Author Archives: Olivia

THE VERY MOST-Just A Pup (EP)

Posted on by

 

 

With so much hate surrounding us in daily life (you just need to pick up a newspaper to see it) it is hard to believe that there is any good around. Everything is so cruel and vicious. You might as well leave your TVs off, deactivate any of those social media accounts you have and stay in your bedroom until your time is up.

Or you can find something that makes you forget all the cruelness for a brief amount of time; causing you to create your own world. There are certain bands and singers that just make everything feel right again. From the relaxed tones of Warpaint to the unified chants of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. You listen, and everything seems alright even if it clearly isn’t. You can’t expect to take on the world’s problems if you cannot face up to your own. But we still try.

I listened to The Very Most’s new EP and was yet again in awe of just how gentle the music they make is. For the most part I really love music that is a bit rowdy and slightly brutal. Nothing like the person I am; which is why I love it. I probably like music like that to get away from how I am. Too deep for a late Saturday night. Some are asleep, some are vomiting in bus stops. I’m doing this. Sorry.

Just A Pup is a lovely title for the EP. It sums up the innocence of the band. There aren’t many bands around that have a quality like that. A lot think they know it all already, but they end up being forgotten. Sort of happens to regular folk too. Nobody knows everything, thankfully. Some think they do, but we don’t care for them.

The Very Most have been constantly releasing EPs; and it makes you think why don’t they just put a full length record out. I’ve thought about this for some time, but I think they are one of those bands that sound better with a string of strong EPs rather than meaningless full length releases. They leave you wanting more; anticipating in a blissed out state. This is why I really love music.

The EP features an excellent guitar solo on the title track by Danny from Seapony. I advise anyone to listen to them; truly beautiful. I’m not a Tom Jones fan at all, so obviously I think their cover of It’s Not Unusual  is better than the original. It features vocals from Liz who is in a gorgeous band from Cardiff called The School. Check them out too.

Just A Pup is made up of four songs that just lift your spirits; and looking at the state of the world right now, we really need this. A perfect band to listen to as the sun goes down or even as it rises.

You can listen to and buy the EP  here: http://theverymost.bandcamp.com/releases

T.M.

Posted on by

 

 

“We’ve got to face the fact that some people say you fight fire best with fire, but we say you put fire out best with water. We say you don’t fight racism with racism. We’re gonna fight racism with solidarity.” ~ Fred Hampton.

 

Although I use this primarily to ramble on about music, there are just some things that happen in the world that you cannot keep quiet about. There are some things that if they don’t shock or sicken you- then you are out of touch. To not be sickened by what has happened today in America, then you are just as vile as the person who killed Trayvon Martin.

I have no hope in the justice system- regardless of the country. Racism is flowing through society more than before. We’ve not learnt from the past and I don’t think we will learn from this.

If you go way back in time you will see just how unfair the so-called “justice” system is. And now? Now it is no better. Look at the stop and search policy. If you’re not white; you are more than likely going to be searched. And for what? More often than not- nothing. Just because the colour of your skin is different to the person stopping you. There aren’t many things in the world that piss me off, but one thing that really really angers me is racism. To spew words of hate and to act so cruelly to someone because they aren’t the same colour as you is just disgusting and pathetic. But it also is the cause of ruined societies.

I cannot write eloquently when it comes to things like this because my anger shuns my ability to do so. Then again, why should anyone write eloquently when something so horrendous has happened. Was it any surprise really that Zimmerman was acquitted? No. Not much faith was stored in the justice system when he was arrested 44 days after killing Trayvon Martin.

When a hate crime occurs, you can forget the victim ever being thought of or justice going their way. Just look at how the murder of Stephen Lawrence has been treated in England. There are so many cases like this; so when do we fight back? I don’t think anyone can not fight back. I don’t understand how anyone can read what has happened and not want to start some kind of riot to show the world that this cannot go on. It really really cannot go on.

