August 01, 2006
We Have Moved
Unearthed Treasures has moved it's website permeantly now, you can now find us at http://www.unearthedtreasures.co.uk or you can click HERE
If you like what you see please favourite us and also download the July Podcast !
Posted by Ross at 16:47 PM |
July 31, 2006
Komakino
What would happen if someone mixed the ingredients of punk rock and new wave, well the latest offering is by Komakino and I would be very happy to drink it by the yard ! The spiky vocals of Ryan Needham poured all over the effects laden guitars of brother duo Martin and Stuart Samuels works wonders for making an effective sound that would be still distinguishable in years to come. The throbbing bass and backbeat drumming of Dennis Caswell and Mark Stone respectably, keeps the rythm tight and allows the others to push forward and attack.
Songs such as Say Something and Kommunikate are well worthy to be put in any indie chart and preferably at no.1.
Komakino have a big gig coming up soon, playing with the likes of The Dears and Editors at T On The Fringe in Edinburgh
[mp3] Say Something
[mp3] Kommunikate
For more information you can check out Komakino here
Posted by Ross at 20:55 PM |
July 30, 2006
Four Day Hombre
Four Day Hombre are an indie five piece from Leeds. Fed up with no record company brave enough to take them on to release some singles, Four Day Hombre took it into their own hands. They had the clever idea of getting their fans to donate money into a fan-funded record label and the wonga rolled straight in by the bucket load. This was how their label Alamo Records was born and Four Day Hombre celebrated with a 3 album deal and releasing lots of singles !
Their sound can hit you with it's melancholia on the first listen, but once you have overcomed it Four Day Hombre produce some ageless built songs. On track The First Word Is The Hardest, everything starts off fragile and ambient, yet builds up to conduct a masterplan strong enough to destroy our eardrums. The fragility of the songs are affected even more so by the demure voice of vocalist Simon Wainwright which can hit you when you least expect it with his falsetto undertones. When you listen to their latest single Don't Go Gently, you can get rich feelings that this song could have also been manifested by Longview; but you can be more than happy that Four Day Hombre have made it instead.
If you wish to buy Four Day Hombre's debut album or any of their singles you can do so here
Fresh from doing a Barfly tour, Four Day Hombre are regrouping and then going on a mammoth UK tour through October and November.
[mp3] First Word (live)
Streams
Four Day Hombre - 13th Of The Month
You can check out Four Day Hombre here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 21:15 PM |
July 29, 2006
[52]Teenagers
Have you ever had one of those days, where you just want to go arrrrrrrrrgh, well [52]Teenagers was my solution. An unsigned act from Manchester who make what I think is a rarity, a heavy rock, emotional song but with a voice that sings and does not shout. I know theres other bands who run on these same rails, but in songs such as 3am theres progressive aspects mixed in too which are floating around everywhere, to help boost singer Neil's voice to produce some beautifully fast yet graceful rock music.
What I also respect about [52]Teenagers, is as a band they don't in anyway sound American, a lot of bands always fall in that trap without realising and then end up producing some Foo Fighters b-sides. [52]Teenagers are also in the final for an E4 Video competition which allows them to be showcased on the TV, you can vote them here
Well when it comes to producing music [52]Teenagers do it by the bucket load, theres a few EPs and CD's here to listen to.
You can see [52]Teenagers play a charity gig on August 10th in Manchester
Streams
[52] Teenagers - Bigger Pictures
[52] Teenagers - You Wish
You can check out [52]Teenagers here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 20:21 PM |
July 28, 2006
The Unsigned Pirates
The Unsigned Pirates are a triplet of accoustica from Blackpool, Lancashire and their songs are much more Rollercoaster than Big Dipper. It's a simple affair, one man on guitar, one man on vocals and one young lady on backing vocals. If you like your songs simple where the key factor is the vocals and the script that enrols from the voice box, well this is the place you need to have your ears at. Bessotted with U2, the Unsigned Pirates even include a few of their lyrics at the start of Flowers From The Garden, "One Love, One Life, One Chance Gotta To Make Things Right" !
Some of the songs are somewhat dark, on Second Hand Hero we get a tale about buying a pair of shoes from a dead man but in retrospect the coin can be turned to a more upbeat mood. On track Flowers From The Garden, we feel alive and in love with life. With songs like these The Unsigned Pirates will soon be able to drop the prefix and be more commonly known as The Signed Pirates.
The Unsigned Pirates have two gigs in the pipeline for the next two months and one of them includes an Aftershow Party in Blackpool for The Kooks
[mp3] Flowers From The Garden
[mp3] Second Hand Hero
You can check out The Unsigned Pirates here
Speaking of The Kooks, Inside In, Inside Out is maybe one of the best albums of the year, but what we hear from singer Luke Pritchard. He may need to zip up with his big headedness of believing his group of Ramshackle Rockers are bigger than Britpop, when he was cowarded into a corner by uber-nerd Simon Amstell. Watch below to get what I mean.
Posted by Ross at 22:03 PM |
July 27, 2006
Right On Dynamite
Here's another one of these 3 piece bands I seem to love so much. Right On Dynamite come from Brooklyn, New York City; so they make garage pop rock music ? Course they do. But is it catchy ? Course it is. Right On Dynamite like to make the perfect 2 minute 59 second pop song, every song I've heard by them includes that New York sound vocal which we never seem to ever get tired of. A scuzzy guitar riff that can be also be somewhat angluar and an earful of cymbals that sound so elegant yet so harrowing. Also included in the song Hard To Show we get a barrage of hand claps and woah shouty voices, it's such a happy song I could'nt stop pogoing around the kitchen whilst putting the glasses in the dishwasher. If you're thing of any UK simliarities I would say a bit more sexier, a bit more in tune and better dressed Cribs. If you go State Side, of course there's similarities to The Strokes !
So if you're lucky enough to live in the district of Manhattan, Right On Dynamite have a gig at the Mercury Lounge on 4th September.
[mp3] Pull The Wool
[mp3] Hard To Show
You can check out Right On Dynamite here for more information.
