2015 Six Month Review; Who's Rocked and Who's Flopped?

It's June. The time of year where you whip out your shorts, shades and suncream only to return from your first outdoor ventures covered in mud, but with a bucket load of live music memories. It's not just festival season which makes the start of June so important, it's also a landmark of which new acts have excited you over the past few months, and an indication of what's to come from the remaining six months.

Here's a nice little round-up of this year's surprise packages and other er, rather unfulfilling ones.

Six Triumphant Returns

Blur - Albarn and co. returned in April with a new album, 'The Magic Whip'. Further announcements of another, yes another Hyde Park show (that's three in six years boys), whipped up a frenzy, and the band didn't disappoint, headlining British Summer Time just yesterday.

Fleetwood Mac - They were the band every punter was forcing onto Michael Eavis' lips but Fleetwood Mac pledged their allegiance to the Isle Of Wight festival, with a long tour of the UK and down-under to come.

Kendrick Lamar - None have been viewed quite as pretentious as Kendrick but following the early release of his new album 'To Pimp A Butterfly' heads havebegun the turn. He's all over the live circuit and a few have already tipped him as Kanye's successor. Watch that throne Kanye.

Florence and The Machine - Another modernday comeback, none would've predicated how big this four year wait would be. A critically acclaimed third album under her belt, Florence Welch is now headlining Glastonbury after Dave Grohl's broken leg ruled out the Foos.

Sleater-Kinney - You'd be mistaken for thinkingthey've just started up, fresh off the blocks with a sound not dissimilar to Haim. However, their album, 'No Cities To Love', is in fact their seventh studio album after a hiatus in 2006! Boy, we're glad they're back.

Justin Bieber - Hear us out on this one. Pre-2015 Bieber's life has set out to be a beautiful car crash. Come the turn of the year, something unimaginable happened. Diplo and Skrillex got into a studio, okay strange enough, but they invited Bieber with them. The result; the biggest floor-filler of the year. 'Where R U Now' is an instant classic, of sorts...

Six Bright New Things

Rat Boy - Essex boy Jordan Cardy must be pinching himself right now. Just six months ago you could've uttered 'rat boy' and someone might think you're plotting a shit superhero movie. Alas, Cardy is the real saviour, bringing back those raucous Jamie T vibes. Angst, angst everywhere.

Jamie XX - Who's not a fan of what the XX have done? Furthermore, who's not a fan of Jamie XX's solo turn and the release of his debut album 'In Colour'? It's a carefully crafted product of what's turning out to be one of the most important figures in music right now.

Courtney Barnett - There was always the worry Barnett's Aussie twangs could verge towards the Kylie and Jason spectrum of music from down-under. After the disappointment of this not being true had faded we were left with one of the most ballsy albums of the year with whimsical lyrics galore.

Real Lies -  Remember 1990? Nah, neither do I, but with the help from this trio I can just about imagine what it was all about. They're a cut between The Petshop Boys and New Order but everything they've produced is dedicated to ordinary folk dancing in Reebok classics. Watch out for an album soon.

LA Priest - Ex-Late of The Pier Sam Dust's opening few e-number induced statements are tracks full of funk and meaningless fun. With 'Oino' and 'Learning To Love', Dust has created two of 2015's most infectious songs and debut album, 'Inji', out at the end of June, is set to be rammed full of goodies.

Palace - If you haven't started your Sunday morning with these smooth talking chaps yet then you're doing it all wrong. The quartet released their 'Chase The Light' EP recently and it's a delicious cleanse for your eardrums, especially after listening to the collective above.

Six Top of the Flops

Foo Fighters - Dave, oh Dave, where did it all go so wrong? After literally flopping off the stage, Foo Fighters had to cancel gigs left, right and centre after Grohl broke his leg. Fair play to the man, it can't have been easy, but fans would've succumbed to a sit down version of 'All My Life'. If Jessie J can do it surely Dave can?

Peace's Return - After the success of 'In Love' and the huge pre-released singles such as 'World Pleasure' and 'Money', the B-Town boys' second album 'Happy People' left us, well, a bit disappointed. The other tracks didn't quite reach the levels of the singles and the extended edition proved far more fruitful.

The 1975 Prank - Judging by frontman Matty's not always positive-attitude it was surprising The 1975 were able to get away with such a 'hilarious' stunt. Nevertheless it worked for them, but not for us. They said they wanted to play 'intimate venues' again before announcing a tour of academies over the country. How modest.

pic.twitter.com/wXK2KiPbV1

— matty from the 1975 (@Truman_Black) June 2, 2015

 The Wombats - It's hard to know what will happen to The Wombats next. After a disappointing third album, it seems what worked in 2008 won't work anymore. At least they can serve their fans live, but with the Liverpool band really want to be chanting "kill the director" for years to come?

The Prodigy - It's a similar case scenario for the old time ravers too. 'The Day Is My Enemy' had the potential for something colossal but it's a shallow dive from 'Invaders Must Die' with track 'Ibiza' featuring Sleaford Mods proving particularly toxic.

