Epic track. Expecting big thinks from this lady.
I’ve got your number Miss Banks…. (No really, I do, she’s posted it on the web!)
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Monday 8 April 2013
ALBUM REVIEW: AlunaGeorge – Body Music – 6.5/10
[Can also check this out on The Chronic’s website: http://thechronic.co.uk/2013/08/04/aluna-george-body-music-album-review/]
AlunaGeorge gained their public platform on Disclosure’s ‘White Noise’ creating a synth storm on Radio 1, echoing across the UK population. Since then, further releases ‘Attracting Flies’ and ‘Lost and Found’ have caused AlunaGeorge animation amongst fans awaiting the arrival of their debut album Body Music. Disclosure left pretty big shoes to fill with their musical masterpiece “Settle” which exceeded critical expectations, and with 90s garage making a comeback and house music continuing its reign this year, similar sounds were anticipated from the techy-twosome.
Even though the duo are clearly trying to present all their abilities on one musical platter, some songs fall flat. ‘You Know You Like It’ exudes bass-pounding promise, however, ‘Kaleidoscope Love’ and ‘Best Be Believing’ drop off the radar. George Reid carefully crafts catchy hooks:Your drums, we’re drumming, your drums, or long-lasting lyrics, All you wanted was a lost and found, should’ve got me on the rebound, should’ve got me on the rebound, which stay with you even after one listen. ‘Superstar’ and ‘Your Drums, Your Love’ start punchy and hint potential, however, the rest of the song fails to create much of an impact as the verses and choruses seem disjointed.
‘Outlines,’ however, starts us off with light beats, sultry tones and vocals; all the ingredients for a modern-day RnB ballad. I might even say AlunaGeorge’s down-tempo tracks are the better selection from the track list. ‘Diver’ and ‘Friends to Lovers’ continue this theme later in the album, showcasing Aluna Francis’ sweet-sounding symphonies, complemented by the mellow musical accompaniment from George Reid.
It’s incredibly difficult for an artist to produce a record in and amongst so much hype, especially with comparisons left, right and centre. So, I’m not sure whether the album is a “grower” or if AlunaGeorge are still growing … I’m yet to find out.
Top Three Tracks: You Know You Like It, Friends to Lovers, Outlines.
REVIEW: The Vaccines - Melody Calling
My review of The Vaccine’s new E.P, also can be found on The Chronic’s website! (see link below)
THE VACCINES – “MELODY CALLING EP” (AUDIO)
There has been an uncontrollable, yet understandable, buzz this month regarding the highly-anticipated release of The Vaccine’s E.P ‘Melody Calling,’ which will be available to get your ears and hands around next month. It seems the floppy-haired foursome have decided to take a leap down another musical route. They appear to be hanging out their garishly loud guitar riffs to dry out on the line this summer, for something a little more musically measured.
If the recent releases are anything to go by, this E.P will suspend those fired-up fans, pouring pints of lager over themselves and everyone else at gigs from previous records, and transform them into a swaying, cider sipping swarm. ‘Everybody’s Gonna Let You Down,’ showcases a gritty, great riff and, cool and controlled vocals from the lead singer, Justin Young.
Recording their forthcoming E.P in L.A shows the band’s musical growth, especially being unafraid to try something new and refusing to make the same record twice.
I don’t think The Vaccines will be letting anyone down with this new record.
Friday 5 April 2013
TOP THREE TRACKS OF THE WEEK
Disclosure ft. London Grammar - Help Me Lose My Mind
When I come across a Disclosure track, I can guarantee the following: 1) I’m going to love it, 2) It’s going to sound different to their previous release, maybe even better 3) It will take me back to the 90s garage scene, where I was too young to appreciate it first-hand before and 4) If its showing “featuring,” it will introduce a new band/artist on the rise. ‘Help me Lose my Mind’ epitomizes all of the above. So, in regards to number 4, who is London Grammar? The London- based tranquilizing trio are unsurprisingly set for worldwide stardom, with Hannah Reid’s intoxicating, intangible vocals and having also been described as “the new sound of The XX.” They are the band on every music critic’s lips and earphones this summer and what a better way to kick-start their career by collaborating with the dynamic duo Disclosure?! The combination of the two in my eyes (and ears) is perfection. It’s like strawberry jam and clotted cream; fresh, sweet and tastefully tuneful. In other words, if valium had a “sound,” this would be it.
Check it out here.
City & Colour - Paradise
Featured on their latest album, ‘Paradise’has remained firmly on my music radar since its release this summer. Lately, the guitar has been over staged by synths and pitch-sifted vocals, with folks slippin’ back into their jelly shoes and varsity vests in the hope to rekindle their love of 90s garage. It’s so refreshing to see City and Colour haven’t surrendered. Dallas Green has maintained his symphonious sound, howlin’ out harmonies like he’s got festival crowds to please this year… Oh wait… Reading and Leeds you lucky sods! ‘Paradise’ has to be my favourite off the album, for the harmonies, melody, and the emotion Dallas brings when he sings out to those who are also looking for nirvana (not the band obviously…). You really believe in what he’s singing ya know? Like he’s been there before, passing on his chords of wisdom to us all.
Check it out here.
FYI – Other tracks from the album you need to wrap your ears around: ‘Take Care,’ ‘The Lonely Life,’ ‘The Hurry and the Harm.’
Sam Brookes - This is the Place
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELDpas5kZ0
In all honesty, I’ve only just discovered Sam Brookes. This discovery took place at an Emily and the Woods gig in Nottingham last Friday, situated in “Red Rooms” at Stealth/Rescue Rooms, where I’ve had many-a-drunken dance back in my Uni days. Coming back to Nottingham and not living there anymore was quite surreal, but seeing old friends and watching live music re-connected me. When you spend your pennies to see an artist you really admire, but are then moved by the support act, it’s like an added bonus thrown in for free. The whole of Sam Brookes’ performance was incredibly humble. Brookes held onto every note, accompanied by his guitar which emulated strums from Jeff Buckley’s Mojo Pin. Providing a video via my Blackberry of ‘This is the Place,’ wouldn’t have done it justice at all, so Luckily, I found another of the same song, just at a different venue (and better phone probably). Unfortunately, this track doesn’t appear on Brookes’ Spotify profile, but this tour has affirmed his current silence won’t be for too much longer.
Check it out here.
Monday 1 April 2013
Dornik - Something About You
Dornik - Something About You
I’ve been pretty quiet recently for a number of reasons, but this new track by DORNIK (read it, note it down, then listen; it’s gona be big) has completely washed out the remains of my prolonged writing block. It has literally blown it/me away.
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