I find probably half the bands I listen to by accident. I guess this proves that there isn’t always a bad side to accidents. Much like the other morning when I walked head first in a girl’s chest because I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going..and I’m not really that tall. I think it was the only time I’ve enjoyed being a short arse. My accidents are more fun than yours?
As I dedicate my life, and time to music (I’m not waiting for a distraction, I like this) finding bands like The Creeping Ivies just make me glad I do this. They are influenced by all the bands I love. Now, a lot of the time some put Velvet Underground and the Ramones as an influence just to sound “cool” and when you listen to them, they sound like something bad like Blink 182 you know? I hate that. Pop-Punk makes me want to tear my ears off. There is nothing Punk about it at all. Joey Ramone spins in his grave when you call him as an influence and play that style of music, serious.
Okay, enough of the rant. I just had to get that out. I did it as tame as I could.
The Creeping Ivies take all they are influenced by and create this intense, eerie sound. It probably scares you shitless. But if you look at Becca and Duncan, they seem pretty harmless. Yes, there’s just two of them. Another duo I can put on my list of duos that I adore. I’ll place them just above Beach House.
They come from Scotland, and ever since my love for Garbage started I decided that Scotland produces amazing music. The Creeping Ivies fully justify my love for Scottish bands and also, duos. They’re just a really good band that you can lose your mind to. Maybe do some dancing if you feel like it, that’s your call. I won’t tell you to dance. It’s an act that you cannot force upon a person.
So I guess they’ll get The Cramps comparison thrown at them constantly. It’s not a bad thing, but I guess it can get tiresome. They’ve perfected their own sound that will probably shock people when they discover where they are from and the fact they exist NOW. A brand new band. Their track, Shake It Up reminds me so much of the early Yeah Yeah Yeahs stuff. The Creeping Ivies have this fucking brilliant rustly and distorted sound, it really comes alive on their track Buggin’ Around (which is my favourite for now)
They create so much noise and there’s only two of them. They have a sound that you think you have heard before, listen a bit harder and you’ll realise that this is unlike anything else you’ve heard.
It is dark and intense at its finest. This is going to go beyond being just another band crush. This is probably going to be cemented in my way of life. Whatever the hell that may be right now.
When you feel like you do not belong in the place where you are. When you feel like you just cannot understand all the hate and god knows what else around you; that whole outside looking in way of living- it drags you down. Only a small amount of bands can actually make you feel alright with your current state of mind. I remember when I first heard The Smiths, it was like someone was finally getting out these pent-up frustrations. Then I was turned onto Morrissey’s solo work which has always been apt and highly descriptive of how I feel about certain things and certain people. Those that observe and write in a way that puts you in the scenario are the best ones.
This is why I have a lot of love and respect for The Chapman Family.
Maybe it’s a Northern thing. Maybe us Northerners see the world for what it truly is and put it out there in a way that anyone can relate to. Just read the works of John Cooper Clarke, listen to The Fall- they have this way of just being so honest in a way that doesn’t harm anyone. It is real, and you relate.
Cruel Britannia is bloody brilliant EP which includes a fantastic cover of Morrissey’s Everyday Is Like Sunday (which it probably is really.) I firmly believe that these guys deserve to be huge, and I just don’t get why they aren’t. I feel as if I cannot praise this EP enough, and anything I write will make me sound like some obsessive fan. Well maybe I am. Maybe I am.
Adding a fifth member to the band has given them a slightly bigger sound. They have this sound that make you want to change everything around you. Sure it is hard when nobody will listen or lend a helping hand. Go your own way. Stand on your own, and don’t back down. All you have is yourself. It’s not always a bad thing.
Summer Song is my favourite. As Kingsley sings, “I’m wasting away.” A statement that evokes a sense of feeling worthless has never been so comforting.
The Chapman Family are touring throughout June, and the EP comes out 18th June.
In short, if you’re going to play on the same stage as Toots & the Maytals you’ve got to be bloody good right? In fact, you have to be better than that. You have to have something that will leave the crowd remembering you. You have to have something that sets you apart from what everyone else is doing. How do you do this? Ignore what everyone else is doing because comparing yourself to anything and everyone else around you kills your self-esteem. Or something like that. I really don’t think I’ve had enough sleep and I’m still not over seeing Uh Huh Her on Tuesday. Anyway, I’ve found something else to shift my focus.
