency", but maybe that's partly due to the fact that I had high expectations and have been waiting a long time. It definitely wasn't what I expected but it isn't bad for what it's trying to do. Some of the tracks have gone off the rails and are a bit too pop for my tastes but they haven't done such a bad job at a dance record in its own right. I'm not sure how big klaxons fans will take this album though.  6/10 



Sunday 22 June 2014

Port Isla- Steamroller

Hi,

So today's post is introducing you to an up and coming band that I think will be big called Port Isla. They are a 4 piece indie band from Norwich. You can listen to their new EP "Steamroller" HERE. They have recently been touring with George Ezra and I picked up the last copy of their EP at the leadmill in Sheffield. Which is a great venue by the way and they have some really good people playing soon, so click HERE to have a look.




These guys are indie-folk with acoustic and electric tracks. The vocals are folk rocky and casual in a rounded kind of way. They have a rehearsed full sound and the three tracks are diverse with different but equally good styles.

Tracklist:

1) Steamroller- this is an upbeat folk-y song with prominent drum rhythms and a country swing with the banjo and harmonies. The chorus and the vocal melody are so catchy and the harmonies are used to a great effect.

2) Next in line- this is a more rock and electric song where the vocals are more raw and the piano is more in the foreground with an indie-rock input. The lyrics in this are again sparse and not hugely inspiring but fit well and have a good tune to them.

3) Simple sunrise- this is an acoustic gentle track where the vocals are more exposed and where some bands fall because they can't hide behind noise and crazy rhythms. But Port Isla have more than proved themselves in this track with gorgeous poetic lyrics like "and that simple sunrise much like a drawing by a child is right in front of me" and the incredible harmonies made up of the right mixture of strong and slightly clashy chords to add interest. The details in this track are put together really well making it my favourite on the EP.



Friday 20 June 2014

Fake Club

Hi,

Sorry its been so long I've just been crazy busy as it was exam season but that's over now and hopefully I'll have a lot more time for posting.

I'll be introducing you to probably my favorite band at the moment. They are a five-piece, all female, English rock band. They recently featured in an MJ Delaney film Powder Room (which is great and worth a watch). The band appeared in the film, performing music they'd written, including some songs created specifically for the film. The band were also responsible for the selection of all other tracks used in the film.

You can listen: on soundcloud-HERE, on spotify- HERE or on YouTube- HERE



They have a beautiful raw rock sound emphasized by the crazy crashing noisy drums that would sound amazing live and give a rounded shape to the music they play. But the heavy jumpy bass and jerky electric guitar add sharp rough edges that stick out with a grace and feminine confidence in themselves similar to Kate Nash. They convey a huge sense of confidence and assertiveness that comes across so strong it makes you want to shout out of a window along to the lyrics! The vocalist has an amazing tone that I've not heard anything like before, its raw and punchy. The raspy, throaty sounds are grungey and scuzzy with roughed up edges that fit perfectly with the grungey punk rock they play. The tone really makes this band unique and gives them their stamp. Their amazing lyrics also stand them apart from the rest and give them the originality that makes them what they are. They spit out inspirational, wonderful lyrics 10 a penny. 

These girls are just incredible!


Tuesday 1 April 2014

iTunes Single of the week #15

Hi,

This week the free download on iTunes was "A Lunar Veteran's guide to Re-entry" by Paul Thomas Saunders.

Paul Thomas Saunders is a physch and indie one man band from Leeds, England. He says he is influenced by people like Joe Meek, The Tornadoes, Emo Phillips and Lou Reed.


Review:
This is very much a phsych song, with haunting electro twirls and acoustic guitar twanging in an almost folky way. Although the music and vocals are most definitely not folk! The space age soundscape creates amazing effects, the vocals are distant and soft with mesmerizing tones and a mysterious edge. You need really good speakers or headphones to listen to this song because the surround sound and potential for a 3D sounding track are used to their full extent by Saunders. There is a fabulous soundscape created in this song which is great to relax and listen to.

Overall, this is a really well crafted piece of music 9/10


Saturday 29 March 2014

The Rumble Strips- Girls and Weather

Hi,

Today's post will be about a band that you probably know some of their songs but may not have heard of before. I'll be introducing you to their album "Girls and Weather". This is definitely my album of the month!

