The best (and some of the rest) Album reviews from 2010, plus the infamous 'five sentance' reviews (for when we're a bit pushed for time!). For Reviews from 2006 - 2009 check out the ARCHIVE menu.
Band – Calamateur
Album – Each Dirty Letter
Label – Autoclave Records
Out Now? 02 August 2010
Info – He’s Scottish and has a real name, Andrew Howie. Calamateur sounds better! Music – Take lo fi, folky, indie pop and wash over with some to die for melodies plus strangely engaging melodies and you have ‘Each Dirty Letter’. It’s a fairly tried and tested formula that we have to agree but went its done well it’s a real treat. Take ‘Banoffee’ which is systematic of just how it’s done well or ‘Repeat’ which follows but goes into duet territory, Jo Mango adds some sweet, sweet vocals which only adds to an already splendid tune. Sometimes you get the celtic twang others does kind of slip into almost American, ‘A bad friend’ has a bit of the Evan Dando’s about it but always its laid back. He does almost get hot under the collar on ‘Testimony’ but it’s soon out of the system and back to what he does best. No worries as by the time ‘Touch my skin’ comes along he’s very much back to his very best. Away from the music gotta add points for the artwork too, the illustrations (or drawings as we like to call them!) complete the picture; quaint and very much lo fi and provides a fine companion to the music. Pick of the bunch – ‘Banoffee’ is as sweet as it suggests and ‘Touch my skin’ does stand out but to be fair this isn’t about individual songs, it’s a fluid musical journey that is best listened to in its entirety. Worth a punt? If you like laid back, cool, semi acoustic melodic guitar pop with an indie and folky bias then this album should be in your collection. Just a lovely forty minutes of music, love it, we do.
Band - Chris Singleton and the Distractions
Album - Lady Gasoline
Label - IRL Records
Out Now? Yep, 28 June was the day
Info - Chris Singleton is the main man here, he's written all twelve tunes plus does the singing, guitars and err organs and synths - does he need or have any spare time for any distractions?! Anyway they do a fair job of bringing up the rear, sterling job of bass, additional guitars and drums etc. By the way Chris Singleton hails from Ireland and sports a natty pair of specs. Music - Splendid stuff, Chris has a knack of writing a cracking 'up' pop tune. 'Lose it' has all the ingredients needed; bonzer melody, neat guitars and that feel good factor. In fact it's a bit of a feel good album, it kicks on with quite a pace to it, 'Bad Ambitions' keeps up the good work with a immediate pop hit. Chris takes pop, a spot of indie, some guitars, some obvious influences (well one track is called 'Lou Reed' no prizes for guessing here!) but stamps his own personality all over the whole thing. 'Caught in the sun' is mellower whereas 'Lady Gasoline' with its underlying synth beat is more agro and in yer face. 'Sold the world' heads back into mellow, melody territory and sounds like so many tunes you've ever heard you cannot put your finger which one it reminds off most. 'Blood' starts like it should be rooming around Radiohead but actually gets a 70's guitar lick and goes off into a mellow pop direction instead which is just as well! 'Momma Miss America' finishes off with a bit of a Velvet Underground sound, well if they did pop that is! Pick of the bunch - Plenty to grab the attention, 'Let me out', and 'sold the world' are contenders but 'Lose it' just about steals it. Worth a punt? Oh God yeah, a great sunshine record for sure but there's plenty of scope for this to find it's way back onto the turntable even when summer is long gone. Splendid stuff indeed.
Band - Oasis
Album - Time Flies
Label - Big Brother
Out Now? 21 June
Info - Surely of all the bands in Britain Oasis are the one that need no introduction. To those who have had their heads in a bucket of sand for the last couple of decades Oasis are the band that singlehanderley redefined and re-energised English music in the early to mid ninties, from their debut single way back in '94 there was never a dull moment in the Oasis camp. Is this over egging Oasis the band, no not at all, in the days where Cast are trying to state they were an important band to drum up sales to a not very welcome come back tour this just amplifies just how mega Oasis were. Music - Rather than the edited highlights package this is a straight down the line no messing singles collection, a bumper 27, yes count them 27 tracks in all. So if you want Noel's 'version' of a 'greatest hits' collection then best go for the 2006 'Stop the clocks' compilation instead. But what you get here are all the songs that have graced the airways for the last sixteen years including the stella early hits 'Supersonic' and 'Rock n roll star' which tore up the indie guitar rule book and sent the Gallaghers into stardom. The music, especially the early stuff has Noel and Liam's 'influences' all over them, take a pinch of Lennon, throw in some Who add a bit of Stones then add a huge bottle of attitude shake widely and then you have some right tunes! Talking of Lennon, also included is the oft ignored and string laden 'Whatever' real good to hear that one again. But the we have all the tunes that made them the million sellers, just how good are the likes of 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't look back in anger' oh man no guessing on how they became the best and biggest band in Britain with quality like that, blinding. Away from the early stuff 'Time Flies' also proves that their post 'What's the story' career isn't as bad as what some would make us believe. In fact Noel didn't rest on his laurels for the last decade, check out 'The importance of being idle' and more recent 'Shock of the lightening' as definitive proof. Pick of the bunch - From a 27 track Oasis singles album this is one hell of an ask, there's some many great and we do mean great tunes on here it's nigh on impossible to pick one. That said as we have to we'll go for 'Wonderwall' its obvious but obvious for a reason, its just a glorious song and one of those 'one in a generation' tunes. Worth a punt? Another few quid for Noel then? Probably, but in a post Oasis landscape 'Time Flies' really proves that they raised the musical bar and will take some beating, so yeah its essential stuff.
