tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28365870459168942022024-03-05T18:50:56.588-08:00Lo-Band-WidthOne of those blogs that finds and talks about good music, to save you the hassle. How nice.MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-90617168480492988732013-08-27T10:07:00.001-07:002013-08-27T10:07:11.092-07:00Katie Malco - Tearing Ventricles<h1>
</h1>
<section>
Music that makes us feel sad, or expresses a sad emotion is often
used as an easy trick, because it creates an emotional response in the
listener very quickly, but <strong>Katie Malco</strong> isn’t using any
cheap tricks on us here. This EP is a true revelation of feeling,
“leave the past where it belongs” she asks in an absolutely angelic,
powerful, yet unnervingly delicate voice, backed by simple piano in a
manner that <strong>Perfume Genius</strong> would be proud of.<br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/d36b3d9bbc511d7da7cc470cdc59f48b/tumblr_inline_ms78qjpMQ01qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
Put simply, this EP transports you to a quiet space where all that
matters is the words being sung, and the notes being played. It’s
utterly captivating.<br />
Tearing Ventricles is still going to be a jaw-dropping,
heart-wrenchingly beautiful work if you buy it and only listen to it
through your laptop speakers, or on the bus, or wherever. But on vinyl,
or at least through ‘good’ (whatever that means) speakers, something
seems to happen to an already magical EP - it’s worth noting that It is
technically only available on vinyl, although that comes with a download
code as well as a postcard with said code on it to send to a friend
(another brilliant idea from our favourites Alcopop! Records). <br />
It’s rare that I finish a review simply by saying “just buy it”
because it’s kind of my job to tell you why you should do that, and it’s
even rarer to come across a work that I think will appeal to almost
everyone. But Katie Malco clearly has a rare, charismatic talent and has
achieved in only 2 EPs what many never do in a career - to create
something real and beautiful and wonderful.<br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-88856418196637815572013-08-05T03:07:00.000-07:002013-08-05T03:07:02.121-07:00What I’m Listening To This Week:<section>
<em>A selection of things I’m enjoying at the moment, new and old.</em><br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae1gOYdhG8I">Fresh - Summer Camp</a>; </strong>more
slick pop from a band that roll out well crafted indie hit after hit
without any difficulty. It’s got the hint of 80s and a strong hook that
marks their sound; "<em>do you remember the first time?" </em>Sankey asks sweetly over a beat made for bopping about to in front of your laptop. It comes with a band made lyric video too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/2eec894f643733179f0fefc973d430ca/tumblr_inline_mr1ylr9ErQ1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://magazine.topman.com/category/music/generation-premiere-frightened-rabbit-default-blues/"><strong>Default Blues - Frightened Rabbit</strong></a>;
this one builds a bit more slowly than what you might be used to with
FR but once it hits the euphoric chorus it’s clear this is another gem
from an astoundingly consistent band.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcVDon1F-IQ">Aside - The Weakerthans</a>; </strong>Not
a new track by any means, but one of those painfully good angst-fests
that sometimes gets forgotten about, but sounds better with every
listen.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://onsind.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-and-tender-julian">ONSIND - Sweet and Tender Julian</a>;</strong>
one of my favourite bands; a Durham based acoustic group with heavy
punk influences but a very strong talent for hooks that you won’t even
realise exist until a few days later when you’re singing. Lyrically they
like to make a point and the single from their latest album
‘Anaesthesiology’ includes the fantastic chorus " “never trust a tory,
they’ll betray you when it matters / They will scramble to the top and
then they’ll kick away the ladder", as well as numerous<br />
references
within the album to current events (but never in a way that feels
jarring, it fits perfectly).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icqc5-bIcDg"><strong>The Pastels - Secret Music</strong></a>; perfectly executed dreamy, woozy summer pop<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4oDIhCV0zc"><strong>Runaround Kids - A Way That Works</strong></a>; another favourite band at LBW; joyfully noisy and achingly melodic in turn, a lovely track from a very good band.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIRznt1CFiM">The Front Bottoms - Peach</a>; </strong>it
is funny at first, but The FBs are a really really badly named band,
they get away with it though. Their second album ‘Talon of the Hawk’ is
as enjoyable as their first, if not more so. It’s aggressively
affectionate and addictively emotional, every line feels like it needs
to be shouted very loudly in a sweaty room of teenagers or scrawled in a
diary. Peach is a sweet but somehow heartbreaking love song, every line
that speak of happiness or love is followed by a painful truth.Only the
FBs could craft with this level of mastery such a bitter-sweet song in
the name of love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/melreeve/playlist/6Z3YYedvD8wrgPJqVPeDLt">SPOTIFY PLAYLIST (not including the FR song)</a><br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-49369474548156615422013-05-27T03:17:00.000-07:002013-05-27T03:21:06.740-07:00HANDMADE FESTIVAL - Leicester, 24th-26th May ‘13<br />
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<img height="179" src="http://media.tumblr.com/26db06597bc2221d403d2492c47425e8/tumblr_inline_mngcboMEIc1qz4rgp.png" width="320" /> </div>
<br />
<i>(Disclaimer: due to very badly timed exams we were unable to
attend any of the Friday events, and had to leave early on the Sunday
night, as such none of that stuff will be in this review).</i><br />
<br />
City based festivals are the best of both worlds; a huge variety of
music/events within easy reach for the simple price of a wristband, and a
solid excuse to drink in the early afternoon but without any of the
camping or mud. Leicester is a funny city, a huge percentage of it is
beautiful, well maintained green spaces, but there’s also some really
ugly concrete buildings, sitting right next to ye olde architecture and
cosy narrow streets filled with boutiques and pubs. It feels deceptively
small and suburban, but has a thriving music scene, thanks in no small
part to the efforts of venue Firebug.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Saturday:</b></u><br />
<br />
We start off the weekend by heading to Bishop Street Methodist Church to see <b>Katie Malco</b>.
Her gentle but powerful vocals and charming between-song-chat are the
perfect companion to the late afternoon sun that sneaks in through the
church’s high windows. It’s an extremely engaging and impressive
performance, she mentions that the next song she’ll play is a cover of a
friend’s song that “he sometimes lets me play”. The song turns out to
be a cover of the solo efforts of a member of <b>Tellison</b>.
The high quality musical company she keeps is obviously doing no harm
to her wonderful blend of laid-back yet highly emotive sound.<br />
<br />
After a short break we head over to Firebug (only a wander away,
there’s definitely something to be said for how easy to find and close
the venues are). Upstairs the cheery sound of <b>My First Tooth </b>booms
out, they’re slick and charming and a joy to watch. Then it’s another
short walk to the People’s Photographic Studio to see <b>We Were Promised Jetpacks</b>.
They’ve gathered quite a crowd and their gloomy yet commanding and
distinctive sound is a nice contrast to the light-hearted efforts of the
previous bands.<br />
<br />
<b>Johnny Foreigner </b>are the final band of the night, we
leave We Were Promised Jetpacks slightly early to ensure we’ll get into
Firebug as the upstairs is not a big space. The Birmingham quartet are
(as usual) huge fun. They begin the show by wandering in and out of the
crowd singing ‘Johnny Foreigner VS You’ entirely a capella, a trick they
used <a href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/33425485538/johnny-foreigner-firebug-leicester-10th-oct-12">last time they played here</a>
but it’s such a touching and wonderful technique there’s no reason for
them not to repeat it. The next forty minutes or so fly by and there’s a
lovely moment of calm between the angstier tracks when <a href="http://johnnyforeigner.bandcamp.com/track/riff-glitchard-cursed-version">Riff Glitchard</a>
echoes out. It’s perhaps not the tightest song of the evening, but it’s
so beautiful on record that doesn’t matter, and Johnny Foreigner’s
charm has always come somewhat from their occasionally shambolic, but
always enthusiastic and enjoyable performances.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Sunday:</b></u><br />
<b><br /></b>Due to total exhaustion from a busy day yesterday we don’t make it to any of the venues until <b>Sky Larkin</b> at Firebug, which means we’ve missed <b>The Handmade Cinema</b>
as well as a few other bands. Sky Larkin are fun to watch, they make
good music and admittedly it’s perhaps a little samey live, but they’re
all extremely talented and seem to throw out each track with utter
nonchalance belying the complexity, and it might just be the way they
refuse to pause (even for applause) between each track that makes
everything feel a bit blurred together.<br />
<br />
It’s unfortunate that we’ve not had much opportunity to see new
bands, something that’s always an exciting prospect at festival
(entirely my own fault, there’s plenty on here) but we make it over to <b>The Guildhall</b> in time to catch most of <b>We Three and the Death Rattle</b>.