Palma Violets - It's hard to move forward when you just don't give a toss what others have to say. Hats off to Palma Violets they've stuck to what they do best, but mellowed it... Judging by second album 'Danger In The Club', which was deemed "different" from their debut, there seems to be more danger in their song writing than a club right now.

Here's to the next six months where all eyes will be on festivals, flops and an interesting Kanye performance just around the corner...

By Josh Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

Big Sixes - Hotels from Heaven and Hell - Leeds and Glasgow

We've teamed up with one of the freshest new bands in the UK right now, Big Sixes, to bring you a daily tour diary or just what it's like to be on the road.

The main emphasis is on the luxurious budget hotels that the band stay in amongst their nitty-gritty nights on stage playing to cities across the UK. Check back daily to find out their latest spotting of beige coloured furniture and why their lack-lustre continental breakfasts just aren't quite hitting the spot, and no, Lenny Henry shall not be testing the beds with them.

Day #2 and #3 - Carlisle Travelodge

There's something to be said for the tranquility of finding your room, in a different city, looking the same as you left it in the last. It speaks to the less nomadic of the touring party like a doting dinner lady, offering out a plaster for a grazed knee. The bulbs cough and splutter before filling the room with belly laugh of lazy light. My sanctuary. My only burdens come from the now harrowing experience of sharing a room with a photographer, a bad judgement on my part. Electricity is sacred for a touring band of the communication era. No plug goes unfilled.
The lights of Glasgow glisten like a gentle tear as we fall down the cities blushing cheek. Alone with the quiet purr of midnight, crawling to bed.
It's 2AM when we pull into the hotel carpark, greeted by the soft light of the moon and wild rabbits, hopping past the headlights. A family of spritely brothers and sisters, praying for grass unfrosted, from which they can nibble. In search of adventure, food and a warm burrow.
I'm handed the keys as a familiar phrase echoes round the concave's of the universe, navigating the depths of our souls until it erupts into our hearts... "put the kettle on mate."

By Charlie Costello

NEW VIDEO: Al Pride - Waterfalls

Swiss Indiepop Quintett Al Pride has released a new video for their actual single "Waterfalls".

The song was promoted during the last weeks through some unique and amazing Remixes. All for free download. I'm sure you don't mind getting your complete "Watefall-Package" now on soundcloud and where ever you'll find these brilliant tracks. The Original Song comes with a must-see animation by some of the band's friends. Give it a go:


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NEW SONG: Wet Moss "Escape"

The swiss mature Psychadelic-Rockband from the middle of nowhere are back!
Wet Moss had the great opportunity to support the berlin trio Kadavar back in Fall 2013 since then you haven't heard one single breath from 'em. So "escape" somehow is their gather-up and being alive again. There are a few things to fullow up as far as I know or heard: Three new songs are released yet and these songs are all completely self-produced. They are kind of the swiss answer to Kevin Parker's Tame Impala and Barclay James Harvest or also a bit of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark aswell. Maybe the only band who seem like these exampling Retro Rock bands...

They got very sensitive skillz of tracking and creating sounds. They are ALL gearlovers and that's what makes them very important to the music scene. Showing love to your own music and not to try copy too much of already "heard-stuff" is surely exhausting and takes a lot of time. They had time. And time is excactly what they took for themselves to save the great myth about Wet Moss. I personally love Wet Moss and I probably always will. I'm sure you will fall in love with them aswell. Give it a go:

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Interview & Review... Temples @ OneOfAMillionFestival Baden, Switzerland

So Baden had the big honor to have the most exciting band out of the UK at this moment to play at the Royal Baden. It was sold out for sure and there was nothing better than an exhausting pre show by The Slow Show. Not... Now quick words about this band. Either they're were fully pissed or it's just how they act on stage, but to be that uninterested into the crowd and VERY ambient nearly made me puke, I had to flee. What did you expect from a band called Slow show aye, silly Nicolas? Great musicians though. once in a century vocals for sure... So me and my buddies did flew and we entered the last venue of the evening.

There was still space to have a few drinks as seconds after seconds ppl run the place until it was completely packed with interested musiclovers. James Begshaw and his company entered the stage and it was a fully banging start. "Sun Structures" was their kick-off piece and it went on right about this way. Being very authentic and obviously thrown back into the late 60's Glam-Rock show. Their gear was fully known by their videos and sounds on their album, so I especially was super interested in Samuel Tom's Jazzkit. Which, somehow, wasn't there, but that didn't bother me as this kit belonged to a well known local megadrummer. Therefore it sounded right good. Never seen his computer drum kit though. Sam's using some recorded drum sounds maybe to be very similar to the album. I actually must say the album "Sun Structures" has about 60% of pressure unlike their live performances. Temples is the thightest band I have heard ... The Royal Club, in my opinion, hasn't got that much power, either it's because of their soundsystem or just the way on how it's been built. You will know more after the tremendous interview with the lovely soul Sam who gave me some of his time chilling after his Switzerland Tour on his couch at home. Thank you facebook. You keep ppl connected when there about to fill some great M&M's after a hard working weekend while you only want to chill and do...nothing.

