You can listen to "Be Still" below.
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Showing posts with label Stadium-Indie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stadium-Indie. Show all posts
Monday, 15 February 2016
[LISTEN] Only Shadows - Be Still
Only Shadows have revealed a new version of their track "Be Still". The new version is by far the best one yet, with bigger vocals, bigger guitars, well basically bigger everything. It really does sound like the band are on the cusp of big things.
You can listen to "Be Still" below.
You can listen to "Be Still" below.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Album Review... Morning Parade - Morning Parade
After two long years we've finally came round to reviewing this, no it's not a 2010 album it's Morning Parade's début! The Essex boys are really pleased with what they've created, and so they should be, we have a track-by-track review on the whole album!
Blue Winter
So here it is Morning Parade’s first album, one of many I hope! They burst straight out of the block with this belter of a track. Blue Winter is a track that gets you pumped for the album straight from the off, a track that’s also becoming a live favourite among fans it has everything a great track needs, a immense build-up and breakdown . This song was actually written to be an album opener, and it’s paid off!
Out of 10: 8.5/10
Headlights
A track that I fell in love with from the first play, not on the record but when I saw them play live for the very first time. This track really stood out for me and I’m really pleased that after all this time they’ve decided to recorded it and pop it in the album. This is what I’d call ‘old’ Morning Parade, it’s got a great charisma and has lyrics that you can see everyone at a gig singing!
Out of 10: 9/10
Carousel
At the beginning of the album sessions this was a five minute acoustic disco epic, but after they went into the studio with David Kosten he tinkered with it and this is the outcome. A three minute radio friendly anthem with everything you need in a chart-topping track. The track has an evocative feel to it with slick synths playing a big part in bringing that to the track.
Out of 10: 9/10
Running Down The Aisle
Fans from the beginning would remember Steve playing a bit of piano on some old tracks, and it’s nice to hear Steve once again behind the set of the piano. They’ve really pushed the boundaries on this song; with more of an experimental feel to it it’s once again a unforgettable track!
Out of 10: 10/10
Us & Ourselves
The lyrics are sung with such heart and soul, Andy (the drummer) has his work cut out here as he doesn't have one second to breathe, a song filled with great drumming accompanied with the riffs (down to Steve and Chad) and synths (Ben) that have gotten them the fan-base. With added backing vocals (Phil and Ben) the song gets more depth, more in depth as I've ever heard from this band before.
Out of 10: 9/10
Under The Stars
Not much has changed since the original recording of this track, but why fix something that isn’t broken! The track starts off with a lovely guitar rhythm, then Steve's vocals kick in and your ears are treated to brilliant singing. The synths played in the background just give this such an atmospheric sound, and it is an excellent addition to what is a brilliant intro. Bass kicks in for a bit then it all faded away to more majestic synths. "I'm gonna set my sight, I'm gonna set you soul alight" I can only assume this is Steve (and indeed the band) giving us a glimmer of what is to come. This track is everything I want Morning Parade to be, just mesmerising!
Out of 10: 10/10
Close To Your Heart
But one thing is for sure that this track is amazing. You can hear the whole band enjoy playing this, even though this is recorded in a studio they still have such chemistry. This was one of the earliest songs to be given away from the new album so I wouldn't say it's bored me, but lets say I've over played it a bit! Still, I won't take anything away from the lads, a great track!
Out of 10: 8/10
Half Litre Bottle
After hearing this song for the first time at their hometown show in 2010 I knew it was going to be on the album, when it was first played it was on an acoustic guitar and that alone. It’s amazing to see what they’ve done to what was originally a stunning track. There isn’t much to the song but that’s what makes it great, just listening to the track you can’t help but fall in love with it!
Out of 10: 10/10
Monday Morning
Once again this track has had a complete makeover from its initial incarnation, but I know why. They’ve said multiple times in interviews that they felt that this song could be a whole lot more, even if it meant being a b-side in a future single, but they pushed the boundaries even more and it got onto the album, another slow song this is a track that is about laying in bed on a Monday just before the alarm goes off. One that the fans love as every Monday morning they quote lyrics from the song, this IS one that’ll stay in the set-list for years to come!
Out of 10: 9/10
Speechless
This song nearly didn’t make the album, crazy right? It was up against ‘Close To Your Heart’, but after Ben fought hard for this and making himself really passionate about the track ultimately got this track onto the record. I for one am glad that this made it onto the album as ever since I heard the acoustic version on the Absolute session it’s steadily grown to be my favourite up there with ‘Youth’.
