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“….and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.”

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‘Somebody was trying to tell me that CDs are better than vinyl because they don’t have any surface noise. I said, “Listen, mate, *life* has surface noise.” ‘~ John Peel.

There are a few things in life that really piss me off, but they aren’t that important so I let them go. There are things I do not understand, so again, I let them go. For instance, I do not understand why a person would link their Twitter account or Tumblr account to Facebook. Why would you do that? Or, why would you watch a programme and update Facebook or whatever every 5 seconds about it. Don’t get me started on those who did the whole “IT’S SNOWING OUTSIDE” shit. I have eyes, I can see- I also have windows. Cheers Michael Fish. Pointless. These things aren’t really important because it shows how boring our lives have become. I’m not an interesting person. My daily routine consists of going to the gym for 2 hours, come home and look for jobs until I feel my self-worth leave me and I start to hate everything. I then go listen to my records and read a book. I also do a lot of writing. Writing that no one will ever see, because I can handle someone saying “Olivia, that shit you write on your site is awful please stop.” I’ll stop one day, rejoice in that. But if someone read what I wrote in my notebooks and said “Your poetry is WAAAAAAAAANK.” I don’t know how I’d deal with that. It’s probably why I’m too much of a wuss to ever get anything published, let alone read. Sure I’ve shown the odd poem/song to a few but I know they’re only saying it’s alright so they don’t offend me. Racisim, homophobia, any form of discrimination offends me. Telling me I’m crap at something doesn’t mean as much. I’ll toughen up. Lord knows I’m trying. This leads onto something, but I’ve gone round the houses to get there.

I am massively against downloading music. I hate it and I’d like to punch those that do. It’s on a par with those who use Kindles and think it is better than picking up a book. A book, made out of paper that if you drop it..IT DOESN’T BREAK. Imagine breaking someone’s Kindle..oh the sheer joy. Don’t get me started on iPads and whatnot. I’m not a technophobe, I just see how technology is making people more and more stupid; and how they cannot function unless they have some kind of gadget in their hand.

Alright so, I’m against downloading music. Why? Because I want to be able to HOLD the cd/cassette/vinyl in my hand. I want to go into a shop and interact with the staff (you can tell I worked at HMV,right?) I want to wander around for ages and find something I thought I’d never find again. I want to get butterflies in my belly when I find a record I adore. I want all of that, and I don’t want some idiot telling me that record stores are dying out, that we must download. Piss right OFF.

I’ve taken to going to the market in town to buy my records because it is truly my idea of heaven. I go there when I’m having a rough day. I take some money out of my account, and I clutch it in my pocket hoping I find something. I always do. Always. I’ve found Transformer by Lou Reed, a Sarah Vaughan LP and a few 7″ singles by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I’ll never win the lottery, but finding these and more was my equivalent of doing so. There’s something so peaceful (and personal) about going record shopping. I feel the same way about books too. I’m not really someone you want to go book/record shopping with because I can (and do) spend hours just looking; always leaving with something. I remember the first time I went to the market to buy some records, and the old man said to me “We never get any young people in here buying records” and we just had a discussion for about 20 minutes about the beauty of records. I think I’m a 70-year-old trapped in a 26 year old’s body. I was born at the wrong time, and I’ll never fit in. I’ve accepted this as not being a bad thing. I’ve always been like this.

My mum used to play a record with Scott McKenzie and Jefferson Airplane on when I was a baby to get me to sleep. I used to pretend I couldn’t sleep just so I could listen to it. It was the crackling sound at the end of every song that used to make my heart skip a beat. It was the crackling sound that made the imperfections so perfect. You cannot get this from downloading a song, you just can’t. It doesn’t feel personal. It doesn’t feel as if it was made for you.

I’m fortunate enough to be sent a lot of free music. I don’t do this to get free music, so far from it. If I didn’t write about music, I’d have no reason. I really wouldn’t. I get sent free music, but for the most part I go out and buy it on cd/vinyl as soon as its out. I couldn’t call myself a music lover and never buy music. That’d be hypocritical, and just wrong. It’d go against all I believe in, and I don’t like it when someone tries to sway me on things like this. Hate it. I’m not writing this to call out people who download or whatever. I couldn’t care less. It’s just, I know there is percentage of music lovers out there who love spending hours in record shops, holding the record and going home to listen to it.