It’s obvious almost immediately that this is something special, the
lead singer’s powerful stage presence is almost impossible to tear your
eyes away from and the aggressive and rhythmic yet melodic sound echoes
around the slightly incongruous setting (The Guildhall is a listed
building and looks like <a href="http://www.leicester.gov.uk/EasySiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=107&type=full&servicetype=Inline&customSizeId=0">this</a> inside). They’ve got the swagger of <b>Sleigh Bells </b>and an unusual habit of playing the Theremin, which as a friend of mine remarks “is interesting, but never sounds nice”.<br />
Back over to Firebug for the wonderful <b>Tall Ships</b>
who are on their usual top form. We sneak out just as they finish what
is possibly their most popular song ‘Ode To Ancestors’, in what is such
excellent timing it might well have been planned.<br />
<br />
The reason for our early exit is to catch another group representing the fantastic Scottish music scene, <b>The Twilight Sad. </b>Playing
in The Guildhall seems the most natural thing in the world for them,
it’s wonderfully creepy and the atmosphere is something no one in that
room is likely to forget any time soon.<br />
<br />
<b>Handmade Festival</b> is only in its first year but it’s
the most organised and relaxed festival I’ve ever been to, the
atmosphere is also the most friendly of any gig or festival I’ve seen in
a while. It’s clear that the people putting this on are doing it out of
love for these bands and this city,I can only hope that there will be
many more years of this to come. It makes Leicester feel a very exciting
place to be.<br />
<br />MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-40839891494857268082013-05-14T07:24:00.001-07:002013-05-14T07:24:29.837-07:00Happy Birthday GoldFlakePaint<section>
As many of you probably know, I write for a music ‘site called <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=goldflakepaint+mel+reeve&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">GoldFlakePaint</a>. Today is their 3rd birthday.<br />
<br />
There’s an unlimited amount of music blogs/websites out there and
finding a consistently decent, reliable, and enjoyable one can be a
challenge. Luckily, GoldFlakePaint are there to tell us all what’s new,
exciting and worth spending our precious pennies on. You might consider
me bias, as obviously I write for them, but I couldn’t be prouder to be
involved in what they do, because it’s genuinely brilliant.<br />
<br />
On top of that, they’re now also hosting events, like a recent film
night with a set from Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/497223576986017/">Kissing In Cubicles</a>).<br />
<br />
<img alt="image" src="http://media.tumblr.com/2771ae56b23c7116c62c7b2ff5fb686e/tumblr_inline_mmsjwePp6O1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
<br />
In an age where music writing is done by so many, quality is no
longer a guarantee, but the fact a webzine like GoldFlakePaint can last
this long shows that there’s hope yet.<br />
Long may it continue.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=goldflakepaint+mel+reeve&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">Some of my contributions to GoldFlakePaint</a><br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-9332007844845562672013-05-14T07:23:00.001-07:002013-05-14T07:23:23.920-07:00THE RIPPLE REVIEWS: FIREBUG’S FIRST FILM NIGHT<section>
<strong>REVIEW:</strong><br /><strong> FIREBURG’S FIRST FILM NIGHT</strong><br /><strong> HIGH FIDELITY VS EMPIRE RECORDS</strong><br /><strong> Firebug Bar</strong><br /><strong> 28 Feb 2013</strong><br />
<strong>REVIEW BY MEL REEVE:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Firebug</strong> is Leicester’s cosiest and hippest
pub-come-venue, always providing a wealth of interesting and exciting
gigs as well as a variety of other events, such as their infamous pub
quiz.<br />
In the next few weeks and months alone this delightful place has got live music from bands including <em>Tall Ships</em> (Wednesday 6th March), <em>Ace Bushy Stripteas</em>, <em>Evans The Death</em> (23rd March as part of their <em>Indie Alldayer Festival</em>) and <em>Bats</em> (12th April) . Not content with this busy schedule, <strong>Firebug</strong> kicked off a brand new monthly <strong>Film Club</strong> evening on Wednesday, with a cracking double bill;<em> Empire Records</em> and <em>High Fidelity</em>, two brilliant films.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrZ7BeXo-QbjOHy1ppdYv7WcQqm8jMJ_MD47BDB-L09ZZXm6CdDjrLVGo5vryEcojxfIEXHV7t71wJO92L2WmIvninz_744TbrdmNsypyETSpAJx3qEu2kMpJ_62t7Fz9PEGbjqj5UQ/s1600/empire-records-everyone-dances-to-say-no-more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrZ7BeXo-QbjOHy1ppdYv7WcQqm8jMJ_MD47BDB-L09ZZXm6CdDjrLVGo5vryEcojxfIEXHV7t71wJO92L2WmIvninz_744TbrdmNsypyETSpAJx3qEu2kMpJ_62t7Fz9PEGbjqj5UQ/s320/empire-records-everyone-dances-to-say-no-more.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It’s pretty empty when we first arrive upstairs, but it’s worth
bearing in mind that it’s only the first time they’ve done this (and we
can only hope it doesn’t put them off doing awesome things like this
more often), and it just means there’s even more free popcorn to go
around, as well as a wider choice of seats. A couple of the people I’d
invited to join me decided to go to the cinema in Highcross and take
advantage of Orange Wednesdays, but when faced with a choice between
supporting a truly unique and wonderful bar in a new and exciting
venture (as well as a more niche selection of films), there really is no
contest for me.<br />
<br />
It’s also nice to see all the posters in <strong>Firebug</strong> for <em>Handmade Festival</em>, another brand new event coming to Leicester, which genuinely has one of the best line-ups of any festival I’ve ever seen (<em>Dutch Uncles, Sky Larkin</em>, <em>Johnny Foreigner</em>, <em>We Were Promised Jetpacks</em>, <em>The Twilight Sad</em>, <em>Katie Malco</em>, plus loads of other awesome artists!) and promises to be a fantastic weekend of music.<br />
Coming up on 26th March at 7:00pm there’s a <em>Mean Girls</em> and <em>Clueless</em>
double-bill, which is sure to get everyone excited - two truly
brilliant films in one sitting. Sadly, that’s slightly after the end of
term for most of us Uni of Leicester students, but if you’re intending
to stick around for a bit, then make sure you attend as you’re sure to
have a great time. Also, make sure you put the <em>Evil Dead 2</em> vs <em>Shaun of the Dead</em> evening on your calendar too, on 24th April.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://the-ripple.co.uk/2013/03/11/the-ripple-reviews-firebugs-first-film-night/"><em>Read on The Ripple’s website</em></a><br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-31842413997266293952013-04-15T09:55:00.000-07:002013-04-15T09:55:23.093-07:00Fresh Licks // Doctrines ~ Daydream <h1>
</h1>
<section>
<a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/fresh-licks-doctrines-daydream/" target="_blank"><i>Read on Goldflakepaint</i></a><br />
<br />
Being signed to <em>Alcopop Records</em> is pretty much a guarantee of quality; their roster boasts an incredible blend of artists. Manchester four-piece <strong>Doctrines</strong> are no exception to this rule, they make a delicious blend of violent guitars and vibrant indie-pop melodies. <em>Daydream</em> is the first single from their forthcoming album and it’s available as a free download below.<br />
The album release is accompanied by a small tour covering most of
England, and judging by their sound on record, their live shows are
likely to be a messy, joyous and fun affair.<br />
<br />
<em>Friday 10th – Travelling Man Comic Store – ANX Release Show – Manchester</em><br />
<br />
<em>Saturday 11th – The Fox And Newt – Leeds</em><br />
<br />
<em>Sunday 12th – Venue TBC (Sheffield)</em><br />
<br />
<em>Monday 13th – Venue TBC (Nottingham)</em><br />
<br />
<em>Wednesday 15th – Urban Bar Whitechapel – London</em><br />
<br />
<em>Thursday 16th – Bullingdon w/ Fight Like Apes – Oxford</em><br />
<br />
<em>Friday 17th – Pav Tav – The Great Escape, Brighton</em><br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/doctrinesband">https://www.facebook.com/doctrinesband</a><br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-22868629590370184842013-04-15T09:53:00.001-07:002013-04-15T09:53:48.551-07:00TOTD // 090; Pure X ~ Someone Else <h1>
<a href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/48048663951/totd-090-pure-x-someone-else" rel="bookmark"> </a></h1>
<section>
<a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/totd-090-pure-x-someone-else/"><em>Read on Goldflakepaint</em></a><br />
Atmospheric and dreamy, like something off the Twin Peaks soundtrack, <strong>Pure X</strong> mix
beautiful reverb and equally beautiful guitar melodies on this is a
gentle, psychedelic indie pop waltz. Painfully personal lyrics are
hissed, the vocals that dodge between are delicate yet soulful, and
powerful but raw (with a tonal quality and range reminiscent of
Christopher Owens from the now-deceased <em>Girls</em>, and a touch of that particular charm Girls brought to guitar music).<br />
<br />
This track more than stands up to repeat listening, in fact it’s of
such a quality that it’s almost impossible not to keep on clicking that
