Review #75: Skying - The Horrors

When I look at 'The Horrors', I see a band who could easily just be described as music. Just like a pizza is a pizza, 'The Horrors' are music. In my opinion, they define the whole industry. It's their dreamy vocals, and thumping drum beats which put them in the highest of places.
Take 'I Can See Through You'. They don't try anything fancy, they don't purposely try to be different, they clearly play what comes naturally to them. It's different. Most definitely, there is no other band who manage to create such a dreamy, melodic, sound which sits in your ears like some sort of magical, ear elf.
Plus. The word 'Skying' is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

Best Tracks: 'Changing Rain', 'I Can See Through You', 'Oceans Burning'

8/10

Next Review: Within And Without - Washed Out


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Review #74: Kaiser Cheifs - The Future Is Medieval

For me,the Kaiser Chiefs epitomize the noughties. It was their young fresh sound that resounded out of my teenage earphones, egging me on to be pretty much what I wanted to be.
But now it's new times. I've grown up. They've grown up. And really, 'The Future Is Medieval' is exactly what they should have done, and more.
Okay, so it's no masterpiece, and there aren't any huge anthems lining the track listing, but what there is, is a new sound. Fresh, (Yes, we know 'Little Shocks' sounds like Maximo Park's 'Our Velocity', but we will give them the benefit of the doubt here. If they come out with a new song called 'Magazines From Cardboard Boxes' we will know something fishy is going on!) and a generally crisp piece of music. Track 2 'Things Change' pretty much sums up what the 'Kaiser Chiefs' have done, and done well at that. Another two albums of the same after this would be too much. So as long as they keep advancing, I will keep listening!

Best Tracks: 'Little Shocks', 'Starts With Nothing', 'Dead Or In Serious Trouble'.

7/10

Next Review: The Horrors - Skying

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Review #73: Liam Finn - FOMO

I have nothing against 'Liam Finn'. Cold Feet is a very good song. It's more the fact that I have now had five sub-standard albums in a row, and quite frankly, I'm getting bored! 2011 was going so well!

Best Track: 'Cold Feet'

5/10

Next Review: Kaiser Chiefs - The Future Is Medieval (It better be bloody well good, or I am going to rampage)


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Problems!

I am experiencing some problems at the moment, which is why there is such a gap between reviews. Sorry.
However, it should all be good again soon, and! And! And! The new site should be up soon!
Exciting times people!

Review #72: Chilly Gonzales - The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales

Okay, the lyrics are witty, and the tunes are catchy enough. But that is literally all there is to say about 'The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales'.
I could give you quotes of the lyrics, but that would spoil it wouldn't it? Just listen to it. It's good while it lasts, I guess...

Best Tracks: 'Supervillain Music', 'Different Kind Of Prostitute', 'Rap Race'

5/10

Next Review: Liam Finn - FOMO

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Review #71: Samiyam - Sam Baker's Album

I'm sorry but what the hell is this? It really is boring. Give me good music! No offense, but the best thing about the album is the artwork, and that's just some kid...

Best Tracks: You choose. I don't have favorites.

4/10

Next Review: Chilly Gonzales - The Unspeakable Chilly Gonzales


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Review #70: Foster The People - Torches

It's all well and good having 'Pumped Up Kicks' on an album. Because, after all, it is a darn good song. However the rest of the album just doesn't really cut it.
What 'Foster The People' are doing just isn't fresh enough. They just seem so subdued. 'Torches' is as if you are being led away by the music, finally thinking that it is taking you to a special place, and then the track stops. It just rolls the tracks on and on. All sounding so familiar that it would be hard to tell the songs apart without a good read of the track listings, and quite a few independent listens to the album.
Maybe I am being to harsh. 'Foster The People' have a good sound. It's refreshing and mellow, and they have broken to places indie bands have found hard in recent years. I just feel they could have put more effort into the album. It doesn't feel complete.

Best Tracks: 'Waste', 'Houdini', 'Miss You'.

6/10

Next Review: Samiyam - Sam Baker's Album

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Review #69: The Victorian English Gentlemens Club - Bag Of Meat

Yes, okay, this album is a bit bloody weird. But that's not all bad. It gives the album a flavour and a texture that has really been built upon since their debut in 2006.
Their early work was very experimental. Nothing could be taken from the albums. They sounded more like a mash of sounds, that was almost music. 'Bag Of Meat' has refined their sound to a more mature level, yet I can't help but think that they have quite a long way to go if they are ever to make a record which is worth credit.
It may be usual for a band to mature on their second album, but 'The Victorian English Gentlemens Club' have changed this to later on in their musical careers, thus showing that they are already different from other bands who are relatively new to the scene like them. So a very good album in the future is not out of the question! But 'Bag Of Meat' is average at best.
Plus, they need to put an apostrophe in their name. It's annoying.

Best Tracks: ' Lost My Face In A Fast Car Race', 'As Jungle Drums Rang Across The Amazon (We Held Our Heads And Screamed)', ' John Denver’s Wife'.

5/10

Next Review: Torches - Foster The People

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Review #68: The Feeling - Together We Were Made

If I am to be completely and utterly honest, and am not to tell any shape or form of a lie, as much as I like 'The Feeling', 'Together We Were Made' is actually shit. It sounds like they have decided to to take the piss out of themselves, by creating a parody album. Of themselves.
Their lyrics they produced before weren't exactly Shakespeare, but now they sound like they played 'Yahtzee' and have written down the opposite of what the dice might have said if they could spell. Or were they just playing Klingon 'Boggle'?
Whatever board game it was, it certainly was not 'Scrabble'!
You give credit where credit is due, but with lyrics like 'So build a home/Put pictures on the wall/Choose a colour for the door/And let me in', something tells me credit is not due.
They have added in techno beats and slightly less interesting guitar riffs than the attempts that appeared on their previous albums, which immediately drags the album nearer the 'Pile of Poppycock', and by the time track eight ('Mr.Grin') was reached the band had securely positioned a place there.
Perhaps it's the added vocals of 'Sophie Ellis-Bextor' which brings the album to become the catastrophe it is, after her recent album was also a complete shambles. However, the song she appears in is one of the better tracks! Maybe 'The Feeling' have just formed into a crap band like many others before them. Whatever it is, it is safe to say 'Together We Were Made' is one of the worst albums of 2011.

Best Tracks (At A Push): 'Leave Me Out Of It', 'Build A Home', 'Say No'.

3/10

Next Review: The Victorian English Gentlemens Club - Bag Of Meat

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Review #67: Dananananaykroyd - There Is A Way

Some music is just too serious. It puts a grimace on your face and gives you a surly attitude for at least 10 minutes. Some people merely acknowledge the musicality the said band has, and gets on with his/her life. Others think about what they have just heard and try to relate it to their lives and perhaps let it reflect on their lives. However, there is a third kind, who suck up all the dread and anguish that seethes out of an album so glum that it could have been a page ripped out of Kerry Katona's handbook for rearing children.
They sit there for hours thinking about how bad their life is, with the one reconciling memento being that at least someone else was feeling worse than they were due to the fact that they felt the need to write an album about it.
I fall under this third category.
But, on the other hand 'Dananananaykroyd' don't really do serious. It's not in their thesaurus. They sort of just... Shout?
They are a confusing bunch of characters. Wearing a tracksuit whilst playing indie riffs, shouting and screaming, isn't your everyday mixture. But they seem to make it work.
'There Is A Way' is definitely a step up from 'Hey Everyone'. They take their shouting to a level of maturity, if that makes any sense. They don't faff about with lyrics. They hit the nail on the head. 'E-Numbers' and 'Muscle Memory' are fine examples of how the band have matured. Still essentially 'Dananananaykroyd' yet it is this new developed version of the group which stretches your imagination and their achievements, creating a fine example of a record which is really rather mental.

