Band of the Moment #10

So after a lengthy lay off thanks to work commitments, university work and other things there’s been no time to update the blog which is a shame! However we’re back now with yet another awesome band for you all to check out.  This week’s band of the moment, Ded Rabbit, are 4 brothers from Scotland who offer up infectious indie-pop.

Claiming the likes of Hendrix, QOTSA and Led Zep as influences I immediately liked the sound of this band of brothers. First single on the band page was ‘The Three Tones’ which is a catchy guitar driven tune and with a big riff that kicks in mid way through the song it immediately hooked us onto their sound. Next up was ‘Run’ with an intro reminiscent of Silent Alarm by Bloc Party the song is a slower more melodic single than Three Tones yet with lyrics and a chorus that you’ll be singing along with after a few listens this is a big single. By the time we reach ‘We Could Be Free’ its evident Ded Rabbit are no flash in the pan band copying every other band. Instead they’re offering up much more and this is by far their best record. Instantly catchy guitar riffs hook you in, while the Ryan Jarmin-esque vocals are the gateway to clever and meaningful lyrics, perhaps it is the vocals but this song is very reminiscent of early Cribs. Final song, ‘Elm Row’ was a massive curveball as instead of guitars or drums leading the way it was a saxophone – while I like a band who are innovative it just didn’t work for me. That’s not to say it’s a terrible song, I just think the boys need to stick to the funk infused guitar sounds which work so well on the other three songs.

Laid back vocals, big drums and funky guitar riffs – Ded Rabbit offer everything we want in a band and if they keep this up then they will no doubt be a band making waves in the indie world. The brothers offer something different to every run of the mill band and it will be something like this that finally breaks the stranglehold pop music has on the charts. Despite only having four songs up this is a great intro into the band. Keep it up guys!

Check them out for yourselves over at;

http://soundcloud.com/ded-rabbit

https://www.facebook.com/DedRabbit
http://www.dedrabbit.co.uk
https://twitter.com/Ded_Rabbit

Band of the Moment #9

So today we’ve hit a new level, we’re now a truly international blog with our next band of the moment. Coming from Los Angeles, these two sisters of Jennifer and Jessica Clavin, otherwise known as ‘Bleached’ offer up a Californian tinged pop-punk, along with the occasional surf infused rock and roll.

I think any American girl fronted rock band will remind us of Hole, in fact the vocals on Electric Chair sound very reminiscent of Courtney Love. However Bleached do what every simple, guitar band should do – make great music which makes you want to sing and move to, so comparisons to this band or that band are inevitable and shouldn’t really be paid attention to. We first heard of these through the Guardian band of the day blog, whereby they were (unsurprisingly) slated – but as I’ve never read a positive review by that particular author, I assume this must mean Bleached are actually a good band, which they are.

Latest single, ‘Searching Through the Past’ is incredibly catchy, you’ll find it will be stuck in your head for a long time, so I apologise for that. However it’s a good song so you should actually be grateful! While it sounds simple, slightly repetitive even, it does what every good rock and roll song should and makes you listen again and again, it’s a pop-punk song which sounds just like it’s come from California, which it has. It’s my favourite track, followed closely by ‘Think of You’

Unfortunately this is only a quick review as we’re away for the rest of the week, but I had to get Bleached up on the blog now as they’re awesome. If you don’t believe me check out the rest of their stuff here;

http://HelloBleached.tumblr.com

http://www.twitter.com/HelloBleached
http://www.myspace.com/hellobleached

As always – comments, opinions etc are encouraged! Let us know what you think.

Band of the Moment #8

So April rolls on and we’re back with another band for you all to check out. The summer infused Mayfly’s who come from Kingston-upon-Thames are the perfect band to brighten up these awful rainy days we’ve had recently.

