Category Archives: New Music 2014

BONFIRE BEACH.

Posted on by

10458335_556856521087298_7992157717117265575_n

 

 

The best thing about music is the ability it has to just transport you to anywhere in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a box room in Grimsby or a town house in York, music can take you anywhere. It gets you to where you want to go, where you should be.

A band that take you on such a divine journey like this are West Coast gems, Bonfire Beach. I don’t know anything about them, all I know is that I really like their music. I think that’s enough to know. I don’t know if LA has a typical sound, but when I think of LA I would immediately hear the beautiful sounds that Bonfire Beach makes. They have a traditional Summer feel to their music. They just make you want to go sit down at the beach and do nothing. Look out at the sea, read a book or just watch people pass you by. Their hypnotic grooves are what summer dreams are made up of. From those loathing their jobs to those wanting to leave school; they unleash your frustrations in their captivating sounds. You find yourself swaying out of time to their songs, the music just moves you and you don’t care for being in time or holding any form of rhythm. If you’re in your room, why take it seriously?

Bonfire Beach may have tunes for the summer and maybe they would sound out of place in the harsh winter months (you’ll never know unless you try.) They’ve got that seductive glow that is found in say, New Young Pony Club (think they’re just known at NYPC now) and have the ability to lave you satisfied with what you have heard, yet wanting more. Bonfire Beach have an effortlessly cool feel to their music. I really hate using the word “cool” to describe something or someone, but it seems alright to describe Bonfire Beach as being cool. They’re really soothing but have this excellent subtle aggression to their sound. Basically, if Courtney Love made Hole sound mellow, this is how they would sound.

They’re a band to do nothing to, but a band to fall in love with. After a few seconds past listening to them, I knew I had found a band that I’m going to play almost religiously this summer and way into the depths of autumn and winter. Their eerie sound resembles 80s Goth with a mix of something unheard of; they’ve got something about them that just lures you in and grips you passionately. I guess it is like falling in love for the first time, except it happens with every song of their that you listen to. They are magical, mysterious and gentle on the ears.

You can listen to them here: https://soundcloud.com/bonfirebeach

Personally, I think they’re just perfect.

BANKS.

Posted on by

 

 

 

“Don’t tell me listen to your song because it isn’t the same.”

 

There are some singers that when you hear them, you can’t really believe someone can sound so perfect. Alright so “perfect” doesn’t exist, but you know what I mean. There are singers that just hit you in the gut wth how pure their voice is and how honest their words are. Some singers just have this gift of sounding so ethereal effortlessly. Examples of this are Sade, Aaliyah and Jessie Ware. From Sade we got Aaliyah and since Aaliyah died no female singer has really come close to what she did aside from Jessie Ware. They all have this delicate voice that just makes everything alright, even if their songs can be heartbreaking.

This leads me onto Banks. In an ideal world I would have written about her last year, but it didn’t feel right because I had no idea what I wanted to say. I didn’t know what I could say. After listening to Beggin’ For A Thread non-stop over the past two days, I think I have some understanding of what it is I want to say. Well, type if you’re going to be like that.

I’ve seen people call her the female version of The Weeknd. That’s just lazy. Using a person’s gender to describe them/what they do is pretty shit isn’t it? There’s more to a person than to what they have between their legs. In the grand scheme of things, gender is irrelevant. Be who you want. I’m ranting. Sorry. Anyway, Banks isn’t the female version of whoever. She’s a brilliant singer who hasn’t released her debut record yet, and when it comes out it will probably blow our minds. I’m expecting it to, fully. I never expect anything, but I firmly believe it is going to be a brilliant record. It’s out in September, and she’s touring the UK in October (I think.) I’m all for someone taking me to see her. We don’t have to stand next to each other, I’m alright with that.