Children do not see colour. They don’t go to school and decide to not be friends with someone because of their colour. It’s usually because someone did something they didn’t like or maybe they had a better lunch than them- but it means nothing. They aren’t born with an idea that they must hate and harm Black people. They are born with innocence. Why can’t we keep hold of that innocence, and to just be kind to each other. My goddaughter doesn’t care if you’re pink, purple or have 2 heads- if you read her a story, she’s your friend for life. They see the person; they don’t care for the outside. It is a shame that most of us don’t live this way.

But what can we do? How can we make sure this doesn’t keep happening? We all know that when change happens, an obstacle always occurs. Martin Luther King Jr had a dream, Malcom X spoke up louder than most, Rosa Parks didn’t back down and Harriet Tubman had a wealth of strength that most of us wish we could. These people had visions of a world with no more hate; with no more vicious attacks. Just no more. A great deal of time has passed, and it seems there is a part of society that overlooks this vision and would much rather just see a colour and behave in a vile manner. They spread their hate, but we must keep some sort of hope alive. Keep hold of some faith; but be careful where you place it. I have no idea where, but understandably not in the justice system. Maybe we’re at a loss. Maybe a riot needs to happen for people (and by people I mean the law) to listen. To listen and to do something about it.

A scumbag was spared prison for killing an innocent person. This happens all too often, and something needs to be done. I read that the jury was made up of 6 women. 5 of which were white and one was Hispanic. This is another factor as to why you just knew this verdict was never going to go in Trayvon and his family’s favour. Why was the jury all female? Why was the majority white? Speaks for itself doesn’t it. This whole case was (forgive me if I’ve used the wrong words) doomed from the start.

Marissa Alexander was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing warning shots in her home (no one was harmed) because her husband was abusive. She was protecting herself for the RIGHT reasons- she didn’t kill anyone. She didn’t aim her gun at her husband. She is punished for protecting herself. Zimmerman is set free for killing a young boy. A 17-year-old boy who was walking home. If this doesn’t make you angry, then I dread to think what does.

As I’ve said, I’ve not written this in the most eloquent manner. Anger took over and every word is from the heart. I didn’t write this for anyone but since reading the news this morning it has been the only thing on my mind. Anger and disappointment. I don’t know what the world can do, but we cannot just sit back and watch, and to let it keep on happening.

Just because America has a Black president doesn’t mean that the country is going to be less racist. It doesn’t mean that racism is going to be wiped out. Maybe one day people will be accepting (although I don’t understand why we need to “accept” people because of their colour. People are people; what they look like doesn’t define them. The things they do define them to an extent.) and we will all be treated to with care, and will be gentle with each other. It won’t happen in my lifetime or anytime soon. But maybe one day.

 

THE GRAFHAM WATER SAILING CLUB-Ankara.

Posted on by

 

470908_363810760366742_1371626105_o

 

When music is dark and sinister, it projects such rawness and the ability to take the listener somewhere else. The mundane drawls of repetitive songs on the radio (it doesn’t matter which station) don’t do this. You have to search deep for something else, or be fortunate enough for them to approach you. The latter is the reasoning behind this.

When I wrote about TGWSC the first time, what got me was their hypnotic sounds. They had a futuristic glow to their music. By this I mean I was hopeful that the future of music was going to head this way. Maybe it will happen; I live in hope. They have a new song out, and it isn’t like previous tracks such as Kappa Kappa (I love this song for the Dennis  Bergkamp photo that appears on the Soundcloud link.) Although it is nothing like previous songs, it still has that raw vibe surrounding it. Possibly more than their other songs.

Ankara is chilling and haunting. It is brilliantly terrifying. It has a thriller film atmosphere to it; it’d be perfect in some creepy film where something happens to throw the viewer off completely. There’s a shock element to this track also, but that’s just coming from someone who’s been a fan of the band for some time. For anyone else listening to TGWSC, if Ankara was the first song they ever heard by them- I do hope they are reminded of The Jesus And Mary Chain when Bobby Gillespie was causing a riot on the drums. Ankara is an intense build-up of greatness but the ability to scare. These are the things I truly love about music.