Best Tracks: 'Muscle Memory', 'Time Capsule', 'Apostrophe'.

7/10

Next Review: The Feeling - Together We Were Made

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Review #66: Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia

'Lupercalia' for me, is just an album. It doesn't advance Patrick in any way, it just rectifies where he went wrong on 'The Bachelor'. It is almost a new beginning. As always there are hidden messages in what he is singing about, but for me it's the shiny outer shell that 'Lupercalia' possesses that brightens my view of  the Londoner.
Yes, his previous albums are good, very good in fact, however this latest outing almost seems like he is hatching from a new egg and taking his music to an area where he hasn't ventured before. But, being the adventurer he is, he seems to have perfected switching between genres as if he was 16th century Sir Francis Drake encountering new lands.
It really shows how good music can be when someone lets their heart pave the way for their music, and not being restricted by their fans!

Best Tracks: 'The City', 'The Future', 'Together'.

8/10

Next Review: Dananananaykroyd - There Is A Way

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Review #65: Owl City - All Things Bright And Beautiful

Oh God.

Best Tracks: no.

2/10

Next Review: Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia


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Review #64 Bon Iver - Bon Iver

You cannot get away with anything in music in this day and age. So it is a good job that 'Bon Iver' don't make mistakes. The band's self titled second album is truly wonderful. The calming melodies and the textured vocals bring to life what is an ultimately tremendous piece of music.
It seems as if 'Bon Iver' don't have to put effort into making the music that they want to. The beauty that Justin Vernon can produce with his guitar is purely astounding. They way he commands the sound that he produces never ceases to amaze me.
Here on their second album, the band have captured what they feel each city to be and have constructed songs which gives us a real insight into how they perceive each place, yet leaving us with enough room to still create our own views.
It doesn't tend to get much better than this!

Best Tracks: 'Towers', 'Michicant', 'Beth/Rest'

7/10

Next Review: Owl City - All Things Bright And Beautiful


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Vanguard #8: Barry

It's not often that you find raw talent as good as 'Barry'. This Folk trio really are great. Their debut EP release 'Yawnin' In The Dawnin' ' was a real triumph from the Americans. With the recent surge of popular folk music it is great to find a band that sticks to the roots of the genre, like 'Mumford And Sons' and 'Fleet Foxes', but still manages to sound so different.
The wonderful harmonies their vocals create are pleasing to listen to and you cannot fault their playing. 'For Your Own Good' epitomises these harmonies and their overall talent in general.
It shows that bands like 'Barry' are the future of folk music, and the genre will be better for it!


'Carnival(e)'
'For Your Own Good'

Vanguard Excitement: 7/10

Next Weeks Vanguard: Rubber Kiss Goodbye


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Review #63: Destroyer - Kaputt

Let's pretend for a moment that you are in space. No spacesuit. No air. Just floating through the preverbal near vacuum. Just don't think about anything. A completely clear mind. Forget everything.
'Destroyer' seems to me like the beginning of life. The dual vocals, and the relaxed atmosphere really bring 'Kaputt' to life. It feels so relaxed that the trumpets and saxophones act almost as a new age lullaby, but in a good way.
The record relaxes your muscles. It calms your nerves. It is just generally a feel good LP.
I'm sure there are many bands about that sound just like this, but it is the blend of light jazz and fading electronica that sets 'Destroyer' apart from anything I have heard, or will hear for that matter.
It would be fair to say that 'Kaputt' is not only individual, but an illustrious work of art!

Best Tracks: 'Chinatown', 'Song For America', 'Bay Of Pigs'

7/10

Next Review: Bon Iver - Bon Iver

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Review #62: Is Tropical - Native To

It's all very straightforward. It's not so much in your face, but rather sitting nicely opposite you, asking if you want some tea, or if would would like them to turn 'MGMT' up, because they haven't quite used them enough as an influence in their new record yet.
I did actually enjoy the album, I just felt that I had heard it all before. This gamey-electronic kind of music needs something fresh added into it. It's missing that bit of flavour. It's all well and done using a verb and an adjective to make up your band name, but you need some substance behind that. It's almost as if they should be called 'Was Exotic (But Then We Made Music)'.
Okay. I'll stop having a go. All I ask, is for 'Is Tropical' to add some basil or cumin to their music, because at the moment; It is bland at best.

Best Tracks: 'South Pacific', 'I'll Take My Chances', 'Think We're Alone'

6/10

Next Review: Destroyer - Kaputt


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Review #61: WU LYF - Go Tell Fire To The Mountain

'WU LYF' wouldn't work as singles. I don't think 'WU LYF' would work particularly well live either. However, as an album, they work tremendously. Their sounds seems to gel with the idea of an LP, and I respect that they have clearly put their upmost effort into releasing an album that not only defines who they are as a band, but defines their genre too.
There's no doubt about it; The vocals are raspy. But not in a 'Louie Armstrong' way. It's more of a way that a finger can't quite be placed upon. It looks at music from a different way. Like a side on viewpoint. It mixes what music is completely about with what it isn't about. The choral voices, the awful diction. It's the feelings the sound sends though you, is what 'WU LYF' are all about. They take what you see as music, and put it through their eyes. It is very easy to just get locked up inside 'Go Tell Fire To The Mountain', much like 'Glasvegas' 'EUPHORIC///HEARTBREAK\\\'.
It's not an album you will listen to often. It is as if it has such an effect on you, that you almost want to stop yourself from listening again due to the fact that you could have a completely different viewpoint on it by the end of another listen, but you also want to try again incase you come out with a completely different viewpoint. It's relaxing yet exhilarating. It's hard work yet simple.
In essence; It's everything.


Best Tracks: 'L Y F', 'We Bros', 'Spitting Blood'

9/10

Next Review: Is Tropical - Native To


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Vanguard #7: The Cheek

Grab your trench coat! We're gonna see 'The Cheek' because they are brilliant.
Their guitar licks and bashing drums set fire to anything really. Even non-flammable items.
Hang on. I'll slow down.
'The Cheek' are essentially an indie band, who find it hard to be average. They push boundaries and they sound very 60's, which almost suggests that they are trying to recreate the building blocks modern day pop and indie were formed on. That's not bad though. Someone has to reinforce what hasbeen forgotten, if not replace it intirely.
Being truthful, I really believe that 'The Cheek' have these capabilities. They are just a bit slow at doing so...

'Hung Up'
'Just One Night'

Vanguard Excitement: 7/10

Next Sunday's Vanguard: Barry


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Review #60: White Denim - D

Mind. Blown.
It takes a strong willed man to experiment properly with music. It takes and even stronger one to do what 'White Denim' have accomplished. This isn't just some mess the Texas foursome has created. It's a controlled mess.
Think of the album as a piece of ripped cloth. It still has its jagged edges, and off centre feel. However, it feels trimmed, and as if it has been placed off centre on purpose. It is difficult to succeed in creating such a perfectly freakish record, without sounding insane, or having people shove their noses up at you, claiming you're a cynical band. But they have captured that essence needed and bottled it into a perfectly commercial jar of experimental jam.
It has taken a while for 'White Denim to reach this stage in their careers, but it was well worth the wait!


