Free Download: Beautiful Boy - 'But You Do' & 'Home' video.

There is an extensive list of wonderful things that can be said about Beautiful Boy, above anything else they have shown a consistency in producing high quality music that you can't help but gravitate towards. Their layered cinematic pop-rock sound is complex incorporating many other genre influences where each track can be easily identified as Beautiful Boy when the vocals kick in because lets face it, we love a comparison in the music reviewing business but, who else sounds like Dane Etteridge?

Currently releasing their singles via independent labels, 'But You Do' is their latest offering distributed by Republic of Music. The track is available for free download and possess the same familiar melancholy drawl which we as Beautiful Boy fans have become accustomed to, but there are some great instrumental arrangements present. We are especially digging the psychedelic feel in the chorus and the uplifting electric guitar solo that nods toward a 1970s British rock 'We Are The Champions' vibe Queen would be proud of.

Other news from Beautiful Boy headquarters hints at a single release late September/ early October and perhaps an EP mid January of next year, both of which we are eagerly anticipating. You can also catch them live playing support for Holy Esque at Bleach, Brighton on the 11th of August. In the meantime, grab  yourselves a free download of 'But You Do' below and check out the official video for 'Home' starring Tomi May.

Beautiful Boy || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Howling Bells - Live @ Scala, London. 10th June 2014.

Arguably,  London-based Australian indie-rock outfit Howling Bells are one of the must underrated bands of our time. With ten years of experience as a band and four engaging, melodic-bluesy, albums under their belts, it astounds us that they still seem to be flying relatively low under the radar. Perhaps this works in their favour though. Their fan base remains solid, loyal and true and we witnessed this when we caught them playing to a sufficiently full, but still a little bit roomy, Scala on the 10th June.

There is only one word for a live Howling Bells performance and that's mesmeric. Be it the warm, ever changing strobe lighting that alternates between casting their persons into silhouetted shadows before changing and bringing them out into the forefront of our vision, or the gloomy, atmospheric use of smoke machines that gives a dreamy hazy feel; Howling Bells stage environment is completely in harmony with their sound. Free and allusive, emotive yet mysterious,  Juanita Stein is an incredible lead singer and rhythm guitarist. Cool and unassuming, delicate yet raw,  so alluring that watching the four-piece perform is almost spellbinding. Enjoy our highlights below.

Howling Bells || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Electro Deluxe - Live at The Barfly Camden, London. 10th June 2014.

(From left to right: Mathieu Gramoli - drums, Thomas Faure - sax, Bertrand Luzignant - Trombone, James Copley - vocals, Jeremie Coke - Bass, Gael Cadoux - Keys, Vincent Payen - Trumpet)

It was a remarkably hot and humid evening in Camden, London when French septet Electro Deluxe made their debut performance on UK soil. Formed in 2001 and having successfully accumulated an adoring fan base over the past decade touring France, China, India, Canada, Mexico and Europe, (not forgetting the addition of the magnetic US born lead singer James Copley in 2010) it's a wonder why this appearance seemed such a long time coming. 

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When offered the chance to meet and greet the band backstage before their 16-track showcase, it didn't take us long before we were mellowing out on the sofa casually throwing a few questions at the charming English/French bilingual James Copley. What with the Jazz Cafe just a stones throw away, we wondered why the relatively small and sweaty Barfly was their choice of venue for their first appearance. With a twinkle in his bright blue eyes  and a cheeky grin plastered across his face, James replied; "It's the perfect size. If no one fucking shows up then it's okay!"

Fortunately for Electro Deluxe, this tongue-in-cheek pessimism was a very inaccurate possible portrayal of what was to come. Instead, reality saw them performing to a tightly packed and extremely clammy venue full of enthusiastic fans of all ethnicities and age groups, to the extent that we haven't seen so much diversity and mutual excitement at a live show in quite some time. If perhaps making amazing records isn't enough for Electro Deluxe they can safely say their live performances have the ability to bring all types of people together in a relaxed, happy and safe environment where the only thing that's going to get you is the groove.

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Whilst the audience relentlessly danced and jived and threw their bodies into spectacular shapes, that honestly, we had never quite seen before, Electro Deluxe performed a flawless set under sweltering lights, sharply dressed in suits; an image that James told us, "stands for respect... it goes with the band name, representing deluxe quality". 10 of the tracks performed were taken from Electro Deluxe's most recent 12-track album 'Home',  whilst they also delved into their discography to play four well loved tracks from their 2010 album, 'Play' one from their 2007 album 'Live In Paris,' and their amazing cover of the Bee Gee's hit 'Stayin' Alive' which features on the bands 2007 album 'Hopeful'.

