Category Archives: New Music 2014

FAT WHITE FAMILY.

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When I was home for Christmas my uncle and I spoke about Fat White Family. We sensibly agreed that they are one of the best bands around and also one of the most exciting bands around. Their debut record, Champagne Holocaust came out last April. I was an idiot and didn’t mention it as one of my favourite records from last year. I’m making up for it now.

Champagne Holocaust is a brilliant chaotic record. Everything is disorganised and wonky. It makes sense in some ways, but in others it just messes with your brain. This is why I love them. There are 6 of them making a lot of noise; demanding to be heard.

Fat Whites have this psychedelic feel to their music that makes you feel like you’ve taken something stronger than paracetamol. Their sound will weird you out, but at the same time you’ll be totally grateful that you are exposing yourself to their sound. If anything, they’ve perfected the sound that the genius that was (and always will be) Captain Beefheart. The whole weirdness that is found in Captain Beefheart’s music (mainly Trout Mask Replica because that is just off the wall) is found right in Fat Whites. It’s like Don Van Vliet has been reincarnated in Fat Whites music. Their sound is like a drunken riot. Completely out of control but so so good.

I think you know when you’ve found a strong band when they make you wish you had some musical talent, Fat Whites are one of those bands. They are evidently one of the most exciting London bands around. When you listen to them, nothing really makes sense. I’m aware not much ever really does, but Fat Whites really do get inside your mind and fuck with it as you listen to them. Their new song, Touch The Leather (apparently an ode to Daim bars..apparently. It could be drugs though.) is out of this world. Can they just be the biggest band in the world already? Besides, they have a song called Wet Hot Beef- how can you not love them?!

I’m not a person who is too keen on music festivals, they aren’t something I have any interest in. Yet when I listen to Fat Whites, I can just imagine them in a few years headlining certain festivals. If modern music is going to head in this direction, then you know what? ABOUT BLOODY TIME. This is the good stuff right it. Fat Whites are a band for those who don’t get current trends or don’t want anything to do with them. No good comes from following others does it. You forget who you are and what you stand for.

It is fairly obvious that Fat White Family are going to get bigger and bigger. They have a sound that you just cannot ignore. They’re everything you want your favourite band to sound like. They sound like the past, they sound like they’ve had too much fine whisky; they are the truth and the future. They are quite simply everything.

A band that were once a sacred kind of listen are now erupting into something remarkable.

You can listen to their debut record here: http://fatwhitefamily.bandcamp.com/album/champagne-holocaust

Touch The Leather will be out via Hate Hate Hate Records on 10th March.

GÄY.

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If a band or singer can leave me in a state of confusion, completely unaware of what is happening; then there’s a good chance I’ll probably love them. Conventional and typical is for those who look for nothing. I know for the most part good music and the like can smack you right in the face, and that’s always nice. There’s a band from a small town in Denmark ( to be exact) who are nothing short of strange and wonderful. I know how shit it can be to grow up in a tiny shitty place. Never go to the Isle of Man kids, not unless you want your soul ripped out from you.

So, Gäy (formerly known as No Mans Band) are a mighty fine band with songs to dance to. For now, we’ll say The Third Is The One to move your stuff about to the most. I don’t know how you’re supposed to move to it, just flail yourself about. As if you’re calling out for help. Don’t yell help though, that would be foolish. Their sound is ridiculous. They sound like nothing else I’ve heard in a long time. They’ve got the strangeness of Talking Heads and the rawness of say, The Cramps. I’m not comparing them to those bands or to anyone else. As far as I know the boys are pretty young, but that doesn’t come across in their music. Considering they are about to put out their debut 7″ on Zoo Music, they sound like they’ve been doing this for decades.

Their sound is pretty much what I’m into. It’s all over the place; a chaotic and distinctive sound. A lot of noise, a lot of passion and more gutsy than anything else around. I’m pretty sure there are people who will have some issues with the name of the band, but it’s not like they are called “WE HATE GAYS” or something equally vile. The only issue I have with people using the word “gay” in a negative way is when people call something bad “gay.” Use another word, and if you’re totally stupid pick up a thesaurus and look up other words for “bad.” It’s not really hard. Gäy are an excellent band with a sound that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time and hit 2014 as if this was supposed to be the sound of this time. Does that make sense? I don’t know.

The boys will making their UK debut at The Shackwell Arms on the 16th March. Anyone want to be my date?