Out of 10: 10/10
Born Alone
The first time I heard this was when they were playing XOYO in London, they closed the set on this and ever since then they’ve played this in 99% of their sets! One of the tracks that haven’t been recorded in any format was this track, and I can see why. They’ve kept the epic closing to the album all themselves; as every band knows you need to end strong on any album, and you can’t end any stronger than ‘Born Alone’. The longest track on the album and to be frank with you, the best. “I was born alone, but I won’t die alone”
Out of 10: 10/10
Morning Parade - Morning Parade
Out of 10: 9.3/10
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[OFFICIAL SITE]
Blue Winter
So here it is Morning Parade’s first album, one of many I hope! They burst straight out of the block with this belter of a track. Blue Winter is a track that gets you pumped for the album straight from the off, a track that’s also becoming a live favourite among fans it has everything a great track needs, a immense build-up and breakdown . This song was actually written to be an album opener, and it’s paid off!
Out of 10: 8.5/10
Headlights
A track that I fell in love with from the first play, not on the record but when I saw them play live for the very first time. This track really stood out for me and I’m really pleased that after all this time they’ve decided to recorded it and pop it in the album. This is what I’d call ‘old’ Morning Parade, it’s got a great charisma and has lyrics that you can see everyone at a gig singing!
Out of 10: 9/10
Carousel
At the beginning of the album sessions this was a five minute acoustic disco epic, but after they went into the studio with David Kosten he tinkered with it and this is the outcome. A three minute radio friendly anthem with everything you need in a chart-topping track. The track has an evocative feel to it with slick synths playing a big part in bringing that to the track.
Out of 10: 9/10
Running Down The Aisle
Fans from the beginning would remember Steve playing a bit of piano on some old tracks, and it’s nice to hear Steve once again behind the set of the piano. They’ve really pushed the boundaries on this song; with more of an experimental feel to it it’s once again a unforgettable track!
Out of 10: 10/10
Us & Ourselves
The lyrics are sung with such heart and soul, Andy (the drummer) has his work cut out here as he doesn't have one second to breathe, a song filled with great drumming accompanied with the riffs (down to Steve and Chad) and synths (Ben) that have gotten them the fan-base. With added backing vocals (Phil and Ben) the song gets more depth, more in depth as I've ever heard from this band before.
Out of 10: 9/10
Under The Stars
Not much has changed since the original recording of this track, but why fix something that isn’t broken! The track starts off with a lovely guitar rhythm, then Steve's vocals kick in and your ears are treated to brilliant singing. The synths played in the background just give this such an atmospheric sound, and it is an excellent addition to what is a brilliant intro. Bass kicks in for a bit then it all faded away to more majestic synths. "I'm gonna set my sight, I'm gonna set you soul alight" I can only assume this is Steve (and indeed the band) giving us a glimmer of what is to come. This track is everything I want Morning Parade to be, just mesmerising!
Out of 10: 10/10
Close To Your Heart
But one thing is for sure that this track is amazing. You can hear the whole band enjoy playing this, even though this is recorded in a studio they still have such chemistry. This was one of the earliest songs to be given away from the new album so I wouldn't say it's bored me, but lets say I've over played it a bit! Still, I won't take anything away from the lads, a great track!
Out of 10: 8/10
Half Litre Bottle
After hearing this song for the first time at their hometown show in 2010 I knew it was going to be on the album, when it was first played it was on an acoustic guitar and that alone. It’s amazing to see what they’ve done to what was originally a stunning track. There isn’t much to the song but that’s what makes it great, just listening to the track you can’t help but fall in love with it!
Out of 10: 10/10
Monday Morning
Once again this track has had a complete makeover from its initial incarnation, but I know why. They’ve said multiple times in interviews that they felt that this song could be a whole lot more, even if it meant being a b-side in a future single, but they pushed the boundaries even more and it got onto the album, another slow song this is a track that is about laying in bed on a Monday just before the alarm goes off. One that the fans love as every Monday morning they quote lyrics from the song, this IS one that’ll stay in the set-list for years to come!
Out of 10: 9/10
Speechless
This song nearly didn’t make the album, crazy right? It was up against ‘Close To Your Heart’, but after Ben fought hard for this and making himself really passionate about the track ultimately got this track onto the record. I for one am glad that this made it onto the album as ever since I heard the acoustic version on the Absolute session it’s steadily grown to be my favourite up there with ‘Youth’.