Best Tracks: 'It's Him!', 'River To Consider', 'Is And Is And Is'

7/10

Next Review: Wu Lyf - Go Tell Fire To The Mountain


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Review #59: Emmy The Great - Virtue

This is very literal music. It doesn't give the idea that it is particularly well thought out, almost as if she thinks of a line and just uses it. As she would normally speak. However, you can tell they have been thoroughly thought out. Which, in a way, makes it worse.
However despite the lyrics, it's not actually that bad. The voice of Emmy is beautiful. She knows how to stress her vocal chords, and I really respect her chord changes. They aren't just your simple G's, C's, or D's!
There is something captivating about her music. Not quite sure what it is though. When I am. You will be the first to know.

Best Tracks: 'Iris', 'North', 'Tellick Tower'

6/10

Next Review: White Denim - D


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Vanguard #6: The Draytones

What is this I hear? Good music?
Okay, they have an album, that was released three years ago, so they aren't exactly new, but does that matter? Their sound isn't unique, it's not amazing, it's not even particularly special, but it is good. It doesn't push boundaries but it reinforces them. It adds to the brilliance of British mod culture, without doing anything drastically different to other bands, they manage to make themselves feel fresh, even if they aren't.
I suppose they are a bit like a red apple. Same essential thing, yet they wear different coloured clothes. Well... They don't. But I couldn't think of a better analogy.

'Keep Loving Me'
'Turn It Down'

Vanguard Excitement: 7/10

Next Sunday's Vanguard: The Cheek


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Review #58: Black Lips - Arabia Mountain

Listen up! This is the future of music!
The last thing I expected from 'Black Lips' was to find trumpets and various other brass and woodwind instruments, hiding in every nook and cranny on 'Arabia Mountain'.
However, despite this, I find the most magical part of the album to be the sound that the album is recorded on. It does sound like it was made in the 1960's and it hasn't been remastered. It is essentially 16 short tracks that don't mean anything, yet they are brilliant. Much like 'The Ramones'.
However, if I was to compare 'Black Lips' to anything. It would be my beard. Whether it is trimmed finely, or left to grow... It is amazing!
I am as vein as 'Black Lips' are good!

Best Tracks: 'Family Tree', 'Go Out And Get It', 'The Lie'

8/10

Next Review: Emmy The Great - Virtue


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Vanguard #5: GoGoBot

I'm not sure if i actually like these guys. They seem a bit like fake indie.
Don't get me wrong, it's good music but it seems too mainstream. I feel that they are trying to please too many people with their music.
It's clear that their music means a lot to them, but maybe it means too much. So much, that they feel the need to make sure they have a career in music. So they try to make as much money as possible through downloads, whilst still trying to stay close to their indie roots.
That's my theory anyway.
They do however have great synth riffs!
Thanks for listening.

'First Class Fool'
'Do You Remember?'

Vanguard Excitement: 6/10

Next Sunday's Vanguard: The Draytones

Review #57: Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones

Say in 200 years, Britain is recovering from an apocalypse of some sort. I don't know. Zombies? Well whatever it is, they are making a TV programme, and a character similar to Tony Robinson, is sifting through music archives, attempting to work out what the past civilians of Grande Britannia enjoyed listening too. Whilst going through the numerous albums, to his horror, he realises there is no Medieval music recorded. However, he does find 'Frank Turner's fourth LP. He sits there and contemplates about how this is the nearest he will ever get to experiencing what it would be like to live in the time of Medieval kings and queens.
Either that, or I just listened to 'Frank Turner' sing words from a history book.

Best Tracks: 'Peggy Sang The Blues', 'English Curse', 'Wessex Boy'

8/10

Next Review: Black Lips - Arabia Mountain

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Review #56: My Morning Jacket - Circutial

There is nostalgia.
Then there is 'My Morning Jacket'.
It just doesn't seem like anything special. It feels like it would have been an average album in 1984, but by it being released in 2011 it just needs to be that bit better to really make a mark. Which it hasn't done.
But it's not all bad. 'Wonderful (The Way I Feel)' is beautiful, and it almost sounds like it could have come straight off an early 'Simon And Garfunkel' album and the backing vocals are delightful. It's just a real feel good track.
However, just as this review is a bit rubbish. So is the album.

Best Tracks: 'Wonderful (The Way I Feel)', 'You Wanna Freak Out', 'Slow Slow Tune'

5/10

Next Review: Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones



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Live Review #1: T4 On The Beach 2011

Such fun! Well, the camping was.

'T4 On The Beach' was... to say the least... utter balls. Filled with mainstream pop acts who couldn’t tell the difference between a soundcheck and a giant marshmallow being rammed up their arse, and many, many girls who seemed to think that 'Jason Derulo' without his top on, deserved a scream so loud it could have sent 1940's British civilians running to their bomb shelters.

You really could not have hoped for a worse main stage line up. It really was the dogs dinner. And by that I mean I would rather watch a dog eat its dinner that 'JLS' squeal into microphones. Not that they turned up to open the day. They left their hungry fans crying, and feeling suicidal, until 'Olly Murs' came onto the stage, and the world lit up with joy, and wonder as the magician weaved his magic and made everyones lives better.

I joke. He was shit.

Not even the supposedly good bands played well. Richard Archer of 'Hard-Fi' was so stoned that he probably thought he was the giant marshmallow Dappy was placing into his anus.

However, there were some highlights on the smaller Sunsmart sessions stage.

Top 3 Acts:

3. The View

I'm not gonna start this with 'Scottish rockers', like every other review of 'The View'. What I will say though, is that I was really impressed with how they managed such stage presence for such small people. Kyle Falconer took hold of the stage and expressed his enthusiasm through their small set as the heat of the day grew colder.

People weren't as willing as they had been earlier in the day to jump up and down and show their elation. However the view acted as a soundtrack to this relaxed atmosphere and made the winding down of the festival pleasant to be at.

'Same Jeans' on the other hand used up the last of the energy that the crowd still had, and for miles around it could be heard that a rather large number of people had been wearing the same jeans for four days.

2.Wretch 32 (And Example)

Don't judge me on this. They were actually really good together. Wretch did his bit about tractors and trains and then our good friend 'Example' joined the stage to euphoria. Of course I couldn't see what was going on due to a tall man in front of me. But it sounded good at least. And everyone else looked happy.

1.The Wombats

Let's not forget. The majority of the acts were crap. And 'The Wombats' are amazing any day of the week. So you can imagine how amazing I thought they were when all hoped seemed to be lost.

When Murph, Tord, and Dan took to the stage I literally went mental. All my pent up excitement to see them again came gushing out in one half hour set, and it appears that so did everyone else's. Their white suits brought the stage to life, and as the burst into 'Jump Into The Fog' my heart burst. They are proper musicians and stupendous performers.

The highlight of the set was of course 'Let's Dance To Joy Division'. The energy coming from both the audience and the band could have supplied the small township of Slough's electricity for a week. The continuous 'So Happy's almost aggravated the crowd as they knew the set was approaching its end.

However, as Murph jibed into the microphone 'It's gonna get a little bit rock', the crowd screamed louder than ever as 'The Wombats' broke out some amazing improvised riffs and shouting, that capped off the day perfectly for me. What do I mean by that? I mean that 'The Wombats' are bloody brilliant. 

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Review #55: Battles - Gloss Drop

I have reviewed 'Gloss Drop'. However, my review has been selected to appear in Welsh music magazine 'Plugged in'. Many apologies, but i will post the review on here as soon as I am allowed.