Picture taken by Summer Washed Out Photography © Pascal Küng

But sometimes men ARE multitasking-maniacs aswell, have a read now on the interview with Temples' badass beater Samuel Toms:

• Hi Sam, how's it been since the swiss trip?

"We've just been relaxing since we got back from the Swiss trip. We were in Barcelona for a couple of days before that so we were pretty dead after our flight home. I've been watching Twin Peaks in my pants and eating grapes. Tomorrow we start rehearsing for our UK tour."

• What can you tell me about the venues you've played?

"The first venue was called the Royal in Baden. I think it was once an old cinema. The crowd were on big steps that went to the back of the room almost like a mini amphitheatre so you could see everyone from the stage and the crowd could see from wherever they were. It was a great atmosphere and someone even sparked up a joint but sadly did not share it with me. The crowd were fantastic and we had a great night.

The second show we played in Switzerland was a festival in Geneva. The concept was to put shows on in weird locations and ours was in a swimming pool! Was really fun show but very warm. A cool idea for a festival."

•  Did you catch up the One Of A Million Vibe wich is consisting of familiar atmosphere?

"We definitely caught a good vibe from One Of A Million from talking to the locals. Is always hard to tell when its the first night of a festival but everyone seemed happy and up for fun which is enough for us."

• (The next question was about the thing that I found the Free Download of their debut album early this year by their american label who failed in being secure on the soundcloud download. But no worries I'm buying this on vinyl for sure, and I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD ASWELL) What are your thoughts on digital downloads?

"I have no problem with digital downloads other than the fact that people are missing out on the touch, the smell, the taste and the look of the vinyl. There's nothing like having that physical copy in your hand with the artwork in its full glory. But then that is their loss."
 

•  True story bro. Wich interesting ppl did you meet during the show in Baden?  

"I met a couple of the guys from One Sentence. Supervisor who showed me a good time and blew my mind with card trickery. I also met the sister of a member of Swiss band we love called Klaus Johann Grobe who are one of Temples' favourite bands. If you haven't already heard them you must check them out as they're amazing! My biggest regret however was not meeting this guy called Nicolas Streichenberg, I've heard he's pretty cool."

• HAHA. Thanks, I appreciate that. Cool stuff and thanks for your time. Now have fun chilling out with Twin Peaks. Au Revoir Sam.

"No worries man, speak soon!"

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Watch // Photography © Summer Washed Out Photography

   
 

Album Review... Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

Sometimes you hear an album and feel immersed in a different world, Bombay Bicycle Club’s fourth album is no exception with it feeling like an adventure from the word go. So Long, See You Tomorrow is probably the album we’ve craved for a long time from the growing four-piece. While still incorporating their youthful energy and experimental production, this creation is definitely a little more off the beaten track.  Described as a “revolution of sound, not an evolution” by bassist Ed Nash, the new release is certainly far from their shimmering indie-rock debut and the groove-driven A Different Kind Of Fix. A simple way of summarising the sound produced is electro-rock, but this doesn’t give an indication to the overall virtuosity of their first-ever Jack Steadman produced album.

                The synthesiser-driven tracks use an array of loops and samples from music from around the world; most likely influenced by their long touring schedule including phases in India and Turkey. You’d think you’d be confused upon reading that “continuity is the theme” and then concluding that not one song sounds the same upon listening; but in fact, all the different styles, each unexpected as the next, do run fluently with balance. An interesting feature of the album is that it’s subtly unified by one single loop, as the melody of the final song picks up that of the opener. Compounding the effect is the last lyric we hear “Keep going round and round and round…” The idea of continuity lies evidence to the interactive video for album teaser ‘Carry Me’ and the album artwork inspired by stop-motion pioneer Eadweard Muybridge. The image depicts a man and woman travelling in opposite directions under the moon and sun and is designed to echo the theme of continuity in the album.

               

                ‘Overdone’ is the triumphant, string-laden opener which kick-starts the album with a raucous instrumental section of commanding percussion and piercing guitars. Running through the infectious ‘It’s Alright Now’, we’re delivered gentler grooves akin to that of A Different Kind Of Fix but this time the tender sentiments are offset by invigorating military-funky percussion. ‘Carry Me’ was the first teaser from the album that was unleashed upon us unsuspectingly. The muscular, experimental tune is a radical departure from that of their previous albums as above all it is a dance anthem. The whirly electric guitars and shimmery keys are brilliantly juxtaposed against the strong, offbeat rhythms. Nothing else on the new record sounds like ‘Carry Me’ – the album flows effortlessly through a collection of aural landscapes that blend into a coherent whole. ‘Home By Now’ immerses in harmonies as nu-folk meets hip hop and is topped off by the sweet backing vocals of long-time collaborator Lucy Rose (who features throughout the record). A personal highlight on the record comes in the form of slow burner ‘Whenever Wherever’ which begins following a simple piano hook and ethereal vocals, but then suddenly breaks into an unpretentious electro-house jam. The song seems designed for a festival afternoon with fluctuating sensitive, downcast moments and dance driven rhythms that make you want to smash plates.