The thing with Banks is that she can pretty much sum up every feeling you’ve had when you’ve come out of a relationship, when you’re leaning towards one and when you’re in one. Basically, she’s like Dear Deirdre but with a lot more sense and class. Her vocals on Brain are dark and brilliant- think a more R&B version of a Zola Jesus song, she’s got this haunting feel to her music that just keeps you coming back for more. I think as soon as you hear one song by Banks, you become addicted. Like pizza. Pizza is all I have, sorry. I’m Italian. Her voice is so smooth and flawless, like the skin complexion we strive to have. I really don’t know why all of this sounds so weird. I don’t know what’s happened. Let’s blame the heat.

Her song, Change is the perfect song for those who are in a fucked up relationship. Banks calls the person out on their “Daddy issues” which is wonderfully done. Her sarcasm in this song is brilliant. If anyone else did it, it would sound a bit bitchy and trashy. But Banks has this superb and classy way of calling you out on your faults, just listen to Goddess, a prime example of it. She doesn’t need to be awfully over the top or pretentious with her words. She gets to the point in a real and raw way. Her lyrics aren’t all “woe is me” they are brilliant “fuck you’s” at times, and you can’t help but fall totally and madly in love with her. Before I Ever Met You will really hit you in the gut, for reasons up to you. There is something about it that will just leave you in awe. It is likely to be her honesty and the way she sings certain parts in the song- it is almost as if she is stood in front of you, and calling you out on all of the times you’ve messed up. Basically, Banks won’t stand for your shit.

Banks has this way of effortlessly (sorry for repeating the word) portraying hurt in a way that makes you BELIEVE it is all going to be alright. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had your heart ripped out, because the person that did it was a twat anyway. She’s got a real refreshing attitude in her music that makes her believable. To be believable is to be honest, and her lyrics are brutal and to the core.

I’ve not read too much about Banks, and I’m not one for caring about what “Music Journalists” say about bands/singers, everyone has an opinion but I’m glad that so many are believing in Banks and see just how talented she is. She’s got something about her that is gracious, raw and pure. She’s everything that music needs, she’s not afraid to be honest with her lyrics, and she portrays the feelings we try to cover. She exposes the feelings that we try to cover or the feelings of someone we know is hiding. She’s got something about her that goes beyond words, and singers like this don’t come around often.

I’ve mentioned artists like Deptford Goth and Burial as being ones I can only listen to when it’s dark out, because it just feels like they were created for the nighttime. In some respects, I really feel that way about Banks but to be honest, I can listen to her anytime, any place.  I don’t care. She’s just a real, raw talent that is just going to blow everyone away when her record comes out in September.

Her music just has this beautiful depth and soul to it that just stuns you. When a singer or a band can leave you speechless like that, you know you’ve found something that is really going to last.  The eerie atmosphere in her music completes it all, and is part of the reason why she is easy to get hooked onto. I really can’t praise her enough at all.

 

THE RAVEONETTES- Pe’ahi

Posted on by

Raveonettes-PeAhi-Cover

 

 

 

If I had the ability to sum up just how wonderful the new Raveonettes record is, then I’d be a lot smarter than I am. I’d have to ingest a thesaurus  just to get a taste of it. But luckily I’m not all about using fancy words to sound good, I’m not that kind of person.

I’ve read a few reviews of Pe’ahi and all I’ve seen is a bunch of crappy Beyonce (Bay-Once if you’re my cute nephew) comparisons just because they kept their record a secret. The Raveonettes are better than Beyonce, so what’s the use? I’ve just finished reading Sune’s guide to the new record on my lunch break (I use my time wisley) and I can’t help but appreciate the record in a different way. His father died last year due to alcohol. Something I can relate to, and even though it’s been nearly 20 years I’ll never have a solid opinion or a definitive emotion to describe it. You just get used to it. Although aged 7, you are made to feel out of place living in a small community with a dead parent. It doesn’t make you tougher, it makes you overly sensitive.

