Reviewed by John Tait
The nice aspects- Powerful power chords and what Frank Turner might describe to be a “punk rock sense of honesty”. To some I’m sure this is a decent enough record. At first I was charmed by what their lyrics stand for, mocking what I’m sure we all inwardly mock- popular culture, the state of masculinity (which has been a subject in The Courier regarding University societies, so topical), and insincerity. Its all very light-hearted, and as the first track progressed, so did its banality. You listen to it and you think “Yeah…ok that’s fine but what’s the point?” To put it more coherently than that it doesn’t speak to me. Darken up guys! My advice to them would be to make their lyrics about something more worthy or about nothing at all.
1/5
Showing posts with label John Tait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Tait. Show all posts
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Thursday, 26 November 2009
The Junk - Novus Ordo Seclorum
Reviewed by John Tait
Skacore: An interesting genre and one I can’t say I’ve heard too much of. However The Junk have given me an interest in their debut Novus Ordo Seclorum. As a punk addict I can safely say the first part of track 1 will not disappoint. With tight instrumentation, it begins with the energetic fast drumming that is so fundamental to many a good punk band. That is the first half of track number 1 however, which is followed by some kind of break down and I had no idea what was happening or what they were getting at, the song petering out eventually. Never mind, the second track has more punch to it, and I got a feel of the Mad Caddies with a gritty Leftover Crack edge. This track is more chirpy n’ cheerful, saving the record from banality in my view, and track 3 delivers a very listenable sound. The music is ideal for any fans of street punk and/or ska, although it may lack one or the other for some. One more issue I have with this is that the vocals sound a bit distant. Some of the raw energy devoted to their instruments would give the vocals the boost the band so very much needs. But apart from those easily solved issues The Junk should keep it up.
3/5
Skacore: An interesting genre and one I can’t say I’ve heard too much of. However The Junk have given me an interest in their debut Novus Ordo Seclorum. As a punk addict I can safely say the first part of track 1 will not disappoint. With tight instrumentation, it begins with the energetic fast drumming that is so fundamental to many a good punk band. That is the first half of track number 1 however, which is followed by some kind of break down and I had no idea what was happening or what they were getting at, the song petering out eventually. Never mind, the second track has more punch to it, and I got a feel of the Mad Caddies with a gritty Leftover Crack edge. This track is more chirpy n’ cheerful, saving the record from banality in my view, and track 3 delivers a very listenable sound. The music is ideal for any fans of street punk and/or ska, although it may lack one or the other for some. One more issue I have with this is that the vocals sound a bit distant. Some of the raw energy devoted to their instruments would give the vocals the boost the band so very much needs. But apart from those easily solved issues The Junk should keep it up.
3/5
Catherine Maclellan - Water in the Ground
Reviewed by John Tait
My first impressions of this artist were light hearted, easy to listen to and with a jazzy feel (especially in the bass line). I grew fond of this album after the first 10 seconds of hearing it, thinking of K.T Tunstall and other artists with a similar sound. The album progressed with some very nice harmonies and a great arrangement. The tracks don’t last too long which is a common mistake made by musicians in the same genre all too often, stagnating their records. Her voice has a fresh feel to it, every track sounding a bit different in its vocal delivery from the last. I wasn’t really listening to the lyrics, I couldn’t tell you whether they were inspiring or not, but there is no denying the talent here. It is hard to think of anything negative to say about this album. If you are after strong lyrics and a more edgy quality to your folk then try The Tossers. For what it is however, this album could easily be described as a wonderful effort. But there is a time and a place for it, as was evident in my housemates comment when passing through the living room as track 5 was playing- “Shall I light some candles?”.
3/5
My first impressions of this artist were light hearted, easy to listen to and with a jazzy feel (especially in the bass line). I grew fond of this album after the first 10 seconds of hearing it, thinking of K.T Tunstall and other artists with a similar sound. The album progressed with some very nice harmonies and a great arrangement. The tracks don’t last too long which is a common mistake made by musicians in the same genre all too often, stagnating their records. Her voice has a fresh feel to it, every track sounding a bit different in its vocal delivery from the last. I wasn’t really listening to the lyrics, I couldn’t tell you whether they were inspiring or not, but there is no denying the talent here. It is hard to think of anything negative to say about this album. If you are after strong lyrics and a more edgy quality to your folk then try The Tossers. For what it is however, this album could easily be described as a wonderful effort. But there is a time and a place for it, as was evident in my housemates comment when passing through the living room as track 5 was playing- “Shall I light some candles?”.
3/5
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