Category Archives: New Music 2014

CASSELS.

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Duos have a bond that isn’t found in bands that have say, 5 members. But when that duo is made up of two brothers, you know the bond will be deeper and may cause the sound to be a bit more intense. And also, their sound will probably be a bit more feral and fearless.

There’s a duo called Cassels who make fearless and brutal music. They are brothers Jim and Loz, and they are based in West London. See, East London isn’t necessarily where it is at. You’re just told to think it is. West London has a lot to offer. Give it a chance, give it a visit (just don’t go to that bloody shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon!)

Cassels (named after the psychiatric institution) music is bold and fuzzy. No bullshit guitar music that sticks one up to those who think guitar music is dead. But before I get into their music, I want to mention how inspiring these young guys are. Jim is 20 and Loz is 16. Jim ignored advice of his elders and moved to London after his A-Levels to do what he needed to do for Cassels. I’m all for people leaving their lives behind so they can achieve their dreams. I read this about them before I listened to their music, and I instantly became a fan. I hit play and this brilliant noise erupted. A glorious sound that is believable. Jim has a minimum wage job to fund the band. Let that sink in. Most bands like this HAVE to do this. They will one day be heard by all, I’m doing my bit because I believe in this band and I think they’re bloody excellent.

Their songs go deeper than a young mind should go, but when you hear their lyrics and start to see the world in their way again, this is what makes them believable and so so easy to be a fan. They’ve got the bite of Garage Rock which makes you want to play this so loud and they are unlike any band I’m currently listening to. They aren’t just a band that are “noisy” they are a two-piece riot who will soon be holding all your attention. What I love about the duos that I fawn over is that none of them sound alike. They are all different, and all justify why duos are the best. Something I really love about Cassels is how you can tell how much music means to them in just their two songs they have up. They left a quite place in Oxfordshire to make unapologetic noise in London. I can truly relate to being from somewhere quite and boring, and wanting more. You have to leave what you know behind and launch yourself into the unknown. Follow your heart, always.

At the moment there are only two songs up on their soundcloud page which you can listen to here: https://soundcloud.com/cassels-official and you can also grab a free download of Our Faces On A Screen from the page. Do it, play it loud and get others turned on to this band.

Cassels have already supported exciting bands such as Best Friends and The Savage Nomads, and their fan-base in the capital is steadily growing. This year is going to be delightfully noisy thanks to these guys.

Their next gig is on 9th April at 93 Feet East. Go see them and let your face be melted.

SAY LOU LOU-Everything We Touch.

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I first wrote about Say Lou Lou in the middle of 2012. I had heard Maybe You (when they were called Saint Lou Lou.) I found it by accident; I probably couldn’t sleep one night and just became obsessed with the song. I had the song on repeat for days. Their music does that to you. Every single time they put a new song out, I play it on repeat for days.

I saw them live at Concrete in London this year, and I remember them doing Everything We Touch. It instantly felt like a “Summer hit.” There is something about their sound which is just breathtakingly beautiful. As people, they are utterly striking- so is their sound. They have this stunning ability to leave you in awe with every song they have put out. After  heard Maybe You, I became obsessed with the Sweetness Alive song they did with Good Night Keaton.

Everything We Touch was made for the Summer. I’m pretty sure Say Lou Lou were put here to give us songs like this, to make us feel this way regardless of the season. Their music is like dusk approaching on a warm evening. Your shadow fades and everything around you becomes hazy. It’s the best part of the day; it’s my favourite part of the day. Everything We Touch truly captivates dusk hitting. This song requires your best carefree dance moves.

Say Lou Lou are the band you listen to you when you’re driving around with your loved one (maybe don’t play Fool Of Me or Beloved to them; they might get the wrong idea!) Their music just heightens your emotions and makes you forget all of your troubles. As I listen to Everything We Touch, I sort of don’t feel entirely shit and worthless for not having a job.

With a handful of gorgeous songs already been put out there, I’m fairly sure I am now not the only one who is desperate to hear their debut record.

You can listen to Everything We Touch here: https://soundcloud.com/sayloulou/everything-we-touch

ROSES-It’s Over.

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Last year I wrote about the magnificent LA band, Roses. I probably said they were the best band around right now from the West Coast. A year later (ish) and I still feel the same. Their EP, It’s Over pretty much backs my theory that these three handsome gentlemen make beautiful music together.