play button. The track is taken from the Austin three-piece’s second
album ‘<strong><em>Crawling Up The Stairs</em></strong>‘, which will be released May 13th on Merok Records, and you can grab it as a free download <a href="http://soundcloud.com/pure-x/someone-else/s-wR8Md">here</a>.<br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-20127837186052985182013-02-17T09:03:00.000-08:002013-02-17T09:03:24.970-08:00Lobandwidth Branches OutAs well as writing about music, we will now also be selling hand-made items on Etsy. The only real connection with this blog is that it shares a name and is run by me (<a href="https://twitter.com/melreeve" target="_blank">Mel Reeve</a>).<br />
This is the only time it'll be mentioned on here, but if it interests you <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lobandwidth" target="_blank"><b>check out the shop</b></a>, and follow <a href="http://lobandwidthstitching.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">the shop's tumblr</a>.<b> </b>It sells hand made embroidery accessories for you and your home, as well as a new line in felt jewellery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/1/7664734/il_570xN.427599028_hys3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/1/7664734/il_570xN.427599028_hys3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123626170/fiona-the-felt-fox-brooch" target="_blank">buy this brooch here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-55030824615411444692012-12-23T05:30:00.000-08:002012-12-23T05:30:21.708-08:00Top 20 Albums of 2012*<span><span>1. </span></span><strong>Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It</strong><br />
Heartbreaking,
delicate, beautiful yet strangely uplifting Perfume Genius’ second
album showed that his incredible debut wasn’t just a fluke, but the
product of a rare genius.<br />
<em>Listen to: ‘Sister Song’</em><br />
<br />
<span><span></span></span>2. <strong>Grimes – Visions</strong><br />
Sublime electronica combined with vocals that dodge between haunting and strangely baby-ish. Enveloping and enduring.<br />
<em>Listen to: ‘Oblivion’</em><br />
<br />
<span>3.<span> </span></span><strong>Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory</strong><br />
Subtly rousing emo-indie, dreamy in places and simple but effective indie rock in others.<br />
<em>Listen to: ‘No Future/No Past</em><br />
<br />
<span>4.<span> </span></span><strong>Stumbleine – Spiderwebbed</strong><br />
Atmospheric
combinations of weird electronic noises and Cocteau Twins-esque vocals.
It carries you away on gradually layered waves, surreal and addictive.<br />
<em>Listen to: ‘The Beat My Heart Skips’</em><br />
<br />
<span>5.<span> </span></span><strong>Sigur Ros – Valtari</strong><br />
Pretty much everything that you could hope for from a new Sigur Ros album.<br />
<em>Listen to: ‘Ekki Mukk’</em><br />
<br />
<span>6.<span> </span></span><strong>Tall Ships - Everything Touching</strong><br />
Including a fantastic (if at first surprising) revamping of EP track ‘Ode To Ancestors’ this album cements Tall Ships in their place as one of the most exciting bands around.<br />
<em>Listen To: ‘Bo</em><em>oks’</em><br />
<br />
<span>7.<span></span></span> <strong>The Bronze Medal - The Bronze Medal</strong><br />
A
release I’m unlikely to ever grow tired of listening to, it blends
together into one mass of sublime yet powerful vocals and melodious
guitars.<br />
<em>Listen To: ‘Womb'</em><br />
<br />
<span>8.<span></span></span><strong> Joyce Manor - Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired</strong><br />
Combining
raw angry energy and furious guitars with melodies that wouldn’t seem
out of place in the charts Joyce Manor were always going to be a hit.
This album does feel pretty short, but there’s certainly something to be
said for their directness.<br />
<em>Listen To: ‘These Kind Of Ice Skates’</em><br />
<br />
<span>9.<span></span></span> <strong>The-Dream/Terius Nash – 1977</strong><br />
Originally released as a free download<span> </span>last
year, this album is hopefully finally going to get the notice it
deserves. Nash’s lyrics are as clever as ever, laying his feelings bare
in a way that’s almost difficult to hear.<br />
<em>Listen To: ‘Form Of Flattery'</em><br />
<br />
<strong>10. Taylor Swift - Red</strong><br />
Swift
has moved away from the more mediocre pop fare she favoured, growing
into a powerful pop phenomena. This album is frankly just bangin’
(except that track with Ed Sheeran. We pretend that hasn't happened).<br />
<em>Listen To: ‘The Lucky One’</em><br />
<br />
<span></span>11. <strong>How To Dress Well - Total Loss</strong><br />
<span>12. </span><strong>Drake - Take Care</strong><br />
13. <strong>First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar</strong><br />
<span></span>14.<strong> Frightened Rabbit - State Hospital</strong>*<span></span><br />
<span></span>15. <strong>The Heartbreaks - Funtimes</strong><br />
<span></span>16.<strong> Ace Bushy Striptease - Outside It's Cold Just Like Your Body And</strong><br />
<span><span></span></span>17. <strong>Lucy Rose - Like I Used To</strong><span></span><br />
<span>18. <span></span></span><strong>Sfumato – These Things Between</strong><br />
<span><span></span></span>19. <strong>Peace - EP Delicious</strong>*<br />
<span></span>20.<strong> The Twilight Sad - No One Can Ever Know</strong><span><strong> </strong> </span><br />
<em>*A couple of these are admittedly EPs</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Honourable mentions to:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Keel Her</li>
</ul>
<em>Listen to: 'With Me Tonight'</em><br />
<ul>
<li>Kitty Pryde</li>
</ul>
<em>Listen to: <a data-mce-href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SDYus7iKC8" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SDYus7iKC8">'Okay Cupid'</a></em><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-81308823221647984212012-11-08T03:45:00.002-08:002012-11-08T03:45:45.596-08:00First Listen // Sailplanes ~ We Are An Industry <a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/first-listen-sailplanes-we-are-an-industry/" target="_blank"> Read on Goldflakepaint</a><br />
<br />
An important component of any good band is a clear sense of certainty
in their sound. It’s no good listening to something that’s confused, or
as a result of an uncertainty, seems like it’s chosen to be boring
instead (although I should be clear – that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy
the sound of band experimenting or trying something new). This
requirement is exactly why the new EP by <strong>Sailplanes</strong> is
something of a gem. Only three tracks long, it’s hardly going to tax
your ear or your time. But with a solid, comfortably delivered sassy
sound it’ll be an enjoyable ten minutes of post-punk, with female vocals
that are distinctly reminiscent of the excellent <em>Life Without Buildings</em>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://f0.bcbits.com/z/38/47/3847782416-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://f0.bcbits.com/z/38/47/3847782416-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
There’s a definitively relaxed feel to their cheery, noisy, jangly tunes and, on <em>The Fox</em>, some lovely girl/boy vocals from vocalists Stacey and Tim. “<em>Blue, grey-green eyes</em>”
they sing, in a lovely medley of sound. The effective use of boy/girl
vocals is rare outside of twee music and is something to be valued.<br />
<br />
Sailplanes sound great and fun, and if you’re looking for a pleasant, charismatic, engaging listen, then look no further.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sailplanes.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">bandcamp </a>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-11483200025536059222012-10-12T05:23:00.000-07:002012-10-12T05:26:14.755-07:00Johnny Foreigner @ Firebug Leicester - 10th Oct '12<br />
Firebug is a cosy pub/bar with an upstairs venue area,
with what is probably the greatest feature of a small venue I’ve seen
yet – sofas! It’s not a big room either so there doesn’t feel anything
impolite about sitting comfortably in a sofa/armchair to watch the
supports. First up are <b>Falcon</b> who launch into some Tall
Ships-esque math rock, but with lovely melismatic female vocals
(although she’s a bit quiet – but that could be down to the down the
sound person, or her cold). <b>Playlounge</b> wander on stage
next with little ceremony, shaking the wooden floor with their furious
noise-pop. There’s quite a bit of buzz around these guys at the moment,
and they certainly deliver live.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000002210593-4g0ivn-crop.jpg?04ad178" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" data-mce-src="http://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000002210593-4g0ivn-crop.jpg?04ad178" height="200" src="http://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000002210593-4g0ivn-crop.jpg?04ad178" width="300" /></a><b>Johnny Foreigner</b>
begin their set with Alexei and Kelly standing in the crowd to deliver
‘Johnny Foreigner Vs You’ entirely acapella (except for the piano melody
playing quietly in the background). It’s a nice chance to see just how
good Alexei’s voice is, it easily fills the room and Kelly’s slightly
huskier answering phrases contrast well with his clear, emotive vocals.
