Reviewed by Mark Corcoran-Lettice
Well here’s one for the picture book. Bradford Cox and Panda Bear, both standard bearers for the school of American Alternative Rock, Class ‘08-’09, have both been touring partners and mutual fans for a long time, but ‘Walkabout’, the first single from the Atlas Sound (Bradford’s solo project) record Logos, marks the first time the two have appeared together on record.
Riding largely on an organ sample from the Dovers’ ‘What Am I Going To Do’, the celebratory nature of the track initially appears much more a product of Panda Bear than Atlas Sound, boasting an optimism and lightness of feel rarely found in Bradford Cox’s tense, claustrophobic work. But the devil is very much in the details, and amongst the duo’s jubilant chanting, Cox’s trademarks slowly appear: a slightly worn, faded production style that renders the sound nostalgic and sepia-toned, the chiming delayed guitars quietly subverting the blasts or organ in the back of the mix and the sudden, unexpected fade-out all bring the track back in line with what we might expect of the Atlas Sound moniker. Bradford Cox may have spoken of Logos being an attempt to produce a more extroverted record, and certainly ‘Walkabout’ does see his music step gloriously into the sunlight – just don’t expect there not to be at least some residual fear there.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Pearl Jam - Got Some / Just Breathe
Reviewed by Tom Waldron 'off the radio'
Before I begin I want to make clear that nowhere in this review will I use the “G” word, it’s a well documented fact that the term “Flannel Rock” is far more politically correct.
Okay this is the new double A-sided single from flannel rockers Pearl Jam and it finds them moving in a more commercial direction which comes as somewhat of a surprise and I’m not talking about in the way that “Ten” was commercial either the material here is somewhat poppier with “Got Some” being a little reminiscent of the Police (The band not the force, so don’t flush all your drugs down the toilet.) that said it’s a fine song not one of the bands best but it’s catchy with some excellent drumming and Mike McCready contributes some tasteful leads without letting rip, showing why he’s one of the finest lead guitarists of the last 20 years. “Just Breathe” sees the band moving in a folksy direction and this, I feel is the weaker of the two tracks on display although it does feature some cool organ parts from the “6th Pearl Jammer” Boom Gaspar. So in conclusion, not the bands finest hour but decent enough, hey at least they aren’t making records with Timbaland (take that Chris Cornell, with your boy band haircut and your French restaurant!)
3/5. Grunge. Bugger.
Before I begin I want to make clear that nowhere in this review will I use the “G” word, it’s a well documented fact that the term “Flannel Rock” is far more politically correct.
Okay this is the new double A-sided single from flannel rockers Pearl Jam and it finds them moving in a more commercial direction which comes as somewhat of a surprise and I’m not talking about in the way that “Ten” was commercial either the material here is somewhat poppier with “Got Some” being a little reminiscent of the Police (The band not the force, so don’t flush all your drugs down the toilet.) that said it’s a fine song not one of the bands best but it’s catchy with some excellent drumming and Mike McCready contributes some tasteful leads without letting rip, showing why he’s one of the finest lead guitarists of the last 20 years. “Just Breathe” sees the band moving in a folksy direction and this, I feel is the weaker of the two tracks on display although it does feature some cool organ parts from the “6th Pearl Jammer” Boom Gaspar. So in conclusion, not the bands finest hour but decent enough, hey at least they aren’t making records with Timbaland (take that Chris Cornell, with your boy band haircut and your French restaurant!)
3/5. Grunge. Bugger.
Alister Spence - Mercury
Reviewed by John Jackson
I took this to review on a whim, partly because of my want to expand my knowledge of the Jazz scene and partly because I had been drinking, however as soon as a popped the CD in my computer I realised it had been a great choice. At first listen the album hits you as a piece of classic lounge music, this is the sort of music the bourgeoisie drink flamboyant cocktails too. It is the sort of music you listen too whilst unwinding with a coffee, a latte for example. However after listening to it again, you realise it wasn’t a latte you were drinking, it was an espresso.
Ok I realise that comparing jazz music to coffee isn’t the done thing but bear with me. A latte is a comfortable drink, easy to get right, easy to drink, similar to good lounge music. A good espresso, however, is difficult to make, its flavours vary inside it from the strength of the first sip, to the subtle aftertaste, similar to good jazz music.