The 7″ of their new single, Blue Blue Heart is out on Zoo Music on 3rd March from places like Rough Trade and Piccadilly Records. Buy a copy, play it to death.

You can listen to their jaunty tracks right here: https://soundcloud.com/nomansband

And you can also play the phenomenal Blue Blue Heart here: https://soundcloud.com/zoo-music/blue-blue-heart

BAD GRAMMAR.

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Last night I saw PINS live, and their support band blew me away. A lot of bands I’ve seen live have always had really good support bands, but last night was something else. I want world domination for Bad Grammar.

Bad Grammar are a duo from Manchester. This just backs up my point that duos and music from Manchester is quite frankly, the best. But, I am willing to cast my biased opinion aside briefly to tell you why Bad Grammar are brilliant without being too biased..if I can. I can only try I suppose.

Bad Grammar are the kind of band that make you pull weird faces when you see them live, or pretty much when you’re sat in your PJs at home listening to them at half 10 in the morning. Their ferocious sound makes it hard to believe that only two people (Lucy and Ben) are making this much noise. Ben broke a guitar string within seconds last night; that’s how furious they are. They play with determination and the ability to immediately make them your new favourite band. Lucy has this amazing talent of making you go “OH SHIT!” when she beats the shit out of the drums. She sits with a look of content on her face as she destroys the drums. It is almost as if she knows she is making people lose their mind to their music.

Their stage presence is a joy to watch, and the way they rip through their set and basically melt everyone’s faces with their rambunctious songs is just outstanding. Again, like PINS, I would not get bored with seeing Bad Grammar live. And is pretty much a reason as to why they need to be your new favourite band.

There are so many reasons as to why Bad Grammar are a pleasure to listen to. They have this raw feel to their sound; it’s unpolished and unapologetic. What’s the point in wanting to smooth your sound out when you can having something like this? I don’t know the names of all the songs they played last night, but I do remember hearing Temper Temper and enjoying every second of it.

As you listen to them, it is hard to believe that only two people are responsible for this excellent sound. Duos seem to play a little harder and with more blood, sweat and tears. Bad Grammar are a perfect example of this. Of course the best way to listen to them is as loudly as you can take. When they hit the stage last night, I felt as if my ears were going to explode and to me, that’s quite alright. Besides, they have a song about hating people with fast metabolisms- something everyone can pretty much relate to!

Bad Grammar’s EP, Forced Fun is out on 31st March on Flatpack Records. If you’re fortunate to live in Manchester or close by, you can catch them at The Castle Hotel on the 29th March for the EP release show. They will also be back down in London on 21st March at Hoxton Bar & Grill and back at The Old Blue Last on  29th April.

You can play their sounds as loud as you like here: https://soundcloud.com/badgrammar

You just know in your gut when you hear something exceptional. I think Bad Grammar are going to be my favourite new band. Their sound is exciting and brutal; I can’t wait to hear more from them.

DUM DUM GIRLS- Too True To Be Good.

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“It’s hard to outrun the devil from behind.”

 

In my biased and honest opinion, Dum Dum Girls make excellent music videos. Their videos are quite trippy (Bedroom Eyes) haunting (Coming Down) and fun (Jail La La.) When you combine all of this, you get the video to Too True To Be Good which was directed by Nathaniel Brown and the creative direction was taken care of by Dee Dee’s pal and fellow ethereal musical gem, Tamaryn.

Too True To Be Good is taken from Dum Dum Girls new record, Too True which has been out a little under a month and is undoubtedly the best record of the year. No other record is going to shake up your bones like this or cleanse your soul in such a gorgeous manner.

All too often bands/singers make music videos that overcompensate for the song so you lose interest in the song and its meaning. However, we thankfully we have artists like Dum Dum Girls and Tamaryn who make videos that give their songs more meaning. They heighten your emotions when you watch their videos, and you take more meaning from the song. What I love about the new DDG video is the pure beauty that is in it. The images of roses to the way Dee Dee’s reflection is like it is in a ripple of water is just stunning. The video to Too True To Be Good is under 3 minutes of sheer beauty and is easily a work of art.

 

 

THE CREEPING IVIES- Love Kills.

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If I really wanted to get back at my neighbour right now I’d be playing something truly awful like Cradle Of Filth super loud, or I could treat the inconsiderate swine to something like The Creeping Ivies. Instead I am being thoughtful and selfless and playing them through headphones. See sometimes, I can be alright.

