Broken Hands – If You Need to Lie
Broken Hands are a quartet originating from Kent. Consisting of two brothers, Callum and Dale Norton, in addition to the two other members, Jamie Darby and Thomas Ford, Broken Hands are an indie band that are preparing to release their new single If You Need to Lie later this month on May 28. The four-piece have been very busy in recent months, having toured Europe as the opening act for Band of Skulls, in addition to selling out their first show in London. Despite being in the relatively early stages of their career, Broken Hands have received a warm reception and have been announced as performers at this year’s T in the Park concert, a feat that is sure to boost the band’s profile even further. (more…)
Library Voices – Summer of Lust (Album Review)
Library Voices are an indie-pop septet from Regina, Canada, who have recently released their latest offering, Summer of Lust. The band’s latest album follows two prior releases, Hunting Ghosts, a debut EP released in 2008, in addition to their 2010 album Denim on Denim. Summer of Lust is a feel good, pop-tinged recording that could assist in helping Library Voices make the transition into mainstream, popular music. (more…)
Sennen – Lost Harmony (Album Review)
Lost Harmony is Sennen’s third album released on the 26th of April. (more…)
Billy Vincent – She (Album Review)
Billy Vincent is one quintet that has got me hooked. They manage to mix a variety of styles from Americana to country skuzz, with a taste of shanty rock. Their influences vary from Springsteen, Dylan, and Bright Eyes, in which they have managed to bring to the table a new mix of musical styles- Billy Vincent playing with the heart of rock n roll, based upon the foundations of Americana. (more…)
Foreign Slippers – It All Starts Now (Review)
Part of the joy of music is the new, part of the comfort of music is the familiar. With “It All Starts Now”, Foreign Slippers have managed to combine the two to create a magical piece of music. (more…)
The 1234 returns to Shoreditch for fifth year
The 1234 Festival has earned itself a reputation as an effortlessly cool affair, and this year is no exception. Organisers have released a first look at this year’s line-up, which includes The Duke Spirit, Ice Age, Dirty Beaches, Frankie Rose, Gross Magic, Bleeding Heart Narritive, Savages, Burnt Toast, Black Moth and The Dissidents. (more…)
Hard Rock Calling announces latest acts to line-up
The three-day rock extravaganza in London’s Hyde Park has announced who will be joining headliners Soundgarden, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Paul Simon on stage. The newest names on the line-up are Black Stone Cherry, Kids in Glass Houses, Skindred, Amy McDonald, Dawes, Gary Clark Jr, Big Country and Guillemots. (more…)
Seventeen Evergreen – Steady on Scientist (Preview)
Well, it sure feels like the seventies are back. That drug hazed post-hippy psychedelic sound has made a big comeback, not even its first one, and now people are getting spaced out like it was nineteen seventy five and songs like “Steady on Scientist” by Seventeen Evergreen are part and parcel of that revival. (more…)
Ones to Watch: Funeral Suits – Lilly of the Valley
Brian James, Mik McKeogh, Greg McCarthy and Dar Grant collectively known as Funeral Suits, are a four piece band from Ireland with a debut album; Lilly of the Valley. The album boasts an eclectic mix of electronic, rock and indie sounds and will be released 4th June 2012. (more…)
Escapists – Burial (EP Review)
Whilst the garden of urban and dance music has bloomed and flourished, soaking up the spotlight of recent years, just over the fence the UK indie-rock scene has become a somewhat stark and barren land. Escapists are out to bring some much needed life to the landscape with their upcoming EP Burial, released on May 21st. The style is that of mildly-uplifting, atmospheric, guitar-based indie. Escapists clearly take influence from bands such as The National and The Shins, creating the same kind of epic sound which would not be amiss in a festival setting. (more…)
Lettie – Lucky (Singles Review)
What was begun by acts like “Cocteau Twins” was popularised by later bands like “Goldfrapp” and singers like Beth Orton (or the bland but popular Dido) has evolved into a rich vein these days. Bands like “Florence and the Machine”, Ellie Goulding and “Little Boots” have helped to create a plethora of female vocalists backed by folk / electronic music. (more…)
Q&A with Belleruche
We got the chance to speak with Belleruche’s DJ Modest ahead of their upcoming Rollerchain album release which you can read below. (more…)
Ones to Watch: Honningbarna
