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!

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!

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!