The softer atmosphere is soon shattered as they leap on stage to thrash
out ‘Feels Like Summer. The set list is well chosen and they’re on top
form tonight (despite some initial technical difficulties). There are a
couple of new songs in the mix as well, from an album due out at the end
of this month (“called NAMES…because names are important”). It’s
difficult to judge new material on the basis of one listen at a gig, but
it seems like Johnny Foreigner are set to continue with the gorgeous
success that is ‘Vs Everything’. Both tracks are that blend of catchy
beautiful melodies, and angry violent guitars, that Johnny Foreigner
weave together so well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They
opt to leave out the usual ploy of leaving the stage only to return for
an encore, instead explaining the situation and then diving straight
into an old favourite ‘Sofacore’ (which at one point meanders into Star
Trek and then back to ‘Sofacore’ again). The sublime ‘New Street, You
Can Take It’ sees the whole crowd singing along for the final few lines,
followed by ‘Absolute Balance’ – another old favourite, which closes
things perfectly.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the first gig Lobandwidth
has reviewed in its/my new home of Leicester, and it’s a fittingly
special one. Johnny Foreigner are perhaps not the most consistent live
band in terms of sound - if you’re unlucky they can be a little
ramshackle (but in a very endearing way). Either way you’re guaranteed a
good show and an enjoyable evening regardless - and if you do catch
them at their best, like tonight, they’re very very good indeed.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i data-mce-bogus="1">words by Mel Reeve</i><br />
<i data-mce-bogus="1">@melreeve </i></div>
MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-44109281245805191132012-10-12T04:18:00.000-07:002012-10-12T04:18:08.562-07:00Album Review // Sfumato ~ These Things Between…<a data-mce-href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/album-review-sfumato-these-things-between/" href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/album-review-sfumato-these-things-between/"><em>Read on Goldflakepaint</em></a><br />
<br />
Describing himself as a “<em>drummer who decided to sing an album of songs which I sing with myself</em>”, <strong>Sfumato</strong> (actually named <em>Daithí Ó hÉignigh</em>
– Sfumato is a painting technique used by Da Vinci), has created a
blissful, elegant album. Dodging between vibrant, joyous choruses and
soft ballad like moments, tinged with a delicate melancholy. It gently
winds its way into your brain,where it’ll quietly stay put.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" data-mce-src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sfu.jpg" height="300" src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sfu.jpg" width="300" /><br />
The use of violins hints at folk influences, but avoids the trap that
many bands often fall into of using this as an excuse for a very
simple, basic (and boring) song structure. Instead, the strings add a
harsher edge to otherwise sweetly melodic moments. ‘<em>Pound</em>’ features some spectacular illustrative drumming, “<em>pound goes my heart</em>”
Ó hÉignigh sings, followed by a thumping beat that brings to mind Slow
Club’s latest record, with its distinctive drumming. Exquisite, soft
female vocals hide underneath<em> O hEignigh’s</em> own rich voice, occasionally coming to the foreground to great effect, such as on ‘<em>Fly To Me</em>’ and‘<em>Song To Myself</em>’
– which also features some truly sublime saxophone; a hint of smoky
jazz clubs and melancholy improvisation leaks in, fitting perfectly with
the carefully strummed guitar.<br />
<br />
‘<em><strong>These Things Between</strong></em> stands out because
it’s a clever album. There’s almost always strong melodic interest and
it’s constantly surprising. Even the sampled crow noises at the
beginning of ‘<em>Pound</em>’ avoid sounding clichéd or ridiculous, instead somehow being exactly what is needed to ease out from the faster pace of ‘<em>Fly To Me</em>’. It’s an unusual album at points but certainly never even close to un-listenable, instead it becomes vibrant and exciting. <em>Sfumato</em> are certainly a band to keep an eye on.MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-11941265190391364642012-09-24T03:55:00.000-07:002012-09-24T03:55:52.280-07:00Review // Nosferatu D2 ~ Live At The Spitz<a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/review-nosferatu-d2-live-at-the-spitz/" target="_blank"><i> Read on Goldflakepaint</i></a><br />
<br />
Everyone is familiar with the particular kind of sadness that comes
when a band you love breaks up, the gigs you’ll never get to experience
again, the thrill of a new release that will never happen. So it follows
that there’s probably nothing worse (musically speaking anyway) than
discovering an incredible band, after they’ve split up. In the case of <strong>Nosferatu D2</strong> we were all somewhat on the backfoot to start with, as their incredible album ‘<em>We’re Going To Walk Around This City With Our Headphones On To Block Out The Noise</em>’ was released two years post-humously. It’s thanks to the efforts of the excellent record label <em><strong>Audio Antihero</strong></em>
that you can hear them at all. You’d be forgiven for thinking that with
basically all ND2’s recorded music having been released and no
intention of reunion that there’s nothing more left for ND2 to five, but
in typical AAH fashion, almost magically they’ve produced a new
release.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/nos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/nos.jpg" width="200" /></a>It’s a live recording of ND2’s last ever gig, supporting<em> Los Campesinos!</em> and <em>Sky Larkin</em>.
Described as a “DIY” recording, you might be expecting something fuzzy
and unlistenable, but that’s not the case at all. Remastered by Benjamin
Shaw (of ‘<em>There’s Always Hope There’s Always Cabernet</em>’ fame)
this album captures the messy power that gives ND2 such a charisma and
pull. Crashing cymbals, emotive vocals and some truly unbelievably good
drumming, framed with the occasional mumbled “cheers” and the audience’s
reactions. There’s also a track not on ‘<em>We’re Going To Walk Around…</em>’ called ‘<em>A Man At War With Himself</em>’ which is fast paced, furious lo-fi indie at its best and shows just how good ND2 really are/were.<br />
<br />
What was always my favourite song of the album ‘<em>Flying Things And Pests</em>’
is brought somewhat further to life than the album version. With the
barely audible murmurs of the crowd adding some great atmosphere and the
dark, honest lyrics giving extra punch – which combined with lead
singer Ben Parker’s vocals, quivering with feeling, create something
really special. Parker achieves a particular kind of honesty and wry
humour with his clever way with words, the opening lines of ‘<em>2 People, 0 Superpowers</em>’ embodies this talent “<em>a heart with no soul is just offal, and a soul with no heart is something I don’t wanna talk about today</em>”.
Lines like this, and the gloomy descriptions of everyday life are
widely applicable in that very specific way that can lead a band to real
success, but more importantly create music that really means something.<br />
<br />
This live album is partly a way to discover just how good ND2 were,
but nostalgia and hindsight aside, it’s a very good listen in its own
right. Seeing a band live is often a good way to refresh music that
you’ve over-listened to, and if you’ve been suffering (as I have) from
having only ten ND2 songs to listen to, ‘<em><strong>Live At The Spitz</strong></em>’
is the perfect way to re-engage with the band. But that’s not to say
that it’s only for ‘fans’ of ND2, it will lead new listeners to discover
a truly vibrant and enjoyable band.MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-81925729100866652502012-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:002012-08-29T08:22:23.878-07:00Review // Why? ~ Sod In The Seed [EP]<h1>
</h1>
<section>
Opening title-track and first single from the EP is essentially irrefutable proof that <em>Yoni Wolf</em>
is an unbelievably talented lyricist; his delivery of clever lines is
slick, quick, charismatic but never so much so that you miss the words.
