Yo yo yo! To anybody who may read this blog or comeback from time to time, you may have noticed my posts and contributions have been a bit few and far between. Well I have excuses! Kinda...
First of all, I now write reviews for a website! Since the beginning of this month I have been contributing to a music and film reviewing site Renowned For Sound. This has mainly been a collection of album and single reviews and its been going pretty cool so far. If you fancy reading any of my work you can at www.renownedforsound.com/index.php/author/huw/
Does this mean you're stopping music reviews on this blog? No! However I'm gonna shift things about a bit. Rather than write album reviews as such I think I'll continue with a few of my slightly less conventional features. Thats means Dream Streams, Delectable Discographies and New Choons will be uploaded to this blog when theres something that takes my fancy, purely because I don't get to cover everything I'd like on R4S.
So theres going to be even less posts on here than usual? Well, thats where things get a little more interesting. Rather than have the-go-slow as a stand-alone music blog, I've decided I may as well revamp it as a bit more of an all purpose blog where I can post... well... anything. This means, Films, TV, Books, News, People, Life, etc. As I'm getting older I'm starting to become one of those annoying people who wants some physical proof of the often awesome memories I keep. I've got tons of photos of me from the age of 0-11 and then theres a massive gap with very few things to fill the void which in all honesty really bums me out. So I've decided in some way I will dedicate a section of this blog to note good days, funny stories, bad jokes and general self indulgent shit for my own benefit.
Why should we care about your life? Good question! You don't have to at all, I don't expect you to. If you want music reviews just read them. I know I don't get a massive amount of traffic anyway so it shouldn't bother anyone! This isn't an effort to make a revolutionary and new site, just one that is my own that others can read.
So if everyone bears with me over the next few days/weeks/year this blog will be under construction whilst I brainstorm some ideas for things to write about.
If there are any new bands reading, I STILL WANT TO WRITE ABOUT YOU! I love listening to new music and would love the opportunity to interview any bands who fancy some exposure. If you want to send anything to me for reviewing or talking about feel free to do so on the Contact Me page and I will vow to get on top of things as soon as possible. Ta :)
Why don't you just get a tumblr? Oh fuck off.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Mind Vomit: Reading/Leeds & The Eternal Battle of Rock vs Dance...
Hello readers, sorry it has been a while, been a bit busy settling in to a new job and having a few little adventures, one of which being my first attendance of a music festival. Yes folks, this weekend just gone I travelled down to the infamous Reading Festival to run around fields full of tents great and small (the smallest of which having my girlfriend and I lying on hard ground, missing our beds). Of course the uncomfortable nights were a minor downer on what was actually quite a brilliant weekend of music, burgers and overpriced cider! We made sure to see as many bands as we could cram in (with tickets costing £200 this year, I don't see a weekend of getting up late to watch the headliner before spending the early hours getting wasted in a bush to be getting my money's worth) and thus enjoyed a great deal of artists of all genres and varieties.
It was when hopping from heavier rock artists to indie bands to dance acts that I realised whilst the good job organisers had done this year in fitting in a good range of different acts was commendable, audiences were far greater for the dance/hip hop/electronic groups. Of course, these artists do come from a more mainstream standing in music culture at the moment but at a festival that used to be known as a 'heavy rock weekend', I was a little surprised. Still, I wasn't complaining, I enjoyed the difference in acts and the shift in crowd dynamics the genre hopping entailed, very much so!
The NME however see things differently. A new article featured on the publications occasionally interesting blog section entitled "Note To Half-Arsed Indie Bands: Take A Leaf Out Of Skrillex's Book" in which the writer seems to firstly blame guitar bands for not making audiences endure fits of euphoria before then stating "people are sick of standing around watching half-arsed indie boys boshing through lumpen songs with no concern for whether the audience are enjoying themselves".
Now I know, I know, its one writer, its one opinion, but honestly I don't understand how such a fallacious bit of nonsense could be promoted quite so much by the NME, especially when the bands attacked in the article are so often promoted by the magazine. I cant vouch for Leeds Fest but I can guarantee the majority of Reading festival-goers were neither there for much more than a handful of artists or a fair representation of the music loving public. Whilst me and my girlfriend would leave our tent by 11am to catch as many bands as possible, neighbouring groups seemed happy to sit around a campfire drinking to leave late afternoon/evening time to see the more popular 'top 40' artists.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that these kind of festival goers aren't 'real fans'. Nor am I saying that theres anything wrong with getting drunk, or going to a festival to see mainstream artists. I was personally quite excited to sample a bit of every genre from System Of A Down to AlunaGeorge. Still, I do feel targeting a genre or attacking bands for the poor turnout is unnecessary and rather unfounded.
