Category Archives: New Music 2013

COLD CAVE-People Are Poison.

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One person can be the voice of so many; yet not many may be familiar with this person. The underdog representing the underdog, and evoking every feeling possible. Whether it is the purity of lust or the disgust in deceit. One person can sum it all up so simply and elegantly. One person can make you realise all that you are, and fix most parts of you that you never knew how to sort out. You start to line everything up and shoot down the problems. One by one- you get better. What else could work?

Wes Eisold is my generation’s Morrissey. Not his voice, not his music- but his words. His words echo everything a human being could want and seeks. He’s my modern-day Morrissey because he sums up the ugly feelings in such beauty. You’re missing out if you’re not familiar. I have Morrissey’s words running through me day after day. Every single day. Not a day goes by where a song by him doesn’t sum everything up. The same goes for Cold Cave and a small amount of others. People Are Poison is a prime example as to why a chunk of my heart is in debt (forever) to Wes.

I became a fan exactly the same time I became a fan of Crocodiles. I picked up their records one day when my heart was smashed and I just needed music. Within weeks I was fixed up. Within weeks I let everything go, and left the past alone. People flirt with their past because they have no idea how to cope with what they have now, and what they will become in the future. Some people really are poison. I know some who are. Maybe they know they are poison too. Fortunately for me and them; we will never meet again. That’s the beauty of packing up and leaving everything. Drop it and start all over.

People Are Poison is dark and have a ferocious feel to it. Delicately rambunctious on the ear. It is going to please most/all Cold Cave fans; because let’s be honest here, Wes can do no wrong. People Are Poison has everything I want a Cold Cave song. EVERYTHING. As I listen to it, I am falling back in love with them. When I go back to the gym later (twice a day..check my motivation!) I’m more than likely just going to blast Cold Cave in my ears. I won’t care for the sweat falling off my face; I’ll just be driven by one of my favourite bands ever. That’s how it is, that’s how I function.

The song is menacing, musically. But Wes’ voice, as always, just seduces you in the purest way imaginable. You can feel parts of you drift off to him, just knowing he is saying everything you’ve been building up over time. Time..time..time. It is frail and we take advantage of it. And time does the same to us. The heavy intro is carried throughout; which is also lures you in too. As soon as Wes starts to sing, the heart flutters..races. Pick up the pace. You realise that a lot of people are poison. Politicians for example. Authority figures. People you used to know. Do you think about the time you were at your worst? Were you poison too? Or did you just have it trickle into your bloodstream?

I’ve essentially not really told you about the song, have I? Well, you don’t need to read anything I’ve written. I just felt like it. Go listen to the song. Go buy it from http://www.deathwishinc.com as part of the Oceans With No End 7″.

WAVVES-Afraid Of Heights.

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“I don’t wanna remember anything.”

Watching one of your favourite bands grow is an exciting thing. I remember when Wavves started. It was only Nathan, and over time has grown. Grown into one of the best lo-fi bands around. Always consistent with their ferocious sound; once you’re a fan, that’s it for life.

Nathan’s vocals on Afraid Of Heights haven’t really changed from King Of The Beach, which came out around 3 years ago now I think. But that’s why I love Wavves. There are no obviously massive changes in their sound, you have to listen extremely closely and have listened intensely to previous releases to get it. However, if you are new to Wavves (where have you been?!) Afraid Of Hearts will lure you in and captivate you just fine.

If you constantly feel like a loser or the arse of society, then I guess you’re going to get a lot of comfort from this record. If you feel hopeless, desperate, out of luck or anything like that; this record will just speak to you. It’ll speak to you like no other. Every song is bold and free of pretentious imagery that is found in far too many bands. Wavves have their own take on it all; I think it is the right way. Simple but nothing short of brilliance.

The summer will creep up on us soon enough, but as you wait and wait for it you are seeking out music to play during the long nights when you feel a bit lost. Or just really really fucking tired. You don’t need to go too far; it’s all in Afraid Of Heights. I really like Cop as it shows Nathan’s gorgeous story-telling in a way like no other does. Yeah it’s about killing a cop and that’s bad- but the way Nathan tells it is so open and vulnerable. Like he’s going to care for his friend and make it all okay again. That’s pretty much the essence of this record; it just makes you feel like everything is going to be alright. Most of the songs on the record last just over 2 minutes. There aren’t many bands that can really hold you and keep you when they make songs this short. The kings of this of course were the Ramones. Wavves do have a hidden punk ethic to their music. Punk isn’t dead, so long as people keep the teachings of it alive. Afraid Of Heights is raw but also frail.