Background Info:
The Rumble Strips were a 5 piece indie-pop/rock, soul English band from Tavistock, Devon. The band took their name from rumble strips, which are small, continuous lines of bumps along the edge of a road. They went their separate ways in 2009. You can buy their album on iTunes HERE for £5.99 and other album "Welcome to the walk alone" HERE for £5.99. You can stream some of their music HERE


This album is a gorgeous blend of indie-pop and rock with soul and jazz managing to worm its way in there too. Their catchy rhythms and wonderful story-telling lyrics paired with the infectious, lyrical melodies make all the tracks so hard to get out of your head. Their music is full of funky brass and jazzy saxophone with exploding electric guitars and fabulous piano bringing it all together. Vocalist, Charlie Waller has an '80s alternative feel about him. He really gets to show off his amazing range and unpredictability in songs like Time and Building a boat. The style is kind of similar to Peace's Harrison Kossier. Great sounding lyrics are spat out by the bucket load and fit so well with the style of music and Waller's powerful, closed throat, grunge-y, scuzzy vocals. The whole of the album sounds so full of life and human that it'll all stick in your head for a long time.

Favourite Track: Clouds HERE

If you listen to girls and boys in love I bet you'll recognise it even if you don't know where from!! Its played in loads of films and TV shows. You can listen to it HERE

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed and take the time to listen to their music!


Wednesday 26 March 2014

iTunes Single of the week #14

Hi,

This week's free download was "Feel of love" by Tensnake & Jacques Lu Cont ft. Jamie Lidell.

Tensnake is a 38 year-old house and electronica music producer and DJ from Germany. Jacques Lu Cont is a 36 year-old electronic, synthpop, house and electroclash DJ, songwriter and record producer from North Yorkshire, England. Jamie Lidell is a 40 year-old soul, funk and electronica artist from Cambridgeshire, England.


Review:
This funky, electronica track is constructed with layers, adding on more slowly but surely. The steamy beats with electronic 'noises' behind the start off, then adding electric bass bringing more melody and variation. The alternative-techno vocals are brought in next. The tone of them are not to my taste as they are too high pitched, undefined and warble-y. They don't sound like they are quite right, or like thy have found their proper style yet. As there isn't much vocal melody, they aren't the main attraction which is fine when you have a strong backing to fill out the spaces and cushion the lyrics. This track doesn't have either. This is very much a '90s techno-pop track which doesn't really appeal to me.

Overall, I think this song hasn't got much cop but isn't un-listeninable. 5/10


Saturday 22 March 2014

Scruff of the Neck Records: Free Mix Tape review

Hi,

Today's post is my review of Scruff of the neck record's first mix tape which is FREE to download HERE

Tracklisting:
1. Out in the cold- Matt Fryers
2. I couldn't fall on you- Mercury field
3. St. Louis- Skinny Roller
4. Afterglow- The Reveurs
5. The Stealer- The High Nines
6. Rabbit Hole- Matt Fryers
7. Bumblebee- Mercury Field
8. Blue Dove- Skinny Roller
9. Hide & Seek- The Reveurs
10. Paupers & Kings- The High Nines


Background Info:
Scruff of the neck records are a Manchester based record company who have signed artists such as The Naughtys and Go Native. You can see more of them and download some of their bands' music HERE

Review:
1. Out in the cold- This is an indie-pop, acoustic track by 22 year old Manchester lad Matt Fryers. His vocals are raspy and sounds like they're struggling to get to the higher pitches. He is quite talented but not very unique. 5/10

2. I couldn't fall on you- Mercury field are a 5 piece rock band who are influenced by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among many others. This track is undoubtedly a classic rock and roll song, the first few electric chords are a give away at the first listen. A good track but again nothing too special 6.5/10.

3. St Louis- This indie/indie-rock song is by Skinny Roller who are a 4 piece indie band from Manchester. Mark Nangle's grunge-y, raspy, distressed, low pitched vocals fit perfectly with the electric minor chords, jumpy bass and light drums of this creative track! 8/10

4. Afterglow- This track is indie/indie-rock and by The Reveurs who are a 4 piece indie/rock band. The loud, powerful, full on indie-rock backing seems to drown out Gary Nelson's nasal, wobbly vocals. The vocals are undefined and not very confident even though the backing is just that. 4/10

5. The Stealer- The High Nines are a 5 piece rock and roll/ alternative rock band who have infectious guitar riffs and the alternative, indie-rock vocals of Steve Cornell make this track a great listen which will stay in your head for a long time! 9/10

6. Rabbit Hole- This song is a piano and acoustic guitar ballad sung by Matt fryers, the intro music is beautiful and haunting with long lasting effects. Fryers' vocals cut through the hypnotizing effects suddenly with their raspy pop tones. This beginning would be much better if the vocals worked their way in gently and softly. After this, though, the song becomes a gorgeous melody again. 7/10

7. Bumblebee- Another rock and roll song by Mercury Field, I prefer this one. I feel it has more vocal variation and more diverse music behind Josh Jones' classic rock voice. This is a much more innovative track. 8/10