Band - Envy of the state
Album - Soundtrack for your life
Label - Red label Records
Out Now? 14 June 2010
Info - Telford ain't well known as a hotbed of rock but that may well be about to change as Envy of the state unleash their debut album, 'Soundtrack for your life' onto an unsuspecting public. Music - 'Soundtrack for your life' gets off to a real rock unroll flyer, 'Rags to riches (riches to rehab)' is a beast of a tune; tempo of a jet plane, stella guitars and a melody to die for, if this is your soundtrack then it's the one of getting set for a real big night out. There's no let up neither, in fact it gets harder and faster on 'Silver screen', still with a tune amongst the high energy and guitars. There's quite a trick to ensuring there's a tune worth seeking out amongst buzzing guitars and booming drum rhythms but fortunately Envy of the State manage it with some ease. Reference points are most obviously Lost Prophets and probably more obviously a shed load of black clothing to boot. Variety wise it more often than not fist pumping stuff but as most rock bands do they do go for the occasional slow, fast, slow number and 'Lives Collide' is done to pretty decent effect without ever falling foul of the horrific rock ballad which should be avoided at all costs! Whereas 'Soundtrack for your life' goes hell for leather with chainsaw guitars, full out rock out, like Soundgarden with a bit of shouting in for good measure. 'Blind' is back to the high octane best, guitars on fire with some class rock vocals, nice one Scott! 'Our time' keeps the tempo a pumping, following a similar vain except for a bit of the 'slow' before cranking back up, big style. Thirty three minutes and ten tracks polished off in double quick time, it just flies by. Good stuff and top title too! Pick of the bunch - Plenty to pick from but opener 'Rags to riches' edges it, proper rock with a quality pop edge. Worth a punt? If you like your rock then hell yeah.
Band - Kele
Album - The Boxer
Label - Polydor
Out Now? 21 June 2010
Info - Everybody's fav indie festival band Bloc Party take a sabbatical and lead singer Kele Okereke goes off and goes straight back into the studio and crafts a ten tracker under very much his own steam. Music - It moves out of the indie undergrowth and firmly into the indie electro field, throws beats around for fun and a rather bizarre army matching chorus 'Walk Tall' sets the stall out widely away from his Bloc Party roots. Whilst it isn't jet off to Ibiza and throw your hands into the air stuff it's not a million miles away, early doors there's no sight of the obvious guitars / drums / bass / vox formula. 'On the lam' has a great groove, female backing vocals and manages to retain a melody which should mean old fans shouldn't be scared off and be running to the hills. 'Tenderoni' has a beat that dance anthems wouldn't be ashamed off and blasts off good style, one that the remixes we're sure can have a field day with! Kele's vocals come to the fore on 'Everything you wanted' and with stripped down beats firmly in the background this tune will definitely appeal to those with an ear on his back catalogue, good strong vocals too. A rather irritating phone tone mars the peered down 'The new rules', Kele's vocals are delicate and balanced by some sweet backing by a female guest star. This is a move back away from the electro feel as it's more a traditional song, more than one string to the solo bow then. In fact "Unholy thoughts' has, gasp, guitars on it! It trots along very nicely and probably wouldn't go amiss under the Bloc Party moniker. That there electronic edge reappears on 'Rise' but nowhere near the euphoric tunes found early doors on 'The Boxer'. Vocally 'All the things I could never say' is in the Bloc Party ball park and then some female vocals appear for real balance, it's a slow burner that never really ignites despite some promise. The show is rapped up with 'Yesterdays gone' with a natty drum machine beat in the background and Kele's vocals back to the fore. Unfortunately it's another that fails to reach the heights, pleasant enough but not the big finale that would be fitting for 'The Boxer'. Pick of the bunch - Without a shadow of a doubt that's 'Tenderoni'. Dodgy title but one hell of a tune. Worth a punt? Starts off like some electro train but there's enough variety to suggest he ain't no drum machine obsessed one trick pony. Whilst it isn't always 100% on the money it's still very much a qualified success. Old fans won't be dismayed and they'll find enough to keep them entertained and it shows enough to make it worth grabbing a copy.
