Category Archives: Influential Women In Music.

JESSIE WARE. Abbey Road Studios. 19th September 2013.

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I’ve been to some brilliant gigs in my time. Some have been in questionable places that disregard health and safety. Others have been in beautiful places that I’d be totally fine with sleeping in if no one knew I was there. Thing is, I prefer the venues that look as if they are going to fall apart and are so dark you think a door is a person, so you speak to them without realising. That could just be my shit eyesight though….

I got a phone call on Monday evening. I never answer my phone because it is always on silent and I have no idea why someone would want to call me. For some reason, I answered. I was told I had won tickets to see Jessie Ware at Abbey Road Studios on Thursday (last night.) I never win anything (okay so a week before I got an email saying I’d won tickets to see Ellie Goulding at the iTunes Festival but shush!) I hung up after all was confirmed. Told my pals who I was with, and invited one of them with me. Apparently my girlfriend should have been my first choice. OOPS! So with my pal and I excited about the gig, she got exactly the same phone call as me! What are the chances!

Let’s talk about the show now.

Abbey Road has this incredible atmosphere that just hits you as soon as you walk in. My favourite thing was the photo of Jamie Hince (The Kills) on the wall. I was thinking of ways to take it, but realised quickly the photo is as big as me so it wouldn’t work. It’s not like it was a print I could roll up and shove in my back pocket.

After indulging in the free drinks (I dislike wine but free wine tastes really nice, as do free cocktails) we shuffled towards the front. I was stood directly in front of the mic. I like to be at the front; mainly because I’m a short arse who cannot see.

Jessie strides onto the stage with the most glorious smile I’ve ever seen; thing is, during the night her smile just gets bigger and bigger. She plays pretty much all of the songs from Devotion. If you don’t own her record, you are missing out. Her voice is so beautiful. She’s my generation’s Sade mixed with Aaliyah. Throughout her set she speaks to those who have come all the way from Canada, high fives people at the front, takes photos with fans as she’s singing and pretty much has the best time ever on stage.

What made this gig really special was that, it was in an intimate venue that holds a lot of history. The chances are one of your favourite bands have probably recorded here at some point. The love in room was just simply euphoric. I’ve been to Morrissey gigs where people have tried to launch themselves at the stage, but this was something else. There is something deeply captivating about Jessie Ware, and it isn’t just her voice. You can tell that she truly loves what she does, and the sheer happiness that just pours from her falls into the crowd.

For me personally, when she sang Running for about 10 seconds whilst looking at me was delightful. As was having a photo with her afterwards, and her thanking us for being at the front. NO PROBLEM JESSIE!

Devotion is one of the best records I’ve heard in years. It has pure soul and expresses love on different. Hearing songs such as Taking In Water (written for her brother, probably my favourite) and Night Light (written for her boyfriend, but he doesn’t really like it!) live just left me in awe. The way she sings so effortlessly and is so gracious, she is undeniably the best UK female singer around. She has this genuine soulful feel to her music, and because it is so natural it just takes you over in such a magical way. Watching her made you feel like the luckiest person in the room because you were witnessing something memorable. You can tell every single song means the world to her, and I think that is what makes us fans feel the same way. Her connection with the crowd was stunning, and to have a quality like this is quite rare- which makes you instantly treasure her.

Jessie’s band are incredible. Everyone on stage has this infectious grin, and I’m pretty sure I spent the hour watching them all just grinning back like a loon! But the thing is, you really cannot help it. Live music to me, is everything. Music is a massive part of my life but live music is something else. It allows you to unleash everything with the person responsible for the sounds stood right in front of you. To not be moved by something like this is something I cannot quite get my head around. I suppose it is because music is that important to me. Shows like this will be talked about in years to come, because it was so intimate and special.

This show was made up of beautiful moments that all there were so lucky to have witnessed. What truly blew my mind, as I’ve said above was just how happy Jessie Ware is on stage. You can just tell how humble she is, and how every cheer and when word is sung back to her just means so much.

