Comprised of Thunder guitarist Luke Morley and ex-Winterville members, The Union offer a razor sharp taster of their self titled debut album with the release of their single, Black Monday. What starts of as an acoustic piece soon erupts into a vibrant dose of electric rock that simply oozes passion and cool with every note. If this classy number doesn’t convince you to check out the rest of the album then give it a listen anyway, you won’t be disappointed.
James Fairfield
Showing posts with label James Fairfield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Fairfield. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
Groove Armada - Look Me in the Eye Sister
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Whether you want to use this track to dance to or to just chill out it works well on both fronts, like a lot of Groove Armada’s material. Slickly combining their synthetic grooves and beats with decent vocals makes this single evidence that there is still much to come from the electronic group.
Whether you want to use this track to dance to or to just chill out it works well on both fronts, like a lot of Groove Armada’s material. Slickly combining their synthetic grooves and beats with decent vocals makes this single evidence that there is still much to come from the electronic group.
Mister Jack - My Girl Sharon
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Combining the vocal cheekiness of Madness with a heavier rock/reggaeish sound, Mister Jack’s single My Girl Sharon is a fairly amusing track to listen to, a guy informing the world about how proud he is that his girlfriend is a bit of a slag, but not hilarious enough for repeated listening.
Combining the vocal cheekiness of Madness with a heavier rock/reggaeish sound, Mister Jack’s single My Girl Sharon is a fairly amusing track to listen to, a guy informing the world about how proud he is that his girlfriend is a bit of a slag, but not hilarious enough for repeated listening.
Mirrorkicks - Podium
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Podium is another typical rock/indie single from London band Mirrorkicks that is likely to see them supporting many success full bands of the genre however it offers us nothing new and isn’t catchy or fun enough to become a guilty pleasure or even easy listening. Which can also be said of the B side track, Stand Up which may be a little more energetic that the title track however it suffers from all the same problems.
Podium is another typical rock/indie single from London band Mirrorkicks that is likely to see them supporting many success full bands of the genre however it offers us nothing new and isn’t catchy or fun enough to become a guilty pleasure or even easy listening. Which can also be said of the B side track, Stand Up which may be a little more energetic that the title track however it suffers from all the same problems.
Band of Skulls - Death by Diamonds and Pearls
Reviewed by James Fairfield
After itunes gave them their initial exposure by picking their song I Know What I Am as the free single for the week, Southampton alternative rock trio Band Of Skulls’s latest single Death By Diamonds and Pearls from their excellent album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey is another quality dose of old school sounding rock. Guitarist Russell Marsden and bassist Emma Richardson vocal duets are tender and the instrumental is raw and brilliant. Making the second album an eagerly awaited release.
After itunes gave them their initial exposure by picking their song I Know What I Am as the free single for the week, Southampton alternative rock trio Band Of Skulls’s latest single Death By Diamonds and Pearls from their excellent album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey is another quality dose of old school sounding rock. Guitarist Russell Marsden and bassist Emma Richardson vocal duets are tender and the instrumental is raw and brilliant. Making the second album an eagerly awaited release.
The Pretty Reckless - Make Me Wanna Die
Reviewed by James Fairfield
While you may approach The Pretty Reckless with caution as the band’s fronted by Gossip Girl star, Cindy Lou. Their single ‘Make Me Wanna Die’, featured on the Kick Ass soundtrack, is a decent and ballsy offering from the band that demonstrates that they’re more than a tv starlet’s failed attempt at music. In fact Cindy Lou’s vocals are top notch and the instrumental core of the group is powerful enough to leave us wanting more.
While you may approach The Pretty Reckless with caution as the band’s fronted by Gossip Girl star, Cindy Lou. Their single ‘Make Me Wanna Die’, featured on the Kick Ass soundtrack, is a decent and ballsy offering from the band that demonstrates that they’re more than a tv starlet’s failed attempt at music. In fact Cindy Lou’s vocals are top notch and the instrumental core of the group is powerful enough to leave us wanting more.
Audio Bullys - Only Man
Reviewed by James Fairfield
The electronic duo Audio Bullys return with their new single Only Man, which is slickly packed full of dynamic beats and breaks that sees them on top form and is most likely going to become a regular track heard on nights out, especially the superior remix from Jakwob.
The only problem is that even though the CD comes with three remixes it’s missing the best version of the song, which is the Rok remix that can be found on their new album, Higher Than Eiffel.
But overall a great single with a edge that becomes sharper the more you listen to it.