Yes Sir Boss are signed to Joss Stone’s label, Stone’d Records. I’ve loved her ever since I heard her cover of Fell In Love With A Boy/Girl. I hate covers usually, but I loved her immediately. It isn’t about her, I know. But you can have that as a casual fact of the day.
Yes Sir Boss have this strange (the good kind) funk sound to their music. There’s something powerful about them. Is it the horns? Is it the riffs that blow your mind and feel like something is erupting in your ears? Probably both to be honest. I didn’t know my speakers could go this loud, I think I’ve destroyed them. That’s a good thing though.
There’s this INSANE breakdown during Not Guilty. I kept going back to that part and playing it over and over. I don’t know what it is, but I just wanted to keep hearing it over and over. I get like that sometimes. Find a part in a song that just leaves me in awe and I ignore everything else. I’ll stop doing it one day, I guess.
Some background. The band formed at Darlington Arts College then moved to Bristol, and they’re pretty much-loved down there. But it’s now time that the love expanded. The lead singer, even by just hearing his voice on record makes you feel as if he has this amazing stage presence. The way he sings with such clarity and character makes you want to see their live shows.
I’m not into lumping a band into a genre or some pretentious sub-genre. What’s the point? That just encourages the music snobs to come out and play. I say play, but they’d probably turn their nose up and say..”it doesn’t sound like this art band I know from *insert some place that is probably made up*”
Yes Sir Boss are different to anything around. If you love anything that sounds a bit ska, reggae..or just makes you feel good then check them out.
Their new EP, Desperation State comes out 7th May, and they are playing an album launch show at the Fiddlers club in Bristol on 5th May.
Writing this on nearly no sleep means this will not make sense. There’s a good chance that this will read as some strange emotional outburst. I’d apologise, but I’m not sorry. I’ll save them for a time where I am actually sorry.
When you have loved a band for so long, finally seeing them live gives you this feeling that, at best, you cannot describe. But at worst is the most frustrating thing in the world. That’s the thing about Music, you can have these frustrating feelings that sooner or later- will get the better of you. Going to a gig, you can just let it all out. You can justify your tears because certain songs make you feel less alone. Certain songs you feel were written for you. Certain songs give you the courage to do something that terrifies you. Sometimes, you’ve just got to face your fears. Or a band help you do so.
I first started listening to Uh Huh Her when Common Reaction came out. I was in a bad place. It was worse than bad, but you don’t need to know. Sometimes you’ve got to destroy who you were in order to become what you want to be. In the process, you let go and leave behind. The songs on this record made every change and fuck up I caused around me less daunting to face. I still can’t listen to Dreamer without wanting to cry like a baby, it’s just a really sad and longing song. Even the most emotionally stable could be reduced to tears after hearing this song. I’m totally fine now, but if I listened to it now, I’d still breakdown. Some songs are just that powerful. Their latest record, Nocturnes in my mind was probably one of the most underrated records of last year. The production on all they’ve ever done has always been something I have admired. Then came the live show.
Waiting to see the band that have meant the world to you for such a long time is intense and a long process, yet it is beyond worth it when the time comes around to see them.
Everything about Uh Huh Her justifies why I have so much love for duos (okay so live they’re not a duo but still..) They just have a better chemistry, and the stage presence is perfect. You can see this in the likes of Beach House, The Kills..and all the other duos I constantly declare my love for. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep it together when the PA system played The Horrors followed by The Kills, standard behaviour I guess.
If you’ve seen Cam and Leisha on this tour (or live in general) you’ll know it’s pretty much an amazing experience. You treasure it so much more because they do not tour the UK/Europe all that often, I guess that’s why their fans are pretty fucking loyal. And maybe a bit mental too (the good kind.)
I have no idea where I was when I was just stood there singing along. It still doesn’t feel like it has happened, it doesn’t feel real. I’ve had this feeling before. The first time I saw Morrissey I had this exact same feeling, and I got it last month when I saw The Horrors. When a band are such a huge part of your life, the very second they walk on stage it is like every feeling you have is fully justified. When you listen to their songs on a daily basis, you do truly connect but when you see it live, you pick up on certain lines lot more. It’s a bit like, “OH SHIT…NOW I GET IT!” Wait Another Day’s meaning to me just hit a new level last night, I’m pretty sure I felt part of me break and fix at the same time. Something clicked and I’m trying to work out if it’s a good or bad thing, maybe I’ll never know. Maybe I’m not meant to. But it did something. I’ve Had Enough is on the same level too. I’m also pretty sure I See Red acoustic is one of the most stunning things I have ever witnessed.