Posted by Ross at 20:14 PM |
July 26, 2006
The Returns
Today I am looking at the other end of the spectrum, instead of wanting to record their own songs and produce an album. The Returns are a happy go lucky, pop rock covers band who like to play the local taverna. Only playing shows at the weekend due to work commintments in the week, The Returns build all that 30 something energy and discharge it on stage to some wiley teenagers and non-inspired pensioners.
For more in depth information I did a bit of an interview, you can see it below.
UT: Naming a band is one of the most difficult, things for a band to decide, what were the reasons for choosing The Returns?
Ret: Most people give us a blank stare when we mention the name, confusing us with a catalogue seconds outlet. We did have real difficulty agreeing on a name - we called ourselves Masonic Dodge for our first few gigs but everyone took the piss something chronic out of that. The Returns is innocuous enough and came about because Mark and myself had already played at most of our current gig venues a few years back, in our old band The Commission. Obviously we couldn't re-use The Commission, otherwise they would know who we were and wouldn't have booked us.
UT: Most of the bands I interview are trying to make their music be heard in wider circles; you seem to enjoy playing to an East Anglian crowd who don't give a shit if you're Evolution, Nigel Portass Blues Band, Coldplay Tribute Act (pub scene bands). At the end of the night where's the gratification and what makes you go on to do another "gig" ?
Ret: Sometimes we question that ourselves, especially when the crowd just stand there completely mute all night. None of us are the most confident of people, so quite why we put ourselves in harm's way we're often unsure. However, we do get the occasional gig where people really do pay attention to what you're doing, dance and are generally appreciative - that, together with getting winked at by the occasional fat bird at the bar and earning a few quid for the weekend suffices to drive us on. We're not aching to spread our gospel further afield as we much prefer only having to drive a couple of miles to play at the local boozer. Mostly it's just about having a laugh with our mates.
UT: I've watched about 10 videos from your website www.returnslive.com and first thing that hits you is the diversity of the songs. You play Green Day and The Scissors Sisters in the same set, is there any reason why you don't stick to a certain genre?
Ret: It gets kind of boring for the audience if you play the same stuff all night long - it would for us too. The band all love music but we have widely differing tastes - what we play doesn'tt even scratch the surface, or even necessarily reflect the stuff we really love. Our only criteria in choosing a song is that it must be piss easy to play on the guitar! At least the audience know that if they don't like one of our songs they can nip to the bogs and when they get back we'll be doing something completely different.
UT: The second thing that hits you is that all the songs have the same riff in them. From what I have read you seem a bit tongue in cheek with yourselves. But even the townsfolk of Long Sutton can't be stupid enough to realise that you have played the same song over and over but with different words?
UT: I lived in Long Sutton for most of my life, but had to move away because it is a proverbial cesspool. They attempt to break your equipment and have total disregard for anyone else; so why do you give shitholes (literally) such as Turpin's and Chaplin's praise in your reviews?
Ret: This is like being interviewed by Jeremy Paxman's evil twin! We've only had one night where we've experienced the sort of idiots that you're talking about - some tanked-up lads trod all over our guitarists pedal board, nearly knocked a heavy speaker on his missus and smashed a pub fitting with one of our PA stands. However, most people we've played for have been pretty decent, or at least they have been to us. We've only ever had people wander up to tell us they've enjoyed themselves rather than sling insults. We're just glad that places like Turpins and Chaplins are giving all of us who live in the area some choice in places to go and that they're encouraging live music - not many places are these days. Even former music stronghold the Norfolk pub in Peterborough is an Estate Agents now. And if people do want to see a pub band then we're glad to offer an alternative to the usual three-chords-all-night bloody blues bands that mysteriously seem to prevail throughout the Fens.
UT: You play some charity events, which I fully respect; but does the pay from the gigs in the pubs match your performance from the night?
Ret: Our performance only varies with the crowd response we're getting and our singer's beer intake - we're a completely different band when we feel like people are enjoying what we're doing. Otherwise it can seem like very hard work and that always shows. We try to fit in as many charity gigs as possible and there are a lot of causes we'd really like to help. I'd particularly like to do one for www.loverussia.org in the near future if we can, who are helping Russian orphans living in some pretty God-awful conditions, although that charity's religious edge is a little off-putting. Basically, we're turning into Bono and want to reach out and touch the world - or at least some of the resident fanny at Shooters Bar.
UT: Bands, who write their own material and perform their own cutting edge songs, would pour scorn over anything regarding pub rock "musicians". What would you say to someone who is deterred from seeing a pub band because of the image they have?
Ret: We do have some original material, as you'll see from the website, and want to develop that further and a least slot a couple of originals into our set. Playing your own material is definitely far more rewarding and most of us have been in original material bands - but the majority of venues around here just aren't receptive to original music. We get a lot of enjoyment out of covering songs and occasionally we'll try to put our own spin on them. Unlike a lot of other bands around here, we do realise our position - being in a pub covers band you're never going to set the world alight. But this is the level at which 99% of people who ever pick up a guitar are ever going to get to play. We don't claim to be great musicians, we just love music. Watching pub bands is like watching non league football really - most of it is woeful but you might get the occasional glimpse of something unexpected. And anyway - when you've had a few you don't always want some self indulgent prick's Radiohead rip-off experimental meanderings - you want to sing along to our authentic faux Scottish rendition of 500 Miles! Right?!
end......
Ok so below there are a few videos of The Returns in action
[wmv] Take Your Mama
[wmv] American Idiot
[wmv] I Predict A Riot
You can check out The Returns for more information here
Posted by Ross at 19:34 PM |
July 25, 2006
The Breakdowns
If you like the Ramones, have you tried The Breakdowns ? New on the rock scene and hailing from Nottingham, The Breakdowns have been making some scuzzy punk rock for a little while, but from their attiutude they are willing to lead and be the face of a new future scene which resembles music from the late 70's. Tired of listening to any type of music which has the word "nu" in it, The Breakdowns have stripped down their sound, turned up the amps and started playing music with meaning. Any music is welcome to my ears and for this Nottinghamshire band it's a bit different and a revitalised flavour in this world full of similar bands.
