Category Archives: New Music 2013

MAZZY STAR-Seasons Of Your Day.

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When you wait a hell of a long time for a band you like to put a new record out, you desperately don’t want it to be crap. I’ve had this disappointment thrusted upon me a few times; more recently it was MBV. I don’t even know if I made it through the whole record, I sort of just..gave up really. Typical, I know. I got so far and thought better of it. As I listen to Seasons Of Your Day by Mazzy Star, I’m slowly realising that this disappointment doesn’t have to be a frequent thing.

Yes everyone loves Fade Into You. Yes it is one of the best love songs of all time and yes I cannot listen to it without wanting to cry. Let’s move on from that, because their debut record, She Hangs Brightly will always be my favourite thing they’ve ever done. I also love the songs The Jesus And Mary Chain featured Hope on. I think it made their record, Munki alright. When you can accept weak albums from your favourite band, you know you’ll love them for life. Thing is, I don’t just love The Jesus And Mary Chain. Religious people have their scriptures and the like; I just have music.

Seasons Of Your Day pretty much sounds like Warpaint meets Beach House meets Cat Power’s Myra Lee record. The opening track, In The Kingdom sounds as if it was an outtake from Beach House’s last record, Bloom. Seasons Of Your Day just oozes love and devotion. It is, to put it simply; a pure and delicate piece of art that makes you feel as if no time has passed at all since their last record, which was actually 17 years ago. I feel really old now…

It is obvious that Hope Sandoval is a painfully shy character, most of us are. Sometimes it gets a bit frustrating because you want songs that have a bit more bite to them, but this is what makes Mazzy Star so distinctive. They still have that ethereal atmosphere to their music with beautiful psychedelic sounds. You close your eyes and you feel as if you are on some trip. I’ve never done drugs, but I can go dizzy if I stand up too fast. Old age..it is sure creeping up. The bastard.

I was quite young when I first heard of Mazzy Star, and as I got older I read their lyrics intensely and I sort of learnt the true meaning of devotion from their songs. When they delve into the hypnotic and captivating throes of love, you cannot help but place yourself in that situation that Hope is singing about. Somehow I don’t think Mazzy Star are capable of doing something as aggressive as say, Violet by Hole. I love Courtney Love, and no one can do honesty like she does; she exposes ugly feelings and makes you feel alright with feeling them. Sometimes, it is a bore to feel completely clean.

I’d imagine a lot of people would bake to this record whilst wearing an awful jumper. Don’t wear a jumper when baking; you’ll get too hot. Don’t wear an apron either. You’ve not successfully baked or cook unless you’ve made a mess and got half the ingredients in your hair.

I’m aware this is probably the worst record review EVER, but who cares? My point in this is that, unlike some bands- Mazzy Star have been away for 17 years and they come back sounding as gorgeous and as gentle as they did back then. It is a style that I don’t think will ever leave them. I hope it never leaves them because they have created something to just shut your eyes to, and dream away life and everything in it.

One of the things I really really adore about Seasons Of Your Day is that there is an obvious Blues influence here. The bottleneck effect on the guitars is just stunning on this record. Anyone who dismisses that genre is denying themselves of some of the most heartbreaking and honest songs ever. Taylor Swift isn’t echoing your thoughts about heartache; Bessie Smith is (well not anymore obviously..but back catalogue, you’ll see!) The Blues was a genre that my mum was obsessed with; she’d play Muddy Waters to me, and it was such a comforting sound. She had a tape of him that I pretty much took ownership of. Without the Blues you really wouldn’t have a large chunk of the music you have now.