There’s another thing that irks me a lot about this. People who think it’s alright to leak new records or to just download an album without paying for it. It pisses me off because, these musicians- their music is their LIFE. That’s how they make their money. Would you go to your local shop and steal some milk? No, you wouldn’t. So why is a shop keeper any different to your favourite musician? If they’re your favourite musician, surely you’d want to pay for the music so you could support them. Steal their music= they never make any money which means they never tour and you bitch about never seeing them. Pay for their music=they make a living and you get to see them live. For me, it’s a no brainer. The latter will ALWAYS win.

I adore the fact that so many new bands are putting their music out on cassette. I bought a few last year, and one came in the post this morning (thank you to Bek at Soft Power Records!) and I may not play them as much as I’d play a CD because I don’t want the quality to be ruined. The same goes for my records. I own two records by The Ink Spots that I refuse to play to death. I don’t want the quality to fade. These guys were around in the 30s/40s; the way their records sounds to this digital bollocks is, well, you just cannot compare at all. I will take the crackling imperfections over the over-produced dullness any day.

I have a lot of love reserved for the likes of Sacred Bones, Art Fag, Soft Power Records and Zoo Music because they put out music on tape and vinyl. It appeals to those who spend hours getting lost in record shops. Lost in their own little world and when they find something they’ve been aching to find; well, there’s nothing on earth you can compare it to. Collecting limited edition 7″ singles from your favourite band is so beautiful. When I’m 80, I’ll still be playing them with fond memories. I love going to record shops and buying a record on the day it comes out. I used to miss lessons at college and university to do this. I once did it when I bought Bleed Like Me by Garbage. I got off the bus, my mum got on the bus. “You’re home early.” I told her the truth, she said it was alright. She understands.

Last year the sales of vinyl went up, but sadly that isn’t enough to shut these gadget obsessed fools up is it. I think if you have to explain why its important, then maybe you’re fighting a losing battle. I don’t wish to convert anyone or anything like that; mainly because my words don’t hold that much power nor will anyone read this. I know if anyone does, they’ll just assume I’m a dick. They don’t know me, so I guess they’re pathetic for passing judgement. I haven’t written anything as long as this in a while. It’s a shame so many words have gone to waste, but we all need to unleash our frustrations at times don’t we.

I personally don’t think record shops are going to die out. People are still going to want to physically purchase music. There’s a record shop in Soho that has a record by The Walker Brothers that I’m going to try to get next week/the week after. I’ll be spending my time wisely (I’m using it as a reward for when I’ve handed my CV out to anyone who will take it!) Record shop owners are as passionate about selling you music as the musicians are as making it. My dream has always been to own my own record shop, but I have no money so that’s one I can just kiss goodbye. Music is such an important force. To dumb it down and make people just download music without going to a shop and buying it..it’s just really sad. You can tie it in with how society is fucked, but you don’t need me to tell you that. I’m pretty sure you can work that one out yourself.

I’ll give you some songs from bands that have put out some brilliant tapes/vinyl recently. Go support your local record shop. They need you, and you need them.

FEATHERS.

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FEATHERS are the most blissed-out band I ever did hear. I’ve heard a lot of bands that are similar to them before, and I know I throw my love about for some bands around all too freely (I just love music) but with Feathers; it is genuine. It’s always genuine. Yet there is something about Feathers that is just so perfect, it’s hard to believe a band like this exist. I don’t know where to place my joy right now. Being shown a band like Feathers or the delight at the lineup of this year’s Primavera Sound festival…THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN AND NICK CAVE ON THE SAME LINEUP. Fuck you if you’re not getting excited over that. I’m far too excited about it; but I know I won’t be going. So my excitement as ever, is null and void. In my head and heart; I will be there. Imagine if they toured together. I’m going to have a hernia if I carry on thinking about that. So, FEATHERS.