It is important to note the bands chemistry not only with each other but with their audience. Electro Deluxe were not just doing their job and filling a quota, it was more like they were throwing a party that we were all invited to as friends. James is a true showman who continuously interacted with the crowd, encouraging us to get involved and making sure we were enjoying the moment as much as the band were. Interestingly, the band have none of the same influences, but get on very well. '"We're like a family... We're a democracy who all write together with equal input". Perhaps this is why their music is so eclectic and relaxed incorporating elements of funk, soul, hip hop, electro and jazz. It follows the formula of less structure and more individual spontaneity which makes their sound unique.

 

Although the attire speaks of grandeur, these guys are absolutely crazy on stage without an uptight bone in their bodies. They ooze a charisma that contagiously cuts to the very core of you. Even the most stiffest of upper lips would find it hard not to surrender to the sound. In the instance of Electro Deluxe, not only do you feel the funk, but the funk feels you and man, does it feel good. Congratulations guys, London loves you.

Electro Deluxe ||  Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Video: Hozier - 'Sedated' & London Headline Date.

Check out the video for the new single from the phenomenon that is Hozier. Following on in a similar vein of  the 'From Eden' EP, 'Sedated' is ensconced in gloomy emotion interjected with piano flourishes, ethereal backing and the suggestion of a big band that swells and soars. There's definitely a sense of a higher power emitting from Hozier's sound which makes you want to, quite simply, believe.

Hozier fever is spreading like wildfire seeing his live shows selling out almost as soon as they are announced, not just in the UK and Ireland but across America too. If like us you're in London,  Hozier will headline KOKO on 17th September. Tickets for the show go on sale through www.gigsandtours.com from 9am Friday 20th June priced at £14. For alternative live shows across UK/Europe, see the bottom of the page.

In the meantime, here's 'Sedated'.

Hozier Live (UK/Europe):

26 July – Glastonbury Festival (Acoustic Tent)

27 July – Glastonbury Festival (John Peel Stage)

02 July – Nottingham, Bodega Social (Sold-Out)

05 July – Gloucestershire, Barn on the Farm Festival

18 July – Suffolk, Latitude Festival

19 July – Dublin, Longitude Festival

20 July – Spain, Benicassim

03 August – Cork, Indiependence

07 August – Oxfordshire, Wilderness Festival

09 August – Germany, Haldern Pop Festival

14 August – Belgium, Pukkelpop

16 August – Austria, Frequency Festival

17 August – Switzerland, Open Air Gampel

22 August - Reading Festival

23 August - Leeds Festival

17 September – London, KOKO *NEW DATE*

20 September – Cologne, Stadtgarten

Hozier || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Single Review: Bambi - 'Sheltered Eyes'.

Our first post of 2014 went to Bambi and their incredible offering 'Reap From The Dying Love', a track which exceeded all expectations from a band who were still in very early stages of formation. It just goes to show it doesn't matter how long you've been together, if you're good at what you do, willing to put the work in, and can find a way to see with the same vision, your band will produce music that people want to listen to. Not even just want, but crave, in the case of Bambi.


Bambi seem to be operating under a steady cloak of 'quality over quantity' and rightly so. Their follow up single had to prove that they're not one trick ponies, and this left very large shoes in want of filling. Luckily for Bambi, they've not slipped and fell face first onto cold, hard, ice like their cartoon namesake.  Current release 'Sheltered Eyes' is warm and uplifting with tropical percussive vibes, psychedelic spiralling guitar sections, and lively melodies before culminating in an anthemic and airy ending which catapults you sky high. Lacking the darker aspects of its predecessor, 'Sheltered Eyes' is a dreamy track that gives a sense of freedom instead of foreboding making you feel like anything is possible.

Bambi || Facebook || Twitter

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Hozier- 'From Eden' EP Review.

Constantly up against a seemingly endless yet wonderful barrage of music submissions; the life of a music writer can sometimes become stagnated. With so much talent out there who all fall into similar categories, we find ourselves exasperatedly racking our brains trying to find new ways to do justice to an old sound we have heard many times before.  Then, someone unassuming like  Irish multi-instrumentalist Andrew Hozier-Byrner (Hozier) will reach our inbox, revealing themselves as an immediate game changer, and a reason to get excited. The words begin to flow again.