Seasons Of Your Day does not disappointment. It is perfect for long-term fans of the band, and for those that have never heard of them. Or have only heard THAT song. Yes THAT song is beautiful, but there are beautiful songs on Seasons Of Your Day. The sincerity in Hope’s voice is nothing short of divine, she lives up to her name (sorry…)

17 years was obviously a long time to wait, but things do take time. Usually things of greatness. Seasons Of Your Day was recorded between 1997 and 2012, and as you listen to it, you can sort of tell that these songs were done this way as there are certain changes in the sound. There are leaps into a solid sound on Seasons Of Your Day, and this solid sound they have created here makes you hope that they don’t wait another 17 years to release a record. Mazzy Star are a band that are secure in their own sound. They don’t need to change their sound drastically in order for you to listen. You love them because they have a relaxed and (I hate to use this word) dreamy feel to their music.

Seasons Of Your Day is 50 minutes of bliss, something we should expose ourselves to more often rather than want to rush everything. Take your time, because there are beautiful moments in this record that you will miss if you preoccupy yourself with other matters.

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.

LUUUL.

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Chillwave was a style that was apparently set out to bring out hipsters and pretentious oiks in full force. Music is music, and you cannot be a snob about it. I’ve been called a “music snob” more times than I can remember, it used to offend me but I’ve learnt not to listen to people. I’m just massively passionate about music, and to be honest I think it is the only thing that validates my music. Writing about music is one of the very few things that make me feel like I’m doing something of use. I do it for no one but myself, and I think if I did it because I had to/for others- I wouldn’t care. If you’re not going to put your everything into something, then please just leave it alone. So you can say Chillwave is only for certain people, that’s fine- but that makes YOU the daft one. I know to an extent a lot of it sounds the same, but you can find that in any genre. I’d rather listen to hundred of bands that sound like Youth Lagoon than be told Katy Perry is one of the best singers around. (I’m still mad at her UR So Gay and I Kissed A Girl songs.) So I should probably leave this rant alone and move on to what I intended to write about.

LUUUL is one guy who makes music that makes you feel like you constantly have the sun on your back. He makes you feel as if nothing in the world right now matters. For the most part, I guess not much does matter. It depends on your outlook. But as I listen to LUUUL’s music, everything feels like a dream and nothing really matters. Music can help you create beautiful moments in your mind. It doesn’t matter what they are, because no one can take them away from you. The Morning After is the perfect song to listen to as the morning sun hits your tired eyes. As sleep falls away from you, LUUUL’s music is the hope you find a new day. Everything in the moments his music creates is just perfect. His music is the picturesque sunrise you wish you could paint. It stays locked in your head, and gently falls down to the depths of your heart. The moments are kept safe for as long as you wish.

I’m not someone who seeks hot climates and wishes to laze about on a beach, but LUUUL has this gorgeous way of making you wish you were on a beach staring at the sun’s rays hit the glistening sea. What song by LUUUL is perfect for this? Beach of course. The beautiful moments never stop with his music. The bass-line to Beach sounds like how Warpaint would sound if they went in this direction. Both make entirely dreamy music to just lose yourself in, and it never felt so good. The best thing and the most beautiful thing about music is the feelings it gives you. Feelings you probably thought you couldn’t feel or would ever feel. Certain key changes in the songs you love or that one line in your favourite song of all time can just make your heart beat quicker and can just cover your body in goosebumps. Your favourite song is like looking at the person you’re in love with- nothing matters, just that moment. That’s how LUUUL’s music makes you feel. But of course, this is just my personal opinion.

For any emptiness you feel inside, there is always a band or a song to make it alright; you can find it in LUUUL for sure. His music is the sun on your bones, warming you up and just making you feel alright.

You can listen to more of LUUUL right here: https://soundcloud.com/luuul

His bio may say it is just a guy, but it is obviously more than that. It is one person creating truly beautiful music.

WOMAN’S HOUR.

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True love is found and felt in weird places. I think I experienced it this morning at its strangest. I saw two grey hairs on my head (I’m 26!!) so I whinged about it, and my girlfriend pulled them out before she went to work. I was being dramatic, but I don’t think I’m ready to go grey just yet. Nor do I fancy colouring my hair, that’s not for me.