The Raveonettes have been a band I have been clinging onto for many years. Their ability to sound like something from the 60s with a chilling and haunting feel to their sound is something I adore and seek in a lot of music I listen to. The new record starts with Endless Sleeper, which starts like The Doors debut record. As soon as you hear it, you’ll feel the ghost of Jim creeping up on you. The Doors are one of the best bands from the West Coast; they had a beach sound yet were not typical LA. You really get that with The Raveonettes, especially with Pe’ahi.

What is truly wonderful about Pe’ahi is that it is made up of spontaneous moments that just leave you in awe. When a band surprise you with a new record, you know it is going to be truly special. It is made up of bitter words (Summer Ends) and gloriously aggressive moments (Sisters.) It isn’t a record for those seeking songs about lust and falling in love. It’s for those who want something with meaning, something that is ridiculously raw. Summer Ends feels like a real heartfelt “fuck you.” Something which is lacking in music. Don’t be afraid to be angry.

Z-Boys is one of the songs that really makes you picture the West Coast in your mind. It’s a subtle summer number that is a beautiful nod to surfers and the like, even if it is grim outside this song will make you feel better. The Raveonettes are one of those magical bands who can create something cheerful but infuse it with awfully sad lyrics. Go back and listen to their song Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed) the lyrics are dark but it is over this brilliant Hip Hop drum beat.

Sune and Sharin’s vocals (separate and together) are truly hypnotising (When Night Is Almost Done really showcases this) and they just have this gorgeous way of making you feel alright. I’ve only ever known one other person who likes this band, let alone knows them. I do hope they’ve listened to it. A person into The Raveonettes is a person worth knowing.

For me, this record really does define this band as being easily one of the best bands around. Sure my opinion is biased, but it doesn’t matter. Anyone who hears this record will hear just how great they are, and I sincerely hope Pe’ahi turns new listeners onto them. I just want to go back to Sisters briefly- the song is one big tease. It starts with an aggressive beat followed by some relaxing harp kind of feel, then back to the aggression again with the vocals. It’s such a strong song that you can’t get enough of. But now, I’m going to talk about Killer In The Streets. This is my favourite on the record, easily. I can normally  swayed when trying to chose a favourite song, but it is so easy on this record. I love everything about it especially the subject matte. In Sune’s words : “The alluring girl who pisses me off, I always forgive. I’m forever caught in her cunningness and savage innocence.” We’ve all been there, sometimes more times than we wish to. When it ends and that person goes, it is wonderful day. You find normality afterwards. Thankfully.

There are so many special and stunning moments on this record, and like I said it really does define why this band are one of the best around. Is it the best record they’ve made? As someone who holds a lot of sentimental value towards In And Out Of Control (one knows) I am prepared to let my love go for that record in order to state Pe’ahi as my favourite record by this inspiring duo. They’ve really grown into something beyond remarkable on this record, you simply cannot get over how ethereal it is without it having typical ballad like songs on it. Nobody else is doing what The Raveonettes have done and are still doing. They are rare and deserve to be treasured, this record really exposes that.

Music can make you feel ugly and wonderful things. It can take you back, it can guide you forward and it is the most reliable source of comfort you will ever experience. It helps you remember, to just cling onto things and to also let go. Knowing what influenced this record has made me listen to it and appreciate it in a different way. There’s healing in this record, and by looking at the state of the world right now, I think it is something we all need.

ROSES-It’s Over (video.)

Posted on by

rosesla

 

 

Roses are red

Violets are blue

The video to It’s Over is going to hypnotise you.

 

Weak mini poem out of the way, LA’s dreamboats Roses have just put out their FIRST music video. I’ve had a mild obsession with them since late last year, and this video pretty much justifies my love for them.

Roses are a perfect summertime band who will just make you feel GOOD from the inside out. The kind of band you listen to and you just start to smile. The video was directed by the super talented Cassandra Hamilton. Go watch it and go frolic in a field afterwards.