The Breakdowns are playing lots of different gigs around London over the next few months. These include playing at The Barfly and The Hope & Anchor.
[mp3] Don't Look Back
[mp3] Fool For You
You can check out The Breakdowns here
Posted by Ross at 20:04 PM |
July 24, 2006
Edd Sainsbury
A voice and an accoustic guitar is sometimes all you need to make poweful music, Edd Sainsbury is one of these people. Using his emotional yet soulful voice to full effect we are treated to some beautiful lullaby laden, honest songs. If you think of modern day similarities, Sainsbury sounds a mixture of Ray Lamontagne and Damien Rice. His own influence include the wonderful Ryan Adam's which can help decypher why Sainsbury's sings with a slight Americana twinge in his accent. Sainsbury is a bit of a man of mystery, he gives very little away to the average stranger so you have to make up your own judgements about him from his songs.
Edd Sainsbury does not have any live dates to play at the minute, but will hopefully have some soon.
[mp3] Ships
[mp3] I Don't Mind The Fall
You can check out Edd Sainsbury here
Posted by Ross at 20:51 PM |
July 23, 2006
Ben Kweller
One fella you don't hear enough about in the UK is Ben Kweller. About to release his 3rd major record release and only 25 years of age, Kweller's world has always rotated around music. Being the frontman for a Texas grunge rock band all the way through his teenage years probably didn't put him in good stead for adult life. But when they disbanded he wrote new material and started playing great college rock style anthems like "Wasted and Ready" and "Commerce TX".Then after honing his musical skills some more and producing a more grown up record with "On My Way" in 2004, it brings us up to date with the latest record entitled "Ben Kweller". Kweller plays all the instruments on the record himself which is probably why it is named in such a way.
[mp3] Penny On The Train Track
Kweller will be touring all of the US to promote the new album during the autumn and winter months. There are 3 UK dates planned which will be in Glasgow, Manchester and London.
You can check out Ben Kweller here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 19:25 PM |
July 22, 2006
The Bridge Gang
The Bridge Gang are a trio of boy, girl, boy combination from London. They like to play what they describe as powepop, but this sound is infused with garagey riffs to form a simple yet effective stripped down garage sound. Lead Vocalist Jose Ross's voice could be described as pigtraad, which roughly translates to "barbed wire sound"; it cuts your ears deep but bass player Lucy Drynan balances the sound out with her feminine vocals; whilst drummer Bret Bolton is in the background banging the hell out of his drums. It's a great sound and a breath of fresh air to the sub-standard punk rock that is still rotating on the london circuit.
Interview with Lucy from The Bridge Gang
UT: You know your name, how did you come up with it and make it so good?
Lucy: I can't really answer this question, I did not name the band!
UT: I was thinking, there was a lot of internet hype about The Bridge Gang last year, this year most were hoping of a record contract, is there any new development in progressing with a deal?
Lucy: We put out our debut single in March, and it sold out. We have another single, which we feel is very strong, coming out next month. And our third single should be out around November time. That's quite a lot of activity, but still, with the songs we have got, we know that if we were 3 standard white boys with guitars we would probably be a lot further on by now! That's just the way that the record industry works. It took The Long Blondes 4 years of work to get a proper deal, but it takes say, Klaxons, 8 months! That's not an insult to either band, it's a fact!
UT: You play a lot of your gigs in your native London Town; wouldn't it be fun if you could play a few a further a field?
Lucy: Of course! We would love to be playing in as many different cities as possible. Hopefully soon we will get to arrange a decent tour.
UT: I have a rule, the fewer members in a band the better it works; is this the case with The Bridge Gang?
UT: Your new single Blue Sky Grey is about to be released on Brille Records, will this be a limited 7inch or can lots buy it so we can get it on the national hit parade?
UT: Jose has stated he sleeps in an armchair instead of a bed, what is the bedroom attire for such formalities?
Lucy: I can categorically state that Jose sleeps wearing nothing but inflatable armbands and tinsel.
UT: Bret is always wearing a baker boys hat, has he done a lot of bread before?
Lucy: Let's just say that Bret had an unfortunate accident with a hat and a tube of glue!
UT: Lucy always looks a cutie pie, is this a system requirement for The Bridge Gang?
Lucy: Absolutely! I love babydoll dresses and I love the idea of the sweetheart.
UT: In a years time do you think, in reality you will be listening to the final cut of your album ready for general release?
Lucy: I honestly can't predict that. All I can say is that our main ambition is to go down in history as one of the finest British powerpop bands of our time. We don't have any ambition of being flavour of the month, we want long term success as opposed to success in the short term. And we firmly believe that should we ever get opportunity to, we'll make one of the best debut records in many years! That may sound bold, but it's what we believe.
So The Bridge Gang released their debut limited edition 7 inch, Pangs of Guilt around March of this year, the follow up Blue Sky Grey will be released around August and will also be limited. Both singles have or will be released on Brille Records.
To listen to Blue Sky Grey you can do so here
You can check out The Bridge Gang here
The Automatic's TV Stunt
The Automatic went wild on UK breakfast telly yesterday. Drinking all night and then not going to bed isn't a good move even when you're miming the song, but it was pretty funny and maybe stupid when they threw what I presume was their own equipment around the garden.
I've seen The Automatic live a couple of times and I thought they were better live than on record.
On the contrary to what others think, I would think it was the programmes idea for them to mime and not theres.You have to laugh when the presenters blamed the band for "having too many E numbers early in the morning", instead of taking the rap for being caught out. You can see the video in full below.
New Babyshambles Song
My friend gave me an mp3 of Beg Steal or Borrow by Babyshambles. I'm not sure if its a demo or what, but you can download and listen for yourself.