Everything Is My Fault has an ethereal psychedelic vibe to it. Nathan’s voice gently swims through you. Making you take the blame for all the fuck ups. Even if you never did a thing wrong. Some people just like to pass the blame around so they shake responsibility. Those filthy fucks; we don’t need them do we? No. Get rid of them. Right after this, we’ve got That’s On Me which just feels like a massive life lesson. To be honest though, a lot of songs by Wavves feel like a life lesson. If Nathan can get through his troubles which seem identical to your own, then you can get through your own too. They say everything will be alright, maybe it will be. I guess. I Can’t Dream is 5 minutes of sheer heaven. It is stripped back and dreamy. For when you just want something to soothe you, this is the one to do so. Easily.

Nathan has changed. As I listen to the record more and more; you can hear the growth. The band play a bit more harder and his words are more passionate. Growing up does this. Whilst recording the record, Nathan was listening to Weezer’s (best record) Blue Album. You can hear the influence for sure. Not a rip-off, far from it. You can just tell he’s been influenced by something great and in the process has created something really really incredible.

I have no idea how music is going to go this year. I don’t know if we’re going to have a piss-poor year, or if everything is going to be great. I just want it to be as loud as Wavves. So I guess I’m going to call Afraid Of Heights as one of the best records of the year. It’s my favourite so far, for sure. From an entirely personal level, I’m truly connecting with a lot of the lyrics. Wavves merge all I love; lo-fi and garage rock, and just make something I cannot get enough of. This is staying firmly on repeat. Oh and the appearence of Jenny Lewis is wonderful too.

Afraid Of Heights is out on 26th March.

DEPTFORD GOTH.

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I sometimes become a fan of bands based on their names. If they have a strange name, I will make sure I listen to them enough times to become a fan. I’ve bought many records based on artwork, and fortunately I enjoyed it. That’s as good as my luck seems to go. It’s okay, because I love music more than most things. I’d choose it over a lot a of things. I listened to Dum Dum Girls based on their name, The Kills based on their name and a load of others- it’s worked out well so far. Chicks Who Love Guns was another one that won me over with their name too.

Deptford Goth is another I can add to my list. It’s not really a list. I don’t like lists, mainly because I’m not really a fan of organising stuff. Making plans is my idea of hell. Anyway.

Daniel Woolhouse aka Deptford Goth is making the kind of music that makes you want to stay cooped up in your bedroom making spacious music causing the listener to feel as if they are floating through time. Bypassing everything that is awful and finding something beautiful. If only this could happen in “real life” then maybe we’d all be a bit happier. His record, Life After Defo is out on Monday. I’ve heard it and I’m in love with it. This isn’t an album review. If you want a review of it, check Music Broke My Bones website today at some point, I sent in my review. Hopefully you’ll dig it and go buy the record. You don’t need to me tell you though; just buy it anyway.

We’ve got people like Youth Lagoon to The Weeknd making music that has this gorgeous atmospheric vibe to their music that just makes you feel as if you are in some dream like state. You feel as if nothing can touch you as you listen to it. The same goes for Deptford Goth, but he has that Burial feel going on; he makes you want to wander around in the dark with nothing or no one around. Everything is desolate bar your mind. It could be an unhealthy way to look at it, but some musicians just make you feel this way. Personally, I think it’s an excellent thing to take away from music. Twinges of loneliness are healthy. Why would you want to be surrounded by people all the time? The headaches, the noise and their meaningless words. Just saying things with no worth in the hopes to be heard. It’s dull and boring.

Deptford Goth has a lot to say. His vulnerable vocals and straight to the heart lyrics will make you feel at times, he’s living inside your head. I’m aware that teachers/teaching assistants are vital. But thank goodness Daniel sacked that off and went towards music. He just has this exquisite world he has created with his music, if Life After Defo isn’t hailed as one of 2013’s highlights then I think something is seriously wrong.

His music will find lost souls and provide much-needed comfort. An escape route for the mundane and tumultuous trials of everyday life. He is just utterly perfect.

SUEDE-Bloodsports.

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You have to wait a long time for good things to happen. Thee good things don’t have to be huge. They can be anything; but everything to you. I wait and wait for my favourite bands to release new music, and when they do this strange and euphoric feeling takes over. This is happening right now.

I won’t ever EVER have a bad word said about Suede. I still regard Brett Anderson as one of the best frontmen ever. Do you remember when everyone was a bit silly in the 90s and thought Oasis and/or Blur were the best thing? How foolish. I didn’t like either. I still don’t. My heart and ears belonged to Suede. I remember first seeing Brett Anderson flail around to Metal Mickey on Top Of The Pops and I fell in love. It was a deep obsession that just grew and grew over time. His solo work is just as beautiful. I’m worried about my attraction towards him, but I don’t want any help. My girlfriend has nothing to worry about though.