Feathers are as delicate as their name. Their sounds gently flow in and out of your ears. I’ve only heard 3 songs but I know they’re going to be incredible. They have a song (which is their debut single) called Land Of The Innocent. It’d fit perfectly in some dystopian film. It has a highly haunting vibe to it, but it leaves you immersed in awe. I’ve had it on repeat for a while now. I don’t think I know what the stop button is right now. The vocals are simply perfect. The purity that comes through makes you wish you could sing. Makes you wish you could be as fascinating as this band. All you can do is take in their music, and act as if it was written for you.

Feathers have that relaxed feel that Warpaint have; except Feathers have synths. Synths can be overbearing and just crap at times. Feathers use them wisely. Much like the likes of Cold Cave do. There’s a hidden darkness here which is married into the synths. Female Cold Cave? Why not. Why bloody not. There is something about Feathers that just sends you into another universe. One full of hidden pieces of heaven that is sacred to you, and only known by you. These glorious sounds are enough to cheer up the most grumpy souls (ie:ME!) Their music elevates the soul, purifies the mind and makes the body want to flail around like a careless drunken dancer. Just let them take you over, because I doubt any other band will this year.

They have a song called Soft which sounds nothing like Land Of The Innocent. This one has more of a German electro feel to it with a hint of the New Romantics era. I think I have found my ideal band of the year. I’m utterly blown away by how brilliant a band can be, with not even a single/record out yet. Their debut record is out this year, thankfully. I doubt I could wait. I’d probably fall victim to some form of madness, a desperate bout of insanity because I craved a record. It’ll happen one day (it’s actually happened as I wait for the new Warpaint record, I need it NOW.)

Feathers are nothing short of divine. I know nothing about them but I do know I have fallen hopelessly in love with their music. Thank goodness a band like this exist.

You can (and should) listen to them here: https://soundcloud.com/#ffeatherss

MORRISSEY-I Have Forgiven Jesus.

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“Monday – humiliation.
Tuesday – suffocation.
Wednesday – condescension.
Thursday – is pathetic.
By Friday life has killed me.”

 

I’ve had the lyrics to this song playing around my head since Sunday. No other song has remained in my head/thoughts aside from this song. I’ve taken to playing it on repeat to figure out what it is that has caused this. Aside from Morrissey pretty much being my idol, I don’t know if I have any other explanation.

I binned off the gym today and went for a long walk instead. I wanted to walk at a pace that meant I could listen to this song over and over, and think about all this song means to me rather than spending two hours sweating a lot and thinking, “WHY DID YOU LET YOURSELF GET SO FAT.” I’ll make up for it tomorrow.

So I walked and walked playing I Have Forgiven Jesus over and over. I thought about things I didn’t want to, so managed to get rid of them and focused on Morrissey’s lyrics and what they mean to me. We are born pure and free of all the bad things we expose ourselves to/are exposed to by others. We choose to be how we are at times. But other times, it just happens. When we have no say in how we are, it unleashes this unruly fury within and you try to blame something or someone. Blame religion, blame how society didn’t hand it to you, blame a parent for not being there. But you never want to take the blame yourself. I can take the blame myself, and others will give me the blame too. You learn to carry it, and you adapt to being a burden to most. Keep quiet. In my head I am tough, but the rest of me knows I am anything but. I Have Forgiven Jesus is a plea. “Why did stick me in self-deprecating bones and skin?” Of all the things I’ve ever wondered, that is top of my list. It’s easier to be rough on yourself isn’t it. Doesn’t get to you as much when someone else has a go.

For me, this song goes beyond being a comfort for teenage angst well once had. It becomes a crutch for the despair we sometimes feel as being an adult. I don’t know which is worse, but songs like this make it easier. If I was never introduced to Morrissey’s music (from a VERY young age) I don’t know if my passion for music and words would be as grand as they are. You can seek comfort and reasoning in many things. Mine will ALWAYS be in music, and more than likely- Morrissey’s music. I’ve written this for Morrissey fans for they will understand this more than most.