I have often found it difficult to appreciate music without lyrics yet the trio’s pianist Spence dispels this idea within moments of the opening track Alpha. You can hear his passion in his touches of the keys in what seems a mystical setting. Then in later tracks, such as my personal favourite Marco Polo goes West, you can hear a frenzy of notes pouring out from the heart of the piano. Swanton and Hall (Bass and drums respectively) provide a fantastic backing to this, seemingly following wherever the piano goes with music to accompany it perfectly. There style also seems to range from the classic lounge jazz sounds of Sixteen to the more experimental Pi. Pi sounds like it should be taken from the soundtrack of lost in translation, its only 1:48 long yet it makes the biggest impact on the album due to it being constructed using mainly glockenspiel samples but also due to its relaxed nature coming straight after the frenzy that is Marco Polo goes west.
All in all, I love this album and am deeply looking forward to reviewing their newest album Fit. Seriously if you are interested in jazz or seeing the roots of modern music please have a listen, preferably somewhere comfortable, low lit, with a drink, I suggest an old fashioned one.
5/5
I took this to review on a whim, partly because of my want to expand my knowledge of the Jazz scene and partly because I had been drinking, however as soon as a popped the CD in my computer I realised it had been a great choice. At first listen the album hits you as a piece of classic lounge music, this is the sort of music the bourgeoisie drink flamboyant cocktails too. It is the sort of music you listen too whilst unwinding with a coffee, a latte for example. However after listening to it again, you realise it wasn’t a latte you were drinking, it was an espresso.
Ok I realise that comparing jazz music to coffee isn’t the done thing but bear with me. A latte is a comfortable drink, easy to get right, easy to drink, similar to good lounge music. A good espresso, however, is difficult to make, its flavours vary inside it from the strength of the first sip, to the subtle aftertaste, similar to good jazz music.
I have often found it difficult to appreciate music without lyrics yet the trio’s pianist Spence dispels this idea within moments of the opening track Alpha. You can hear his passion in his touches of the keys in what seems a mystical setting. Then in later tracks, such as my personal favourite Marco Polo goes West, you can hear a frenzy of notes pouring out from the heart of the piano. Swanton and Hall (Bass and drums respectively) provide a fantastic backing to this, seemingly following wherever the piano goes with music to accompany it perfectly. There style also seems to range from the classic lounge jazz sounds of Sixteen to the more experimental Pi. Pi sounds like it should be taken from the soundtrack of lost in translation, its only 1:48 long yet it makes the biggest impact on the album due to it being constructed using mainly glockenspiel samples but also due to its relaxed nature coming straight after the frenzy that is Marco Polo goes west.
All in all, I love this album and am deeply looking forward to reviewing their newest album Fit. Seriously if you are interested in jazz or seeing the roots of modern music please have a listen, preferably somewhere comfortable, low lit, with a drink, I suggest an old fashioned one.
5/5
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Frank Turner - Poetry of the Deed
Reviewed by Chris Render
Taken from his album of the same name, guitarist/singer/songwriter extraordinaire Frank Turner’s new single is nothing short of what fans have come to expect: astonishing. Poetry of the Deed, like much of Turner’s earlier work, is simultaneously touching, talented and thought-provoking. Turner’s real appeal lies with his ability to speak to an audience made up of real people. The result of this man’s talent combined with the consideration he puts into his song writing is an affecting musical triumph. I’ve never heard a bad Frank Turner song and Poetry of the Deed fails to break his streak: an uplifting tour de force.
5/5
Taken from his album of the same name, guitarist/singer/songwriter extraordinaire Frank Turner’s new single is nothing short of what fans have come to expect: astonishing. Poetry of the Deed, like much of Turner’s earlier work, is simultaneously touching, talented and thought-provoking. Turner’s real appeal lies with his ability to speak to an audience made up of real people. The result of this man’s talent combined with the consideration he puts into his song writing is an affecting musical triumph. I’ve never heard a bad Frank Turner song and Poetry of the Deed fails to break his streak: an uplifting tour de force.
