New Choons: Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know?'

Don't you hate it when a really big band says something like "Keep your eyes peeled tonight, we've got something for you". Even worse when its like 11pm and you stay up waiting a silent forever for the new song only to find yourself falling asleep by the time its hit. Arctic Monkeys don't do that, the considerate bastards, they let you get a nice bit of sleep and have you wake up to a new song. Not only that, but a video and availability to buy this new single straight off the bat. Sure they happen to be the biggest band in Britain, they have a fanbase of millions that snap at every opportunity to buy into the group and they can afford to be risky with their promotion methods but that doesn't make "Do I Wanna Know" any less exciting. Its a sign of what to expect with the band's forthcoming fifth album and with last years' "R U Mine?" fast becoming one of the band's most popular songs, our tongues wag only harder.

The first thing I thought when the opening seconds of "Do I Wanna Know?" hit me was, "this sounds a little familiar". Indeed, the song's intro plays a bit like a slower version of the aforementioned "R U Mine?" with some fans describing it as the popular singles sister song. The ominously bluesy scale the guitars play is remarkably similar, however teamed with the punchy bass and almost r'n'b drum beat, the song is elevated into something altogether quite different. A musically aggressive tune when it really kicks in, it seems the Sheffield quartet have spent their new residency in LA wisely, most likely hanging out with close friend Josh Homme and his gang. Its in the lyrics that "Do I Wanna Know?" shines still, with Alex Turner crooning the words "There's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow and I play it on repeat until I fall asleep, spilling drinks on my settee" detailing the unbearable feeling of wanting someone but not knowing whether to act on the feeling. "Do I wanna know if this feeling falls both ways?" and "Been wondering if your hearts still open and if so I wanna know what time it shuts" are lines that drip with the passionate wordplay that made Mr Turner famous. Despite everything that has changed with the Arctic Monkeys over the years, Turner's lyrical genius remains unmatched and its that which pushes a song that already rocks your ears into one that rocks your mind. If its anything to go by, the new album shall not disappoint the fans of the band's last albums Humbug and Suck It And See. Do you wanna know? Do I even have to ask?

"Do I Wanna Know?" is out now on Domino Records and is available to download on iTunes here: http://po.st/DoIWannaKnowSingle

Or watch the Pink Floyd style promo video below.

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New Choons: Sisters - 'Clearhead'

If there's something a blogger with a 'contact me' page should do, its probably work out how to read the emails in your inbox... don't judge! Anyway apologies to anybody who has sent me things to listen to over the past few weeks, I've literally only just read them due to a misunderstanding (gmail is new to me), so I will listen to as much as I can and hopefully get back to some of you/write some words. Anyway, one email that cropped up came from the upcoming indie label/PR company Gravy Records (artists include Wolverhampton's own God Damn) informing me of the new single from Ireland born but London based noise pop trio Sisters. I'd already familiarised myself with the band, the band's name was actually one I had in mind for my own band but alas, in discovering it was taken, google led me to Sisters and their charming debut single "Clearhead".

With guitars drenched in reverb, slightly fuzzy bass and thrashy drums, some would argue its a familiar formula of many bands emerging in the UK at the moment. In fact its safe to say "Clearhead" definitely wouldn't sound out of place with the jingle jangle musings of Palma Violets or Splashh, but by no means is this a bad thing. The song has an almost folkish feel to it despite the otherwise brash and fuzzy sounds, helped by singer/bassist Aoife's soft voice that opens with the relatable line "I'm a fighter not a lover, but I feel all soft inside". The song as a whole is actually quite a delightfully catchy tune that will have you humming along in no time. In fact, if Sisters remind me of anyone its of UK indie pop legends Comet Gain or perhaps Veronica Falls if they dug out a fuzz pedal or two, not necessarily for the female vocals but the great pop songwriting and the familiarity that comes from the oh-so-human lyrics. If "Clearhead" is a sign of things to come, I'm happy to amble down Sisters' road.

"Clearhead" is out now on Gravy Records and can be bought at www.gravyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/clearhead though you can listen to/watch the promo video below. Enjoy.

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New Choons: Crocodiles - 'Cockroach'

As I stated in my previous review of Vampire Weekend's "Diane Young", artistic change in a band isn't always needed and sometimes a continuation of a band's characteristic sound works in the interest of the band. Not to say all bands should stay the same, its often refreshing to hear artists try something new and a bonus when it rivals older material. There is a middle ground however where a band may go to change their sound whilst trying (or accidentally) to retain their trademark flavour. Crocodiles, with their latest single "Cockroach" (from the album Crimes Of Passion to be released in fall this year), may have accidentally found themselves within this territory, and often where a band begins to fade away into obscurity.