The way the world is, and how some are it is easy to fully understand Morrissey’s frustrations here : “And why did you give me so much love in a loveless world?” You can carry all the love in world within you, but when you have no way of letting it out, what does the love turn to? That’s your own call.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see Morrissey play my favourite songs live, or if you want to be totally honest; the songs that saved my life. I’ve seen Speedway live, I don’t think I can ever find the words to describe that moment. I know I’ll never witness I Have Forgiven Jesus live, and I don’t know how I’d cope with that. I’d probably try to get on stage with Morrissey and hug him. Then try to blurt out a “Thank you” amongst the tears I’d be trying (but failing) to fight off.

I do have an issue with organised religion, but I don’t think I need to vocalise it. Nobody needs to know, but it’ll obviously be because it’s to do with me being gay. I find it hard to believe in a god or follow a religion that opposes of love; regardless of who it is with. Love is love; and it isn’t your business who it is between. There’s so much hate in the world, why add to it by being a judgemental and unaccepting wanker? There’s just no need.

I could summed this all up in a sentence or two, but I suppose Morrissey just makes me want to write. Morrissey may have forgiven Jesus but I doubt I ever will. Or maybe it just doesn’t require any more thought. I remember going to Church when I was younger, and I always felt like I didn’t belong. I just don’t like walking round Churches or being in them. It always feels wrong to me. Of course I know it is important to believe in something, I’ll always take the Spiritual path. Always. It feels wrong to me because I have no connection to any religion. I’m not saying I’m an Atheist or anything like that. There’s something out there, of course there is. But who is to say what it is? None of us have died and come back to tell us what is there. These are the kind of thoughts that can take up far too much time when other things could take its place.

I could quite happily carry on writing about my love for this song but, enough is enough.

DUM DUM GIRLS-Trees And Flowers.

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“Dawn cracks the dark,
And it breaks the silence.
Of my waking hours,
And  my heartbeat’s license.”

I was walking home earlier, and for most of the journey I had one song on repeat. I do this a lot; find a song to love and just play it until my ears no longer wish to hear it. Of course when it comes to Dum Dum Girls (and others) there are songs of theirs I will never grow tired of. As I was walking, I had a thought; and this is where it gets dangerous. Stop reading.

I was listening to DDG’s cover of Trees And Flowers on repeat as I was walking home. I felt, even though Dee Dee didn’t write the song, she summed up every little thought floating around me- in head and heart. I walked and carried every single word. You see, I have this fear (you could call it me being stupid if you want) that I’m going to be one of these people who die having done nothing of worth. I know we create our own self-worth and shouldn’t let others define it, but there comes a time where people’s views on you just drains you. Their expectations crush you, and you want to remove yourself from them. 26 being treated like a 6-year-old. You build up resentment towards people. But you cannot express it, so you turn it into self-resentment. It’s easier to dislike yourself and beat yourself up than it is to let someone else do it. Thing is, people are cruel. To each other and to themselves. Not everyone is gentle and kind. Not everyone wants to be. I try, and one day I’ll grow tired of trying.

“For I hate the trees,
And I hate the flowers.
And I hate the buildings.
And the way they tower over me.
Can’t you see.
I get so frightened,
No one  else seems frightened.
Only me.”

I wish I could write as beautifully as this, but I just write honest nonsense that holds no worth. Or I just need to find something I’m good at. One day, one day. And typically so, it will be too late.

Trees And Flowers is a guide and a safety net. I have unspoken fear within me, and I’ll keep it unmentioned for I don’t think we should discuss our fears because people will use them against you. Sometimes they will be obvious with it, sometimes they will be subtle. Regardless of how they do it, they sure will. DDG’s version of this song adds a lot more loneliness and vulnerability to it compared to the original by Strawberry Switchblade. Dee Dee’s voice has never sounded so pure and vulnerable. If you’re going to cover a song, you should make it your own. Dee Dee goes beyond this. She makes you feel as if she wrote it, and she wanted to share this frightening feeling with whoever hears it, so they felt less alone with what they carry around with them.

