To be honest, the release of this surprised me. For a band that’s only relatively recently imploded, and having only made two albums – one of which wasn’t even that great – I had to question the reasons behind the release of this. (I don’t want to give it away too much, but it’s basically about the money) more… “The Libertines”
With a depth of songwriting that is overlooked by alot of bands these days, Edinburgh’s Graystar show genuine signs of promise on their new LP, A Million Pieces. Formed by Liverpool songwriter Dominic James, the band get off to a slow start but improve dramatically as the record wears on. more… “Graystar”
The press release accompanying this disc proudly proclaims that The Coffin Years is “45 minutes of noise-metal-kraut-prog-rock” which is probably about 44 minutes too long in anyone’s book. It goes on to state that ACPC take “a gleeful and unashamedly indulgent approach to metal, krautrock and art rock”. more… “Azalea City Penis Club”
Vandaveer is Mark Charles. Hailing from Washington DC Charles is possibly the closest thing music has to “a temp”, turning out for These United States, The Apparitions and seemingly anyone else prepared to extend an invite. more… “Vandaveer”
From all accounts there have been several delays in getting the Icelandic composers masterpiece beyond its domestic market. I am pleased to inform that Eulogy For Evolution does not disappoint. The delicate balance of emotionally charged piano, strings and (occasional hardcore) drums enthrals and mesmerises from start to finish. more… “Olafur Arnalds”
Opening with the silly harmonies of ‘Girls, Boys and Marsupials’, The Wombats quickly identify themselves as a band who don’t take themselves too serious. Their chirpy indie pop is an escape from reality, to a crazy happy place where all your worries can be forgotten with some oohs, aahs and a spritely beat. Lyrically, The Wombats offer more of an understanding approach to getting over your emo feelings – the likes of ‘Kill The Director’ and ‘School Uniforms’ paint a pretty bleak picture of The Wombats’ love lives, and if all those whining demi-goth Americans hadn’t stolen the ’emo’ tag, it’d have been The Wombats’ for the taking. Songs like ‘Moving To New York’ and ‘Dr Suzanne Mattox PHD’ are musically so fun, even though they seem to be addressing the feelings of a pretty troubled soul!
Given the musical nature of the album, if love, loss and desperation were the common cold, The Wombats would be a hot ribena, a blanket and a big box of tissues (don’t ask us who’s who!). This album is a gem, so long as you’re partial to a bit of a musical and lyrical juxtaposition and don’t find Matthew Murphy’s sometimes squeaky vocals wearing.
Jez Ashurst’s vocals are so pure pop that it would probably be impossible for Farrah to ever sound cool without a total reshuffle. But if Farrah were cool, it would probably shatter all the norms of modern society and people may begin to spontaneously combust. more… “Farrah”
Lots of noises vaguely held together by a beat, Enter Shikari are one of those bands that will make most people born before 1990 feel old. This collection of b-sides and rarities probably only enhances that feeling by being all the more scrappy and noisy than their album. more… “Enter Shikari”
Pete Doherty has had his fair share of doubters in recent years. Yet this is the man, as one half of the most influential (although short lived) songwriting duo since Morrissey and Marr. Since then it seems many have given up on the former Libertine, a wasted talent to busy living the celebrity life to make a good record. more… “Babyshambles”
Baltimore (or Wham City as it’s known to its local scenesters) seems to be a happening city right now with Dan Deacon and The Videohippos making a name for themselves outside nationally and globally. more… “Celebration”