TGWSC evidently don’t make music to please the majority; they make music to please those who truly get it. And if you do get it; you’re one of the lucky ones. To miss out on a band full of such promise and like I said earlier, such a raw feel to their music, would be a shame. It doesn’t matter if they may never be on the main play list of certain radio stations. All that matters is that they keep making music that delves into the ugly depths of our souls and pulls something out.

Let TGWSC frighten you. Let them take you into a world where you can roam free, but a hint of darkness will be hovering over. It will hover over you, but it will not rule you. That’s how most things should be dealt with. I guess we learn that when it is too late. BUT! It isn’t too late to listen to Ankara. If eerie synths and haunting vocals make your heart beat faster; then TGWSC are made for you.

You can listen to Ankara here: https://soundcloud.com/xtxgxwxsxcx

FRANK’S DAUGHTER- The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling.

Posted on by

 

 

 

 

Formed over wine and whiskey in one of the best places I’ve never been to (Brooklyn) Frank’s Daughter make music that is made to be enjoyed alone; in the midst of an emotional breakdown. Purely because they will pull you through. Not much can lure you out when your mind decides to go askew, but they are perfect enough to assist with bettering you. Each song is an insight to how sometimes, when it feels insanely dark- it is sometimes when you are at your best.

They’ve recorded some of their songs in a closed season Alpine hotel when London got too much, or maybe it didn’t provide enough. I fully understand how this city can break and lift one’s spirits at once. Oxford Street is grey hell hole. Soho is a thriving den of the weird and wonderful. You find bliss after a stint in hell.

The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling is one of the best titles for a record I’ve heard in a while; mainly because it fits the mood of the record. Frank’s Daughter posses the darkness that is found in the likes of Placebo; they make you flail about in angst and despair. In a way that doesn’t seem self-pitying but feels like an anticipated catharsis. They manage to provoke all your troubles in a way that, if anyone else did it- you’d be massively pissed off. Frank’s Daughter caress your internal wounds and make you feel as if nothing else even matters. Maybe it is what you need; maybe it’s what we all need.

Song For The Witches is a delicate piece of art; the whole record in general is a gentle rocking of the soul. I’m not a massive fan (or really a small fan) of Radiohead, and I feel quite reluctant to state that Frank’s vocals are similar to Thom Yorke. He’ll probably get it a fair amount because the vast majority of Music “Journalists” are lazy and pretentious. Personally, I feel he has the vulnerability in his vocals that is found in the likes of Antony Hegarty. Vocally they don’t sound the same- but both make you connect to the music in such a heartbreaking way. This is music that just bares complete and utter soul. Soul music. Song For The Witches and Ugly Water are beautifully frail songs with a haunting atmosphere that is set to melt many hearts.

In the piece I wrote about Frank’s Daughter for Music Broke My Bones (here, have some shameful plugging: http://www.musicbrokemybones.co.uk/?p=8836 ) I likened the atmosphere they create to similar bands I really adore such as Deptford Goth and Wife. The kind of music you play late at night when you know the world is asleep, but slumber misses you out.

This debut record is one that as horrifically clichéd as it sounds, should not be ignored. It will heal souls, it will open minds and it will free those who feel trapped in the mundane aspects of their daily lives. And although many have said it about many records in the past (and those to come) The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling sounds like it was created from a band who are well into their career. It just proves that time means nothing; it is in the moment. It is truly beautiful. A perfect duo making perfect music to get you through; and to get through to you.

The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling is made up of soul-filled symphonies with dark moods and heartfelt lyrics. Every moment in all of the songs is rare and to be treasured. What you feel the first time you listen to it will be different to how you feel times after. Moments are created as old ones fade. Frank’s Daughter aren’t for certain kinds of people. They are just for those who want something more, and know it is out there; using music as a means to get there.