It's not that "Cockroach" is a particularly bad song as such, it just feels a little uninspired. The San Diego band, tipped to be the next big indie thing back in 2009, have had some good songs in their defence. The James Ford (of Simian Mobile Disco fame) produced album Sleep Forever was an enjoyable affair with particularly cool single "Mirrors" giving the band a bit of a popularity boost. Of course though, as is always the way, comparisons to the band's psychedelic noise pop influences (namely of The Jesus & Mary Chain and Echo & The Bunnymen) always stood in the way of a potentially great band forging their own unique reputation. "Cockroach" however is business as usual seeing the band revel in gritty guitars, thin organ and lo fi vocals they've always been associated with. Perhaps less of a lo fi insistence could see what is a fair song live up to its potential but as singer Brandon Welchez groans "Maybe I was sleeping but I'm certainly not done" I think I could sleep blissfully ignorant of the new album and to be honest, its a real shame.

The album Crimes Of Passion will be available in August on Fat Possum Records.



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New Choons/Video: Vampire Weekend - 'Diane Young'

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! (Bad joke alert) Alas, Vampire Weekend are back again and it would seem they have done well in avoiding the dangerous 'different' third album formula and released yet another chart friendly indie pop hit. "Isn't that a bad thing though?" I hear my imaginary readers ask. No, no its not! "Diane Young", which was initially released as a double single in March (I know its June, shut up, the video is new!), is if anything a bold statement for such a critically acclaimed band to make. Its been 3 years since the band's sophomore effort Contra was released and new album Modern Vampires Of The City, at least in sound, isn't the hugest departure. In fact "Diane Young" would blend quite seamlessly with "Cousins", "Holiday" and the other singles from Contra and to that I say, fair play. Its a good sound, why mess with it?

Lyrically, "Diane Young" keeps up singer Ezra Koenig's reputation for smart and inventive wordplay/story telling. Detailing the end of a relationship where Koenig reminds his former lover she wont be the young single hip girl for much longer and if "Diane Young" (i.e. dying young) won't change her mind, he'll persist in believing that it will change as he wants no other ("You know I love the past, because I hate suspense"). With lyrics like "Out of control but you're playing a role, do you think you can go til the 18th hole?" the song becomes as playful even as it is slightly sad. Musically the band are on top form with fuzzy guitars and pitch-bending vocals giving it the devilish tint it deserves. As for the video, its a brash and fun party affair including guests like Santigold and synth-pop fox Sky Ferreira doing her best to look utterly bored whilst someone blazes up from a saxophone. Once again VW succeed in turning bleak scenarios into energetic stompers. Kudos deserved.

"Diane Young" and it's album Modern Vampires Of The City are both available now on XL Recordings.

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Video: The Raconteurs - 'Consoler Of The Lonely'

Hello readers! Thought I'd start this post by venting a little. So its been about a week since my last post and thats a bit naff really isn't it? I've been writing a small number of long posts at once rather than writing as many concise single reviews like a good blogger should. Ok, so this post isn't one of those and I'm still going to write longer features when I see fit, but this is a platform for the oath that I shall be more committed to shorter and more frequent content on new music. My own fault really, just haven't been as focussed as I could be meaning I haven't really made much of an effort to even listen to any new singles. IT SHALL CHANGE!

Anyway, I'm having a bit of a nostalgia trip at the moment and thought I may as well share it with you as its a musical one. Remember The Raconteurs, Jack White's side project? No not Dead Weather the other one, with Brendan Benson, "Steady As She Goes" and all that. Well apparently they're recording a new album after 4 years since the last effort, 2009's Consolers Of The Lonely, which if I do say so myself had some mega choons on it. In particular the opening and title track of the album "Consoler Of The Lonely". In accordance with my reminiscing state, I thought I'd post a live version of this spectacularly vicious song and a hope that the classic riffs that the band made their penchant shall be utilised on The Raconteurs' future effort. Sit back and enjoy the riffage!

Review: Queens Of The Stone Age - '...Like Clockwork'

Tick... tick... tick... like clockwork. Such has been the life of those awaiting the latest outing from desert rock legends Queens Of The Stone Age. Given the 6 year gap between their last album, 2007's somewhat understated Era Vulgaris, fans have been understandably tense in their anticipation of the band's latest effort. A double edged sword of wanting your favourite band back but not wanting them to scupper their so far stellar discography (see my feature on the very topic here). Not that fans were completely deserted. Them Crooked Vultures, singer Josh Homme's side project with Dave Grohl and Led Zeppelin bass god John Paul Jones released a much loved album in 2009 and the band's painfully overlooked first 2 records got the reissues and tours they truly deserved. However, living in the past only worsens the ache for the future and the return of the band with new material is thankfully upon us. The only worry is, is it a future worth stepping into?