Recorded and co-produced with Rob Kirwan (PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode) in his attic at home and mixed by Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, Foals) 'From Eden' is Hozier's second EP, made up of four remarkably omnipotent blues-infused tracks. The EP opens with the title-track, its lazy shuffling rhythm and blues provides a solemn backdrop to Hozier's rasping gospel vocals that both lull and alert in a very unique way.  'Work Song' follows with an intro of hums and reverb-sodden handclaps. Slower and smoother the track is introspective and honest.

 'Arsonist's Fire',  is a dark & ominious bluesy rock track with growling death march backing. Lastly, the EP wraps up with a live version of 'To Be Alone',  an intense and sparse angry blues track driven by Hozier's almighty vocals. What we are hearing here is a 21st century take on blues, leaving us unable to make any viable contemporary comparisons within the current music scene.  Hozier is the captain and the crew of his own ship, sailing steadily towards his very own promised land. His Garden of Eden, where we are all invited to join him.

'From Eden' EP  is available now on Rubyworks. You can also catch Hozier live at Longitude Festival in Dublin in July and at the Reading and Leeds Festival in August.

Hozier || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Place To Be: Arcadian Vanguard Third Anniversary Showcase April 26th @ Muchmore's.

 

Long Island resident Brian Last, creator of New York Sessions via Arcadian Vanguard, is putting on perhaps the most interesting show of the season on Saturday, April 26^th celebrating it's third year and will include all the bands featured throughout the series. New York Sessions is dedicated to creating great live footage of the best bands in the city, and then getting them on the internet. The show is at Muchomore's in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The show features The Brooklyn What, Gradients, The Everymen, Ravenous, Ghostpal and Butchers Blind.
For more info and tickets, click HERE.

 

-Ethan Donway

 

 

 

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Video: Tilapia - 'Crayon Brain'.

Alternative pop four-piece Tilapia (Ed Allen, Elliott Brown, Adam Dolby and George Wheeler) currently reside in South London and turned to rocking out (presumably with protective sheets up) in their own living room amongst (and then later on; splattered in) a selection of  primary school arts and crafts and party food favourites in their chaotic new video for current single, 'Crayon Brain'. By the end of the video they all look like demented participants in a very messy mad hatter/school disco/tea party /thing and you can't help but laugh!

Conceptually, 'Crayon Brain' deals with early memories of childhood anxiety surrounding your imagination and is the follow-on track  from 'Insteelworks'. 'Crayon Brain' is the second single to be taken from Tilapia's new 5-track EP 'School' which is out now through Disorder Recordings and can be downloaded via iTunes here.   

Tilapia || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Single Review & Video: Beautiful Boy - 'Love Me More'.

It's safe to say Beautiful Boy has been the most lovingly typed name, ever-flowing from our infatuated finger tips, onto this blog, ever since we were first made aware of the band and their introductory track, 'Home' around 7 months ago. Having wowed us with every emotional multifaceted track they've thrown at us thus far, we were still slightly surprised at the diversity of current single 'Love Me More'. These guys have really let their hair down with this one and revealed their cocky, confident, fun side with this guitar driven indie rock offering.

As Etteridge's distinctive vocals croon over heavy riffs 'could you love me more than I love myself", we found ourselves smiling at the inconsistency of the lyrical themes of their previous tracks and pondering if perhaps a bit of tongue-in-check mischievous rock star parody is playing out within this song. Either way, Beautiful Boy are the type of underdogs you can't help but place a bet on because you know they've got what it takes to win.

'Love Me More' will feature on Beautiful Boy's debut double A-sided single alongside 'Home' and is due for release on Raygun Records on May 19th. The track also comes with a video that features a whole lot of nonchalance and turbulent drumming.  Check it out below.

Live Dates:

May
Wed 7th BRIGHTON, Spiegel Tent, Made In Brighton
Thu 8th BRIGHTON, The Great Escape
Fri 9th BRIGHTON, The Great Escape
Sat 10th BRIGHTON, The Great Escape
Fri 16th BANBURY, As Known As

Beautiful Boy || Website || Facebook || Twitter 

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Single Review: Nieves - 'Winter'.

The life of an independent music blogger generally means an inbox constantly overflowing with all types of high quality music submissions (and some pretty naff ones), often leaving you feeling like you have no new words or feelings to fully do justice to what you are hearing. With that in mind, it's truly a credit to a new artist when you know you're going to love a song even from just 3 seconds into the track. When you find yourself bursting with excitement and raw, unadulterated, rip-your-heart-to-shreds emotion at something so simple as some very well chosen words and a combination of sounds.