With 11 tracks over on their Soundcloud page, we had enough to gain a clear insight into this wonderful band. Aurelie Konter’s vocals sound a lot like a Kate Nash infused with Lily Allen - a very easy listening voice that you struggle not to fall in love with, while the guitars, bass and drums flow together to create fun and feel good records. Opening track ‘My Doll’ is an indie pop-tastic treat, it has an underlying base of pure funk and soul – themes which are brought much more to the fore in ‘Don't Mind If I Don't’ , ‘Daft Punk Medley’ and ‘Hold On Care’. The more you listen to this band the more you like them – they’re also give a truly international feel with tracks like ‘La Española’ and ‘Guacamole’.

There’s nothing to dislike about this band. They give a sense of not taking things too seriously and just general fun through their records (which, if other reviews are true, is also how they are in person). So if you are, like me, sick of this wet and miserable weather and are longing for sunny days and summer then have a listen to the Mayfly’s and you’ll soon find yourself drifting off into a better place.

Check them out;
http://soundcloud.com/mayflys/tracks?page=1
http://mayflysmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Mayflys
https://twitter.com/TheMayflys

Madison - a quick review

When this blog was started, one of the things I personally hoped for was it would simply mean I could discover new bands, if people liked the rubbish I wrote then that was an added advantage.

The fact the blog is now perilously close to hitting 2,000 page views has amazed me. Yet more outstanding are the bands we’ve been turned on to since starting. A few of them are ones we’ve stumbled upon but others are ones who’ve sent us messages and, in the likes of Madison, who sent us a link to their soundcloud page earlier this week it appears there’s not a shortage of fantastic, untapped, unsigned bands out there who just need some promotion.

The first song on their soundcloud was a piano led ‘Like Glue’ which is probably the most ‘pop’ friendly track we’ve heard so far. Lead singer Russell’s voice is fairly distinctive with a colloquial twang and when combined with the elegant piano means the whole song sways with an essence of the Frey’s ‘How To Save a Life’ which is a form that clearly works as that song was huge, and while this is not a style of music I personally like, you can’t say this is a bad track.

The next single ‘Armbands’ was a pleasant surprise, completely different to the first track this is far more like current indie faves ‘Twin Atlantic’ who also hail from bonny Scotland. It’s got everything that works; catchy lyrics you can sing along with, drums which you want to move to and instantly recognisable guitars. If the rest of their stuff is based on this then they could potentially be a good band. While ‘Like Glue’ is a good song, it just doesn’t seem right. ‘Armbands’ is far more your traditional and proven band sound, but there’s a reason why it’s  successful and as long as Madison keep to it, then they have strong potential - Keep going guys!

Band of the Moment #7

Our next hottest band is in the shape of the four piece all female, ‘Pins’ hailing from Manchester. These have been on every major site out there in the blogosphere recently so it’s only fair we do the same, which I’m sure they’re over the moon about. Probably.

Having only one song recorded makes this slightly harder to back up, but these are going to be huge.  Such is the hype of these girls already that it rivals the wave that built up in the few months before ‘The Vaccines’ broke through last year.  On first listen of ‘Eleventh Hour’ I was amazed, Warpaint remain my favourite girl group in years, and ‘Pins’ are similar in the way their psych-esque, distorted guitars, and epic riffs float over the thumping and capturing drum beat.  Faith Holgate’s haunting vocals become almost a choral chant entrancing you in to this song further, until suddenly it’s over. Leaving you wanting more. Much more.

I hope they can transfer this epic song to the live stage, and that the rest of their catalogue matches the level of ‘Eleventh Hour’ but I’m positive they will be and will definitely be in attendance at their next London gig. Follow them now, go and see them if you can because I promise you, by the end of 2012 they’ll be massive.

Check them out;

http://soundcloud.com/pinsmusic

http://www.wearepins.co.uk/

French Crops live review...

Now we here at Mixed Musing headquarters like to think we know a good band when we hear one, and a few weeks ago when one of the guys from French Crops contacted us we discovered, what we believed, to be a very promising band, and tonight we went to discover if they could actually transform across a promising record to the live arena...