My favourite track off the EP is, We Hate Our Friends. It’s a fast and frenzied number that causes you to zone out to Juan Velasquez’s hypnotic and soulful grooves. This is a band that have managed to sound like they’ve been doing it for decades in just one EP. They’ve perfected a haunting 80s Goth sound with dreamy drumming beats. I know people are using “Goth” as a way to sound cool or whatever. No one is cool. The only person who was ever cool was Lou Reed. We can talk about that another time if you want.

Of course with every EP, you hate the fact that it doesn’t last as long as you want. Always hit repeat. But with an EP, you get a nice taste of what a band can offer. Roses have a lot to offer and why they aren’t taking over the airwaves and making seductive music videos, I just have no idea. Roses are easily a band that should tour the UK and dazzle the crowds with their talent and charm. I’m getting all of this from just an EP. I hope others do too.

It’s Over is a relaxed EP to just zone out too. If the outdoor heat is too much for you, then you can get your Summertime feeling by staying indoors and blasting out this EP. Unhinged is the one to really forget everything to. It’s got this gorgeous hazy feel to it. I think it is the perfect EP to play quite loudly at 10.15am. I’m not ready for anything too noisy just yet.

When I wrote about Roses last year, I said that they remind me of The Fall somehow. There is something about Marc’s voice that reminds me of Mark E Smith. Roses have an 80s/90s Manchester feel to their music, and this is probably why I adore them a lot. They sound like they’ve taken influence from it but not blatantly ripped anyone off. It is so easy to make music that has been done before, thankfully Roses haven’t done that.

I’m on my third listen of the Roses EP now, and with every listen there is just something else to love about it. The production is perfect. I’m pretty sure these guys are going to be lethal when they put a full length record out. We Hate Our Friends was the first song I heard by Roses last year, and to hear it on this EP is a delight. It fits in perfectly. It is an untamed number that will hopefully lure people in and to become fans of this remarkable LA band.

I’ve not got anything going on today, so I’ll probably just play It’s Over as the day passes me by.

You can listen to it and purchase it now from their bandcamp page: https://rosesla.bandcamp.com/ Be reckless this Thursday and buy it. The EP is out on Big Joy Records.

BROWN BROGUES- Zoloto.

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Last week I wrote about a fine duo called Brown Brogues. I sent them what I had written, and now I get to write about their new EP because they are gentlemen. I’m unsure if I can write anything to truly do this EP justice, but I’m taking a break from what I should be doing (job hunting) and giving it a damn good go.

Zoloto is the name of the EP and it is out on 19th April. Yes that it on Record Store Day; the greatest day of the year for sure. The first 100 copies of Zoloto will come with a 7″ reissue of their first EP, Nobody Dies In Paris. It is honestly worth waking up incredibly early to queue up for it. You’ll have nothing else to do anyway. Most important day of the year, remember that. The word “Zoloto” means “gold” in Russian. It is also an acronym for “Remember, one day people will leave you alone” in prison tattoos.

Getting Caned In The Face With An Ashtray is my favourite track off the EP. If you listen to it carefully, it should remind you slightly of that other duo I adore- The Kills. Some parts of it just remind me of some songs off their last record, Blood Pressures. I guess I’m just in awe of duos and how much delightful noise they can make. You know I said that Brown Brogues were decadently brilliant? Well, Zoloto truly shows that decadent sound as brutal and as brave as ever. If you listen to this EP and you aren’t wanting to break stuff and tear down the walls, then you’ve probably got shit stuck in your ears.

The EP is only 15 minutes long, but you’ve got punchy tracks like Shit In Your Eye and My Birthday which are underground anthems in the making. These songs are going to make fans go nuts when they hear them live. My Birthday is a ferocious gem that I really cannot get enough of. Pretty sure if Joey Ramone was alive he’d be salivating over this track and wishing he wrote it. The EP is made up of 4 songs that have been created to melt your face, shatter your eardrums and to make your body move in an obscure fashion. If this EP is going to be the first thing many hear by Brown Brogues, then they will more than likely be losing their mind over it. I don’t understand how you couldn’t. How can 4 songs sound this GOOD? Never doubt Brown Brogues, ever. They are a band that are evidently going to be around for a long time making this kind of pleasant noise their own way.

Zoloto is pretty much one of the best things to have happened to music this year. To deny the talent that Ben and Mark have would be extremely foolish of you, so on Record Store Day- head down to your local record store and buy this EP. Go home and play it as loud as you like.

Zoloto will be released via Stolen Body Records.

Also, Brown Brogues will be supporting The Young Knives this month on tour. Brown Brogues will also being doing an EXTREMELY special show at the Soup Kitchen in Manchester on 3rd May with Murkage. Both bands will play their set followed by a set together. Tickets are £5 and you can buy them here: http://nowwave.skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=12126298

BROWN BROGUES.