That's how I feel about  'Winter', the moving debut single from Glasgow newcomers, singer/songwriter Brendan Dafters and musician/producer Herre de Leur who make up the duo that is Nieves. From the gentle acoustic guitar lulls of the track opening, to the unexpectededly earthy, and poignant Glaswegian nuances of Dafters vocals that often twinge with all consuming intonations of emotion, to the sombre and solid piano notes, each instrumental arrangement serves a purpose, stands alone, becomes more than just a sound; it becomes a moment and a memory that you know you'll never forget. This is a spectacular debut from a folk-rooted act whose songwriting skills are a cut above the rest. Hands down the most beautiful single I've heard this year.

Nieves || Facebook || Twitter

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Single Review: Daniel James -'The Bridge'/ 'Stand With Me'.

For a considerable amount of time singer-songwriter Daniel James has been making great pop rooted music with soul/folk/gospel influences, earning him support from bloggers, radio personalities (including Zane Lowe), and more recently tour dates with the likes of Sam Smith and Saint Raymond -  two artists of whom his own musical styling's seems to be cut from a similar kind of cloth. 

The 21st April poses as an important date for Daniel James and his followers - it marks the release of his debut single 'The Bridge' via  Grey Sky Records, 'The Bridge' takes its source from a 1984 documentary about street kids in Seattle dealing with sex and drugs. By combining his own experiences, the bridge, in this instance has become a symbol of escape where two young lovers can embrace being young and innocent, if just for a moment.  The emotion of these moments can be found in the track's big indie anthemic choruses, its mature lyricism and its driving acoustic guitar notes.

'The Bridge' will also feature the B-Side 'Stand With Me'. A down-tempo track that begins sparsely, with cold, crackling electronics and celestial harmonies building up to soulful vocals, sincere lyricism and a cinematic beauty that serves as a reminder of a love song from an era long since past. Perhaps the early 60s,when Elvis was the King of rock & roll and just couldn't help falling in love.


Watch out for Daniel James. He could well be a contemporary pop game changer with a fair few tricks up his sleeve.

.

Tour Dates
May:
Sat 3rd Leeds Live At Leeds at The Faversham
Sun 4th Canterbury City Sound Project Festival

June:
Tues 3rd London Tabernacle (with Hozier)
Weds 4th London Tabernacle (with Hozier)
Fri 6th Birmingham O2 Academy 3 (with Hozier)
Sat 7th Manchester Deaf Institute (with Hozier)
Mon 9th Glasgow King Tut’s (with Hozier)
Wed 11th Paris Nouveau Casio (with Hozier)
Thurs 12th Berlin Gruener Salon (with Hozier)

Daniel James || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud
Buy single || 'The Bridge'/'Stand With Me' || iTunes

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Band To Check Out: Human Pyramids - Free Download 'Tall Tales' & 'Relapse' Music Video.

Human Pyramids are an exuberant and eclectic orchestral post-punk ensemble led by Scottish born, London-based multi-instrumentalist Paul Russell, whose numerous handpicked accompanying musicians are scattered throughout the UK. With a soundscape perhaps as vast and culturally rich as the experiences, influences and spaces between the geographical locations of its UK collective, Human Pyramids are excitedly set to release their self-produced 12-track debut album 'Planet Shhh!' on  April the 28th via  Three Mile Town Records (UK) / Ricco Label   (Japan).

Album opener, 'Tall Tales' was the first track to be revealed from the record and is available for free download via Human Pyramids Soundcloud page. This is the kind of track that holds so much energy and positivity you find yourself transported into a magical land of  unicorns and rainbows, leprechauns and wizards, skipping through an enchanted forest with nothing in your heart but joy and happiness. The song features big swelling brass, beeping and booping electronics, gentle cinematic strings,  the chiming of a gong and orchestral arrangements so big and bold they become more than just sound. They become symbols of hope, and freedom, unifying and strengthening.

Follow up single  and lead track, 'Relapse'  has more of a post punk/ post punk drive than its predecessor. Featuring the voices of a 25-strong choir, swirling bass guitars, enchanting  female harmonies, weaving  electronics and rhythms with special attention to sweet percussion, fixed drum beats, plucky strings, and dynamic bass guitar lines.  'Relapse' is a wonderfully weird and magnetic track that shows Human Pyramids experimental pull is truly one of a kind. 'Relapse' also comes in the form of a beautifully made video, directed and edited by John Lynch and creatively  made up of over 5,000 hi-res still photographs posed individually to synch up with various parts of the song.