You can stream the record here: http://franks-daughter.tumblr.com/ and you can purchase it here: http://www.franks-daughter.com/shop.php

LA WITCH -EP.

Posted on by

 

553763_511914992159732_1660603783_n

 

Last year I completely and utterly fell for a band from Los Angeles that had only one song. It wasn’t a full song; it was just a demo. This is a frequent pattern I launch myself into. I don’t mind though. It is better than missing out on incredible talent.

This band I fell madly for is called LA Witch. Three exquisite female musicians from LA making stunning noise to shock the nervous system in ways you never thought were possible.  I’ve not written anything in some time; I’m not sure why. I think it is because any time I’ve tried to, I’ve thought “No Olivia..just stop.” Then I was sent LA Witch’s debut EP by the band and it all changed. Something clicked as I hit play and listened to LA Witch’s debut EP. They ignited something the first time around, so it is no surprise that they’ve done it again.

 

cover

 

Before I tell you about the songs, you should know who they’ve worked with on this exceptional EP. On the EP, the band have worked with Joel Jerome (from Dios Malos and Babies On Acid) and Lucy Miyaki (Tashaki Miyaki and Stone Darling.) Working with greatness means it is no surprise that they have created something truly remarkable, and I can only hope that are hugely proud of themselves. Without delving into “proud parent” mode; I am massively proud of how far they have come from having just one song (Your Way) to an EP with so much fight and determination. This is why I love them.

You Love Nothing is a hazy state of bliss that makes you want to do nothing but listen on repeat. I’d quite happily spend the summer listening to just this record, just this song. LA Witch are the feral cats of the West Coast music scene. They’ll stir something inside of you, and when they do- just know, nothing will be the same ever again. All that was once dull will no longer matter.

Get Lost has a haunting 80s vibe to it. Sort of like The Jesus And Mary Chain meets Noothgrush; but a lot calmer. The fuzzy tones and distorted vocals really justify my love for LA Witch. Then you’ve got the relaxed bluesy feel of Heart Of Darkness. This is like The Long Wives meets Cat Power and they go on a road trip with The Kills. Basically, it’s an astounding EP that deserves to be heard. It needs to be heard.

Tonight is their last show as part of a residency at the Silverlake Lounge. Anyone who’s caught the band live will know just how brilliant their live sets are. I’ve yet to witness it, but I firmly believe it is nothing short of perfect. Silverlake Lounge is one of the many homes on the West Coast that backs new music, and to have LA Witch have a residency there is something truly special.

Their debut EP is available from Friday and will be on their bandcamp page: http://lawitches.bandcamp.com/

LA Witch give you what you need. Whether you want something dreamy or eerie- they’ve got it, and it is all over their debut EP. Make sure you check it out.

DESIGNER MUTTS.

Posted on by

 

“Picking off what’s left of the rest of us,
 And selling it off to the wolves.”

 

As I started listening to Designer Mutts, I was distracted by something utterly hateful and vile. There’s small-minded pricks out there who have made a page on Facebook called “Ban Islam.” It is a pity you cannot ban small-minded and disgusting people; such as those who made the page and also those who agree with it. It just made me dislike people even more than I wish to. It was heart breaking to see photos of a young Muslim man praying and vile creatures taking it upon themselves to make vicious comments. What hope do we have? Maybe we truly have none left. I don’t think I can put into words how angry this has made me feel. Thing is, people will always have these warped views. For now there is nothing we can do. For now.