               

                The most recently previewed track ‘Luna’ continues with breezier antics, balloon-sized harmonies and dwells on the sense of wondrous curiosity. The Indian influence is shown here again, with a Tabla beginning and a Bhangra style beat running through out. The clean composition is aided by the combination of a male-female chorus which makes it feel very current. Emerging talent Rae Morris features throughout the record too with ‘Luna’ being her establishing collaboration single. ‘Eyes Off You’ is a tender duet which briefly breaks away from the dance offensive and portrays a sea of calm by using closed mics and a piano measure. The track gently swells from a waiflike ballad to a Balearic relaxation. Follow up ‘Feel’ is the bravest track on the new album which will inevitably leave many fans sitting on the fence. I, for one, am not perturbed by the extreme departure from all produced before. It’s a spicy party driven by a hypnotic hook from a 1950s Bollywood film soundtrack. The genius of this track incorporates not only Turkish belly dance blips, but is also part Mariachi band (with an incontestable salsa beat) and holds some Greek tavern aura. ‘Come To Me’ is a delight that sways towards the groove of A Different Kind Of Fixand has a hint of romanticism. But Jack Steadman has insisted that it’s “very much a stream-of-consciousness thing,” and that the audience should “be the psychologist that analyses it.” The idea of allowing the listeners to interpret the lyrics in their own way supports the idea of hopefulness. The album ends with the title track ‘So Long, See You Tomorrow’ which ends the ongoing loop and melts all the sounds and influences together in a euphoric conclusion. The genre and culture spanning album is wrapped up by a long series of chords and an airey falsetto that waltzes in and out of melody. The gentle ending is false and the track gives you one last enraptured electro-finish (that like The Chemical Brothers).

                This gem will certainly stand out in 2014 and for years to come, as it will be a career defining checkpoint for the young lads – similar to that of Given To The Wild by The Maccabees. Released on the 3^rd February this year on Island Records, I seriously advise you to buy this album; it will certainly be a strong contender for my potential album of the year (it’s only January, I know).

Bombay Bicycle Club – So Long, See You Tomorrow

Out of 10: 9.3/10

Written by – Richard Maver

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It's All Indie: Top 20 - #9

Everything Everything - Suffragette Suffragette

So good they named it twice! Whether they’re talking a load of gibber jabba , creating poetic choruses or playing auditory jokes (the criminally catchy chorus of Suffragette Suffragette demands a double take) it doesn’t really matter! It merely adds to their quirky brilliance. And it is brilliance. Everything Everything are definitely eccentric and sometimes odd.



The intriguinng chorus with lyrics that at first sounds a little worryingly like “Who’s gonna sit on your face when I’m gone?”. I hope to God I am right in thinking it is actually “fence”, and not “face”, although musically Everything Everything are far from fence-sitters. You can download this fantastic 9th best track of 2010 below in the sound cloud link. Plus more goodies!

Everything Everything - Suffragette Suffragette

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Everything Everything - MY KZ, UR BF
Everything Everything - Riot On The Ward

Album Review... Warpaint - The Fool

Warpaint - The Fool. This young brilliant band from California, the band consists of 4 girls 2 guitarists 1 bassist and 1 drummer they all put their shift in the vocal department. The band has toured with Yeasayer, The XX and Vampire Weekend just to name a few. They also have massive fans such as John Frusciante who produced and mastered their first EP



Set Your Arms Down:

The song starts off very mellow and quite. The vibe I am getting from this song is like a chilli out song, which you would listen to on the beach. The verses are very trippy. The song slowly builds up for a climaxed ending, which has nice melodic guitar parts in. The only problem with the opening track to this EP is that it doesn’t sound like an opening big song to get the listener interested and you can’t really tell the difference between the verse and the chorus. Taking the whole song into account.

Out if 10: 8/10



Warpaint – This songs intro once again starts slowly, once it reaches the verse after about 1: 10 minutes the minimalist guitars kick in. The vocal lines in the verse are also very minimal. The whole song has a very cool feel about it with harmonies in the vocal one of them doing the low and the others doing the high notes. The drums in this song are very up beat and after the slow start it sets the beat for the rest of the song. The break down is very cool and suits the whole style of the song. The song involves some very good song writing.

Out if 10: 8/10







Undertow – This has a very cool guitar line from the start and this is the shortest intro on the EP. The verse has that minimal feel to it again with the repeat of the lyrics. The verses seem to continue for pretty much the whole song and there isn’t a distinctive difference between the verse and chorus. About half way through the song a really cool bass line which brings the listener in and makes you want to continue listening. It is one of the best songs on the EP it has it all on this song. The ending is also really well put together the drumbeat is very foals style and it has the same guitar and bass parts, which makes the song.

Out if 10: 10/10



Bees – It starts with a synth drum beat with some guitar parts which sound very psychedelic, when all the instruments the trip out vibe continues and it makes you feel like your on a trip. The synth drumbeat comes back in just before the chorus. With the multiple guitar parts going on I don’t think they would be able to play this track live. It is a very layered track and you can tell this but it sounds really good who its been mastered and produced.

