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singles/eps -
august 2008
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If anyone could make good, melodic argument for the 80s
comeback then this Gruff Rhys/Boom Bip team up would be it.
First off: chart busting gooey pop in the form of ‘I
told her on Alderaan’ lets Rhys imagine a girl ‘with a face from an
animation’ while Bip goes all-out drum machine parade and ice cold synths on
the production side. ‘Trick for Treat’ is less likely to excite the children
who have just got over their Spice Girl faze, Spank Rock bring their smutty
rap to the Neon Neon table with great success.
Both these tracks do what they set out to do, and they could be played in
almost every club up and down the country without loosing any credibility.
Result! Join Neon Neon for that 80s renaissance.
http://www.myspace.com/neonx2
Nick Burman |
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We The Faceless have been called the pioneers of ‘new
grunge’ and it is clear why. The band are heavily influenced by the famous
grunge bands of the 90’s like Nirvana and Soundgarden. Vocalist Jacques Smit
even sounds very similar to Chris Cornell so it is no wonder people who
loved the 90’sgrunge scene are jumping onboard with We The Faceless. By
creating a very minimalist sound they have managed to step away from the
norm of modern day alternative rock bands, rather than using fast, thrashing
guitar riffs and blast beat drumming, We The Faceless have gone for a very
simple yet very successful sound. With gritty vocals the most notable talent
of this band it once again goes back to the days of grunge when the front
man’s voice defined the band this is also true of We The Faceless, where the
vocals of every song are sung with passion and power. We The Faceless have
managed to create something fresh from something new and they seem to have
found the perfect mix of old and new to generate a somewhat unique sound for
the current state of our music scene. With a short tour of Spain due in the
summer it will be interesting to see what Europe thinks of this ’new grunge’
outfit but I think it is safe to say that no matter where We The Faceless
travel they are bound to gather fans all around the globe, they just produce
a sound that you can’t seem to hate.
Tim Birkbeck |
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This progressive metal band from south east Essex are
the latest band of this genre to break onto the UK metal scene. Following in
the shadows of such bands at Devil Sold His Soul, Botch and Isis. Between
the Screams combine ambience and metal to create an original sound. The use
of both aggressive and melodic vocals has become almost a trademark of this
genre of progressive metal and Between the Screams is no different. For
those who are into this scene Between the Screams are a band who will
definitely find themselves new fans. As they have already supported bands
like Devil Sold His Soul and The Miramar Disaster, it shows that they are a
band moving in the right direction. With heavy guitar riffs and hard hitting
drumming being accompanied by the powerful voice of vocalist Adam Ralph it’s
not hard to see why Between the Screams are getting so much critical
acclaim. With the release of ’Embryo’ set for the end of July it is sure to
be an E.P that will generate a lot of hype and pick up a following, and with
Between the Screams set to go into the studio to write their debut album in
September it will surely bring in more fans for this band and hopefully some
headline shows of their own. Usually with the progressive metal scene it
becomes the “ you are either a fan or you’re not” but I think Between the
Screams may have the ability to bring many more fans into the scene. They
may even go onto to be one of the bands at the forefront of the UK
progressive metal scene.
Tim Birkbeck |
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This four song EP contains some fairly standard metal
riffage. Much is made of the twin lead guitars and there is evidence of
impressive solos and tight playing. However, it is the vocals that let the
band down. I have to say I am in awe of anyone that can growl like a tiger
and then have any semblance of a normal singing voice, but the singer
doesn’t do either well enough here. All credit to the boys for changing pace
with the third track ‘Save The Day’ but I’m afraid to say all this does is
point up the singer’s inability to carry the song. On the final track we are
back on standard metal ground again with good soloing from those twin leads.
Final verdict: good, tight playing which retreads familiar metal pathways
without setting anything on fire.
Richard Ash |
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The thirst are turning heads. Championed by Zane Lowe,
loved by Ronnie Wood, collaborating with Pete Doherty, supporting the Sex
Pistols and the Rolling Stones, and now reviewed by me. Sometimes life just
gets better and better! I have to say I like them (like I’m going to argue
with the Stones). The song whips along with bouncy guitars, good lyrics and
catchy hooks. Think somewhere between Arctic Monkeys and the Jam and you’re
halfway there. Nice work, I will definitely be checking out their album ‘On
The Brink’ when it comes out.