Band - Detroit Social Club
Album - Existence
Label - Fiction Records
Out Now? 31 May 2010
Info - Taken down to the basics DSC are an indie band hailing from the north east, Newcastle in fact. David Burn who is the king pin of the band has some unusual influences including sixties soul and 'Spector' stuff so we're expecting something a little different. Music - In an arse about tit we're going to start the review half way through and concentrate on why we chose to download the album to review, simply that track is 'Sunshine People'. It's been kicking around for a while and was released as a single too, rightly too it's awesome. It has a blinding riff, magical chorus (one of those that buries into your skull and won't leave you alone) and then boom a kick ass guitar meltdown which to be fair you don't see that often in indie land. It's one of those tracks that aren't two a penny so you have to grab them when you can; foot stomping, sing along genius. We're going to zip around the album in fact for something a bit different and the fact we downloaded it kinda in the wrong order! This probably suites DSC as they are a bit different and the styles do vary a tad. Take opener 'Kiss the sun' it brings in some big atmosphere and throbbing guitars then has vocals that resemble trappist monks before breaking down into a big bombastic indie anthem (big chorus and guitars), that's one way to kick things off then! 'Northern man' includes strings but still retains that 'big' sound, suppose that where the Spector wall of sound vibe comes in, it actually also has a bit of a Verve edge too. Burn does have a knack of creating soundscapes which also encompasses enlightening choruses which makes them exceptionally listenable too. Burn also is one who makes that extra effort with his lyrics too, so give them a listen (plus you can read them on the DSC website too). 'Prophecy' which is released as a single to promote the long player, a bit darker maybe with some atmospheric vocals but still retains the pop edge as a right decent chorus too which does seem to be a feature of this album. The ten tracker comes to slow end with a low key 'Lights of life', not disappointing just relaxed and one to tap along to whilst nodding the head in the realisation that this is a damn fine album. Pick of the bunch - 'Sunshine people' see above, nuff said. Worth a punt? Yeah definitely, thought it has to be said that one the first listen we didn't really connect thoroughly with 'Existence' it takes a few listens to get really under the skin but once it's there you'll know. Detroit Social Club then? A damn inviting place that you'll wanna revisit time and time again.
Band - The Universal
Album - The Universal
Label - Diffusion Music
Out Now? 17th May
Info - ''Sharp dressing Liverpool band The Universal'' is usually a turn off on two counts, one 'sharp dressing' usually mean they look like twats and secondly they are from Liverpool, nuff said… arr The La's, still have flashbacks now! But they look pretty cool and there's plenty of 'Fred Perry' on the album sleeve which is nice and they don't sound like The La's nor The Farm neither, another couple of plus points then. Music - Straight from the off the musical influences are pinned to the mast, 'Revolution' is pure Weller. The vocals are just so modfather and the tune is there or there abouts too, that said it's a fine tune and the female backing singer is used to great effect. I suspect The Universal are gonna be a bit of a marmite band, if you get it you're gonna like it but if you aren't a fan then you are gonna really, really hate it! The guitars on 'Shine on' are belting but chief Universal Terry Shaughnessy's vocals are just a bit too much Weller. Musically 'Day in Day out' is a little more adventurous with a fine chorus, the guitars are biting and it's a bit of a call to arms, good on 'em. The guitars start to come to the fore and by the time 'Stand up' hit's they are fair buzzing, there's a million influences flying around but they are knitted around the guitars and pretty well done too. One think you are never going to say about The Universal is they are the most original band in the world but what they can do is put out a fair tune. 'It ain't what you know' brings the beat down and Shaughnessy's vocals actually sound better for it, the phase swagger is banded around when describing The Universal and it's on this track with spades, confidence that isn't misplaced. Whereas 'Get Yourself together' is more Weller / Ocean Colour Scene territory but with a glorious chorus, nice and laid back not epic but relaxed. 'Can you feel it' has backs of energy, the guitars are up and the vocals a bit more like himself, vocally this continues through 'I believe' which is a bit more introverted. Now introverted is not a word that can be used to describe the final duo on the album, 'I believe' has some heavy guitars interspersed with more mellow vocals but when those guitars kick in, they kick in. Then they kinda rock out on finale 'Let it burn', plenty of urgency and stomping guitars and that's how an album should conclude. Pick of the bunch - Gotta be 'Day in Day out'. Worth a punt? If you like your music on the mod side and you're a fan of Weller / Oasis / Ocean Colour Scene etc then hell yeah. You like the vocals and there's some rocking tunes. Now if you aren't a fan of the above then I'd avoid if I was you!
Band - The Blueskies
Album - Souvenir
Label - Killing Moon Records
Out Now? 3rd May
Info - Just to start this isn't so much a long player as a mini album, but we also go for quality rather than quantity anyway! Music - Well firstly lets say there some synths involved in fact Q magazine is quoted as saying 'Primal Depeche Mode meets The Killers in a dark alley with stories of loves lost and may strange friends'. First up of the 6 tracks is 'Matthew' which does indeed marry synth pop with left field indie pop, it tips it hat to the 80's whilst still having feet planted firmly in the 21st century. There's some great story telling going on, very clever lyrics from the lips of Mike Fawcett setting the scene much in the great British tradition carried on by the likes of Pulp and Suede. The lyrics of 'Hen nights and homeless' are truly sublime and worth picking this mini album up for alone, musically it's pacey, punchy with some super synths. They also show their tender side, although at their true best with plenty of guitars and beats behind them they can do a nice tidy 'down' tune, more than one string to these lads bow. But there real calling is knocking out a electro indie pop tune, 'Royal Blood' is such a tune with blinding synths and beats taking the tune along at a merry old pace, they can do infectious when the mood takes. Pick of the bunch - For the sheer audacity of the lyrics and the story of 'the usual' night out it has to be 'Hen nights and homeless' a class tune but the story it tells is spot on. Worth a punt? Yep, six songs ain't a lot but they are all spot on. The lyrics and story telling is like a breathe of fresh air and The Blueskies definitely know what a decent tune is too, marriage made in heaven then.