True love can also be expressed in music, and the band I’m listening to right now express love and everything around it in such a delicate manner. To the point where they break your heart just slightly. Only slightly. I feel no connection to singers who just stand with an acoustic guitar singing songs that just oozes ridiculousness. It isn’t for me; I cannot connect to it. I want ethereal gems that surround me with a feeling nothing in this world can probably give me; a feeling that goes beyond words. A feeling that is extremely delicate and one you can only treasure.

I’ve found a similar feeling in the band, Woman’s Hour. If you look them up, you might get some stuff about that brilliant Radio 4 show, but that’s okay. Both are good, so it’s fine.

Woman’s Hour have a song called To The End which is exceeds the word “stunning.” I wish I could describe how good this song is, but words for the most part, do fail me. The singer, Fiona has such a delicate voice (think Jessie Ware meets Aaliyah meets Sade- it is that beautiful.) Their music is much like what I listen to, perfect for the night-time when no one else is around. If they are around, tell them to go away or stick some headphones in and just get lost in this captivating world they have created with their music.

They have this haunting way of just soothing your soul in the way Say Lou Lou do- if you’re looking for reassurance, then Woman’s Hour will give you that and more. They are like a comfort blanket for the days where you just want to say no to everything and everyone (I have them more times than I should.) What instantly formed my love for them was that, when I listened to them all essence of colour slipped away. You see things in black and white when you listen to them, with hints of grey. There is a lovely dark atmosphere to their music that quite simply, makes them easy to love. And love them I sure do.

With the daylight appearing less now (it’s not a bad thing) bands like Woman’s Hour are the perfect sound for the crispness of Autumn and the fragility of Winter. Woman’s Hour are perfect to listen to as everything just passes you by. But try holding the one you love as you listen to Our Love Has No Rhythm, and just let everything carry on as normal; ignore it all and create your own moments that no one on this earth can take away from you. Their relaxed sound is good for the soul. Think Beach House meets Sade, then you’ll have it. Every insecurity or feeling of doubt just swims away as you listen to Woman’s Hour- they make you take it easy on yourself, they fill you with this heightened feeling that goes beyond words. But you feel it in your soul, and that’s how you know you are listening to one of the most exciting bands around.

Their single, Darkest Place is going to be released via Luv Luv Luv Records.

You can listen to their enchanting and tranquil sounds here: https://soundcloud.com/womanshourband

Fall for them; and fall freely with your arms open. Your mind will be cleared and your spirits lifted.

LONDON GRAMMAR-If You Wait.

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“I’m feeling shyer and the world gets darker.”

 

When I first wrote about London Grammar in January, I said they reminded me of Imogen Heap meets Youth Lagoon; this was based on just one song. I wasn’t sure if they would keep something like that up, that maybe Hey Now was just a taste of how ethereal they were going to be.

As I listen to their debut record, If You Wait it becomes more obvious that they evidently have made a bloody strong debut. If You Wait sounds like a record you’d expect from a band that are at least 5 years or so deep into their career. It goes beyond all expectations of a debut record.

At its best, If You Wait is a haunting catharsis. Everything about it feels like some kind of release and Hannah’s voice is just so so sad. There’s so much sorrow in her voice, and the fact that the lyrics are as equally as vulnerable as her voice just breaks your heart a little bit more than you anticipated. Wasting My Young Years makes me hate that I’m getting older. But hey, free bus pass! Although by the time I’m 60 I suppose they’ll have scrapped that idea. As I listen to If You Wait, I start to feel everything that London has eventually come to mean to me. Maybe it’s because I’m with the one I love (finally) but London feels like home. There’s so much security in London Grammar’s music, it feels like home. Hannah’s voice is as delicate as the likes of Anthony Hegarty and the music is as soothing as my personal favourite, Deptford Goth. London Grammar are London. They are that awful night bus journey home, they are that last tube home journey. As you gaze out into the night with nothing but the street lights acting as stars to guide you home. For me, I think Sights sums this feeling up more than most. Although it is pretty much constant throughout.