Sam

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Vanguard #4: Two Wounded Birds

Last year we had 'The Drums'. Now we have 'Two Wounded Birds'.
'Two Wounded Birds' genuinely sound like a twisted sibling of 'The Drums'. I have dubbed them twisted purely because they have many faces to their sound. 'Summer Dream' is basically what it says on the tin. It sounds like a dream you would have. In the summer.
But then you hear 'Midnight Wave'. It seems to be very heavily based on the 12-bar blues, and it seems that when night comes, 'Two Wounded Birds' transform into this new, complicated, evil band. With equal amount of animation and energy, but facing the opposite direction.
So as Alex Turner of 'Arctic Monkeys' says 'Consisted of the strange, the twisted and deranged' about 'Crying Lightning'. I say it about 'Two Wounded Birds'
I really think that 'The Drums' finally have decent competition on their hands!

'Summer Dream'
'Midnight Wave'
'All We Wanna Do'

Vanguard Excitement: 7/10

Next Sunday's Vanguard: GoGoBot

p.s. I know it is Monday. But I have a first live review coming up for you. So do not fret one bit!


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Review #54: Young Rebel Set - Curse Our Love

If 'The Courteeners' and "Mumford And Sons' had a love child. It would most definitely be called 'Young Rebel Set'!
They are very much a mix of 'The Courteeners' exuberance and 'Mumford And Sons' folky-ness. The singer even sounds like Liam Fray. The lyrics aren't as snappy, or any where near as witty as Liam's but that doesn't matter.
'Young Rebel Set' seem to be able to write songs. No, they aren't amazing. But... I don't know. It's just good.
I don't know why actually. Why is it good?

Best Tracks: 'If I Was', 'Lions Mouth', 'Fall Hard'.

7/10

Next Review: Battles - Gloss Drop


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Review #53: Fucked Up - David Comes To Life

I have never enjoyed screaming in music before. 'Dananananaykroyd' is about my limit, and that is just shouting. But 'Fucked Up' aren't your average hardcore band. They have substance. There is something about them that lightens you to their musical ability.
But what makes it even better. Is purely the fact it is a rock opera. I really respect bands that are brave enough to record a rock opera. 'The Decemberists' made 'The Hazards Of Love' and now 'Fucked Up' have made 'David Comes To Life'. It shows real commitment to their music to be able to create a rock opera.
Perhaps my favorite element of the album isn't the indie riffs, or the breath taking drumming. It is the vocals. The mix between the male and female characters is perfect and it really epitomizes the album.
It seems like 'Fucked Up' cannot put a foot wrong!

Best Tracks: It's a rock opera. Get it all you cheap skate!

9/10

Next Review: Young Rebel Set - Curse Our Love


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Vanguard #3: Pegasus Bridge

I have just heard that Pegasus Bridge have broken up. My condolences to them, and this review should be read as if they were still together.


'Pegasus Bridge' drink coffee not just Ribena. And I like it, who cares if they like it.

With blaring synth riffs flying everywhere as if they are in abundance, and 'Pegasus Bridge have an unlimited supply, and the impeccable playing really sets them far from other bands who also may or may not drink coffee.

'Ribena' is amazing. The chord sequence sends shivers down my spine, and indie doesn't usually do this to me. It's one of those tracks where the lyrics aren't all grown-up and mature, yet you can still tell that there is a deep meaning and the balance between the music and words is perfect. My only wonder is that 'Pegasus Bridge' could be a one hit wonder with 'Ribena'.

But then I heard 'Yoko'. It is just as inventive, it is just as imaginative, and it is just as brilliant.

They may have just released their debut album, but their future looks brighter than anything.

'Ribena'

'Yoko'

'Like Dogs'

Vanguard Excitement: 8/10

Next Weeks Vanguard: Two Wounded Birds

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Review #52: All Time Low - Dirty Work

I have two main problems with 'All Time Low'. The first is their needless, and unnecessary use of power chords on every song. The second is their shambolic, pointless, and tiring lyrics.
Let's start with the power chords.
Why? Power chords are the cheap way out of playing guitar properly and it doesn't even sound good! 'Panic! At The Disco' are about the only band who manage to pull off power chords well. It just sounds like some pointless repetitive note/sequence. It feels like someone is continuously hitting you on the head with a blunt instrument whilst singing futile lyrics at you. Which leads me onto their lyrics. (Like what i did there?).
Anyone that thinks 'I Feel Like Dancin' Tonight/ I'm Gonna' Party Like It's My Civil Right' are good lyrics, really need to take a look at their life, listen to 'Coldplay' and realise that their life has been wasted on meaningless pap thus far .
'Put Her Tongue All Up In My Ear/ Almost Made Me Spill My Beer'. Not only is this boasting, but it is also unlikely to have happened as no one is that outgoing are they? Especially to a man who sings 'I Think Some Dude Just Grabbed My Junk/ Now I Know How Ke$ha Must Be Feelin'. So first he boasts about a girl passing her tongue over his ear, to a man grabbing what I presume to be his dangley bits, and then comparing himself to his lyrically equal compare Ke$ha, because she may have experienced this before. If he does mean penis, then he is being very immature and suggesting that Ke$ha also has one, which is quite unkind.
I think these guys need to cool off, learn the instruments they claim to play properly, realise they aren't as wondrous as they think they are, and sing about things that actually matter.
Yeah, in case you hadn't already guessed. It's shit.

Best Tracks: None. Especially not 'I Feel Like Dancin'

1/10

Next Review: Fucked Up - David Comes To Life


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Review #51: Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure

'You Look Aroused, You Look Away'. These six words of the track 'Aroused' sum up Tom Vek's second outing perfectly. The whole album acts as a breath of fresh air. It seems like a very natural album, even with the overlay of synthesizers on each track. The drum beats that line the LP are in the same league as 'Friendly Fires', and the almost monotonous vocals help create the originality and mystery that shrouds 'Leisure Seizure'.
It's hard to know what you want from music these days as there is just so much choice. But, when an artist such as Tom Vek comes along is is hard not to like the sound he creates, and even the people who don't like his music usually respect him for what he has done.
It is almost as if he has created his own genre. He really takes whatever genre it is to a new level. Tom really is at the top of his game. Don't say rubbish like he is 'Alternative' because everything is an alternative to something else. 'Leisure Seizure' really doesn't slide into any category.
Why does 'You Look Aroused, You Look Away' sum it up? Purely, because if someone gets interested by a piece of music these days, they often turn their noses up eventually because it is not popular enough. I hope Tom Vek can continue to defy this.
Is it groundbreaking? Probably not. Is it different? Yes. Is it good? Very.

Best Tracks: 'Aroused', 'A Chore', 'A.P.O.L.O.G.Y.'