Bloodsports is Suede’s first release in just over a decade. Some may think that, over such a long space of time that Suede may have given in to how modern music now sounds. Would they go synth crazy? Or even worse, would the band wear ill-fitting chinos and raid the sale section in Topman? Fortunately, they’ve done neither. They’ve remained true to themselves. They have a very distinctive sound. A sound that is found in no other band before or after them. Proving that they will forever be timeless.

The record starts with Barriers. As I listen to Bloodsports, I really cannot fault their decision to open the record with that song. It really does set the tone for Bloodsports. Bloodsports is made up of anthemic songs for you to cry out in your bedroom that posses such pleading and beautiful lyrics. This is why I love Suede. Their songs may sound as if they would sound perfect in a massive arena, but the thing is, as the lyrics are so vulnerable you cannot imagine listening to this record with anyone. That’s just my personal view. I couldn’t imagine listening to Bloodsports with anyone. It feels like such a personal record.

If you’re looking to have your heart broken, then listen to What Are You Not Telling Me or if you fancy something that contains a euphoric build-up then listen to Always but if you are seeking comfort in any form; then please just go out next Monday and buy Bloodsports from your local record shop. Part of me wants to say that this record will only be understood by the proper Suede fans. Not the ones who only know Beautiful Ones and that’s it. But the thing is, it is a perfect record from start to finish; everybody should hear it. Buy it for your lover, relatives and the friends that you can stand. I don’t care. Just have this brilliant record in your collection and give it to others. Every single song on Bloodsports gives you answers to the questions that keep you up at night. But, Suede- what took you so long? It’s not that I mind because Bloodsports is truly worth the wait.

Hit Me is my favourite off Bloodsports. It is an open letter. That’s the only way you can describe it. You simply must play it loud and imagine you are singing it to those who get in your way and put you down. The way Brett sings “I’m not as strong as I pretend to be” is just so captivating. A line so simple, yet painfully easy to connect with.

Bloodsports is 10 songs all crafted so perfectly and beautifully. If we have to have to wait another 11 years for a masterpiece, then so be it. You can easily forgive them for it because they’re just so divine. Bloodsports is made up of delicate bedroom anthems. Sing, scream along. With Suede, you are never alone.

AUTUMNS.

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One person can make so much noise it feels like a riot in your head. With no control over your body, you just let it happen. You become like jelly, and in your head; you’ve never felt better. The worst thing any music writer/critic/journalist/whatever can say about a band/singer is “THIS IS SO NOW.” Music has no time. It is timeless and at its best, inspiring. Scenes come and go. Like friends, enemies and pets. Nothing is permanent, and if it was I think it’d freak a lot more people out.

A freak out ensued when I heard Autumns. Autumns is one person, and you can call him Christian. When you listen to his music, you may think he’s from the hidden depths of an American town that is populated by feral animals and desolate buildings. He’s not. He’s from Derry and he is only 19 year olds. He’s the Derry version of Dirty Beaches. Meaning; he is one person making the most beautiful noise all by himself. He writes, plays and records everything himself. He does it with heart, soul and sheer passion. He makes you want to pick up a guitar and thrash about, unleashing all the fury your bones can contain. He has this infectious raw energy which projects into this brilliant rambunctious sound he has created.

The term that’s been used to describe his music (which started as a joke) is “Bedroom Wall of Sound.” The thing is, when you listen to his music, even straight away- you know that this is the only way to describe it. His music is refreshingly free of any genre/silly sub-genres. It is just a delight to hear something so pure.

The reverb in the guitar and his wonderfully muffled voice is everything I love about music. You can tell that Christian is a music obsessive. Especially as the two-track cassette will be released on my favourite label, Soft Power Records. The tape comes out on the 15th April, but be quick because there aren’t many copies being made. Get your mucky hands and eager ears on this.

http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

Dum Dum Girls-Wish You Well (demo.)

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Today was abysmal, but has been made a hell of a lot better by my FAVOURITE band putting up a demo.

I think anyone who has the un/fortunate experience of talking to me about music will ALWAYS have my love for Dum Dum Girls expressed. For me, they’re not just a band. You see, Dee Dee’s words have provided a crutch for me since 2009. I Will Be blew me away, Only In Dreams got me through hell. And their two EPs and countless b-sides have provided me with more than enough to get through dreary and dark days, like today. I haven’t wanted to write in a while, but the new Dum Dum Girls demo has given me a slight hint of inspiration.