If you’re lucky enough to live in LA/New York you can catch Roses on the following dates:

22/07/14 – Los Angeles – The Echo with Cymbals
1/08/14 – New York – Death By Audio with Future Punx, Darlings
02/08/14 – New York – Cakeshop with Outside World, Yin Yangs
03/0814 – New York- Silent Barn with Grand Resort, Chimes, Bueno

Roses will be releasing their EP Dreamlover (please let it be a little tribute to Mariah Carey!) on 5th August and you can pre-order it here :

http://www.grouptightener.com/store/best-coast/roses-dreamlover-ep-t-shirt-bundle-pre-order/ The t-shirt is amazing. I need that t-shirt.

Roses are evidently one of the finest bands on the West Coast.

2:54-Orion.

Posted on by

Photo by Joseph Piper

 

 

I heard Orion by 2:54 this morning and all I’ve wanted to do was leave work and write about it.

So two things- 2:54 are back (PRAISE WHOEVER!!!!) and they are now signed to Bella Union.

Is Orion any good? Nah. It’s not good at all. It’s INCREDIBLE.

Their debut record is one I still play pretty much every day. Colette’s voice is bloody beautiful, I don’t want to imagine a world where it doesn’t exist. Her voice can make you tremble with how captivating and how haunting it is. Hannah is probably one of the best guitarists around. They make me wish I had a sister so I could form some kind of band like 2:54. Alas, I don’t have a sister. I’ve got a cool big brother who is the best goalkeeper on the Isle of Man. There’s a lot of proof surrounding this.

Orion has that eerie sound that made me fall right in love with 2:54 many moons ago (alright it wasn’t that long ago, it was about 3 years ago.) They have this beautiful moody feel to their music that is unlike anything else around. Sure they’ve had every Goth-like comparison under the sun thrown at them, but who cares?! They are a solid band who are just a joy to listen to. I’ve been waiting for them to come back for AGES. Comeback of the year for sure. Sorry Morrissey, you know I love you..but this is different.

2:54 are going on tour in November, and you can catch them here:

7th – Ramsgate, Ramsgate Music Hall
19th – London, St. Pancras Old Church
20th – Sheffield, The Harley
21st – Glasgow, The Broadcast
22nd – Manchester, Soup Kitchen
24th – Nottingham, The Corner
25th – Bristol, The Louisiana
26th – Brighton, The Hope

The London date clashes with me going to see The Jesus And Mary Chain (it’s alright I’m seeing them in Manchester and their other London date…if you want a ticket to their Troxy date….) Oh and 2:54 are also playing Union Chapel on 8th September (the day I start my new job) as part of the Bella Union, Labelled With Love showcase. Tickets for that and their Ramsgate show are already on sale, and the other dates go on sale this Wednesday.

Orion is exactly what I expected from 2:54, and by that I mean brilliant. You know when a band you love go away for a while, and they come back and all the reasons as to why you love them smacks you in the face when you hear new music from them? That’s pretty much what happened when I heard Orion this morning. Like a giddy toddler who has eaten some Skittles on the sly.

Their new record will be out later this year; perfect for the early dark evenings as you walk through the mist home.

2:54, don’t leave us for that long again!

YOUNG BOYS- Hate Young Boys.

Posted on by

 

 

Back in April I wrote about one of New York’s finest band. A band that are loud, brilliant and decadent. No other band is going to move you like they do. No other band is going to make you feel as violated as they do. All in the most pleasurable way possible, of course.

Their new record, Hate Young Boys may only be 6 tracks long but it’s enough to put you in a dancing spin and to just gloriously melt your brain. Their record was made for those hazy summer days when you’re trapped indoors due to the blistering heat. There is something about Young Boys that makes you want to crawl to your nearest dive bar and engage with the most depraved individual you see and to just raise hell with them. Their lustful songs will get you through the blistering heat. I’m all for David ‘Legs’ McDaniel serenading my ears with his hypnotising voice.