Moving on to something a lot less harmful; Designer Mutts are two lads from my favourite Australian band, Royal Chant. The lyrics to their songs are perfect. I’m obviously going to say this because I have massive love for lyrics. I read the lyrics to the songs before I hit play. The thing is, it isn’t the words they write but the way Mark sings them. He sings them in a way that causes you to immediately connect and feel as if it is YOUR life he’s singing about. Maybe he is. I feel that way whenever I listen to Royal Chant, and also Designer Mutts. There’s a wealth of frustration in the songs that is infectious in the most pleasing way imaginable. These songs were made for you to scream along to in your room, without caring if anyone hears. Maybe you want them to hear your frustrations also; get them to join in. Designer Mutts aren’t made for sacred listening. They are made for you to play as loudly as possible.

The essence of hopelessness is something I really love in the songs. To some that may sound morbid, but when you’re from a place that lacks culture and ambition- these are the kind of songs that save you. Fortunately, some of us are able to leave. The best part of leaving a place that has drained you behind is knowing that you never have to look back. When something or someone destroys you, all you can do it rebuild. Nothing nor no one is worth being a wreck over. Music heals, music is the truth.

dm

 

My favourite track off their debut release, A Day At The Wauchope Races is a song called Unrecognizable Blues. I adore the pissed off sound in Mark’s vocals. The lyrics alone stand tall, but his voice just seriously makes it. Designer Mutts play with such fury and fight. You cannot help but feel they are in the midst of leading you into a revolution (or maybe a resolution) and you stand in front of them echoing their thoughts and words. This is how powerful they are. This is how powerful music can be, and should be.

I find it easy to write about them because to me, they’re more than a band. They’re friends. Friends I’ve yet to meet (distance is a pain!) but I’ve read some of the things Mark has written. As a lyricist and just on his blog, and it is like someone has ripped my thoughts out and put them down in an eloquent manner with a touch of rebellion.

Designer Mutts doesn’t deserve to be compared to Royal Chant. Some of the same members are in the band, but that’s it. Completely different otherwise. I guess though, one other thing they have in common in this honesty in the songs. An honesty that is rare. These guys aren’t afraid to bare their soul and let every feeling; regardless of how ugly it is, be known. Their debut release is something I hope they are deeply proud of, I know I am.

You can listen to A Day At The Wauchope Races here: http://dirtymabrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-day-at-the-wauchope-races

MIKEY & THE DRAGS.

Posted on by

Creepy sounding Garage Rock is my favourite. Such as The Gruesomes to Scotland’s finest, The Creeping Ivies. If it creeps me out and has a Garage Rock feel to it, I’ll fall in love with it. If it doesn’t make me feel like I’m in 2013 (and what a shit time to be in) then I’ll be a loving fan for as long as time will allow me.

Mikey & The Drags are a bold yet sensual Garage Rock band that will make the most stiff-jointed person throw their limbs about in a flailing fashion; the pleading vocals and thrashing instrumentals are all played with such vigor, which places them miles in front of anyone else trying to do this style. They make music that is effortlessly rambunctious, every note is a pleasurable punch to the face. You cannot help but declare yourself as their biggest fan as soon as you’ve heard the first few seconds of Spill Your Guts. If I had any musical talent, this is the kind of music I’d want to make. Immediately influential; enough to make you wish you had some musical talent. I listen with frustration and the desire to create something. Yet all I can do is write about how fantastic Mikey & The Drags are, somehow that seems enough. For now.

They play with such power and with a purpose. They play with such bite that you cannot help but be in awe as soon as you hear them. Every time I hear music like this I wish I was a million miles away from where I am or back in a time where this style of music was everywhere. By everywhere I mean basement bars that had questionable health and safety regulations. Back to a time where music had some rawness to it; fortunately we have Mikey & The Drags to kick up a storm and are making something of worth.

A lot of bands that fall into the Garage Rock genre seem to want to play ridiculously fast, causing you to not really appreciate the music as much as you’d like. I’m all for playing as loud and as fast as you can- but Mikey & The Drags seem to have really captured the true essence of Garage Rock yet made the genre their own. Not many can do that, and if they do they sometimes get it wrong. Mikey & The Drags do it so perfectly and brilliantly.