Wish You Well may just be a demo, but no part of me wants Dee Dee to change any of it. It has a haunting and vulnerable vibe to it that makes you fall even more in love with Dum Dum Girls. Dee Dee has the power and strength that is found in the likes of Patti Smith and Shirley Manson; two women which I regard as the ultimate role models. Dee Dee will no doubt be regarded as highly as these two amongst fans of the Dum Dum Girls.

Wish You Well has been described by Dee Dee as a “demo lullaby” and to be honest, there is no better description. I could happily have this on repeat until my eyes became heavy and I could no longer battle sleep. From an entirely selfish point of view, this song is what I need right now. It’s more than enough to pull through. Her delicate words are married together with Sammy Nikdel’s echoing and ethereal guitar playing.

Dum Dum Girls have no set sound, but they always ALWAYS do one thing to me and that is heal. There aren’t many bands or singers that can do this in such a careful and thoughtful manner. I just adore the band and Dee Dee’s way with words. It isn’t just music; it is poetry. They aren’t just a band; they are a way of escaping the cold (even in a metaphorical sense.)

Regardless of how this song turns out, with it just being a demo for now, it is divine. A simple piece of heaven and I really cannot wait for record number three. Dee Dee, thank you. Just..thank you.

You can listen to the demo here: https://soundcloud.com/wearedumdumgirls

The Long Wives-Break You In.

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“Marks on your back, speak of sin.”

I’ve resigned myself to the fact (and it isn’t a bad thing at all) that the only solid source of comfort I have is probably found in a song by The Long Wives. I’ve honestly never found a singer who releases so much music as frequently as she does, and I am so thankful for that. It seems she releases something when I am in need of feeling something other than I do; her dark and vulnerable words do something that nothing else has done.

With its glorious religious imagery and vengeful words, Break You In is enough to shatter a tough heart and weaken the strongest of minds. When she sings, “I’ve served my time” I can feel all my frustrations pour out into this song, Maybe 9.30am is far too early to have these deep feelings, but they are there. And maybe some of them have to come out.

What I love about Brandy’s music is that I do not relate it to anyone but myself. I’m not a selfish person, but this is as selfish as I get to be honest. I can relate to every single word she has sung and written down; they remind me of nobody but myself. No other band or singer has ever done that. I usually listen to a song and I can associate it with something or someone. Thankfully with Brandy’s music, I just direct it to myself. Maybe it’s self-indulgent, or maybe it is much-needed. I’m going with the latter.

Her voice always does something overwhelming and incredible to me, as if it is some kind of catharsis. It is a release of sorts, and quite frankly, a much-needed one. Break You In shows just how strong Brandy’s voice is. They was she sings certain words just posses such strength and determination, there’s no way you couldn’t relate to her words. The fury and passion in her words and music just shows she is more than a singer. She’s a poet, a storyteller with words that come strictly from the heart. As awfully clichéd as it is, she is real. She has a raw talent and posses delicate words that make you feel at ease. I’ve never felt at home anywhere, ever. But her words are like home. Comforting and safe yet brutally honest.

To compare this song or any of her music to someone else would be a foolish mistake, and maybe I’ve done that before but songs like this just cement how rare Brandy is. I’d say we need more singers/bands like her, but I don’t want that. I’m just happy one person is making music as honest and as ethereal as this.

You can listen to Break You In here: https://soundcloud.com/thelongwives/break-you-in-the-long-wives

 

SENSUAL HARASSMENT-Escape From Alpha Draconis.

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I have a job interview in a few hours, and there is no better way to prepare for it than writing about one of my favourite bands. A band that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing (via email because sadly I don’t live in New York.) I first heard Sensual Harassment when I heard their song, Boss well over a year ago. I remember being hooked on the song and just constantly playing it over and over. I had no (and still don’t) words to describe the song, it was just a marvellous disco number that could make anyone (including myself) want to dance. They have an EP which is out now, and it pretty much makes you want to dance.

As I head into my second listen of Escape From Alpha Draconis, I cannot help but feel that this is what would happen if Dead Or Alive met Cold Cave and sampled something by Donna Summer. Is Goth-Dance a sub-genre? We need more pretentious and pointless sub-genres, so let’s have that one. But in all seriousness and I’m not just saying this because I adore the band, but this EP is just wonderful. Deep vocals over dark disco beats, it is just perfect.

Capri Suntan is a relaxed number that makes you feel as if you are watching the day pass by lazily on a beach somewhere with hazy sunshine warming your bones. The common reality will be that you look out the window and it’s a bit grey out side. Probably with a bit of snow (it’s turned to ice so I’m clearly going to fall over when I walk to the train station later!) You cannot help but fall deliriously in lust with this EP.