Band - Black Soul Strangers
Album - Animate
Label - Squeek Records
Out Now? 5th July, 2010
Info - Hailing from across the Irish Sea from Donegal, 'Animate' was fashioned in the famous Windmill Studios in old Dublin town. The band pic in the inner sleeve looks the part, all dark clothes, pouting looks and not a stylish hair out of place all in front of an atmospheric derelict 60's tower block. Can they live up to their looks? Music - Starts off in great form, 'Panic sets direction' tees up nicely into a blinding 'Lies' with a banging drums, epic guitars and blows through three minutes in double quick time. Couple it all with a crashing vox courtesy of Barry Gorey (with accompying backing vocals too) and it's a real blast. 'The Haunting' takes the foot off the gas and goes into a real reflective mood, one they really excel at too. First time that the phrase 'Boxer Rebellion' crops up and any band that reminds us of the most underrated bands on the scene are always welcome on our stereo. 'Leave' brings them back to the boil, some really neat choppy guitars and Gorey's vocals just ooze atmosphere and a cranked up chorus creates a right corker of a tune. Corey's vocals go back to brittle for a dark and brooding 'Monster' but they still heat it up with building guitars so just when it looks like there going for the jugular it tails off for a reflective finish. 'Tristia' carries on in much the same vein, a fine low key tune which doesn't reach the heights but 'Gallows' certainly does! The ante is upped as is the pace with buzzing guitars flowing to dazzling effect and it's followed by the big tune that is 'Witchia'. It has just what you want, great chorus, plenty of angst it's proper dark indie rock. By now they are in full flow and 'Leave' keeps up the groove and they have the formula off to a tee, it's actually pretty catchy stuff! The album finale sees Black soul strangers in far darker territory, with brass and atmospheric drums for company but 'harp' is a fine end to a splendid thirty seven minutes musical entertainment. Pick of the bunch - This ain't an album that makes you jump for the skip button, 'Lies' is pretty damn hellfire whilst straight after the atmospheric and lonely 'The Haunting' is a flawed beauty. When they are on one they are as powerful as indie gets, 'Witchia' is a fine example of them at their buzzing best. Worth a punt? Too right, this is a blinding album from a band who look and sound the part. It mixes dark brooding tunes with quality rock pop classics. Ones to really watch in 2010 and definitely an album that stirs the emotions, Animate yourself to grab hold of this album pronto.
Band - Dropkick Murphys
Album - Live on Lansdowne Boston MA
Label - Cooking Vinyl
Out Now? Yep, 16th March (for St Patrick's Day).
Info - If you don't know who Dropkick Murphys are then ten to a penny you ain't gonna like them! They've been going for donkey's years and are veterans of the American underground / overground punk scene. They mix hardcore, punk, folk and rock and blast it out and pretty damn high volumes. Music - Well if you haven't guessed this is a live album and it's a compilation of a run of seven gigs they did in their hometown of Boston, USA to celebrate St Patrick' Day in 2009. So the clues are all here, St Patrick's day and Boston so they are the 'Irish / Americans' so expect that the tradition shouty yankee punk is mixed with a decent dose of high octane Irish folk (see the free DVD for some rather natty Riverdancing… not by the band themselves fortunately enough!). It's not for the faint hearted, they'd be the types to try and crack the egg with a sledgehammer but there's plenty of tunes hiding behind the thrashing guitars and twin shouty vocals. '(F)lannigans Ball' shows that there's melodies to have and their green hearts whereas stuff like openers 'Famous for nothing' and 'The state of Massachusetts' shows why the are godfathers of the punk scene across the pond. Whereas 'Caught in a jar' shows why the album is labelled 'St Patrick' day anthems'! It's not all good news though, 'Citizen CIA' is just too much and is a bit of a messy blur and at times the inbetween songs banter is a bit sickly but that's live albums for you. On the fact it's a live album, it has a decent sound to it and there's plenty of cheering and crowd participation plus it's not polished in anyway, pretty damn honest recording. Female guest vocals are a welcome distraction on 'The Dirty glass' and the crowd joining in with the chorus sounds pretty cool, it has that Irish thing going on big time with guitars on fire! Out of the blue comes 'Forever' which shows a lighter side to the 'Murphys, well as delicate as they can do, soon counteracted by a pipe infused romp through 'Worker's song'! The 'Let's go Murphy's' chants are in full effect for the obvious encore of 'I'm shipping up to Boston' which really sums them up, energy and bags of it plus they are joined by friends and fellow hardcore legends The Mighty Mighty Bosstones for quite a finale. Pick of the bunch - There's actually some good stuff on here and 'Captain Kelly's kitchen' has it all, it's a million miles an hour, plenty of shouting and a good honest guitar romp with some of that old fashioned old country influence in there for good measure. Worth a punt? If you are a fan then this is a must especially with the free DVD to go with it. If you are a fan of punk and wanna get into the band then again it's well worth a punt. However, if you prefer music that don't blow out yer ear drums then best give it a miss then!!