Last night made me fall in love with London even more than I already am. It was a spectacular event with brilliant people. I also now enjoy Campari. As an Italian, I feel I should and as it was in the free cocktails, I became a fan. Hopefully it will taste as good if I ever buy it… Oh and the goodie bag we were given was a treat too!

A huge thank you to Wayne who called on Monday to say I had won the tickets!

 

* The photo above was taken by my girlfriend because she’s got one of them iPhones that takes alright photos and my phone is crap!

Happy 30th Birthday AJW xxxx

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For some, 14th September is just a normal day- but for others they know that today is a pretty sad day. If it wasn’t for that horrible day two years ago, today would have been a special day for one person and her family. Sadly it isn’t. A loss is a loss, regardless of who experiences it.

Today would have been Amy Winehouse’s  30th birthday; today is also Nas’ 40th birthday. A rapper she really loved, and spoke beautifully about it in her song Me & Mr. Jones. She even sampled Made You Look by Nas on her song, In My Bed. Both songs are incredible, and probably the two I can sort of listen to without this weird and awful feeling just hitting me.

If Amy wasn’t so open with her lyrics, if you thought she didn’t mean every word- then I guess her music is probably easy to listen to. I remember hearing her many years ago on Trevor Nelson’s radio show he had on a Saturday afternoon on Radio 1 and he played Stronger Than Me. I then saw her on Jools Holland and she had this baby blue guitar and leopard print trousers on. She looked a little vulnerable but an element of control was around her. Anyone who saw that performance knew that they were witnessing something that would become such a vital performance. More importantly it was one of the best performances on that show. Ever.

Of course we must not be sad, but there will always be an element of sadness when her name is mentioned. Or when we think about Amy Winehouse. Her music, her words..they made you feel as if you knew her. Of course we didn’t but she was so open with her words- you couldn’t help but feel something like, she was your pal. Her music got you through heartbreak. So many have leant on her record, Back To Black to get through emotional pain. It was a raw record that exposed the ugly and haunting feelings we have in a way that we never could. That no one else may ever do. She was a phenomenal song-writer; the sheer honesty in her songs was just absolutely beautiful. The way in which she sung them made them what they were; perfect.

Since her passing, Amy’s family have set up the Amy Winehouse Foundation. You can learn more about who they are and what they do: http://www.amywinehousefoundation.org and all through September they putting on events to celebrate her 30th birthday. Get involved.

Today is a sad day, but it..happens. She died far too young, and it is so easy to think of what could have been. But what we have is what we should treasure. There will never ever be anyone else like her. She will always be the Queen Of Camden, always.

Happy Birthday Amy xxxx

SISU-Blood Tears.

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We have moments of clarity and realisation in really peculiar moments. The worst is when it happens when you’re stuck on train or whatever, and you cannot get out to do something about it. Or you have pen and paper near you to write anything down. I have a shit memory at times, so I just forget anything that could be of use to me. Sometimes though; I manage to cling. More people should learn to keep secrets, and keep their own. But sometimes we are given an insight into a world that’s a billion times better than our own. You know where you can find a better world? Right inside the depths of SISU’s debut record, Blood Tears.

SISU is fronted by Sandra Vu who is the excellent drummer in Dum Dum Girls. If I could drum, I’d want to have the talent she has. She adds something a bit aggressive to a band that are wonderfully delicate. So what kind of music does she make in SISU? Well, if you’re looking for a Dum Dum Girls clone don’t bother. SISU are quite synth focused which adds a really dark and reluctantly I say this, a “goth” vibe to it. If Bauhaus merged with say, Depeche Mode- this is what you’d get. SISU’s music has a wonderful New Romantic feel to it also. Blood Tears is a record you need to play whilst walking late at night with a heavy mist looming. There is something quite sinister about this record, and that’s why I love it. The song Electronic sounds like it should be featured in a horror or thriller film- as the bad guy approaches his next victim. The record is gorgeous and creepy; it makes you want to put a cape on and go deep into the night. Or you could just stay at home and play it. I’d go for the latter, it is much safer.