Out if 10: 8/10



Shadows – The song starts with an acoustic guitar for a few bars then the trippy draped vocals come in. This is a very slow song till about 1 and a half minutes in when the drums come in with snare filled beat which picks up the tempo then the drums drop out and it becomes slow once again. It’s a very nice song and it is once again very cool. They have it figured out perfectly.

Out if 10: 8/10



Composure – This song starts off with the guitar set on a tremolo effect and the drums till some backing vocals, which are by the sounds of things being shouted. Then the song completely changes its rhythm and has a very catchy bass and drum beat. It instantly makes your legs start to move and want to dance to it. The breakdown is the drums on the toms and they sound very jumpy, the song goes back to the intro but with main vocals over the top.

Out if 10: 7/10



Baby – This song starts off and sounds like something John Frusciante would write on his guitar. It is once again an acoustic guitar being used. This is the mellowest song on the EP and has the stoned feel to it. I really like this track I think it has a lot going for it and I would listen to it again and again. Her voice is phenomenal on this song and you can really tell because it’s just a guitar and her.

Out if 10: 9/10



Majesty – This song goes back to normal with the slow start and the effects on the guitars. There is a distinctive synth in there. The song has that build up like all the others, but when it kicks in it has a nice layered sound to it. This is the longest song on the album coming in at 6:35 minutes and it seems to be a bit repetitive but has an upbeat drum piece and nice guitar parts.

Out if 10: 7/10



Lissie’s Heart Murmur – It has a minor sound to the start and I agree with putting this last because it is sad that were coming to the end to this EP its brilliant. I think that with every song being a small bit the same in the way they are trippy but they have very nice guitar lines in every song, which makes them brilliant. The layered harmonies yet again are brilliant. The song changes its rhythm plenty of times and is a typical album ender. I think these girls have got it spot on.

Out if 10: 8/10



Warpaint - The Fool

Out if 10: 8.2/10



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Reviewed by Luke Hunns.

Album Review... Mr Twist - Mr Twist

As I have interviewed their drummer recently there is no introduction needed here. They are the 4-piece band from London and they like to play rock songs. But here is a piece from their myspace...
"But why should you care? Well, when the producer of Guns N’ Roses’ seminal Appetite for Destruction, Mike Clink, heard an early demo of Mr Twist back in 2008, he described it as a 'diamond in the rough'. The boys have spent the past two years polishing that diamond and making it shine."

The album is 11 tracks long and have all of the necessaries of being a good album, and it definitely starts off that way with a rock track called 'I Come Round Again' then after into another hit tune that compliments the first track in a good way. This one is called 'On And On' and if it was oh so slightly more dancey you could put this on and people would dance (instead of moshing I mean).



'Settle The Score' is a down-tempo song which takes the album off the tracks a little bit, not the best song they have done but not the worse by any means. If anything this is why I like it, a nice slow track with a underlining love song beneath the instruments and vocals, but with strange church organs in the background (yes I heard them!) it is one of those songs you either love or hate, and I love it. This track will be in my mixtape when I get round to doing it. 'No Better Time' starts off even more slower than the track before, smooth vocals and intricate drumming and quick blasts on the guitar brings this song to life!

The rest of the album follows on with these sort of lines and finally finishes on the song titled 'Start Again' which is odd considering that is the last track on the record! They certainly have a mainstream sound but very occasionally can pick up on the cheesy side (as the example shows on 'Settle The Score'), but that might just be the rock in them, as their latest video on the facebook suggests, these lads like to have fun and know how to be rockers!

EDIT: I thought I posted this and it is 2 months (or so) overdue so as a sorry I will put the first track off the album into my mixtape.

Mr Twist - Mr Twist
Out of 10: 7.5/10

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Mr Twist - I Come Round Again - Via iTunes

Track of the day... Feldberg - Dreamin'

Oh I notice this... right? If you have had a listen to the latest Kitsune CD then possibly yes, this duo appeared on the latest Kitsune Compilation album (Number 9), and usually if you get onto there the next year for any of the bands is a good one.

So Feldberg are releasing 'Dreamin'. This track is so summery they have certainly gave the release date some thought. Imagine this track as bluesy, soulful and having wavy calming guitars. The vocals are so complimentary to the music as they too are soothing and gentle over the equally soft electronic song.



Listening to other stuff they do seem to have a wide variety of genres in their music a mixture of folk, soul, electronic and pop. The track Dreaming from their forthcoming album Don’t be a Stranger. Single self released on iTunes Monday 9th August with vinyl coming after.

If I were you please spend 99p on iTunes for this track you won't regret it.

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EP Review... Tell It To The Marines - Bridges

A special track-by-track review of the latest Tell It To The Marines EP, this has been out for over 6 months now and I have been appreciating it more and more as time has gone by. I discovered this band from the Cambridge/Bury St Edmunds area before I even started the blog. The first material I downloaded was (from what I know of) their first release under the current name. They are a Ambient-Pop-Rock who give you songs that sound like they belong being blasted through the Leeds and Reading speakers!