Angus & Julia Stone
Album - Down The Way
Label - Flock Music
Out Now? 15 March, 2010
Info - According to the blurb Angus and Julia Stone are Australia siblings and this is their second long player ('A book like this' their first). It also says that 'Down the way', "gravitates from sparse to rich and textured arrangements yet never loses its etherealness and charm' - that's some big claims! Music - 'Hold On' sets the musical standard, dreamy Julia vocals with gorgeous string drenched melodies laid back and beautifully relaxed. The female vocals of 'Hold on' are replaced by Angus but still nice and relaxed with a light American twang and mix of strings, drums and acoustic guitar backing them to perfection. Julia returns for the purest of pop, 'For You' which features more guitars and her tuneful tones has a spot of a Celtic edge, say Cerys Catatonia at her sweetest. Angus takes centre stage again on 'Big Jet Plane', more of a standard indie folk pop tune, bit Magic Numbers, still pleasant but a bit away from what makes them really quite special. The vocals are shared on 'Santa Monica Dream'; Julia's shine through on this beautifully simple little ditty, an acoustic guitar for company and like the title suggests this is a dream of a tune. 'Yellow brick rock' with it's slide guitar and feel goes down the folk / alt country route, it still has a simple yet crafted sound which evokes thoughts of west coast sun and surf. 'And the Boys' which has been picked as the first digital single of the album has Julia's vocals amongst a up tempo, punchy drumbeat and brass background, probably the most immediate track on the album but possibly not the most satisfying, that said still a good listen. The limelight swings back to Angus again for 'On the Road' then for the chorus Julia takes back the spotlight amid the slide guitars, fine alt country that reminds very much of the splendid UK outfit Mojave 3 (and the like) and at times hits a brisk pace too. Simple and beautiful, that's how 'Walk it off' commences, Julia's splendidly understated vocals with some slow strings, then it builds as the strings up the ante and the vocals follow with some brittle edged power. Harmonica and a folky drumbeat echo Angus' understated vocals on 'Hush', one of his highlight tunes. 'Draw your swords' starts very, very slowly just Angus and some sparse guitars; nearly half the song is over before a slow drum beat appears. His voice is joined by Julia's as beautiful backing as then it picks up and Angus get all excitable before it cools just sort of the seven minute mark. Julia is back in the box seat for 'I'm not yours' which she shares for vast chunks with just a piano for company, very pleasant and neat too when the guitars kick in. This lovingly written collection ends with acoustic guitars and piano, with Angus showing the lighter side of his vocal ability. 'The Devil's tears' is the perfect way to round off 'Down the way' especially with a gorgeous little bonus track tagged on the end too. A suprisingly refreshing, subtle and rewarding listen. Pick of the bunch - 'Julia's' vocals tend to edge out the male vox in the battle of the siblings, 'Hold On' takes some beating but 'Santa Monica Dream' with it's divine dual vocals and simple acoustic guitar melodies is too dreamy to ignore. Worth a punt? Whilst it may not get the pulses racing it'll certainly cleanse the soul. Those who want to forget about the troubles and dramas of their life should curl up, lower the lighting and immerse themselves in 'Down the way', dreampop of the first order.
Band - The Pocket Gods
Album - Plan Nub, Behind the fridge
Label - Nub Country Records
Out Now? 01 April 2010
Info - The Pocket Gods are positively old skool indie, they have created a 16 track opus all about the delights of B movies and Sci fi. They are that indie in fact the cover sleeve is done in felt tip and crayons! Music - File well under lo fi! After the Howard Hughes does Smashie and Nicey pre ample, 'Trailer park on mars' sounds quite like Ash (especially with the ..on mars bit). So its starts poppy enough, plenty of indie guitars and the vocals from 'Billy childish enters the space race' onwards sound like fashion jumper Damon Albarn. The vocal wheels start to fall off however from 'In nub country' where they start to sound a bit tuneless, a theme that unfortunately does ping its head at regular intervals throughout the rest of the album. In fact on the fabulously title 'I'm the ed wood of indie pop' the vocals seem to have been recorded on a different planet and dumped well under some squeaky indie guitars, it's a bit Mark E Smith under some pinky and perky indie noodlings! After a very brief intermission (that's track 8 by the way!) 'Carry on behind' features some neat twee guitars but vocally it's not great and it's onto track 10! 'Nipple fight' with its woeful title and lyrics ('there's a nipple fight in the car park' and we quote!) actually has quite a new wave sound so ignore the singing and enjoy the tune! The vocals fall off the side of the planet completely on 'Nub country life' as the album seems to be heading away from twee to subThe Fall dirge. The guitars keep coming and the vocals keep getting worse as we head through tracks 13 to 14, 'Joe Meek' is a bit better as the music tries to drown out the vocal and it only lasts a minute and a half. Bizarrely enough 'Zeta Reticulli' musically sounds a bit like early PJ Harvey or Pixies, should have left it at that and then Howard Hughes pops back up to congratulates you on actually seeing the album out. Pick of the bunch - The first half of the album is far superior to the second and 'Trailer park on mars' is really the standout track, which is a shame cause it's actually the first proper song on the album! Worth a punt? Unless you like your indie well and truly left field and out there best give it a wide berth but if you want something that's a little 'unusual' then by all means jump onto a flying saucer and head over to behind the fridge, just beware of the strange noises.. oh that's the vocals sorry!