I’d imagine those that listen to London Grammar, and I mean TRULY listen to them will pick up on feelings that those who just skim through will miss out on. There’s innocence and fear on this record- two of the things that make us human. Having these vulnerable characteristics will cause you to pick up on every tiny detail on If You Wait.

As someone who is more delicate than tough (I’ve reached the stage where I no longer wish to try to change this) If You Wait is sort of like..well, it is almost as if London Grammar are telling you that it is alright to be a bit of a coward. To be a little lost, to be a little troubled. If I wasn’t so tired, I think I would have cried listening to this record. This is tugging at the heartstrings at its finest.

If You Wait is made for the shorter, dark days. It is made for solitude. It is made for inner peace. It is made for you to find pieces of yourself that you daren’t share with others; because they’d deem it as ugly. Music will never call out your traits or make you feel ashamed. That’s why I love music. That’s why I believe that If You Wait could possibly be one of the most ethereal records I’ve heard in a long time.

As the sky is now dark, I urge you to click on this link: http://www.londongrammar.com/ifyouwait and close your eyes. Close your eyes and go somewhere where nothing and where no one can disturb you. Find your inner peace and do not let go of it. Cry if you want; better out than in. Let Nightcall be the song that breaks your heart. Let this record be the record that breaks your heart in the most angelic way possible.

London Grammar; London’s finest.

WILLIS EARL BEAL-Nobody Knows.

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Those who struggle with their own reflection and for those who constantly feel uncomfortable in the skin they were placed in; there is an outlet for all of these ugly feelings. Sometimes you are not the one who gets them out, sometimes it is someone else with not just a gift, but a blessing to unleash everything you feel because sometimes, you just physically cannot do it.

At the start of 2012 I wrote about a singer that I accidentally found, proving that sometimes accidents are no bad thing. I became fascinated with Willis Earl Beal’s music because there was nothing about him floating around on the internet. Nobody knew who he was. Nobody knew really where he was. Those that found him were more than likely feeling the same as me; lost. And those that listened to him immediately felt as if they had found some kind of home in his music.

Willis posses the soul of Sam Cooke and the gnarly,raspy drawl of Tom Waits. Willis has soul, and it is infectious. It is the most beautiful thing. Willis had nothing before his debut record was released. He was homeless. He made posters with his number on for people to call just to hear him sing. Willis took it back to how it should have been done, how it always should be done. So what has he done a year on from his debut?

Well, his music is still as raw. His music is still as heartbreaking. Nobody Knows is a phenomenal record, and I sincerely hope this is labelled as a record of the year because it is seriously unlike anything else we’ve had in such a long long time. Chan Marshall (Cat Power) features on Coming Through; with her distinctive voice and Willis’ heartbreaking (it is the only way to describe his voice) just sounds so perfect. I can only hope that this is the start of something musically beautiful between the two. I hope they make a haunting Blues kind of record; enough to make you feel like you’ve experienced the worst kind of pain possible, but tough enough to pull through it.

Whilst his debut, Acousmatic Sorcery seemed to focus on dealing with isolation and despair- Nobody Knows seems to have slightly more positive tones to it. Yet, Willis has a voice that is just made to break your heart mainly because of how much soul is there and how you can tell every single word he is singing means the world to him. And because of this, his words mean everything to you.

I’m too young to have experienced the likes of Howlin’ Wolf first time round, but I can imagine those that were fortunate enough to do so felt like I did the first time I ever heard Willis Earl Beal. Nobody Knows is the kind of record you play when you’re searching for answers that nothing nor no one can seem to give you. Too Dry To Cry is a wonderful example of how strong his voice is. The production on this record is just as raw as Willis’ voice. I think if you listen to his music and you don’t believe him, you’re not listening to it right. I know I’m being entirely biased, but I really cannot understand how anyone could not fall hopelessly and helplessly in love with Willis Earl Beal.

