Category Archives: New Music 2014

HAUNTED HEARTS-Initiation.

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How I’m supposed to not be biased when writing this review is beyond me. I’m unsure how to detach myself from the love I have for Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls in order to write something that make sense. But, I’m not proper music publication so I guess I can say what I want and be as biased as I like.

Firstly, this record sounds NOTHING like I was expecting. It’s really really odd and it feels like David Bowie and Jason Pierce got it on, and made something truly mind-blowing. I mean, of course this record is going to be perfect you know? That’s because both front two of the best bands around (and most hardworking.) If you look at DDG and Crocs tour schedule, you’ll probably be left wondering when they have time to think let alone sleep. But you don’t get to be the greatest band around by sitting on your tush.

Initiation makes you feel like you’re in space and on acid. I’ve never been to space nor have I have ever dropped acid (or any other drug, but I don’t hold militant views.) Being sent the promo is pretty much the highlight of my week, and no doubt I will be playing this all the way to Brussels this weekend. It’s got a spacey European feel to it. It’s just an excellent record from start to finish.

It opens with the seductive Initiate Me; and I’m sure if the likes of Alfred de Musset, Baudelaire and the rascal that was, Marquis De Sade were still alive they’d probably be listening to this record and fully enjoying the seductive nature of this record. What is brilliant about the record is that, it sounds nothing like their own bands. Go into it blind and pretend you’ve never heard of either band to really get this record.

The record was made in the winter of 2012. All they had for company was themselves, books, Motown and Krautrock. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. If anything it would be quite heavenly. There’s a lot of love, lust and desire on this record. It’s beautifully perverse at times, and if you can’t be decadent in your art then what is the point?

I really love Dee Dee’s voice on Love Incognito; her voice has a bit more bite to it than on a DDG record, but her distinctive sound remains throughout. She’s got the kind of voice you wish you had, she truly shines on this song. You can’t help but wish you witnessed some of the recordings of this record. Love Incognito is probably going to be the song that I’ll play to death before moving onto the final song, Bring Me Down.

Bring Me Down is a gentle love song that is just 5 and a half minutes of Brandon’s voice really getting to you. What I truly love about this record is the way their voices work together. If you go back to DDG’s debut, I Will Be you will hear just how divine their voices are together on Blank Girl (I hope they play this at their London show.) When Dee Dee’s voice comes in on Bring Me Down it adds a more angelic feel to it. Bring Me Down feels like a hymn for lovers, it is truly a gorgeous song and a perfect one to end this remarkable record on.

Up Is Up (But So Is Down) has got to be that Summertime song we all seek out. It’s got that sunset feel to it, as you head into the dusk with the sun blinding you less and less, and you become less stuck to your (fake) leather jacket. It’s just a stunning hazy track to dream to, you’ll have no problems with shutting the world off to this one. I love the way they sing, “She’s gonna love you until she’s dead.” A simple statement of romanticism.

Something That Feels Bad sounds totally different. It’s a fixed up version of what we heard last year, but still as gorgeous. I love the line, “You can tie me up if I can tie you down.” It’s the ultimate decadent love song. Why settle for typical and conventional when you can have something like this?

Initiation isn’t a record that’s going to just please fans of Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, it’ll move those that really really love music and are bored of the mundane drivel that some outlets project to us. Everything about this record is just really strange and magical. It’s a love filled record which exploits all the things that I want a record to sound like. Initiation is a flawless work of art that you can tell was made with love and care.

I’ve failed at not being biased or putting aside my admiration for them both, but what’s the point in not writing like a fan? I can’t pull a record apart and tell you why it sucks. I can only tell you why I love it so. The alternative however, is if you buy the record for yourself on 27th May. You’ll probably get what I’m trying to say, maybe I’ll work out what I’m trying to say.

But here’s to Brandon and Dee Dee; a beautiful couple who have put out one of the year’s finest record.