Band - Shy Child
Album - Liquid Love
Label - Wall of Sound
Out Now? 15 March 2010
Info - Outta NYC, USA Shy Child have been knocking around for a while now, in fact 'Liquid Love' is their fourth long player. Their third album 'Noise won't stop' been the one to turn heads and saw them tour with the likes of Hot Chip and Klaxons. Music - Alright lets dance! Poppy, left field dance grooves from start to finish, opener 'Liquid Love' sets the scene and they rarely vary from the formula. Now that might seem like a gripe but it's not as the formula works a treat! 'Disconnected' takes the gauntlet and runs away with it, fine beats and killer rhythm, top stuff. If you want the beat a bit heavier try 'Criss Cross' reminds of our old Manchester friends The Whip and that's always a good thing in our book! Whereas 'The Beatles' has a beat that wouldn't sound amiss on the white isle but as with the rest of the album the tune has a good structure and it'll just begs for some shapes to be thrown!! 'Esp' is a great example of 'the formula'; great vocals, splendid synths, a beat to die for and plenty of energy. In our book that's a pretty good formula to have. 'Depth of feel' is perhaps the only disappointment, intro sounds a bit knight rider and throughout it just seems a little off target, but you're allowed one bum track! Fortunately 'Strange emotion' is more like it whereas finale 'Dark Destiny' actually plays the moody card, slowed down with synths to the fore which they just about pull off. Pick of the bunch - 'Disconnected' is infectious dance pop genius! Worth a punt? God yeah! If you got Delphic's album and loved it then you'll think this is a right blast. Indie dance don't come much better than this, it'll make you wanna hit the dance floor with avengeance!
The Automatic
Album - Tear the signs down
Label - Armoured Records
Out Now? 8 March 2010
Info - Now onto their third album the Welsh guitar pop wizards may have lost that bit of edge when Pennie left after the likes of 'Monster' and 'Recover' went through the roof. But his shouty vocals were a bit marmite; you ever loved or hated them. What is left behind is a more straight forward indie rock proposition and now recording without the constraints of a label as 'Tear the signs down' is on their own Armoured Records and was recorded in their own Cardiff studio too. Music - It starts it almost obvious fashion, 'Insides' is a bit punk pop by numbers, does get better as it goes on but not great. Unlike 'Interstate' which is a blast, has single written all over it, all the elements needed for a great indie gem, plenty of guitars, great chorus and as catchy as the plague, up there with some of their best. 'Cannot be saved' could have easily fallen off their first album, another tune that buries its way into the brain and cannot be shaken off and a real blast. 'Run and Hide' will be the second single to drop off the album and starts a bit Cooper Temple Clause before a real catchy chorus with plenty of buzzing guitars behind the vocals. Unfortunately 'Sweat Heat Noise' is a bit Automatic by numbers, nothing really wrong with it just fails to buzz or shine. Fortunately 'High Times' bucks that trend with it's butch drum intro and decent poppy chorus and then feeds into the choppy 'Race to the heart of the sun' with a harder, deeper guitar edge, proper indie rock. Talking of indie rock, the intro for 'Can I take you home' promises the same before it breaks out into a big, big indie pop romp and just listen to those buzzing guitars in the background too, nice! There's guitars flying all over the place in the overblown and messy 'Something else', there's a pop tune in there just bouncing around amidst the rock frenzy! It ends in a more predictable and poppy manner, 'Tear it town' actually lacks the intensity of 'Something else' but is a more straight forward Automatic tune. It don't last for long, 11 tracks in a mere 37 minutes, it fair breezes by but isn't that the point? Always a pleasure and never a chore! Pick of the bunch - 'Can I take you home' is a right old tune and a half but it has to be 'Interstate', a blinding tune with killer hooks and stella chorus. Worth a punt? Yeah?! Whilst The Automatic hardly push back the musical boundaries they are a damn fine listen. Plenty of bright and breezy pop tunes with loads of guitars thrown in for good measure too.
Dephic
Album -Acolyte
Label - Chemeric
Out Now? Yep - Released early January 2010
Info - Hype, hype, hype, hype. Manchester's Dephic have spent the last few months pushing all the right buttons across the nations press and public and are hovering around the top of the tips of 2010 polls of those in the know. So Acolyte has plenty to live up to but then again it has the opportunity to put down a real musical marker for the new decade. Music - ''A call to arms, a call to arms, a call everything you wanted, it's your life, it's your life'' is blasted out in opener 'Clarion call' which starts slowly before kicking firmly into life, already a glimpse of the electro influence flowing out. Delphic aren't shy, single 'Doubt' shows why they have become one of the 'next big things', confidence runs through the electro pulses along with an eye for a decent tune too. Many have been quick to point the figure towards the likes of New Order (and their Joy Division roots) through to the their recent peers Klaxons. 'This Momentary' shows they aren't afraid to mix it up either, layers of beats and vocals showing real depth but not forgetting the listening experience. Unfortunately 'Red Lights' could do with a slightly stronger vocal but the tune itself is a thriller, quite bouncy in fact! 'Acolyte' proves that in true Manchester tradition they can do atmosphere live the best of 'em, some splendid haunting vox too. A mere five tracks down and it's plainly obvious that this isn't any old plain indie album, no it's more akin to the dance field and you can imagine that Delphic live is a real hands in the air affair, bit like city mates The Whip in fact. 'Acolyte' ends up just that way as it heads past the eight minute mark! 'Halcyon' is a more straightforward joyous and dancey tune with bags of pace. Its away from dance for a moment as 'Submission' has big atmospheric vocals with a more downbeat feel, in fact quite a 'big feel' about it, electro stadium anyone?! 'Counterpoint' bounces back poppy, bizarrely sounding familiar like half a dozen or so other songs, great chorus and knob twizzling. Finale 'Remains' lays down the beat from the outset, quite brittle and introverted to begin with before breaking out into a splendid pop tune with that unashamedly dance edge. Wonderful! Pick of the bunch - Plenty vying for pole position whether it be the New Order inspired pop of single 'Doubt' or the sheer danceablity of 'Red lights' with it's hands in the air beats. To be honest wouldn't like to make a judgement as to be fair it works well as a full album and not just a collection of ten tracks, great flow to it. That said we do love the atmospheric 'Acolyte'! Worth a punt? Absolutely, Delphic have indeed put down the first musical marker of 2010 anyone with the merest interest in indie / rock / electro or dance will find plenty to please amongst Acolyte's ten electro pop.