One thing I’ve noticed (amongst many) is that Nobody Knows fits perfectly after Acousmatic Sorcery. Acousmatic Sorcery is the thunderstorm and Nobody Knows is that much-needed sunshine. Nobody Knows is another raw record that serves as a beacon of hope. Sure it may be a bit more positive than his debut, but there are songs on this record that will just bring you to the brink of tears; the song I have in mind that may possibly ruin you is What’s The Deal? It’s a song that resembles being the only person left in a bar and consuming too much alcohol. It is the realisation of being alone, even if you are pathetically told over and over again that you aren’t.

Willis sums up the best and worst feelings a person can have in his music, and that’s what makes him a source of comfort and an ounce of strength for when you really have nothing left. He’s my generation’s Townes Van Zandt, and I am so proud to be a fan of Willis Earl Beal.

THE SAVAGE NOMADS.

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The best bands do not have a distinctive sound. The best bands don’t want to sound like anything else you’ve ever heard. The best bands are fearless. The best bands posses a gang mentality to their music that makes them tougher than the rest.

The Savage Nomads are quite frankly, one of the best bands around. They’ve been around for quite a while and they undoubtedly one of the best bands in London right now, but let’s just ignore how big London is and say they are one of the best bands around, end of. Their sound is like nothing else, and I’m aware how horrifically clichéd that sounds. But I’ve really not heard a band like The Savage Nomads in a long time. Cole Salewicz’s voice is pure and angelic, but there’s a taste of urgency in the way he sings. His voice can break your heart and make you want to dance all at once. A charismatic front-man for sure.

The Savage Nomads are a band that are destined to be around for decades to come. With their unapologetic sound and unified stance on how they make music; you can tell it just means everything to them. When a band have this quality, it is so easy to believe in them. They’ve come so far in the past few years, and honestly there is no denying they are going to go further. A lot of bands seem to sound quite similar. I’m not knocking them because I’m a fan of some of them; it’s just how it is. Certain styles are more “known” than other. What sound do The Savage Nomads have? I have no idea. All I know there is a real essence of soul in each member of the band. Take the song An Empty Seat. It’s one hell of a song with a Funk based bass-line flowing through it. If you don’t feel the urge to dance to this, then you’re not listening right.

For those who are fans of Television, there’s a bit of a resemblance here. I can’t pin point exactly what it is, maybe it is the sheer genius of The Savage Nomads that’s really close to Television. I’ll go with that, it’s as close as I can get. I’d love to hear The Savage Nomads take on a song by Television. The relaxed and cool vibe within their music is freeing and just an absolute delight to listen.

I’d like to talk about their new single, Jaded Edges which is a glorious anthem of a tune. This is made for sweaty venues where your standing so close to strangers, you cannot help but move with them in a unified fashion. There’s something beautifully seductive about this song; for anyone who’s never heard of them before and this is your first time- this song is going to be the one that lures you. Head to those pretentious Indie clubs, and ask for this to be played. You’ll soon see those oversized spectacle wearing “bored” fools get up and dance. If they don’t, then they’ve probably bored themselves to death. The Savage Nomads are one of London’s finest and I can only hope that they just take the rest of the country over. The world is next, but start at home first.

You can purchase Jaded Edges from here: http://savagenomads.bandcamp.com/track/jaded-edges and you can listen to the rest of their hypnotic songs here: https://soundcloud.com/the-savage-nomads

Get on board with one of the UK’s most exciting bands; with a Psychedelic aura and a Soul backbone, The Savage Nomads are just made to be your favourite (new) band.

TROUMACA-The Grace.

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In January this year I wrote about a band that instantly blew my mind. I listened to them before I saw a photo of them. When I saw what they looked like, I thought “I’ve seen you before.” Turns out they were once called Scarlet Harlots and were on Orange Unsigned back in 2008. I used to watch it every weekend. I loved them then, and I always wondered what happened to them. Now I know.

Troumaca are easily the best thing to have come out of the Midlands since….well, that’s up for discussion. Whilst most are obsessing over other bands from the Midlands (and rightfully so, most of them are decent) Troumaca are creeping up, and it is only a matter of time before you start listening.