Out of 10: 10/10
Born Alone
The first time I heard this was when they were playing XOYO in London, they closed the set on this and ever since then they’ve played this in 99% of their sets! One of the tracks that haven’t been recorded in any format was this track, and I can see why. They’ve kept the epic closing to the album all themselves; as every band knows you need to end strong on any album, and you can’t end any stronger than ‘Born Alone’. The longest track on the album and to be frank with you, the best. “I was born alone, but I won’t die alone”
Out of 10: 10/10
Morning Parade - Morning Parade
Out of 10: 9.3/10
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Sounds of 2012 - #1 - Kilto Take
So here we are, again. Kilto Take are our top tip for 2012. The three friends from the Bedford area, they've been featured a few times on the blog in the past year, and they've even been on radar ever since I started blogging about music. They've had an amazing year, headlining the Islington 02 Academy, being written about all over the internet (including Music Week), releasing a live recording of one of their album tracks - 'Mimic' - and even playing for us at our last official "It's All Indie Live Show" back in August of this year.
2012 sets to be bigger and better for them, still receiving massive applause from their fans after the release of their début EP the threesome are set to release their first long play in 2012 on the Medical Records label. You can hear a live recording of their new song 'Mimic' on youtube, or by scrolling down below and clicking. They've drawn on their various influences to generate a sound that is distinctive yet has echoes of stadium anthems all over it! I wouldn't be surprised if they end up supporting Muse or Bloc Party in the next year or so.
I'd just like to say, keep an eye on them, the album is coming! And be sure to check them out in London on the 29th of December, they're playing at the Monto Water Rats in Kings Cross, I'm going, and so should you! Missing this amazing band play live will be a huge disappointed on your part, they've got such a great front-man, and he is always backed up by two great friends of his. 2012 here we come!
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
2012 sets to be bigger and better for them, still receiving massive applause from their fans after the release of their début EP the threesome are set to release their first long play in 2012 on the Medical Records label. You can hear a live recording of their new song 'Mimic' on youtube, or by scrolling down below and clicking. They've drawn on their various influences to generate a sound that is distinctive yet has echoes of stadium anthems all over it! I wouldn't be surprised if they end up supporting Muse or Bloc Party in the next year or so.
I'd just like to say, keep an eye on them, the album is coming! And be sure to check them out in London on the 29th of December, they're playing at the Monto Water Rats in Kings Cross, I'm going, and so should you! Missing this amazing band play live will be a huge disappointed on your part, they've got such a great front-man, and he is always backed up by two great friends of his. 2012 here we come!
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Gig Review... Morning Parade @ Camden Barfly, London, 8th December 2011
This was a special night for everyone who was there, for the fans that'll be hearing the album played from start to finish, to the journalists and press that have yet to see them play a small venue and see what they're like. Not forgetting the band too, this is a journey for them too, this is the first time they've played a set in this order and afterwards Steve told me "it's really great to hear it back and to see what the record sounds like being played from start to finish".
Even though this was 50% journalists and 50% fans they still performed to their high standard of showman-ship. They kicked off the show with one of the songs they streamed before the Scala show a few months back, 'Blue Winter', following that was one of their older songs, the song of which I am very happy to see on the album! 'Headlights'. 'Us & Ourselves' and 'Under The Stars' got the most amount of people dancing like loonies and singing to their hearts-content. Also, as it was the album playback party they played 'Half Litre Bottle', which from the very first time I heard it even to now, I still can't believe how beautiful it is. What's more is that the new version of 'Monday Morning' is just as stunning as the track before it, this too got some fans singing along and certainly was the highlight of the night for me. But then came 'Speechless' and 'Born Alone' maybe the best two closing tracks to any live performance or album. I was just so glad to be down there to bear witness to this, I'll be following them closely in the next few months, some treats are coming your way
Morning Parade played:
Blue Winter
Headlights
Carousel
Running Down The Aisle
Us & Ourselves
Under The Stars
Close To Your Heart
Half Litre Bottle
Monday Morning
Speechless
Born Alone
Morning Parade - Close To Your Heart by It's All Indie (Fred)
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Even though this was 50% journalists and 50% fans they still performed to their high standard of showman-ship. They kicked off the show with one of the songs they streamed before the Scala show a few months back, 'Blue Winter', following that was one of their older songs, the song of which I am very happy to see on the album! 'Headlights'. 'Us & Ourselves' and 'Under The Stars' got the most amount of people dancing like loonies and singing to their hearts-content. Also, as it was the album playback party they played 'Half Litre Bottle', which from the very first time I heard it even to now, I still can't believe how beautiful it is. What's more is that the new version of 'Monday Morning' is just as stunning as the track before it, this too got some fans singing along and certainly was the highlight of the night for me. But then came 'Speechless' and 'Born Alone' maybe the best two closing tracks to any live performance or album. I was just so glad to be down there to bear witness to this, I'll be following them closely in the next few months, some treats are coming your way
Morning Parade played:
Blue Winter
Headlights
Carousel
Running Down The Aisle
Us & Ourselves
Under The Stars
Close To Your Heart
Half Litre Bottle
Monday Morning
Speechless
Born Alone
Morning Parade - Close To Your Heart by It's All Indie (Fred)
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
EP Review... Morning Parade - Us & Ourselves EP
I'd say this is the start of the album promotion now, Morning Parade has been in my life for 18 months now and it's been a great journey as a fan! From seeing them open up the Junction in Cambridge to playing The Scala two months ago I'm sure they'll go on to be even bigger by this time next year! The 'EP' isn't a proper 'EP' in the sense that they went out to do an 'EP' rather more it's a single with a live song and a remix. One thing I was excited about is the new version of 'Youth'.