Richard Ash |
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Applicants defy description. 'Life In The Bus Lane' is,
frankly, crackers. A series of sampled collages and in-yer-face lyrics
bemoaning the parlous state of England today. Entirely lacking any sense of
decorum, unable to stop themselves from throwing food around the canteen and
blessed with more wit and brio than an entire boxed set of 'Have I Got News
For You' dvds, Applicants just left a cardboard model of Rolf (in their
eyes, a man-god) Harris on the lawn of Greenwich Observatory. And it isn't
even rag week yet! What happens after they qualify from RADA is anyone's
guess.
http://www.myspace.com/applicants
Jon Gordon |
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Pay attention at the back please. Athens, Georgia based Japancakes
apparently recorded a cover version of not just a single but the whole of My
Bloody Valentine's album 'Loveless'. Ahh, you think, so this is a single
from that album then? No my hasty friends, for further jiggery pokery has
taken place and these two tracks are in fact a James Rutledge remix and a
Ricardo Tobar remix of the previously recorded cover versions. Are you lost
yet? Me too.
Sonically though, 'Soon' sounds like pretty standard 8-bit Casiocore,
albeit with a disjointed smattering of live drums. 'Touched' is a more
rounded version, all welling and phasing, it builds up and breaks down, but
only very slightly. Maybe Japancakes should have stopped after just
recording their cover versions.
www.soniccathedral.co.uk
SB |
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Sheffield dancehall anyone? Despite it's quasi-misogynistic overtones,
'Buff Nuff' is actually pretty funny - there, any credibility I might have
still had remaining has now gone. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes Mr
Manuva throws out the rhymes and Ross Orton mixes it up. Hard not to like it
really.
www.myspace.com/rootsmanuva
SB |
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Ripping off the name of Faceman in the A-Team may be a prudent move
(well, better than calling yourselves BA Baracus at least). No Association
have a massive arena style sound, akin to Funeral for a Friend and their
type but the forced vocals really turn me off - sounds like the singer has
got a French Fry stuck down his throat.
www.myspace.com/templetonpek
SB |
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Their second proper recording and this promises much for The Cedar Falls.
Ball crunching guitar riffs along with a proper man-voice vocal (take note
Templeton Pek) make 'Abondon' a winner. Although I may sound like I have
maxed on on macho TV like Top Gear and err, Final Score, it is just
refreshing to see a group hammer out their tunes without any trendy
affectations or obvious hero worshipping of influential bands. Sure there is
a definite taste of Sound Garden and Limp Bizkit in 'Twilight' but never to
excess. And this is why The Cedar Falls may fail - they just keep on doing
their own damn thing. But that's why I will keep listening to them.
www.thecedarfalls.co.uk
SB |
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Fast chat, dub step, reggae legends, dancehall, grime, hip-hop...they are
all thrown in here. 'Angry' is about as accessible as The Bug ever gets
while Tippa Irie sounds a million miles away from the sound which got him to
No. 1 with Hello Darling'. But most of all this all comes together
brilliantly - it sounds clubby but hang on to its reggae roots - an
unexpected hit, for me at least.
www.ninjatune.net
SB |
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Lightweight 'oh look at the terrible state of the word we live in' style
musings from a band who probably all spend £60 a month getting their hair
cut at Toni & Guy. 'What's it like to run in circles? What's it Like to feel
worthless?' yeah yeah - heard it all before. Carter USM were singing about
it 20 years ago and doubtless plenty before them. Sorry - I just really
don't buy it.
SB |
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Ahh, the return of Karim Fanous for yet another single. And this one is a
dandy. 'Architect's Son' is (I think) a tribute to Fanous' famous architect
father (though at times it sounds like he is bemoaning the fact he is a
forgotten son). Neat acoustic guitar work and a wild vocal add a massive
amount of distinctiveness to this track. 'Top of the World' builds on the
typical Fanous-like warbling vocal style, which is definitely not unlike
able.
www.karimfanous.com
SB |
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Jesus - after what seems like a nice mellow, funky intro with a few
samples thrown in to keep things techy, the vocal suddenly kicks in like an
Iron Maiden song. A metal version of Kula Shaker - a pretty scary
proposition no?