Hate Young Boys is a brilliant record that is bathed in sinful yet glorious melodies that will make you forget you are in 2014. They’ve got something futuristic going on, but with a hint of past Garage Rock bands about them. They’re a typical band that I would go for, this is the kind of music I truly love and always want to hear. The soundtrack to my days as I daydream about something better, because we all know that there is something better. But is there anything better than this Young Boys record? Don’t be silly, of course not.

I think at the moment I’ll say Sin Again is my favourite track off Hate Young Boys. It’s pretty dark but is coupled with synths beautifully. I know I said when I wrote about them that Young Boys sounded how a New York band should, but I think I want to take that comment back slightly. You see, as I listen to this record I am not seeing any images of New York in my mind. All I’m seeing is Berlin. If a piece of music or a band can make you do this, then you know you’ve found something utterly timeless.

I’ve never seen Young Boys live (please come back to the UK) but I’d imagine their live shows to be sweaty, teetering to the edge of danger with lust and passion filling the room. Their music is highly romantic, and maybe it’s David’s vocals that make it seem that way. There is something about his voice that I hope in years to come someone says that he made them want to sing or start a band.

There’s a gang like feel to their sound. It is tight and it cannot be swayed nor can it be compromised. There have been some amazing releases this year, and Hate Young Boys is easily one of the best. It is rambunctious in all the right places, and I’ll quite happily spend the rest of my evening listening to it.

I don’t need to write any more than this about it. Go listen to it right here: http://youngboys.bandcamp.com/album/hate-young-boys play it as loud as you like, and let these handsome devils enter your being and allow your limbs to flail as if you are unapologetically possessed.

Enjoy their first single from last year here:

VIVA YOUNG BOYS! VIVA PUNK.

CANDY DARLING.

Posted on by

 

 

Sometimes you hear something, and within seconds you know it is one of the greatest things you’ve exposed your ears to. It’s probably how most felt when they heard the likes of the Velvet Underground to Frank Zappa. If it slightly weird, there’s a good chance it’ll be bloody brilliant. Who wants to hear songs about how a person gives you butterflies anyway? No thanks.

Candy Darling (yes, named after one of Warhol’s supertars) are from Bristol. Candy Darling have that beautiful, filthy sound that is in the likes of Little Death Machine, Wax Idols with a hint of Lou Reed’s Transformer. Their sound is brilliantly weird and thankfully unlike anything you are forced to listen to. There’s a smutty fuzzy sound flowing through their debut single, Money.Which I guess fits the notion that those with a lot of money have a tendency to be corrupt and depraved. But aren’t we all to an extent. We just don’t show it.

Candy Darling have a fabulous trashy feel to their music; Money is the kind of song you’ll have stuck in your head for days, just itching to yell the chorus at someones face. You should do it, there’s nothing wrong with a public display of recklessness and lack of self-control. Don’t be shy about it. I’d imagine their live shows are dark, wild and deeply enthralling. You don’t need an acoustic guitar to grip a crowd. Be loud, be bold and be what your peers turn their noses up at. Candy Darling are a band I’d typically love, they’ve got something really magical about them that I love.

The b-side to Money is Temples. Temples shows just how strong and gorgeous Emily’s voice is. Temples has a proper 80s Goth-ish kind of thing going on. As you know The Jesus And Mary Chain are touring in November (some of us have spent £100 on tickets and feel mighty good about it!) and I think it is safe to say that Candy Darling would be an ideal opening act. Temples is like the Psychocandy record with synths; it’s just incredible and all I want from a band. Emily’s voice on Temples reminds me of Shirley Manson on Garbage’s Version 2.0 record. It is strong, moving and captivating.

With music seeming to be more and more throwaway, it’s bands like Candy Darling who kick some meaning and purpose into it at all. If you can move people, make them think, do anything other than stand still then you’ve created something worth treasuring- which is exactly what Candy Darling have done. With just one single (that’s not even out yet) they’ve become one of the best new bands of the year. The ideal band to hear in dark and cramped basement bar to just lose a bit of your mind to.