Their songs may be short, but they have that unity feel that is seen in bands such as New York Dolls to The Vagrants. They have a gang vibe to their music. They dress exquisitely; everything just fits their sound wonderfully, which makes everything they do seem so effortless. They aren’t trying to be a certain way just to be “cool.” No one is cool, it’s a redundant phrase. Unless you’re Lou Reed, then it exists. Other than that, we’re just the disciples of him aching to be as poetic. Fortunately Mikey & The Drags have got it right. This is ferocious and fearless music as its best; much-needed and massively appreciated.

I think I need to start some kind of petition to get them to the UK or maybe someone could send me to America to see them. Either option is fine by me.

You can listen to Mikey & The Drags’ soulful and thumping sounds right here : https://soundcloud.com/mikey-20

Play as loud as you can and let your limbs be wild and free. They unleash all that’s been dormant inside of you for far too long. If anyone is going to drag out your inner beast, let it be these guys!

FEATHERS- If All Now Here.

Posted on by

“Damn those evil eyes.”

 

Land Of The Innocent instantly became my favourite song of the year when I heard it in January. Every song I hear seems to become my favourite song; it’s fine. I actually mean it this time. It was the perfect synth driven song I’d heard in a while, and the haunting vocals just instantly won me over. But could they do the same with their debut record? In short, yes. Stop reading now if you must. I’d advise it because all I’m going to do is tell you why I love it and not be a jumped up music journalist!

The record starts with Land Of The Innocent. I don’t need to write about that, my feelings towards that song are evident. Soft comes next and it is brilliant. Everything seems positive from here. Their music, like I said the first time I wrote about them, is as delicate as their name. A lot of bands that make this style of music seem to want to desperately bring the 80s back. Urgh. NO! I know times are shit now, but there’s no need to bring the 80s back. Unless you are getting The Jesus And Mary Chain to tour the UK just one more time; then it’s okay. Leave the past in the past. Anyone who has tried to be Punk in recent times has turned out to be awful. I don’t even understand how Pop-Punk became a thing. That’s my own personal hate there, and I’m in the minority.

If All Now Here is of its time. It sounds like nothing else before or anything else around now. It’s flawless enough for it to influence a bunch of musicians struggling to make their own sound. Without sounding like a dick, it is a strong record. I don’t mean it in a cheap slang way most use; I mean it in its truest and purest sense. It is a record that you can put against a lot that have come out this year, and previous years that made (or tried) to make music of this genre- and it will be the one that blows the listener’s mind. What I love about If All Now Here is that it has no obvious influences. I don’t like it when you know straight away who (or if) a band are influenced by. I could quite happily research what has influenced some of my favourite bands, and spend hours listening to them and finding the one song that is evidently their backbone. I don’t like it when it is obvious. Maybe I just like making life difficult for myself at times.

I really love Dream Song because it has such a tame vibe to it. It feels like watching the sunset as you go off into the unknown. There’s a lot of comfort on this record, and Dream Song is the main track that really expresses this. It honestly does feel like a dream; the whole record feels like you are falling deep into the most pleasant trance. An ethereal state takes you over; every song feels as if it was made for you to dream to.

Feathers quickly became my ideal band back in January and the anticipation I carried for this record was much like what I carry around waiting for the new Warpaint record. Although both make different styles of music, both manage to take you on a gentle journey to the most perfect state of bliss you can imagine. For me, I have no problem at all with firmly stating that If All Now Here is one of the best records of the year. No doubt it’ll be the most ignored because everyone loves Haim; but Feathers are doing something different. You don’t always have to go with what the hype says you should, because when you do you foolishly ignore the good stuff. But, again, my opinion and I carry it alone.