You can download it here
Posted by Ross at 20:40 PM |
July 21, 2006
Ripchord
Following on from yestersdays review of Censored, today i'm taking you to somewhere a bit different; the black country. Yes not the first place you would think Ripchord, the Britpop busting ensemble reside. But location is not the situation here, it's all about the music I suppose. The sound is pretty watertight and nice and jangly and pleasant but it lacks originality, if you wanted to listen to Britpop you would listen to Definately Maybe, Suede or I Should Coco. I don't many people who would turn off in the middle of Caught By The Fuzz and put on Just Another Bad Day by Ripchord. Not sure how a band with the average of 18-19 got signed when in the prominent song Lock Up Your Daughters. They rhyme the lines "Your face is quite familiar; You look just like a crowded sinner". Well maybe it's just me who doesn't get Ripchord, as they have been recently signed to 1965 Records who are an indie branch of Sony and run by Rough Trades very own James Endeacott.
I'm not sure if Ripchord are the only band since Slade to come from Wolverhampton, but they have played a lot of high profile gigs around town for such a young band. Support slots with The Paddingtons, Babyshambles and The Kooks. Even winning best young band in the midlands in 2005......I can only say they must be better live, than on record.
Recording a video for their debut single was their prize you can view it here be warned BBC Midlands, still think that The Goodies are cool it seem's.
[mp3] Lock Up Your Daughters
[mp3] Terrible Thing
You can check out Ripchord here and Myspace here
Tomorrow's review will include an Interview with the very lovely Lucy from The Bridge Gang.
Posted by Ross at 19:52 PM |
July 20, 2006
Censored
There are still a few bands breaking through who are heavily influenced by the Rhythm and Blues scene and Censored are one of them. This trio of teenagers are making 60's hip pop spliced together with shades of Britpop. Censored seemed to be able to flick between the two periods like a light switch, this could be the beauty of using two vocalists. On track You Eyes Are Made Of Gold, it incorporates a Bluetones style melody; while on All You Gotta Do Is Ask the mood has turned. The beat is Detours esque Marquee club and any hipster could be pogoing around the dancefloor to this beauty.
This is what happend when i conducted an interview with Censored this week !
1) With a name like Censored, do you feel yourselves are being suppressed by society and you are bursting to get out ?
Matt: well yes that is the intellectual way of looking at our name and in that way, no we don't agree with a lot of Censorship, especially in art and music.
Chris: but originally it was just because it was annoying to see 'Censored' over pornography at the age of twelve but a little later we thought that that would be a good idea for a logo, and it's something that young males tend to come accross quite regularly. Although we don't want to alienate the females there!!
2) Now with all that boring education stuff out of the way, is this going to be a full time occupation for you ?
M: Yes it is now. We're finally through with years of miseducation.
3)On stage you decadence is alluring with all these suits you distinguish yourselves in, whats the name of your tailor ?
M: I've got a nice suit made by Pierre Cardin but now we getloads of free stuff it's hard to keep track.
C: Suits aren't that prominent on stage these days, our latest lot of free stuff was meant to go back after a photoshoot but it was that nice we kept it. Thank you Penguin Musingwear.
4) Yor mascot is a sheep that drinks and smokes. I've been to Derbyshire nigh on 6 years ago, yet I never saw any livestock with fag ash breath and beer bellies. Is this animal a figment of your imagination?
M: I stole it.
C: It's like the Keith Moon of the animal world.
M: Don't getus wrong here we're not dirty no good thieves, for the sheep i asked someone who drew it on MySpace if we could use it as a link to our forum and then it caught on and everyone began asking about him. There was a poll on our forum to name him and we regularly have to make up stories about his lairy behaviour at z-list parties.
5) On song "All You Gotta Do Is Ask", you describe a little lady "with knickers round your ankles" one would depict her as a slag, does she have any redeeming qualities ? Surely that can't be her best feature ?
M: In the song these attributes are slandered but in the final verse it does say "I Like Your Smile". It's just about girls we've grown up with round our way that have gone from angelic 8-13 year olds to single mothers with a nicotine addiction by the age of 15.
6)I see you're playing the Leed's Festival on the unsigned stage, that's a big gig and a big oppurtunity. How did you end up playing at one of the biggest festivals in the UK ?
M: Being great. It's so sudden and great to know that the promoters really love our demos and we've been given a prime spot on the Saturday afternoon before our friends the Kaiser Chiefs.
7) On song "When You Come Along" you sing about "pulling your trigger" where precisely in your anatomy is your trigger ?
M: Somewhere between the ball bag and the bell end . . .
8) Cast your mind back, you supported Snow Patrol at Nottingham Rock City, the other week. How was the reception to your performance ?
M: It was great. Being the first support band on we played to about half off the eventual crowd that turned up for Snow Patrol. I think they all loved our energy and how different we were from the other bands. The sound man thought we were great and said we should never be on so early opening these types of things. Bless him!!
9)I am under the illusion your genre is Rock/Rhythm & Blues, if you could have any "rock 'n' roll death what would it be ?
C: I reckon being mowed over by a moose, maybe a hypnotic moose, with a lawn mower would be quite psychedelic.
M: To Live Forever would be the most Rock 'n' Roll thing to do, or do a Tommy Cooper and still be making 'em laugh halfway into rigamortis. I'd like to think people wouldn't get tired of us if we did live forever.
end.......
Censored are playing all through the summer at lots of different clubs and if you are going to Leeds Festival make sure you leave a space somewhere for Censored in your diary.
[mp3] Get It On (Demo)
[mp3] All You Gotta Do Is Ask
If you want to check out Censored you can do so here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 20:25 PM |
July 19, 2006
The Fratelli's
When you create a big impression, you have to live up to it everytime you perform, but The Fratellis seem to take it in their stride. All three band members have adopted the surname Fratelli like The Ramones, but i'm not sure if this is actually their real name. But the songs are good, they are this ramshackle rock group which seems to be lodged in this nations heart at the minute. The band comprises of the Bolan esque frontman, the business style bass man and the tramp on the drums gluing them together. The track that sparked off the interest was the fast paced Creepin' Up The Backstairs and then the follow up Henrietta gave them highly acclaim at SXSW festival.
If you would like to see The Fratelli's play live, they will be going up and down the countries doing gigs and festival appearances.