They only formed a yer ago, but everything about them just makes you think they’ve been together for decades. Quite simply, one of the best bands in this country.

You can order a copy of Money here: http://candydarlingmusic.bandcamp.com/releases it is out 1st September. Treat yourself to some pink vinyl.

And you can listen to Money/Temples here: https://soundcloud.com/candydarling1

MORRISSEY-World Peace Is None Of Your Business.

Posted on by

 

“I turned silences and nights into words.

What was unutterable, I wrote down.

I made the whirling world stand still.” 

                        -Arthur Rimbaud

 

There is no greater feeling than your favourite singer releasing a record. You wait, you ache and you wait some more leading up to it. You tremble in the first listen knowing you are listening to something truly remarkable. It doesn’t matter who this singer/band is to you, it’s just a mutual feeling. Especially when that person is more than likely responsible for you still being alive….just. Sort of. Depends on the day.

Could I ever write an unbiased piece on Morrissey? No. Will I defend him? Yes, well..within reason. Do I think World Peace is his best work? Of course. Lord knows how long Morrissey fans have been waiting for this. And of course, the cynics will come out in their masses to find fault in it. They probably like Kings Of Leon or something equally dull.

World Peace Is None Of Your Business is flamboyantly clever, dry and accurate. It is everything I adore about Morrissey. I thought after reading his biography a handful of times I really understood my love and admiration for him, but I was wrong. But when am I ever right. I thought  understood my love for him, turns out I didn’t. Not quite.World Peace is lyrically a work of art, and I will gladly place it next to Vauxhall And I as his best work. He has this way of getting to the root of an emotion, churning it out and spitting it out for you to taste. And when you do, you understand. You understand whatever it is that is choking you.

I’m Not A Man is lyrically one of the strongest songs on the record as it dips into society’s skewed vision of what it is to be a man. A nod to Meat Is Murder of sorts is hinted in the line, “I’d never kill or eat an animal, and I never would destroy this planet I’m on.” Man destroys, and Morrissey’s sensitive and gentle disposition feels out of place on this planet. You don’t have to be a man to identify with this, you just have to human. Gentle and kind.

As I listen to the record, I start to make sense of my love for Morrissey. It’s his words and how he uses them. There’s always been comfort for me in his words. If I could communicate using his lyrics, I’d probably feel less awkward in my skin. Too much skin. He has this way of telling it like it is without being grand or pretentious, although some would argue that he is. If that’s the case then they’ve probably never paid any attention to his lyrics. His words are why he is a hero to so many.

I’ve read a few reviews where they comment on how tight his band sound, but I don’t know enough about Music to comment on that. Boz is there still, so I’m happy. As I listen to World Peace Is None Of Your Business, I am visualising these songs live. Kiss Me A Lot is one I hope he puts into his live shows- at his longing best, this song is glorious. Earth Is The Loneliest Planet has one simple line in it that just means everything, a simple line that holds so much; “But you’re in the wrong skin.”If I heard that line whilst a teenager teetering into adulthood, it would have been a touch easier. As an adult, well..I think it still does the same as it would.

Staircase At The University has the same kind of dark humour that is found in Girlfriend In A Coma. The pressures of a young girl excelling in her studies to which she finally packs it all in, and throws herself down some stairs. Splitting her head in three ways. I love the line, “And if it breaks your heart then don’t come running to me.” You can relate that to anyone, it doesn’t have to be someone who is constantly studying. We all know that one person….

Kick The Bride Down The Aisle is a stroke of genius for this alone; “You’re that stretch of the beach that the tide doesn’t reach. No meaning, no reason . The lonely season.” I can’t help but wonder where he comes up with these wonderful words, and how. And in Mountjoy we’ve got the gorgeous statement; “What those in power do to you reminds us at a glance, how humans hate each others guts. And show it given a chance.” If you want an understanding of how shitty the human race can be, just listen to Mountjoy.