Flare Guns:
The opening track and this sets the release on fire from the beginning! With typical indie guitars on the intro and simple drumming you are thought that this is going to be a generic indie track. Not if they have anything to do with it, then it hits you. Guitars that sound like they have been designed on a Bloc Party tour bus accompanied with wonderful vocals from the lead singer. Then the chorus hits in and it sounds like a combination of Lostprophets, Bloc Party and Editors. The rest of the song is just epic, it continues on this line and then finished off with a flourish of drum hitting, guitar strumming and a guitar solo before ending on a bang!
Out of 10: 8/10

My New Best Friend:
Hard to follow on from that isn't it? Nope, this track continues on the lines of anthematic rock with a brilliant intro then drops into the sweet guitars and then once you think that's what the song is going to be like they go back to the anthematic rock. I love when they do that, the singer shouts ''You're so overrated, you're over rated", which I seem is odd since this song seems to be underrated, how the big players in the music industry don't know about them is just beyond me. Another big track making this EP perfect so far!
Out of 10: 9/10

806:
They continue with the brilliant intros with this song, twangy ticking guitars flow for 30 seconds then the noise hits you, the other guitar hits and then it disperses into a song that wouldn't sound out of place on any big rock acts set-list, with the approaching drums sensing that something big is happening in the next chorus it gives you a sense of excitement. They finally hit you with a what you would expect... more big sounds! The hooks on this track just eclipse the other songs it followed. And the ending, oh my god! Amazing the instrumental ending is just superb.
Out of 10: 9/10



Fireworks:
Now I am not joking if I was to say that one of the guitars sounds like the Editors on the album The Back Room? It does! The progressive drums also hit you before the vocals hit and then crashes to let the vocals in. I have tom admit the production is very good on this song, and you can hear it when the first bridge comes in. Fireworks is such a good name for this song as I can easily see a video happening here with explosives and flashes of light in the background with gusts of wind. Imagine Ash - Burn Baby Burn with lightning, strobe lights and wind, and there you have it!
Out of 10: 8/10

Bridges:
WOW they end up on the title track with a little bit of all of the songs making a difference. The epic start and lyrics, the beautiful structuring of the song and the hooks in the chorus, this is a slower track compared to the rest of the EP but it does not drop above par throughout. Yet due to its slower rhythm you are hit with the wonderful guitar at the end of the song giving you a perfect send off to what has been one of the best EPs I have listened to in the past year!
Out of 10: 8/10

Tell It To The Marines - Bridges
Out of 10: 8.8/10

Tell It To The Marines - Bridges EP
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Gig Review... Things I Never Told You @ Waterfront 5th July 2010

I have previously mentioned this band here before, and it seems for a very good reason. This live performance is easily one of the best supporting slot acts I have ever seen, and support bands I have seen include Foals, Wild Beasts and Delphic! These guys have been playing gigs for only around 2 months now and are supporting Kele on his debut UK tour.

They started off with the track titled The Future Or Woody Allen, this track is the strongest song to open on I have to admit, the guitars and drums are perfect for dancing to as I could feel people behind me pushing me from the start of this song, the bass in this song is a constant ripple and makes you feel euphoria when ever the bass kicks back in!



Next was life without, the lead singer dropped the guitar and instead gave the sample pad a go, this again is such a fun song to listen to and live out performs the version on their myspace. The lead singer really gets into the crowd at this moment with the crowd cheering and bouncing to the song. Towards the end of the song someone (I assume a girl) is asking the bassist to take his top off, he ends up saying maybe which just makes the crowd more eager to get into the tracks.

Astronaut, the singer changed into a outfit which was a shiny jacket with NASA logos on it and had some big glasses, this song was new to me and what sprung to mind was the Killers singer Brandon Flowers! But giving the crowd something new with higher vocals and funky sample pads was a nice detour for me from the songs I have already heard.

Running on from that last comment, Germs was a track I have heard before and with a bass to start the track off with is just a awesome way to start a song at a gig, the bass vibrated all through me and towards the chorus more dancing was involved behind me, this is a new experience because normally support acts don't get much notice from the crowd but these guys were making sure Norwich were having a good time!

The Stewardess & Me is another track I know of, but not in the way I knew it. Once again this track is absolutely fantastic live the sample pads and bass are in perfect sync and give the crowd a taste of what these guys are really about!



Devil, it's hard to remember much about this track due to what you will read about the track Happiness... This is what I can remember, Devil is on the same line as the track before with the bass grinding through you, intricate drumming and sample pads all working together to create a wonderful song that would easily fit into Keles set!

Happiness, dedicated to me (thanks!!!). Easily my favourite track by these guys. On the mp3 it is like the bass is hypnotising, you can feel it when you whack your speakers up rippling through your body, the vocals are sung from the heart as you can tell he cares about his music. Now live, imagine you intensify this, it is just brilliant to see a act who is able to create such a wonderful track and still be unsigned.

These guys are very good live performers and can really give a good show, like I said at the beginning, if they were headlining a show they would be worth it, I am running out of superlatives, just wow!

Out of 10: 10/10 I can't wait to see them again, and I mean it!

Things I Never Told You - Happiness (Demo)
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Track of the day... The Futureheads - I Can Do That

The Futureheads have had great success with new album 'The Chaos' and track by track you can hear them producing more great singles. New single 'I Can Do That' does just that. In place's its a little samey to previous single 'Heartbeat Song' but then why change a good thing.



