Category Archives: Uncategorized

JESSIE WARE. Roundhouse. 18th September 2014.

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Exactly a year ago I won tickets to see Jessie Ware at Abbey Road Studios, a year later I win tickets to the iTunes Festival. This meant selling my Fat White Family ticket, but it was fine- it went to a good home.

Anyone who has seen Jessie Ware live (and I don’t mean via the internet) will know she has this indescribable presence that just makes you want to keep seeing her perform live. I don’t know what it is, but as soon as she starts singing even if the songs are heart-breaking, you just feel alright. She has this effortlessly gorgeous voice that doesn’t hit the music industry very often. I know I’ve said it many times but she’s got the soul/passion that I’ve only heard in Sade and Aaliyah’s voice. All three of them have this soft, gentle and reassuring quality to their voice and music. It is a pleasure to listen to.

She opened her set with Running which everyone pretty much went nuts to. But the new songs are really something else. Sure everyone loves Wildest Moments but can we PLEASE just declare Want Your Feeling as the best thing to happen all year? If you don’t dance, even just a little bit to it, then you should see a doctor about your joints. They’re not moving right, go sort yourself out. Her new songs sound beyond brilliant live, so I think we have all reached a mutual understanding that Tough Love is probably going to be one of the best records out this year. We’re all okay with this aren’t we? Good. Every year I find at least one song that I could quite happily play on repeat, all day every day and Want Your Feeling is that song for me this year. I love every little thing about it. The lyrics may be a little sad, but the song just makes me massively happy. My moves to Groove Is In The Heart (my girlfriend will say they are embarrassing, and they probably are) are pretty much similar to what Want Your Feeling makes my limbs do.

Her songs just make you want to turn to the person you love/adore, and to just tell them that. Her songs, even when heart-breaking just ooze a wealth of love that isn’t conveyed enough. Or maybe it is, and Jessie is the only one doing it in a real way. A way that is relatable. However, my attention was lured away from Jessie a few times when I saw a man doing incredible dance moves up in the seating area. His moves were seriously influential and they’ll be taking over dancefloors soon. Hopefully. He was having a ball, and his moves really showed that. Anyone who saw them enjoyed the little hand gestures he was unleashing. I’ll probably be using them.

I read a few reviews of last nights show, and some were bashing the fact that her set consisted of new songs. Her album is out in a few weeks; surely it makes sense for her to use a platform as massive as this festival to play them? Some people are never satisfied, so we ignore them. Her new songs sound gorgeous live, and it is fairly obvious that Tough Love is going to sit nicely next to Devotion as being a fine piece of work. When she performs live, she is someone who really puts their all into it without being forced. You can see just how happy she is to play these new songs, especially Kind Of…Sometimes…Maybe which pretty much makes you want Jessie and Miguel to work with each other all the time. For me, I really loved Cruel and Pieces. You And I (Forever) is brilliant also, basically it is all excellent and you’re daft if you don’t buy her new record.

Last year when I saw her, she had just got engaged to Sam and now when she talks about her husband this captivating glow just takes over her, and you really feel a sense of pure and unconditional love. That’s how it should be. The fact that she is happy but can write painful and heart-breaking love song really shows how brilliant she is. And I do think one thing about Jessie is that she really doesn’t know how good she is. She’s better than good obviously. This humble soul is a credit to the music industry, and I do stand by the fact that she’s my generation’s Sade. She’s a genuine soul whose voice just takes you somewhere else. I wish I had the words to describe just how wonderful she is, but those that love her know.

She’s not released her second record yet, but last night proved that Jessie Ware is easily the best vocalist around. No one else comes close.

 

THE DEBUTANTES.

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Any band that can mix a 60s girl group feel with sad/woeful guitar sounds will probably become a band I end up adoring. The Debutantes are pretty much that band.

The Debutantes consist of Sarah and Paula from September Girls and their pal Leon. Together they have made something really beautiful. They have this sadness flowing throughout their songs which is done in a way that isn’t all “PITY ME! LIFE IS HARD!” kind of bullshitty way. Their songs will heal hearts and make you want to dance. If you don’t end up doing questionable moves to Burn The Merchandise then something isn’t right. Perhaps go see a doctor.

In the midst of the reverb sounds, you can’t tell that they are from Ireland. They sound like a band from the West Coast with their sun-kissed guitar sounds, but don’t let location fool you. A great band can make you feel like you are anywhere in the world and that is what makes The Debutantes so great.