8. Blue Dove- This Skinny Roller song is a slower and more melodic track than St Louis. The vocals are more varied in pitch, they sound more comfortable in themselves and in the higher pitches than in St Louis. The track isn't as catchy and infectious, but still a really good, original bit of music. 9/10

9. Hide & Seek- Another indie-rock song with much less backing and more vocals, although the vocals still can't seem to match up to the heavy rock backing. There are some nice and inventive interludes within the track though. 6/10

10. Paupers & Kings- Another alternative-rock song by The High Nines. This one is almost as catchy but not quite, although it still has its own merits with the grunge-y, casual vocals and their talented, fast moving twangy electric backing. 8/10


Thanks for reading! Don't forget to download the mix tape HERE and let me know what you think of the tracks!


Wednesday 19 March 2014

iTunes Single of the week #13

Hi,

This week iTunes' free single was "Walk this way" by MØ.

MØ is a Danish soul, pop, electronica, R&B and alternative dance singer/songwriter who is rapidly making herself known for the right reasons. She is from Odense in Denmark and is 25 years old. She has one EP out called bikini daze and one LP called no mythologies to follow, which came out on March 10th this year.

Review:
This track is electronica but cleverly constructed with fast up-tempo choruses and slowed down more relaxing verses that are similar to '90s pop. MØ's voice is high pitched and a has youthful tone but the techniques she uses sound mature and skilled. Almost all the way through she has recorded at least one more track of her vocals on top of the main lyrics. This effect is often not used very well but MØ uses it to it's full potential in my opinion with great outcomes! The track starts straight away with street party like beats and her main vocals cushioned in the echoed effect which sounds great. This song is so catchy with quite simple and popp-y lyrics but with really effective hooks! 

Overall I think this song is really pretty good, so I will give it 8/10.



Monday 17 March 2014

Tall Ships

Hi,

Today's post is on "Tall Ships".

Background Info:
Tall Ships are an experimental band based in Brighton, originally from Falmouth, Cornwall. They play mainly indie and alternative rock, with a bit of indie-grunge-pop. They have 3 albums, 3 EPs and a few singles out on iTunes HERE and their soundcloud page is HERE

They have a very alternative indie-rock, indie-grunge sound. Although their style changes throughout their music, the the basic indie-rock sound and rounded, slightly nasal vocals stay constant. They have a very unique sound and can be recognised in a crowd which is a good skill in the ever-growing world of music culture. Their electric, classic rock sounds and shouting, fuzzy lyrics in "Hit the floor" are a great example of what can be done with layered fast moving chords over very prominent drum beats and a ground melody keeping the song recognisable with the heavy bass towards the end and sharp electric chords in the middle. "Plate Tectonics" is heading towards the more popp-y end of the spectrum with the less roughed up vocals and more predictable chords and drums towards the beginning. Although the middle takes us away from the familiar melody and into a wonderful intermission with gorgeous guitar work! A whole lot of fun! This band is great!


Tuesday 11 March 2014

iTunes Single of the week #12

Hi,

So, it's that time of the week again. This week's free single was "Thinkin Aboutchu" by Dan Croll.

Dan Croll is a 23 year old indie-rock/pop, folktronica, pop-rock artist from Newcastle. He has one album out called Sweet Disarray which came out on March 10th this year.




Review:
So I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but my immediate response when I first saw the title was: this is either going to be an awful, generic electro-pop track or it's an ironic name and a really fun original piece of music. To be honest it's neither of these. This is indie-electro-pop with prominent but simple bass guitar at the beginning leaving space for the vocals to grow, but they really don't. The vocals are very simple and reserved which can be good, but in this case are boring. There are times when you feel the vocals should stretch out and show full potential but just stay on one level throughout. The backing music is quite catchy but nothing very special or unique.

Overall, this track has some good points but it's boring and not a song that you can listen to very often without wanting to rip off your headphones. I think it deserves 3/10!



Friday 7 March 2014

The Honey Trees- Wake the Earth

Hi,

Today's post will be about "The honey trees" and their EP Wake the Earth.

Background Info:
A dream-pop, indie-folk duo from Sacramento, California. They, Jacob Wick and Becky Flip, have a full length album called Bright Fire coming out on April 8th.





Review:
The gorgeous acoustic music fits with Becky's gentle, rounded vocals. Her voice rings out with clarity and her airy tone floats above the backing with an angelic beauty. Her folk-y twangs bring interest to the lyrics and fit with the soft, acoustic backing with a pure, harmonising symmetry. Really great band worth a listen!  



Tuesday 4 March 2014

iTunes Single of the week #11

Hi,

I haven't done one of these for a while but here we go....
This week's was "Rockstar" by A great big world.