You can buy Henrietta and The Fratelli's EP here
Streams
The Fratelli's - Cigarello
The Fratelli's - Creepin Up The Backstairs
You can check out The Fratelli's here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 20:37 PM |
July 18, 2006
The Blood Arm
One band that is always brimming on the surface, but is never the one to get thrown overboard, is LA's finest The Blood Arm. They are one of those bands who are big in their native state, but also have a cult following somewhere else. Their garage rock sound would give you hints that they should relocate to NYC as they would feel at home there. But after recently touring the UK on club NME nights, The Blood Arm are much loved over here by the independent kids too. Demo's that were released 2 years ago still stand the test of time and after another listen, sound fresh and invigorating. When you release you debut album with only limited numbers available you build something rare and a joy for the consumer to be aquainted with if they ever get to do so.
Hopefully by the end of the year we will see a fully released second album by The Blood Arm
Streams
The Blood Arm - Can I Unwind?
The Blood Arm - Do I Have Your Attention?
You can buy Say Yes by The Blood Arm here
You can check out The Blood Arm here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 20:49 PM |
July 17, 2006
Attack! switch Attack!
To start with, having a name like Attack! switch Attack! is a statement in itself but producing the songs they do is an added bonus. Big Fat bass lines and a start stop, sharp guitar accompany tom tom tapping drum beats on all songs. The 3 piece piece keep their songs simple but this post punk disco medley would be brilliant on the dancefloor to get your rocks off to. In a perfect world the songs Attack! switch Attack! produce would be perched on your front page of any music magazine, will this happen ? I hope so I like them, it's a good noise we are hearing.
If you are willing and able Attack! switch Attack! are playing the Kill Em All club night on 22nd July at the London Barfly
[mp3] Front Page
[mp3] GO GO GO
You can check out Attack! switch Attack! here
Posted by Ross at 21:37 PM |
July 16, 2006
The Alones + Razorlight Review
Aptly named The Alones, this duo can be simply described as collosal. For some reason I am always drawn to bands who are duo's or threesomes. It's a small niche but the connection and intensity between these acts on stage is always worth watching, The Dresden Doll's and The Black Key's always spring to mind. Well anyway The Alones sound like there is at least 2 other members in the band, but I checked everywhere and there are only two of them. Singer Stuart Whiston also takes control of guitars, key's and programming, while Mike Lo Bosco keeps the backbeat tight on the drums. Their sound is very driven and fast paced, the nearest sound from yesteryear I can think off would be The Secret Machines, but from debut album Now Here Is Nowhere. On songs like Rock and Roll Show and Silver, a programmed synth skulks around the background, like a stroppy teenager ready to explode, but never actually keeping their promise.
When your debut single get's played alongside The Killer's on Steve Lamacq's 6Music Radio Show, you must be something right, you can listen again to Thursday's show here
The Alone's have been playing their songs all over, from the top of the hill, down to the bottom of the hill, mostly though in the Yorkshire/Lancashire region.
[mp3] Faded Heart
[mp3] Silver
You can check out The Alones here and Myspace here
So possibilty one of the biggest albums of the year is released tomorrow. No not Akon, A Star Is Born, but Razorlight with their self titled effort. When going into that "difficult" second album does the listener expect the same stuff as the first album or something completely different ? Well Razorlight haven't gone all out different but their sound has matured, matured into a somewhat soft rock/pop supergroup; from the first listen, i'm hearing part Police part Queen part 60's pop.
On track Who Need's Love a jangly piano loom's in the background, while Johnny Borrell urges on drummer Andy Burrow's to "come on Andy" for a big drum roll towards the end. These are great joyous songs that Razorlight are producing. I'm not sure why on track I Can't Stop This Feeling I Got but theres like a Baba O'Riley fiddle in the background on different parts, which isn't really needed they can carry the song better without it in the background. So has Razorlight pulled it off ? Well yes more than no, it just depends if you wanted Razorlight to progress with their sound. Borrell has the big ego but he can because he has the proof to back it up now, he's a talented musician and a clever wordsmith for the 21st century.
You can buy Razorlight by Razorlight here
If theres room for another album in your collection this week you should buy the very kitsch We Are The Pipettes by The Pipettes. Phil Spektor harmonies and 60's pop are aplenty here and it's all very colourful for the summer.
You can buy We Are The Pipettes by The Pipettes here
Posted by Ross at 19:44 PM |
July 15, 2006
Plastic Heroes
Well if you are waiting for a bit of sparkle and glam to come back into rock music, Plastic Heroes may be that catalyst. Layers of vocals, combined with sharp guitars and big beating drums make this a bit different from your standard rock; but Plastic Heroes also incorporate that punky vibe into songs like Fifteen Years and Toutes Ces Scenes. Coming from London yet receiving a better appraisal performing in Europe and the US is interesting for such a small band to achieve this status, even glam legend Tony Visconti took notice from their debut single The Boy.
For some reason Plastic Heroes album was released in Japan on July 5th. But no release has been confirmed for Europe or the UK yet. In Japan it was released on Supersonic Records.
The last gig Plastic Heroes did was in february of this year in Arsenal so I would expect them to be firing up the bandwagon ready to release their album then get back on the road.
[mp3] Fifteen Years
Streams
Plastic Heroes - The Boy
Plastic Heroes - Got Good Real Fast
You can check out Plastic Heroes here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 17:30 PM |
July 14, 2006
The Go Station
It's the final day for showcasing a band from the NME.com competition. Today's band is The Go Station.
No one said the bands had to be UK based, so the The Go Station who hail from New York City threw themselves into the ring. They are a very established band and you can tell they have worked their techniques to perfection, one expects that a major album deal would be on the cards by the end of the year. Citing influence's from mid 90's Manchester to modern day Manhattan, The Go Station conjure up bright guitar rock with luscious melodies. The guitars do have that aspect of sounding like they are being played by Noel Gallagher or John Squire which of course can only be a good thing.
The Go Station have a few future gigs planned, but most of their energy is being channelled into finishing off recording their debut album.
