Author Archives: Olivia

Sex Church.

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Attempting to find anything out about Sex Church gave me websites I probably never need to know about. But there are some sick fucks out there. You probably knew that already. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a Daily Mail kind of entry. I’m not that kind of person. You won’t die if you hold hands with someone of the same gender nor will you go to hell. Hell is a state of mind, Heaven is a place you create in your heart. I have no idea where that came from, but I firmly stand by it. I doubt anyone else would agree.

So, Sex Church. I’m pretty much tempted to write about everyone involved with Sacred Bones because they put out the kind of music that I love. Music that is full of so much…fuck I don’t even know what the word is. All I know is that I love it. I’ll attempt to write something of worth, but Sex Church fucking deserve it.

As I listen to Sex Church I can hear twinges of two bands that have been a lifeline to me for as long as I can remember- The Fall and The Jesus And Mary Chain. The vocals are as clear as Mark E Smith’s and the sound is fuzzy, bold and distorted like The Jesus And Mary Chain. I cannot find any fault in this. I love them. I absolutely and utterly LOVE them. Maybe this is what I have been needing for so long. Maybe I’ve had this horrific gap in my life that can only be filled by a band that sounds like this. Warpaint ease the tension for me- but Sex Cult cause it to build. I love it. They say you cannot fall in love at first sight. I agree, but you can fall in love with first listen.

Growing Over, I’d say is my favourite. The bass is fucking ridiculous. It makes me wish I could play bass. It has that dark, creepy feel like Bauhaus. I know comparing bands is a terrible thing to do, but for a band like Sex Church- it is okay because they are just..mind-blowing. I feel like whatever is left of my mind has been blown by them. I don’t care for much else right now. This is some incredible shit, and I don’t want to listen to anything else for a long time. See, if anyone was to ask me what I was listening to- like, really into at the moment Sex Church would be THE band I’d inform them about. I guess it’s a good job nobody ever asks me for music tips because they’d just get weird stuff like this, and probably stop being my friend. Do I need some new friends? I don’t know. I have a couple close ones, I’m probably the bane of their life for the most part hah. Sorry and all that.

But fuck man. Sex Church do one thing that just causes me to fall into a frenzy. They have LONG songs. Over 5 minutes. If you do this, I will love you with all I have. And love them I bloody well do. They are so good, I just want to swear. It isn’t big nor is it clever but Sex Cult are so motherfucking perfect.

Their site says that they are influenced by: “depression, frustration, disappointment and other such inner turmoils that are the sources of great works of art.” See it really is no surprise that I love them is it. Nothing good came from being deliriously happy in an art sense. I don’t have a miserable disposition, far from it. I may look like it (if you judge someone because they wear black all the time, then you’ll probably think I’m a moody bugger. I’m not.) but I just love music that is dark and is a cry for help at times. If it sounds like it is created out of desperation and feels like life vs death; I will love it, and I will cherish it more than I can think about.

Songs like Waking Up and Dull Light are just so bloody astounding. I’m struggling to comprehend how this band make me feel, so I’m going to have to leave it here. I’m not sorry for this rant. They’re just everything I want, and recently- all I’ve been looking for. I reckon seeing them live would be like an outer body experience. It’d be almost as if you were facing your demons, and telling them to go fuck themselves. There’s no greater feeling than that.

Dum Dum Girls-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (cover.)

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I hate covers, it’s a known thing. I also HATE it when anyone touches a song by Morrissey or The Smiths. My utter hate for this was fully justified when some person (I’d use bad words, but I’m trying to be good) RUINED Please Please…during Christmas here in the UK. Hey John Lewis- UP YOURS.  That cover was fucking awful. I don’t care, it was utterly dire. The person RUINED the song…she took away EVERYTHING that song was, and all it stood for. I reckon those who enjoyed it probably first heard of The Smiths because of 500 Days Of Summer. Brilliant film, but caused many to claim to be fans of The Smiths..and all they have is a greatest hits album. Again, ARSES.