8/10

Next Review: All Time Low - Dirty Work


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Review #50: Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See

I struggle to find faults with the 'Arctic Monkeys'. They really are at the top of the game, and they have been ever since their 2006 debut 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. But now we are in 2011 and 'Suck It And See' is far away from their early records.
If you take their first LP as one end of the spectrum and 'Humbug' as the other end, 'Suck It And See' fits slap bang in the middle. It mixes the energy that 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' had, and the dark beauty that was 'Humbug'. 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause Ive Moved Your Chair' is such a great track. The opening riff brings back memories of 'Crying Lightning' and when the full sound kicks in, 'Favorite Worst Nightmare' is brought to mind. I really believe that 'Suck It And See' is a large amalgamation of everything the 'Arctic Monkeys' have released previously.
However, there are a few elements that have never previously been seen inside an 'Arctic Monkeys' CD. The first is perhaps the melodies that Alex Turner blares out. 'Black Treacle' and 'Brick By Brick' are melodically brilliant tracks and show just how much a band can change in as little as 5 years. Perhaps fueled by his recent solo outing on the 'Submarine OST',  these are easily some of the standout tracks of the album.
But perhaps the more surprising change is the almost summer feel to some of the songs. 'Hellcat Spangled Shalalala' wouldn't be out of place on a beach in the Bahamas and 'Reckless Serenade' isn't too far behind it.
One thing that hasn't changed is most definitely Alex's ability to write lyrics. 'Her steady hands may well have done the devils pedicure'. They aren't just waffle like the majority of band's lyrics these days. They mean something. They mean a lot. Alex seems to be able to craft words into anything he wants to. His lyrics are almost poetry, which he references in the track 'Suck It And See' with 'I poured my aching heart into a pop song, I couldn't get the hang of poetry'. It seems that writing lyrics come as easily as breathing does to the Sheffield frontman. Even lines such as 'Library pictures of the quickening canoe' are clearly deep and meaningful lines, even as ambiguous as they are.
Yes, the 'Arctic Monkeys' matured for 'Humbug', but here is when they become seriously good.

Best Tracks: 'Black Treacle', 'Library Pictures', 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala'

9/10

Next Review: Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure


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Review #49: Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin

Who are they again? Le Butcherettes? Well, they are very good.
I would say, that if 'Paramore' were a good band, then this is very much what they would sound like. With their in your face vocals, the in your face melodies, and the in your face drum beats. It is quite in your face.
Though this isn't a bad thing. Having this hard exterior means 'Le Butcherettes' can really display their strength through music. They get straight to the point with what they have to say and tracks such as 'I'm Getting Sick Of You' and 'All You See In Me Is Death' highlight this factor of their music. It is almost as if 'Le Butcherettes' have an element of surprise, yet you know exactly what is round the corner!

Best Tracks: 'Henry Don't Got Love', 'The Leibniz Language', 'I'm Getting Sick Of You'

7/10

Next Review: Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See

Vanguard #2: The Heartbreaks

I disagree with the 2003 book 'Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places To Live In Britain'. Putting Morcambe at number 3 was a silly idea. Clearly, they should have waited a few years for 'The Heartbreaks' to come along, and take Morcambe off the list.
However rubbish Morcambe may be, 'The Heartbreaks' really counter that with their waving vocals and their indie riffs, smashing their sound. They really are incomparable. Their sound is so unique.
In fact, it is so unique, I actually have absolutely nothing to compare them to. Please excuse me while I go listen to their individuality.
Okay, so. I have figured that they remind me of a very early 'Arctic Monkeys'. Purely because they were so different to anything before them, and whilst they were growing through the hype they still kept true to themselves. Although they haven't reached this hype yet, I am pretty sure it is just around the corner!

Vanguard Excitement: 8/10

'I Didn't Think It Would Hurt To Think Of You'
'Liar, My Dear'
'Jealous, Don't You Know '

Next Sunday's Vanguard: Pegasus Bridge

Review #48: Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys

'Death Cab For Cutie' remind me very much so of a lump of cheese. Maturing with age, adding to its texture, taste, smell. You name it, 'Death Cab For Cutie' have got better at it.
They have really outdone themselves with 'Codes And Keys'. Yes, it may be similar to some of their previous work, and yes they seem to have gone down the same route as 'Jimmy Eat World' as they have grown older, but why change when you can keep making records like this. Maybe another album the same would be too many. However 'Codes And Keys' is almost too relaxing. Even if I did have a problem with it, I wouldn't be able to express it purely because I am just too relaxed. In fact. I am too relaxed to even finish this review.

Best Tracks: 'Some Boys', 'You Are A Tourist', 'Unobstructed Views'.

7/10

Next Review: Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin

Review #47: Three Trapped Tigers - Route One Or Die

You have to be in the right mindset to enjoy an album so raw as this. And as I type, I am not in this mindset. I find it difficult to listen to instrumental music at the best of times, but this is way to much for me.
Album opener 'Cramm' sounds like it could fit on a 'Dragonforce' album, and I believe that I have completely missed the point of what 'Three Trapped Tigers' were aiming for. Not though my own fault, I am hasten to add. It really doesn't make sense to me, as to what they were hoping to get out of the album.
The lack of vocals, and length of each track means the album drags on, almost as if 'Three Trapped Tigers' were getting off a train to wonderland. Yet they got stuck in the door. It's not great, but it's not horrific either. So they have nothing to worry about. They just need to make something decent next time. 

Best Tracks: I want to say none, but 'Ulnastricter' has a good name

4/10

Next Review: Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys

Review #46: Cults - Cults

If 'Cults' were a band, they would probably be the best band in the world. Oh wait. They are a band! There was me thinking they were Gods.
This is such a fine debut from the New York pair. The glistening vocals and tremendous musicianship can be seen clearly on 'Cults'. 'Abducted' is such a brilliant start to the album, showcasing 'Cults' ability to make an indie track that sounds so refreshing in new. To me, they feel like a warm summer breeze brushing past your body. Not harsh enough so it is rammed in your face, but hard enough to let you know that they are there.
'Cults' have a bright, lightweight sound, which is exactly what the American music scene is missing. With British music taking 2011 with both hands, it is time for bands like 'Cults', to stand up, and show us that our overseas partners aren't just as quiet as we thought!

Best Tracks: 'You Know What I Mean', 'Oh My God', 'Never Saw The Point'

8/10

Next Review: Three Trapped Tigers - Route One Or Die

Review #45: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

I'm sorry, but I have many bones to pick with this 'Gaga' character. Firstly, why does she feel the need to add 'Gaga' into the majority of her songs. Take 'Judas' for example. 'Judas, Jude-ah-ahh-ahh, Judas, Gaga'. I mean, there are plenty of words that rhyme with 'ahh'. Baa, car, far, tar, par, la, ta-da to name just seven. Yet she still feels the need to state her name. Again. And Again. Plus! The lyrics 'Judas, Jude-ah-ahh-ahh, Judas, Gaga' aren't even mildly interesting or worthy of any merit in any way shape or form.
The second bone I am going to pick at, is that the array of songs on her second LP generally not being anywhere near as catchy as those of 'The Fame'. It seems that she only had a limited number of good songs/lyrics, and they all went into her debut. Gaga seems to be losing some of her eccentricity to a critical public. Her clothes aren't as shocking as they used to be. All her songs now sound the same leading them to becoming tedious and repetitive. As well as all her songs now sounding the same leading them to becoming tedious and repetitive.It also that she is slowly loosing the ability to speak. As I said with 'Judas', she is just using noises and her own name. Moreover, all her songs sound the same leading them to becoming tedious and repetitive.
The third and final ossified carbon branches that I am going to sift through, are her failed attempts to stretch out to other genres. 'Americano' is appallingly bad. I mean, what is she on about. It is just too far from her tree. She has lost sight of her melody tree, and ended up in Spain. 'Sheiße' is just as far in the other direction, this time in Germany, yet this has the plus side as I cannot understand a word she is saying. She does drag on a bit. You know she does...
But apart from that, I have no other worries. Just those few small things. Oh hang on. That's everything.