There will be mixed views on this record, some will declare it as his best work to date. Some will yearn for past releases. It is his tenth solo record, you can’t possibly expect him to keep making the same one over and over again! He just excels himself with every record, and he will last longer than those who put him down. You won’t win.

I’ll end this with a section of lyrics that I feel are entirely true, and are a highlight for me. A selection of lyrics that I believe in and treasure. In all his delicate, honest and observant nature, he just says it all so beautifully:

“Slamming one shots, gentle pain
Someone calling out my name
Sex and love are not the same.”

World Peace Is None Of Your Business just reinforces my love, respect and admiration for Morrissey. I could have mentioned this, I could have mentioned that. Maybe I’ll re-read this and add more. But for now, I’ll stick with this being one of the best records of the year.

VIVA MOZ.

THE BEDROOM HOUR-Hinterland.

Posted on by

tbh

 

 

It’s been a very strange week for me. I went for a job interview on Monday with a charity that are very dear to me, and also a charity I’ve been wanting to work for for some time. I think anyone who’s read anything I’ve written knows that since I graduated from University in 2009 knows that I’ve struggled with finding a job that lasts longer than a few months. I’ve signed on for Job Seekers Allowance more times than I wish to remember, and my fortnightly trips there taught me to never have any self-belief or pride. Going to the job centre made me able to handle rejection and to expect nothing. My luck changed on Tuesday. I didn’t get the job I went for, but they offered me a similar one as I am “too good to not employ.” So now I don’t have to worry about finding a job, and I’m not sure what people use the internet for now! I start in September, and it feels strange. A nice strange. It’s nice to know someone thinks I’m alright enough to do a job you know?

I do know what the internet is for, it’s for finding new music/being sent new music.

Next week a band I love are FINALLY putting out their debut record. The Bedroom Hour have that grand sound in their music that is found in the likes of Elbow. I wouldn’t throw that statement around for just anyone as I really love Elbow and I want Guy Garvey to adopt me.

Hinterland consists of euphoric gems that were created to soothe, to heal and to purify the soul. Hinterland is made up of songs that will at some point make you cry. Cry as you confront whatever it is you’re facing or from sheer joy. Hinterland will tug at your heartstrings in a gentle and reassuring manner, so whatever happens to you as you listen to it- just let it happen. Not everything in life needs to be controlled.

People like certain bands for certain reasons. Maybe something happened, and that band was there for them. Maybe they were searching for something and it led them to that band. Whatever the reasoning is, you cling to that band as a way of holding onto something sentimental. The Bedroom Hour are a sentimental band, they ooze nostalgia for something that hasn’t happened yet. You can drown your sorrows to a sorry-looking pint at your local with The Bedroom Hour playing in the background, you can sort your life out whilst listening to them or you can sit and do nothing with them playing in the background. They aren’t a band you listen to casually, you give them your full attention because for the most part, they are expressing all you would rather not say but must face. I guess if you’re feeling a little lost or confused, then they are the band to turn to. Music is comforting and The Bedroom Hour are a prime example of that.

Hinterland is a beautiful debut record that I sincerely hope they are proud of. It doesn’t matter what obnoxiously jumped up “Music Journalists” say about the record, they’ve got a solid and loyal fan base, and they’ve not released their debut record yet. Every track on Hinterland surpasses the last and has you anxiously waiting for the next one, knowing it is going to be an experience. For me, I’m going to say WW/Me is my favourite track off the record, for now. I will change my mind but now, it’s a solid favourite. It’s got a little Bloc Party feel to it. If Stuart’s voice doesn’t make you cry at least twice on this record, then go see a doctor.