Rage aside, I am going to mention THAT song from THAT film. I used to have this song sung to me when I was a baby. It explains a lot. It has a lot of meaning to me because, I’ve never ever felt at home anywhere. Never have, and at aged 25- I’ve realised that I never will. It’s cool. Means I don’t have any ties, y’know? Why settle when you can wander.

There Is A Light is as popular as How Soon Is Now? which has also been ruined by various..people. I’ve found an exception.

You know how much I love Dum Dum Girls. I love them, for so many many reasons. From their music to their style to the lyrics. I love everything. I love Dee Dee’s voice. It is so clear and pure. Only In Dreams was one of 2011’s best records- why did you ignore it? I still have the urge to sing Bedroom Eyes to anyone who will listen, but I won’t. Don’t worry.

They covered There Is A Light well over a year ago. I should probably have written about it then, but as per- something else probably had my attention for a split second and I forgot. Better late than never.

EVERYTHING about this cover is perfect. It doesn’t strip away any of the meaning. As much as I love Dum Dum Girls- if this cover was shite, I’d say so. I’d rant to high heaven about how angry it made me. It does the opposite. If anything, it makes me love them even more than I already do. They’ve got the intro on point. Dee Dee’s voice is a haunting and delicate as Morrissey’s. It’s just utterly perfect. Do I love it as much as the original? I want to say no, but I just can’t. I love it. Both versions have a special place in my heart that a person probably couldn’t own. Bring on the challenge if you want (would you bother? No. Didn’t think so.) but it’s a hard task.

When it comes to The Smiths and Morrissey, I’m not laid back at all. However, when a band like Dum Dum Girls can still create the same feelings as the original does, well, it isn’t so bad at all.

The Men.

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Unapologetic brutal, chaotic noise. That’s what I love. That’s what makes me love music and life. I don’t want to hear something without substance and the potential to NOT cause a riot. I want the opposite. The extreme opposite, right now. And I’ve found it..okay, so I found it a year ago, but I am sometimes slow with things/put it off and find something else to do. It’s a shite trait to have, but I have it. And I don’t think I’ll ever part from it.

As you know (maybe, maybe not) I am a HUGE fan of the Sacred Bones label. I have been since around…2009. It all came from Zola Jesus. I have this thing where, when I really love a band or singer- I read up about the label they are on and find other artists I may dig on the same label. For the most part, it really works in my favour. Sacred Bones are proof of that.

So what do you need to know about The Men?

Well, they are from Brooklyn (look, I really can’t help it if most bands I love come from here. There’s evidently something in the water, drink up!) There’s four of them, but their sound is so fucking huge and astounding- it sounds like there is at least 10 of them. It is big, fuzzy, loud and will more than likely make you feel as if your face is being ripped off in the most pleasurable way possible. This is what I get from listening to them, and I love it. If a band can make me feel like my face is melting, I’ll love it.

Leave Home is an incredible album that you really do nee.d However, REAL SOON their new record, Open Your Heart will be released. It is going to be as loud and passionate as before-that won’t ever change. You know when you hear a band and think, “Fuck…They are ALWAYS going to be this loud and brutal.” That’s what The Men make you think.

Enjoy a track from the new record :

Open your Heart is their third record and by rights, will steal your heart and ears.

Michael Davis (MC5) R.I.P

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Don’t trust anyone who never liked the MC5. To ignore the impact they had on music, and everything surrounding it just makes you a fool. An ignorant fool.

You really really don’t need me to write a huge essay on the importance of the band, and how amazing Michael was. The music speaks for itself really.

I have no doubt in my mind that Michael and Fred “Sonic” Smith will be making beautiful music together again, now..wherever they may be.

I’d love to say more, but honestly- it doesn’t need to said. You can find it all in the music.

Rest In Peace Michael xx

Willis Earl Beal.

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From my own point of view, one of the greatest feelings you can experience is finding a singer or band that just leave you utterly stunned. They leave you feeling like you have heard something so rare. It leaves you just frozen in awe.  They have this mysterious quality about them that just makes you want to know what drives them, influences them- everything from an art perspective. You don’t care what they had for dinner- you want to know what book changed their life or what singer made them want to sing. This is what is important. Save the personal details, I want to know what fuels you.