With the sun appearing less, walk into the dusk with their record blaring in your ears. Or be a bedroom dancer and sway to their summery grooves in a freeing fashion. The Debutantes will make your heart swoon and make you gush with glee. They are just a brilliant band.

The EP will be released as a cassette on the ever wonderful Soft Power Records, and you can catch Soft Power at the Indie Label Market in Edinburgh on 11th October (day of the EP release also.) The tape is limited to only 100 copies.

You can stream the EP here: http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-debutantes-s-t-e-p

2:54-Blindfold.

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Since seeing 2:54 last week, I was pretty much wishing for the next few months to just go super fast so I could finally hear their new record. Some things I am just not patient with.

But to ease the waiting game, they have put a new video out for Blindfold. I really like how vulnerable the lyrics are and how Colette sings them. If you can believe in every word, you know you’ve found something worth treasuring. Blindfold still has that eerie sound that flows through 2:54’s music, but it is less heavy in Blindfold- the dark feel to it is in the lyrics this time, not the music. I just bloody love the lines “I don’t want to find my way back home” and “Everybody says, I’ve got to say what’s on my mind. But how do I say, I’m really losing my way every day.” Words for the soul from the heart.

After hearing Orion, In The Mirror and now Blindfold, I think it is fair to say that The Other I is going to be one of the best things to happen this year.

When you watch the video to Blindfold you can’t help but fall in love with London. Even after my rage towards the Victoria line yesterday morning, I still love this city and probably wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. The video is beautifully shot, and makes you want to wander the streets of London late at night with some 2:54 blasting in your ears. It also makes you want a jacket like Colette’s.

The Other I is out 10th November via Bella Union.

2:54. Union Chapel- 8th September 2014.

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Last night I went to two gigs in one night, remind me to NEVER do that when I have to be up at half 6 the next morning for work, but obviously it was worth it. It usually is. My ability to be alert today slipped away at around 1.30pm when I spilt my lunch down my white Velvet Underground t-shirt.

The first gig that I went to last night was the Bella Union showcase down the road from me at Union Chapel. I know I’m a fan of dark, dingy places to see bands but the Union Chapel is marvelous. Go see something there, it doesn’t matter what or who it is- just go. I’m choosing to only write about 2:54 because they pretty much were my reason for going. Anyone who knows me (sorry about that) knows how much I adore that band. There is something about their sound that makes me want to always write about music and on the flip side of this, makes me loathe the fact that I cannot play an instrument. I’ve got a cowbell somewhere but I don’t think cowbell players are in demand are they?

If you’ve been lucky enough to see 2:54 live, you’ve probably left in awe of Alex’s drumming skills. I left the gig wishing I could beat the shit of the drums like he does. He’s got this incredible way of making every cymbal crash sound like a wave coming over you and you just drift away peacefully into this eerie world that 2:54 create in their music. I know I say it with a few bands I’ve written about, and I’ve probably said it before about 2:54 but the atmosphere in their music reminds of one of the best records ever made- Seventeen Seconds by The Cure. If I get that feeling from a band, then I’m pretty much sold. The kind of music that makes you feel as if you’re lost in the woods with mist descending down on you, and you feel lost. Part of you wants to escape, the other part of you just wants to keep on walking. Hannah, is one ferocious guitar player, and I sincerely hope she is inspiring people to pick up the guitar and make their own noise. Their bassist? Watch him. He’s insanely excellent.

2:54 treat us all to some new songs from their record which is out 10th November (2 days before my 28th birthday!) and it all sounds bloody glorious. Their dark and beautifully moody sound is back to warm our hearts and souls once more. Although, I must admit I still play their debut record every day to and from work. There is something about their debut record that I’ve not found in much else, so I keep playing it. I think it is also because I’m partially in love/awe with Colette’s voice.

As it was my first time seeing 2:54, I can’t think of a better place to have seen them other than at the Union Chapel. The sound in the chapel is perfect, I’m pretty sure me singing Mariah Carey tunes would sound wonderful in there (going too far? Probably….) Some venues are made for certain bands, and the Union Chapel was definitely made for 2:54.