The thing i like with The Futureheads is that throughout their career they have never lost the sound they set out to produce and still make good radio friendly indie records. They are going strength to strength and I'm sure bigger and better things are on the cards.

'I Can Do' that is out now on Download, and the band's fourth studio album 'The Chaos' is out now on Download & CD

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Written by guest contributor: Scott Clarke

It's All Indie Spotlight: Weimar

A Experimental-Rock band from the land of steel, Sheffield. The group make tracks that have a funky sax rhythm and wobbling bass flowing through it. They began in January 2010 and have began rehearsing, recording and building a local following before hopefully making it onto the local scene. The track I am on about is titled 'Your Soul', they are so tight in this song. The funky jazz feel you get from the song is just full of heart, with the Sax and Bass working well with the smooth vocals and precise drumming all working well on this song to make it what it is!



They also currently have a new track which isn't from the EP and that's very good too so give it a listen if you would!

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Weimar - Dreams Of A Warden EP (Demo EP)

Its All Indie Spotlight: You, The Living

Ah here is a treat! A band I have previously seen at the Portland Arms, all be under a different name but still.

They are called 'You, The Living' and are a Alt-Rock/Nu-Gaze band from the fair city of Cambridge. The band are a three piece made up of Aidy James Stevens on vocals and guitar, Oli Kelly on Bass and Will Key on the drums. They are one of those bands that are really good yet come from Cambridge. Cambridge are one of the few big cities in the UK that has big acts originating from there. And You, The Living want to change it!



This sound is brilliant for moshing to on a rainy muddy night at Glasto! I am on about the song called Hold On For Your Life. Starts off slow with a sweeping chilling noise, closely followed with vocals and then interludes into the raw rock chorus. Follows is more of that of the same heavy guitars and accompanied by the deep vocals of Aidy.

Some old songs recorded under Chasing Melfina such as They're Using Mind Control Tactics are also available for streaming on their myspace.

A mainstream band that they would suit supporting? Anyone from the Holy Roar record label!

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[MYSPACE]
You, The Living - Hold On For Your Life

Its All Indie Spotlight: Dead Sea Navigators

Dead Sea Navigators are a piano-led indie/lounge band based in London.

Imagine combining the piano with distorted bass, electronica and a down tempo rhythm, Dead Sea Navigators is a mixture of all the above and creates music that would fit at a wine bar. All be a wine bar with a dark edge to it but it is nice to see bands using a piano throughout a song.



In the song Dr Crellin all the instruments have their place and with the overall sound sounding simply easy on the ears. Maybe it's because of the piano easing stress out of me, maybe because of the vocals easing tension from me but this is a lovely song. The other song I got sent was 9 Rue Git-Le Coeur. Despite the French titling this song is far from a stereotypical french song you hear on their radios whilst on holiday. Once again the piano is a big in this song and it makes this song more alive just before the chorus kicks in. The almost euphoric second half of the song is just magnificent.

The two tracks I have reviewed are for download below.

Dead Sea Navigators - Dr Crellin
Dead Sea Navigators - 9 Rue Git-Le Coeur
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Its All Indie Spotlight: I Was A Romantic

I Was A Romantic are a acoustic band located in the deep dark area of the south called New Forest in England, Their influences are drawn from, Klaus, 65DaysofStatic,Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Bloc Party and Tegan & Sara. From one of the track titles you know he is a hardcore Bloc Party fan (Lion Tamer).



They call the music they make as Acoustic/Folktronica but the genre change is approaching, by way of the teaser song on their myspace. Link is at the bottom of the page

Already they have a full demo EP for FREE download, and I have to say. This is good work! The demo EP is called 'Months' and is a collection of songs that they have created in the last two months. The track I would love for all of you to listen to first is Lion Tamer. Seriously, this is so acoustic! Gentle on the ears with heart filled lyrics. Sung from the heart this singer does put effort into his writing. The guitars and vocals are equally beautiful as they fade in and out of each other to make a great acoustic track. 24 minutes of pure acoustic joy is awaiting you. Download now!

'Months' (The Demo EP)


1. Welcome To Anchorage
2. Lion Tamer
3. Bears & Wolves
4. Great White North
5. Hearthbeat
6. New Ideas
7. Everything Good, Comes Last

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I Was A Romantic - Months EP

SPECIAL REVIEW... Kele - The Boxer

A track by track review of Kele (Okereke) - The Boxer



Walk Tall
A very similar song to Ares, as it's a big opening song with jagged beats. As grimy synths ripple through your eardrums as Kele’s voice comes in and out of menacing sounds this basically sets the overall electronic tone of the album with a synth bass line at various speeds together with a kick and clap drum beat.
Out Of 10: 7/10

On The Lam
This song from the off is just garage, garage all over it, his vocals are the oddest I have heard! Doesn't really get me going. Easily the worst song on the album, purely because of the vocals, it just makes me cringe. But, it easily redeems itself by being better live, the heavy bass just before the chorus is just brilliant.
Out of 10: 6/10