Throughout the gig I had a few mini outbursts (good ones, I don’t mean I hit anyone. I’m not like that.) The main one occured when Cam introduced Ladyhawke to come out and play Black And Blue with them. For that moment it wasn’t like you were at a gig. It was like you were watching a group of friends have fun at band practice. It was amazing that a venue this size could produce something so intimate. With music, especially live music you can allow yourself to forget everything for a while (with the occasional reminder.) For me, last night for that hour and a bit I could forget all I had on my mind. From worrying about my mum to other stuff, I allowed myself to let go for a while. Now, I’m back to clinging onto it and worrying again. But, I’m human and sadly I cannot switch off. Uh Huh Her’s music make it okay for you to cling onto certain feelings, maybe they are the ones that keep you going. Even if they could be the ones that are eating you up a bit.
Waiting this long to see Cam, Leisha (and Josh of course!) was something that was truly worth it. And I guess with life, sometimes you just have to wait for what you want. No matter how long it takes- it’ll happen, if it is meant to. I know that this is probably the worst thing I’ve written but I’m still in the process of taking the gig in. It was just perfect, if you were there-you know it was. If you’ve seen them on this tour, again, you’ll know how perfect it was. How they are. They deserve to be fucking huge. Their DIY approach to how they make music is so inspiring and much-needed. Another thing that needs pointing out is, at the end of their shows they truly make time for their fans by selling the merch and doing signings. There’s not many bands around that do this, and it is one of the many many reasons as to why Cam and Leisha are an asset to music and the industry.
Until next time…
*(But seriously, I am sorry for how all over the place this is. Lack of sleep and stuff does this to you. Sorrysorrysorrysorry! xx I also think the gig has left me wanting a hug. I may go buy a puppy or something.)
Hip Hop is a massive love of mine. They’re not rappers, they are modern-day poets. Well, some are. Not all. Read the lyrics of Tupac and you will see that it is poetry. Read the lyrics of Soulja Boy and well, maybe not yeah? Maybe not. However, the Hip Hop industry has always seemed to favour men. I don’t know why, you may not know why. Nobody may know why. Thing is, there are SO many female rappers around. Go back to the start of Hip Hop and strong female MCs have ALWAYS been there.
The first ever female rappers I remember hearing were Monie Love and Queen Latifah. They did an amazing track together, Ladies First. Not only was it incredibly produced; it was also (and still is) one of the cleverest Hip Hop tracks written. The way they bounce off each other was probably enough for any female of the early 90s hearing this song, want to rap. More importantly; make a difference.
When I heard Ladies First, I just immediately became aware of how sexist the world was and how society viewed women. I was so young, but after watching the video and hearing the song..I just kept asking my mum so many questions. She just sat me down and said the world and life, was unfair- but I didn’t have to settle for it. Ever. That I shouldn’t be told I couldn’t do something because I’m a girl. The term “Feminist” leaves the tongue of some many like a bitter taste. Like it is a bad thing to want rights for your own gender. But, I firmly believe that you don’t have to have boobies and a vagina to be a Feminist. It’s just called being a decent human being, you know? Any good person wants equality for all. Regardless of age, gender, sexuality, colour, religion, disability or no disability. With so much hate and hurt in the world- we need to come together and be kind. Be gentle and comforting. There is nothing weak about wanting to be held. There is nothing weak about having a kind heart.
A lot of female rappers seem to think, if they talk about having sex with whoever, wearing next to nothing and just selling themselves out-it’ll bring them money. Sure it will, but will it give them respect? I say this, but I really really adore Foxy Brown. She’s always been a favourite of mine. She’s struggled with a hell of a lot. Gets knocked down and ridiculed, but in my eyes- she’s one of the greats. Now, I know she wears hardly anything- but listen to her lyrics (okay maybe not Hot Spot or Candy) but she has some songs that are just mind-blowing. B.K Anthem just tells you about Brooklyn in a way that’s never been done. The Letter (which features THE legend Ron Isley) and Broken Silence are heartbreaking and honest. To put yourself out there in that way, well fuck it, I respect her. I respect anyone who metaphorically rips their heart out and spills their guts out. Admitting to their faults and just being so open- I just admire that. I don’t care who you are, if you’re honest- then that’s all that matters.