HAUNTED HEARTS-Johnny Jupiter.

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FINALLY Dee Dee and Brandon have released the video to Johnny Jupiter. It will leave you wanting a silver leather jacket (fake one though, harming animals is disgusting) and it will also make you feel as if you’ve taken something. The video is directed by the super talented Scott Kiernan.

The video to Johnny Jupiter makes you feel as if you’re on some wonderful lucid trip. Music is that powerful, and please shun anyone who doesn’t agree with that. Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t love music.  Johnny Jupiter is taken from their record, Initiation which is out on cassette via Dream Recordings and via their own label Zoo Music on 27th May. Zoo Music is responsible for some amazing releases, so after you’ve pre-ordered it via iTunes (you also get Johnny Jupiter immediately when you do this), you should probably head over to the Zoo Music website and pick up some other records. Treat yourself.

Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles are doing a few shows together in the UK at the start of May, and Crocodiles are doing their own tour mid-May. I’ll be seeing them 3 times in the space of 2 or 3 weeks. If I had the funds, I’d probably do the whole tour but the universe hates me at the moment.

Last year they put out Something That Feels Bad Is Something That Feels Bad, I got myself a copy. I’ve only played it two or three times. I don’t want to ruin it. Fortunately that is going to appear on the record, and the track-listing for Initiation is as follows:

01 Initiate Me
02 Up Is Up (But So Is Down)
03 Something That Feels Bad Is Something That Feels Good
04 Johnny Jupiter
05 House of Lords
06 Love Incognito
07 Strange Intentions
08 Bring Me Down

I think they’ve already put out Initiate Me and House Of Lords for streaming; I’m sure I’ve heard them?! Either way, I’m going to put this record right next to Too True by Dum Dum Girls as records of the year. Morrissey can go as my number 3 when it comes out. No other records are going to matter this year really.

Watch the video to Johnny Jupiter, and allow yourself to be sucked into this decadent and mysterious psychedelic underworld courtesy of Brandon and Dee Dee.

GIRL TEARS-Candy Darling.

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GT

 

Girl Tears are pretty much the only band from LA that you need to be listening to (oh and Roses too, listen to them.) Girl Tears make short, aggressive songs that make you hit that repeat button as many times as you desire. They’ve got the attitude of Punk secured perfectly.

Candy Darling is taken from their addictive debut, Tension which is out now on Lolipop Records. The trio are now back at home after hitting SXSW with their unapologetically ferocious songs in the blistering heat.

Girl Tears make you wish you had some musical talent. They’re songs last about a minute, and it sounds just right. Others may struggle to do this, but it’s no thing for Girl Tears. I just really love their sound. It’s rough, distorted and enough to burst your eardrums if you play it at the right level.

Check the new video:

I just wish I had the money to bring these guys to the UK because there are some dark, sweaty, intimate venues that need their sounds to vibrate the floor and to cause some kind of riot. Can someone make this happen please?!

THE LIGATURE.

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Most brilliant music is terrifying or slightly sinister. Psychocandy is the most raw and brutal record I’ve ever heard. Venus In Furs sounds frightening and the subject matter just goes against conventional means- which is why it is so good. Also, Velvet’s song Heroin is a different level of scary. Scary as in it tells the sheer truth in a way most want to turn away from.

But you can create a dark tone to your music with your voice. You can sing about the joys of being in love but make your voice sound so down and out- it’s never what you say, but how you say it. I just enjoy dark, sinister music the most. I want what  listen to, to add a bit of fear in my bones. I want it to make me think. I want it to make me feel unsafe slightly but at the same time, ease everything. In my search for a sound like this, I’ve found one. Sure they only have two songs on soundcloud, but for now that’s all I need to explain why I like them.

The Ligature are a duo from Huddersfield (see, all the best things come from Yorkshire.) That fine fellow, Simon Armitage is from there too. The Ligature are on the same level as another dark synth (not even sure if that is a term!) duo I love, a fine band from London called Natural Assembly. Of course you can put Cold Cave there in the top of that holy trinity of bands.