Set to appear with force on the punk scene this year is Honningbarna – a group of teenage punks from who’ve been described by The Clash as ‘the most exciting band in Norway’. They’ve already won the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy and, despite tragically losing their original drummer in a car crash last year, are shaping up to cause quite a stir in the UK. (more…)
Wildeflower – Good Girl (Single Review)
Wildeflower are set to release their debut single “Good Girl” on the 14th May with a limited press of just 250 7” vinyl records. With the amount of positive attention this song is already receiving, they may want to rethink that decision. (more…)
Bullion – Love Me Oh Please Love Me E.P. (Review)
Trying to nail London based DJ/Producer Bullion into one pigeonholed genre of music is a difficult task indeed. With influences coming from Garage artists such as MJ Cole and Steve Gurley, fused with jazz, funk and even sounds reminiscent of Daft Punk. On paper it sounds like a concoction best left alone, but with the confidence and courage of Bullion comes a fresh, eccentric direction for underground music. After the success of his viral hit “Pet Sounds: In The Key Of Dee” back in 2008 Bullion grew from strength to strength and is back once again with a new release “It’s All In Sound”. The track is to be the first single release from his upcoming EP ‘Love Me Oh Please Love Me’. (more…)
Violet – Y.O.U (Review)
Preconceptions? What preconceptions? Throw any you had away while you still can because Pixie Geldof and her band Violet have arrived, and they’ve brought an unexpected something with them, beautiful music. (more…)
Giana Factory – Save the Youth (Album Review)
The Northern reaches of Europe have recently seen some impressive new acts emerge. Icelandic ambient act “Sigur Ros” have become every advertiser’s favourite band, despite their lack of lyrics. There was also Norwegian act Royksopp whose pop hits have helped them develop a wide following. (more…)
Q&A with Simian Ghost
We were lucky enough to speak with Simian Ghost who’s latest album ‘Youth’ ; which is one of my favourite of the year so far is now out. (more…)
Chet Faker – ‘I’m Into You’ (Single Review)
“I’m Into You” is a story about infatuation and lust. Very sensual, the lyrics correspond beautifully with the trip hop beat and make listening to Faker’s smokey voice a relaxing, almost a massage-like experience. Let’s not be afraid to say it – the song is sexy in its ethereal simplicity. Chet takes us out for a ride only to leave us guessing. “I can barely hold my tongue, to say the least I’m into you”, sings the artist touching the subject very delicately as if he wants to keep the details between him and his muse. No big or cheesy words needed. The song is a gorgeous piece and a great preview of the EP which should be a compulsory buy for all the quality music fans out there.
One to Watch: Joshua Caole to release debut album
Cardiff singer-songwriter Joshua Caole releases his debut album, Moon Palace, on Bullo Pill Records in April. Following the release of his EP Slow Hearts in December 2010, Joshua has gone from strength to strength, supporting the likes of Smoke Fairies, Sarabeth Tucek and Charlie Parr. (more…)
New Music: Worship – Ane Brun ft. Jose Gonzalez
Worship is a beautiful, sinister affair. Riding atop a foreboding tide of a low vibraphone and measured triangle hits is Ane Brun’s yearning voice, declaring that “you never worship your life”. This refrain is echoed by collaborator Jose Gonzalez, whose sultry tones are instantly recognisable. (more…)
Kindness – World, You Need a Change of Mind (Review)
Kindness, the stage name of Adam Bainbridge, released a single in 2009 and caused somewhat of a stir. No one knew much about him; he seemed reluctant to do any press and then as quickly as he came, he disappeared. Now, after three years, it turns out he was busy recording his début album, ‘World, You Need a Change of Mind.’ However, he continues to be a mystery and is unusual in the fact that, apart from a Myspace page, you’ll struggle to find more than a trace of him on the internet. (more…)
The 2 Bears’ Be Strong Remix EP (Review)
March the 5th brought the release of The 2 Bears’ Be Strong Remix EP which features 2 remixes of the title track ‘Be Strong’ both created by Basement Jaxx’s Simon Ratcliff and Heart of the Congos Remix by original Hot Chip member Grovesnor. Both songs are taken from their celebratory debut album ‘Be Strong’ released earlier this year. (more…)
Films of Colour – Running (Single Review)
Running//Creature of Habit is the new single from Films of Colour, released on 16th April. This collaboration with producer YILA is a new direction for the band and is a really expansive, brooding sounding record. Previous releases Actions and Capital/Persinette both achieved significant radio play and media support (plus backing to a scene in ‘Made In Chelsea’, which has got to be the highlight of anyone’s career). (more…)