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After spending the day convinced I was going to puke again, I think it is safe to say I’m alright now. Until next time, obviously. I’ve spent the day either sat listening to the radio or sleeping. How long is a nap meant to be because I took one for 3 hours, and I’m pretty sure that’s a good nap. Everyone has their own take on what is a nap and what isn’t. Don’t let anyone dictate to you how much sleep you should/shouldn’t have.

Brown Brogues are a band I mentioned briefly here last year. I know that I should have mentioned more because quite frankly, they make the music I wish I could make. I’m pretty sure if I played them loudly yesterday my migraine would have shifted. Music is a cure. Paracetamol is a mere placebo. Brown Brogues are a fine Mancunian band that sound like they have escaped from California and encountered trouble on the way. They are loud and their songs are pieces of wonder that make you flail your body around in a furiously passionate manner.

My uncle and I frequently exchange texts about bands to listen to. As soon as I’ve typed this up, I’ll be telling him about this bloody brilliant duo. He’s the only person I know that has heard of Pop. 1280- this is a huge thing for me because they are just a fine band with deviant sounds. But this is about a fine band from Manchester who deserve every ounce of success possible to come their way.

What I love and adore about Brown Brogues sound is exactly what caused me to fall in love with The Kills many many years ago. It is the passion in the sound. The sheer determination and fury that just ripples right through every single song just makes your body jolt to the beat. It’s something that I look for in music; I want it to move me the way the Ramones woke up the dead back in the 70s. Brown Brogues would have been the perfect band to melt the faces of crowds at CBGBs. Sure it is 2014, but this back sound like something from the 60s/70s with their Garage Rock flare and Psychedelic vibes.

Beef Teef ruins the brain. It really really does mess with your mind. If you’ve never heard of Brown Brogues before, start with this from their second record. Throw yourself in the deep end and embrace the chaos head on. I’m a calm person but I love the music I listen to to be quite loud and chaotic. Brown Brogues justify fully why I love music as much as I do and also why duos are pretty much the best.

It is easy to fall into a habit when listening to music, but I always want something to move me in a way that leaves me with the inability to put it into words. Beautiful things in life leave us speechless; you treasure them more because you spend the rest of your days searching for words. This is what music does to me. Sure I can sometimes find the words, other times I’m just jotting down bollocks in the hopes I make some sense to someone out there who reads this. I hope someone reads this and Brown Brogues become a band that they listen to religiously, obsessively because they want that feeling of elation that comes when you listen to something new for the first time.

Music should be exciting. Music should do things to you that a person can’t. You cannot be held by a record physically but emotionally and that’s what makes it so so powerful.

Shake It is such a brilliant songs by Mark and Ben. The harmonies with the low droning (I mean this in a positive way, I just can’t describe sounds perfectly) of the guitar is brilliant. You can sense the longing in their voices, and in the drums and guitar. You pick up so many details in their music; the things you may miss when you listen to someone else. There’s honestly something so special about the music that Ben and Mark make, if anything they make you want to grab your best friend and make some noise.

Their song titles are something else, I Drove For Miles Just To Hear About The  Book That You’re Reading (which is one of my favourite songs by them.) There is wit in their lyrics, there are romantic tones, there is everything you could possibly want from a band in their music.

Brown Brogues released their debut record last year. Born To Lose came out on Ultra Cool records and was recorded in 2 days in Graceland about two years ago now. In 2 days they made this massively underrated beast of a record. Sometimes you find with bands, when they finally do a full length record it sounds too polished or it leaves behind that raw sound they once had. Brown Brogues stick two fingers up to this theory. Born To Lose is a fine debut, and to be honest it sounds like a band who have been putting out records for the past 10 years. They remind me of The Gruesomes mixed with Wavves. They’ve got polite aggression in their sound. That’ll be the Mancunian charm. The record is just over half an hour-long, but that’s why we have the repeat button. Just keep on hitting it.

Their second record, Triflin’ is equally bold and pretty much reinforces my love for them. So if I’m right- does this mean they have released two records in one year?! They are beyond hard-working. Triflin’ is a beautiful and punchy record that smacks you passionately in the face. Decadently brilliant. Effortlessly wonderful.

I don’t know what Ben and Mark have planned for this year, but I’m pretty sure they will be melting the faces off the crowds they play to, collecting new fans along the way. If one band can add some bite to modern music, it is definitely Brown Brogues. I’d put money on that, but I’ve got about £100 in my account, and I need that.