I know NOTHING about Willis. All I know is that he is just a pure, raw talent. Most will label him as “the black Tom Waits.” Oh look at society paying attention to colour before talent again. Idiots. If he was white, would that even be mentioned? No. Not at all. I live in hope that ONE day, we see the person before their colour or any physical form. We aren’t judged on our skin colour, religion, sexuality etc. I have to live in hope otherwise I’ll just give up. Cannot give up…just yet. However, Willis is okay with being “the black Tom Waits.” Ignore colour, anyone who wants to be an artist like Tom Waits is worthy of your time, and devotion. And I firmly believe that Willis will be just as powerful as Tom. In my mind, he already is.

Willis, I think, may end up being my favourite solo artist this year. Anyone who knows me even slightly knows I have a HUGE fucking love for the Blues. The proper Blues. The kind where you can feel all the troubles coming from the singer. You feel all their pain, urges and struggles. You feel it all because it sounds so raw.

http://soundcloud.com/hotcharity/willis-earl-beal-evenings-kiss

Willis’ record, Acousmatic Sorcery is out in the US at the start of April. I have no idea when or even if it will be released in the UK. I’m willing to pay a stupid amount of money for an imported copy. It’s worth going hungry for. The album was recorded between 2007 and 2009. All good things come to those who wait. So if you have been waiting for some honest Bluesy kind of music, then your wait is now over.

He has, at times a dark and tame voice. Then at other times it is gravely and troublesome. Regardless of how he sings, it always sounds so heartfelt. You know he FEELS every single word he is singing. That’s what we need. He is what the music industry need. You can keep your manufactured, overproduced and dull artists. I’m sticking with the ones that are true to their art, and do the unexpected, just like Willis.

He’s just stunning. If I could praise him more than this, I really would. But..well, he’s one of those singers that let the music do it all. You don’t need to know anything about him- all you need to do is listen to his music. It sums it up perfectly.

Royal Chant.

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I love Royal Chant for a few reasons. The main one now being that Mark from the band and I earlier bonded over NWA and Ice Cube’s solo work over Twitter. I reckon it would’ve been more entertaining over some whiskey than a screen. But when they come to the UK, I’ll try make it happen. I’ll see if it possible to just do some kind of interview using NWA lyrics. Too be honest, I’d just yell the chorus to Gangsta Gangsta at anyone who would listen.

They’re from Australia, and I think Australia is now catching up with L.A. on the bands I fucking love right now thing I have going on. I don’t have a list. I’m rubbish with lists. And coffee. I’ve had a fair amount of coffee today, and I still want to go back to sleep. It’s 8.05pm..I’m a one girl riot right now, for sure.

I should probably tell you about their music. ROYAL CHANT ARE SO SHIT.

I jest. I love them. I want to hug their music, and spin around and around. Until I collapse in a dizzy haze and nearly vomit. Have you ever done that? Best feeling ever. Some people turn to drugs for this kind of feeling, idiots!

They are influenced by things I love (this is going by their Facebook page) Bob Dylan, Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, Oscar Wilde..and also, running away and bad dancing. These are things I love and things that keep me going. Especially the bad dancing part.

Their debut LP is wonderfully titled, Raise Your Glass And Collapse. Its happened to us all hasn’t it. More than it probably should. They have this outrageous cheery garage rock feel to their music. Can garage rock be cheery? OF COURSE. This is the kind of music you drink whiskey to, and think you are the world’s best dancer. It all comes down to that doesn’t it.

Royal Chant are another band that make me think, “Why aren’t they huge” They have songs that will just so something to your soul (unlike most.) There’s a hint of 90s grunge in the music, there’s the tone of Idlewild lying around. It’s basically everything I love. I’d love to be a dickhead and say, “THIS IS SO 2011.” But that’s not my style, I don’t understand that.

My favourite track has to be (right now, and I will change my mind instantly) is Coughing Fits. I adore the lyrics to it. Lyrics are a massive deal to me. If I can’t connect, I won’t enjoy it. And I do connect to Royal Chant’s fuzzy and distorted sounds. Are they the band to pick up where my beloved Silverchair left off? YES. FUCKING YES. They have that same angsty feel to their sound. I just love them a hell of a lot.