Savages and Parquet Courts, two of the groups the blog claims were met with indifference, were two of the groups I actually found most entertaining in the weekend and the lack of manic crowds were probably more to do with several understandable factors:
- The bands were playing the Festival Republic Tent, roughly the size of a small-venue.
- The bands both have small followings with very little exposure coming from mainstream outlets.
- Many fans go to watch bands play, not to climb stage rigging/rip clothes off.
- Even the most passionate of indie fans tend to just jump around, which is what they did.
- I doubt either band intend to write a club stomper to take Ibiza by storm.
You get where I'm coming from, to compare either group to Skrillex or Chase & Status, two of the most popular electronic acts of the past few years playing on humungous capacity stages is both unfair and irrelevant. Club acts will draw club audiences, the kind that are not bothered about watching an act play but want to dance A fair portion of people who watched guitar bands were entertained and impressed, they clapped, cheered and had a good wiggle. Peace, Drenge, Tame Impala, Haim all received warm audiences as well as crossover artists like Chvrches and Phoenix.
One of the most alarming moments of the festival for me was the rowdiness and atmosphere in the Dance tent during a DJ slot... nobody on stage. Then as Charli XCX came on, over half the crowd left. Now Charli XCX has a few stompers in her repertoire as you may know, however she has nowhere near the exposure or airplay given to acts such as the fantastic Major Lazer and Disclosure, hence nobody stuck around.
I dont want to say this writer is wrong as his point on crowds being less rowdy for indie/guitar bands is valid, but the argument that these bands are boring or need to 'up their game' is just silly. The fact is we live in a generation that currently favours a very limited number electronic pop artists and practically no big guitar bands in its charts, which is why your typical festival goer is drawn to an act like Skrillex whilst avoiding Drenge. If anyone is to blame for this its the media for its ignorance of many indie groups who never get the exposure needed to draw in a great crowd. Give the bands a break, if you want to get wasted and dance around to top 40 groups, by all means do! Who can blame you? But don't assume any band that hasn't got fleets of adoring followers aren't worthwhile. Like what you want!
RANT OVER
Have anything to say about this matter? Do you find modern guitar bands boring? Join the debate and give me a comment if you do :) See you soon readers.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Dream Streams: AlunaGeorge/Pond/Swim Deep
Hello! Welcome to a new feature called Dream Streams, where its my aim to round up some streams of some of the best albums to have recently come out/been made available to listen to. Not sure if I'm going to carry on with conventional album reviews, simply because I don't think its a very interesting method in all honesty. Its tiresome to write sometimes and lord knows nobody reads anything lengthy unless theres a rating at the bottom (Not something I think should get in the way of an album you might enjoy).
So yeah, I've 3 recent albums to talk briefly about and share with you today so I hope you enjoy and have a good listen if it takes your fancy!
ALUNAGEORGE - BODY MUSIC
Yes, after such unending hype AlunaGeorge finally released their debut album Body Music last monday and if you dig well crafted Electronic Pop songs, you're in for a treat. As the title suggests, this is an album for the movers and shakers of the world. Not to say you can't enjoy it in the comfort of your armchair, but if your head doesn't start bopping I'll eat my beanie. The London duo, made of childlike singer Aluna Francis and Musician/Producer George Reid, put together old favourites like stomper singles "You Know You Like It" and "Your Drums, Your Love" with excellent new r'n'b tinged material like the alluring "Just A Touch" and smooth sailing album opener "Outlines" and somewhat ferocious garage-esque choons like "Lost & Found". Its a really enjoyable album and if chart success as well as collaborations with other UK upstarts Disclosure is anything to go by, its the first of many from a certified duo of pop legends in the making. Have a listen below...