With my neighbour playing his awful dance music awfully loud, I think I have found the band to cause his flat to shake should I feel the need to be as much of an arse as him. But until then, I’ll have Brown Brogues playing loudly in my ear.

Please please go listen to their sounds here: https://soundcloud.com/brownbrogues

And buy their worldly possessions from here (or just their music for now): http://brownbrogues.bigcartel.com/

Manchester, be proud of them. The world, you better be bloody listening.

GO SEE THEM SUPPORT THE YOUNG KNIVES THIS MONTH.

DUM DUM GIRLS-Are You Okay

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“Sometimes my heart is pure
Sometimes I know it’s not
Sometimes it disappears
Returns unlocked.”

Before I go into how breathtakingly beautiful the video to Are You Okay is, let’s start with something insanely good:

DUM DUM GIRLS AND CROCODILES ARE TOURING THE UK TOGETHER.

The dates are:

May 1 – London, UK – Scala
May 4 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
May 5 – Norwich, UK – Arts Centre
May 7 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3
May 8 – Belfast, UK – Black Box
May 9 – Galway, IE – Roisin Dubh
May 10 – Dublin, IE – Button Factory

This probably going to be the best tour that hits the UK this year. Well, for me it will be anyway. Of course it is a dream line-up for me. Two of the most exciting bands playing the UK is a pretty big deal you know. Maybe they’ll play some Haunted Hearts songs. A party for all. Get yourself a ticket. I’ll see you at the front on 1st May.

Let’s talk about the Are You Okay video now.

Are You Okay is a short film written by the great Bret Easton Ellis (read his books and let yourself be freaked out) The video was directed by Brewer, and if it doesn’t move you to tears slightly by how haunting it is- then you’ve probably been watching something else. Again the creative direction is taken care of by the equally stunning, Tamaryn. I think what we can take from this project is that Dee Dee and Tamaryn should just keep making videos together. The original score to the film is also by Tamaryn and Drew MacDowall.

I personally love this song because of the lines: “But what if it doesn’t go away, what if this feeling always plagues. I’m reckless at night, I’m sorry for days. I’m looking for you through lavender haze.” Dee Dee’s lyrics are truly heartfelt, and  think anyone can relate to her gorgeous and vulnerable words.

The video is like a dream you once had. Possibly even a reoccurring dream. It feels like a nightmare; even in dreams you are being taunted- but there is something about this video that eases the tension within it. Everyone part of this short film is responsible for making something truly moving. A beautiful piece of art. It’s over 10 minutes long, so shut the world off and give it all your attention.

 

THE SAVAGE NOMADS- Porno.

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When I  wrote about this delightful London band last summer, I said that The Savage Nomads were one of the best bands around as they don’t sound like anyone else. I said they were for those who appreciated the style of that fine band, Television with their complex yet fun sound. A band to truly get lost in and to fully appreciate their relaxed style.

Their new single, Porno is an infectious number which sees their sneaky front-man Cole swipe an orange from a market stall. With his loveable face, you’d let him steal it. The band sound really strong on this song, and the video shows the band flailing freely to their Funk filled sounds.

The single is having a fun-filled release party on 19th March at The Garage (upstairs) in London. You can get yourself extremely cheap tickets right here: http://billetto.co.uk/the-savage-nomads

The Savage Nomads will be heading to your town soon for some shows, check here: https://www.facebook.com/thesavagenomads

Remember the excitement The Strokes caused when they first stared? The Savage Nomads have that about them, and their new song Porno shows why they deserve to be your new favourite band.

Pre-order the track here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/porno-single/id824250960

WAX FUTURES.

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“Don’t fool yourself with the illusion of safety.”

Last week  I saw an excellent and loud band live called Bad Grammar. A bloody fine Manchester band that I would never get tired of watching live. A band who in some respects are similar to the Mancunian duo are Wax Futures. Loud and brilliantly brutal.

Wax Futures are 3 pals from Telford. I don’t know much about the Telford music scene but we all know that some bands from the Midlands right now are letting others know just how good their area is. London is not the world.

They make music which would fit comfortably in the collection of those who love Fugazi (who doesn’t?!) to At The Drive-In. They remind me of being bored with life at college doing my A-Levels, but hey, it got me out of a shitty place. The bad with good and vice versa. Their songs are eloquently put together; the production on their EP, A History Of Things To Come is insanely good. It’s better than that, and you’ll see come 10th March when it is released via Hometown Strategies (the band’s own label) and Distorted Tapes.