Live dates
10th May – The Great Escape Festival – Brighton
15th May – All Saints Church – Kingston
16th May – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen – London
17th May – Gulliver’s – Manchester
29th Aug – Arctangent Festival – Bristol



Human Pyramids || Website || Facebook || Twitter
Buy 'Planet Shhh!' album || BANDCAMP || ITUNES | AMAZON || SPOTIFY

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Single Review: Oscar & The Wolf - 'Undress'.

Signed to PIAS recordings, Oscar & The Wolf are a Belgian four-piece comprised of Ozan Bozdag, Claudio Arduinim, Jasper Bullynck and Max Colombie, who have been working on their debut album 'Entity' with acclaimed English musician, composer, and producer Leo Abrahams. With 2 successful EP's under their belt (the ethereal folk tinged 'Imagine Mountains' and the more rhythmic and epic 'Summer Skin') Oscar & The Wolf have also played support shows for the likes of much loved artists such as Warpaint, Villagers, Ben Howard and Mogwai to name but a few.

As the album release date of April 28th looms ever nearer, Oscar & The Wolf are sharing their new single 'Undress'. Featuring dark, dripping electronics, shady, grooves, and the creeping, robotic ethereal vocals of Max Colombie, 'Undress' is an aesthetically pleasing track combining classical and electro-r'n'b influces that leaves you teetering on the edge of a hallucinogenic, out of body experience.

Oscar & The Wolf  || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Video: Phantom Runners - 'Chasing The Feeling'.

Brighton lo-fi/ dream pop four-piece Phantom Runners (Adam Al-Hilali, Arron Cassidy, Sam Slattery , Josh Gill) return with their second single and production support from multi-platinum selling Huey Morgan of Fun Lovin Criminals - who more recently is known as a radio personality, hosting his own Radio 2 and 6 Music weekly shows.

New Single ‘Chasing The Feeling’ is the follow up track to the band's debut single 'It Takes Me Away' and was released through Stray Cat Records on March 23rd. The title of the track was inspired by a life experience that resonate with the band, as lead singer Adam Al-Hilali explains,

“We were by the Stone Circle at Glastonbury one year, and it got to about eight in the morning after a heavy night and my brother was still in search of something to keep the party going, and I just called out to him to give it a rest…. You’re just chasing the feeling”

The line struck a chord and Adam decided to write around its deeper meaning. The track features the same chilled indie energy and breezy nostalgic feel as it's predecessor but this time has an unexpected added rap twist courtesy of honorary band member, Titus Taylor. Phantom Runners aren't afraid to experiment and are full of surprises which we guess is part of the reason Huey Morgan fell in love with them as he explains:

“This is the one that you don't pass on. The band has it all. The songs, the drive and a unique combination of musical styles that I have not ever come across.”

The video for ‘Chasing The Feeling’ is just an intriguing and plays out as a short film, featuring young rip-your-clothes off lust, a little bit of smoking, a little bit of alcohol, a love triangle, a mannequin getting lucky, several of the band members (including Titus Taylor who remains constantly happy and smiley, seemingly oblivious to the strange occurrences surrounding him) and then lastly, a bit of brute violence and a body getting burnt alive. Brilliant! Check it out below.

 Live Shows:
11th April - Reading
12th April - The Finsbury, LONDON
25th April - The Hope (SINGLE LAUNCH)
1st May @ Sound City Festival, LIVERPOOL
8th May @ The Great Escape, BRIGHTON
26th June @ Glastonbury Festival, SOMERSET
4th July @ Wireless Festival, LONDON
5th July @ Hop Farm Festival, KENT
17th July @ Latitude Festival, SUFFOLK
24th July @ Secret Garden Party, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Phantom Runners || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Single Review: The Night VI - 'Sienna'

'Sienna'  is not only the beautiful and sophisticated new single from London-based alt-pop six-piece The Night VI, it is also the 2nd single to be released on up and coming label, Duly Noted Records; who so far have scored a successful 2 out of 2 on releasing tracks from bands and musicians the blogging world can't seem to get enough of.