Being first on and facing a half empty room it was no easy challenge for the boys but they appeared with a swagger and braced with an armoury of banging tunes they thrashed out pure classic rock and roll. “Jack in the box” and “know How” got the crowd moving, as friends and fans of the band led the way but what really proved the defining moment was penultimate song, “The Avery” having now filled the room with an eager crowd the boys ripped into their debut video/single with devastating ease, foot tapping turned into full on jumping and the crowd was in the palm of the bands hand.

Tonight proved why French Crops are one of London’s hottest unsigned bands and you had better get into them now before they launch into the mainstream. Our only criticism?  The set wasn’t long enough, and the guitar heads had too much excess string which kept flashing in the lights and could have been cut off, but that’s pointless criticism for the sake of it, lads, you smashed it tonight and we’ll definitely be at your next gig. Awesome stuff.

Band of the Moment #6

It’s been a while since our last ‘Band of the Moment’ but we’re back with a fantastic new 4 piece who hail from Scotland – Edinburgh to be exact – ‘The Cosmonauts’.

With four recordings up on their reverbnation page you’ll soon become completely hooked with all of them like we did. The first single we heard, ‘Dawn Breaks’ opens us up the band with a cheery, summer-tinged record. A perfect accompaniment to the beautiful weather we’ve been having here in London. ‘Dawn Breaks’ offers a 60’s sounding vibe, with a hint of the Coral but the soft guitar riffs keep this fresh and modern. However any premonitions or pigeon holes you may have placed The Cosmonauts in are quickly blown away when the punky, rocky sounding ‘The Howl’ begins. Think of it as the love child of the White Stripes, The Pixies and early Kings of Leons – and any other beer soaked rock band you’ve encountered – in short, it’s epic.  Their Rockabilly sounds continue with ‘Tell Me’, but just when you think you have ‘The Cosmonauts’ vibe locked down up steps ‘Memoirs’ and the folksy country sound that floats out your speakers once again shatters your preconceptions.

This is an incredibly diverse band, probably the most diverse we’ve reviewed. The Cosmonauts really do offer something for everyone and we believe will constantly come up with the goods to please and surprise. Every artist we’ve put into the ‘Band of the Moment’ section we believe are heading for success but if The Cosmonauts aren’t a favoured choice of alternative music in the next few years then something’s seriously wrong.  We’re certainly going to be following these with great interest and hope they make the trip to London for a gig soon.

Check them out for yourselves here;

http://www.reverbnation.com/cosmonauts69

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cosmonauts/288995347872
http://www.myspace.com/cosmonauts69
https://twitter.com/thecosmonauts69

The Vex - A Fools Desire

Firm Mixed Musings favourites ‘The Vex’ revealed their darker sounding vibe with new release ‘A Fools Desire’ today. The clash-esque style of the previous releases has edged away and a rougher, darker sound blasts out in this two minute beast.

They keep the ska edge which they play so well but when combined with possibly their strongest lyrical offering to date, along with the heavier bass lines and rockier concoction they’ve produced, in our opinion, their best single yet.

If you’re still yet to check out The Vex at the best – live on stage, then make sure you head down to the Camden Barfly next Thursday (5^th April) and see for yourselves why they're the one of the best unsigned bands in dear old Blighty.

A skint Friday night waiting for summer...

Having spent all our money once again on tickets to more festivals than we should have (Benicassim taking the majority of the pot) along with the Stone Roses and Blur gigs we’re flat broke so are spending the night sat at home, watching the Ronnie Wood show.

Thankfully there’s nothing better than discovering new acts, so rather than wasting the evening we’ve going through the latest artists announced for our last festival of the year the amazing Bestival, and so far we’ve discovered a few new acts to check out when we’re there, but one we’ll most definitely be stopping by on is the stunning Nina Nesbitt.