Empty Hearts is one of the two songs I’ve heard by them, and it sounds like an early song by The Cure-of course it is good. There’s an 80s feel to their sound, but not in that irritating way that every other band seems to want to recreate. Basically (and thankfully) they sound like the good side of the 80s, and not some Wham! kind of rubbish. Chris has  vocals are really reassuring; there is something in his voice that is like a cloak of comfort, it doesn’t matter that The Ligature have a dark sound, you can still find comfort there.

Fortunately, The Ligature are in the studio working on their debut EP which is titled Souvenir and will be out late April. Chris and William will be touring in May, and in August they will be joining The Will To Power on tour. Going by the two songs I have heard by The Ligature, I reckon they’ll be like Cold Cave and have a dedicated but underground fan-base. Cult-like and loyal. I think 1.15am is the perfect time to dive into the underworld that The Ligature have created with their beautifully dark and captivating sound they have created. Falling for something weird and wonderful is always welcomed. I can’t wait to hear their EP.

You can listen to their tracks here: https://soundcloud.com/new-decade-muzik/the-ligature-empty-hearts

And also here: https://soundcloud.com/new-decade-muzik/the-ligature-all-alone-again

BAD GRAMMAR. Hoxton Bar & Grill. 21st March 2014.

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I’ve not been aware of Bad Grammar for long, but it is spiraled into the need to see them live at any chance I can get. I first saw them live when they supported PINS at The Old Blue Last. That gig was proof that the best things in life are free. Who doesn’t love a free gig?!

Bad Grammar are two people (Ben and Lucy) making a lot of noise. Noise that really really needs to be heard by as many people as possible. When I saw them support PINS, I was instantly blown away by how furiously they play. Not with rage, but with a sense of purpose. A lot of bands like to stand around bored, but Bad Grammar really get into it. Ben also broke a guitar string within seconds. I think that sums up how they play really. They make you want to break stuff and will melt your face.

Last night they played Hoxton Bar & Grill. I really like that venue, mainly because I first (and finally!!) saw Dum Dum Girls there in December. I’ve only been to one gig where there was about 10 people there, and it was when S.C.U.M played The Sugarmill in Stoke. I was annoyed because I felt more people should have seen them because they were a bloody good band. The same goes for Bad Grammar. They played supporting Shiva And The Hazards (we left after their first song) and Abjects, who were on after Bad Grammar. Abjects were really good. They reminded me of Camera Obscura mixed with The Shirelles. They play shows in London quite regularly, so go see them if you can.

So, Bad Grammar played to about 10 people but it felt as if they were playing to about a thousand. I’m usually in awe of drummers than can sing and drum at the same time. However, Lucy does the damn near impossible- she can smile and beat the living shit out of the drums. She’s one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen, and manages to look wonderfully happy doing so. Ben sings every song as if his life depends on it- that’s how you believe in a band. I watch him play his guitar, and I can’t help but think he’s going to hack a finger off from playing like that. It’s brilliant to watch; to see a band give it everything they have when around 10 people are watching them. I’m sure there are arrogant wankers out there who would refuse to do so, but they’re not worth listening to. Bad Grammar obviously are.

Their energy is like a toddler that’s eaten a load of Skittles and washed them down with some cheap lemonade (Cresta Lemonade, that’s the best one.) A lot of bands claim to have the essence of Punk in their music, when really they just sound like Paramore and it makes you want to throw up and cry. Bad Grammar have the kind of songs that would make Iggy Pop proud. They’ve got short punchy songs like the Ramones- but they play a little bit harder than them. Their sound is a little bit louder- but they play with a proper Punk attitude. It makes you want to start a band.