If All Now Here doesn’t sound like a debut record; that’s how powerful it is. It doesn’t sound like something from a brand new band, but that’s what makes them worthy of your time. The dark and mysterious tones in their music is well hidden; listen intensely and it all becomes clear. When a band mix dark lyrics over cheerful sounds it is just the best thing because at first you are unaware of the darkness in the lyrics, but then you really start to listen and you then connect. That’s what makes a band not only powerful but also, believable. A prime example of this on If All Here Now is the track Dark Matter, I know it is eventually obvious on all songs but Dark Matter really captures. I adore the church bell sound on Night Seances; an eerie song that makes you feel as if you are in contact with another world. All of the record feels as if you have stepped into another world. One with meaning, one with ease. It is a phenomenal record; only a fool would find fault in it.

You can buy the record from their bandcamp page here: http://feathers.bandcamp.com/

MODERN BLOSSOM.

Posted on by

 

Everything I’ve written recently has either been deleted or saved somewhere, more than likely to be deleted. I don’t know why it has happened, but this has happened many times. The frustration of words builds and builds. I want to write, but I can’t. I have no idea at all. But I’m going to try make this one work for one reason. The band I’m going to write about are Italian. I’m half Italian, so I feel I have to do it.

Modern Blossom come from Florence. One of the best places in Italy. Personally, my favourite place in Italy is Perguia. I remember going to a record shop there when I was about 11 or 12, it was so neat and I think it had glass shelves. My memory is hazy; they may have just been clean. I wanted to spend the rest of my holiday in this shop, but obviously I couldn’t. I’d quite happily spend the rest of life wandering from record shop to record shop; but apparently this isn’t feasible- but when is it ever? Modern Blossom make dark electro music. The kind of music you play late at night in your room when you should be doing that thing that everyone else seems to do- sleeping. Who needs sleep when you have music like this?!

I adore the pleading vocals on I Don’t Own You and the desperation on Last Act. My knowledge of Italian music isn’t exactly great. I had a small obsession with Litfiba and an appreciation for Vasco Rossi. That’s pretty much it. Of course I know there is more to the Italian music scene than those two. From listening to Modern Blossom I cannot help but have confidence that something beautiful is happening in Italy; musically. The raw power in Modern Blossom’s music is stunning. The way the songs are sung in such a straining (I mean this with the most respect and praise) way makes you believe in every single word. It is like you are feeling the fury too, and if you cannot connect with a band or song then you really have no chance of ever being a fan.

I listen to all kinds of music. I don’t care for the genre so long as it sounds dark and a bit menacing. Songs like A Sickness Called Faith (pretty apt title for some, right?!) are just amazing. The intense atmosphere in their music is really at its peak in this song; it is like every single frustration is just oozing out in this song. In a way that you can’t ever seem to pull out of yourself. Something stirs within you on a daily basis; Modern Blossom get it out of you in the most humanely way possible. A Common Poetry feels like an ode of sorts to a previous love that you’ve disgusted or a friend that you’ve disgusted. We’ve all been there, but maybe they don’t deserve such an excellent song to be associated with it. I really enjoy the intensity in their music; every song has a gorgeous build up especially on A Common Poetry.

Beg For More is their first record and although it consists of only 7 tracks- they are 7 solid tracks that satisfy the listener to the core. There are no pretentious lyrics or obscure key changes to make you lose your mind. What we have here is something carefully crafted but to the point. They don’t weave around to create something that makes you think too hard to the point of madness, but just enough to make you see things differently.

If you’re lacking depth or inspiration, you can listen to their record and some other tracks here: https://soundcloud.com/modernblossom

FORZA ITALIA!

NIGHTBREAKER.

Posted on by

 

Sometimes you hear something and the ability to put into words just how incredible it is fails you. It’s failed me right now. Normally I’d quite happily just sit and write hundreds of words about why I love said band or whatever. I can’t this time, so I’ll just leave this here:

Go listen to the rest of his stuff here:

https://soundcloud.com/nightbreaker

His music is like a menace coming out late at night. Coming out to haunt you. You know you should run and hide, but sometimes you have to face everything head on. To run and hide from Nightbreaker would be foolish. Play reasonably loud and irresponsibly.