When you can discuss NWA with a band, you know you have found something truly special. Royal Chant are my spirit animals. I don’t know what that means, but I like the sound of it.

Oh and lads, you will see this so can you please come to the UK soon? Thanks.

You can listen to their beautiful music right here : http://soundcloud.com/royalchant

Bored Awake is now my favourite. Told you I’d change my mind…

Oh, and to quote the band : “The world is rubbish. Let’s get on with it. “

Jess Morgan-Aye Me.

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Pledge Music is a bloody saviour for music. You know why? Because it helps artists like Jess Morgan get their music heard. Personally, I see it as a nice middle finger salute to the idiots who endorse X-Factor wasters with NO talent and won’t even see the year out. Jess Morgan on the other hand is the total opposite.

I’m not really into the whole Folky thing. Well, the traditional sense, I am. But what’s around now? No thanks. You can keep it and place it somewhere no one wishes to go. It means nothing to me. I don’t want to hear about how your heart is broken as you stand on the stage staring at the floor, with your mundane personality. No thank you. I’ll take Jess Morgan though. This music has heart and soul. That’s all I want from music. Heart and soul. I’ve said this before about Jess, she truly does standout from all the others. She has SOMETHING that I wish I could put into words. I’m clearly a wanky Music Writer when I say I don’t have the words. It’s just hard to describe something that is so pure and beautiful because you feel that whatever you say will not do it justice at all. But, I’m going to try anyway.

I am so bloody impressed that Jess has supported Ellen And The Escapades and First Aid Kit- this is on the back of just ONE record. I’m not usually easily impressed, but with music- it’s a much simpler process. Her second record, Aye Me is a stunning body of art. You know if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t bother writing about it. It is such a lovely record.

You know the dreaded second album curse? That happened to Jess. Recordings of the record were lost, so she had to start again. But hey, what’s life without a few minor hitches right? The end result is just a glorious second record that I hope (I know she is) she is proud of. If you’re wanting songs that talk about love, lust, heartache and those kind of feelings- you won’t find it here. Aye Me is storytelling at its finest. This is a kind of record you play around a fire. Except, I won’t. Because I am shite around fire. I once nearly set fire to my books whilst trying to light candles. Romance isn’t dead, but it can turn you into an accidental arsonist!

Leave A Light On is 5 minutes of positive energy. It just makes you shrug everything off, and feel content with your surroundings. The first single off the record, Workhouse is beautiful. I think though, if I have to pick a favourite, I’d go for Ugly Women or Since I’ve Known You, but this is only from one listen. I’ll change my mind after listening to it another 5 times. It is a beautiful and pure record from start to finish. There’s no pretentious vibes- it is an easy record to fall in love with, so just allow yourself to do so. You probably will with first listen like I did.

Jess is heading out in tour very very soon. You can get all the details from her site : http://www.jessmorgan.co.uk/

She is also heading out on tour with Paper Aeroplanes in May. I’d like to kindly suggest you catch her on tour, wherever you can. You will NOT be disappointed (okay so I haven’t seen her yet, but I will try my best to!)

Aye Me is out on 26th March. There is still time left for you to pledge at : http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/jessmorgan

I’ve said it before, so of course I’ll say it again- support the REAL independent artists who are in it for the music, and the love of it.

Rusty Bear-Source To Sea.

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I wrote over 1000 words originally, and the computer decided to bail as soon as I went to publish this. So what I am going to do is assume that what I wrote the first time round wasn’t good enough, and this is a sign to do better. If I go with this thought, I will  want to throw the computer out of the window and kick the router. I will try to remember as much as I can, but I have a really bad memory most of the time…

As someone who is half from Yorkshire (my mum is from sunny Doncaster) I feel like I need to fully back Rusty Bear and Mollusc Records with all I have. So I will.

Before I attempt to give you some kind of album review, I am going to hit you up with some FUN FACTS about Rusty Bear. You ready? Okay.

– The name comes from a French beer, Rusty Bière. I’ve never tried it, and I’m not a fan of beer to be honest. Wine on the other hand…

-Some of the tracks were done in an outside toilet/coal shed. I cannot tell you how impressed I am by this. You probably aren’t but for me- it shows just how important it was for Matthew to make music that he would record anywhere…even in toilet.