I enjoy sitting down as much as anyone else, but it felt really weird watching them put their all into their set and we were all sat down staring at them. I wanted to be at the front singing Scarlet back at them or air-drumming along to Sugar. When they went into Sugar I just wanted to stand up and move in a questionable fashion, but I’ve got a lot of self-control so I stayed seated. Their mini jam at the end of Scarlet was bloody brilliant too.

I don’t know the names of their new songs, but they did play In The Mirror and they ended with Orion. Colette put her guitar down for Orion, and her stage presence really shone through on that song. She’s got this dominating glow about her on stage that lures you in. One of the songs they did, I think it may have been the third one (possibly) was brilliant, and seeing Orion live made me really excited about the new record, The Other I. They’re the kind of band you’d want to sit down, and just talk about music with. Whether it be their own, or what influences them (can someone sort this for me?!)

After seeing them last night, I’m pretty happy to say that 2:54 are one of the best bands around and are one of the best bands I’ve seen live. Their shows in November cannot come round quick enough!

BANKS-Goddess.

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“But I’m so tired of eating
All of my misspoken words.”

 

After waiting for what seems like an eternity or something equally dramatic, the gorgeous Banks has FINALLY released her debut record. Anyone who has heard her EPs knows just how bloody great she is, and how she manages to make you long for a full length record in just one song. Goddess is a record for those who have ripped hearts out, had their hear ripped out, those in love, in shame, in doubt and in pain. In short, it is one of the best records to come out this year.

In some songs Banks is longing for the love of the one who holds all her affections, but in others she is the one wanting to leave romance behind. She’s a storyteller, and she has this ability to really rip you apart with her honest words. Songs such as Change show the harshness of love and how manipulating it can sometimes be but opposite to this are songs like Waiting Game which echoes a desire to be loved. Personally, I feel You Should Know Where I’m Coming From to be the best song on Goddess, but I’m likely to change my mind.

Goddess isn’t a record for those who are tough; it is for those who have recently been hurt and if you can get through Someone New without crying then you are a stronger person than me (although it doesn’t take much.) There is so much that needs to be said about this record, but I really have no idea how to get the words out. It is one of those records where you just have to really REALLY listen to it. Take in every single word that Banks sings, and how she sings them. She sings these songs as if they were made for you. Her lyrics at times are sad, but not in a “woe is me” kind of way, but in a way that just stops you in your tracks and throws you back to a time where you felt that way.

One of the best things about Banks is that she is unlike anyone else, but if you’re someone is keen on comparisons, then basically Banks has an Aaliyah like quality to her voice. It is delicate and extremely powerful in the right places. She can break you and mend you with her songs, and that is what makes her not only believable but accessible too. Goddess is a mighty fine debut record, and one I’ll probably never grow tired of listening to.

Banks sings about love and relationships in a way most would shy away from. She’s not afraid to exploit the ugliness of them and the beauty of them. The good, the bad and everything in between she unleashes, and she does it in such an elegant way that makes you become addicted (there’s probably a better word) to her voice. Goddess is the kind of record you play when you stumble home at 2am and are unsure about everything around you. Banks’ voice will ease you into a peaceful slumber and you’ll wake with a clear head.

I don’t know what it is exactly I love about her music, but I’m guessing is it the sheer honesty and detail in her lyrics. Take the song, Fuck ‘Em Only We Know- the lyrics to it are full of detail and love, “I know exactly just how many kisses fit between your eyes.” That’s modern romance in all its glowing glory. And back to You Should Know…the line “If I told you solitude fits me like a glove, would you let me out?” is probably my favourite on Goddess.

In all its seductive and haunting glory, Goddess is one of the most impressive records I’ve heard in a long time. It doesn’t feel like a debut record, and I think that’s what makes it effortlessly brilliant and memorable. It is one of those records that her fans are going to cling harder onto than they did with her EPs, and why? Because the song cut into the heart and soul a little deeper. Her songs are bold, beautiful and vulnerable, and that is why Goddess doesn’t feel like someone’s first record. Some say perfection doesn’t exist but they’ve probably not heard Goddess yet.

John Peel 75.

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Everyone has their own reason as to why they do certain things. It can be a song, a book or a person. Going with the latter is sometimes dangerous because it doesn’t always work out. It helps if the person that places some kind of drive inside you is someone you’ve never met, or will (sadly) never meet.