Of course, I could be entirely wrong with all of this. Maybe I am. I don’t strive to ever be right and it doesn’t bother me admitting when I’m wrong. I worry when I’m right or if anyone should agree with me. A worrying thought for sure. I do constantly worry that my own (lack of) self-worth is going to do a lot more harm than it should, the only solution to it is out of my hands. In the space of 7 days I have sent out 50 job applications. I’m constantly being told I’m not trying hard enough or whatever. If I was violent, I’d probably punch them. But I cannot waste my strength on people who are a bit toss can I? No. I can’t. They just add to it. As do I. I’d go mental if I didn’t write, or go to the gym. It’s an outlet to frustrations out of my hands.

Trees And Flowers, as sad as some of the lyrics are, is a piece of hope. I’ll cling onto it, it’s all I can do.

THE LONG WIVES-The Hollow Fin.

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“Tender words unspoken, turn so cruel on their vine.”

Brandy St.John is probably one of my favourite singers ever. She isn’t as big as most, but she has the same captivating and gentle power that is found in the adored Patti Smith. Brandy St.John’s lyrics expose the darkness that everyone seems to run from. I don’t just listen to her music; I study her words. I study her words as if I am reading poetry. Her lyrics are sheer poetry. In poetry you get Poe. Hidden messages in everything isn’t there. Sometimes. It’s not hidden for I’ve just written it down, and you can see it (if you read this.)

This morning before I went to the gym, I saw that Brandy had put up a new song. She’s a machine. A music making machine that I hope never ever stops. So, I put in my headphones and listened delicately to The Hollow Fin. I stopped what I was doing, and gazed outside as I listened to her beautiful voice. I wish there was a word that was more powerful than the word “beautiful” to describe her voice. Her voice is so hypnotic. I gazed outside and watched the snow fall (I say snow.but it’s trying. Lord knows is it trying.) Every flake that fell to the ground fell with purpose but no destination in particular. The flakes may have wanted to fall straight down, but the swayed with the cold breeze and just flurried about. My thoughts remained fixed.

I took in everything I heard whilst listening to The Hollow Fin. I glanced at the lyrics from time to time, and I thought of every fuck up I have ever done. Every wrong I’ve ever done. I struggled to think of the good. It is so easy to beat ourselves up over things we have no control over. I don’t want to control others, and my self-control is alright. I listened to The Hollow Fin, and my head was at a place calm. My heart however, knew I was stuck. A constant battle that is just eased by musicians like this. Musicians that are not afraid to go so deep and dark. My notebooks are full of poetry like this (with the occasional cheerful poem) but I’d rather point someone in the direction of The Long Wives or whoever than let anyone read what I write down in my tattered notebooks. Spare yourself.

All that The Hollow Fin is, is just Brandy and a guitar. To me it is obviously much more. As her music is so stripped, you become a bit obsessed with her voice and lyrics. I will always be massively in love with her song, Judas Hex and I do believe that The Hollow Fin is going to head the same way. I play Judas Hex a few times a day. I don’t think I could really define why, it’s just something I simply must do. The Hollow Fin has hints of regret and wonder. I’m not familiar with regrets. If I allowed myself to regret I’d be a mess. You have to just let things and people go at times. We’ve all caused hurt and we’ve all been hurt. There are musicians out there that can nurse our hurt and soothe our souls.

My favourite line from the song has to be this: “But love is vicious when it dies.” Anyone who has lost a love may know just how true this is. It doesn’t have to be a romantic kind of love. It can be friendship too. Like I said before, you just have to let some things in life go. You can cling, but you cannot have a firm grip forever.

I do hope The Long Wives comes to the UK soon, I really do. These are songs that you need to see on dimly lit stage. A purely intimate setting.

You can listen to The Hollow Fin here:https://soundcloud.com/#thelongwives/the-hollow-fin-the-long-wives

Let her gentle voice and honest words claim a piece of your heart.

TROUMACA.