I’m not going to make any comparisons to Dum Dum Girls as I think that’s quite unfair. They are separate bands with completely different sounds. Different is always good, especially in music. The structure to this record is just perfect; every song flows perfectly into the other. It flows majestically even if it feels like a haunting soundtrack to a dream you once had. The darker the sound, the better. SISU’s music was made for those creepy basement bars where you are surrounded by people who just “get” you. Without words, but a knowing nod- they just get you. Blood Tears is a debut record that I know I am going to hold very close to my heart for some time. I think this is how my brilliant stepdad felt when he heard Siouxsie And The Banshees for the first time. You know you are hearing something incredibly inspiring here. I hope they play the UK, because there are some brilliant venues here that were made for bands like SISU.

I could happily praise this record for as long as words fall out of me. I’ve noticed something in the song Let Go that reminds me of Garbage’s debut record. There is an attitude to SISU’s music that is found in Garbage, and although I said I wouldn’t compare them earlier- you find this in Dum Dum Girls’ music too. But you probably knew that. Shirley Manson is an incredible force that has evidently influenced so many.  I have no idea if Sandra is influenced by Shirley, but her voice has the same “I’m going to make you listen to me” feel to it. It’s bloody empowering.

I believe music is probably one of the few things in life that can give you a real sense of pleasure and freedom. Blood Tears feels like it could strengthen the weak ones. That it can find those who truly need to be found. The dark atmosphere that is in this record is nothing short of divine and you never want it to end. Ten songs just isn’t enough, but you can always hit repeat can’t you.

I sincerely hope Sandra and the band are proud of this record because it is honestly unlike anything else I’ve heard all year. SISU are on that Dirty Beaches level (who they are currently on tour with and I really wish I lived in America right now because of it!) They aren’t conventional with their sound and you can just sense a lot went into the music. I think when you pick up on that, you gain a different insight to the record. I’m not for conventional anyway, which is why bands such as SISU mean a lot to me.

A debut record can have a massive impact on the fan/listener; you fully get that with Blood Tears. It is a passionate and bold record that I cannot wait to have in my possession and play on a daily basis. That eerie bass-line in Sharp Teeth is enough to make The Cure go to the studio and make something as ethereal as Seventeen Seconds. It may be 2013, but SISU truly take you somewhere else. I don’t know where, but being found doesn’t matter.

Blood Tears is out on Mono Prism Records on 17th September. Even if you are on poverty row, go buy this record. I have so much more left to say about Blood Tears, but I’ll stop here….for now.

AALIYAH.

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Time can be fascinating and time can be cruel. Time is everything and nothing. A hindrance and a healer. You choose. Sometimes time chooses for you.

I went for a run earlier; I ran for many reasons. I ran for the dislike of my body, and also in the hopes I could find the words to eventually write this. Then I realised, this isn’t being written with anyone in mind. I never care for who reads my words because I know for the most part- no one cares for my ramblings on music. This goes beyond music.

We experience things in our lives where we remember everything in that moment. You try to take as much as you can in; as more time passes you remember smaller details that never really held any meaning. Maybe they mean something now; but maybe they never will.

I was in my room when I was told that Aaliyah I had died. I was wearing my favourite red t-shirt. My close friends at that time knew I was a massive fan of Aaliyah’s- my phone kept going off. What I wished to be a lie turned out to be painfully true. I idolised Aaliyah since the very first time I heard her music in 1995. I wanted to be her. I wanted to dress like her; I guess it is why I was always a bit of a tomboy. Her music was the music relaxing and soulful sound I had ever heard. To never hear her voice ever again was something I couldn’t get my head around. To an extent, I still can’t.

It will never feel right writing about Aaliyah in past tense. I know it never will. I always lived in hope I’d see Aaliyah live and meet her to just talk about her music. I love interviewing musicians, and she is probably the one I will always wish I had the chance to interview. It won’t happen in this lifetime, but maybe in the next one.