The electronic duo Audio Bullys return with their new single Only Man, which is slickly packed full of dynamic beats and breaks that sees them on top form and is most likely going to become a regular track heard on nights out, especially the superior remix from Jakwob.
The only problem is that even though the CD comes with three remixes it’s missing the best version of the song, which is the Rok remix that can be found on their new album, Higher Than Eiffel.
But overall a great single with a edge that becomes sharper the more you listen to it.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Straight Lines - Persistance In This Game
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Kicking off with a decent fast paced dose of rock & roll in the form of their previously released EP track, Versus The Allegiance. Straight Lines have created a pretty impressive debut album that demonstrates a quick and sharp style of rock that is equally catchy and enjoyable.
Like many British rock/indie bands the potential is evident here whether or not they continue to find critical and commercial success is less clear. In tracks like Runaway and Loose Change it is easy to see the commercial appeal and thankfully these numbers are accompanied by other songs that have a more artistic edge to them and fully equipped with decent riffs and lyrics, see track 5 – Antics.
However by the end of listening to the album there are not any tracks that individually stand out as classics and many of the songs seem to merge into one without out much to distinguish one from another.
Persistence is in Game is not a bad album and is likely to circulated well around the indie rock circuit and does make for easy listening and works well as background music but not exactly what you would have on repeat on your itunes.
Kicking off with a decent fast paced dose of rock & roll in the form of their previously released EP track, Versus The Allegiance. Straight Lines have created a pretty impressive debut album that demonstrates a quick and sharp style of rock that is equally catchy and enjoyable.
Like many British rock/indie bands the potential is evident here whether or not they continue to find critical and commercial success is less clear. In tracks like Runaway and Loose Change it is easy to see the commercial appeal and thankfully these numbers are accompanied by other songs that have a more artistic edge to them and fully equipped with decent riffs and lyrics, see track 5 – Antics.
However by the end of listening to the album there are not any tracks that individually stand out as classics and many of the songs seem to merge into one without out much to distinguish one from another.
Persistence is in Game is not a bad album and is likely to circulated well around the indie rock circuit and does make for easy listening and works well as background music but not exactly what you would have on repeat on your itunes.
Will and the People - Addicted
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Kicking off with a Madness style cheeky intro Will and the People’s single Addicted is an odd mix of alternative rock with a hint of popular indie in it. A song about addiction that according to the band was written in one night specifically to do with someone you can’t leave even if you wanted to.
It’s quite a funny track but not one for frequent listening even though the instrumental is likely to get annoyingly stuck in your head.
Kicking off with a Madness style cheeky intro Will and the People’s single Addicted is an odd mix of alternative rock with a hint of popular indie in it. A song about addiction that according to the band was written in one night specifically to do with someone you can’t leave even if you wanted to.
It’s quite a funny track but not one for frequent listening even though the instrumental is likely to get annoyingly stuck in your head.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Ian De Sylva – Josephine EP
Reviewed by James Fairfield
A highly enjoyable indie track from the ex Silver front man equipped with a decent and continuous instrument backing and vocals. A perfectly suitable track for any one looking for a little bit of alternative rock.
The B-side, Gas Electricity Phone, is more classic rock orientated but still acts as a solid accompaniment to the single.
Reaction B
A highly enjoyable indie track from the ex Silver front man equipped with a decent and continuous instrument backing and vocals. A perfectly suitable track for any one looking for a little bit of alternative rock.
The B-side, Gas Electricity Phone, is more classic rock orientated but still acts as a solid accompaniment to the single.
Reaction B
Parasol – My Luminaries
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Fresh after winning the Glastonbury emerging talent competition alternative rockers My Luminaries release their first single Parasol off their impressive debut album Order From The Chaos.
The single itself is an original and authentic piece of alternative rock that shows that this a bad with the potential to become very successful on the indie market and with a gig at the upcoming Glastonbury festival only good times seem to lie ahead.
Reaction A
Fresh after winning the Glastonbury emerging talent competition alternative rockers My Luminaries release their first single Parasol off their impressive debut album Order From The Chaos.
The single itself is an original and authentic piece of alternative rock that shows that this a bad with the potential to become very successful on the indie market and with a gig at the upcoming Glastonbury festival only good times seem to lie ahead.
Reaction A
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Bombay Bicycle Club - Evening/Morning
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Another enjoyable track from the north London indie rockers. The instrumental is fairly chilled back which benefits the vocals a lot. Overall this single can be played again and again and still be enjoyed as just as much as the first time you hear it.