Comprised of Sophie-Rose Harper, Jack Gourlay, Anna Pesquidous, Bo Morgan, Kristy Buglass & Bogart Giner, The Night VI have created a track that shimmers and glitters like disappointed stars who have no choice but to shine on in the vast night sky. Sophie-Rose's vocal tone is also the most enchanting and effortlessly tingle-invoking I have heard in quite some time, that in parts takes a soulful R&B Beyoncé-esque turn.

The track developed when "Jack came into a writing session with half a hangover on a Monday morning and offloaded a story about meeting his new girlfriend's ex and the hostile encounter that had ensued" recalls lead vocalist Sophie-Rose. "It got us thinking about the special hurt when you're the one that's been left behind. Lyrically the song became a patchwork of past relationships that hadn't grown into what we were once so sure they would become."

Warm and welcoming, 'Sienna' is a mature offering that  has bundles of potential and despite its reflective lyrics, there are no bites of bitterness or harsh resentment in its sound.  The single will be released April 28th, but is available to purchase digitally now via Duly Noted Records.  .

 



Live dates:

 April 6th – Gig @ Communion Night at Notting Hill Arts Club in London
 April 25th - The Night VI Clubnight II - Stoke Newington 'secret venue'
April 26th – Are You Listening Festival in Reading
 July 22nd – Blue Balls Festival in Switzerland

Buy the single 'Sienna' || iTunes
The Night VI || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Artist To Check Out: Blooms.

Blooms is the project of Louise Cunnane, an Irish artist currently based in London, who has teamed up with Darragh Nolan of Sacred Animals on production to permeate the music scene with a powerful and chilling electronic r&b sound. Blooms striking debut single 'Skin' was released late last October, evoking goose bums in a similar shivering fashion as the mid-autumn winds it dropped amongst with a combination of sparse, unnerving synths and Louise Cunnane's haunting, yearning vocals. Lighter and airier than it's predecesor, 'If I' soon followed with the same unnerving, cold, trickling, electronics that both squak and soar like urgent searching seagulls and crash and dissipate in tidal waves of sound. Cunnane's sultry vocals linger in sighs of longing and loneliness, calling out into the unknown.

Current single 'Lust' is the opening track taken from the upcoming 'If' EP . The track combines disorderly, muddled synths in the sense of minimalistic krautrock and then couples with understated r&b. It's slow moving rhythms slightly dulls the senses and makes you itch for a climax which then teases you into thinking it is coming but cleverly never actually never actually culminates in the way you would expect. Probably in a similar way to relationships built from lust.

On 'Lust' Cunnne says: "Lust is the opening track of "If" because Lust consumes you, Lust takes over your mind before your heart has a chance to catch up. It's a hard feeling to ignore and can catapult you into something you're not ready for. The rest of the EP is about dealing with giving into those feelings and what happens when they turn to love and to heartbreak."

We surrender to the power of Blooms. How about you?

Blooms || Facebook || Twitter

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The Battles Of Winter - Live At The Macbeth, London, 26th March 2014

It could definitely be argued that the East End of London is home to some of the best music venues in the city. Its quaint back street pubs and bars offer night after night of great quality live music, affordable drinks and a warm and exciting atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a room full of friends, even when every face in the crowd belongs to that of a stranger.  On the 26th of March we found ourselves in Hoxton's The Macbeth; a "haggard old party pub" where The Battles Of Winter were celebrating a launch party for their debut album 'Standing At The Floodgates'. In terms of appearance, The Battles Of Winter (Alistair Gale (vocals/guitar), Lucas Manley (guitar/effects), Graeme Dinning (bass) and Martin Good (drums)) are the kind of guys who wouldn't necessarily stand out in a crowd. They blend in with any other bloke you'd see on the street. Well, with exception to Dinning, who may or may not hold a resemblance to English actor/comedian/presenter Rufus Hound. And I may or may not have overenthusiastically shouted into the ear of the stranger next to me, "Oh! He looks like that comedian Rufus Hound!".

In terms of musicality,  The Battles Of Winter have the potential to one day be up there as sonically influential as the likes of the comparisons they have cultivated. (Joy Division. Echo and The Bunnymen, The Doors and post-punk revivalists, Interpol to name a few). If truth be told, on this night their sound was too big for the small stage they were on. Too big for the venue space they were in. The guys started the show humorously with an accidental loss of drumsticks which saw Gale asking the crowd if they happened to have any they could borrow. This slight kerfuffle was soon rectified and they dived into an 8-track set  (5 of  the 8 tracks offered were taken from 'Standing At The Floodgates', the other 3; currently unreleased) to a lively and engaged audience.  Some of whom were first time listeners who nodded along, smiling and foot tapping appreciatively. Whilst others seemed to be more seasoned fans who were singing along to the sometimes dark and deep lyricism and two ladies in particular casually and dedicatedly danced through the entirety of the set in a state of  pure, carefree unadulterated pleasure.