Another reason as to why I fully adore them is because they are a duo. I have a massive soft spot for duos as they always seem to work harder than most. They make the most noise and play with the utmost passion. I’m not someone who is a keen dancer, but Sensual Harassment yet again make me want to dance. Maybe like some flexible kid from the film, Wild Style. They’ve taken influences from everywhere and have made something of their own. Is it their best work? Sure it is, but that doesn’t weaken previous releases. It just means they’ve got a solid sound that allows them to grow and adapt, which makes them one of the best bands around.

Firmly underrated but remarkable all the same, Sensual Harassment are like a loving whisper in your ear that just makes you quiver. You cannot help but play their music loud and just move your limbs about in a care-free manner. Who cares who sees you, grab them and make them dance with you.

You can get the EP as a free download from their website here: http://www.sensualharassment.com/

HUNTING ULYSSES.

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Seaside towns can be dull and depressing. Maybe this is a sweeping statement considering I hate where I am from. Everything about it is dull and depressing. The lack of culture. The lack of acceptance. The lack of life. The lack of everything; but the odd beach or two (that aren’t covered in rubbish) make up for it.

You’d think a band coming from a seaside town would make music that gives you an endless summer vibe. You’d be wrong. Not entirely, but there’s a band from Here Bay (a seaside town, all links in) that make music that reminds you of very early Sonic Youth with a touch of My Bloody Valentine. Basically, they make fuzzy/distorted music that throttles you and shakes your bones. What isn’t there to love!?

These three lads make enticing noise. The kind of noise that even your Grandma would enjoy (I’m only using my Gran as an example because she once told me she liked The Jesus And Mary Chain) They trash you in the face with the throbbing drums, brutal bass and fuzzy guitar. It is evidently picking up where Shoegaze left off. The thing is, unlike a lot of bands that do this Hunting Ulysses aren’t ripping off that style of music. They’ve essentially made it their own.

Songs like Delicious Ice, although it is a demo, are enough to let your ears know that they have been exposed to something you have been longing to hear. This is the kind of music to as they say (I’ve heard it a few times, it’s a stupid phrase but still stands) “lose your shit” to. Not literally, thankfully. You know what I mean don’t you.

Even with just three demos on their Soundcloud page, it still sounds like a band that have been at it for years and years. A band that sound older than they are. The demos will tease and arouse your ears, leave you wanting more. But, you won’t have to wait long as they have another EP coming out quite soon. Going by these demos, I think it safe to say that Dan, Ethan and Will be providing us with something we quite havent heard before, and that is the pure delight in being introduced to new music isn’t it. Just hearing something different and new in every way possible.

You can listen to Hunting Ulysses here : https://soundcloud.com/hunting-ulysses

They’ll leave a pleasant ringing in your ear, and if you are left wanting more, then you are listening to them right. They mix lo-fi and the essence of Garage rock in such a pure way, you simply cannot find any fault in this. Then again, why on earth would you want to. Go listen, and enjoy.

DIRTY BEACHES-Love Is The Devil.

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Anyone who has listened to Dirty Beaches knows just how much of a genius this man is. He has the ability to send you way back in time and show you a taste of the future with his music. His music is like poetry for the soul. A form of escapism whilst still being in the midst of a dark reality. In short, he makes you feel part of something no one else dares to take you.

He’s just put a track from his new record up on YouTube. It’s instrumental and it will break your heart. I’ve not had my heart-broken in a long long time, but listening to the sheer sadness in this song; I feel as if I just have. He’s proven that you do not need words to convey one of the worst feelings anyone can ever feel. With heartbreak comes loneliness. With loneliness comes regret, followed by whatever you feel you can handle. This gorgeously vulnerable track has made me even more excited for his new record (he’s got two coming out on Zoo Music so it’s obvious they’re going to be the best records you’ll hear this year.)

Love Is The Devil is for those looking for hope and it is for those who need an equal balance of good/bad feelings in their lives. The sadness immediately hits you. This song would be perfect for a black and white silent film. Alex aka Dirty Beaches is one of the few musicians I hope one day I get to meet and interview because the way his mind works, and the music he makes just leaves me in awe. Complete awe. This Christmas just gone, my uncle and I had an in-depth discussion about Alex’s music, and we both agreed this has never been done before. I doubt it ever will. I struggle to accept that anyone couldn’t hear the beauty in his work. It’s gentle and passionate; especially Love Is The Devil. Everyone should know that Lord Knows Best is one of the greatest love songs of our time. True Blue is a woeful ode to love. Badlands is a record you need in your life. As are his upcoming releases, and previous.

But for now, shut your eyes. Think of something or someone you miss, and take in this beautiful track.