With a lot of bands in the Midlands all having quite a similar and dreamy sound- Wax Futures aren’t afraid to be different. Thy are louder and more bold. There is aggression to their sound that demands them to be heard, they want your attention and if I’m honest, it will be pretty hard to ignore them.

The wit and intelligence in their lyrics is what does it for me. I like the songs I listen to, to have meaning. It doesn’t have to be too in-depth or really intense; I just want it to mean something to me. There’s a lot of rage in their EP which will speak to those who carry a level of self-doubt around with them; I suppose that’s why I regard Wax Futures so highly. They’ve got something within their music which usually hits bands when they are at least 3 records into their career. Wax Futures have done it almost immediately, and that alone deserves acknowledging.

Wax Futures echo their thoughts on modern life throughout the EP, and I think most can appreciate just how much of a drag modern life truly is at times. People know your business without you saying a word. They know where you were and who you were with before you even get on the train home. Nothing is private anymore. We would rather know too much about others than find out who we really are, which is really sad and pathetic.

Personally, I advise playing Breadcrumbs loud and allowing yourself to scream along as loudly and as passionately as you can.

You can listen to their future hits right here: http://waxfutures.bandcamp.com/

If anyone fancies buying me one of their fetching t-shirts, I’d really love that.

WARTIME.

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They say you can always find a positive in any bad thing that happens. From a break-up to death, there is always some good to come out of it. At times this is easy to see, but for the most part it is just another empty cliché to get you through the day. You can decide for yourself what it will be, there is no right or wrong.

As you know, I’m a huge fan of Crocodiles. I love Brandon’s side project with his wife Dee Dee as Haunted Hearts. Charles’ project with his partner, Hollie Cook- Psychic Dancehall was brilliant. His new project, Wartime was originally to be with him and a close friend of his. Sadly and unexpectedly, his friend took his own life. The project is now Charles on his own. A sense of healing is in the song Wartime Won’t Let Me- if you didn’t know the story behind the project you may not be as sentimental towards it. Yet when you find out, you truly gain more respect and appreciation for what Charlie has done. When something bad happens, it is just easier to turn away from it all. There is a lot of courage in this side project of Charles.

He has wonderfully sampled the drums from an underrated Iggy Pop song, Horse Song which is taken from the equally underrated (and strange) Zombie Birdhouse. Anyone who has seen Crocodiles play knows how enthralling it is to watch Charlie slay the guitar. If you’re looking for a band that play with EVERYTHING they have and more, go see a Crocodiles show. Charles just goes some place else when that guitar is in his hands and these electrifying sounds just pour out. This is exactly the case with Wartime- the passion is there on Wartime Won’t Let Me. This is for those who have a place in their hearts reserved mainly for the weird and wonderful.

The 8 track cassette, Graffiti Dogs (Ku Ku)  is available for pre-order on the brilliant Art Fag label, and you can get your grubby hands on a copy right here: http://artfagrecordings.blogspot.co.uk/

Stream the song Wartime Won’t Let Me here: https://soundcloud.com/art-fag-recordings/wartime-wont-let-me

To end this, I feel the best way is from a quote by Charles from an entry taken from Brooklyn Vegan. He puts is beautifully and to the the point:

“This tape was written solely for the purpose of helping me cope with my close friend’s death. His spirit lives on. I am certain.”

HUNCK.

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What do you do if you have a neighbour who plays truly awful music at a disgusting level? You simply put your headphones in and play something that stops you from being mad at the inconsiderate idiot. As I proceed to deafen myself by listening to a new band called HUNCK, it doesn’t seem so bad. Mainly because they have this hint of The Jesus And Mary Chain about them which is clearly an excellent thing.

HUNCK are consisted of Thomas Wykes (who plays live for Parakeet) and Frederik Tyson-Brown who plays in MT. Put them together and you have this Mazzy Star/Slowdive-esque band who have immediately excelled themselves with their new song, Toy Trucks. Toy Trucks is a 3 and a half-minute wonder that sends you off into some hazy daydream. With the days starting to get a little longer, songs like this are truly welcome. As the sun goes down, this is the perfect song to listen to. And of course it is lovely to listen to as a way to drown out the sounds of others. Most music is good for that.

In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning is a little more relaxed (it is possible) than Toy Trucks. I could quite happily listen to these two songs on repeat; HUNCK are a brilliant new band who offer something soothing for the soul and ears. It is like they are singing a lullaby sweetly in your ears as you drift off into a beautiful sleep.

You can listen to HUNCK’s gorgeous sounds right here: https://soundcloud.com/hunck

HUNCK’s songs will make you dream, sway and go someplace truly beautiful. Close your eyes and listen.