If you are willing to purchase The Go Station's debut EP The Quiet Zone, you can do so here
[mp3] Battle Lines
Stream
The Go Station - Wandering Away
You can check out The Go Station here and Myspace here
If you wish to vote for any of the featured bands this week or any others who are registered in the NME competition you can do so here
Posted by Ross at 17:30 PM |
July 13, 2006
Volcanoes
It's the penultimate day in my NME breaking bands showcase, so without further ado today's band is Volcanoes.
Residing near the Yorkshire/Lincolnshire divide. Volcanoes have been erupting the public with their music since late 2004. Starting off as an accoustic 2 piece and gradually bolting on more members like a piece of meccano, Volcanoes then turned electric and went to the studio to record their debut The Red Door EP. Their sound is a cross of blues and tingly melodic rock. I can see where they are coming from when they say they are inspired by The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Razorlight. But their sound strikes lots of different chords, sometimes one song is completely different from another. What Volcanoes need is a mentor who can guide them, otherwise a debut album will turn into a mismatch of different style's of music going in different directions. Don't get me wrong I like the songs on offer, but on tracks Snake Pass and Shallow Fire, singer Samson Bedford's voice is completely digusiable as two different people.
Currently gigging around the midlands and a lucrative gig overseas (Isle of Wight), Volcanoes will be hoping it's second time lucky to secure themselves a record deal.
[mp3] Shallow Fire
[mp3] Snake Pass
You can check out Volcanoes here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 16:15 PM |
July 12, 2006
My Passion
Ok, so here is Wednesday's band from the NME competition, My Passion.
Looks can be deceiving, I don't normally take notice of many metal bands, but with the My Passion's look it was intriguing. Big bouffant new romantic style hair and gothic make up, splash their once angelic faces, to reveal this sinister alter-ego. Who produce what has been descibed as "metal disco art pop". Big riffs fly out of the guitars like bullets from an out of control tommy gun, synthesizer loops buzz around the background like a hornet on ecstacy while singer Laurence Rene's voice soothes and spits acidic verses from the frontline.
So you're thinking where can i see My Passion? Well for the next couple of months they are gigging around the Capital and then during the autumn and winter months they will be on tour in Europe, dates will be available soon.
You can buy My Passion's single Bitter Too here
[mp3] Make Me Butterfly
Streams
My Passion - Bitter Too
My Passion - Tomorrow Girls
You can check out My Passion here and Myspace here
I'm not really much of a Pink Floyd fan, but Syd Barrett was one of the first of his kind. Sadly last Friday he passed on. Experimentation with music was not well documented in the mid to late 60's but Barrett converted Pink Floyd into a psychedelic behemoth rock group. Using effects that are now common place in the music industry, Barrett widely experimented with Distortion, Dissonance and Feedback. Coincidentally the psychedelic drugs came with the psychedelic music and Barrett's behaviour was becoming more erratic as time developed. Now with the winning formula to make a perfect prog-rock song and a new guitarist in Dave Gilmour, Pink Floyd gradually disassociated themselves with Barrett and carried on without him.
[mp3] See Emily Play
[mp3] Lucifer Sam
Posted by Ross at 18:10 PM |
July 11, 2006
Computer Club
Tuesdays band for the NME breaking bands competiton is Computer Club
Don't worry kid's there is now proof that all that time instant messenging people can get you somewhere. That somewhere is in Computer Club. 4 young whippersnapper's from Birmingham formed a band and took some infectious indie hooks and have made them their own. The major comparison you get straight away is with Bloc Party but there are also darker parts to songs like Stand Up and Gates. Their most well recevied song Snobs, contains fast drum beat style drumming, spiky guitar chords and singer, Paul's voice goes up and down in volume with the tempo of the song.
Computer Club have an EP out, if you attend their gigs you can get thr CD for free
Playing lots of club gigs all over Birmingham for the next few months, Computer Club are gaining more members and hopefully we won't see them crash anytime soon.
[mp3] Snobs
Stream
Computer Club - Stand Up
You can check out Computer Club here
Posted by Ross at 20:25 PM |
July 10, 2006
Nemo
NME are running a breaking bands competiton and the band with the most votes gets to play at NME 10th birthday party. So this week i'll be showcasing 5 of the 1000's of bands who you can vote for.
Nemo are a 4 piece mix of indie electro from London. Taking chunks of Depeche Mode, Human League and The Cure, Nemo places them together and add their own funky electro touches. You can see why this band are bigger in Europe, the French and Germans love that electro sound and arty look because it is one of the main genre's they produce. The British are more accustomed to Rock 'n' Roll and Indie I suppose.
With a diary fully booked and an album recorded, Post Human Love. Nemo are building up their fanbase by playing live with Imogen Heap and We Are Scientists amongst others. Singer James has even appeared in many an episode of The Mighty Boosh.
[mp3] Piccadilly In Sepia
[mp3] Car Crash Eyes
You can check out Nemo here and Myspace here for lots more information.
After seeing pieces of T in the Park as an outsider looking in, I have mixed views. As their is no Glastonbury this year the BBC leeched onto it. The main gripe with them is during the headliners for both nights, instead of just letting you watch the show they kept cutting back to 5 hours earlier. Also there was no footage from the Futures Stage.
The biggest problem with the festival was the booking and where they played. Why was Duels, a Leed's band who have released 3 single's maximum and not really that known playing the main stage ? Where as; Hope Of The States played a mid afternoon slot in a tent.
Pharrell Williams played the NME stage; who booked a rap star to play sandwiched between The Zutons and Goldfrapp on the bill. It doesn't make sense.
The Cosmic Rough Riders headlined the Futures Stage on Saturday night, If you didn't know The Riders formed in 1998 and made a murmur in 2002 and now headline a festival as a band for the future, leapfrogging iForward Russia! and White Rose Movement in the process. Ummm I don't know why someone would do something as stupid as that.
Maximo Park played the usual same songs again while Paul Smith was wearing a stupid hat, to cover his stupid hair style and he was using a microphone with no cord. For a frontman of a band that is breaking rule number 1, how do you swing a microphone with no cord ?