If I was going through my dreadful teenage years again. The Bedroom Hour would be a band I would turn to. A band I would listen to late at night when I should be sleeping. But as a difficult and probably awkward 27-year-old, they just offer reassurance that things work out. Not always in the way you hoped, but they will. In time. Time shouldn’t always be used wisely, but if you want to be sensible, then use your time wisely and listen to The Bedroom Hour.

Music is something to truly believe in, and with bands like The Bedroom Hour it is fairly obvious why.

Hinterland is out 14th July 2014, and if you’re like me and have to face the “ALL STATIONS” route on the Met line, then this record will ease that painful journey. At least it has air-con!

 

PRAYERS.

Posted on by

 

 

I keep getting emailed Christian Rap, I’m not sure why it keeps happening. I’m not even sure the good Lord himself (none of us know if he’s real so…) would enjoy it. Maybe he would tell them to just stop. I can’t, as that would be rude. For everything in life, there is the wonderful delights of the DELETE button. I suppose with the band I’m going to write about now may wake up some more religious rappers to come my way. I sincerely hope not.

Before I get into writing about Prayers, I just need to vent something. Yesterday I watched Fat White Family’s Glastonbury set on telly and was appalled that nobody watching them moved or lost their mind to them. You’ve got the saviors of the UK Rock & Roll scene up there and all you can do is look at your phone in the hopes your mum has text you to tell you that she loves you, just so you have something to reply to. It’s really sad. Fat Whites are evidently THE most exciting band around in this country. From their Punk-esque sounds to their dislike for clothes and stripping off mid-set is a breath of fresh air. I feel like I am in the 70s experiencing Punk for the first time. Fat Whites are what The Stooges were, easily.  They’ve got that real Punk attitude and feel to their music. And I guess if you didn’t like Punk (what is wrong with you?!) you probably aren’t going to see the appeal of Fat Whites which is a shame because they are the best band in this country. And don’t you dare say the nudity puts you off, the world doesn’t need any more prudes! Go listen to them.

So now I’ll talk about Prayers.

With the sky immediately turning to a questionable shade of grey outside and months of rain falling out of the sky, Prayers are pretty much  the most apt band I can listen to right now. I know NOTHING about the band, and I’m alright with that. We don’t need to know if the singer likes pizza or not, or his shoe size. All we need to know is just how good the music. So in short, Prayers are fucking awesome. But they deserve more than just a piddly sentence.

Prayers have that dark synth sound that is found in my beloved Cold Cave. I think it’s obvious how much I love Cold Cave and how much I adore Wes’ way with words. Prayers are really really close to that. Their subject matters are menacing, the music is eerie and the general atmosphere in their music is tense. Really really tense. To the point where you think you’re on some questionable trip as you listen to them. This is the kind of stuff I love. There’s a time and a place for songs about falling in love and gazing at the sunset, and that place is not in my record collection. Prayers are a real gnarly band with the ability to shut anyone up who listens to them. They’re calling out for something, I’m not sure what but I can’t stop listening. In the UK we have a brilliant band called Natural Assembly, who have got a similar sound going on. It’s just a real pleasure to listen to. On repeat. Constantly. Rafael Reyes is your new savior kids.

Everyone is looking for that one song or one band that really move them, you know? You can easily find it in Prayers. There’s a deep, raw emotion lurking in their music that many struggle to pull out. Prayers do it so effortlessly. Prayers are the kind of band you go to see and just totally lose yourself in their songs. You chant the songs back to them as your sweat falls off your forehead onto the ground, other people’s drinks are mixed in with your sweat and you bump into other bodies as you sway in a trance-like fashion to the music. This band just wake you up, they do something to you. They truly do move you. I know they aren’t to everyone’s taste, but they are seriously good. They are made for sweaty basement bars at 1am when you are questioning yourself and everyone around you, but as the songs kick in like a morphine drip you stop caring and just fall into the brilliant sounds of Prayers.

If you’re at a loss or just want something to move you, then go listen to Prayers. Their SD Killwave release from last year was stupidly underrated, go repent your sins and invest in it now