A great big world are an indie-pop/ indie rock duo from New York. They have one album out called "is there anybody put there?".


Review:
This indie-pop/rock song is catchy and gets you dancing. The lyrics are great and really well written. The piano is a jazzy and it helps keep a steady tune all the way through which is missing in a lot songs like this. The electric guitar fits nicely with the lyrics and is cleverly put in at the right times to give us the person's dream. The singer is very talented, sounding comfortable with the fast moving tune but not keeping the melody safe. I really love this track with the texture changing rapidly, the vocals adapting to this all the way through and the amazing piano and guitar work. A really great song! Definitely should be downloaded while it still can be!

Overall, I really love this song so 8/10!



Sunday 2 March 2014

The Edmondsons

Hi,

Just a short one for today!

Background Info:
The Edmondsons are three sisters from North London. They say they are influenced by Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Kate Bush, Bon Iver and Jessie Ware. All I can find of them is two demo songs on soundcloud HERE but I'll add more links if I find any.


These girls are similar to First aid kit and K T Tunstall but still have their own stamp on things. Their beautiful acoustic, fresh, open melodies and utterly gorgeous and clear cut harmonies work wonderfully. Brave Heart starts with vocals that sound almost exactly like K T Tunstall but is still gorgeous and California is a lot less similar. Even though they do sound similar to a lot of indie-folk artists already around you can still appreciate the beauty and professionalism and clear tightness of their harmonies. These girls will have a great career in front of them!


Friday 28 February 2014

Drawn From Memory

Hi,

Today's post will be about a sound cloud of "drawn from memory". I can literally not find anything about this guy on the internet except that he's from Aberdeen. I don't even know if it's a he or a them but I'm doing my best and chasing the issue! Sorry for the obscurity but I think you should know abut him!

So his music is HERE

Review:
He writes beautiful acoustic indie and indie-folk melodies. His vocals are gorgeous, grunge-y and emotional but go with the acoustic guitar ballad backing so well. What he's done is made the music sound like it really means something to him, which you really hear through his songs. Sometimes I just don't know is a gentle, melancholy track with an utterly heartbreaking guitar backing and poetic lyrics. Foolish Notions is a more fast tempo track with higher pitched and more melodic and indie-pop vocals. But still a heart wrenching track with relateable lyrics and beautiful chords. It contains a harmonica like a few other tracks. Every time I listen to a track I think "this one's my favourite", but then the next one comes on and I change my mind again. This guy is a wonderful artist so HERE is his music..... really, you need to listen.

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Palehound- Bent nail EP

Hi,

So if you follow me on twitter (@paperowls24 if you don't) you'll probably know the broadband has been broken and the only internet that worked for me were apps. That's been fixed now so back to blogging!

Today's post will be about a band called Palehound's EP "bent nail". You can listen to it HERE

Background info:
Palehound are a four piece indie/ indie-grunge band based in New York. They have one EP (bent nail) on iTunes, but have a pre-order available on bandcamp HERE.




Their casual indie sound is grungey and alternative. Their bass-y, heavy melodies go perfectly with the casual and gentle but emotional vocals of Ellen Kempner. Their lyrics are gorgeous and tell a story especially Psycho Speak. You can tell they have been thought about and the backing is extremely  clever and fits with the songs. For example Fly Trap mentions venus fly traps and sounds a bit like you're in a jungle. The first twangley guitar chords of Drooler paired with Ellen's high pitched softly focused vocals at the start are angelic! I'm a bit obsessed with these guys at the moment!!



Thursday 6 February 2014

Marcas O'hUigin Interview and Review

Hi,

So today's post will be some words from a fabulous singer/songwriter "Marcas O'hUigin" and my review of some of his music. Here it is hope you enjoy!


Twitter: @marcasohuigin
www.marcasohuigin.com

You can listen now on soundcloud at:
https://soundcloud.com/marcas-ohuigin

"I also write across other genres such as pop, dance, folk and country and I plan to release more upbeat rock and dance tunes in the first or second quarter of 2014.

Some facts like the song 'She's in my Heart' was recorded live in 1 take. I had no lyrics but had some ideas. It was in the small hours of the morning when this was recorded. My wife was working a night shift and I was 6 bottles of heiniken 'under the influence of alcohol at the time. The record button was pressed, I closed my eyes and thought of how much in love I am with my wife. The Song 'She's in my Heart' was the result. no bullshit, I swear that's how it happened. I kept listening back and listening back and ended up I kept it for all it's flaws and beauty. A bit like our relationship - taking the good with the bad with love at the centre. In the bit where the vocals kinds fade away a bit after the second chorus was because I was unsure what to sing!