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Any band that has “BRING US GOLD, WOMEN AND WINE.” written on their bio section is going to be pretty incredible. I’d probably change whisky for wine though. Or probably fruit tea. I need to stop being a chubby person, so basically swap everything in life for fruit tea. And 2 hours at the gym every day. Throw in a nap too. Not at the gym, that wouldn’t be fun. No thanks.

Troumaca are from Birmingham. They’re not on a Swim Deep or Peace bandwagon. Far from it. They sound nothing like them, which is good because we have one Swim Deep and one Peace. I don’t mean this in a bad way at all, I bloody love Swim Deep. Troumaca are on something else. They also used to be called Scarlet Harlots and were on Channel 4’s Orange Unsigned back in 2008. Whilst at Uni, I used to spend my Saturday mornings watching this show. I developed an obsession with the band then. But then they split and are now reborn as Troumaca.

They have a tropical/calypso feel to their music. I guess if you didn’t know any better, you’d probably think “But how can a band from the grey Midlands create something so colourful?” Quite easily. Troumaca have this brilliant gift to glide in and out of your eardrums in the most sensual way possible. They just make everything alright. In a way, they remind me slightly of Foals but with more focus on the sounds. Obviously only a fool would deny how great Foals are, and Troumaca too. Imagine seeing them both live? You’d leave completely relaxed and in the most blissed-out state possible.

Troumaca have a wonderful hidden tribal feel to their sound. They have big drums but everything else surrounding it (including vocals) is so sensitive in comparison. The echoing chants on Sanctify are unreal. You know, everyone has their opinions on who is going to be massive this year. I guess that’s alright, but everyone is falling for the same bands over and over. It’s pointless because it means you’re missing out on the good stuff. When you buy into what everyone tells you to enjoy, you forget what you actually like. There is so much good music out there, you really cannot limit yourself to what certain publications and the like tell you to enjoy. Obviously what I say is good doesn’t mean someone else is going to enjoy it. I’m never right about music, I know this. Doesn’t mean I’m going to stop seeking out new music and not ranting about it. Troumaca deserve to be praised and shouted about it. I know I’m not the only one to love them as much as this.

In short, end all hype and like what you want to like. Whilst you’re at it, go listen to Troumaca : https://soundcloud.com/#troumaca

Their EP, Virgin Island is out 25th February. Probably the most exciting band to emerge this year for sure.

KINDNESS.

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When a piece of music puts you in a trance so you can forget everything around you; that’s when you know you’ve found something that’s going to be a crutch for a long time because nothing ever lasts. No matter how good you think something is or how wonderful it may be, it never really lasts. After a few minutes, your favourite song will end. In time, your favourite band will split up. Life is full of disappointments and glorious moments. It’s just sometimes, the bad ones really fucking stick out. And it aches and you no longer sleep. And nothing makes any sense, and trying just seems pointless.

So with this deathly weight upon your shoulders, something must work eventually. I don’t have the answers, I never will have. I know nothing, and all that I do know is nothing worth repeating. I’m honestly someone you shouldn’t listen to. I’m pretty late on this, but I think you should listen to KINDNESS. Kindness is a guy from Hackney called Adam. He makes music that makes life a little less grim, and I know how hard that must be. You listen to his music (remixes he’s done included) and whatever bad vibes you’re carrying around, they just disappear. I do listen to some music that could drive someone to the edge, but then there’s other stuff I listen to that just…there are no words. You know when you truly love a piece of music, and words escape you? It’s like, when you love someone more than anything in the world and you know that “I LOVE YOU” is not enough, because they are worth more than 3 words that are flung about all too often? For the first time, I can relate to that. Not just with music, but with a person. That’s enough.

So, what Kindness does is ease you in. Sure enough you may want to dance when you listen to his relaxed grooves but you can also be really content with doing nothing but listening to it. I’m probably the worst person to listen to music with. I hate it when people talk through films (I’m not really a fan of films, but the annoyance is there) and when I try to play someone a song and they talk through it? No. It’s not happening. I’ll know it is a wasted effort. You can try to make someone excited over the way a word is sung or certain lyrics; but if it isn’t there, then it isn’t there. As awful and painful as it is. Just listen to it on your own, at least you know you’ll enjoy it.