For now, they are the facts I am giving you. If you’re lucky I may throw in some more throughout this review. I say it is a review, but it isn’t. It’s just me trying to get you to listen to music that deserves your attention. Okay, so maybe it is a review but I refuse to let it be some generic bullshit like, “This album is really good. There are some nice songs on this record that you may like.” Bollocks! If an artist or band put their all into a record then I feel I need to return the favour by giving my full attention to it, and writing something about the record with all I have. Besides, I can only write from the heart anyway.

As far as debut records go, this one has some pretty solid production about it. You probably won’t believe me, but I am obsessed with the production side of things. I love hearing something that isn’t overproduced or too polished. I love being able to hear something that sounds raw and has possible flaws in it. Obviously I’m not saying this record has any flaws in it at all so far from it. It’s almost like, when you are in love with someone and, you just love them. You love the bones of them, and you even find their faults endearing and you just love them even more. That’s pretty much how Source To Sea makes me feel. The record was produced by Xander Edwards and was mastered by Carl Saff (worked with Real Estate) for a debut record, this is a pretty big deal you know.

I’ve rambled a bit, so I guess I should tell you which songs I love. I would, except…I pretty much love every single track. I spent most of the afternoon listening to Source To Sea, and just finding new parts to love. I could say I love Moth but then I’d listen to the record again and find it is actually Russian Horse that I love. So it is just safer if I say that every track is stunning. I’m going to sound mental but the track Falling Stones makes me imagine someone being chased though a dark, neglected woods by someone holding a rusty (I’m sorry!) hammer or something. It has that sinister feel to it, which I absolutely adore. This is the kind of feeling I look for in music. Something that scares me and causes my imagination to run wild. It does make me sound mental, I know. I like to think it is endearing, it gets me though. I love the song If She. It just feels like a wonderful piece of advice that I’ll probably have to take on board at some point…again!

I’m probably not going to be able to get this back up to 1000 words again, am I? Well, I’m going to keep trying anyway.

Rusty Bear/Matthew moved from Yorkshire to London (I’ll probably mention the fact he’s from the best county as often as I can, just because) and he is proving that Arctic Monkeys aren’t the only Yorkshire folk that can make some noise. I’m not going to do the whole, “If you like…then you’ll like Rusty Bear.” If you love honest and heartfelt music- then you will love this. That’s the only thing I can give you. At times this record does have its dark moments but at best it just feels like a lovely warm cuddle. I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a record before, and I think I hate myself for saying something so daft- but it’s all I have to be honest. It just makes you feel content and safe- but can leave you on edge at times. The fact that you can tell that this record was made with such drive, honesty and heart makes me love it even more. When you can find that in a record, you know you are listening to something so special and sacred. Listening to this record is a partially sacred experience mainly because you know that not everyone will be hearing it. Which is a good and bad thing. It’s good because no one can take that private moment from you. It is bad because the whole world needs to hear it.

So here’s the thing, as I want EVERYONE to hear this record- I am going to fully endorse Rusty Bear and all of the Mollusc Records family as much as I can. The fact that they are Yorkshire based has NOTHING to do with it (I’m such a crap liar aren’t I?!) I will always support something I believe in, and want everyone to hear. I’m just one person but, I like to think someone will read this and check out Rusty Bear. I live in hope, I have to.

Source To Sea will be released 26th March. For more information about Rusty Bear and Mollusc Records, you can check out the following links:

http://molluscrecords.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mollusc-Records/18118

http://soundcloud.com/mollusc-records7661960721

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rusty-Bear/303757273003789

Looks like I did hit over 1000 words 😉

On a serious note, I know it is nice and all to support big acts and whatever, but we NEED to keep supporting Independent labels and artists. This is where you find the honest and passionate stuff. This is why I will be fully backing Mollusc Records.

Ellie Herring-Satiate

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When I wrote about Ellie Herring last summer, I said how it was about time we had a female producer/musician as good as this. I know gender isn’t important- but society does like to bang on about gender roles and how we should be. Fuck it. Fuck with your gender, and break the rules. Who cares.