The song 'I don't see you anymore' was also recorded in 1 take.
The drums, electric guitars etc were all added much later after the initial recording.

The theme of the title song of my debut ep due for release in January 2014 'Me & You' is very straight forward - reminiscing over a relationship break up and/or coming to terms with a relationship ending. However, and as you know, this theme has been done SO many times in music genres since year dot and as a songwriter it is a huge
challenge to take this theme and try to make your own song connect with people
who either have experienced a break-up or are currently experiencing a
break-up and hopefully will use your song as part of the healing process - a bit like music therapy I suppose.

Lots of songwriters tend to moan via song about their own love experiences. The story in 'Me & You' song is fiction from my own personal perspective. I took inspiration from U2's Bono when writing
the lyrics for this. I remember thinking at the time about the song 'One' 'How can he write lyrics about love and heartache when he has been in a long-term marriage etc?' Also I took inspiration from Paul McCartney/The Beatles where they take the universal language of love and sing about it. The idea being that 'everyone' can or should be able to connect with this.

So quite simply, I put myself in the shoes of someone in a
relationship break-up and went from there. The music came first and then the lyrics. There is also the 'ghost' of the female in this relationship break-up singing lightly along in the chorus. My wife sings the female
harmonies and backing vocals and so she plays the part of the 'ghost' of the
lady in the relationship. The ghost appears at this point to represent that she too 'must be or could be' feeling the same.



A song of mine features on the (now collectable) school project release by Irish rock band 'Ash'. My song was
called Because you said' and I was the singer and writer for a band called 'FAT' at the time. Info to confirm this can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJV2st6lg1k"


Review:
She's in my heart is a beautiful, gentle acoustic track. The gorgeous, dulcet, talented vocals of Marcas fit the genre perfectly and compliment each other so well. Me and you is another acoustic song with wonderful minor guitar chords behind the amazing harmonies, I love the emotion in this song, it's one you can clearly imagine in a film! I love the strength and clear remorse in this track. I Don't see you Anymore is another strong and clear cut grievous song. It's confident and switches from an acoustic, gentle melody at the start to a stronger and rough edged piece with harder vocals and electric guitar with more prominent, heavy bass which works really well I find! So this guy is worth a listen, thanks for reading!

Tuesday 4 February 2014

iTunes Single of the week #10

Hi,

This week iTune's free single of the week was "Gone (feat. Mahut Mondino)" by Supreme Cuts.

Supreme Cuts are a pair of electronic, dubstep artists from Chicago. They have on album "Divine Ecstasy" and one EP "Trouble" on iTunes. Mahut Mondino is a singer/songwriter from Paris. She has two singles out on iTunes, not including this one.

Review:
This track is electronic-pop but has indie hints to it. The intro is so beautiful, a piano playing gorgeous moving chords over a simple twinkly melody is just unbelievably wonderful. I kept rewinding the song and listening to it again and again. Listening to it you think you're in for a gentle, beautiful piano ballad, but soon the singer and electro beats bursts through which I find ruins the moment. The piano is kept all the way through but overshadowed by electro-pop beats, which is a shame. The rest of the song is much the same, the singer is talented and the vocals are great but is high pitched all the way through and can get irritating. Her first note escapes through the soft piano with airy, light softness but we also hear the strength of her voice. Mahut Mondino is one to watch I think but this whole track is too electro-pop club beat-y for me!

Overall, purely for the piano and the vocals, I will give it 6/10.

Thursday 30 January 2014

Park Bench Society- Forest Gate EP

Hi,

Sorry I haven't posted for a while but I've been so tied down with homework recently that I have just not had the time! Anyway, today's post will be about "Park Bench Society"'s EP Forest Gate. You can buy or listen HERE

Background Info:

Park Bench Society are an acoustic, indie, alternative and Ska band from Loughborough. They say they are influenced by The Rivers, Jamie T, Arctic Monkeys, Tom Waits, John Mayer, Bon Iver, The Kooks, Steve Hewitt and Vampire Weekend.



They have a gorgeous acoustic indie sound. The track "Down by he bus shelter" is an amazing, catchy song showing off the vocal and song writing ability of the guys. This track is similar to Passenger but still has it's own unique style. The song "Room 66" starts off with the twangy guitar sounds and the slapping guitar drum , it sounds Spanish and is fast and upbeat. I love their accent which is really prominent in this song. The trumpets are a great addition. "Go home" is an angry and sassy song that is confident and clever. "Girl from the city" is another upbeat track that is unbelievably catchy and probably my favourite. These guys really think about their lyrics and backing which is obvious in their music. It is carefully sculpted, unlike early EPs in a lot of band's careers. This EP is full of upbeat acoustic indie tracks that get you dancing and thinking so I love these guys. I really hope they get big and your £3.16 would help a lot! .......