Despite a few minor  technical difficulties, being slightly cramped on the stage, not being able to rock out to the standard they could have wished for without crashing their instruments into each other, The Battles Of Winter blew the roof off The Macbeth with their fast paced, driving, and meticulous melodic  punk sound.  Live there is a much more noticeable nasal, high pitched variable to Gale's unique vocals that at times I found quite akin to Brian Molko of Placebo. Whether this was intentional or  down to a technical fault I don't know but it worked really well (perhaps because I am a big Placebo fan). Incorporating  moody melodic lows, energetic anthemic highs, experimental instrumentation and layer upon layer of blow-your-brains out, explosive post-punk bliss, The Battles Of Winter are a must-see band with a ferocious talent who would be much more at home on a larger stage, in a larger venue, where their sound can carry, resonate and breathe. Currently big fish in a little pool, we can't wait to see The Battles Of Winter sail along their own sound waves to finally rock out in deeper waters.

Set list:

Where Did You Get Those Fireworks
Falcons
White Count

The Wrong Port
A Blackout For The Bloodsuckers
He Fell From Above And Hit The Rocks Below
Sainted Galleries
I Became A Station

Buy || Debut album || Standing At The Floodgates ||  Bandcamp || iTunes
The Battles Of Winter || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Single Review: Fickle Friends - 'Play'.

 Back in January, Brighton's Fickle Friends fought away our winter blues and post-Christmas comedowns over at our sister site The Sound of Confusion with the introduction of their warm and infectious debut single, 'Swim'; a track that had the blogosphere gleefully championing Nattassia (Natti) Shiner (vox/synth), Sam Morris (drums), Harry Herrington (bass/backing vox), Chris Hall (guitar) and Jack Wilson (synth/backing vox ) of Fickle Friends as ones to watch for 2014. Since then, we've been eagerly anticipating the band's next move, and let's face it, it had to be a good one to at least compare to, if not surpass, the huge positive reception that 'Swim' received.

 Less than 3 months since 'Swim' , the five-piece have confidently unveiled their follow-up single 'Play' released via Killing Moon Records. With a sound that could be mistaken for a mash up of Two Door Cinema Club, Lucy Rose, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Imogen Heap, 'Play' is a clever, eclectic mix of power pop, indie, and 80's new wave disco. Its catchy hooks, groovy bass lines, and sunny vocals are at once uplifting, engaging and understatedly delicate.

"We chose PLAY as lyrically it's kind of a follow on from SWIM. We also wanted to release something that contrasted with our first single musically" explains lead vocalist Natti Shiner and added "It's a little more fragile in parts, but also a bit more…. playful."

“PLAY is about seeing someone who’s losing their passion. It's a continuation of the characters from SWIM. She’s getting nostalgic as he becomes less interested in everything."


With that in mind, take a listen below:

 

Live dates:

April
09 - The Shacklewell Arms (London) (buy tickets)
19 - Springtide Festival (Gosport)
25 - The Boileroom (Guildford)
26 - Jailhouse (Hereford)

May
01 - Sixty Million Postcards (Bournemouth)
02 - Kazimier, Liverpool Sound City (Liverpool)
03 - Wardrobe, Live at Leeds (Leeds)
04 - City Sound Project (Canterbury)
09 - The Great Escape - The Green Door Store (Brighton)

June
20 - Lainfest (Atherstone)

Buy the single 'Play' on  iTunes
Fickle Friends || Facebook || Twitter

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No Middle Name - Live At The Lexington, London, 14th March 2014

London-based independent label Fierce Panda Records are in the midst of an exciting few months; for they have been putting on an array of shows here, there and everywhere around the great city that is London in celebration of 20 years of success for the label and the musicians they have been collecting along the way. On the 14th of March we made our way down to Islington's The Lexington for Birmingham quartet, The Traps 'My Grip'/'Imposter' single launch show as part of Fierce Panda's 20th Birthday shows. It was the most pleasant of surprises to see that lo-fi/dream pop solo artist   David Bailey; who performs under the moniker of No Middle Name, was the opening act.