Recently we’ve found ourselves leaning towards more acoustic, folk music – most probably due to this winter seemingly lasting forever, this kind of music just resonates sunshine, warmth and festivals. So we’re pleased to add another artist to our repertoire. She’s already built quite a following, bolstered no doubt by her current position of supporting Ed Sheeran (of which comparisons too are unavoidable). However we’re not that big on Ed, whereas so far Nina’s winning us over – especially when we learnt she’s only been gigging for less than a year! The cover of JME is unusual yet it kind of works, but what sets Miss Nesbitt apart are her own tracks, ‘Skeletons’, ‘Glue’ and ‘Noserings & Shoestrings’ our current favourites.

It’s discovering artists like this that make festivals so amazing and currently Bestival is the event we’re most looking forward to this summer, if your coming as well then check out the wonderful Nina Nesbitt, you won’t regret it.

Band of the Moment #5

We know you’re probably (not) gutted that we missed last week’s best band of the moment blog, but never fear we’re back this week the delectable tones of ‘mylittlebrother’. Going against our usual preference of loud, brash, punchy, guitar driven anthems the calm and delicate songs from the band quickly found their way out of our speakers again and again.

Within the first half of mylittlebrother’s opening track, ‘Genevieve’ we knew this would be a band that we enjoy, fittingly perfect for this lazy Sunday afternoon we’re having. Simplicity is the key with their EP, and that is in no way a negative point, it’s proof that a well written song needn’t be over produced. The second track, Disney Films is probably our least favourite track but any doubts were soon washed away as the uplifting third track ‘Steve’ begins. From here the collection just grows and grows. From the piano led and firm favourite ‘Forty Eight, Blue Eyes’, with the soft background of distorted guitar combined with fuzzy vocals to the quicker foot-tapping melodies of ‘NoseDive’ with  harmonies that only serve to show off the beauty of mylittlebrothers story telling lyrics. 

A chance follow on twitter led us to discover these beautiful emotion filled songs, and we’ll be following the progress of mylittlebrother with great interest. If you’re a fan of folk music then you will love them, and if you’re not, then chances are you’ll probably love them anyway.

Check them out for yourselves on the links below and as always thoughts and comments are more than welcome!

http://www.soundclound.com/mylittlebrother
http://www.twitter.com/mlittlebrother
http://www.myspace.com/574536372
http://www.youtube.com/mylittlebrothermusic
http://mylittlebrothermusic.tumblr.com/
http://www.thisismyjam.com/mylittlebrother

Band of the Moment #4

With our reader count soaring (3 people even said they like it!), we’re pleased to present the fourth instalment of our ‘Band of the Moment’ section which see’s us landing in Essex for the wonderful ‘Dream in Colour’.

We came across this 4 piece when we saw their city session recording of debut single, ‘Strangest Place’ (which you can see below). Instantly, we were hooked with the incredible vocals of Richard Judge, which in turn led us to their website where we would discover that when combined with Peter Judge on drums, Michael Thackeray on guitar and Steve Daniels on bass we get a band that will sure to be making serious waves in 2012.

We’re struggling here to write something that’s not already been mentioned by the amazing reviews they’ve already had, (just check out their facebook page for proof). The collection of songs over on their official website shows a band with an incredibly diverse sound. From the Coral-esque ‘Fourteen’ to the minimal sounding but hauntingly stunning ‘Running to Pretend’ which demonstrates you don’t need mass production if you’ve got the talent.

This isn’t so much a review but an order for anyone who does happen to read this post to go and listen to this band.