That out of the way…

Satiate is Ellie’s new record, and I’m going to attempt to tell you why and how it is vital that you listen to it. I’ll just throw it out there now, I wish I could make music like this. If I won the lottery (oh the things I would do!) I’d probably pay for Ellie to come to my house and do a mini gig. It’s incredible. But, I do need to attempt to go into detail as to why I love her music.

Ellie’s music, and especially the new record had a beautiful electro euphoric vibe. Its is the kind of music you’d play during the summer at night, whilst laying on the beach with the tide slowly coming in. You don’t fear for your life or if the waves will eventually take you because the music puts you in such a calming state- nothing can snap you out of it. Even now, just sat here trying to figure out how to write about this record is slowly making me sleepy (I really need a nap…) but it is so beautiful. You know when you hear something, and the sheer beauty of it just leaves you in awe? Like, you really cannot understand why the person making this music isn’t huge. You feel all of this, and it makes the listen much more sacred.

Musically, it is as dark as Zola Jesus and Fever Ray. Sure it feels quite eerie and ghastly, but then you have the vocals which are so delicate. If you like artists such as Creep, Chelsea Wolfe, The Knife- then I don’t see why you wouldn’t love Ellie Herring. This is the kind of music you want to hear at 4am when everyone is sleeping, and you cannot switch yourself off. It will kill all anxiety and any feelings of despair. It has a subtle comforting feeling. When you least expect it, Satiate makes you feel so fucking good about yourself. I know that it is such a boring thing to say and typical- but this is a feel good record. I’m not really one for listening to music that makes me feel good. I don’t actively seek music out to make me do that, I just wait for it to hit me. This is what this record does. You just think, “Oh cool, an electro album.” Then you listen to it..and you start feeling weightless. Almost like you’re tripping or something (I’ve never done drugs, but I’m going to say that the feeling this record gives you is better than any form of artificial bullshit.)

Flailing In Attraction and Until It Feels Foreign were wonderful releases, and I still listen to them now. And I’m not just saying this, but Satiate is better. It has a bigger sound that makes you feel like you are drifting peacefully into a different world. Thing is, when you get there you won’t want to leave. So just keep hitting repeat and stay there because nothing is going to beat this feeling at all.

I’m so happy that Died To Meet You is on the record, it is one of the first songs I remember hearing. Other favourites include (the whole album) Seriously Pale, If You Were Still Alive and Hide In Gold. I just really love the record. It’s one I’m proud to be listening to. I can only hope you feel the name.

You can listen to it here : http://soundcloud.com/ellieh/sets/untitled-ep-15/ When you’ve finished with Satiate, go back and listen to her other work including her remixes. Oh, and check out her Boards Of Canada mix that she uploaded yesterday. It is stunning.

Happy WARPAINT Day!

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“Oh wonderful one, why are you like that?”

It isn’t just The Kills that are celebrating an anniversary today- Warpaint are now 8 years into their career. Yep, it goes way back before 2010’s The Fool and 2009’s Exquisite Corpse.

The band formed on Valentine’s Day 2004. The band have gone through some changes over the past 8 years. Jenny’s sister  Shannyn Sossamon and current Red Hot Chili Pepper’s guitarist Josh Klinghoffer were part of the band during the start. As well as David Orlando and Michael Quinn. However, it is with Stella Mozgawa, that they found a soild with. When you watch Warpaint play, or just even on record- you can really feel such positive energy coming from them- much like The Kills.

It is fairly obvious how much I love Warpaint. I think my Warpaint tattoo has cemented my love for them, but like The Kills- my love goes beyond the music. It is the way their bond can make you feel so positive about..anything and everything. Even when it all seems a bit well, shit I suppose. Music can make you feel so much, and Warpaint’s music does that. Some songs feel like a powerful confrontation, others feel like a personal confession. I can quite happily just sit in my room, in the dark listening to their music and just allowing the sounds take me to a different universe. That’s what is so beautiful about music. When you find a singer or band that you connect with on an almost spiritual level, you allow yourself to feel so weightless and just drift off into a whole different place. A place where you can feel free without the shackles of every day life.