SB |
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Talking of distinctive earlier...one can't accuse Rose Kemp of following
the crowd. 'Nanny's World' follows her tried and trusted goth rock meets
female diva formula with startling effect. A sparse collapsing guitar line
which tumbles into the chaotic chorus - I'm sure this would sound fantastic
live. And not too bad on CD either.
SB |
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Matthew Ryan - Hold on Firefly / Jane, I still Feel the Same (One Little
Indian)
If, in your most bleak and morbid moments, you ever wondered what
it would be like listening to a pub singer perform his songs while suffering
with severe constipation then you may just be saved the realism by listening
to the equivalent in Matthew Ryan. 'Hold on Firefly' is a three chord
plodder in a sub-sub-sub Springsteen mould while 'Jane, I Still Feel the
Same' sees Ryan doing a slowy and a poor imitation of Damien Rice. Avoid.
www.matthewryanonline.com
SB |
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The Dodos - Red and Purple (Wichita)
Fantastically clattery without ever
really going anywhere, 'Red and Purple' sees San Franciso duo The Dodos sail
their psych folk pop like a rudderless ship. It's mildy enjoyable even
though you don't really know what you are doing and leaves you with a mildly
concerned feeling inside. the bassy solo midway through is particularly ace.
www.dodosmusic.net
SB |
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No press release, no info, just a white disc
and sleeve. Well without the aid the aforementioned chattals this sounds to
me a lot like ίForward Russia! except with
vocalist Tom Woodhead on serious tranquilisers. Plusses and minuses then.
I'd suggest you check them out for yourself but then we would need a web
address for that.
SB |
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IF you think that the
likes of Tilly and the Wall and Arcade Fire are the height of musical
sophistication and bring a whole new dynamic to the notion of co-operative
musicality then you will love Port O'Brien. 'I Woke Up Today' is a
thoroughly cheery track with a big shouty sing along chorus. If, on the
other hand, you are a borderline sociopath then you may find this single a
little annoying.
www.myspace.com/portobrien
SB |
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How in god's name did this one slip through
the net and into the tasty mailbox. 'I am the wilderness locked in a cage'
croons our chanteuse at the outset of this 3 minute plodder. In fairness
when she gets going vocalist Frida Öhrn has a
pretty good voice but I'm not sure this wishy washy ballad style is the best
vehicle for it. Release Me indeed.
www.ohlaura.net
SB |
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I heard a bit of this album the other
day and thought it sounded pretty intriguing. This single is no exception -
masses of production to give it a huge spacey sound, a bit like some of the
more recent Bowie albums (especially Heathen). There's a bridge that sounds
a bit like the Timewarp from Rocky Horror but I'll forgive this indiscretion
as there is so much else to praise about the track. Definitely composed as
an epic and not far off achieving it - touches of Placebo and The Verve in
their pomp too.
www.myspace.com/thethomaswhite
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Beneath their delicious bubblegum pop there is a
steely resolve to Buen Chico and 'Tell 'Em' is a cunningly disguised call to
arms against political apathy. The messages work brilliantly against the
backdrop of raggy guitars - download it from their website.
www.myspace.com/buenchico
SB |
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What a weird little tune this is - all
indie guitar a la Pigeon Detectives, Supergrass et al for the most part then
it morphs via a bit of faux Darkness stadium pomp into a Mariachi style
outro. Truly bizarre then but I think I really quite like it.
watch the video to 'Money'
www.thesplendour.co.uk
SB |
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Uncomplicated rock and roll and
delivered magnificently by The Raid. 'On a Scale' is a bit reminiscent of
now-defunct Leeds band Vatican Jet in the way it just bounds with energy and
no small amount of musical talent. 4 minutes of your life would be well
spent listening to this.
SB |
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Despite the incredibly floral language and general nonsense in the press
release, time was when this would fairly and squarely be labelled trip hop.
'I'll Come Around' sounds like it firmly came out of a Portishead recording
session ten years ago. But 'Middle Lane' delves much deeper into the
workings of papa La Bas and is made up a lot more disconcerting samples,
loops and beats in a generally tense, claustrophic composition. Dark and
uncomfortable, it's certainly not one to warm to but it will make you sit up
and take notice.
www.myspace.com/papalabasuk
SB |
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The second Rocky Horror tribute band this month? Almost, though 'Empty
Eyes' is perhaps more like Nine Inch Nails' 'Terrible Lie' being sung by
John Lydon. The instrumentation sounds disappointingly dated and the vocals
hardly lend it any further gravitas.