Find out more at;

http://www.idreamincolourband.com
http://www.myspace.com/idreamincolourband
http://www.facebook.com/idreamincolourband
http://www.youtube.com/idreamincolourband
https://twitter.com/idreamincolour_x

The Cribs - Chi-Town Review

The Wakefield lads are back as a trio and today their first comeback single since Marr’s departure ‘Chi-Town’ was made public. It’s a record that signifies the third coming of the band and they’ve ditched the melodic rock that Marr brought to ‘City of Bugs’ and returned to their roots of distorted guitars and iconic riffs.
Stomping straight into the chorus the Jarman brothers are back with a vengeance. Yet perhaps it’s because I think that Johnny Marr is a God that this record just seems to be a little disappointing. Yes, it’s got the same formula as their first two albums which I loved but this just feels like it could have been a surplus record from either of them. A repetitive, catchy melody? Check. Ryan’s now traditional husky vocals? Check. Breakdown into an instantly recognisable riff? Check. All the ingredients are here for this to be another epic album but so far I feel a little let down with this comeback single.

For me The Cribs appear to have taken a step back, Johnny Marr’s influence has never been clearer, and rather than attempt a record that proves the trio are as great as we know they could be, they’ve slipped back into a time-proven routine. However it’s only been on my iPod for 10 minutes so it may yet grow on me, but at the moment when ‘In the Belly of the Brazen Bull’is released I’m not going to be rushing to but it.

Rating: 5/10

Listen here and let us know what you think! - http://soundcloud.com/wichita-recordings/the-cribs-chi-town/s-aMO89

So on a day when twitter became alight with musically uneducated youngsters who firstly started the day asking who Bon Iver were (or ‘Bonny Bear’ as they believed they were called), followed by quite frankly a disturbing development when ‘Who is Paul McCartney’ began trending. I felt it was time to stick up a review of living legend, Jack White’s new solo single ‘Love interruption’ from forthcoming album ‘Blunderbuss’ . It also happens to coincide with his newly announced tour dates in March.

Now I certainly fall into the side of the fence who believe pretty much everything he touches is amazing but I’ll admit I was apprehensive when it was announced he would be ditching the collaborations and releasing a solo album. Even on first listen of ‘Love Interruption’ I still wasn’t convinced this was a move that would work out. A slow melody of an acoustic guitar and bitter lyrics of love, “I want love to murder my own mother” isn’t a particular pleasant image or great start. Yet put it on repeat and it changes your mind, it’s typical Jack White awesomeness, I particularly welcome the return of country blues!

Of course there are negatives, firstly it’s not completely solo – there are the delicate vocals of Ruby Amanfu but I’ll forgive him. There are also parts I’m not so keen on, particularly around the 1 minute 12 seconds mark where they cut the instruments and Jack and Ruby sing in unison but ‘Love Interruption’ is a departure from the distorted riffs and fuzz of the White Stripes and Dead Weather and if the album is following this acoustic country blues style then Mr White’s done it again!

Rating 8/10  

Band of the Moment #3

So another week and another new band for you lot to check out. This time we’re heading out of the big smoke and heading into the countryside of Kent for ‘Gentlemen Duke’ and their irresistible country folk which will evidently lead to strong bouts of foot tapping and cider swigging (we think).

We first came across these guys last year during the ‘Glastonbury emerging talent contest’ and now sadly as with any band that sounds remotely folk they will face immediate comparisons to Mumford and Sons, but that’s unfair as Gentlemen Duke are from a copycat band. Their songs are far more punchy and energetic, and as the live recording of ‘Bad Man’ proves they can cut it out on the stage as well (particularly when it slips unnoticeably into an amazing cover of ‘Rolling in the Deep’, somehow Adele has never sounded better!). the collection of songs over on their facebook page represent the band at full steam, an irresistible compilation of punchy beats, melodies and storytelling that demonstrate exactly what is missing from chart music these days.

If we have to single one out as a favourite, then it would have to be the enticing beat and lyrics of ‘Calamity Jane’, Forfolksake.com commented that this one is reminiscent of the Coral at their best, and we would have to agree. However to choose a favourite is impossible as ‘Gentlemen Duke’ are a refreshing breath of air in an otherwise stale music scene. For sure, folk music isn’t a wildly celebrated genre but with bands such as ‘Gentlemen Duke’ forging the way then a full folk revival is just around the corner. They’re able to capture a sound that fits perfectly both in a tiny London pub venue or out in the middle of a festival field in the summer and if you can, catch them in both, you won’t be let down.