As you know I’m big on duos. Two people can change their own world and influence those around them. Don’t change the world, change your own. Duos to me are just perfect. They hit the drums harder, they scream a little louder, they turn their guitar amps a bit more, the bass-line makes you move a bit more. There’s something about duos that make you feel as if you are part of something.

A duo that I absolutely adore are The Creeping Ivies. I’ve written about them so many times, and even if they stopped making music (I don’t want to think about that) I’d probably still write about them. Their sound is everything I love about music. It is a mixture of bands I’ve grown up listening to and with something else I can’t really define. Becca and Duncan are stylish folks who play with the passion that a lot lack.

Love Kills is taken from their new record Ghost World which is out this year. Becca’s vocals are egged on by Duncan’s ferocious drum thumping. They’ve made a sound that is found in no one else around, which is why I truly adore them. Most fawn over shitty folk bands crying into their banjos (sounds worse written down) but why buy into something so trivial when bands like The Creeping Ivies exist. Sure they may not be to everyone’s taste (cut those people out of your life, they probably wear crocs or chinos) but they are keeping alive one of if not THE most important genre of music of all time- Punk. They’ve got the attitude of Patti and the Ramones mixed with the raw sound of say, The Cramps. Basically, they sound like everything I love which is why of course, I am a fan.

They sound like the band I’ve been waiting for. That’s the only way I can describe them. They are what you’ve been waiting for.

Play loudly.

TOTAL SLACKER-Slip Away.

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Typing pretty much hurts; I’ve invested in a kettle bell that weighs a lot. I was feeling pretty optimistic when I bought it this week, now I don’t have that level of optimism anymore. It’s alright, feeling that good is bad for my health. I’ve not dropped it on the floor or on my face (yet) so I must be doing something right. Also, if you’re wondering what Lee from that awful pop band Steps is doing now- he’s on the free poster you get with the purchase of a kettle bell demonstrating how you are meant to use this…thing. I’m standing a good distance away from the TV, windows, anything else that I can break whilst I use it. But like I said, I’m not feeling too optimistic. But if my stomach muscles and biceps are hurting, am I doing it right? I can manage going for a run in the rain without falling over so I like to think I’m developing into a worthwhile member of society. Possibly.

So I wrote about Brooklyn wonder-kids Total Slacker about two years ago. They’re putting out their new record, Slip Away next week and it’s also Valentine’s Day next week..I think Total Slacker knew exactly what they were doing when they thought of a release date. The deviants! So aside from being a typical fan of a band, it is pretty easy to get excited over the new Total Slacker record because it is really bloody good. It’s got a Garage Rock feel to it mixed with something hypnotic (think The Stone Roses’ debut record) flowing all the way through. It’s not a record to get angry to, it’s a record to dream to- closing eyes is optional.

Would If I Could is a song to give chase to. It makes you want to walk/run faster; the fury that oozes out of this song is striking. It pretty much makes you want to give up your mundane life in order to make music like this. Out Of Body Experience pretty much speaks for itself. It’s a haunting record, it’ll creep you out in some parts but for the most part you’ll just feel like you’ve taken something strange. I personally wouldn’t know, but Total Slacker make me feel like I have.

Just under two years ago Total Slacker lost their drummer Terence in a fatal hit and run accident; any other band would probably quit after having to deal with something so painful but Total Slacker kept on, and Zoe (their new drummer) is equally as majestic and as wonderful as Terence was. A band like this just doesn’t quit.

Tucker has this way of sounding really down on life when he sings certain songs, and this is what makes him believable. There’s feeling in his voice, and this is what makes Total Slacker stand out from most bands. A lot of singers are afraid to inject any feeling into how their songs, but if you can’t expose yourself in one of the purest ways imaginable- then why on earth are you even doing it? Total Slacker are a band with a purpose.

With New York covered in snow and the UK being cast underwater, Total Slacker are bringing the laziness of Summer to us all early with Slip Away. If you’re fed up or going through a phase of self-doubt then play this record religiously and ritualistically. Shut the door and close the world off.