A friend I gained through the death of Aaliyah who became like a sister to me, last year designed an Aaliyah tattoo for me. It’s on my bicep and around it is the Warpaint logo. The tattoo means more to me than my other tattoos I have; and what it means to me is something I’ll never have the words for. Sometimes, you don’t need words.

The music Aaliyah made changed R&B music; since her death many have tried to carry on what she did. It never worked. Why? There will never be anyone else quite like Aaliyah. One In A Million, always.

 

SADE.

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As much as I like music that was probably made to burst eardrums, sometimes it is nice to listen to something/someone who is beyond precious.

My love for Sade started at a very young age. A lot of people seem to regard Kate Bush as the ultimate UK female musician. As much as I like Kate Bush, she will never mean as much to me as Sade does. Sure both are similar- rarely release records, tour or do interviews. Both make very different types of music. Kate Bush can hit the notes; but I don’t really go for that. I want to hear someone with a smooth voice that eases the soul. Sade is that singer, for me. I cannot remember the first time I heard Sade, but I know I was very very young. It was No Ordinary Love that started my love for Sade.  So far I had a healthy diet of music in my life by this point that consisted of Bob Dylan, Morrissey, Nick Cave and Muddy Waters. My mum and my uncle made it easy for me to be obsessed with music; it was treated as a normal thing. I’ve felt abnormal about most things in my life, but my love for music has always been the one thing I have constantly felt utterly secure with. When I heard Sade’s voice I remember this relaxed feeling taking over. It became something that I craved in other singers and bands. There aren’t really many I felt this way about. A few years later (1995 to be exact) I felt exactly when the same when I heard Aaliyah, to this day I still regard Aaliyah as my favourite singer of all time. I think the closest we can get to a modern-day Sade is probably Jessie Ware.

For me, Sade exposed the emotion of love in a pure way. When I was listening to her before I was aware of human emotion, I was just purely in awe of her voice. I wanted to be a singer who sounded just like her. I wanted the voice of Sade and the looks/style of Aaliyah. Truth be told, I probably still do. As I got older and developed a love for words, I studied Sade’s lyrics more and felt a deeper love towards her music. At times we may think love can be cruel and unkind. But for the most part, it is a vital thing to feel. And without it, there’s no point. I don’t just mean love in a romantic way. Love is vital. Regardless of its context.

Sade’s quiet nature has always been projected into her music. She posses such a delicate voice that instantly soothes your mind, body and soul. Her words go straight to your heart. She’s proof that sometimes; it’s not what you say, but how you say it that proves to have the most importance. Her angelic tones are perfect for the times where you want to shut the world off and be alone; and they also work when you need a feeling summing up. The way she portrays the innocence in most feelings is truly gorgeous.

What I love about Sade is the way she appeals to everybody. She is respected amongst most genres; especially Hip Hop. She’s an artist that is frequently sampled in Hip Hop, and when done right it is nothing short of brilliant. Her music is easy to fall in love with her. It doesn’t matter if you’re obsessed with lyrics or focus on the vocal range; Sade is on a different level. Always has been, always will be.

Her Jazz like atmosphere that is found in her music coupled with her divine voice is something that will always be influential. It doesn’t matter what style of music it is, you can always pick up a Sade influence in there.

About 10 years ago or so, I went to what can only be described as a junkyard, and amongst the crates of vinyl was a copy of her debut record, Diamond Life for £1. It was in perfect condition, fortunately I could afford it. It’s to this day still one of my most valued records I own. Hearing songs such as Your Love Is King (one of the best love songs ever) and When Am I Going To Make A Living on vinyl sounds so pure with the crackling background underneath. Perfection in what others would regard as an imperfection.