5/5
Lucky Elephant - Reverend Tisley & His Magic Lantern
Reviewed by Chris Render
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Reverend Tisley & His Magic Lantern is a laid back affair, competently performed by Lucky Elephant. Definitely worthy of note are the vocals of French singer Manu, possibly the highlight of both tracks on the single. The title track is cheerful, easy to listen to and hard to dislike, and Edgar is no different. Whilst the music of Lucky Elephant is not the kind of thing that one would usually find within my own music collection, their unique sound has won me over. Though you’re unlikely to hear this in many clubs, I’d track it down. It’s worth the extra effort.
4/5
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Reverend Tisley & His Magic Lantern is a laid back affair, competently performed by Lucky Elephant. Definitely worthy of note are the vocals of French singer Manu, possibly the highlight of both tracks on the single. The title track is cheerful, easy to listen to and hard to dislike, and Edgar is no different. Whilst the music of Lucky Elephant is not the kind of thing that one would usually find within my own music collection, their unique sound has won me over. Though you’re unlikely to hear this in many clubs, I’d track it down. It’s worth the extra effort.
4/5
Hollywood Undead - Young
Reviewed by Chris Render
Hollywood Undead are a rare breed, crafting rap metal that, well, isn’t bad. Their streak of showing that this genre has indeed got some merit is not broken by Young. I’m willing to concede that not everybody’s iPod has room for Hollywood Undead, indeed, I’d say they’re probably more of an acquired taste, but personally I really enjoyed Young. If you’re a fan of Krash, check this out.
4/5
Hollywood Undead are a rare breed, crafting rap metal that, well, isn’t bad. Their streak of showing that this genre has indeed got some merit is not broken by Young. I’m willing to concede that not everybody’s iPod has room for Hollywood Undead, indeed, I’d say they’re probably more of an acquired taste, but personally I really enjoyed Young. If you’re a fan of Krash, check this out.
4/5
The Explorer's Collective - Bangers and Mash
Review of The Explorer’s Collective – Bangers and Mash
Chris Render
Hip, catchy, right up my alley: all ways I could (and in the end chose to) describe Bangers and Mash. It’s infectious riff stays with you long after the song finishes and on the whole the debut single from London four-piece The Explorer’s Collective is a brilliant display of talent. With shades of bands like The Kinks, Bloc Party and The Fratellis, I’d be both disappointed and astonished if The Explorer’s Collective aren’t the next big thing.
5/5
Chris Render
Hip, catchy, right up my alley: all ways I could (and in the end chose to) describe Bangers and Mash. It’s infectious riff stays with you long after the song finishes and on the whole the debut single from London four-piece The Explorer’s Collective is a brilliant display of talent. With shades of bands like The Kinks, Bloc Party and The Fratellis, I’d be both disappointed and astonished if The Explorer’s Collective aren’t the next big thing.
5/5
Ash - True Love 1980
Reviewed by Chris Render
I like Ash, and True Love 1980 is no exception, reminiscent (at least to my humble ears) of arguably their greatest track to date, Girl From Mars. A catchy tune, great vocals and genuine music talent provide a showcase for Ash’s formidable talent, displaying a return to the golden days of this staple of the music scene. It might not be for everyone, but if you like Ash, you’ll love True Love 1980.
5/5
I like Ash, and True Love 1980 is no exception, reminiscent (at least to my humble ears) of arguably their greatest track to date, Girl From Mars. A catchy tune, great vocals and genuine music talent provide a showcase for Ash’s formidable talent, displaying a return to the golden days of this staple of the music scene. It might not be for everyone, but if you like Ash, you’ll love True Love 1980.
5/5
Codeine Velvet Club - Vanity Kills
Reviewed by Chris Render
It’s good to be reviewing again, not least of all because I get to listen to musical triumphs like Vanity Kills. Codeine Velvet Club’s new single is a brilliantly catchy display of talent, one that I find myself whistling long after last hearing it. I’m definitely expecting to hear more from this talented group of artists in the coming months. Codeine Velvet Club are among the most interesting artists I’ve encountered this year.
4/5
It’s good to be reviewing again, not least of all because I get to listen to musical triumphs like Vanity Kills. Codeine Velvet Club’s new single is a brilliantly catchy display of talent, one that I find myself whistling long after last hearing it. I’m definitely expecting to hear more from this talented group of artists in the coming months. Codeine Velvet Club are among the most interesting artists I’ve encountered this year.