Ocean Colour Scene
Album - Saturday
Label - Keep on Moving / Cooking Vinyl
Out Now? 1st February 2010
Info - Blimey how time has flown by, Ocean Colour Scene are celebrating their 21st year by releasing 'Saturday' their ninth studio album. Best known for their Weller / Oasis patronage and a love of mod / retro guitar pop Ocean Colour Scene. Music - OCS often sound like they write music for films because so much of their stuff has graced movies and television, '100 Floors of Perception' however actually sounds like it's been lifted from The Who's 'Tommy', just has that feel. 'Mrs Maylie' sounds half good except for the 'trip' into yellow submarinesque trippy nonsense, aside for this is a big rocky number which should have left the ill advised foray on the drawing board. Album title track 'Saturday' sees them in splendid and familiar territory, great melody, blinding vocals from Simon Fowler and a distinct retro feel. Should keep the OCS fans of old happy that one! 'Just a little bit of love' is pretty pleasant but 'Old pair of jeans' sounds a bit like a tune Liam Gallagher wrote and discarded, perhaps nothing wrong with it just not that sparkling and if the album was 11 or 12 tracks rather 14 songs then it wouldn't have survived the cull. Fowler is back to his best on 'Sing Children sing', with old skool r n' b backing vocals supplied by the colourfully entitled choir of angels, it sees them back in the comfort zone and at their best too. Single choice 'Magic Carpet days' is an obvious choice for release, poppy and accessible with that Ocean Colour Scene sound, perhaps not the best track on the album an easy three minute listen. 'The Word' sees Fowler and co in downcast mood, not their best mood a quick skip then. 'Village Life' stays slow tempo wise but has a better feel about it, good mod or kinks references here. As with other OCS releases there are tracks that border on the average, 'What's mine is yours' kinda falls into that category and best forgotten. Fowler is backed by a piano for 'Fell in love on the street again' and there's a steel guitar to give a slight country tilt, on paper sounds dull but in practice actually quite sweet. 'Rockfield' brings up the rear but is a blinder, some unusual musical tricks add to Fowler's fine vocals, just ends a bit too soon! OCS are technically really, really good Craddock's guitars are on the money time and time again, but they sometimes just miss that ''exciting'' edge. Pick of the bunch - When Ocean Colour Scene are good they are really good, stuff like 'Saturday', 'Sing children sing' and 'Rockfield' are bloody good! Worth a punt? Old, true fans will no doubt immediately wander out and grab their copies of 'Saturday' and won't be disappointed and no doubt their turn out in their droves to see them tour it across the country in February and March. Should the none believers be bother by this here ninth album? Well yes actually, they mastered their art of mod fuelled retro guitar melody pop a long time ago and 'Saturday' sees them lay down some really good tunes. To be fair it's a good listen, not great but still worth a punt all the same.
The October Game
Album - Wildblood
Label - Carmandie Records
Out Now? 22 February 2010
Info - The October game hark from Bedfordshire, not known for it's musical heritage but the core four piece attempt to break the musical mould by drafting in additional musicians. The come to play some rather out of left field instruments which include Viola, violin, cello, trumpet, trombone, accordion, ukulele, banjo and even a didgeridoo. Notably the album was mastered Frank Arkwright who has also worked with Arcade Fire and rumour has it Guy from Elbow was seen purchasing a copy of the album after an October Game gig. Music - Lovely, indie with melodies to burn but not afraid to try something a little out there (see above for list of unusual instruments to feature on the album) The October Game have gone out to make a beautifully crafted album. Names banded about for influences and contemporaries include the likes of Arcade Fire, Sigour Ros, Belle and Sebastian plus the likes of Gomez, opener 'Wildblood' last the merest of time but opens the curtain for single 'Greenbacks' which certainly cements the Arcade Fire influence. But that should take nothing away from The October Game as this is a fine, fine tune very lush and a great melody. 'Right on time' is a straight forward little ditty but 'Concrete (When we were invincible)' with it's killer title is a gorgeous song, introverted but lovely and the vocals of Luke Williams are as sweet as candy. They do like the occasional meander, 'Boxing Underwater' sure fits into that category, nothing wrong with it, quite pleasant in fact but just doesn't actually go anywhere! To be honest it's one of those albums you'd pop on if you wanna escape for an hour, drift away from the real world into the music. 'Something wrong' gets a foot tapping and there's strings too which are very welcome. 'Biplanes at 2am' with another great song title hits the gas (well in terms of the album, don't expect Pendulum or anything) and there's layered vocals and pronounced drum beat which carries the track along. The percussion is prominent too on 'Where the devil loses out', a more traditional track less lush but one that would no doubt translate well live. 'Cast these waves' builds itself up into quite a jubilant and rousing five minutes, quite a big tune in fact. 'These words of mine' brings the pace back down, nice medley of instruments with Williams' sweet vocals for company, sounds a little downbeat after it's predecessor but still manages to build up a decent head of steam without ever sounding like it's going to break out, for the good too. Rumour has it The October Game were going for the big ending with 'Night Vessels'. It starts off slowly, introverted and drifts along nicely for over four minutes with a nice little electronic backbeat in the distance, by the five minute mark it's starting to come across a bit more punchy but still simmering away nicely with Williams' light vocals. Then the heat kicks in at six minutes drums hits off electronics for a minute or so before a gentle fade out. The rumour is spot on then, great finish to a decent album. Pick of the bunch - You'd have to plump for 'Greenbacks' as it's a bit obvious why it was picked as a single but 'Concrete' is a fine tune too and the finale 'Night Vessels' is definitely the way to finish an album too. Worth a punt? Yep, they may not be a household name but don't let that put you off. This is a lovely album packed with wonderfully understated songs which let the lush melodies do all the talking. On his BBC6 radio program Tom Robinson described The October Game as 'A truly wonderful band' and we'll whole heartily agree.