Hip Hop is one of the most honest genres of music. It’s real. You believe in every single word. Everyone faces struggle in life. Some every so often, some every single day. Some use Hip Hop as a crutch to just plough on through. To hear songs like those I mentioned by Foxy Brown are enough to make a woman who is feeling utterly low and damaged, to just pull through. She’ll feel comforted by it because another female is expressing those insecurities and has cut herself wide open for all to see and hear.
Then you have the whole, Lil’ Kim vs Foxy Brown thing. It was ugly, and it was brutal- but it made for great entertainment for those voyeuristic blood suckers. Of course it got personal, it always does. It was almost impossible for the Media to state that these two female rappers were both as good as each other. For me, I was always on Team Foxy. I couldn’t really connect to Kim for some reason. Her early stuff was too much, but gradually, I guess she became more grown and easier to listen to. But like I said, Foxy is the one.
If you want to class M.I.A as a rapper, she’s probably the best around right now. She has a message. Maybe it is too political for most, but as far as I’m concerned, Hip Hop has always pointed out all the wrong in the world in order to make it right. That’s what M.I.A does, most of the time.
I want to touch briefly on Nicki Minaj for a second.
She’s probably hated as she is loved. Some claim she’s a gimmick, some see she’s for real. The only person who knows what she is about is, well, her. Personally? I love her. I’ve been a fan since 2008 when I was listening to some of her old mixtapes I heard online. I just became obsessed with what I was hearing. Sure it was a bit vulgar and overly sexual, but her honesty well, was admirable. To have the guts to be as open and nasty as some male rappers- well fuck it, she was playing them at their game. And she was winning. Now look at her. Her second record, Roman Reloaded is free of those topics. I can’t find fault in it. And I’ll admit, I do get pissed when people slag her off. They seem to ignore her background. They seem to think she just came from nowhere and became a star overnight. Bullshit. She’s always been a star, she was just busy in the background working hard to get to this point. She’s frequently laid into because she is apparently a gimmick. Some dressing up and not going by her real name/creating alter egos has never been done before? Sure..I mean, Ziggy Stardust was real wasn’t it? It isn’t cool to be someone who gets off on being disrespectful to others. If you want to slag her off, go ahead. But it just makes you seem pretty childish. Are you on stage every night pouring your heart out? Nope. So shush your noise, and go put your hate into being frustrated at the state of the world instead. Maybe I care too much, or maybe I just don’t get why anyone would care that you hate someone you do not know? I mean, it does seem pretty stupid to hate someone you do not know doesn’t it? Maybe I’m alone in that. Maybe..maybe.
I think females have a long way to go in the Hip Hop industry, and Music in general. There’s still blatant sexism floating about. Not just in Music, but everywhere in life. It’s like, “Oh she’s a female rapper, she must be a lesbian.” Oh please do fuck off. kd lang’s a lesbian and she doesn’t rap. You don’t need to dress like a tramp to be taken seriously and to be heard. Kids aren’t inspired by that- they need something real. Something they can hold onto for life. Something that teaches.
One of the first female rappers I really admired was MC Trouble. She sadly passed away in her sleep during the production of her second record. She may not have been around for long, but she’s easily as influential as the likes of Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Roxanne Shante etc.
I cannot mention female rappers without mentioning the one who had THE most distinctive voices ever in Hip Hop, and was part of one of THE most influential female groups ever. Lisa Lopes aka Left Eye from TLC was just so perfect and pure with her words, and the way she rapped. She totally owned the mic and every stage she stood on. Her small frame didn’t stop her from being so great and highly influential. I remember when she died (10 years on Tuesday) I just broke down. It was a shock, it always is. A truly heartbreaking moment in music. Maybe the standard of female rappers slipped when she passed. I have no idea. I don’t know. All I know is that she had something that will now always be missed. She was such a strong character. She taught girls how to be strong and utterly fearless. My love for her is totally different piece altogether. Maybe one day when it stops being a sore subject, I’ll get it out.