4/5
The Plight - Wind of Osiris
Reviewed by Phil Boardman
“Winds Of Osiris” is the debut full-length album from Leeds' The Plight. After the first listen I wasn’t too sure about the album with growling hardcore vocals making it hard to listen to, but on a second listen it soon started to grow on me. The guitar riffs throughout the album have a classic rock sound and are extremely catchy, and the instrumental “Lifted to the Sun” is a nice change after listening to the fast paced riffs from the rest of the album. Another album highlight for me would be the song "Tied To The Tracks" opening with a classic sounding guitar riff reminding me of Audioslave, which then blends well with energetic drum beat, also the vocals in this song become a lot more distinguished in comparison, making it easier to listen to than other songs on the album. If you’re in to bands such as Gallows and Cancer Bats these are definitely worth a listen to.
“Winds Of Osiris” is the debut full-length album from Leeds' The Plight. After the first listen I wasn’t too sure about the album with growling hardcore vocals making it hard to listen to, but on a second listen it soon started to grow on me. The guitar riffs throughout the album have a classic rock sound and are extremely catchy, and the instrumental “Lifted to the Sun” is a nice change after listening to the fast paced riffs from the rest of the album. Another album highlight for me would be the song "Tied To The Tracks" opening with a classic sounding guitar riff reminding me of Audioslave, which then blends well with energetic drum beat, also the vocals in this song become a lot more distinguished in comparison, making it easier to listen to than other songs on the album. If you’re in to bands such as Gallows and Cancer Bats these are definitely worth a listen to.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Greyhounds in the Slips - The Joy Formidable
Reviewed by Scott McLoughlin
The combination of hook heavy lyrics and droning guitar, force the Joy Formidable to your attention, if nothing else. Yet, it is somewhat darker than their 2008 offering Austere. Admittedly this is not every body’s cup of tea, but it engenders a reaction similar to said cup of tea being thrown into your face. Perhaps this is the reason the trio are supporting the likes of: The Editors, Passion Pit in the UK, and then are on a European tour with the Temper Trap; all this after a mini tour of Japan. The guest vocals of Paul Draper (of Mansun fame) compliment the now industrial tones of a band born in the welsh country. All this, and energetic live performances indicate they should be monitored for chance of future success.
I do however have a few issues with the recording itself. The Vocals, though undoubtedly catchy in the chorus, are blurred in the verse; blending the vocals into the body of the music as whole so that they are eventually lost. Those of you wanting poetic sentiments throughout will also be disappointed. Furthermore, if you are that annoying person on facebook; the one who loves to quote inspired song lyrics as their status, you too will not find what you are looking for. However, if you love household appliances you are in luck. The vocal-less ‘bridge section’ towards the end of the song sounds like a washing machine drumming and whirring to the ambience of a kitchen radio. Check them out, but this I have to say is largely an injustice to their live quality.
2.5 / 5
The combination of hook heavy lyrics and droning guitar, force the Joy Formidable to your attention, if nothing else. Yet, it is somewhat darker than their 2008 offering Austere. Admittedly this is not every body’s cup of tea, but it engenders a reaction similar to said cup of tea being thrown into your face. Perhaps this is the reason the trio are supporting the likes of: The Editors, Passion Pit in the UK, and then are on a European tour with the Temper Trap; all this after a mini tour of Japan. The guest vocals of Paul Draper (of Mansun fame) compliment the now industrial tones of a band born in the welsh country. All this, and energetic live performances indicate they should be monitored for chance of future success.
I do however have a few issues with the recording itself. The Vocals, though undoubtedly catchy in the chorus, are blurred in the verse; blending the vocals into the body of the music as whole so that they are eventually lost. Those of you wanting poetic sentiments throughout will also be disappointed. Furthermore, if you are that annoying person on facebook; the one who loves to quote inspired song lyrics as their status, you too will not find what you are looking for. However, if you love household appliances you are in luck. The vocal-less ‘bridge section’ towards the end of the song sounds like a washing machine drumming and whirring to the ambience of a kitchen radio. Check them out, but this I have to say is largely an injustice to their live quality.
2.5 / 5
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