I remember first hearing Warpaint for the first time in 2009. I was researching some Billie Holiday songs for my dissertation, and I was using Strange Fruit as part of one of my articles. As I was watching a performance of Strange Fruit, I noticed in the corner “Warpaint-Billie Holiday.” I clicked on it. I was immediately hooked. Much like The Kills, I knew with first listen that I had found something sacred. For some reason, Warpaint aren’t a band I want to listen to with other people. It’s a thing I always feel comfortable doing alone. I guess it’s because I know of no one that connects to it like I do. I don’t mean it in a superior way at all. Most that I know that have claimed to listen only dig one song, or just fancy Jenny. Come on now. If you’re going to claim to be a fan- listen to EVERYTHING. I listen to Warpaint and I lose all my senses. I feel like I’m having some outer obdy experience. I’d feel like a massive idiot if I listened to them with someone and announced that to them. They’d probably punch me, and tell me to snap out of it. Honestly, if you listen to Shadows or Lissie’s Heart Murmur and do not feel like something has taken over you- you’re not listening to it properly.

The music is so ethereal and pure. Jenny’s bass playing is enough to make you wish you could play bass like that. Fuck it, the way they all play makes you wish you had musical talent (obviously if you already play an instrument this isn’t the case.) It’s the kind of music that makes you want to explore everything. The kind of music that just makes you want to become a better person, and discover things about yourself that you may have worked hard at pushing away.

I’ll never ever forget the day I interviewed Theresa. I haven’t done much that I am proud of, but I honestly believe that day to be the best day of my life, and one I am so fucking proud of. They say you should never meet people that you class as your heroes. I stick two fingers up to that declaration! I loved the interview because it didn’t feel like I was sat with “someone from a band.” It was like talking to someone you’ve known for years about something you both love- Music. The love they have for each other, and what they do is so beautiful. If you’ve ever seen any videos of them being interviewed, you will see that they are the most hilarious and warm people. They don’t take themselves seriously, and just love what they do. Like The Kills, they haven’t compromised who or what they are in order to get where they are now- they stayed honest to their art, and have made music that fast became timeless.

The euphoric feeling their music gives you is something every music lover searches for and craves in a band. That feeling of safety with hints of “where is this taking me?” It keeps you hooked for a lifetime. I honestly couldn’t imagine my record collection and life without their music. There was a huge void, but the wait for a band like Warpaint was truly worth it.

With only an EP and a full length album, they have fanbase that is just so loyal and passionate towards the band- and towards each other. It’s like the unity they have with each other is shared between the Warpaint fans (not the ones who buy the band shirt from Urban Outfitters and have NEVER fucking listened to the band.)

When I listen to their music, I always feel like I am in some kind of dreamy state. That I’m floating through life, and everything is just passing me by. Even with songs like Majesty- I still get that feeling. A feeling that, as much as I love certain bands- only Warpaint can give me. Each band that I hold so very dear to me does this. Each play a part, and give off certain feelings. Some feelings that, I just cannot explain. It’s almost as if words are not good enough to even try. However, if you listen to the music, you’ll probably understand what I mean.

Although I’ve met them, I’m still waiting to see them live. I just know it again, will be worth the wait and it will be some kind of life changing experience. There’s so much more I could say about Jenny, Emily, Stella and Theresa- but what good would it do? It’s obvious how much their music means to me.

Warpaint are one of the few bands that keep me going with regard to writing. There are so many times where I just think, “Fuck this fucking shit. No one reads this. I’m wasting my time. I’m really shit.” I think that at least once a week, maybe more. But, it’s this mind-set that keeps me going. If I thought I was any good, I wouldn’t bother. Warpaint inspire me to always write with heart, honesty and passion- the day I stop writing like that is the day I just give up forever. They make me feel like it is okay for me to put everything I have into something, even if it may seem so small. It will pay off eventually. I guess, they just give me hope. I also think they are a bit responsible for my huge urge to live in L.A.

Theresa, Emily, Jenny, Stella- thank you. Thank you for the music and for creating a sound that my ears were so in need of hearing. Big love. Olivia xxxx