For a festival that wanted to be seen as the biggest in Britain this year, they were relying on recycled bands who have been touring their albums for the past year and a half "Kasier just released 12th single from Employment Chief's" and "Maximo yawn yawn yawn Park". On the Franz Ferdinand drum spectacular they got all the drummers from the bands who had been playing on the big stages that day and Ricky Wilson. Why he did he have to join in? just for the attention like always, one presumes.
But some of the bands who were missing included Snow Patrol, Starsailor, Keane, Babyshambles, The Paddingtons, Dogs, Dead 60's, Infadels, Plan B, Jamie T, Belle and Sebastian. Why would you pay good money to hear bands play songs released a year ago, when there are bands with new fresh albums out not even on the bill.
Things that I did enjoy were We Are Scientist's set and Editors upgrading the quality of their live performance up a few levels with the use of new guitars and more effects pedals. That was about it really!
Posted by Ross at 20:15 PM |
July 08 & 09 2006
One Toy Soldier
There are so many brilliant progressive rock band's not getting the attention they deserve, but one close to me is One Toy Soldier. Based in Northampton and Milton Keynes this quartet produce what i would call an emotional barrage of musical rock , screams and shouts galore alongside soothing melodies. If you are thinking of sounds I would describe it as a mix of Idlewild and At The Drive In. They can either tone it up to make some fast powered rock like on Your Loss or they can tone it down and just go with the flow, like on Together In The End.
Signed to Bravestar Records, One Toy Soldier have an album out and it's yours to purchase here.
[wma] Snakes and Ladders
Streams
One Toy Soldier - Needles The Miracle Boy
One Toy Soldier - Together In The End
For all tour dates and other information you can check out One Toy Soldier here and Myspace here
Peter Doherty did his first real TV interview on a UK chat show hosted by Jonathan Ross last night. Doherty seemed a lot more aware and alert to what has happening and also being praised for his punctuality and appearance. Doherty went along with the jokes and even attempted the Peter Crouch robot dance and also pretended to be a puppet.
At the end of the interview Doherty presented Ross with a framed picture of himself which included the lyrics to new song Beg, Steal or Borrow. He then played the said song and it was beautiful. If Doherty finally succumbs to staying off the brown we will have one of the finest songwriters this country has seen for a long time.
You can see part 1 of the interview here and part 2 here
Below is the accoustic version of Beg Steal or Borrow
If you have ITV4 and were lucky enough to see the brilliant rockumentary The Kids Are Alright by my favourite band The Who, you will know why this band are one of the greatest and normally overlooked Rock 'n' Roll bands of the last 50 years. Many think they can, but noone nowadays can match the talent and personality of messr's Daltrey, Townsehend, Entwhistle and Moon. One of the bands that really opened the door to leading acts in the seventies like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath which of course led to heavy rock and then heavy metal. For four men who say they didn't get on very well, 3 of them took out that frustration on their equipment. Daltrey swinging the microphone around as if it was a detonating hand grenade, Townsehend launching his guitar into the floor and into the amplifier just to create some more wacky extrovert sounds and Moon kicking over the drum kit and throwing it into the crowd like an unwanted birthday present.
I was talking to someone the other day and when i said there was noone Rock 'n' Roll in the music scene nowadays she said what about so and so who played in an intimate venue last week, is that how rock and roll is portrayed nowadays ? Playing to a crowd of 200 people who have nothing better to do, than send 50 text messages to eventually win a competition to see a band who are only playing demo's from their new album. Last time I woke up Rock 'n' Roll was a band doing something different, not taking any crap from noone, planting something momenumental for the future to see in awe ! The Who, Isle Of Wight 1970, The Beatles playing their last gig on top of Apple Records, The Sex Pistols at the 100 Club, Not Maximo Park playing new songs in some Vinyl Factory to get extra advertising from a well-known telecommunication's service !
Streams
The Who - A Quick One While He's Away
The Who - The Seeker
Posted by Ross at 20:40 PM |
July 07, 2006
The Tactician's
I was sitting down at work having my lunch, listening to 6 Music minding my own business. Who comes on the radio ? The Tacticians. A band I had previously written about 2 months prior. The sound had changed for the better, the music I was hearing was more polished and catchier. The main reason The Tacticians were getting this airplay was because DJ Vic McGlynn added them as the 6 Music spare room track of the week. Listening to London's Alright you would'nt think it was recorded in the bands sitting room, the song has been that well recorded The Tacticians had to show evidence that the song was not recorded in a studio. Their sound is mostly accoustic folk rock, the two brothers who are the core behind the band do all the writing. Joe Jr and Ollie write songs about what they have seen and incidents what has happend to them just like how the Davies brothers did in the 60's.
The Tactician's have released one record on Dancing Giraffe Records you can buy it here
To vote for The Tacticians and make them spare room band of the month click here
[mp3] The Tactician's - Hardcore Porn
You can check out The Tactician's here and Myspace here
Big Thanks to everyone who has been looking at my website/blog. I'm not sure what I am doing right (or wrong) but other's bloggers are putting links to my site on their pages, which I really like so thanks to them too. I checked the other day and it said I had over 1000 hits and lovely people from as far away as Singapore, Japan and South Africa have been looking at the site. I have only been running and writing my own opinions for 3 weeks so to me thats brilliant news. What i would like though is feedback to improve the site, if you have any comments no matter how good or bad they are, i would love to hear from you ! Ross U.T. x
Posted by Ross at 17:00 PM |
July 06, 2006
The Dirty 9's
The Dirty 9's are 4 fellows from Dublin who formed a band, before they really knew each other. Sounds a bit risky i know, but as they started writing, business began to pick up. With songs and confidence from playing live. The Dirty 9's took there songs and recorded them, you can hear the finished product below. The main ingredient in their songs is the guitar, it drives their songs forward and the man plucking the said instrument; Cian McCarthy does his best to keep the melody flowing perfectly.