Best Tracks: 'Hair', 'Born This Way', 'Scheiße'

5/10

Next Review: Cults - Cults

Vanguard #1: Life In Film

'Life In Film' aren't like other bands. They are truly something special! Ever wondered what beauty sounds like? Ever wondered what a dream sounds like? If you have, then listen to Sam Fry's voice. It encapsulates you. As if you were just a puppet listening to his voice.
This is just added upon by the wonderful riffs that grace their tracks that aren't to dissimilar to that of 'Two Door Cinema Club'. It's a wonder why they haven't been signed, however this just adds to their magic and my excitement.
'The Idiot' shows how they can portray beauty in more way than one. The lyrics 'Life In Film' use are just as bewitching as Sam's voice. 'Love is wasted on you, and you don't have a clue' are such an engaging accumulation of words. 'Life In Film' astound me!
If they don't make it big, I will riot.

'The Idiot'
'Carla'

Vanguard Excitement: 9/10

Next Sunday's Vanguard: The Heartbreaks

Review #44: Cloud Control - Bliss Release

'Cloud Control' really have made bliss here. If you were to buy a can of bliss at the store, when you were to open the lid, you would find 4 people waving up at you who go by the name of 'Cloud Control'.
Truly tremendous. The mix between the soothing vocals and the tranquil guitars is just... well. Bliss!
It sends shivers down my spine when I think of how bands like this will never get the recognition they deserve.
They won't win any awards. They won't gain any critical acclaim. They won't advance in sales. They won't even reach particularly large venues to play at, however much they deserve it.
So for now. Let's keep them as our little secret...

Best Tracks: 'Ghost Story', 'Gold Canary', 'Hollow Drums'

7/10

Next Review: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Review #43: Pete And The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures

I'm confused.
Can this guy sing? Didn't think so. I don't have a problem with what he is doing. In fact, I often prefer someone who cant sing singing over someone who can sing singing. I mean someone who cant sing shows rawness that someone who can sing can't show purely because they can sing.
Confused? So you should be!
But to me he just sounds like a Eric Idle getting worse at singing; and lets be honest, we thought that was impossible.
But don't get me wrong, 'Pete And The Pirates' are decent. This is proper pirate music. All the 'Ooh Arghs' and the 'Pretty Pollys'!
Only Joking, they have completely lampooned me. I was expecting washer boards and eye patches. Except I ended up with this. Men singing some sort of indie with well... Eric Idle.
P.S. It is actually good. I was just a bit miffed that they weren't actually pirates!

Best Tracks: 'Little Gun', 'Washing Powder', 'Blood Gets Thin'

6/10

Next Review: Cloud Control - Bliss Release

VANGUARD!

From this Sunday I will be reviewing a fresh new band, little of you will know about. It will be a weekly update under the name 'Vanguard' and will include a wide range of bands. Hopefully interesting and exiting new acts, that you will enjoy listening too!

Review #42: Young Legionnaire - Crisis Works

There's something about 'Young Legionnaire'. They aren't your average angst band. The seem obliged to attempt to make you feel sorry for them, because they have turned to heavier genre than their original bands.
However, there is something oddly appealing about the music they create.
Angst music is usually the result of a bedroom bash from a group of snotty nosed, apathetic teenagers with nothing else to do with their endless amount of time.
So perhaps it's this more mature form of angst that makes the album work as it does. The added experience pushes 'Young Legionnaire' away from your average angry men, and adds the to the few deluxe angry men.

Best Tracks: 'Numbers', 'Chapter, Verse', 'Mortgage Rock'

7/10

Next Review: Pete And The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures

Review #41: Psychedelic Horseshit - Laced

I'll tell you what. 'Psychedelic Horseshit' sounds exactly like the name suggests.
It sounds like a multi-coloured horse turd making music, if a multi-coloured horse turd could make music.
It really does amaze me what people release these days as 'music'. On 'I Hate The Beach' he just starts coughing. I know musicians like to make their statement, but there is a fine line between making a statement and having a disease. Who ever got ill from going to the beach anyway? You would get scurvy if you didn't take fresh fruit with you, but that is only if you plan on staying longer than 4 months, and if you plan that, then your probably in 'Psychedelic Horseshit'! So I see the logic. But scurvy doesn't make you cough, it makes you feel like you have no energy and you bruise easily, like a banana. So, I still am clueless what 'I Hate The Beach' is on about. And the rest of the album...

Best Tracks: 'French Countryside', 'Laced', 'Another Side'

6/10

Next Review: Young Legionnaire - CRISIS WORKS

Review #40: Friendly Fires - Pala

I find it horrific when a band creates a tremendous debut, but then their follow up just does not match their previous LP in any way. It often seems like they have lost all creativity they had, and often leads to a break-up!
So, It's a bloody good job that 'Friendly Fires' have done the exact opposite to that, and have created an album that not only matches that of their first attempt, but in many ways it is even better!
For example, the bass line on 'True Love' just made me stop dancing around! It mesmerized me. Whereas I didn't feel like this from their first album. However, they are both similar in the sense, that I couldn't stop dancing to either album.
Just like 'Austra', 'Friendly Fires' have taken a genre that was getting a bit boring quite frankly, and added their own spice to it! Except this time, it's samba drums!
Let me share a secret with you, 'Friendly Fires' are here to stay!

Best Tracks: 'Live Those Days Tonight', 'Hawaiian Air', 'Hurting'
p.s. It says best tracks, but I could have easily also chosen 'Running Away', 'Pala', 'Show Me Lights', 'True Love', 'Pull Me Back To Earth', 'Chimes' or 'Helpless'! Not 'Blue Cassette' though. I didn't like 'Blue Cassette'.

8/10

Next Review: Psychedelic Horseshit - Laced

Review #39: Austra - Feel It Break

Absolutely magical. You really cannot fault these Canadia's first LP. 'Feel It Break' is the beautiful combination of electronic master-riffs and the outstanding operatic voice of Katie Stelmanis!
I sound like I'm advertising it! Maybe I should be, it really is that good.
'Lose It' is such a simple yet mindbogglingly amazing! I really believe that this really is the height of electronic music. It astounds me as to how artists in this day and age can still create such fresh and delightful music. They have managed to take a genre, where everything was starting to sound the same, and put their own completely new take on it. It's hard to do that, and get it right, but 'Austra' have done it with complete brilliance.
Another tremendous element of 'Austra' would be that whatever their lyrics say manage to fill you with happiness. It takes some doing to get this feeling running through people. So, I would have to say that 'Austra', are basically, amazing!

Best Tracks: 'Lose It', 'The Choke', 'The Villain'.

9/10

Next Review: Friendly Fires - Pala

Review #38: Mona - Mona

I was really impressed with 'Mona's singles, 'Listen To Your Love' and 'Teenager'. So, after hearing people really slate this album, I was prepared to enter the listening process with a completely open mind, looking for a saving grace for the Americans.
But there wasn't one! There really isn't. To tell the truth... It is utter rubbish, if I'm being polite.
It seems as if 'Mona' have gotten ahead of themselves, thinking they were about to embark on a world arena tour, and created some blaring rock music to go with it. The only problems being that they aren't going on an arena tour, and it's not very good anyway. But other than that, brilliant album 'Mona'!


Best Tracks: 'Listen To Your Love', 'Teenager',  'Trouble On The Way'.