Although many have been (and still are) influenced by Sade, I’m not entirely sure a UK singer will ever be as vital as her again. But, that’s just my view and for the most part I’m told I’m wrong. Her voice brings a sense of comfort and ease; her music is the definition of love. In short, she makes you feel safe. I challenge anyone to listen  to By Your Side and not have some kind of emotional breakdown. Again, it is another perfect love song by Sade. If you’re one of those people who bang on about never knowing what true love is, then go outside- by a copy of any Sade record and listen. Close your eyes and just listen. She sets the heart free and a wave of emotion just pours out.

The heart will want what the heart will want. To ever be swayed by something or someone is never really pleasing. To be comforted by words and a voice that unleashes vulnerability and security is always welcomed. As I listen to Sade now, I still feel 6 years old again; as if it is the first time listening to her. She is graceful and timeless. She’s a portrait of beauty in every single way. I still wish that when I sung I sounded like her; instead I sound like someone who has no regard for themselves and has poorly auditioned for one of them painful “reality” shows.

The way Sade carries herself is something not many have seemed to master, and because she is so rare; that’s why she will always be treasured. It doesn’t matter (okay maybe it does….) if she never releases another record, because what we have is enough to get by.  Everything about her is just iconic. Her soulful music is the very core of feelings we wish another would place upon us. There’s always music. Always. But there will never ever be another Sade.

MARNIE-The Hunter.

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I was sent something today from my pals over at  Soft Power Records. They are easily my favourite label (excluding Art Fag, Zoo Music and Sacred Bones.) They put out strange sounds that just reinforces my love for music. But listening to music at the moment is a painful thing.  On Saturday I was meant to fly home for the weekend. I didn’t go because I had an ear infection. However, I rang NHS Direct and they said it was my teeth and I should go register with a dentist. And also take paracetamol. I went to a Walk-In Centre on Sunday and was told it was a throat infection. I was given antibiotics which were bright pink, and my girlfriend would text me at certain times to remind me to take them. I just wanted to sleep. I went to the doctor yesterday, and I was told it’s an ear infection. My ear drops are bright yellow. Hearing out of my right ear is painful. I don’t trust NHS Direct. I don’t think anyone should. So with a painful ear, I listened to something. I listened to something extremely beautiful.

Who is Marnie?

Marnie is Helen Marnie. She’s in Ladytron. Ladytron make wonderful electro music. Electro music is easy to mess up. It is easy to overdo it and just sound like a child hitting demo. Thankfully, Ladytron never did that. Thankfully Marnie has made something equally brilliant.

I do like Ladytron, I like them a lot. But after listening to Marnie; I think I’ve sided with her solo work just because it sounds a lot more sinister. I don’t want to listen to something that makes me feel like I’m running through a field with kittens (dogs are far better anyway) Marnie makes music that does something to your insides. Something gets lifted inside of you. Her sister sound with this is the likes of Bat For Lashes. She has that eerie feel to her voice that is portrayed so beautifully in Natasha Khan’s voice- Marnie does exactly the same. The vulnerability in Marnie’s voice in The Hunter is absolutely gorgeous. It may be utterly painful for me hear anything, but this is nothing short of stunning. It’s worth the pain. I know I know I’ve made it worse for myself, but music is always worth it.

Her debut record, Crystal World via PledgeMusic for funding. That site has become a platform for all kinds of artists, and without it- maybe music like this wouldn’t be released. Then you have the likes of Soft Power Records who put out 7″ singles, and it just makes everything better doesn’t it.

The Wind Breezes On is an awesome b-side. It feels like an old folk tale. There’s something about it that oozes fight and courage. I can’t really explain it, you just need to listen to it to truly feel it. But if you don’t feel it, I guess that’s okay.

The vocals on her solo work are more clear and in some respects more delicate than what she does in Ladytron but hey- no point in comparing because they are both different. When a singer can do this, that’s when you know they are truly remarkable. Electronic music can be the happiest beat with the saddest lyrics; for some that’s why they love it. That’s why I love it; when it is done like this. It can mask the sadness with ethereal sounds.

A lot of solid music has emerged this year, Marnie is easily at the front of this. If you like Ladytron, hopefully you’ll dig this. Even if you don’t like Ladytron, I think Marnie may offer you something you’ll enjoy.