'But I'll be Waiting' does not sound that much different to be honest,
like a speeded up version of 'Empty Eyes'. It's all just a bit gothic(k) and
seems to take itself far too seriously for my liking.
www.historyofguns.com
SB |
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A typically solid release from 14th Floor sees Australia's Sneaky Sound
System play up their funked up version of CSS. Musically very much out of
the whole LCD Soundsystem/Hot Chip stable of indie guitar dance cross over,
'Pictures' is an unmistakably summery anthem and as such is pretty good
apart from the abysmal ending which sounds like someone just cut the power
midway through the recording. That said, I found all of the remixes
infinitely more interesting than the original - the South Central mash up
being particularly vicious on the original arrangement.
www.myspace.com/sneakysoundsystem
SB |
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Despite (or perhaps because of) their parpy keyboards, their twinkly
guitars and their agile youthful vocals I find it hard to get excited by
'Run Run' - it sounds like a Christmas compilation filler on Now 364.
www.myspace.com/thosedancingdays
SB |
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As an unashamed fan of We Are Scientists it pains me to report that I
would definitely not have released this track as a single from the album.
It's a one paced plodder - disappointing.
www.wearescientists.com
Watch the video to 'Impatience'
SB |
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Although there are 8 members of the
band, there's a nice intimate feel to Captive State on 'Mona' - a windswept
travelling song if ever there was one. 'China White Doll' is a similarly
beguiling with a brass section providing a warm accompaniment to the
xylophone part and the vocalist sounding a little like David Thomas
Broughton. Sadly the second half of the EP fails to live up to the first
half even though 'Weatherman' does start of promisingly. 'Lost' just sounds
plain dated, like one of those autoset rhythms you used to get on cheapo
Casio keyboards in the 80s. But all things considered the two successful
tracks from 'Elmore Grove' would make this worth the purchase alone.
www.myspace.com/captivestatemusic
SB |
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MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix) (Columbia)
In a rare show of admiration I actually quite liked the original version
of 'Electric Feel'. Now with a ballsy Justice remix adding a harder edge tot
he track, this one is even better. I probably need a lie down now.
www.whoismgmt.com
SB |
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Pendulum - The Other Side (Warners)
Previously I'd always been a bit bemused by Pendulum, they always sounded
like a cross between the Prodigy and The Levellers. 'The Other Side' is a
little bit different to these previous expectations - it's more like a cross
between Lo Fidelity Allstars and The Prodigy. Oh yes, with a bit of Ladytron
thrown in as well. But the overall smoother feel of this sound appeals to my
ears a lot more than its overtly frenetic forerunners. Good stuff therefore.
Oh yeah, and their embossed CD sleeve designs are superb.
www.pendulum.com
Watch video to 'The
Other Side'
SB |
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Dead Young Records Sampler (The
Cubical / A Love Supreme / The Lucid Dream / Yucatan) (Dead Young Records)
The Cubical seem to find themselves stranded somewhere between Ennio
Morricone and Slayer. the resultant 'Edward the Confessor' is therefore a
schizophrenic affair and not entirely listenable.
A Love Supreme have been immersed with producers who work with the likes
of The Kaisers, Pigeon Detectives, The Music etc and it sounds like it. 'I
Know You got Soul' is a bit over produced to paper over the cracks of what
is a weak song. But it never stopped the Pigeon Detectives from selling
records.
The Lucid Dream by comparison merge Sigue Sigue Sputnik with The Jesus
and Mary Chain. Turn it up full whack on your stereo and zone out to 'I Got
the Devil' for 5 minutes of supreme shoegazing.
And the best is saved for last. Wales' Yucatan give us a sample of what
they are about with 'Un Clyfe' - 8 minutes of welling instrumentation,
drones, spartan xylophones and doleful horns. Eerie and epic, easily
comparable to Sigur Ros and Mogwai.
www.myspace.com/thecubicalcubical
www.myspace.com/alovesupremeband
www.myspace.com/theluciddream08
www.myspace.com/yucatanambyth
SB |
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