For me, John Peel is the reason as to why I thought I should write about music/weird stuff no one really cares about. All those weekday nights staying up just to hear something weird and wonderful paid off. Why be awake and alert for a Maths lesson knowing Algebra is not as important as hearing an old Peel session by The Fall? Mark E Smith’s wisdom is worth more than knowing how to do long division. John Peel backed the underdog, he played the music that others would pass on- foolishly. He turned my ears onto the likes of Cat Power, someone who’s music has been everything to me when I had nothing.

I’ve said all these things about John Peel many many times before, but as I listen to bands that have come out since his death I can’t help but think he would love them. He would probably love the ethereal feel of Warpaint, he’d swoon over the girl group sound in Dum Dum Girls, he would probably have Crocodiles in for Peel Sessions as many times possible. He’d probably adore the likes of PINS, 2:54, Bo Ningen, Savages, Gäy, Fat White Family. I could list more, but you get my point.

There is nobody like him around, there never will be. The bands he backed lasted, the bands a lot of “DJs” back now have a shelf life of around 4 years, if they are lucky. Music shouldn’t be disposable, but to so many it sadly is.

Make your own scene.

Happy 75th Birthday John xx

2:54-In The Mirror.

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There are two reasons as to why today didn’t suck. Number 1- Morrissey announced a London show and number 2- there’s a new 2:54 song.

A few weeks or so ago, the wonderful Colette and Hannah brought the single Orion into the world and got us all hooked. Or maybe just me. I play it a hell of a lot every day. It gets me through work, and their debut record is still getting played daily. There is something about 2:54 that is perfect for grey days like today. As London was battered by rain today and the Summer quickly faded to be taken over by heavy, thick grey clouds- there is only one band you should be listening to (it’s 2:54.)

In The Mirror pretty much justifies why Colette Thurlow has one of the most gorgeous, haunting and entirely gripping vocals I’ve heard in a long long time. She’s got an ethereal sway to her voice that makes those who cannot sing (like myself) wish they could. She sings with this delicate power that immediately has hold of you. She could sing me the Yellow Pages and I’d be utterly captivated.

With a lot of bands they can fall into a trap as they face the release of their new record, but with 2:54 they sound equally as exciting as they did a few years ago when they first came out. I’ve got this horrible feeling that 2:54 are overlooked and underappreciated by so many, I just don’t understand how. They’ve got something that makes them tower above so many. I’m not being lazy wth my word, but I really can’t begin to describe their sound. I think me not being able to describe their sound is really what makes me love their music so much. They are the kind of band that I want to write about always, and make me want to write about music constantly.

2:54 make music for you to wander around under the bulging grey skies that are fit to burst at any time; In The Mirror is another eerie gem by them and has made me even more excited about their new record.

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2:54 will be releasing their second record on Bella Union (so proud!) and is titled The Other I. The record is out 10th November (2 days before my birthday.) Here is the track listing:

1. Orion
2. Blindfold
3. In The Mirror
4. No Better Prize
5. Sleepwalker
6. Tender Shoots
7. The Monaco
8. Crest
9. Pyro
10. South
11. Glory Days
12. Raptor

You can preorder it here:  http://store.bellaunion.com/product/2-54-the-other-i

The artwork is really beautiful.

As the sun seems to be slowly creeping out for the next half hour or so here in Hackney, I’ll welcome the nighttime by playing In The Mirror on repeat.

NO-FI.

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nofi

 

 

Oh the sheer urge to leave England behind is growing by the day it seems. Who is to blame for such urges? Bands such as No-Fi. A band from the West Coast who make me feel like I am there without enduring a painful flight journey with some bratty kid sat behind me kicking the seat and some overweight and sweaty guy next to me spilling into my seat whilst dribbling at the sight of his in-flight meal. I’ll get there by the power of my mind. They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, but I’m wasting it on nothing bad.

No-Fi are pretty damn good. On record they sound as if they are trashing their guitars about and drumsticks are flying everywhere. A pleasurable riot ensues as soon as you start listening to them. Like a glorious smack in the chops, these guys know how to hit you with wonderfully sordid grooves. Why sit at the beach when you can head to your nearest dive bar and indulge in whatever behaviour you desire after consuming a little whiskey.

Do you want to know who they sound like? Sorry, I can’t tell you. Not because I’m being a selfish ass, but because I genuinely have no idea who I would mention. Besides, comparisons are for those who are too lazy to actually listen. If you want a band that sound like the Velvet Underground, then go listen to the Velvet Underground. Pretty simple really.