Check them out over at;

https://www.facebook.com/gentlemenduke

Or buy their EP - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mild-mannered-madmen-ep/id481599451

French Crops debut single!

So before we move onto our next band of the week we’re revisiting the amazing ‘French Crops’ once more for their debut video and song, ‘The Avery’.

Filmed in a recording studio as the band play through the song, this is no elaborate video with a multi layered story line (we’re looking at you Ed Sheeran and your annoying debut video for ‘The A Team’) and you know why? Because the band don’t need to, they let their music do the talking and that’s all that matters. Starting with a bang, the drums and vocals create a chant that builds anticipation before the songs drops into a frenetic 3 minutes of pure rock and roll elegance that will leave you desperate for more. French Crops are coming out of the starting blocks with a blistering record and if they can keep up this level of energy in every record then we’re positive this is a band heading for success – Just remember, you heard them here first!

Band of the Moment #2

So next up on our band of the moment list is fellow south Londoners ‘French Crops’. We first came across these lads earlier this week and were instantly hooked with the riff’s and extremely catchy beat of single, ‘Know How’. Usually with up and coming bands your able to recognise immediately the well known bands that have influenced them, however ‘French Crops’ provide something that feels comfortably similar yet also something which is new and exciting, these aren’t your regular run of the mill band.

If you head over to their facebook or reverbnation pages (links at the end of this!) you’ll discover two singles, ‘Know How’ and ‘Jack in the Box’. Both represent a band with a distinct sound, there’s a sense of funk in their music which you can’t help absorbing and wanting to move to. ‘Know How’ starts with the catchy riff and simple beat which works so well and keeps the song progressing, there’s something very Stone Roses-esque about the song as it slows down around the 2 minute mark before lighting up into a crescendo that we’re positive will be a live favourite. ‘Jack in the Box’ has an amazing bassline and drum beat which then provides a basis for the guitars and vocals to explore a different feel to ‘Know How’ which is why this is our favourite song by the lads. The chorus is simple and catchy; ensuring this is a loud, definitive sing-a-long and one we feel will be a fan favourite.

All in all we’re very glad to have found ‘French Crops’, we come across many bands on the social networking sites ranging from the bad to the sublime and thankfully these fall into the latter category. We’re yet to see these lads live so we can’t comment on that side but with songs this good we’re positive they won’t disappoint and look forward to catching them on the London circuit soon.

Check them out for yourselves over at;

https://www.reverbnation.com/frenchcrops
https://www.facebook.com/thefrenchcrops
http://www.myspace.com/thefrenchcrops
http://www.twitter.com/frenchcrops
http://www.youtube.com/FrenchCropsuk

and while you’re there show your support to get them on the Graham Coxon tour!

http://toursupport.grahamcoxon.co.uk/share/entry/396

Band of the Moment #1

So, first up in our (hopefully) weekly new segment ‘Band of the Moment’ is the London based, ‘The Vex’. We first saw these last weekend supporting the legendary indie icon Pete Doherty and were blown away by the energy and performance from these boys. Little did we realise that this was actually 4 members of previous Mixed Musings favourites (and the now defunct) KRAKATOA.

The band had captured the room within minutes, their Clash-esque rock and roll irresistible, especially in a moment when guitar music is in such dire straits. Fast, punchy songs intermingle with slow Ska moments have the room bouncing and jumping, had you walked in at that moment you would have believed this was actually the headline act of the evening.  

Officially launched this week, we’re glad to have been able to witness the first gig for The Vex as we’re sure within the year they’ll be massive. If bands like The Vaccines and Tribes can come from relative obscurity to full blown radio favourites then the Vex had better be prepared for the same. While it’s a shame to learn KRAKATOA have split, at least from the ashes of them an even better band have arrived. catch them now and spread the word.