On track The Tease it reminisces of the now defunct The Stands. A folky number which can come alive at any minute. On Fall From Grace it show's a moody yet darker side which The Dirty Nine's had not shown before, I think i like this side because it includes the breathless vocals by singer Fergal Moloney. With one gig scheduled for the middle of the month at The Legal Eagle in Dublin, The Dirty 9's will be relishing more live oppurtunities in the coming months.
Streams
The Dirty 9's - The Tease
The Dirty 9's - Fall From Grace
You can check out The Dirty 9's here
Posted by Ross at 15:45 PM |
July 05, 2006
Luke Pickett
Stading tall, a single slender figure by the name of Luke Pickett picks up his guitar and plays away. A high pitched, fragile voice fly's out like a beautiful butterfly spreading it's wings for the first time after it's glamorous transformation. Littered with tattoo's and piercings Luke Pickett would sit well in any emo/metal rock band, but the fact that he has done this project alone, shows he has a lot of confidence and determination in himself. Pickett is an emotional one man recording band, playing all the parts in this novel he is making. Are the stories fact or fiction ? well you would have to listen to decide for yourself.
With a few solo gigs, performing his work at specialised club nights. Pickett will be playing at The Met Lounge in Peterborough tomorrow and at The Railway Club in Brighton on August 12th
Luke Pickett has released his debut E.P. entitled For Every Petal Lost; Another Gained. You can buy it here
[mp3] Empty Corridors
You can check out Luke Pickett here and Myspace here
Ray Lamontagne - Trouble(Live)
Posted by Ross at 14:50 PM |
July 04, 2006
The Wake
The Wake are a 3 piece anthemic rock band from Merseyside. Citing every melody rock band as influences, could prove to be a disadvantage but this trio have turned it around to become their advantage. Twisting guitar riffs and thumping bass lines with a sweet slender duo of vocals shows what The Wake is about. Before reading their biography and after only listening to the first song She, the first two bands who came in to mind, would be Snow Patrol and Feeder. There are obvious comparisons with the anthems they produce and this is backed with their support slot for Morning Runner.
Now their debut E.P. has just been finished, The Wake will be gigging more round the North West waiting to reap the rewards from the musical seed's they have sown.
[mp3] The Few
You can check out The Wake here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 19:46 PM |
July 03, 2006
Redwire
You could put Redwire in the same catergory as the rest of the crusaders in this Yorkshire music scene. Hailing from the lesser influential city of Bradford in this movement, Redwire have been on the bus to Leed's and Sheffield, taking notes from the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Milburn et al. Songs like Terry's In The Army and Nine Thirty contain the same winning formula as When The Sun Goes Down and Fake Tales Of San Francisco which got the Arctic Monkeys recognised. Fast spiky guitar indie is what Redwire are advertising and its catchy and addictive to listen to. The lyrics are maybe not cutting edge, but who will be listening when you got your dancing shoes on ?
Currently gigging around their native Bradford and with their first step on the ladder at the uber-trendy Mixing Tin in Leeds soon, things look rosy for Redwire. Now with a demo recorded it will release a few A&R hounds, who will be sniffing around looking for new lucrative talent.
[mp3] Nine Thirty
You can check out Redwire here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 20:15 PM |
July 02, 2006
The Green Tree Riot
Well as it's Sunday, I was under the illusion I was writing about a chilled out folk band. With the use of accoustic guitars, harmonica, double bass, fiddle and washboard I expected a sombre relaxing piece of music. What The Green Tree Riot delivered was a gutsy, raw and powerful mixture of irish influenced blues. Singer Dan Melrose's voice is razor sharp and he sings with a twinge of Americana in there too. On track Blood And Rust Blues, the song begins af is two cowboys are taking 5 paces ready to draw their pistols in a shootout. When Melrose hits the first roar, it's their signal to shoot their barrels clean.
Currently working on rerecording their demo's to put together on their debut E.P. The Green Tree Riot show a lot of promise in the grounds of folk music, as they have mixed a traditional irish folk sound with their own personal sound of the blues.
Specialising in gigs around the Manchester region including a future set at the Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival, it shows that there are a lot of folk who are interested in The Green Tree Riot's distinctive sound.
[mp3] Blood And Rust Blues
You can check out the Green Tree Riot here and Myspace here
Posted by Ross at 19:55 PM |
July 01, 2006
June Podcast
1. Viva Stereo - Jesus Son
2. Mr Bonjangles Moustache - Ventriloquist
3. Redwire - Terry's In The Army
4.Lily Allen - Friday Night
5. DARTZ! - Laser Eyes (Demo)
6. Graydon Tomlinson - All I Can
7. Mesh-29 - Close My Eyes
8. The Automatic - Team Drama
9. The Answering Machine - Oklahoma (Demo)
10. Plan B - Intro + Sick 2 Def
Download Podcast
Hope Of The States Album Review
Well Left wasn't the first album in my long list to buy, but I made the plunge and here we are. Only reaching no.51 last Sunday in the album chart would maybe be a dissapointment, but it could be worse The Divine Comedy only made it to no75.
Anyway the album arrives, i listen, i love. After only hearing 30 seconds of single Sing It Out, my first impressions were edge indie rock. But now hearing it in full, it's darker, moody and full of venom. Following up with a track from their earlier E.P.
Blood Meridian defines what Hope Of The States is all about. Progressive Rock music layered with lots of emotion, it's beautiful yet poignant.
Sam Herlihy may not acquire the best singing voice, but he uses it to good affect weaving through the levels of guitar and percussion.
Herlihy now adopts the Fender Telecaster instead of his usual accousitc guitar that was mainly used on the debut album The Lost Riots. This creates a guitar trio and a more electric and daring sound.
Further on in the album tracks such as Little Silver Birds and January are a more sombre affair
where the organ and piano comes in to play. Overall, if this month you are buying only one album put Left near the top of the list.
*Editors Note* I've just read NME.com's review of Left and they gave it a measly 6/10. If you scroll down you can see what the readers thought of it, bar 1 everyone has given it above 8/10 and why ? Because they are right.
You can buy Left here
Posted by Ross at 14:05 PM |