It’s always of such a quality that for most other bands even one verse
of the same standard would be considered impressive. The EP version of
this track is slightly longer, with a few more lines to break up the
repeats of the hook – which is where it falls down slightly. “<em>I’ll never shirk, this first world curse”</em>
Wolf echoes, and after he’s done it a few times it begins to get on
your nerves. The rest of the track I could listen to almost endlessly,
and it’s perhaps more a reflection of just how unbelievably good the
rest of the track is, rather than a true criticism.<img align="right" height="300" src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sod.jpg" width="300" /><br />
But that’s pretty much the only point of the entire EP, that isn’t quite up to <strong>WHY?’s</strong> usual (very) high standard. ‘<em>Probable Cause</em>’ features a rather lovely piano and soft vocal hook, a little reminiscent of their Sanddolars EP. ‘<em>Twenty Seven – For F.M.V</em>’ features a beautifully poetic image, elegantly crafted and delivered impeccably, “<em>pulling the first soft feathers from a new born robin fledgling, saying she loves me not, she loves me</em>” and with the dark undertone that often shows through, giving <em>WHY?</em> something more of an edge.<br />
Wolf’s incredible way with words is always going to make <em>WHY?</em>
an enjoyable band to listen to, but it’s even better when the quality
is matched by the surrounding music; which in this case it is. It’s
perhaps not as totally flawless as say, their 2005 album <em><strong>Alopecia</strong></em>,
but it’s still of the high quality you’d expect from the band and most
definitely heightens the excitement around their forthcoming fifth
album.<br />
<a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/review-why-sod-in-the-seed-ep/">Read on Goldflakepaint</a><br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-71284748906612941242012-08-15T09:12:00.001-07:002012-08-15T09:14:02.039-07:00Amateur Historians - New Homes/New HopesThe trio have already received high acclaim, Jen and Ally’s BBC
Introducing show on Radio 1 featured them a few days ago, and sang their
praises. First single ‘These Cities Are Stealing My Soul’ has also been
very popular, making the rounds on various blogs.<br />
Comparisons with Johnny Foreigner and Los Campesinos! are somewhat
inevitable (the glockenspiel on Interlude could well haunt them) but by
no means are they re-treading old ground. There’s the strong hooks and
melodic certainty that calls to mind bands like Tellison, as well as the
messy euphoria of Johnny Foreigner’s earlier stuff (or Cap’n Jazz) and
‘These Cities Are Stealing My Soul’ opens with a gorgeous guitar riff
that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Dananananaykroyd track.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" height="320" src="http://f0.bcbits.com/z/30/26/3026545049-1.jpg" width="320" />But it would be unfair to consider Amateur Historians only in the
context of other bands; they’ve got an energy and intelligence all of
their own that marks them out. There are many excellent moments of
euphoric-emo-pop but the contrast of those with softer track ‘Interlude
/ Arterial Route From Heart’ is what shows the range of their talent.
The chorus seems almost designed to be shouted back by heartbroken
teenagers - it’s the perfect blend of clever, emotive and widely
applicable. But still with that all important sincerity.<br />
<br />
Their lyrics weave stories of beautiful cities at night,
long-distance relationships and the strains and stresses of youth, all
wrapped in a glorious, rousing combination of yearning guitars. With an
occasional hint of glockenspiel and a certain kind of charm achieved
only by bands you know are trying to create something genuine. <br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1176589360"><br /></a>
<a href="http://amateurhistorians.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank"><i>Buy: bandcamp</i></a>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-536350550335313432012-07-25T04:21:00.002-07:002012-07-25T04:21:24.834-07:00An Apology and Some Reviewing<h1>
</h1>
<section>
<em>Like many other things in the UK, Lobandwidth will grind to a halt during the Olympic period (that includes my <a href="http://www.lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/radio">radio show</a>), due to ‘circumstances beyond my control’. Radio, blogging, reviewing and all of that will resume from around the 14th August.</em><br />
<em>Rather than leaving you with a gaping hole in your life/dashboard here are a few recommendations to tide you over:</em><br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://soundcloud.com/playlounge">Playlounge</a></strong> have been announced as support for <a href="http://bloggyforeigner.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/vs-london-part-iii.html">Johnny Foreigner VS London part 3</a>.
Fuzzy guitar mixed with gorgeously melodic guitar hooks, echoing vocals
and surreal titles, their thrash-pop with a charismatic lo-fi/bedroom
recording feel is set to be the perfect companion to Jo-Fo. Also playing
that night are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/herparentsband">Her Parents</a>,
who don’t seem to have anything available to listen to online, but as
they’re made up from members of Dananananaykroyd, Internet Forever and
Stairs To Korea it’s got to be good.<br />
<br />
<strong>Gross Magic</strong>’s <a href="http://thesoundsofsweetnothing.bandcamp.com/album/teen-jamz-ep">‘Teen Jamz EP’</a> is full of 90s indie influences, but it’s clear they’ve also got a strong talent for making their music extremely catchy. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay-rsScKOmQ">Sweetest Touch</a>
sounds like the soundtrack to a Freaks & Geeks-esque TV show and
it’s taking the nostalgia popularised by Best Coast/Wavves to a new
level.<br />
<br />
<strong>Xiu Xiu</strong> are something of a favourite here at LBW (in
case you haven’t guessed), they’ve got a new single out on cassette and
vinyl. But that’s not what’s caught my eye, a fan-run tumblr has
uncovered <a href="http://jamiestewartxiuxiu.tumblr.com/post/21802196384/jamie-stewart-covers-the-pixies-gigantic-this">this recording of Jamie Stewart covering the Pixies’ ‘Gigantic’</a>
(from 1995!). It’s difficult to make a cover stand up to the original,
especially with such an incredible song, but Stewart does it
marvellously.<br />
<br />
<strong>Euan Lynn</strong>’s brilliantly titled four-track EP <a href="http://euanlynn.bandcamp.com/releases">‘She’s So Rad But I’m So Sad’</a>
is a mix of “surfy-punk” and Game Boy based electronica. Starting off
with a Scott Pilgrim reference it’s as noisy yet enjoyable as you might
expect.<br />
<br />
And if you missed it last time I posted about them, make sure you check out <strong><a href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/26636940399/the-bronze-medal-the-bronze-medal">The Bronze Medal</a>.</strong>
Their set at Bristol Harbor Festival was incredible, especially
considering only 2/5 were well enough to play, and they only had an
hour’s notice. A really great band, worth keeping an eye on.<br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-90048482338968758712012-07-06T10:18:00.000-07:002012-07-06T10:18:17.760-07:00The Bronze Medal - The Bronze Medal<section>
For a while the only tracks by The Bronze Medal available have
been a heartbreaking serenade on the importance of calcium for strong
teeth called ‘Milk’ and a couple of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=215cwh8fTCg">acoustic</a> videos on youtube (including a beautifully harmonised <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u05TROs2Wb4">Frightened Rabbit cover</a>). No more, however, must I listen to the same two songs on repeat to get my fix, as they’ve released an EP.<br />
<br />
<img align="right" height="251" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426832_454121694606828_501936099_n.jpg" width="281" /><br />
Only four tracks long, it’s perhaps a little short for my taste, but
then that’s only because I could listen to the gorgeous, yearning sound
they create for hours. With distinctively powerful and emotive vocals
that somehow also manage to sound fragile, and a constant undertone of
longing and sadness The Bronze Medal are probably best compared to bands
like Dry The River and We Were Promised Jetpacks. But that’s not to say
they’re going over old ground musically, the final track of their
self-titled EP ‘Womb’ epitomises their Mogwai-like talent for morose
guitar music, but with the addition of those soft, mournful vocals, the
crescendo-ing waves of sound become yet more painfully beautiful.<br />
</section>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-56939452315431964912012-07-06T08:38:00.003-07:002012-07-06T10:19:19.626-07:00Album Review // My Tiger My Timing ~ Celeste <a href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/album-review-my-tiger-my-timing/">Read on GoldFlakePaint</a><br />
<br />
Named after a song by composer, singer, musician and disco producer
Arthur Russell, My Tiger My Timing have been a few years in making their
first album. The band formed in 2008, although this album is (self-)
released on their label Snakes and Ladders Records, which has been going
since 2005. Given this, you might be expecting something lo-fi or DIY.
Not the case at all. MTMT make gleaming electro-pop, gloriously free of
the standard dubstep breakdown that pollutes a lot of poppier indie
dance music at the moment.<br />
<br />
There’s a driving, rhythmic beat as the basis of almost every song,
adding movement and an abundant feeling of joy. Third single, ‘The Gold
Rush’, is a melodious blend of that beat and Anna Vincent’s sassy vocal
delivery, bringing a darker element. There’s a catchy contrast between
her swift and memorable delivery of “so near so far so happy you can
join us” and the rising “ooh ohh ohh”s, underlaid with a swelling
tropical guitar riff. The track becomes addictive and blissfully
enjoyable; there’s something very unique and fresh about this album,
clearly a band worth keeping an eye on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.famemagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/My-Tiger-My-Timing4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://www.famemagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/My-Tiger-My-Timing4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Bands like Summer Camp and Class Actress are popularising an 80s
nostalgia. MTMT also seem to draw inspiration from this, using it to
make their sound distinctive and recognisable yet individual.<br />
<br />
Demonstrating an understanding of the need not to make an album solely
of cheerful sing-along tracks, ‘Celeste’ has its softer moments.