POND - HOBO ROCKET
Now as anyone who knows my musical taste will tell you, I love Tame Impala. But its spinoff/other group Pond that have always lived somewhat unfairly in the shadows of Kevin Parker's main article. Indeed, former Tame bassist Nick Allbrook's group is a much more primitive affair in terms of song writing and production but for those into good old fashioned rock records, thats not a bad thing. Anthems come in full swing on the band's (short but sweet 7 track) 5th album Hobo Rocket with latest single "Xanman" sounding like George Harrison's "Wah Wah" had he co-written it with Kevin Shields. Similarly "Giant Tortoise" shares the weird 60's psychedelia meets 90s shoegaze sound that puts guitarist (and Tame synth player) Jay Watson in the spotlight he quite deserves. Elsewhere on "O Dharma" and "Aloneaflameaflower" the band seem to share MGMT's taste in the weird and whackier side of psych rock with slow Syd Barrett/Pink Floyd-esque jams. If that sounds like your bag, give it a listen below...
SWIM DEEP - WHERE THE HEAVEN ARE WE
It would seem, despite the great groups that still pour out of the West Midlands, that the 'b-town scene' is dying. Peace and their charming debut album In Love seeing the group explode into the world of nationwide adoration was the first bullet wound to the scene and Swim Deep's debut Where The Heaven Are We may just be killing blow. The hits that gave Swim Deep their name are of course still stellar pieces of pop songwriting with optimistic synth plodders "Honey" and "The Sea" and perfect album opener "Francisco" giving off the air of feelgood vibes (I know, I said it, puke). Its still, the band's first real hit "King City" that continues to steal the show with the perfect getmeoutofthismiserabletown lyric "fuck your romance I wanna pretend, that Jenny Lee Lindberg is my girlfriend". Elsewhere the album falls perhaps a little flat. The songs aren't bad, they just could have been so so much more. Still as album closer "She Changes The Weather" finishes off, you have to commend the boys from Brum for getting this far without trying all that hard. Blast it in your lugholes below...
And thats it! Hope that was interesting or something took your fancy. If you feel like having a look at some real reviews for the AlunaGeorge and Swim Deep albums, check out my girlfriend Kayleigh's reviews on Renowned For Sound here and here, she sums them up rather perfectly.
Otherwise see you soon, feel free to write in and hope you enjoy your not so frequent (I will improve!) dose of music. Be safe :)
www.alunageorge.com
www.pondband.com
www.swim-deep.tumblr.com
So yeah, I've 3 recent albums to talk briefly about and share with you today so I hope you enjoy and have a good listen if it takes your fancy!
ALUNAGEORGE - BODY MUSIC
Yes, after such unending hype AlunaGeorge finally released their debut album Body Music last monday and if you dig well crafted Electronic Pop songs, you're in for a treat. As the title suggests, this is an album for the movers and shakers of the world. Not to say you can't enjoy it in the comfort of your armchair, but if your head doesn't start bopping I'll eat my beanie. The London duo, made of childlike singer Aluna Francis and Musician/Producer George Reid, put together old favourites like stomper singles "You Know You Like It" and "Your Drums, Your Love" with excellent new r'n'b tinged material like the alluring "Just A Touch" and smooth sailing album opener "Outlines" and somewhat ferocious garage-esque choons like "Lost & Found". Its a really enjoyable album and if chart success as well as collaborations with other UK upstarts Disclosure is anything to go by, its the first of many from a certified duo of pop legends in the making. Have a listen below...
POND - HOBO ROCKET
Now as anyone who knows my musical taste will tell you, I love Tame Impala. But its spinoff/other group Pond that have always lived somewhat unfairly in the shadows of Kevin Parker's main article. Indeed, former Tame bassist Nick Allbrook's group is a much more primitive affair in terms of song writing and production but for those into good old fashioned rock records, thats not a bad thing. Anthems come in full swing on the band's (short but sweet 7 track) 5th album Hobo Rocket with latest single "Xanman" sounding like George Harrison's "Wah Wah" had he co-written it with Kevin Shields. Similarly "Giant Tortoise" shares the weird 60's psychedelia meets 90s shoegaze sound that puts guitarist (and Tame synth player) Jay Watson in the spotlight he quite deserves. Elsewhere on "O Dharma" and "Aloneaflameaflower" the band seem to share MGMT's taste in the weird and whackier side of psych rock with slow Syd Barrett/Pink Floyd-esque jams. If that sounds like your bag, give it a listen below...