You can listen to the single here: http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

The Hunter is released via Soft Power Records on 12th August to a limited amount of 300 copies. The Hunter is produced by fellow Ladytron member, Daniel Hunt.

HANA PIRANHA- Thin Air.

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My love for Hana Piranha is over a year old, but it feels like I have been playing her music for years and years. Maybe it is because she reminds me of singers I’ve loved for so long. She has a big voice, in a non obnoxious way. She doesn’t warble like most singers with a big voice. You can hear every word. She sings with power and clarity. Do not fuck with Hana Piranha.

I remember watching her covers on her YouTube channel. Her take on Closer by Nine Inch Nails was much more creepy than the original. She made it much more sinister. She made Rock & Roll Queen by The Subways go from an Indie kid anthem (I love The Subways so I’m not being disrespectful. They remind me of being at University. Their live shows are mental) to a heartbreaking ode to a love you can never seem to get. Work at it, you’ll get there.

Hana is the meanest (I mean that in a brutally gorgeous way) violinist around. She plays with a fury like no other. As someone who isn’t a fan of the violin, she’s swayed my view. Or maybe I’m only okay with her. Who knows; either way, I know a raw talent when I hear it.

The stranger the voice, the better. Why settle for conventional and bland when you can have something that is out of this world. We lack the power of Siouxsie now, the dominance of Poly Styrene. Or maybe we don’t. It lives on in the likes of Hana. She can make the loneliest of fools feel okay in the skin they are in with her words. There is something about her that just makes you glad you exposed your ears to her beautifully weird music. She absolutely slays the violin; like I said above, you really don’t fuck with Hana Piranha.

I’ve not really mentioned the new song at all. About that….

Thin Air shows her dominance in a way unlike before. She doesn’t flail about like a wounded creature with her violin. Oh no. She plays it with such fury. The heart and passion she plays with is found in the likes of the greats such as Patti Smith. She has this captivating stance that just makes you want to listen to her voice and over. Next week, you won’t be able to take your eyes off her music video to Thin Air. The teaser to the video below just shows the power she has, and is just a bloody treasure.

She resembles to musicians I love, Patti Smith and Kate Jackson (from The Long Blondes.) Her voice is a raw and rare beauty. I can’t wait for the video to Thin Air. It’s going to be fucking insane, and really? Wouldn’t have it any other way.

AJW.

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Amy+Winehouse+amy-1

Time can give hope, it can also continue to make matters worse. It does a lot of things. From healing to despair. It’s everything and nothing; all at once. I should be getting ready for work, but I’ll only annoy myself if I don’t write this down now.

Two years have passed. You remember exactly where you were and who you were with when you found out. I was crossing the road in a place I loath with a very good friend. We got home and put the news on.

For me, Amy’s death changed everything I feel towards music. It changed how I listened to music. It’s been two years since I listened to her music; I simply cannot listen to her voice without wanting to cry. I feel ridiculous feeling this way, but her music was as important to me as is Morrissey’s music. It is on that level.

When I went to see Patti Smith in April she performed her song, This Is The Girl. Her tribute to Amy. Of course I cried. But I cried because someone who I have looked up to since I was very young was singing a song dedicated to a person who was also an inspiration to many.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding of her death and the demons she faced; she was someone’s daughter, someone’s sister. She will always be loved and always remembered. Seeing her being labelled as part of the “27 Club” is just disrespectful. I don’t agree with it, I never have.

Maybe one day I’ll listen to her music again and not want to cry like a baby, but until that day….

Her music comforted us in our own heartbreaks and also showed a side of love we may never know. Her music captured everything we wanted to say and if you have never cried to at least one of her songs; then your heart is made of stone. She got to the very core of a feeling and no matter how ugly it was, she made it into something beautiful. Her music was a source of comfort, and was that friend at 4am when your heart and thoughts got too heavy.

LA WITCH -EP.

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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.

 

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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.

FEATHERS- If All Now Here.

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“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/