Thursday 23 January 2014

The Tuts

Hi,

Just a short post today about "The tuts"! You can listen to them HERE!! More music HERE!

Background Info:
The Tuts are a 3-piece punk, ska and indie band from Hayes, London. They have a song featured on Kate Nash's Christmas EP. 



These girls have a rock sound as well as a slightly poppy. They are extremely talented and unique, although have a similar sound to Kate Nash. Their electric, bass heavy beats are fab and added with the gentle, soothing voices of the girls makes a great and whole band! I'm surprised they're not bigger than they are!!



Tuesday 21 January 2014

iTunes Single of the week #9

Hi,

So this week's free single of the week was "Dripping Down" by East India Youth.

East India Youth has one album: "Total strife forever" and one EP: "Hostel". He is William Doyle, a 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Bournemouth.

 Review:
This track is an indie-grunge with electronic tones. I really like the vocalist, he has a deep but soft and gentle voice. Although he can get a bit monotonous at times, we hear his talent when he moves pitches. About three quarters of the way through we think the song has finished but it carries on with the backing removed but we hear gorgeous harmonies, these are haunting and so well written with beautiful changes in chords and dynamics. I could listen to those as a whole song! The song starts off with the vocals sung relatively high, but these are soon brought down again to the nasal slightly samey tones of the rest of the track. I love the harmonies behind the main vocalist. The backing is electric and with Caribbean drum beats, I like this but only with the more indie-grunge vocals.

Overall I would give this song 7/10, for the beautiful ending.


Saturday 18 January 2014

Top 3 Songs of the week #9

Hi,

This week I've been loving....
Bird song by Florence + the machine
My Song 5 by HAIM
Angry Hill by George Ezra

Bird Song is a gorgeous alternative song. Florence's voice is so beautiful in this song that I don't know how to cope! The intro is slow and flowing and sung without backing. Then acoustic guitar is added, but it sounds so much like a harp, electric guitar is added after and it gets faster but still only very simple backing. The harp-like guitar is added again with Florence singing two parts to this song recorded over each other. When it goes back into flowing gorgeous circles she sings the same line again and again. But we hear her mood change with the music and our perception of the line changes with her's. We feel her change as a person which makes this such a simple but incredible song! She is a truly talented songstress!

My Song 5 is an electric, bass heavy track. It has a strong sound and strong lyrics. The lyrics are sung quite low down which adds to the strength of the song. I love the electric guitar rock sound after the chorus, it makes you want to do air guitar! I love the beats that sound like a funeral march at the start of the song, these add to the anger and emotion of the song. The lyrics are great, they swear but use the word for drama and purpose rather then just throwing it in there like a lot of artists do. I love the deep brass sound that is played in sync with the vocals which sounds great. I love the sound of it at the end. It's a great electric rock song!

Angry Hill is by George Ezra who's EP I reveiwed HERE. This track starts with gentle guitar chords and a gorgeous but menacing and threatening backing drone. When he starts singing we hear his deep, mature tone with distressed and crackly throaty sounds. It sounds amazing and gorgeous, it's so emotional it makes me want to cry! This song is varied and interesting with Ezra's vocals changing and adapting throughout the music. It starts and finishes with noises that sound almost like screams, it adds mystery and menace. This song is so beautiful and needs to be listened to!




Thursday 16 January 2014

iTunes Single of the week #8

Hi,

The single this week was "British Weather" by Decade.

Decade are a 5 piece indie-rock, alternative grunge band from Bath. They have one self titled EP and one full album called "Good luck" out.


(I usually put a picture of the single cover but I can't find a reasonable quality one anywhere on the internet!! Sorry!)

Review:
This band are not really original or unique but they do have talent, it's a bit dull and samey. They sound so much like fall out boy that they aren't really defined as a band. It is just your average indie rock song, nothing very different or special! I think the band do have some merit as they are talented, but it's been done before boys! The song passes the time and it is not so bad you can't listen to it, it's just boring and fades into the background. The vocalist has tones of American grunge pop which makes it sound a bit too pretentious for my tastes.

Overall this song is good but dull and average. I will give it 4/10!


Wednesday 15 January 2014

George Ezra

Hi,

Today's post will be about an amazing guy who's getting big in the music circles and I think you should know about! You can listen HERE! Click HERE to get a FREE download of a couple of songs!

Background Info:
George Ezra is a 20 year old singer/songwriter from Bristol. He has one EP out called "Did you hear the rain?"