Going by what’s on their Bandcamp page, I think they’ve only got one record/EP out and much like Girl Tears (I will mention my love for them whenever and wherever I can) they’ve pretty much created a solid sound with just one record. No-Fi are again a band that have EVERYTHING I love about music in one. They’ve got a Punk feel to it, some mellow moments and some hard rambunctious grooves to get you going. They wouldn’t sound out of place anywhere, their style is utterly timeless. Just back to Girl Tears a second, when I first wrote about them I felt glad that writing about music/music in general is my love. I’m getting the same feeling as I write about No-Fi. If you can be moved like this by a band so quickly, then I think it means you have found something truly special. You can’t let go of it, even if you tried. Their songs are swirling around your head on a daily basis as you stroll down the street heading nowhere in particular.

nofiartwork

* artwork by Simone Hills*

In an ideal world these guys would be playing dingy venues in London so I could stare and be in awe of how brilliant they are (Girl Tears would of course be there.) Back to what I wrote in my post about 13th Pillar earlier, I really do need to start playing the lottery.

Their debut released manages to merge so much in one go, yet sounds ridiculously tight. They have a sound that many try to figure out and probably struggle to achieve, they’ve done it in their first release. So what comes after that? The world of course. Your hearts, ears, souls, mind, bodies- they are coming for it all.

What’s so great about their music is that you can tell they are the bestest of friends and they really love making music. When you can feel that love and passion from a band in their music/live shows, you know you’ve found something worth treasuring.

You can listen to their record (and buy it) right here: http://nofiband.bandcamp.com/

 

*Band shot taken by Sophie Appel.

13TH PILLAR-All Sounds The Same (EP)

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13thpillar

 

I’m constantly dissatisfied with myself for never learning to play an instrument and make a noise of my own. I wish I had the ability to lock myself away in a tiny room somewhere and make my own noise, with nobody telling me what to change or add. On my own terms, my own noise. Instead, I listen to music that does this. I listen to music that answers back to anything that is expected or demanded. Like many who can’t play an instrument, I write about music instead. I’m probably dissatisfied with that too, but that’s just me. Is there always something better? I’d imagine so.

13th Pillar are a brilliant band from the Isle of Man. If you know me (sorry about that) you will know of my dislike for the place as I had a 19 year stretch there. I’ve not been to prison, sadly I was brought up there. I say brought up, I just had the life sucked out of me, fucked off to Uni and gained some much needed freedom. By freedom I mean going to gigs all the time and walking around places where nobody knew my name. Bliss. Yet with all the crapness I personally associate with the place, 13th Pillar are pretty much the best band on the Isle of Man. I’m saying this because my Uncle is in the band and also they actually are the best band on the Isle of Man. I’ve listened to a few bands from there, and even if I wasn’t related to him- I would still say they were a brilliant band.

Their new EP is bloody excellent and is only made up of 3 songs. In 3 songs you can do a hell of a lot, so don’t let that put you off. 13th Pillar sound like everything I listen to all rolled into one. They remind me of my pals Girl Tears in a sense that you can tell nobody is telling them what to do. They’ve got a fuzzy TJAMC feel to them mixed with something lucid/psychedelic. They take you on some lucid trip full of kaleidoscopic images, making your eyes ache afterwards from staring at the walls to hard. This 3 track EP is all kinds of magic. It is brutally strange and nothing but a joy to listen to. I’m a proud niece right now.

*My uncle is the one in the grey shirt, and you get a nice shot of my auntie’s head in the first few seconds as she takes some photos….*

The title track off the EP is 6 minutes and 22 seconds of euphoria; there’s no way I can compare it to anything else I’ve ever heard before because this is a different level of weird. I’m quite content with playing it over and over this evening. This EP is the kind you either play locked away in your room to weird yourself out to or you play it to your pals and weird them out to it. Basically, listen to it and get weird.

In an ideal world I’d be a millionaire so I could fly my favourite bands out to wherever they wanted to bring their shows to life. There are so many venues I can think of that would be ideal for 13th Pillar…guess I’ll have to start playing the lottery/buying scratchcards. The EP has 3 incredibly strong tracks on it that just leave you as ever, wanting more. Family bias aside, it’s one of the best EPs I’ve heard in a while.

You can listen to (and buy) the EP right here: http://the13thpillar.bandcamp.com/album/all-sounds-the-same-ep

 

BONFIRE BEACH.

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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.