And what an opening act it was! David Bailey is a charismatic and likeable performer who is an overflowing faucet of 1 part laid back and 3 parts easy going, who took the time to literally babble on to the crowd in between each track. Perhaps it was nerves from the overtly attentive crowd who eagerly awaited No Middle Name's next move with a silence that made even the sound of the tiniest pin drop akin to a heard of stampeding elephants. Or perhaps it was the fact that David Bailey usually performs with a backing band but was flying solo for the night and was a bit lonely. But if you ask us, David Bailey is just a friendly, open guy who loves a good chat and addressed the crowd as if they were his mates. In fact,witty rambling such as "I'm looking for a drummer. A female drummer. So we can be like Bucks Fizz. If you're a drummer and you think this looks like fun, we can have fun together. Oh. That sounds like a dating website tagline!" had the room laughing and my friend whispering to me "I like him, he's funny. I'd go for a pint with him!".

 

No Middle Name performed 10-tracks, 7 of which were taken from his self-titled debut album, the other 3; currently unreleased. His tracks feature a lot of samples as basis or inspiration for a lot of the songs, a loop, a noise or bit of speech. Not to mention groovy guitar solos, rock and roll riffs and a sound evoking images of old children’s programs from the 70s or 80s where Bailey has created music over the presenters talking. Definitely one of the most underrated, promising talents on our radar at the moment. David Bailey, we dig you, your moves and your colourful beaded necklace. 

Set list:

 Intro (unreleased)

Late Bloomer

Another Season

Two Friends

Dance With Devil And Me (Unreleased) ACOUSTIC "Yeah this is going to happen, I'm going to do an acoustic track. Don't worry, it's only short".

My Friend Jenny (Unreleased) "this one's rock and roll one. Well, hardly"

From The Barrel Of A Loaded Gun "great guitar solo".

Last One To Know It

When Forever Ends - got his groove on.

Buy the album
No Middle Name || Website || Facebook || Twitter

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Video: Talos - 'Tethered Bones'.

Talos is the project of Cork-born artist Eoin French whose electronic/ r&b infused debut single, 'Tethered Bones'  is punctuated with gloopy, clonky percussion, warning beeps and high pitched, textured vocals that strangely wound on an intensely emotional level. Speaking on ‘Tethered Bones’, Talos states:

“It's a love song, about how a relationship can engulf and transform you: what it can and does take away. What you lose and what you gain."

The track is accompanied by a powerful music video, shot and directed by production company Feel Good Lost which shows themes of hunting and captivity and alternates between murky, earthy saturated shots and black and white visuals of a young woman living out a lonely nightmare, with a seemingly unstable man; a man of whom she is not sure whether she should be comforting or killing.

.Brendan Canty of Feel Good Lost has said of the video:

“From the start, Talos and ourselves had a strong idea about a music-meets-cinema collaboration. I loved the challenge of taking what Eoin wrote and re-interpreting it - the lyrics I latched onto were around this idea of someone being so isolated and alone but at the same time being so smothered and attached to someone. It reminded me of stories I had read about Stockholm syndrome - the unusual relationships and bonds victims develop with their kidnappers.”

 

Give it a watch:

 

Talos || Website || Facebook || Twitter 



 

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Single Review: Kimberly Anne - 'Hard As Hello' (Bastille Remix)

 

On March 24th South London singer-songwriter Kimberly Anne is due to release her new EP 'Hard As Hello' on Polydor Records.  'Hard As Hello' features four introductory tracks, produced by Mark Crew (Bastille, Rag N Bone Man), Rich Wilkinson (Lianne Le Havas, Bombay Bicycle Club), and a special track from Bastille, whose remix of the EPs lead title track can be found below.





Bastille have added an outstanding choral backing and a large amount of electronic production to the delectable track in turn transforming the bouncy Caribbean vibe of the original into a hauntingly emotive number. In fact, Dan Smith of Bastille harmonises so well with Kimberly Anne we would love to see them work together in the future. Absolutely spellbinding.



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Tour dates

25th March – The Social, London
1st April – XOYO, London (w/ Bipolar Sunshine)
3rd April – Think Tanks, Newcastle (w/ Bipolar Sunshine)
4th April – King Tuts, Glasgow (w/ Bipolar Sunshine)
5th April – Academy 2, Manchester (w/ Bipolar Sunshine)

 

Pre Order || 'Hard As Hello' EP || iTunes
Kimberly Anne || Website || Facebook || Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

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