‘Memories Of Earth’ feels gentle, particularly after the thumping beat
of ‘Honesty’, ending with echoing shouts that fade into laughter and
that lovely guitar.<br />
‘Celeste’ is appropriately named, it’s a heavenly mixture of ambient
electronica, with hints of math-rock guitar and a sheer abundance and
quality of vocal hooks you’d only expect from very good chart songs.
Like the deceptively sweet looking girl clutching a shotgun on the front
cover, ‘Celeste’ reels you in with sugary melodies and then ensures you
won’t be going anywhere with an almost aggressively confident, darker
layer.MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-60424065294774639922012-06-27T04:44:00.002-07:002012-06-28T12:14:38.105-07:00Xiu Xiu Larsen, The Croft Bristol - 25th June '12<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>If you're reading this between 8-9pm GMT on Thursday 28th June then go <a href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/26082988379/tonight">HERE</a> to listen to my radio show, where I'll be talking more about the gig and playing music from </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>EMA, Xiu Xiu, Gunning For Tamar, Alt-J and more (as well as the new WHY? track).</b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
The Croft is filled with the sounds of heavy metal
guitars and screaming. This isn’t because Xiu Xiu Larsen have had a
drastic change of sound, there’s also some kind of heavy metal evening
going on in the next room tonight. Thanks to The Croft’s design, this is
fairly easy to ignore, although it can be a little surprising later
when XXL are keeping the audience enraptured, things fall silent, and
there’s some thrashing going on in the background.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In
the ‘main’ room we find Anta setting up in front of the stage – the
rather large gong next to the drum kit attracting some attention.
Without microphones as they are, there’s no in-between song chit chat
(or singing), they don’t even pause at any point during the set. It’s a
constant influx of noise, which can be a little overwhelming (and leaves
you feeling a little dazed afterwards). But there are some catchy
melodies and things never become self-indulgent. You might be fooled
into thinking that there was no set structure to their set, but the
clever fluctuating changes in rhythm and texture make it clear that
everything is well calculated. Their set up in front of the stage allows
the space to feel a little fuller but they soon pack away their (very
impressive) array of amps, clearing the way for XXL. The latter are
surrounded by a barrier of pedals, guitars, drum kit and unusual
instruments - there’s even a theremin (although that doesn’t get much
use) as well as several keyboards and a variety of small percussion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/399140/Xiu+Xiu+Larsen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/399140/Xiu+Xiu+Larsen.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
XXL’s
set begins gradually, building a blend of sound that seems almost
without melody, until the drums lead with a beat and a much more defined
shape emerges. The audience is surprisingly small, at its
peak there are perhaps no more than 30 people, which has the strange
effect of making this feel like something secret. They all seem utterly
absorbed in the performance, and there’s a small ripple of excitement
when the opening notes of ‘Paw Paw Paw Paw Paw Paw Paw’ echo out.
Invariably, Jamie Stewart (the Xiu Xiu part of Xiu Xiu Larsen) is
drawing out a heart wrenching guitar melody, keenly emotive and almost
unbearable in its beauty. It rises above the rest of the sound, pulling
the reverberating chords and melodies around it into a web of noise that
demands your attention until it’s the only thing you can think of.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several of the tracks descend into the cacophony of fuzz and noise that Stewart’s band Xiu Xiu sometimes make use of. <a data-mce-href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/19289155590/xiu-xiu-bristol-fleece-12th-march-12" href="http://lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/post/19289155590/xiu-xiu-bristol-fleece-12th-march-12">We’ve described before here at LBW</a>
how effective and affecting that can be, and whilst there is arguably a
less calculated effect here, it somehow wraps itself inside your ears
until the stabs of noise feel comfortable and necessary. It’s perhaps
important to assert that this is certainly not a Xiu Xiu concert, but it
also seems a touch illogical to consider tonight’s performance out of
the context of Xiu Xiu.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both bands are capable
of evoking very strong feelings in the audience, often unexpectedly, and
both feature that wonderful guitar - but there’s something rawer and
less predictable, less safe, in XXL’s playing tonight. At times this can
make it a harder listen and less rewarding. If you’re not in the right
frame of mind then the bursts of noise and fuzz could feel alienating,
but if you give them your full attention then it’s hypnotic,
aggressively emotive and a powerful thing to watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-74926323041093941582012-04-19T10:08:00.002-07:002012-04-19T10:08:39.103-07:00An Interview With Johnny Foreigner - “I felt like I’d kinda led people into talking about stuff I had no right hearing”<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>We caught up with Johnny Foreigner (who are
playing The Garage, London this Saturday as the last date of an
extensive UK tour). They told us all about the making of Vs Everything,
listening to people's conversations, and how being in Johnny Foreigner
is like owning a water park.</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- What are you proudest of as a band?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That
there's a bunch of cites all over the world that we could go hang out
in tomorrow; with friends and smokes and good music and adventures, and
all because we write pop songs. Everything else, shows and tours and
press and status, it's all super but still kinda fleeting; and it's when
all that calms down for a few months and you take stock and think,
shit, there's no way this would have happened<span> </span>had we got real jobs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- Your new album ‘Vs Everything’ is split into three sections did that happen naturally or was it planned from the start?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<img align="right" data-mce-src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/37640613/Johnny+Foreigner+jofoint300.jpg" height="250" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/37640613/Johnny+Foreigner+jofoint300.jpg" width="300" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeh,
totally from the start. We didn't know if we'd have 3 or 4 till kinda
later on, I have a 4 part version playlist that includes all the songs
that got used on the eps and single around it, but we scaled that back
so the eps still felt special. We debated for ages, theoretically, about
the tracklist but when it came to actually deciding we all came round
pretty quickly to how it ended up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- Your
track-by-track on DrownedInSound was really interesting, particularly
the details of the people you’ve written about. How important is it to
you to base your lyrics on personal experience?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Um, I think it's getting less and less. It used to be everything. Like, a lot of the stuff Vs Everything is 3<sup>rd</sup>
person. I mean, its all true (more or less) but it's more other folks
stories thru my filter. A lot of people said they related to songs on
Waited Up; that – i've been there man – empathy. Grace was just as self
obsessed, but I think I lost that empathy; instead of pubs and
nightclubs and last buses, Grace is full of soundchecks and hotels and
air travel. I always had this ideology of pure singing from the heart, I
kinda challenged myself to write about stuff I cared about without
necessarily lacing it with my opinion or putting it into personal
context.<em> </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- Have you ever not used any lyrics because they were too personal?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, I just bury them in feedback..<span> </span>I
think I've crossed the line in a few songs and it annoys me cos I'm
onstage repeating it each night, but that's my own stupid hangup to deal
with, it's not like I write explicitly enough that other people are
going to cringe. And i've had a couple of really awkward stare at the
floor moments with girls being like, wait that's me isn't it.. but I
never have any kind of self-censoryness, I think the edge of
personal/too personal suits us well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- How did creating your new album with Alcopop differ to working with your previous label?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So
so so much easier. I mean, I guess we're older now and we've kinda
proven we know what we're doing, but Jack gave us money to pay Dom and
left us alone for a few months. Before, it was like, argue negotiate
compromise, a month in New York, and a whole dark frustrating world
after trying to co-mix via email. I wouldn't change what happened cos we
learnt so much, both about<span> </span>the industry and production.
But Jack's completely on our wavelength, it's as if he runs Alcopop in
order to accumulate cool stories to tell his grandkids. To disappear and
come back 6 months later with a double album is the kind of thing he
expects from us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- The way you’ve used the audio clips about cursed songs is extremely effective, how did that idea come about? </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
original plan was to build a bank of conversation samples ourselves,
just recording people around us. it just seemed kinda natural to ask out
instead of doing it ourselves, both for variety and cos we're hella
lazy. Also, recording people's conversations is weird if they know and
weirder if they don't. Musique concrete is this hideously avant garde
style of meshed field recordings and found sounds, we started off
thinking we'd slip samples into loads of songs but there wasn't really
the space. And we knew we'd need interval tracks, so I crafted them
using whatever sound files I could rob from dropbox in true sonic
guerilla style.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- What was it like to listen to them, and the personal feelings and emotions they describe?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weird.
Totally voyeuristic and slightly uncomfortable. I felt like i'd kinda
led people into talking about stuff I had no right hearing. Idk, tumblr
generation innit; intimacies aren't necessarily a personal thing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- How did you decide which audio clips to include? </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Harriet
totally stood out, hers was the perfect mixture of weary resignation
and affected teen nonchalance, so the first one was built around her.