Summer is a season. Summer is a state of mind. Troumaca are a feeling; Troumaca are a state of mind. The Grace embodies this. The Grace is a stunning debut record. It has the ethereal bliss that is found in the likes of Tamaryn and Beach House. However, let it be known that it sounds like nothing else you’ve heard before. A calypso vibe surrounds the whole record. You know when you hear something so wonderful and perfect that words just do not do it justice? That’s The Grace all over. When I heard Lady Colour ages ago, I hoped that the whole record would have the body of this song; I’m so happy that it does. The dreamy state that flows in and out of this record is breathtaking. Troumaca place you in a trance that you never want to snap out of. I don’t know what the come-down is going to be like when the record stops. There is always the repeat button. Always.

What I love about this record is that each song is story, and to an extent they are stories that the band have lived out. Trees is about struggle, Ivory is about death. Some of the songs you can just tell are personal experiences, and even if they aren’t- you still connect to them as if they were made for you. The music throughout the record has a carnival vibe to it, even if the lyrics to some songs are quite sad (Ivory for example.) The Grace is the perfect record to just make your mind feel right. You feel every note and every word deep in your soul. You can tell straight away that Troumaca make music that comes from a deep place. For most when they make music that comes from a place like this, it is usually quite dark. As I said above, Troumaca sound like nothing else which is why they are not like the familiar. What they have to offer the listener is a wealth of bliss. Where else are you going to find that? Looking out the window sometimes does the opposite, music doesn’t.

A lot of music I listen to seems to sound perfect at night. I listen to Troumaca and they sound like a brand new day. Everything about their music evokes change; for the better. Of course you will get those who wish to label them a version of whoever, but I hand on heart, cannot liken them to anyone. All I can tell you is that they make you want to sway like Warpaint do. Troumaca’s sound is like no other.

Sometimes when a band say they are “experimental” we are quick to roll our eyes and be instantly bored before we hear anything. However when you listen to Troumaca, everything just sounds new. Everything sounds in place. The Grace sounds and feels like falling in love. Being content in the silent moments you share with the one you love and loves you back. There are no awkward fillers on The Grace. The tranquility in the songs flow gently in and out of your ears. You feel at ease. Everything that was bugging you ceases. Everything you cannot fix no longer matters. The Grace is made up of beautiful moments that you want to live out over and over. How can you repeat the beauty? Easy; you just keep on hitting repeat.

Troumaca give you that relaxed sensation of staring out at a bed of water as the sun’s rays glisten in your eyes. If you’ve ever listened to the band Poolside then you’ve probably experienced this feeling before. It’s a feeling that we should desire to seek because when you find it and feel it- it is simply beautiful. I cannot tell you which songs are the stand-out tracks, that’s personal opinion. My personal opinion is that The Grace is quite simply one of the best records to come out this year. One of the best debut records of the year. Best UK record? I think it’s fair to say it is. To pass up on a band like Troumaca would be foolish, and nobody wants to be a fool.

The Grace is out next Monday. Buy the record and let your beautiful journey into escapism begin.

 

NATURAL ASSEMBLY.

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As you may know, last week I finally fulfilled my desire to see one of my favourite bands, Cold Cave live. It was something which I had been waiting for quite some time. Being able to wait this long for certain things seems to be a common theme running through my otherwise average life. Electrowerkz was the perfect venue for Cold Cave. However, I do believe it was the support act that pretty much set the atmosphere for the evening.

I’m one of those people who has to arrive just before doors open because I need to see the support band. I need to see them because for the most part, you are witnessing something nobody else has yet heard of. Sometimes it is the first time the band have ever played live. It’s a sacred moment on many levels; and equally beautiful.

A duo took to the stage, covered in black. I knew immediately I was going to fall in love with them. They stood, and the music started. The music started and it felt like some kind of outer-body experience. Live music does this to me most of the time, and I guess it was heightened last Thursday because of Cold Cave.