Check out our favourite song ‘Invictus’ over on their soundcloud (we accept no responsibility for loss of hours listening to them.)

http://soundcloud.com/thevexofficial

and connect with them at;

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thevexofficial
Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/TheVexOfficial
MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/TheVexOfficial

Baby by Tribes - Album Review

So, January continues on and the second potential album of the year has already been released – ‘Baby’ by new Camden heroes, Tribes.

Having only heard three singles before the album, (We Were Children, Sappho and when My Day Comes) I was very much looking forward to this album full of loud, brash guitar led anthems however the band that emerge from ‘Baby’ demonstrate roots that are reaching into far different genres from the last real Camden Heroes, The Libertines.  Sure the leather jackets, scruffy hair, skinny jeans suggests they could be just another landfill indie band who grew up upon early naughties music yet Tribes prove they’re a more than that. 2011 was the year of the Vaccines, and while the hype hasn’t quite reached that level yet, signs are looking good that Tribes will take the best new band crown for 2012.

Opening with strong contender, “Whenever”, a slow builder which slips into my favourite track on the album, “We Were Children” (The video filmed atop a shop in Camden as the police try get in) how’s that for rock and roll? Some songs you feel you know immediately and the loud choruses are catchy and easy, however at times you feel like some of these songs belong on a different album. There are sounds that lead from Warpaint to Gaslight anthem through nostalgic Brit-pop and the beginning of “Alone or with friends” is very reminiscent of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Tree’s”.

Stand out Tracks;

We Were Children

Loud, brash guitars, big sing-a-long chorus. What more do you want? Guaranteed to be an anthem of the year.

Walking in the Street

An instant favourite, the catchy riff is reminiscent of 90’s American rock music. A definite song that blows away the winter blues and has you wanting summer to hurry up.

All in all ‘Baby’ is a little disappointing. I was hoping for a band that could return with a frenetic guitar packed album, similar to ‘Up the Bracket’ or ‘Is this it’. While Tribes might not be that band, it doesn’t mean this is a bad album, in fact it’s very, very good. Just not quite what I was hoping/expecting.

Rating: 7/10

A short break in Albion

Pungent whifs of teen spirit keep me awake on the train home after yet another Peter Doherty gig. As always as soon as he walks on the crowd surge to the barrier, where it becomes a throng of sweaty bodies entwining. Yet despite this frankly disgusting image, there is something quite comforting in the fact that inhibitions are forgotton as the first chord of ‘Sheepskin Tearaway’ rings out to the dying moments of Albion hugs, sweat, cheers and friendships are created and all is good in the world.

What is it about this 31 year old man, who ten years ago created a new generation of leather jackets, skinny jeans, long hair rebelling youth,that can still capture the hearts of those who don’t read the Daily mail?  No two gigs have ever had the same crowd, from the young angry teens to the mature married couples his able to reach a chord in all of us. Something which no artist has been able to do since. It’s still the Libertines songs which generate the most frenetic responses, no doubt reaching a new generation after the Reading and Leeds sets a few years back,  but there is a growing crowd who call for the babyshambles and Grace/Wastelands songs.

The Maccabees - Given to the Wild review

So finally the first major album of the year, the highly anticipated third album from the Maccabees has been released, and having been told to expect a different album from the boys they’ve provided just that.

The build up to the album had the band stating to the NME that the album is “the first time we’ve been allowed to sound like we want” and if this is true, whoever prevented this sound from coming out years ago should be sacked immediately. Given to the Wild is an amazing record.