I've never met her so I hope that isn't offensive. It's super hard to do
something like this and not be kinda studied about it; and that
awareness in inflection and tones – talking publicly about something so
personal, is kinda what made them uncomfortable to listen to bare. For
the second one I cut everyone up into sentences and phrases and got
stoned and tried to piece them together semi-coherently. And the last
one is literally everyone..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- How important is involving your fans in your music? </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<em><img align="right" data-mce-src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2188509684_6e4871fa04_o.jpg" height="122" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2188509684_6e4871fa04_o.jpg" width="234" /></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly,
it's not that much of a big deal to us, all these stupid adventures cos
naturally. it's just hella fun. It's like, if you own a water park,
d'you try and build a bigger pool to fit more people in, or buy a wave
machine and slides and fun stuff for the people already in? We're
totally into doing the latter in this awful metaphor, but, if it was a
shit water park and noone ever came, it'd still be our very own god damn
water park.<span> </span>Being able to involve people to the level we
do is a fun perk of having those people care enough in the first place,
and I wouldn't really trust bands that didn't want to be close to the
people fucking paying their way. We formed a band cos we wanted a badass
hxc gang that listened to pavement and capn jazz and smokes weed and we
could hang out with in any city ever, not cos we think we're special,
or<span> </span>worse, separable.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>-
I think it’s fair to say the NME weren’t particularly mature or fair
about their coverage of Vs Everything, what’re your thoughts about
what’s happened between them and the band? </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meh.
Feel like we were kinda set up, in that, a week before that review,
they were like, sure we'll stream your record on our site and everyone's
into it. It's just that Ricky guy really hates us cos my record store
day blog spread around so much and I was really rude about him in it.<span> </span>Whilst I wish it had got<span> </span>an
8 or 9 instead, we probably got more publicity this way, so, from a
business side, it was fine, and we both got our little ego trips out of
it.<span> </span>I stand by every word I said about Ricky, the fact
that he's an editor of the NME says more about the NME nowadays than his
review said about us. But really, a dying old magazine sponsored by a
hair product, no way are we going to lose sleep over that..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em> - Where did your anti-leaking strategy for Vs Everything come from?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em> </em><span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From
seeing other bands do the first part and then still suffer the leak;
it's easy to make a spazzed copy of the record, but it has to go viral
(at least, in our tiny community) for it to have any effect. The people
who're most into the band are the ones most likely to leak the record;
kids with review blogs who love what you do so much they're compelled to
share it. And bands are always, hey dont do this, don't leak it, don't
tell anyone yet. It didn't seem that much of a jump to think, if you
involve them in this, explain why it's important and how they can help,
instead of begging them to go against instinct, then it greatly
increases the chances of getting away with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- How much of a difference do you feel it made? </em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Idk,
it's impossible to quantitatively state innit. I'm not naïve enough to
think there aren't people who had copies earlier than they should, but
the endgame was to concentrate hype as opposed to win the internet. I
mean, it didn't leak, (or if it did, it was so far from our channels as
to make no difference)and now we're making money and have a summer of
festivals to look forward to. I'd be very surprised if the links haven't
died out now, and it was as easy to get as everyone elses records, but
more than anything it reassured us that all the people that say they
care about our band, really do care.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- If you could change one thing about being in a band, what would it be?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em> </em>If
you mean our band, we'd have learnt to drive. Same answer, every time,
highlighted bold underlined. I mean, now it's not really practical, but
we've spent so much, turned stuff down, missed out on parties, cos none
of us has a fucking clue how cars work. If you mean, every band tho, we
should all have to wear nametags. Audiences too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em>- What’s in the future for Johnny Foreigner?</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OMG ITS SO SECRET I CAN'T SAY BUT IT WILL BE PRETTY SPECIAL. Level up...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
*One final thing, tonight, from 8-9pm, you can listen in to <a data-mce-href="http://www.lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/radio" href="http://www.lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/radio">Spark Radio</a>
to hear me (Mel) talk about the interview, and Johnny Foreigner - as
well as music from Los Campesinos!, Tall Ships, Summer Camp and
Serengeti. If you want to discuss anything you've just read as well,
make sure you listen in. Song requests are <a data-mce-href="http://www.lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/ask" href="http://www.lobandwidthh.tumblr.com/ask">welcome</a> too.*MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-72699418038953624782012-03-26T09:45:00.000-07:002012-03-26T09:46:40.396-07:00Los Campesinos! + Tall Ships; Thekla, Bristol 21/03Wednesday night at Bristol’s <i>Thekla</i> gets underway early and <b>Tall Ships</b>
perform in a way that would be commendable for a headlining band. It’s
rare to see a support band captivate the audience so fully, but
completely understandable. The gently harmonised vocals are a contrast
to the fast, sharp guitars; a powerful combination, strengthened by the
vast crescendos overlaid with solid, lyrical melodies. ‘Vessels’ is a
set highlight and a fitting track for the venue, not only in title (for
those unaware, Thekla is a boat). The misleadingly slow and delicate
opening melts into a thrumming drumbeat, filling the air and we all join
in the chanting, <i>“the vessel, that carried you and me, now sits at the bottom, the bottom of the sea…”</i><br />
<i><img align="right" data-mce-src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/los1.jpg" height="202" src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/los1.jpg" width="305" /></i><br />
<br />
The boat was busy enough for <i>Tall Ships</i>, but waiting for <b>Los Campesinos!</b>
it somehow manages to get even cosier; the balcony area looks fit to
burst and down on the floor it’s already uncomfortably warm. That’s not a
surprise. It’s a sold-out homecoming gig, as LC! are fond of reminding
us they’re local (and definitely not Welsh).<br />
Rocking back and forth to the beat, the entire band seems to be
perfectly content with the newer songs. Coming after a few shaky first
gigs with the new material, this is a positive sign. After the aching
beauty of ‘To Tundra’, Gareth solemnly intones that quality is
guaranteed from here on in, as “<i>all the songs left have been featured on BBC3 programmes</i>”.
This is said with a wry smile, he’s fully aware that most people here
are going to know the words to whatever they choose to play. With that,
they launch into the infamous “beer song”. The days of bratty shouting
and atonal glockenspiel are certainly long behind them, but the
anticipation of the gradually building guitar on ‘<i>You! Me! Dancing!</i>’,
comes only partly from nostalgia. It’s a testament to the band’s
understanding of what they mean to their audience that they don’t leave
this one out......<br />
<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/?p=7395" href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/?p=7395"><i data-mce-bogus="1">Read the rest on GoldFlakePaint</i></a>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-39993393204334574892012-03-14T06:43:00.000-07:002012-03-14T06:45:55.657-07:00Xiu Xiu Bristol Fleece - 12th March '12The
first support band, Crash and the Bandicoots, shuffle onto a stage filled with
fairy lights and paper lanterns. They're enjoyable and confident, using audio
clips to introduce their songs (in much the same way as Fight Like
Apes). The clapping, fairy lights and "ooh ahh"-ing looks on paper a
bit twee, but that's not the case at all and they're a fun, interesting band to see. Up next are Trumpets Of Death; unlike
their predecessors they don't stop between songs, each echoing note melding
into the next. It's an impressive show, including some incredible saxophone
playing, the only flaw being that they lack the immediacy of the
other bands. Of course, the real trouble with supporting a band like tonight's
headliners is that they are who we're all really here to see.<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<img align="right" data-mce-src="http://images.popmatters.com/blog_art/x/xiuxiu7.jpg" height="318" src="http://images.popmatters.com/blog_art/x/xiuxiu7.jpg" width="213" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
There's
no talking between tracks tonight (as is usual with Xiu Xiu), but the band all seem
perfectly content with the silence. Stewart speaks only twice - thanking the
support bands at the start, and then thanking us in an equally hushed tone. His
speaking voice is at odds with the raw power of his singing; he dodges between
howls on 'This Too Shall Pass Away' (the only track they play from 'Dear God I
Hate Myself'), and the beautiful, heart-breaking melody of 'Fabulous Muscles'. Silence falls almost completely for this track. The drummer, Marc Riordan, makes his way to
the front of the stage to stand silently next to Stewart, hands clasped with a
solemn expression, looking for all the world like someone in mourning. The crowd is unexpectedly small, especially for a band that's travelled so far to get
here, but those that have come seem to be dedicated fans. There's a smatter of
impolite talking over the start of a few tracks but that soon settles down as
the songs develop. The set-list is clever and well thought out, the sublime
refrain of 'Suha', "I hate my husband, I hate my children...when will I be
going home?" is right at home next to the melodic "la la la"-ing
on 'Joey's Song', one of the tracks from the new album 'Always'. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
There's
definitely something religious about the dedication of Xiu Xiu's listeners, and
in the fairly small number of people here, there doesn't seem to be even close
to a "type" of fan. If you just can't understand what makes people
fall in love with this band, then seeing them live is probably the best way to
appreciate the magnetism they undoubtedly have. I've seen Xiu Xiu casually
dismissed in reviews on grounds of 'weirdness'. And yes, there can be some
surprising and unusual moments in their music, but you soon come to realise
there's nothing random about those crashing cymbals, or interjections of noise.