I was sad that there weren’t many people here to see Bad Grammar yet they all piled in for the main band. I hate missing support bands because for the most part, they are really fucking good. I sincerely hope that Bad Grammar become one of the biggest bands around, because this duo have something a lot lack. If you see them live (if you live in Manchester, you swines will get to see them more than most! Jammy gits!) you will understand why I’m pissed off at those who missed out last night and also, why this band aren’t fucking huge.

Their EP, Forced Fun is out 31st March on Flatpack Recordings. Buy it.

Have an action shot:

BG

Sorry about the quality, I don’t have steady hands it seems!

ABJECTS.

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Girl bands are the best aren’t they. From the likes of The Girlfriends to September Girls. However, it is important to not define a band by the bits they have down there. It isn’t relevant to the music they make and how good it is. Gender is just a thing. Music is much more than that.

Abjects are a band from London that quite simply, sound like everything I love. They’ve got a Wall Of Sound feel to their music mixed with some creepy Garage Rock going on. They’ve recorded for Haus Of Pins (PINS label) so obviously this band are incredible. They have hypnotic songs that are made to be performed live; they have songs that just lure you in much like PINS and Dum Dum Girls.

Abjects have a delicate sound, but they are tough enough for you to pay attention. Noemi has gorgeous and quite ethereal voice that makes you sway along gently to Alice’s drumming. Then you have Luki blowing your mind on guitar. Sure for the most part their songs are quite tame, but the INSANE Aburrido is a pure face melter (it is Spanish for boring. Noemi is Spanish. Fun facts for you.) Aburrido is a ferocious piece of Garage Rock fused with the fast pace of Punk. Get into it. This band is super talented.

Their quick and punchy songs are Ramones-esque. Quick, loud and bold. They remind me of Suede; their dirty and wonderfully trashy sound. I just think Abjects are wonderful. You see, a lot of bands give you that hazy Summer feeling. With Abjects, they make you want to wander round in the cold and dark as rain starts to fall heavily. There is something gloriously sinister about their music that just makes them stand out. When I listen to a band, I try to pick up these little details to get a better understanding of their sound. I’m aware I could be entirely wrong, but it’s just how I hear it. You can pick influences out of the air when you listen to Abjects, but it just means you’re not listening to them properly. Sure they do sound influenced by those I’ve mentioned, but they’re not ripping anyone off. Abjects are for real, and like I’ve already said- they are a band that need to be seen live. I’ll be seeing them this Friday at Hoxton Bar & Grill. Tickets are only £5, get yourself one.

I like music that sounds like the past, a time I was too young for but is in fine tune with what is going on now. Abjects do it wonderfully. When I first heard them I thought I was listening to a band from the 60s- that’s how good they are. Next time it’s pissing it down, go for a walk whilst listening to them. Throw yourself into something creepy and in the lairs of the underworld, let Abjects be your guide.

You can listen to their eerie tunes here: http://abjects.bandcamp.com/

You can see the trio live in London at the following venues:

AUTUMNS- Mini LP.

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Last year I wrote about Autumns. Autumns is one guy from Derry who makes music that is entirely atmospheric and beautifully noisy. I got the chance to interview him shortly after that piece, and when you speak (in this case email) a musician you really like about their music, you sort of become more sentimental towards their music.

When I first heard Autumns (Christian) I straight away felt like I did when I first heard Dirty Beaches many years ago. I was yet again in awe that one person could make a sound like this. One person could make this much noise. It was a delight to hear, and it still is.

Christian’s LP will be released on 31st March through Downwards Records.  There will only be 300 copies made and you will be able to purchase it here: http://readymade.bigcartel.com/product/autumns-mini-lp-autdn1

I’m really pleased that Keep On Sinking and It’s Sooner Than You Think will be on the LP; they were the first two tracks I heard and they just blew me away then.

Autumns is one chap making a whole load of noise. You can’t really turn away from someone with talent like this. Make sure you buy a copy at the end of the month. His music is like a cloak of darkness, but at the same time it is exceptionally comforting.