Kindness for me is like what Burial is to me. The perfect person to listen to when it’s dark out. This is Night Bus vibes all over. Zoning out through headphones; losing yourself in what you hear. Probably missing your stop and having to walk an extra half hour with the streetlights overruling the stars, guiding you home. And it’ll be the best lost half hour you will ever spend.

Listen to Kindness. I mean, you don’t have to if you don’t want it. It was just a suggestion…but you should. Really. Please?!

LONDON GRAMMAR.

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Writing about a band that have only one song out is quite tough, but if they create something beautiful then it makes life a little bit easier. And more enjoyable. The last time I did this was when I heard Saint Lou Lou last year and everything changed from then on. How I listened to music after hearing Maybe You was different. I paid more attention to the hidden beauty in the music, and how at times vocals can be made to more vulnerable than the words.

London Grammar are three extremely talented souls from London who make you think, “If Imogen Heap did something with Youth Lagoon, then this is how it would sound.” I adore Imogen Heap and Youth Lagoon so this is pretty much going to be an obsession I have zero control over, not that I mind; far from it.

They have one song (so far) called Hey Now which from the very first note feels like the sun creeping out on a dull day. The vocals ease you, like something warm on a Winter’s day. Why go out and play in the snow when you can stay indoors and feel the beauty and heat from music like this. I’d be utterly content with not hearing anything else but Hey Now for a while. This is the kind of song you play when you are making a long, painful journey to somewhere you hate (mine is London to the Isle of Man because I don’t think anyone gets how much I hate coming back to this piss-stain of an Island.) I can imagine playing this song over and over until my rage towards returning is replaced with, “You can leave again soon.”

Hey Now is 3 and a half minutes of purity and ethereal vibes that could tame anyone, that could melt the coldest of hearts. I think the song has been out just over a month, I’m not entirely sure. I’ve only just heard it but I know it’s going to be one of th and gorgeous songs I will hear all year. Every year I seem to find one song during the first few months of the year, then compare everything else I hear over the year to it. I think I’ve found my song. Everything I hear now will be compared to how stunning this song is, and how will every listen to just hear something else to fall in love with. Completely and utterly. I know nothing about London Grammar, but I do know that they are 3 people who make music to just lose yourself in without a care in the world. Hey Now is like a gentle hand on the shoulder telling you it is all going to be alright, even if you feel otherwise. Maybe, just maybe….it will be.

DALLAS FRASCA.

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I didn’t find Dallas Frasca on my own. No no, instead a good friend from the other side of the world just pointed them out to me (Mark, he’s in a band called Royal Chant and they’re the best people I have yet to meet but we are friends regardless.) I always listen to suggestions, and when I do I seem to take my time in writing about them because I can be quite lazy. Yet there are instances where I listen to something and I simply just HAVE to write about them.

Dallas Frasca are another wonderful band from Australia, but they sound like they are from the murky depths of Nashville. The kind of band Jack White would love to get his hands on, and make them collaborate with Seasick Steve. In my head, this is going to happen. It has to happen. I’ve got a bit excited over this. Dallas’ vocals are so powerful, even if you don’t have the volume turned up loud; her vocals will still blow your mind and tear your eardrums in the most beautiful way possible.

Their song, All My Love is the good side of catchy (doesn’t take a genius to work out the bad things that are catchy really does it.) Her vocals on this are so empowering and glorious. I cannot help but wonder how people go on about their daily lives without hearing such a band like this. There are hints of Blues and the true essence of Country in their music. It is like, Townes Van Zandt meets Muddy Waters. My kind of music.

I feel a bit silly writing about Dallas Frasca because they are a band that simply require no words. All you need to do is listen to them, maybe with someone next to you and you both nod in agreement (and in awe) of how fantastic they are. Nothing about them makes you feel like you are in this era; you feel as if you are in a past life where music was actually of worth and had some meaning. Of course there are bands around that give music some bloody meaning, but a lot just prance about for money. There’s no passion there. I’m going by record here, and I can truly hear the passion in the way Dallas, Samuel and Jeff play. There’s so much strength in their music that just makes you believe in them.

