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.

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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

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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.

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