SWIM DEEP - WHERE THE HEAVEN ARE WE
It would seem, despite the great groups that still pour out of the West Midlands, that the 'b-town scene' is dying. Peace and their charming debut album In Love seeing the group explode into the world of nationwide adoration was the first bullet wound to the scene and Swim Deep's debut Where The Heaven Are We may just be killing blow. The hits that gave Swim Deep their name are of course still stellar pieces of pop songwriting with optimistic synth plodders "Honey" and "The Sea" and perfect album opener "Francisco" giving off the air of feelgood vibes (I know, I said it, puke). Its still, the band's first real hit "King City" that continues to steal the show with the perfect getmeoutofthismiserabletown lyric "fuck your romance I wanna pretend, that Jenny Lee Lindberg is my girlfriend". Elsewhere the album falls perhaps a little flat. The songs aren't bad, they just could have been so so much more. Still as album closer "She Changes The Weather" finishes off, you have to commend the boys from Brum for getting this far without trying all that hard. Blast it in your lugholes below...
And thats it! Hope that was interesting or something took your fancy. If you feel like having a look at some real reviews for the AlunaGeorge and Swim Deep albums, check out my girlfriend Kayleigh's reviews on Renowned For Sound here and here, she sums them up rather perfectly.
Otherwise see you soon, feel free to write in and hope you enjoy your not so frequent (I will improve!) dose of music. Be safe :)
www.alunageorge.com
www.pondband.com
www.swim-deep.tumblr.com
Thursday, 18 July 2013
New Choons: Yuck - 'Rebirth'
I know its been a month since my last post, something that I'm going to apologise for in greater depth in another post I'm working on later. Nothing to worry about, content is on its way, I just feel like this blog needs a bit of a rebirth. Speaking of rebirth, Yuck have just released the first single from their upcoming second album fittingly titled er... "Rebirth". Its a particularly poignant title for a band who have in the past year had their lead singer quit the group. Indeed Daniel Blumberg decided to focus on solo project Hebronix, a more self indulgent affair than any previous Yuck material. Listening to the album today I was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn't too pretentious to enjoy. Still, I was eagerly awaiting what guitarist/new singer Max Bloom had to offer as it was his songwriting on Yuck's 2011 self titled debut, showcased on Bloom's only vocal track "Operation" as well as the captivating instrumental "Rose Gives A Lilly" and 7 minute album closer "Rubber", that had truly won me over. So today, after weeks of recording and mixing in New York, the band release "Rebirth", and as the saying goes, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
If Yuck's debut record could be (lovingly) accused of being an imitation of US Indie Rock bands such as Pavement, Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr, "Rebirth" would appear to display that Yuck have decided to cross back over the pond. Alas, the first thoughts of the new single I had were how it reminded me of a lot of UK shoegaze of the early 90s bringing to mind bands like My Bloody Valentine (Particularly the track "Blown A Wish"), Slowdive and The Verve's very early material. Ironic that the first record was made in the UK and the band travelled to New York to make this one! Anyway, comparisons aside "Rebirth" is an instantly enjoyable song for fans of 90s alt rock and shoegaze and is refreshingly different enough from the first album to escape any accusations of Max not moving on. "I don't want your love, I want you" Bloom sings with a dreamy voice that puts any doubts of his vocal abilities to bed. The last track Yuck revealed (though never released), "Chew" is actually a good indication that the band are choosing to go down a more psychedelic/atmospheric route. The lo fi production that characterised Yuck's earlier material is actually not too sorely missed on "Rebirth" with spiralling guitars and swirling synths elevating the song to epic new heights for the band. Hopefully the fans take to what is a well formed and enjoyably groovy song that bodes well for the upcoming album. Yuck reborn, "Rebirth" has me wanting more.
Available now, you can download "Rebirth" for free at www.yuckband.com
Saturday, 22 June 2013
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
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.
www.facebook.com/killcrocodiles
www.twitter.com/killcrocodiles
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.
www.facebook.com/killcrocodiles
www.twitter.com/killcrocodiles
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.
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.
Saturday, 1 June 2013
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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Friday, 8 March 2013
Intro: Hey! Ho! Lets go!
I know right? What a cringeworthy title. I imagine Joey Ramone is spinning in his hilariously tall coffin. But anyway...
This is my blog. Welcome. If all goes well this will serve as the first of many posts on this page and by the time anybody is reading this I am sure I will be an infamously ruthless yet respected music journo. I kid, I don't really have many expectations about this blog other than it will give me a platform to write about one of my deepest interests and passions. You guessed it, music.
I figured I could use this post as an introduction to this blog detailing the kind of things I plan to feature on this page. Firstly though its probably best to give you a brief bio of the man child you're reading the mind vomit of.