Loaded Silence is 5 minutes of making you feel like you are invincible. A feeling that I am not entirely familiar with; but will enjoy when felt. Burnt Toast is ridiculous. Dallas’ voice on this posses that delicate growl that’s only ever been heard in one other: Janis Joplin. Everything about Dallas Frasca just blows my mind. I don’t know if I could look at someone in the eye who didn’t fall even slightly in love with them.

I think most have heard people say that the true essence of Rock & Roll is dead, or that guitar music is bland. These are the people who probably buy into reality shows. Thing is, that’s not reality. It doesn’t take a modern-day Einstein to realise that those programmes are rigged to high heaven, utterly disgusting and disrespectful to those making music for the RIGHT  reasons. That’s a completely different subject, and will end up with me being called various names. I don’t fancy that right now. Dallas Frasca are pure Rock & Roll. They are on a different level to most things out there, and the thing that makes them so accessible and easy to love is that every word sung by Dallas is true.

The Blues influence here is something that immediately lured me in, and I doubt I’ll be crawling out anytime soon.

You can listen to their music here:https://soundcloud.com/#dallasfrasca

They are also playing some dates in London over the next week or so. Go see them, and have your mind blown.

K-HOLES.

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I’m a huge wuss of life, and I always cry at anything to do with animals. I watched a programme about polar bears earlier and cried because they were asleep and made a cute snoring noise. Somewhere, somehow something went drastically went wrong with me. I was meant to be tough, but I went the opposite way. Which I guess is why I love music that is partially creepy and utterly dark. I’ve found a band that will become an obsession, like my love for Pop.1280 amongst others.

K-Holes are from New York. There aren’t many shit bands from New York. Obviously there could be, but I won’t tell you about them. I’ll give you the good ones. K-Holes make a lot of noise. They aren’t really for people who enjoy the quiet things in life. Although that seems daft because I like the quiet but I love loud bands. So I guess I just fucked myself over on that. Not a day goes by where I don’t make things difficult for myself. So, K-Holes.

K-Holes are explosive and so insane. You listen to them and you think you have gone mad, or are about to go mad. That’s the best kind of music. Music that shows you a glimpse of insanity because if you dragged yourself to it, you’d never taste freedom again. But when music does it, it feels a little bit sinister. It feels right too. There’s something about K-Holes that lures you in with everything they have, but they make it seem so effortless. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you just want in. You want to be part of this eerie environment that the pleasantly smack you with. I’ve spent the past hour and a half listening to their music (and also looking at photos of cute dogs telling my girlfriend we need to get them all.) And I’m not sure if I’ve ever enjoyed being freaked out by a band so much in my life. I’m listening to them, and I can’t help but think how fucking incredible their live show must be.  Intimate venues, whisky being thrown around, bodies crashing into each other. You’d leave with some form of injury and the best stories to share in years to come. Oh come to England K-Holes. PLEASE?

Their music echoes like empty cries in a menacing chamber. Their music contains bloody screams, shattering drums and raging, thrashing guitars. Everything I want in a band, and more. This is purely selfish reasons. I’m not fussed if you dig them or not; I just love them and I have to unleash my praises for them. Well done New York, you’ve gone and done it again.

K-Holes are like that build up in a horror film (I mean a decent horror film) where you know something truly bad is going to happen, and as you try to avert your eyes; you still remain fixated on it all. Their music may terrify you, but no part of you wants to turn it off and listen to something more tranquil. As wonderful as it is to listen to ethereal gems, sometimes you just need something so brutal and dangerous. Just to coexist with the other part of you. The part of you that you don’t mind sharing, but the parts you hide? Well, that’s why bands like K-Holes are there. Just let it out, you don’t have to hide it. This is the kind of music to march around to at 1am when the streets are quite and you paint stories in your head to fit the music. I don’t do this, I usually sleep. But I guess some people do that. Whatever works.

You can listen to their sacred and dominating sounds here: http://k-holes.bandcamp.com/