George Ezra's voice has a deep and mature tone that is really sexy, but as demonstrated in Did you hear the rain he can reach the high with confidence and beauty. Did you hear the rain sounds like it's from a western movie with it's desert like guitar chords. I love the end when he sings a wonderfuly gorgeous cadence ending after the backing does. Benjamin Twine is an upbeat bluesy song that lifts your spirits. The lyrics are great to this, they literally tell a story which hasn't properly been done since the 40s so good on him! Angry Hill is a more gentle and soft tune that makes you feel so calm and stress free, it's a great song to fall asleep to. I love the threatening chords and I think that this track really shows off his vocal talent. This one is my favourite! Budapest is his most famous, it's another blues track which is a great way to start the album. I think that you get the full Ezra song writing talent in this track, it's all so great! I love this guy and I hope you do too!


Monday 13 January 2014

Eliza and the Bear

Hi,

Today's post will be about "Eliza and the bear". You can listen to them HERE

Background Info:
Eliza and the bear is a 5 piece indie band from South London. They are influenced by: Bombay Bicycle Club, Head & The Heart, We are Augustines and Arcade Fire. They have a few singles out on iTunes.



Eliza and the bear have a gorgeous indie and indie-rock sound. They have gorgeous harmonies and I love their accent when they sing. "It gets cold" is an upbeat indie-rock song similar to some of "Of monsters and men". I love the way they sing with emotion, their harmonies are fully formed and they seem already to be a ready made band with full and whole music that cheers you right up! "Friends" is more of a summery indie-pop song. I love the way that the band sing their music altogether all the way through. These guys are all really talented and deserve a listen!



Saturday 11 January 2014

Top 3 Songs of the week #8

Hi,

Click on the song title to have a listen!

This week I've been loving.....
Milk and Black Spiders by Foals
One Day by Kodaline
Riptide by Vance Joy

Milk and Black Spiders starts with open and echoing beats and then twinkly, tapping, acoustic beats that sound like spider's feet are added. I absolutely love this addition! When the vocalist starts singing it sounds electronic and a bit techno but still unmistakeably indie. I love that the spider footsteps are kept throughout it adds real depth. When they get to first chorus then it all gets heavier and less steppy, more long drawn out notes instead of fast moving ones. Then it moves back for the next verse. I really like this! At the end it starts to sound almost Turkish which is great. I love the way it builds before the last more indie-electro-pop end bit. I love the lyrics that "Foals" use in all their songs.

One Day is an unbelievably gorgeous song by Kodaline. It starts with just an acoustic guitar, small tapping beats and the singer which has a great effect. Piano is then added which brings more melody to the song, then drums are added which makes it feel fuller and more whole. Bass guitar is added which makes the track a whole and all come together. I love the message of the song, the lyrics are so good and just makes you want to sing along! When the electric guitar has some, rock-esque backing it adds a lot to the piece and now it sounds so more emotional and the whole thing builds for the last part. It ends with the chorus sung with only the acoustic guitar which leaves you feeling emotional and full. Just beautiful!

Riptide is an upbeat beachy sounding track. The first chords sound like you're sitting in a beach shack (in a good way). But his crackly, closed jaw, sometimes breathy vocals sound gorgeous and unexpected against everything else. I love that everything stops for a beat before the chorus. At the end the music stops and he is one beat behind singing "wrong", this is a gorgeous effect that makes you think. I love the chorus with only guitar chords and the tambourine, this whole track is so catchy and makes you tap your head and feet! I love the penultimate chorus where everything suddenly goes quiet and is thin texture again. It all suddenly gets loud again which I love! This song is exiting and gorgeous and needs a listen!


Thursday 9 January 2014

ACADEMIC_

Hi,

So today's post will be about an artist called "Academic". I'll be telling you about my favourite two songs of his: Bye Bye- HERE and Prelude to a dream- HERE

Background info:
His name is Tyler Matthews and he is a 28 year old electronic artist from Columbia, SC: home of Hootie and the Blowfish, Toro y Moi, & Washed Out. He left the finance world to focus on his music. He makes music for tv & movie soundtracks as well as commercials. He's planning to begin a regional tour in the Spring of 2014.


Review:
Bye Bye has nice strong intro beats, it's clean and sharp which is nice to hear. This is electronic, but not too poppy and in that respect  breath of fresh air. There are some really interesting changes throughout this track which give your ears something to hold onto. Some nice beats and added electro "twinkles" are a nice touch. Personally,  find this 4 minute track a bit boring for the whole thing, but that is my techno-resenting opinion. It is worth a listen.

Prelude to a dream has an interesting start. The short tapping beats are a nice addition and the far out noises are lovely. The added moving pitches give a nice effect, overall I like this one better.