Hip Hop will always be a huge love of mine, and a vital part of my life. I do believe female rappers have a long way to go, but we’re getting there. You don’t need to be half-naked to be sexy. You don’t need to have a vulgar tongue to be heard. Be strong, stand up and say something that hasn’t been said before.
There is probably no better feeling than hearing something for the first time and just totally falling for it. You hit the repeat button and by the third listen, you know every word. Nobody else does. Sometimes, you’ve just got to share this with someone. Anyone. You see, you get these people who are all..”I LOVE THIS BAND AND I REFUSE TO LET ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THEM.” Well, you’re daft. Sharing is caring. And, I’m a pretty caring person. Probably too much to be honest. Whatever. It just annoys me when people do this. Do you really think a band want YOU to be the only person that listens to them? NO. If they did, they wouldn’t play shows or sell their records. I ould rant about how much this gets to me, but not today. Instead, I’m going to share a band with you. I mean it’s up to you if you actually check them out.
Do you love The Cure? Did you love Doll And The Kicks?Do you love hypnotising bass lines? Do you love drums that make you thrash your body out in an unsexy way causing you to break out into an intense sweat within seconds? If you’ve said yes to any of this, then you’ll probably love Xray Eyeballs.
The band name fascinated me. It sounds dark and fucking creepy. I was praying that they sounded this way. I really don’t think I’d have been okay if they didn’t. So I listened. It was intense. It was dark. It was eerie. So dark. Everything I started to hear just made so much sense, but I’m not sure what of. Every so often I have some kind of epiphany whilst listening to band. Something clicks. The cogs turn. I have no idea. Something just happens. And it is happening right now, again. As I listen to Xray Eyeballs. As dark as their music sounds, something is coming alive inside. I don’t know what it is. I’ll probably spend the rest of the day, or my life trying to work out what is happening right now. I don’t know if anyone else will get this from listening to them. But, maybe you’ve had this happen to you before when you’ve heard a band for the first time. They pull something out of you that maybe you’ve been fighting to hide/destroy for so long. I guess you should just go with it.
I really dig Gotham Low Lifes. I love the build-up. I love how it builds and builds during the last-minute of so. Then all you can hear are thumping drums. It resembles, to me- the heart. The heart as you step closer to something you fear. Something is chasing you, and as it creeps up you start to realise you’ve got to give in. Crash and burn. Crash and learn. It’s cool. Always.
It’s not like I’m getting life lessons from Xray Eyeballs. I’m getting so much more. I’m not sure what. Maybe it is going to bug me that I cannot figure it out just yet. Their sound is the sound I love. It’s something I cannot describe because I don’t want to get it wrong and insult the band. I mean, I really fucking love these guys so I’d never do that. But sometimes, I say things that get taken the wrong way so..but basically, their sound is RIGHT.
Brooklyn….Brooklyn. You’ve gone and done it again haven’t you. Don’t ever stop.
Tomorrow is my favourite day of the year. Most would regard Christmas or their Birthday as their favourite day of the year, I don’t. I class Record Store Day as THE best day of the year and the most important. I love music more than I can express. It is an obsession, and it is one I will never apologise for having. Record Store Day means the world to me because it gives me hope.
You see, we live in a world where we must have things NOW. We no longer take our time. Nobody has patience. Nobody seeks pleasure in waiting. I do. I feel that there is nothing better than waiting for something, then finally having it in your hands. I do not see the appeal of downloading music. Legally or illegally. Illegally downloading fucking pisses me off no end. But that’s another topic entirely, I could rant about that until my mouth dried up and my tongue fell off. It really gets to me. Another reason as to why Record Store Day is so vital.
The thing is if you download you are missing out. You are depriving yourself of having beautiful artwork in your hands as you lay on your bed listening to the songs. With a record you get that wonderful background noise- you do not get that from downloading. A record is so personal. You really hear every layer of the song so clearly. You feel part of it; you truly connect with the song and band.
Last week, whilst at my mum’s I went through some of my records. I played a record by The Fall on my record player. Every word coming out of Mark E Smith’s mouth was falling into my ears so crystal clear. I felt like I was part of the song. Every instrument was coming through the speakers so clearly, with a crisp sound that you cannot get from a download.