If one thing can be said about 6th album ...Like Clockwork, its that the marketing and promotion leading up to the record has been handled fantastically. With teaser letters to music publications across the globe and song trailers featuring animated videos from artist Boneface that combined create a short film. Not to mention the long list of A-list collaborators that was anounced ranging from living legends Elton John and Trent Reznor, long time friends Jake Shears and Alex Turner and past members Nick Oliveri, Mark Lanegan and Dave Grohl. The hype alone made pressing play on this album an experience in itself as I focussed on soaking every second of this album in. I dive in. Album opener "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" introduces you with ominous sounds of smashing glass before a slow pompous drum beat and aggressive bassline begin the journey. Ominous pianos and creepy guitar decoration climbs aboard as Homme's smooth voice (backed up by Scissor Sister Jake Shears) introduces to the mood of the album with the menacing lyric "If life is but a dream... wake me". Tense isn't the word. As the track fades to just spooky cello you are released from the paralysis of this lullaby with the overall sense you're onto a winner. 

The album certainly doesn't shy away from the menacing mood that greeted us as we are immersed further into Homme's darkest and deepest record to date. Lyrically there is an overall sense of doom and gloom that would give the impression that Homme has perhaps recently been left wounded, certainly a departure from the man who got famous writing songs about drug benders. There are some real stand out moments in Homme's poetic ability with lines that stick with you more than ever. The belligerently bombastic "If I Had A Tail" with the line "Tears of pleasure, tears of pain, they trickle down your face the same" is a particular insight as well as the closing verses of "I Appear Missing" revealing a much more delicate side to Homme in particular the line "I never loved anything until I loved you". Its possible that with the fatherhood of his second child with wife/Spinnerette singer Brody Dalle and the complications he encountered during a routine knee operation that lead to death on the operation table, Homme found himself in a state of life contemplation. His apparent bed-ridden depression that came afterward reflects throughout ...Like Clockwork, the tone being summed up by the staggeringly deep title track and album's final sentence that Homme utters softly over a mournful piano accompaniment, "One thing that is hear, its all downhill from here".

That being said, ...Like Clockwork is by no means lacking in any energy. "I Sat By The Ocean", already a fan favourite live is a lively affair that displays the groovier side of Queens fans have come to love on their more recent albums. This as well as "Smooth Sailing" and first single taken from the album "My God Is The Sun" are tantalising examples of the brilliant musicianship involved on the album. Despite 6 years of membership, bass player Michael Shuman and keyboardist/guitarist Dean Fertita make their first full album appearances for QOTSA and deserve a mention for the impressive musicianship they display, in particular Shuman's contribution to "I Sat By The Ocean", grooviest bass line of the year me thinks. Long time member Troy Van Leeuwen also deserves credit for some truly impressive guitar work, namely the guitar solo duel with Homme during the end of "I Appear Missing", both guitarists producing some of their best instrumentality yet. 

Contributors are also in impressive swing most noticeably from Trent Reznor's vocal contribution on the crunchy choruses of "Kalopsia" and Elton John's unexpectedly fantastic piano and backing vocals that push "Fairweather Friends" from a possibly weaker number to a powerful and dramatic highlight of the album. Whilst Alex Turner, Mark Lanegan and Nick Oliveri's contributions aren't obvious ones, they provide to the sense of camaraderie this album entails. Former drummer Joey Castillo and new member Jon Theodore provide usual levels of sophisticated style but its Dave Grohl's drumming on 6 of 10 songs that offers the most forceful contribution that actually knock his work on QOTSA's classic Songs For The Deaf off the top spot of his career with "I Appear Missing" providing air drumming aplenty to many fans. 

In regards to comparisons with the band's already monumental discography, ...Like Clockwork sits comfortably with the previous efforts and in a sense brings the former efforts closer than ever. Elements from the band's classic Songs For The Deaf are clear with waltzing rhythms and of course the contributions of band members from that time but the dark dancier elements of Era Vulgaris and Lullabies To Paralyze are clear as well as the raw and crunchy energy of Rated R and the band's self titled debut. In this respect its a triumph for Homme who expressed interest in revisiting the styles of his previous work whilst creating an originality about it, a success I myself didn't truly expect despite my adoration for the band. At just under 46 minutes, its the band's shortest effort since 2000's Rated R but it does not suffer for it. The continuity of the songs is paramount on this album with delicate moments like "The Vampyre Of Time And Memory" blending seamlessly with rollocking ferocity of "My God Is The Sun". For someone whose expectations were far from low I find myself not only pleasantly satisfied but startlingly impressed by what I can only described as a worthy comeback. Homme suffered for this album and it shows but the suffering ends with him, for the rest of us its a handsome bounty. All those years we waited, ...Like Clockwork was worth it.

...Like Clockwork is available to buy June 4th on Matador Records. If you can't wait however, you can head over to itunes.com/qotsa to stream the album in full.

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