Music Reviews - March
Arctic Monkeys – My Propeller – Release March 22
This, their third single from 2009’s album Humbug will be available on 7 and 10”, and that’s not something you can say of many singles these days. Moreover, the Artcic Monkeys continue to do things their own way by making these records available exclusively though Oxfam shops.
My Propeller presents us with a rolling tune with a bass heaviness and a slow, sleazy lyrical style. More Last of the Shadow Puppets than Arctic Monkeys and it reminds me of early 90’s bands like The Charlatans. A slow burner which won’t make you look good on the dancefloor but will be a treat to your ears.
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Ash - War With Me - Release March 29th
Yes, Ash are still around, and are touring extensively in April - they’ll be at the Waterfront on 21st April. Ash have had a Single Campaign of 26 Alphabet singles; this is Letter M, and they will be releasing singles A-M with a host of bonus materials as a compilation A-Z Vol 1 on April 19th. This is classic Ash, not a ground breaking song like some of their early singles but a good solid song with a nice ploddy piano tune kicking off at the start, and featuring some of those classic Ash harmonies.
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The Futureheads – Heartbeat – Release 12th April Playing at The Arts Centre on 26th April, The Futureheads release their first song from their forthcoming lively fourth album The Chaos on the 26th April. They recently supported Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters which is not to be taken lightly. This is a melody fuelled rock song with a definite punk influence in a Green Day crossed with The Pogues feeling to it and it shows that the Futureheads have taken a few pointers from supporting such rock legends recently.
All Time Low – Lost In Stereo – Release 5th April All Time Low have been having a good time recently. They sold out their Kerrang! Relentless tour, achieved a Number 4 album in the States selling over 60,000 copies in the first week, have sold out multiple tours, have 63 million myspace plays and over 40,000 myspace friends. Phew. This is classic pop punk rock with a catchy chorus and reminds me a bit of early Avril Lavigne. It’s quite easy to listen to, has a nice mix of instruments and is a well crafted song…no doubt will do well in the British charts. Eliza Doolittle – Skinny Genes – Release 29th March Raised by a piano playing dad and a singing mum, Eliza started writing songs at the age of 12 and had landed a publishing deal by the time she was 16. Skinny Genes is her debut single with mischievous lyrics about an irritating boy. It sounds like Lily Allen but she has a smooth voice like Adele, so this is perfect fodder for fans of the nu-soul style of recent female artists like Duffy, Adele or Kate Nash. It’s a fresh and summery tune that no doubt you will become obsessed with over the next few months.Her debut album will be released in the summer and she will be touring a selection of schools throughout February 2 Hot 2 Sweat – rarararararaRA! – Release 22nd March This is a 6 track mini album from Matt Leuw and Mia Lane’s electro pop outfit originally from Norwich and now based in London, on NROne Records. 2 Hot 2 Sweat performed at Latitude last year, recorded a session at Maida Vale studios, and were handpicked by John Peel’s family to play a tribute gig to the late DJ as part of the BBC Electric Proms. These songs remind me of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Le Tigre and elements of Daft Punk with Alison Goldfrapp’s voice. This is quality electro with a heart and this mini album is the perfect portal to their world. Rodrigio Moratto – Whatever, Whatever – Release 22nd March This is the debut single from this Brazilian pop star. Mastered by Tom Coyne who has also worked with Britney Spears, Beyonce, Cheryl Cole and Pink, this is a poppy/electro floor filler perfect for the coming Summer months. A heavy thumping bassline, a spot of vocoder, some 80’s keyboard action, and a catchy chorus, his lyrical delivery is proficient and flows brilliantly. Despite this not being my usual cup of tea I really enjoyed this tune. The Twilight Sad – The Room – Release March 29th New single from Scottish rockers The Twilight Sad, taken from their acclaimed second album Forget the Night Ahead which featured in the NME’s 100 Greatest Albums of the Decade. The Room is in part inspired by Hubert Selby Jr’s second novel of the same name (He wrote Last Exit to Brooklyn and Requiem for a Dream). I went to see this band last year at the Arts Centre and they truly created an immense sound, reminiscent of Mogwai and My Bloody Valentine with lyrics delivered in a genuine Scottish accent like Arab Strap. This is a great song, with heavy, swoony guitars, a no-messing drum beat and minor tones. Kill It Kid - Ivy and Oak – Release March 29th Wow, this blew me away. I hadn’t heard of them before but their voices are very unusual. Chris Turpin’s voice is very similar to Alison Moyet or Anthony Hegarty, and Stephanie Ward’s accompanying vocals float sweetly over the top. Instrumentally it reminds me of Hawk and a Hacksaw with lots of strings, guitar and loud drumming. It marries together to create a dark but lively, White Stripes-like stomp which is a real winner. They sound like they are really enjoying themselves. The band have just announced a new tour and their first SXSW appearance which could well be the making of them. The Chemists – This City – Release March 29th This single is taken from The Chemists debut album The Theories of Dr Lovelock which was released at the end of last year to much acclaim. It was mixed by Adrian Bushby who has also worked with Muse, The Doves and The Foo Fighters, and their sound is very similar to Muse.They also have a support slot with Fun Lovin Criminals on their European tour in March. The Chemists are one to watch this year as a natural progression from Muse; also reminiscent of the early, rockier side of The Killers. Wonderful swooping guitar and classic rock drumming adds up to some tight and passionate music. Also possibly for Kasabian fans who are looking for something a little heavier. I imagine they’d totally rock live. Violet Violet – For the Young and Fresh Boned – Release March 29th Taken from their critically acclaimed second album this local duo of girl rockers signed to NROne Records have released this thrilling indie rock tune featuring grinding chords, hand clapping and a catchy chorus. It’s a brave and strong sound which takes no prisoners, and made me think of a cross between Bis and Helen Love for those of you who remember the early 90’s. Formed in 2006, violet violet have caused a major stir in the music industry already, having had an Artrocker spread, a slot in the NME and airplay from BBC6 Music and Radio One where they were branded one of Steve Lamacq’s New Favourite Bands. If you get the chance to see them live then you’ll definitely have a great night! Yeasayer – O.N.E – Release March 22nd Back with their second single taken from the new album Odd Blood which is already getting great reviews. Like a cross between the Pet Shop Boys and Vampire Weekend, this is one of their more electronic tracks, very danceable (almost to a Saturday night at a club level) but still holding its’ indie head high. The singer’s pure and high voice trails between the beats very smoothly and it’s a lovely song, not necessarily the strongest of their songs that I’ve heard but still a good song, reminds me very strongly of MGMT as well.
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