4/10

Next Review: Austra - Feel It Break

Review #37: Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

Okay. So let me get this right. An American rock band who sound like a parallel universe version of 'Snow Patrol', named after a collection of classically trained musicians from a Northern English city. I like it!
I must admit, I am partial to a bit of good quality music from an up and coming American band that isn't 100% manufactured or just power chords! (coughalltimelowcough).
'Manchester Orchestra' have this aura about them. Almost as if their music is exactly who they are as people. Philosophical beard wearers by the sound of it.
But on a more serious note they are very good musicians who have created a very very good record!


Best Tracks: 'Deer', 'Simple Math', 'Virgin'.

8/10

Next Review: Mona - Mona

Review #36: Okkervil River - I Am Very Far

I think it is wonderful that a band, such as 'Okkervil River' can produce six albums, and still have that element of magic and beauty flow from their music. 'I Am Very Far', despite the grammatical malfunction in the title, really holds its self and portrays the band as people who really care about their music and what they stand for. 'Lay Of The Last Survivor' is a perfect example of the purity that they have. It's simple, relaxing, and refreshing sound feels almost like a breeze brushing past your face.
They don't try to push boundaries, or set benchmarks. They just add a breath of fresh air to their already established sound.

Best Tracks: 'Lay Of The Last Survivour', 'We Need A Myth', 'Your Past Life As A Blast'.

7/10

Review #35: Twin Atlantic - Free

I was really impressed with the Scottish four-piece's first LP, but for me this follow up, just does not cut it.
Its not as vibrant as 'Vivarium'. It doesn't possess the energy and vigor that they managed to express originally. 'Free' doesn't seem like something I would tell people about. I would much rather direct them to 'Twin Atlantic's debut.
Despite of this, I believe that they will gain greater success from 'Free' as it seems more commercial than their previous attempt. It will perhaps lift up their popularity, and they will start filling bigger venues, and then arenas, and headlining festivals, and generally taking over the world... But back on Earth, this album is no more than average really.

Best Tracks: 'Free', 'Crash Land', 'Eight Days'

5/10

Review #34: Miles Kane - Colour Of The Trap

'Miles Kane', star of both 'The Rascals' and 'The Last Shadow Puppets', had pretty high standards to reach from his solo outing due to both previous records being rather good.
And I believe that he actually has reached great heights with his newest outing. The wonderful riffs he has created on tracks such as 'Inhaler' and 'Rearrange, really capture the essence of the new age of music coming out of Britain at the moment.
However, I believe that this is the best 'Miles Kane' will come out with. He has recently left 'The Rascals', and he is clearly the inferior member of 'The Last Shadow Puppets' to Alex Turner. I just don't think that he has it in him to create more than one decent album, as he comes across as someone who needs an extra push with his musical direction, as he will never push any boundaries alone.
Despite this, 'Colour Of The Trap' is a fitting album for what he needed to do.

Best Tracks: 'Inhaler', 'Come Closer', 'Counting Down The Days'

7/10

Review #33: Wild Beasts - Smother

Astounding.
It amazes me how 'Wild Beasts' have managed to produce three LPs where every song is a joy to listen to. 'Smother' also happens to be their best yet, building on their magical foundations from 'Limbo, Panto' and 'Two Dancers'
One of my favorite elements of the band is their use of both Hayden and Tom on vocals. I feel that this variation gives extra depth to the album, and also shows how diverse they can be, whilst still keeping a strong grasp on their core.
'Albatross' is a prime example of how mesmerizing 'Wild Beats' actually are. There really isn't another band out there, that captures beauty just like they do. From their glistening riffs to their graceful lyrics, you find the pure essence of what music truly is about.
I believe that this is only the start of 'Wild Beasts' and that they will continue to get bigger, however I cannot see them ever getting the full appreciation they deserve. Purely because they are just too good!

Best Tracks: To appreciate the album, you will have to get them all!

9/10

Review #32: Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde

I really wish I had written 'Dye It Blonde'.
It shows that there still are bands out there who diverge far away from the mainstream and play music that they like playing. Glamrock really is glamorous when the 'Smith Westerns' make an album. It's not your usual glamor, but its perhaps better than diamonds and money. It's natural glamor. You know, the natural, amazing guitar riffs that these genii create. 'Weekend' has one of the best riffs I have ever heard, but it is the end of the album that shows the bands true flair.
There isn't much more to say really. Listen to it. It is wonderous!


Best Tracks: 'End Of The Night', 'Only One', 'Smile'

7/10

Review #31: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

This is a beautiful piece of music. It is no wonder that bands such as 'Fleet Foxes' or 'Mumford And Sons' have become huge. It is purely because they seep talent from their veins!
'Helplessness Blues' clearly shows how 'Fleet Foxes really aren't one trip ponies and they are here to continue making music that is as beautiful and effortless as it gets.
But. And this is a big but.
They haven't gone anywhere since the first album. It sounds exactly the same as 'Fleet Foxes'. The lyrics, the chord sequences, the riffs... Need I go on? Its not that I have a problem with this, it's that I would have hoped to see some progress in the way that they band approach the music. However, I very much respect the way they are completely about the music, with it being their only focus.

Best Tracks: 'Montezuma', 'Battery Kinzie', 'Grown Ocean'

7/10

Review #30: Times New Viking - Dancer Equired

Well, that was weird...
I am still not entirely sure what I just experienced. It seemed to be a man, and a woman, singing over each other. That is right isn't it? Did they have any songs before they entered the studio. Maybe it's improvised. Yes! That must be it.
Well done 'Times New Viking'. Wonderful improvised album.
I do hope it is improvised or I, and them, will be looking very silly right now.

Best Tracks: Any. Each one is just as weird as the next.

6/10

Review #29: Airborne Toxic Event - All At Once

Another one for the landfill site? I think so!
This has absolutely nothing on their stunning debut. 'The Airborne Toxic Event' is one of my favorite unsung albums, and I still regularly listen to it two years after its release.
'All At Once' on the other hand is not very good at all. His slightly out of tune voice in the first record was beautiful. It is what I felt made the record that much better. However, on their second outing his voice seems to have got more out of tune and it really doesn't work. He still has a distinctive voice, but not for a good reason anymore.
It seems that the best songs on the album are those that are either very similar to the tracks on their first record or the numbers that are very different like 'Welcome To Your Wedding Day'. The majority of the album, however, seems as if they have created a record whilst they have become stuck half way through 'Changing' into their new selves as their song suggests. Or maybe this is what they were going for, and the song 'Half Of Something Else' describes this.
I cannot say I would recommend this to anyone. Go listen to their debut.

Best Tracks: 'All For A Woman', 'Welcome To Your Wedding Day', 'Half Of Something Else'

5/10

Review #28: Dutch Uncles - Cadenza

This album doesn't deserve the hype it has been getting.
It is a good album; 'Candenza' is a wonderful opener and a great single, but the album as a whole just doesn't do it for me. The tracks don't seem connected, with no strong underlying message, which is the idea I got that they were trying to put forward through the album.
So, basically I understood that they were trying to get a message across, but I didn't understand what the message was.

6/10

Review #27: The Wombats - This Modern Glitch

So. I have been waiting, what? 3 years for this? Good job its amazing isn't it!
Matthew Murphy can write a song. He can write many. Each as good as the rest. Which is exactly what album number two shows for the Liverpudlians/Norwegian.
'This Modern Glitch' is made of 10 tracks that are probably some of the catchiest songs you will ever hear. Each track could easily have been a charting single, and the genius of 'Murph's' synth riffs astound me.
'I'm a man of simple taste no whiskey or caviar' and 'Take me as I am, or not at all'. The lyrics easily compare to that of the 'Arctic Monkeys', with every word being magical.
The only problem with the album is that there are only 10 songs!