Another enjoyable track from the north London indie rockers. The instrumental is fairly chilled back which benefits the vocals a lot. Overall this single can be played again and again and still be enjoyed as just as much as the first time you hear it.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Groove Armada – I Won’t Kneel
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Compared to Groove Armada’s earlier chill out tunes their new single ‘I Won’t Kneel’ feels fairly minor and while it still typically fuses different genres together it feels fairly dated, providing a more 80’s vibe than anything else. But like most Groove Armada it still very enjoyable to listen to and catchy.
The remixes provided on the single are nothing special and most of them sound way too similar to the original album track.
Reaction C
Compared to Groove Armada’s earlier chill out tunes their new single ‘I Won’t Kneel’ feels fairly minor and while it still typically fuses different genres together it feels fairly dated, providing a more 80’s vibe than anything else. But like most Groove Armada it still very enjoyable to listen to and catchy.
The remixes provided on the single are nothing special and most of them sound way too similar to the original album track.
Reaction C
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Bitterside - Start Again
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Back from the brink of breaking up Bitterside’s debut UK single is a cheerful and polished number accompanied by club dance remixes of the track and a B slide song called Versus Life, that could be argued to be a better song that the title single itself.
As far as it goes Bitterside have offered us a track that embodies what most modern rock pop songs have and nothing more. It has a feel good vibe with a decent instrumentals and vocals to match it however it does not bring us anything we have not heard before and the dance and club remixes are better left unheard.
Back from the brink of breaking up Bitterside’s debut UK single is a cheerful and polished number accompanied by club dance remixes of the track and a B slide song called Versus Life, that could be argued to be a better song that the title single itself.
As far as it goes Bitterside have offered us a track that embodies what most modern rock pop songs have and nothing more. It has a feel good vibe with a decent instrumentals and vocals to match it however it does not bring us anything we have not heard before and the dance and club remixes are better left unheard.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Thyrd Eye - Say Something
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Thyrd Eye boasts a neo punk alternative vibe throughout all three tracks on this single EP, Say Something. However while the band remain consistent on style and astute to their influences the sound produced is fairly messy with vocals being eclipsed by instrumentals and a general lack of distinction between bass and lead. The single Say Something is ridden with riffs and sounds similar to Nine Inch Nails earlier work. However the B side tracks Year Of The Dog and If I Wait Too Long lack the same edge as the title track. This record will be one for fans of more heavier industrial music but beyond that Thyrd Eye is unlikely to appeal.
Thyrd Eye boasts a neo punk alternative vibe throughout all three tracks on this single EP, Say Something. However while the band remain consistent on style and astute to their influences the sound produced is fairly messy with vocals being eclipsed by instrumentals and a general lack of distinction between bass and lead. The single Say Something is ridden with riffs and sounds similar to Nine Inch Nails earlier work. However the B side tracks Year Of The Dog and If I Wait Too Long lack the same edge as the title track. This record will be one for fans of more heavier industrial music but beyond that Thyrd Eye is unlikely to appeal.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Maybe is an enjoyable track from ‘billboard cover star’ Ingrid Michaelson, however there is nothing much new here or unique about this acoustic love song that could easily be mistaken for another single from the superior Sheryl Crow. Yet it is easy listening and is not bad for backing music but don’t expect anything classic.
Maybe is an enjoyable track from ‘billboard cover star’ Ingrid Michaelson, however there is nothing much new here or unique about this acoustic love song that could easily be mistaken for another single from the superior Sheryl Crow. Yet it is easy listening and is not bad for backing music but don’t expect anything classic.
Monday, 2 November 2009
I Still Love You More - Pama International review
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Like most reggae I Still Love you More by Pama Internation is a cheerful and upbeat song about the joys of love, acceptance etc. While the sound will be very familiar to fans of the genre it will still bring a smile to your face and Pama International restain themselves from doing anything experimental but instead simply do the old traits of reggae well. The B track, Equality & Justice For All, has more of a Bob Marley influence to it and is an adequate accompaniment to the title track.
Like most reggae I Still Love you More by Pama Internation is a cheerful and upbeat song about the joys of love, acceptance etc. While the sound will be very familiar to fans of the genre it will still bring a smile to your face and Pama International restain themselves from doing anything experimental but instead simply do the old traits of reggae well. The B track, Equality & Justice For All, has more of a Bob Marley influence to it and is an adequate accompaniment to the title track.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone
Reviewed by James Fairfield
Keeping the same dark vibe of their latest and frankly brilliant album, Humbug, the Arctic Monkeys new single Cornerstone is everything that you could hope for from the Sheffield lot. It may not be as catchy as earlier singles like I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor or Teddy Picker yet it still has that authentic northern touch that the band are famous for. While slightly depressing in places it still contains enough witty lyrics to bring a smile to your face and leave you craving more.