I’m sure Slip Away has been reviewed and weak comparisons have been mentioned, but I can’t think of a band to compare them to. I don’t have a reason to do so, and I think it’s disrespectful to the band you’re writing about when you do that. For those whinging about there being no new music and everything sounding the same, then give Total Slacker a listen. For me, Super Big Gulp is probably my favourite track so far off the record but I’ll change my mind. But when it kicks in on this track, it is truly magical. If I was wealthy, I’d pay for them to come to the UK but I’ll have to wait for now I suppose.

With songs about Kennedy’s assassination and fighting your babysitter’s boyfriend, and recorded by a someone (Daniel Schlett) who has worked with a band I really love, The Men- you just know Slip Away is going to be worthy of smacking that repeat button numerous of times.

As a fan rather than just another music writer, I’d like to say I’m really proud of Total Slacker and all they’ve done over the past few years. They’re like the noise around the heart. Play it loud and fall into a trance.

 

GIRL TEARS- Kill For Love

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“Don’t know who I am,
But I know that I would kill for love.”

 

One of the most noisiest and magnificent bands around have JUST put out the video to their new single, Kill For Love. Girl Tears are a band to slam your body into a wall to, or into another person. Maybe the latter is more “socially acceptable” so I guess you shouldn’t do it. Don’t do it. Never do it. Ever.

I can’t write hundreds of words about the video or song. I can do it about the band, and I’ve done it before. I’ll hold it for now. You can watch this minute video clip right here:

The cassette will be out this month on Lolipop Records. Again, Girl Tears are another fine band from the West Coast of America starting to make a glorious noise, a beautiful and rambunctious noise. The kind of band you know you just HAVE to see live.

Get their record here: http://girltears.bandcamp.com/

Play loud. Annoy your neighbour with it; especially if they are obnoxious and rude. You’re welcome.

PINK MEXICO.

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I’m aware I could be using my time more wisely, but after this I’ll be going back to that awful chore of looking for a job. I did have a job, that is true. But my contract ended on Friday. I’m not just bored, I’m a whole bunch of things that I plan to ignore. I thought I’d channel my feelings of being useless into writing about a band that I really like because I can do that. Just about. Sort of. I don’t know. I went for a run this morning in the rain; certain songs just make you run faster. As if you have a point to prove. Thing is, it doesn’t matter.

Anyway.

There’s a relatively new band called Pink Mexico who are really good. Last year it was a band called Roses that really blew my mind with their sound. This year, I think Pink Mexico are going to do it. Well for me they will. It’s not about airplay or being on the cover of music magazines that will hold you up one minute and slag you off as soon as your record comes out. Pink Mexico released their debut record last year which you can listen to here: http://pinkmexico.bandcamp.com/

If you want something to make every ounce of fury seem worthwhile, then listen to them. I guess some would say they appeal to fans of Nirvana, but I’m not a fan of Nirvana (is this as bad as me saying I don’t like The Beatles? I know nothing about music anyway.) Pink Mexico don’t sound like Nirvana so dismiss any fool who says they do. Pink Mexico sound like a band you’ve been looking for. You don’t know what sound you’re searching for, but when you hear it you just know. It’s like when you’re looking for a new jacket and you have a rough idea but only until you see it do you know you want it. You understand, right?

Pink Mexico are a band that you need to play as loud as you can stand; I’m pretty sure their live shows will leave the crowd deaf for a while at the end, those are the best shows. They remind me a little bit of Virals, who I saw twice last year. Amazing live. Pink Mexico pretty much reinforce my idea that duos make the best music. I don’t know what it is, but they have something others may not have. They’ve got the rage to make you listen; their sound is incredibly powerful, and people still act like this surge of Folk is still a thing. No way. Guitars were made for music like this.

Songs like A Head Full Of Slime were made for those clubs/bars that nobody wants to go to alone. Out of fear for what is in the depths of them, but they are the best ones by far. The walls know more than the person stood up against them wishes them to know. The sweat covers you- not just your sweat. Personal space is no longer a thing, it doesn’t exist but you don’t care.

The recording for their debut record was in Brooklyn, and Robert (Preston) played all the instruments on the record. It was only until after the release of the record they became a two-piece. John (Chambers) joined and I think they are now based in LA. Prior to Pink Mexico, Robert had been in a slew of bands but with Pink Mexico he’s hopefully found “it.” Whatever “it” may be. He’s an incredible musician, as is John. When you’ve got two brilliant musicians like this making music, they can do anything. They’ve got the guts and passion. I can’t wait to hear more from them. I always said if I was a millionaire, I’d fly out all the bands I love to the UK and get them shows. Pink Mexico are one of those bands that make me wish I was rich so I could do this, but I’ve got nothing. My jeans are starting to rip in unconventional places, but it’s alright.