It's all been crafted delicately together to form a powerful undercurrent; an
unstoppable barrage of melodies that suck you in, wrenching at your gut, and
all the while Stewart's lyrics, bizarre and startling at each turn, weave and
float on top. They finish tonight's set with the magnificent 'I Love The Valley
OH!', probably the closest thing they've got to a "hit single". As
Stewart and the crowd roar out the infamous "OH!" of the title, I
realize that (and it's completely clichéd) there's no easy way to put into words
how a band like Xiu Xiu can make you feel. With those infamously unflinching
lyrics, agonizingly catchy guitar riffs and drums that thump like a heartbeat,
they were never going to be everyone's cup of tea, but that doesn't stop them
being the most brilliant, surprising, and unforgettable band of the last ten
years.</div>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-62148915206760823202012-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:002012-03-04T09:34:11.012-08:00Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It<em>Mike Hadreas’</em> first album as <strong>Perfume Genius</strong> was
ten short songs of pain, whispered out in his trademark delicate voice
and recorded in his mum’s house without any particular intention to be
released, it’s intimate in a way that can be almost difficult to hear
at times. Hadreas himself is a shy, almost damaged seeming character,
singing of awful things with a smile and a shaking voice, over a gentle
piano. ‘<em><strong>Put Your Back N 2 It</strong></em>’ does not show much deviation from this effective formula, even using a couple of re-recorded demos from before ‘<em>Learning</em>’, the beautiful piano arpeggios and hushed vocals remain.<img _mce_src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/pG.jpg" align="right" height="185" src="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/pG.jpg" width="185" /><br />
<br />
Hadreas’ words seem to be precisely shaped from an almost exquisite
hurt, but they’re never complicated, no overwrought metaphors or vivid
descriptions, instead, his words almost tumble out, and seem obvious
once they’re said – the sign of a true lyrical talent. The second track,
‘<em>Normal Song</em>’ opens with an uncomplicated line that somehow manages to communicate a whole lot more; “<em>hold my hand, I am afraid</em>”
he asks plaintively. It’s not all doom and gloom though; often what
makes these songs seem so upsetting is the glimmer of hope they
describe. For example, on ‘<em>Dark Parts</em>’ (written as a present for his mum) he promises “<em>I will take the dark part of your heart into my heart</em>”. This album also shows a little more instrumental variety than ‘<em>Learning</em>’; a dark bass riff that wouldn’t sound out of place on the Twin Peaks soundtrack opens ‘<em>Floating Spit</em>’, and the gentle pounding drums on ‘<em>Dark Parts</em>’ add a sense of urgency, when things could otherwise have felt a little too heavy. It closes with ‘<em>Sister Song</em>’,
the Perfume Genius version of an arena-filling anthem – a
reverberating guitar picks out a melody that sounds patriotic in some
strange way, with typically revealing yet mysterious lyrics, and a
sense of anticipation.<br />
<br />
Bands like Snow Patrol and singers like Adele are often lauded for
the ability their songs have to induce emotion (…and how well their
songs go with sad montages on the TV). But true heartbreak, true grief –
almost at the point where it seems cathartic, wretched and destructive
– is to be found in this album.....<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/?p=6951" href="http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/?p=6951"><em>Read the rest on GoldFlakePaint</em></a>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-52081994440766610412012-02-24T04:50:00.003-08:002012-02-24T04:55:02.496-08:00Yr Friends Have Already Left<div class="MsoPlainText">
Alexei Berrow of Johnny Foreigner is
almost disgustingly productive, not six months have passed since the
last EP from his solo project Yr Friends - and in that time Johnny
Foreigner released their brilliant third album 'Vs Everything'. Such
prolificacy would be annoying, except anyone who finds more music from
Berrow/Jo-Fo to be a bad thing is clearly not listening properly, if at
all. This EP is in much the same vein as his previous
release, 'Yr Friends Have Been Lying To You', which <a href="http://lobandwidth.blogspot.com/2012/01/yr-friends-have-been-lying-to-you.html">we described</a> as
"wrapping you up in gentle guitar melodies... addictive and affecting".<br />
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<img _mce_src="http://f0.bcbits.com/z/23/98/2398479710-1.jpg" align="right" height="229" src="http://f0.bcbits.com/z/23/98/2398479710-1.jpg" width="251" /></div>
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This time Berrow sighs his accounts of
bills, exhaustion, late nights and hope over soft
electronic humming and warm harmonies, rather than the gently plucked
guitar of the previous EP. It gives you a fleeting glimpse, on a misty night,
in to Berrow's world - he promises to "sing from the heart" and he
does. The stories he weaves are given all the more weight for the
authenticity they communicate. But it's not all beautifully worded
realism, on the fourth track things get a bit more morbid "I wanna sea
burial, I won't leave a mark". Tackling money woes, relationships and
death in less than 17 minutes, it's a real gem and we can only hope
there's yet still more to come.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://yrfriends.bandcamp.com/album/yr-friends-have-already-left"><i>Buy it for only £4</i></a> </div>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836587045916894202.post-16070441413692944022012-02-18T10:44:00.000-08:002012-02-18T10:45:23.866-08:00Live: The Twilight Sad - Bristol Fleece, Feb 13th '12<div class="MsoPlainText">
The Twilight Sad's latest album, 'No One
Can Ever Know' is the result of a conscious decision to change the
band's sound. Any decision that attempts to avoid stagnation, in a
climate where bands often seem almost afraid to try anything different
on the next album, is certainly admirable. So, gone is the crashing wall
of wailing guitars. But at its heart, the album still has the
confidence and individuality that make the Twilight Sad stand out,
something they've maintained since their first releases. </div>
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<img _mce_src="http://www.the-fly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/old/images/featured_artist/Twilight-Sad-Sauchielhall-C.jpg" align="right" height="240" src="http://www.the-fly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/old/images/featured_artist/Twilight-Sad-Sauchielhall-C.jpg" width="300" />They
begin the gig with the heavy droning beat from 'Kill It In The
Morning', the final track on the new album. The unsettling feeling that
their music has always induced in their audience so well is even more
powerful live, and as the first synth melodies shiver out it's clear
that this 'new sound' is going to be even more potent live. Lead singer
James Graham barely opens his eyes throughout, contorting his face as he
shudders along to the beat. His vocals are one of the best things about
the band - consistently strong, clear and melodic - in fact sometimes
on record they aren't quite given the spotlight they deserve. Graham's
intense concentration may be contributing to the fact that tonight his
voice is something of a magnet, grabbing the audience's focus and
holding it. Although that's not to say that the rest of the band aren't
equally talented; the echoing thrum and fuzz of the surrounding sound
contrasts well with the solid beauty of his voice. </div>
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The between-song chat is kept to a
minimum, Graham mumbles with a smile in reply to a heckle of "I love
you", that "you wouldn't, I'm a total nobhead" and aside from their
murmured words of gratitude, that's it. Each song is
blended into the next; they are clearly comfortable playing the new
songs, side-by-side with some of their older stuff. The melodic hum of
'And She Would Darken The Memory' swells around, as Graham howls "the
rabbit might die" then, without missing a beat the next track is
reverberating around the dingy, fairy-light lit interior of The Fleece.
The constant barrage of sound is arresting, but in a consuming, intense
way and the open (if slightly chilly) interior of the venue suits their
sound well. They seem genuinely surprised and grateful at the turnout,
modestly calling themselves "only a tiny band from Scotland. The
Twilight Sad may only think of themselves as a tiny band, but they are a
band guaranteed to give an atmospheric performance and in the context
of tonight's show their latest album has really starts to make more
sense for me. Captivating, engaging, and well worth watching.<br />
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<i>The Fleece have got some really great gigs coming up, <a _mce_href="http://www.thefleece.co.uk/shows" href="http://www.thefleece.co.uk/shows">take a look</a> (the Xiu Xiu date in particular should be incredible).</i></div>MelReevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05833196750916576031noreply@blogger.com0