You can listen to some of the songs here: https://soundcloud.com/ready-made-2/sets/autumns-mini-lp-autdn1

There’s so much heart and passion in his music, I’m fairly sure he will be listed amongst the likes of Dirty Beaches with his ability to make music that is haunting, heartbreaking and a pleasure to listen to. He just leaves you in awe with his talent.

BAD GRAMMAR- Temper Temper.

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One of Manchester’s finest noise makers, Bad Grammar have just put out the video to their exquisitely loud new single, Temper Temper.

The video shows a few blokes on an evening one, with one of the hugging a traffic cone at the end. It’s alright pal, happens to us all eventually. So I’ve heard.

Bad Grammar are playing at Hoxton Bar & Grill this Friday, tickets are about £5. Someone buy me a ticket? I’m pretty poor. You can buy a ticket (or two) here: http://billetto.co.uk/events/shiva-and-the-hazards The line up is pretty cool. You’ve got Shiva And The Hazards, Abjects and of course Bad Grammar.

Bad Grammar’s EP, Forced Fun is out 31st March on Flatpack Recordings.

THE CREEPING IVIES- Ghost World.

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I am so excited to finally write about the new record by The Creeping Ivies, which is out next Monday.

I first wrote about The Creeping Ivies in April 2012. I immediately loved their frightening sound. I loved how they mixed the backbone of Punk with a bit of Rockabilly; and also managed to scare you. Becca’s voice does some AMAZING things, when she wails on certain songs (she does it brilliantly on The Creeps) and Duncan just makes you want to play the drums. In fact, both of them make you want to be in a band. When a band can make you feel that way, you know you’ve found something to treasure.

Ghost World is another creepy installment from this fantastic Scottish duo. It features the hits (in my mind they are) What Would Joey Ramone Do? (this is pretty much my mantra for daily life), the Valentine’s hit- Love Kills and Ramona Wolf. They’re all here, and a hell of a lot more.

Dream Baby Dream has some incredible sax on it. My girlfriend can play the sax, she’s at work- I might go get it and try cover this song. Can you imagine? I’d only have some strange accident. Maybe I won’t bother. Dream Baby Dream sounds like it should have been on some really bad horror film from the 50s/60s. I mean that with utter respect, because those horror films were actually worth watching. What you get constantly when you listen to The Creeping Ivies is the sense that you’re in a film. Their music is destined to be in a film.

Their sound, especially on this new record is just a mixture of the kinds of music that I love. This is a much-needed distraction from the soul-destroying daily task I have of looking for a job. Trippin’ Out is the perfect song that sums up the feeling of going utterly mad. Seeing things that aren’t there and feeling things crawl upon you that aren’t there. This band makes beautifully creepy music; most try too hard to sound like this. For The Creeping Ivies it is simply effortless. Of course people are going to want to throw around as many comparisons as possible, but the thing is, they really sound like nothing else.

Sure I’ve exposed my ears many times to the ghoulish sounds of The Cramps and the haunting tones of Siouxsie And The Banshees, but The Creeping Ivies are really something else. Their ability to take you to a different time with their music is something others should be envious of, better yet- it is something that they should take note of. They have this wonderful way of making you forget what year you are living in. They make you feel as if you are constantly in some old black and white film full of whirlwind romances wearing your best leather jacket.

I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of The Creeping Ivies, but they are truly one of the most exciting and brilliant bands I’ve ever heard. Yes they are a duo, but that’s not just why I love their music. Their music has a of freaking you out yet makes you want to hear more and more. If I had the ability to find the word to use to describe their sound, I’d have done it by now. But I guess that’s what makes them stand out from others. Ghost World may only be their second full length record, but they just make you feel like you’ve been listening to them your whole life.

The Creeping Ivies make music for ghouls, punks and misfits- everything right in the world. The kind of music to have playing in the background as you read something by Poe with a candle flickering. Go on, have a romantic moment by yourself.