So here goes. Hello! I'm Huw. I'm a 21 year old Music Production student and a proud fool. I am a pretty able musician having played drums for 9 years and guitar for about 7. I play guitar and sing in a band (I wont mention the name as I don't really want to use this blog as a promotional tool, this is separate). While of course I love to play and write my own material my real passion for music lies with wearing a pair of headphones and losing myself in a great album.
Over the year I've become pretty encyclopaedic with music to a few peoples annoyance. I feed off books, tv, articles, websites, videos and people in my life to add to the ever growing collection of pointless facts about bands that I tend to share with an uninterested audience of friends.
Other than that I'm interested in all the typical things; books, film, telly, food and so on. I have some cool family, pretty fun friends and a great girlfriend all of whom make my life much more interesting and enjoyable.
Now, this blog. I've decided to title it 'The Go-Slow'. 3 reasons! Firstly its definition, the term go-slow means deliberate and careful, being a serial procrastinator I felt this fit the bill! Secondly its the title of one of my favourite Biffy Clyro songs. Lastly... well... it sounds pretty cool doesn't it? I've separated the blog into the following sections:
REVIEWS: Albums and EPs in particular I aim to review whatever new albums I listen to
MP3S & STREAMS: New songs and brief single reviews with an MP3 or Audio/video stream
VIDEOS: New promotional music videos or notable live performances
FEATURES: Music related articles e.g. Classic Albums, New Bands, Important Issues or Music News
FILM-TV-BOOKS: Films, tv and books... ahem
MIND VOMIT: A post that doesn't fit into any other category... like this one
These sections may change as time goes by but I will make sure its all organised. Thats pretty much all I can say at this stage. Hopefully I don't just neglect this and there is plenty to read soon! I will say however, if you do read any of my posts and have an opinion, please do share it! Even if you're telling me how my opinion is completely wrong I will be glad to hear your opinions. So yeah, wish me luck. Read on and enjoy!
This is my blog. Welcome. If all goes well this will serve as the first of many posts on this page and by the time anybody is reading this I am sure I will be an infamously ruthless yet respected music journo. I kid, I don't really have many expectations about this blog other than it will give me a platform to write about one of my deepest interests and passions. You guessed it, music.
I figured I could use this post as an introduction to this blog detailing the kind of things I plan to feature on this page. Firstly though its probably best to give you a brief bio of the man child you're reading the mind vomit of.
So here goes. Hello! I'm Huw. I'm a 21 year old Music Production student and a proud fool. I am a pretty able musician having played drums for 9 years and guitar for about 7. I play guitar and sing in a band (I wont mention the name as I don't really want to use this blog as a promotional tool, this is separate). While of course I love to play and write my own material my real passion for music lies with wearing a pair of headphones and losing myself in a great album.
Over the year I've become pretty encyclopaedic with music to a few peoples annoyance. I feed off books, tv, articles, websites, videos and people in my life to add to the ever growing collection of pointless facts about bands that I tend to share with an uninterested audience of friends.
Other than that I'm interested in all the typical things; books, film, telly, food and so on. I have some cool family, pretty fun friends and a great girlfriend all of whom make my life much more interesting and enjoyable.
Now, this blog. I've decided to title it 'The Go-Slow'. 3 reasons! Firstly its definition, the term go-slow means deliberate and careful, being a serial procrastinator I felt this fit the bill! Secondly its the title of one of my favourite Biffy Clyro songs. Lastly... well... it sounds pretty cool doesn't it? I've separated the blog into the following sections:
REVIEWS: Albums and EPs in particular I aim to review whatever new albums I listen to
MP3S & STREAMS: New songs and brief single reviews with an MP3 or Audio/video stream
VIDEOS: New promotional music videos or notable live performances
FEATURES: Music related articles e.g. Classic Albums, New Bands, Important Issues or Music News
FILM-TV-BOOKS: Films, tv and books... ahem
MIND VOMIT: A post that doesn't fit into any other category... like this one
These sections may change as time goes by but I will make sure its all organised. Thats pretty much all I can say at this stage. Hopefully I don't just neglect this and there is plenty to read soon! I will say however, if you do read any of my posts and have an opinion, please do share it! Even if you're telling me how my opinion is completely wrong I will be glad to hear your opinions. So yeah, wish me luck. Read on and enjoy!
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