8/10

Review #26: Metronomy - The English Riviera

I'm still not entirely sure I like this album yet. I find it almost haunting. The pure simplicity of it being simple amazes me.
When the album started I immediately thought that I was going to have to give it a bad review, as i felt it was a very weak start. However, it grew on me as I progressed through the tracks, almost when I didn't want it to and by the time I reached track 4, 'The Look', I was completely captured in the sound. I felt that this was the pinnacle of the album, and the point where the album's meaning became blurred. I'll let you make your own mind up on its meaning, but it's a decent record.

8/10

Review #25: Jamie Woon - Mirrorwriting

Post-dubstep seems to be having the effect dubstep had on lazy people. 'Jamie woon', like 'James Blake', has really taken the new style with both hands, and songs like 'Lady Luck' could perhaps be some of the best the genre will ever see.
'Mirrorwriting' is a wonderful piece of work, which was a huge surprise, as I saw Jamie supporting 'La Roux' last year, and I wasn't impressed. Perhaps the genre doesn't work live, or that he has really improved in the meantime, but this really impressed me.
One of my favorite elements of his work are the lyrics. 'Walked when I shoulda ran. Ran when I shoulda walked.' are brilliantly simple, yet effective, which is the element that the whole album radiates.

7/10

Review #24: The Pigeon Detectives - UP, GUARDS AND AT 'EM!

Oh, my beloved pigeons. Where have you gone?
You cannot really get more landfill indie than this. It seems it seems as if they have put no effort into it, almost as if they thought their first two albums were good enough, and released this because they were bored. Probably just as bored as I am reviewing it.
Anyone see the game last night? Good wasn't it. Was quite enjoyable I must admit.

4/10

Review #23: Cat's Eyes - Cat's Eyes

What a pleasant surprise. I was expecting some hardcore techno, or some weird spiritual music looking at the cover, but inside i got this relaxing blend of just about everything. They do say you should never trust an LP by its cover art. Don't they? Anyway this is tremendous. Faris Badwan has outdone himself and created a new band that is just as good as 'The Horrors'. There are of course elements of the horrors in the music, but it still sounds completely fresh.
I had the feeling that I was listening to the soundtrack of 'The Never Ending Story' as it seemed like some fantastical story.
A truly brilliant effort. Every second was a wonderful surprise.

8/10

Review #22: The Human League - Credo

No one told me 'The Human League' were back. But part of me wishes I hadn't found out. I can only imagibe how good those 'Human League' eighties days were, and I'm sorry, but they are over hyped if this was similar to what they were like.
It just doesn't catch you in the way 'Dare' does, especially with 'Don't You Want Me'. There is no stand out track on 'Credo' that makes you think 'Woah!, they've still got it'. It's more of 'Okay, what's next', it keeps you wanting more, but that's because there wasn't enough there in the first place.

5/10

Review #21: Glasvegas - EUPHORIC///HEARTBREAK\\\

This is beauty in music.
This album had such an affect on me it is unbelievable. I sat in silence for an hour afterwards, not even moving. The lyrics (when you can understand them) are truly enchanting. 'Heartbreak, I'm not holding your hand anymore, Why cant you understand?'. Anyone who can write words like that deserves some sort of award. James Allen's voice, albeit impossible to understand, has something mystical about it.
The best track on the album is 'Dream Dream Dreaming'. The transition into it from 'Stronger Than Dirt' is wonderfully archaic compared to the rest of the album. 'There will be no holding back, now I'll tell you a feeling, Tonight when I see you, When I'm dream dream dreaming'. James Allen said in a recent interview that the album is 'Like A Dream', and I am very strongly inclined to agree with him.
The Irony of 'Euphoria, Take My Hand' and the lyrical genius of 'The World Is Yours' are the other highlights of the album.
But despite all this. It was the final words of the record that hit the hardest. James' mother telling his son 'But before you change for me, Change for you'. I think it is clear to see that Glasvegas have created one of the best albums of this decade at least, and this should get the recognition it deserves. Beautiful.

10/10

Review #20: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong

What a horrible album. It just makes you want to leave the room. And cry.
And what are the lyrics! 'You look so hard in fishnets and leather'. What. I mean... What!
I'm sorry. This cannot be anyone's type of music. Surely no one can enjoy this, can they?
The one decent song on the album 'Heart In Your Heartbreak' is completely ruined by the vocals. How could any record company let this be released? It must be self released. I'll look now.
It's not!
Slumberland! Get new artists.

2/10

Review #19: Panic! At The Disco - Vices And Virtues

The '!' is back, and half the members left, including the main lyricist, leaving just the drummer and Urie. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, somehow, they have managed to create a rather impressive album.
Whether it's luck, or that they are actually talented. I don't know. But I'm not complaining. It was a very good hour of my life.
The first track 'The Ballad Of Mona Lisa' is very very very good. Almost too good. It's a song about everyone having that bit of evil inside them, and you get that feel from the rest if the record too. It's a completely different outlook to 'Pretty Odd', which had the feeling of lightness, and carefree about it. But this opposite view, works just as well.

7/10

Review #18: Cage The Elephant - Thank You Happy Birthday

Oooh, this is proper angry music. Properly angry now. Gets your blood boiling. I love it. Listening to it just makes you want to punch something. 'Indy Kidz' especially. Really, really.... wow.
I'm literally speechless. Compared to their debut, this is so much better, and 'Cage The Elephant' was a good album. It's not hardcore screaming or anything like that. It's the mixture of the mental vocals, that sound like he's take 40 paracetamol and his liver has just exploded, so he just shouts occasionally, and the awesome riffs lining every song.
However, you do get the occasional calm song like 'Shake Me Down' which is actually musically really quite clever.
So here we have an angry band with some musicality. They should be pleased with themselves. It's no wonder this got to No.2 in the American album charts. America is clearly an angry country.

9/10

Review #17: The Strokes - Angles

I think you would agree with me in saying that the strokes sat down one day, and said to each other 'Fancy making another album?'
And with that, they made another album. A good one at that.
It's no 'Is This It', but It's better than their other attempts. I don't think they wanted to go back to their roots. They just wanted to make a decent album people would listen too, that they enjoyed creating. Of course I may be completely wrong and compared to what they wanted, this album is as useful as a rubber duck made of francium. What do I know?
It is a good listen though, they have clearly taken time over it, as it has a good quality finish to their sound, and they play some pretty good riffs too. Have a listen. Why not?

7/10

Review #16: The View - Bread And Circuses

Well this is fresh isn't it? It's usually the case that when a band releases three albums that sound the same, people tend to get bored. But 'The View's' flop of a second album 'Which Bitch?' meant that their third attempt really couldn't have been any worse. 'Bread And Circuses' seems to be wonderfully slightly better than average. Perhaps pulling themselves of out the landfill indie junkyard. Maybe not that far.
I have to say though, I do find Kyle Falconer's voice very enchanting to listen to. His accent really works with landfill indie, which is actually a good thing; he genuinely sounds like the kind of person who would wear the same pair of jeans four days in a row, and I take my hat off to him for that. But let's not reminisce anymore. Let's just say that the fourth album won't be too difficult to improve with, but harder than last time. So no, don't go thinking 'The View' are going to be going anytime soon. They are going to continue to be mediocre for a while to come. Don't you worry.

6/10