Ghost World is out next Monday (24th) and will be self released digitally on Jet Black Records. You can listen to Ghost World here: https://thecreepingivies.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-world

THE VACANT LOTS.

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“I got me a Cadillac,
I ain’t coming back.”

Today is my mum’s birthday, and with only £30 in my bank account I am pretty much sulking (and sad) that I’ve not seen her as it costs a lot more to fly home to see her . I’m probably turning into some recluse, but for now I don’t really care. I’ve got things to keep me occupied, and with my neighbour being an obnoxious tool again- I’m resorting to playing my music loud enough to drown out his awful dance remixes of Lana Del Rey and fuck knows what else. I wish it would stop.

So, much to my neighbour’s annoyance and my own pleasure, I am currently listening to a band called The Vacant Lots. Yes, they are a duo. What of it? As if you expected anything else from me. The Vacant Lots sound like The Jesus And Mary Chain with hints of Rimbaud in their lyrics. They also remind me of Spiritualized, so basically I’ve just found my dream band. High And Low is my current favourite. The come down in this song is beautiful. As someone who feels low (but not to the point where it is up for discussion with anyone) this is the kind of music that makes it all a little less daunting. Hope can abandon you, and when it does its evil counterpart comes to take over. I thought this only happened in books. Fuck.

The Vacant Lots are a band I am really excited to hear more from, their debut record is set to finally come out this year, and I think they’ve released some stuff via the ever wonderful, Mexican Summer label.

You listen to their music and you’re thrown back into a time where music was pleasantly dark and grimy. The kind of music people were scared to listen to. I always wish I was old enough to have seen The Jesus And Mary Chain live at the start where fights would erupt at the end of the shows; I’m pretty sure if The Vacant Lots were a band back then people would be beating the shit out of each other to their music. However, violence is wrong and disgusting. So you should just listen to them and zone out. Nod your head furiously, as if it might just snap off your body. Let loose and all that jazz.

6AM is dark. A real gnarly song that isn’t for those who are afraid of the dark. The kind of song that makes you feel as if you’re being followed. I’m playing it pretty loudly, and I think it is the way to go. As I listen to The Vacant Lots, I immediately get that feeling I got when I first heard Pop.1280- as if I’m listening to something really menacing. Sacred Bones Records should sign up this duo because they would fit right at home on their label. Any label would be lucky enough to have these guys. They make me wish I had my own label, because this is the kind of stuff I would put out.

Jared and Brian started the band in 2010 I think, and as I’ve gone through what I can find of their music- I can safely say they are on something else. A lot of bands I listen to are quite loud and sinister, but The Vacant Lots take it somewhere else. They pretty much take you where other bands may want to shy away from. I always though Seventeen Seconds by The Cure was one of the most haunting records I ever heard- but as I listen to The Vacant Lots, I’m fairly sure I’ve found a solid competitor. This the kind of music that gives you a high like no other. I’ve never touched drugs (I flinch at having to take paracetamol for my frequent headaches) but I’m positive you can experience a high from other things. From a really good book to music that really shakes you up. The Vacant Lots are that kind of high. I just want them on repeat. The perfect band to listen to as darkness falls.

The hints of reverb in their music is something a lot of bands want to replicate and sound real desperate when they do it. The Vacant Lots do it, and it sounds natural. This is a band with a sure-fire sound. A real solid groove that will probably make most turn their nose up at because they don’t get it. But I get it, and I love it. This is the kind of music I play on a daily basis, and it just does something to me. It is a fearless sound for someone who is sometimes a bit of a coward.

I’m aware I write too personally, and it means hardly anyone reads what I write. So if you’ve skipped over what I’ve written, I get it. But do me one favour, and just click this link and listen to The Vacant Lots because they are one of the best bands around: http://thevacantlots.bandcamp.com

I have no idea when their record is out, but I’m pretty hopeful it’ll be one of the best releases of the year for sure.