Keeping the same dark vibe of their latest and frankly brilliant album, Humbug, the Arctic Monkeys new single Cornerstone is everything that you could hope for from the Sheffield lot. It may not be as catchy as earlier singles like I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor or Teddy Picker yet it still has that authentic northern touch that the band are famous for. While slightly depressing in places it still contains enough witty lyrics to bring a smile to your face and leave you craving more.
Sundown - Anywhere Inside
Reviewed by James Fairfield
After 5 years of releasing EPs, gigging and supporting various bands around Europe, rock band Sundown finally come round to releasing their debut album, Anywhere Inside and do not fail to make a great first impression. It comes as sad news that they cancelled their North England and Scotland tour of the album as the record. The album is an intricate blend of acoustic and electric rock underpinned by a funky vibe that allows Anywhere Inside to make for essential easy listening as well as including a sweet dose of originality.
The album is at its heart a collection of love songs, but don’t let that deter you from giving it a listen, as it is full of bittersweet lyrics as well as having a few brutal riffs to accompany. The two opening tracks Inside and Later That Night are chilled out and as you can guess from the track names are fairly cheeky. While the later tracks take a more electrical approach to the music, most notably Just A ride, but still maintain a laid back sound.
For the final couple of tracks Sundown return to their acoustic roots to finish off the album on a lighter and slicker note that will leave you wanting more. Making this a promising debut album and leaving us hopeful for the future.
After 5 years of releasing EPs, gigging and supporting various bands around Europe, rock band Sundown finally come round to releasing their debut album, Anywhere Inside and do not fail to make a great first impression. It comes as sad news that they cancelled their North England and Scotland tour of the album as the record. The album is an intricate blend of acoustic and electric rock underpinned by a funky vibe that allows Anywhere Inside to make for essential easy listening as well as including a sweet dose of originality.
The album is at its heart a collection of love songs, but don’t let that deter you from giving it a listen, as it is full of bittersweet lyrics as well as having a few brutal riffs to accompany. The two opening tracks Inside and Later That Night are chilled out and as you can guess from the track names are fairly cheeky. While the later tracks take a more electrical approach to the music, most notably Just A ride, but still maintain a laid back sound.
For the final couple of tracks Sundown return to their acoustic roots to finish off the album on a lighter and slicker note that will leave you wanting more. Making this a promising debut album and leaving us hopeful for the future.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Peyoti For President - Rising Tide Of Conformity
Think the political angst of Rage Against The Machine mixed with the style and vibe of Gipsy Kings and you will have some idea of what to expect from Peyoti For President. Lyrics ranting about the corruption of Politics and deception of words are dominant throughout the album and the theme of revolution and uprising is consistently evident but unfortunately after a while becomes a little strained and too preachy.
However for all the political expressionism of the record there is also a sweet instrumental rhythm to accompany it. The Spanish guitar is the only instrument to feature throughout and even though played well after a while seems to be fairly repetitive with its tune. One thing this album is not is dynamic. Songs seem to blend into one another and there is nothing to differentiate between them.
The Song ‘A People’s Lament’ that uses real life audio recordings of excerpts of various George Bush speeches and soldier statements with a gentle strumming of a guitar are conveniently followed by a track called ‘Rhapsody Of A 1000 Lies’. Whereas tracks like ‘Yo No Quiero Trabajar’ begin with the band chatting in their recording studio before actually beginning the song which seems slightly self indulgent and a little annoying.
So if you’re not too bothered about the Iraq war or current international affairs then Peyoti For President may not be the right band for you.
However for all the political expressionism of the record there is also a sweet instrumental rhythm to accompany it. The Spanish guitar is the only instrument to feature throughout and even though played well after a while seems to be fairly repetitive with its tune. One thing this album is not is dynamic. Songs seem to blend into one another and there is nothing to differentiate between them.
The Song ‘A People’s Lament’ that uses real life audio recordings of excerpts of various George Bush speeches and soldier statements with a gentle strumming of a guitar are conveniently followed by a track called ‘Rhapsody Of A 1000 Lies’. Whereas tracks like ‘Yo No Quiero Trabajar’ begin with the band chatting in their recording studio before actually beginning the song which seems slightly self indulgent and a little annoying.
So if you’re not too bothered about the Iraq war or current international affairs then Peyoti For President may not be the right band for you.
Review by James Fairfield
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