Sentence 1 - Everyone was in the French Resistance…Now! / Label - Cooking Vinyl. Sentence 2 - Info - Side project / spin off album 'starring' Eddie Art Brut and Dyan from The Blood Arm featuring 12 tracks 'in response' to other folks tunes. Sentence 3 - Music - Trouble with Art Brut and this to a certain extent is that he can't actually sing and he's a bit like marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Sentence 4 - Pick of the bunch - 'Superglue' in response to Elastica's 'Vasaline' is spiky and quite amusing plus he don't sing much on it! Sentence 5 - Worth a punt? Do you like Marmite? If so give it a go, if not leave well alone!
Dakota
Album - Heart and Soul
Label - Genuine Records Limited
Out Now? 29th March 2010
Info - Dakota are non too surprisingly named after the building John Lennon was gunned down in front of which is a bit better than naming yourself after your home town of Leamington Spa. Music - They go for some big, big tunes intermingled with downtrodden introspective numbers. There's an air from the off that they might have like Suede as it has a bit of the 'sound' of suede, the lyrics are also a bit reminiscent of Anderson & Co plus at times Ben Talbot's vocals do have a bit of a Brett edge especially doing the more 'down' tunes. When they go for it they have some proper lofty ambitions, take 'Why do you like me?' obviously about a girl is a big, big tune with stadium tendencies and some mega guitars. We've seen others mention the Keane word along with Dakota but don't believe that, Dakota are far better than this, a damn sight more compelling to be sure. They can also write better tunes too, 'Taking over' is poppy, brash and instantly likeable too. So they have cornered the radio friendly anthems then but there's also the other side to their game, the suedesque beauty of finale 'Closure song' is going for anthem and isn't far short of it neither. Pick of the bunch - If you want the big tunes then seek out 'Why don't you like me?' takes a hell of beating. Worth a punt? Sure, Dakota have aimed for the stars via the gutter of a love boot to the heart with 'Heart and Soul'. It might not always make it out of orbit but there's enough here to make you wanna go for repeat listens. Love hurts but like on 'Heart and Soul' usually creates a decent set of tunes!
Ardentjohn
Album - On the Wire
Label - Slow Train Records
Out Now? 25th January 2010
Info - Scottish as they come, Edinburgh via the Isle of Bute and recorded on the shores of Loch Fyne, new folk for Ardentjohn 'On the Wire' is their debut offering. Music - Bit strange this cause in the other room I was listening to XFM and they had on Rage Against the machine's 'hit' 'Killing in the name of' on so as I walked into the next room and popped on 'On the Wire' you couldn't get a more chalk and cheese experience. One loud and shouty the next low key and soft, a more dramatic change you could not imagine. Stuff like 'Colours of the day' are as downbeat as they come, a simple semi acoustic affair but with a heart warming melody, quite enchanting. They can be a tad on the dark side, 'Follow me' has the same ingredients but with just a disturbing tinge to it with added strings to add to the ambience. They can do punching up tunes too; 'Open Road' is splendidly light with quite a decent flow to it, 'Fleeting moments' has the soft, light melody of say a Mojave 3 which is no bad thing at all. 'Home' feels a bit cheesy but 'One step behind' craps the mantle, bit Idlewild with a rockier feel then the preceding tunes but still fits in. 'Pride of Place' is back down to melancholic alt country / acoustic / folk and 'Believing man' carries it on too. They end on with another fine melody too, 'Morning Song' reminds also of the ilk of Mojave 3 amongst others, laid back and one for the dreamers! Pick of the bunch - Dark 'Follow me' is good but 'Open Road' is the pick, light and up tempo with splendid melodies to boot. Worth a punt? If you're a fan of indie acoustic music or laid back alt folk then hell yes however if you're more a fan of Rage against the machine I'd probably give it a miss!