Those hoping for more of the big stabbing guitars of lead single ‘Pelican’ will be a little disappointed. The lead single is the most energetic song as they’ve mostly thrown out those big sing-a-long choruses and Indie-rock riffs from the previous albums and replaced them with a far more diverse and powerful collection - proving the band have come on leaps and bounds in the intervening two years since Wall of Arms. Easing in with a 2 minute intro which moulds itself unnoticeably into one of my stand out singles, ‘Child’. The record goes from strength to strength as Orlando’s haunting vocals entwine magnificently with the rest of the band. Of course there are still the edges of Indie-Rock, but ‘Given to the Wild’ Is a clear departure from the records of old as The Maccabees shed the ‘landfill Indie’ Tag that was so incorrectly placed upon them.

Stand out singles for me are;

 ‘Slowly One’

Orlando’s vocals hauntingly draw you in before the distorted guitars build into a crescendo fitting for a band that will be leaping their way up the Festival bill this summer.

‘Feel to Follow’

My favourite single on the album, it again builds and builds to a huge climax which will guarantee to have you jumping around when you see them live next but is somehow equally able to be a relaxed and chilled single as you listen to it on your i-Pod.

‘Child’

Another one that builds into a big crescendo, Orlando’s vocals are incredibly soft and along with the simple beat ease you into the record before the 3 minute mark hits and the band explode into pace and rhythm.

‘Given to the Wild’ is the work of a band at the top of their game. They’ve successfully managed to shed the ‘landfill’ insults critics threw at them in the past but have been able to provide enough of the ‘maccabees’ we’ve grown to love to keep their fans happy. It may only be 2 weeks into the 2012 but this will certainly feature on most end of year lists. Yes, at times it feels a little to polished and perfect but the band has matured massively since ‘Wall of Arms’ and we’ll leave you with the fitting lyrics from the final song on the album, “We grew up at midnight, we were only kids then.”

Rating - 9/10

What to look forward to in 2012...

So the New Year is upon us and as we nurse the after effects from the celebrations and many of us prepare for the slog back to work tomorrow what have we got to look forward to in the upcoming year?

Well musically 2012 is looking incredibly strong. By far the reformed Stone Roses taking to the stage 15 years after they split should be the biggest moment, but what about these live events that are coinciding with the Olympics? Will it really be the Rolling Stones celebrating their 50^th anniversary? Well things are looking that was as the whole band were in London last month rehearsing. Then we’ve also got the reformed Beach Boys out for their 50^th as well, and if the suns shining you can bet it’ll be good. But beyond these ‘classic’ bands what’s hot for this forthcoming year?

1)      The Maccabees – Given to the Wild

By far my most anticipated release of the year, Pelican and Feel to Follow are among the best songs the band have released and they’re just getting stronger and stronger live (smashing it at Brixton last month). 2012 will be the year of the Maccabees, going from Indie darlings to fully blown household names. Mark my words, they’re coming.

2)      Tribes – Baby

Being pretty late on the bandwagon for these I only knew of the single ‘Sappho’ before I saw these play last month. I regret this. They were quality and having youtubed as much of their stuff as I can since then, they really deserve to be successful this year; will they reach the Vaccines level of hype? I’m not sure, but if you’ve not heard of them yet, get this album.

3)      Queens of the Stone Age – as yet untitled

It’s been 5 years since they released Eva Vulgaris and it’s about time we get another one! Rumours started last summer and it appears they will be releasing a new record this year. If you’ve not yet seen QOTSA live yet then make sure you do this summer (if they tour) as they are something else.

4)      Lana Del Ray – Born to Die

You would have to of been living under a rock not to have heard ‘Video Games’ at some point last year and Elizabeth Grant (AKA Lana Del Ray) releases her first album this month. IS she the new GaGa? Do we really care? The music so far has been catchy and she’ll be big next year regardless of what anyone thinks.

I can’t narrow down a 5^th stand out album as to be honest looking into the releases for next year there’s far too many! The long awaited 2^nd albums from Mumford and Sons and The XX are highlights for me, then we have Franz Ferdinand and The Killers releasing new material and rumours of new records from the Cribs (now minus Marr), Smith Westerns, Muse, the Vaccines et al is proving 2012 should be a good year for new releases.