Trial and error got Robert to where he is with Pink Mexico; they deserve every ounce of success.

FRANK’S DAUGHTER-WE WERE WAVES ONCE (sjöar remix)

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Frank’s Daughter make music that fully justifies my idea that duos make the best music. Of course not all duos are any good; I’m sure we can all think of some that are quite crap. But it’s all down to personal taste and I’m not someone who ever thinks they are right. I’m usually wrong, but it’s no big deal. I think I’m right with my opinion on Frank’s Daughter. Their debut LP, The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling came out in July last year and the dark, haunting feel of the record was something I instantly fell in love with.

The record opens with We Were Waves Once, and towards the end of last year they were giving away a free MP3 of the Sjöar remix of the song. I’m not someone who  goes out of their way to listen to remixes of songs, I guess I like to cling onto the original versions. Yet there are occasional remixes that stay true to the original. The remix and record version of We Were Waves Once both have a chilling feel to them; exposing just how vulnerable the vocals are. This is the kind of music to leave everything behind to, but I don’t know if you’re searching for anything. I guess we all are, deep down.

What I adore about Frank’s Daughter is their fragile sound that feels like a safety net. They sound as frail as you but something about them protects you. Maybe it’s the reassurance that someone else gets it, you know. Sometimes that’s the most comforting feeling, other times it is quite frightening.

For me, Frank’s Music make the kind of music that those like Burial, James Blake and Deptford Goth make- made for listening to in the dark. Whether you’re making your way home by foot or public transport or sat alone in the darkness. They are perfect for a state of solitude and clarity.

You can listen to the gorgeous remix here: https://soundcloud.com/franks-daughter/we-were-waves-once-sj-ar-remix and get a free copy of it here: http://www.franks-daughter.com/

Drift off to sleep to their music and have beautiful dreams.

Goodnight x

SONS OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS FATHER-NO MERCY/LOVELETTING.

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A book can make you feel like you’re in a hidden world that no one else can ever uncover. A song can make you wish you were somewhere else and by the time it is over, you’re there. Not all bands have the nous to do such a thing. Or sometimes they work too hard doing it, they sound nothing like they want to.

I wrote about Sons Of An Illustrious Father last year, and from that I was opened up to a scene in New York that is not like anything else I’ve heard before. Thankfully they are not part of a movement that make songs about how bored they are. Nor are they sickly love songs that make you want to gauge your eyes out. I can’t put Sons in a genre box for you; I don’t have the right to do that and people who listen to only one genre of music are quite dull. Never trust anyone who says they only listen to bands like Mumford & Sons. There’s a wealth of music out there and to only limit yourself to one kind is pretty daft. If I only listened to Punk I’d only be listening to dead musicians pretty much and I’d never go to shows. That would be quite boring. Through listening intensely to one, I subjected myself to other bands. From other bands telling me to do so or for accidentally finding them in the depths of certain websites I expose myself to as much music as I can. I don’t care if it is some unheard Howlin’ Wolf song or it is something brand new, made by some one person genius in their bedroom- I want to hear it. I have to. So where to Sons come into all of this?

They’re a band that make music that feels like a menacing fairytale. Their sound was made for bitterly cold weather. When you think because the sun is out it will be a little warmer. It isn’t. You become so cold you are numb but you have Sons music playing in your ears and a feeling of bliss takes over. Do you accept yourself yet? Sons make music to accept yourself to. Listen to their music whilst staring at your reflection for clarity and out of fear. Disdain, possibly.

No Mercy and Loveletting were recorded at the hub of all things euphoric and meaningful- Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen produced by the man who everyone should strive to be produced by, Oliver Ignatius. The combination of Sons and Oliver means your ears ar going to be subjected to some raw and passionate sounds. Sounds that unleash your fury and your doubt. A mirror isn’t the only thing that is your reflection; it’s in music too. A mirror may not lie but music picks up on the hidden things. The things that really count. Sons aren’t afraid to be open with their music and lyrics. Their open ways is what makes them accessible and believable.

You can listen to the songs here: http://sonsofanillustriousfather.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy-loveletting and whilst you’re at it, do some exploring with their music. And to their music. Don’t be afraid of what you find.