April Reviews
Paul Weller – Wake Up The Nation – Released 12/4
The legend that is Paul Weller releases his 10th studio album Wake Up The Nation on April 12th. A double A Side featuring Wake Up The Nation and No Tears To Cry is released on April 5th. Kicky and jaunty, this new single sounds like The Jam, featuring a very London sound. Featuring a recorder in parts, it also sounds a bit like early Rolling Stones with a definite 60’s feeling to it. A good solid song from the Modfather who continues to deliver excellent music.
White Belt Yellow Tag – Always and Echoes – Released 29/3
This band have bagged some impressive press support from Zane Lowe and a slot as record of the week on 6 Music. They draw an immediate comparison to Echo and the Bunnymen with their 80’s sound but with more of an indie bent rather than the retro electro sound which is everywhere at present. Swooping guitar sound and excellent vocals from singer Justin Lockey create a mature sound which is not in any way laddy. Fans of The Doves or The Verve should give this a listen, and watch out for this lot in the future.
Audio Bullys – Only Man - Released 22/03
There’s been a long wait for new material from the Audio Bullys, but they’re now doing a full tour in March and releasing a new album Higher Than The Eiffel. This, their new single is already getting lots of daytime airplay at Radio One. With a heavy thumping beat reminiscent of Daft Punk, but slightly too slow to dance to, like a lot of the Gorillaz stuff, this demands that you sit up and listen closely. It features complex and syncopated rhythms, vocals like Ian Brown and simple and repetitive lyrics that compound further the heaviness of the track. Incredible catchy and memorable, I can’t wait for the album if this is anything to go by.
Doves – Andalucia – Released 5th April
It’s an unbelievable 12 years since Doves formed in Manchester, and 10 years since their amazing debut album Lost Souls. They are releasing a Best Of called The Places Between which includes the best of their albums and includes a host of B Sides and some unreleased tracks. Their new single is one of these new tracks, and is a true reflection of the Doves iconic sound, upbeat and swoony with guitars and a thumping beat. Not as catchy as some of their other tracks but definitely still a winner.
Frank Turner – Isabel – Released 12th April
This is the 3rd track to be taken from Frank Turner’s top 40 album Poetry of the Deed. He’s recently sold out shows in the USA and is playing Coachella in April and you’ll also be able to catch him at various UK festivals this summer. With a delicate piano tune played over heavy drums, with Frank’s simple and clear voice sailing over the top of it, this is a well put together song which you will no doubt hear plenty of over the next few months.
The Joy Formidable – Popinjay – Released 5th April
A series of sold out tours in 2009 supporting the likes of Editors, Temper Trap and Passion Pit have positioned The Joy Formidable as ripe for the release of their debut album and a brand new single in April. With rough guitars and smooth female harmonies and an insistent and syncopated drum rhythm this band have a very particular sound, reminiscent of Curve mixed with Veruca Salt. I imagine they must be great live as their sound is very full and all encompassing…definitely a group to watch out for this year.
Stars and Sons – If It’s Good For Me – Released 12th April
Brighton based Stars and Sons release the second single taken from their debut album Good Morning Mother released on 26th April. This is a belter of a tune, with a catchy plunky piano tune, orchestral backing, hand claps and vocals in a slight Jamie T style. Psychedelic in a 60’s style, this is a great Summer tune, and a jaunty poppy number which is just great. Highly recommended!
Black Francis – Six Legged Man – Released 15th April
The iconic frontman of The Pixies returns with a new studio album Nonstoperotik on the 5th April which coincides with the release of this new single. It has a very loose and raw feel, very different from the Pixies in some ways, and yet it still retains the tunefulness and infectious rhythm of that amazing band. In style it’s still pure indie rock, along the same lines as The Eels at their most lively, and also reminds me of Iggy Pop. A real toe tapper and proof that Black Francis/Francis Black still has much to offer the world of music.
Jackie Leven – Gothic Road – Released 5th April
Jackie has been making music since the early 70’s as a solo artist and also as part of a punk group. Since then he has recovered from a terrible drug addiction and lost his voice due to an unprovoked attack. His triumphant return to music is woth a new album Gothic Road. Including lyrics about music, referencing Joy Division and Dylan, Jackie has created a tuneful and lovely song, with some beautiful Celtic flourishes and a simple and clear singing voice. It really is a beautiful and strong modern folk song which demands further listening.
N Dubz – Say It’s Over – Released April 26th
After massive success with Playing with Fire which is still sitting in the Top 40 singles chart, N Dubz release Say it Over from their platinum selling album Against all Odds. With their trademark sound, Dappy rapping over a laidback minor sounding soundtrack, this song is about dumping someone for someone else you like more. I’m not a huge N Dubz fan but find their lyrics to be quite clever in the way they address issues and feelings that we can all identify with, and for this reason I think they stand out from others who are similar in their field.
Professor Green – I Need You Tonight – Released 12th April
Long established as one of the underground’s finest talents, one of Radio One’s presenter’s on In New DJ’s We Trust and recently touring with Lily Allen, Professor Green has created a fantastic single using a sample from INXS’s classic tune Need You Tonight. It really adds something to the original, lifts it and brings it into 2010 with a bang. Along the same lines at Mike Skinner in his vocal style, Professor Green sings about a girl he can’t get out of his mind following a one night stand, thereby using the theme of the original track. You will be hearing this a lot on the radio in the next few months and it may even lead you to dig out your old copy of INXS’s seminal album Kick.
Ghostfire – The Last Steampunk Waltz – 26th April