Natural Assembly are a mysterious duo who just captivate you in the most haunting way. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the stage as they played eerie anthems in a Thursday evening. The haunting synths with vocals that could freak the most stable person out was quite simply perfect to witness before Cold Cave took to the stage. I remember just listening so intensely to Natural Assembly. I felt my body move and sway to the synths. My eyes were firmly shut at times; I cannot remember what I was picturing, but I remember what I was feeling. These are the kinds of moments that stay with you.

I’m not really one for saying who a band are made for. Natural Assembly can appeal to anyone; but mainly those who want music that gives them an elated feeling whilst in the midst of darkness. A new romantic vibe surrounds them. They are just absolutely brilliant and are one of the most memorable bands I’ve ever seen live.

As I watched them I just wanted to hear more and more. I wanted the night to go on for longer than it did. The gig (including both bands) brought a feeling I’ve not had from a live show in a while. All I know is that Natural Assembly make music that has a sense of urgency to it. Sure their sound may take you on a freakish kind of trip, but it also has some kind of apocalyptic feel to it.

I’m writing this listening to them and the same feeling is taking over. This is when you know you have found a band that a worth everything you feel. They are totally worth investing in. I’d like to mention that Forever Falling is so far, their best song. If you want power and fury; you’re going to find it alive and well in this song. One thing I can tell you is that Natural Assembly have that wonderful romantic atmosphere to their music that is found in Cold Cave. Maybe they should do a split 7″ together or something. It’d become an essential collectable for music lovers like myself. Both create dramatic music that makes you glad your heart is still beating.

I bought a t-shirt of Natural Assembly as soon as their set ended. Something inside of me knew I had watched a band full of something refreshing and much-needed that night. There was something there that just set off a bunch of emotions I have towards music. I sincerely hope they become massive and gain a cult following like Cold Cave have.

However as much as I adore the band, I know I cannot make you feel the same as I do. So, maybe you should do the right thing and listen to their music here: https://soundcloud.com/naturalassembly

Enjoy and don’t be afraid to be afraid, and to feel.

I wear my Natural Assembly t-shirt with nothing but complete and utter pride.

ANCIENT TIMES.

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I should probably start some kind of support group for my addiction to Soft Power Records. However they are the ones fuelling my addiction and I’m more than okay with it.

They’ve sent me a lot of music that is just exceptional. Especially the likes of Autumns and September Girls. They’re like a tailor-made music service. So when I checked my emails earlier and saw something from them, I knew I was about to listen to something that would be nothing short of brilliant.

Like Autumns, Ancient Times is one person making their own sound. They have each created something that maybe has been done before, but by no means are they a copy. As I listened to Ancient Times I immediately thought of one person who George Smale reminded me slightly of; Morrissey. I imagine those who dislike/don’t get Moz will automatically turn their noses up at this, but whatever. George has a vulnerable voice that flows so beautifully over wonderfully crafted crooked and creepy sounds.  You’d think hailing from the sunny delight that is Brighton he would make music that projects that; well, he doesn’t nor does he need to. His music makes me happy but he doesn’t need to go on about how beautiful everything looks in order to do this. Everyone experiences happiness in different ways, and beauty too.

His latest single, Nightschool/Hieroglyphic is a perfect introduction to the debut vinyl release of such a talent. With the likes of Dirty Beaches proving you do not need to have 5 people in a band to make glorious music; I think Ancient Times is going to be just fine with what he does. When one person puts their all into something, they become more believable and maybe accessible. There are no hidden meanings, just a wealth of passion in his music which is bloody infectious and of course, delightful.

Now I’m not fully aware of the music scene in Brighton. I can only hope Brighton is aware of George and treasures him as he makes his way into the corrupt world of the music industry. But I think he will be just fine. There’s strength in his vocals and poise in his lyrics. He’s going to go far, there’s no denying that.

The vinyl is released  via Soft Power Records on 16th September 2013, and you can listen to it here: http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/releases