Tenderoni
From the start this is a club hit. His first single has had much mixed reviews from Bloc Party fans on the forum. Sounds like a instrumental mash up of Bodyrox and Wiley, with Keles vocals over the top. Still, ever since I heard it on Zane Lowe on Radio 1 I have gone from hate, to love. Now? I just love it! Building into a throbbing climax, halting momentarily before kicking back into a massive moment of club euphoria, this will be a vital summer hit, NO WAIT IT IS.
Out of 10: 9/10

The Other Side
According to a Mr Ryan Lamont this track is about his homosexuality and the difficulties he had coming out... Don't know what to make of that but still, the guitar makes this track for me, plus the lyrics, 'It's driving me insane' has been running round my head causing havoc since I have heard it! This track ends with a conga breakdown which is a great ending to a song to remember Kele by!
Out of 10: 9/10

Everything You Wanted
This is so 'It's Not The Things You Say', which isn't bad to be brutally honest. It's a slow jam with piano keys all the way through it. The vocals are typical Bloc Party Kele, you won't feel out of place if you are new to his material. It is therefore quite fitting that it's a love song. Kele's vocal work amazed me again!
Out of 10: 7/10

New Rules On this tune you can really hear that Kele had a lot of fun going through the (no doubt massive) sample libraries of the EMI studio playing around with animal noises and answer phone messages etc. None the less this is another slow song, even slower than the one before it. The harmonious female vocals layered on top of his makes this a chilled evening song.
Out of 10: 8/10

Unholy Thoughts
Reminds me of Bloc Party so bad. Lyrics and vocal melody seem to sound at different stages, that they could slide into each of the three Bloc albums. This is one of the brilliant things Kele can do. Making tunes with a solid indie guitar riffs throughout. Potentially another single I think, especially liked the acoustic guitar break in the middle.
Out of 10: 9/10

Rise
One of the early releases (on his blog), this track has been around a while, still with a xylophone start with more female vocals that evolves into quite the electronic song! Clearing the table for the heaviest drop of the record, which floods the speakers with old skool breaks and positive lyrics "you are stronger than you think, you are strong".
Out of 10: 9/10

All The Things I Could Never Say
Another slow building track with lots of female vocals. He's used those quite a lot, but even though I have a hunch it is synth player, I could be wrong but still. It is a synthetic as much of the album is and has a organ involved in the song! Similar to Ion Square as in it gets bolder and has more layers towards the end of the song. Out of 10: 7/10
Yesterday's Gone
An unexpected closer, as chords merge with a warm synth melody that sounds like a perfect break up song! The beat shifts to an R&B song, this most surprising record ends on an emotive note.
Out of 10: 7/10

Meet Me In The Middle
What seems to be a extra track on download sites, kinda the Letter To My Son to the album, this apparently from a reliable source it has interesting vocal work and funnily enough I made a note that read "U2 similarities African background"
Out of 10: Yea, lets just say 10/10 until I hear otherwise

One Day Of Strength
A decent b-side worth listening to! The odd vocals at the beginning made me annoyed but the jagged guitar and funky drum beats this could so easily of been a Bloc Party song, once again has female vocals. I hardly doubt he will play it live, still it can happen!
Out of 10: 8/10

My overall verdict: From averages of the songs it comes to...
8/10
Dragged down by odd vocals on On The Lam, but redeemed by Rise, Tenderoni, Unholy Thoughts and The Other Side.

Track of the day... Things I Never Told You - Happiness

With their myspace and facebook site only being live for just around a month, this is easily one of the youngest bands I have reviewed.



They will be supporting Kele from Bloc Party on his first ever full UK tour in July. They are from London so they know how hard it is to support a well known act so expect them to be good enough for me!



I have heard five of their tracks via MySpace and they are all infused with bass and funky electronic beats, so this will compliment Keles solo stuff well. Happiness is the track I have chosen to focus on. The bass is hypnotising, you can feel it when you whack your speakers up rippling through your body, the vocals are sung from the heart as you can tell he cares about his music. I have liked everything I have heard from them and can't wait for more stuff. Kinda funny that they put two new songs on MySpace only 2 days ago but still, the live show should give me something else to ponder over.

Things I Never Told You - Happiness (Demo)
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Track of the day... Everything Everything - Riot On The Ward

Everything Everything have finished recording, mastering and Everything (excuse the pun) to do with the album. This song (which I assume) is a reject from the album, possibly a early song that just went into the b-sides bin. But they have produced some fantastic b-sides before, Luddites and Lambs and NASA Is On Your side are a couple of super stunning songs.



The song itself has no drum beat, just three of them singing, the usual suspects it seems, sadly the drummer had not a chance to make a impact on the song. Three and a half minutes of humming, high notes and (near) choir boy singing. I would like to see a guitar kick in or a drum keeping them in time but sadly not. This is a nice song, a perfect song to listen to for calming down.

Everything Everything - Riot On The Ward

NB - I don't condone illegal downloading, I pre-order every format, I buy the music and I go and see them live. This is for judgemental use and should be deleted after 24 hours.

Click on the 'Everything Everything' tab to find more links!