So I hope you can all find time in your busy schedules to listen to "Academic Beats", it's worth it! HERE is his sound-cloud link so you can listen to more. There are a couple of free downloads on there if you want! Follow him on twitter @academicbeats. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday 8 January 2014

iTunes Single of the week review #7

Hi,

So this week's single was "This haze" by Patterns.

Patterns are a 4 piece indie-drone pop band. They have 2 albums out: Dangerous intentions and Walking Lines. I would recommend them if you like "Of monsters and men" or "Kodaline". 


Review:
Patterns have a high pitched singer which I admit is an acquired taste, but can be so gorgeous! I love the intro with the mysterious guitar drone and "wobbly" notes sung! They have a sophisticated electronic sound but definitely indie with elements of pop. The guitar twangs are just so lovely and there is a gorgeous backing keyboard drone. The crashing drums add extra texture that gives depth and makes the song feel fuller and more like a whole piece of music. My only complaint would be that its a bit samey and can get boring listening to it.

Overall I really like this, it has some great depth to it, but its very slightly samey and boring. I would give it 8/10!





Monday 6 January 2014

No fxd Abode's Pledge Project

Hi,

So just a short post for you today! This is about the brilliant band "No fxd Abode"!  They have an LP which isn't out yet but you can pledge for it on pledge music HERE. I'm sure they would really appreciate your support! I have used the Pledge Music site before and trust it completely.

Background info:
No fxd abode are a 4 piece rock, britpop and indie-rock band from Scotland. They have 2 singles on iTunes: Nostalgia (which was one of top 3 songs of the week on Saturdy HERE) and Start again . Try these guys if you like "mystery jets", "peace" or "palma violets".


I hope you can pledge, the download is just £5 and it would mean a lot to them!! Thanks for reading!


Saturday 4 January 2014

Top 3 Songs of the week #7

Hi,

Click on the song title to have a listen!

This week I've been loving:
Nostalgia by No fxd Abode
Can't pretend by Tom O'Dell
Unbelievers by Vampire Weekend

Nostalgia is by "no fxd abode" who are really great, if you want to listen to more they have other song on iTunes called Start Again which is also great! The first thing you notice is the talent of the singer, then the Scottish accent. I'm glad they haven't tried to hide the accent, I don't the music would be the same without it! The singer is so talented, the higher parts are gorgeously done and add to the music instead of trying to show off like some vocalists do. The intro is gently moving acoustic guitar chords  which sets the scene well. Then when they get into and it becomes more indie-rock drums are added which sounds amazing. I love the lyrics and the message of the song. These guys are great and I'm really surprised that they're not that popular! So let's try to get them noticed guys!!

Can't pretend is probably a song you've heard before, being Tom O'dell. But I like so many others have been seduced by the gorgeous, sexy, dulcet tones of this wonderful man. I just love his nasal, distressed, emotional voice. He is one the most emotional singers I have listened to, it is a joy to hear him sing. I love this track as the whole thing changes from verse to verse, you can tell that it's the same song but it changes with the addition and subtraction of instruments and the mood of his voice. This guy if amazing!

Unbelievers is a more upbeat song. It's so catchy and makes you want to get up an dance (which I did... in the middle of a shopping centre). I love the minimal melody in the track, it sounds full even when there isn't much backing. A lovely instrumental is added in between a verse and chorus which is a great addition. At first it sounds a bit like a "duran duran" song which is great. This is great song to come home to, it cheered me right up and I hope it does the same for you!

Thursday 2 January 2014

Lux Lisbon- Get Some Scars

Hi,

First off I am so sorry I haven't posted for ages. I've been unbelievably busy over the Christmas period. I had some great Christmas music posts lined up as well which I'm gutted about! Is it too late? If you would like to see them anyway then let me know in the comments! Anyway, apology over on with the post.

So today I'm going to be reviewing the Lux Lisbon's free download: "get some scars". To get the free download click HERE .



Background info:
Lux Lisbon are a 5 piece indie-rock band from Nottingham University. They have one EP out "Get some scars" (which is worth a listen!). You can buy their EP for £4 or more HERE .


Review:
"Get some scars" is a catchy song with a great meaning. The video is great as well if you want to watch. I love the lyric "oh while we're young yeah, let's go out and get some scars. 'Cos when we're older we'll wear them to tell us apart". The song starts with one singer for a bar then a harmony sung by the band with only sparse guitar chords which works really well. They have boy/girl harmonies which sound great and we are hearing more of recently but still not enough in my opinion. We have too many one gender bands! Sorry, rant over! When they get into it they start to sound a bit like a barber shop choir, which isn't necessarily a bad thing just a bit weird at times. I recommend these guys if you like Dog is Dead or Fleetwood Mac. So, their track is definitely worth a download! Follow them on twitter @luxlisbonmusic!!