Us & Ourselves:
With this being the first single off the album - as of which, fans have been waiting a while for - the song proves the hype right down to the final beat. The lads are once again on top form here with one of their best songs to date (that we know of).
Out of 10: 9.5/10
Youth:
The new version of 'Youth' is so superior to the demo that I've heard over 200 times (according to last.fm). But one thing Morning Parade know how to do is progress, and my gosh, this song really represents what they're about! Still to this day I don't know why it's not on the album but at least it can be a fan favourite. Steve has said to me that "we want to put new music out, so 'Youth' had to be missed off the album", still I am pleased it got released, this is still, and always will be my favourite song by these guys...
Out of 10: 10/10
Us & Ourselves (Live):
This live version of the single is a great way to see/hear how good the band is performing live, they are so tight and even when playing live they sound so polished!
Out of 10: 9/10
Us & Ourselves (St Lucia Remix):
I am one to admit straight away, I'm not a fan of remixes, yet for some reason this remix has proved to be the anomaly. The big bass running up to the chorus isn't amazing but it's the latter thrid of the track that really grabs you, very atmospheric, even by a remixes standard, it's amazing to see the remixer still keep the 'Morning Parade-touch' on the track. That being, I'll still never give more than a 8/10 for a remix.
Out of 10: 8/10
Morning Parade - Us & Ourselves EP
Out of 10: 9.1/10
Morning Parade 'Us & Ourselves' (KAMUKI Bring Back the 80's Remix) EMI Records by kamukihq
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
Us & Ourselves:
With this being the first single off the album - as of which, fans have been waiting a while for - the song proves the hype right down to the final beat. The lads are once again on top form here with one of their best songs to date (that we know of).
"I kick my legs and I surface for airThe lyrics are sung with such heart and soul, Andy (the drummer) has his work cut out here as he doesn't have one second to breathe, a song filled with great drumming accompanied with the riffs (down to Steve and Chad) and synths (Ben) that have gotten them the fan-base. With added backing vocals (Phil and Ben) the song gets more depth, more in depth as I've ever heard from this band before.
I'll show you when I'm out of luck"
Out of 10: 9.5/10
Youth:
The new version of 'Youth' is so superior to the demo that I've heard over 200 times (according to last.fm). But one thing Morning Parade know how to do is progress, and my gosh, this song really represents what they're about! Still to this day I don't know why it's not on the album but at least it can be a fan favourite. Steve has said to me that "we want to put new music out, so 'Youth' had to be missed off the album", still I am pleased it got released, this is still, and always will be my favourite song by these guys...
Out of 10: 10/10
Us & Ourselves (Live):
This live version of the single is a great way to see/hear how good the band is performing live, they are so tight and even when playing live they sound so polished!
"Hit the ground and start running"The best opening lyrics to any of their songs - bar 'Youth' - and when they're playing this live, people are singing it so much they're sweating! Apart from the dodgy equalization 6 seconds in this track is just as good as the studio track.
Out of 10: 9/10
Us & Ourselves (St Lucia Remix):
I am one to admit straight away, I'm not a fan of remixes, yet for some reason this remix has proved to be the anomaly. The big bass running up to the chorus isn't amazing but it's the latter thrid of the track that really grabs you, very atmospheric, even by a remixes standard, it's amazing to see the remixer still keep the 'Morning Parade-touch' on the track. That being, I'll still never give more than a 8/10 for a remix.
Out of 10: 8/10
Morning Parade - Us & Ourselves EP
Out of 10: 9.1/10
Morning Parade 'Us & Ourselves' (KAMUKI Bring Back the 80's Remix) EMI Records by kamukihq
[FACEBOOK]
[OFFICIAL SITE]
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