My heart would truly break if they ever stopped making records. Some of the records I own just sound so pure that way, I an’t ever imagine downloading them. It just seems ridiculous. I’d say I’m on my own with this idea- but those who feel the same are probably over the age of 50, again- I am okay with that. I was brought up with that familiar crackling sound. To get me to sleep at night my mum would play this wonderful psychedelic 60s record she had. I was in awe of what I was hearing, I used to pretend I couldn’t sleep just so I could hear the songs. My mum used to play Jefferson Airplane a lot, and when she played White Rabbit she would sing along with Grace Slick and move like Kate Bush. Thing is, she caught on that I just wanted to hear the songs- so she’d play the record over and over until I drifted off.
I’m a sucker for buying 7″ singles. A few months ago I was in a market that had a tiny record stall. I went through a section that called out my name, “Punk and others.” I flicked through. There was about 5 by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I picked them all up and bought them. Hearing their distorted sound through a record player made me appreciate the band even more. That fuzzy sound with lyrics of utter darkness caused me to go back to the first time I heard them, and to feel something more intense. I seek that feeling in everything I listen to. If I don’t feel that way, I won’t enjoy it. I guess it’s because I’m someone who firmly believes- if you heart isn’t in it, then it isn’t right/don’t do it. There’s too much passion in my bones and I have no idea what I am supposed to do.
My life revolves around Music. I find it to be an amazing force that brings people together. There is nothing better than turning to a complete stranger at a gig and knowing they are feeling the same way as you. Such heightened feelings just make you so glad to be alive. I feel, with Record Store Day, it does the same thing. People will go for miles to go to a specific store to get a certain record that is coming out especially. The bond you get is just priceless and something that deserves to have its own day. When a band you love put something special out for this one day, it is a truly magical thing. The band that you obsess over and dream about..when you buy that special release they put out- you feel as if you’re part of something irreplaceable and, you wait another 365 days to get that feeling back.
I have a few records that I have never played. I own one of my favourite songs on 7″. A rare copy of The Model by Kraftwerk. If you ever meet my mum, she’ll probably tell you about my obsession with that song when I was a baby. I used to dance in my nappy to this song and dance with my dog. It was the first song I remember hearing. When I saw it for sale, I just had to have it. I’ve never played it though.
I used to DJ when I was 14/15, and I think that is truly where my love for records really kicked in. I used to be in awe of my Uncle’s record collection, and he’s responsible for my love of Punk and The Jesus And Mary Chain. I used to spend Christmas being in awe of his collection just wishing I had them all. I’ll never have that many records, but still. I’m 25- I’ve got many years to carry on collecting.
Wherever you are in the world tomorrow please make sure you support the nearest record store. Buy something, and treasure it for life. Go home, and play it over and over. Lose yourself in the music and allow your ears to hear something so vital. Allow your body to tremble from the sounds. Most importantly, fall in love with your favourite band all over again, and in a different way.
Everything you need to know about tomorrow can be found here :
Music can reduce you to tears from its sheer beauty to its utter pain. You simply cannot avoid it. You have that song that makes you cry from pain immediately, and you have one that makes you weep with joy the moment you hear it. Certain parts of the song just fill you with such heightened emotion. This is one of the many many reasons as to why music pretty much rules my life, and always leaves me in awe.
Music can also give you a sense of nostalgia. A feeling that is hard to put into music, but when an artist does it the right way; it is a truly beautiful thing. This is why I have a lot of love and admiration for Anja McCloskey. Her voice just fills you with nostalgia and takes you positively back to the past. I firmly believe that the past should never be touched upon again, but there are certain parts that you just cannot ignore. Anja McCloskey makes you feel okay with visiting it all over again. You have no bad feelings towards it, it just causes a smile to emerge. That’s all you can ask for.
You get this feeling straight away from her new single, Italian Song. As an Italian, I loved the song before I heard it. That’s just my biased opinion coming through again. Every now and then it happens. I use it for the good, never the bad. You should always do things for the good reasons. Maybe this is why not many things go my way but hey- got a pure heart.
The video to Italian Song perfectly compliments the song. It is delicate, hopeful and just makes you feel good. You cannot ask for more from a piece of music.
When nothing goes your way, you find something to put you on the right path. You’ll learn who your true buddies are when you are at your lowest. You’ll also realise you’re tougher than you know. There’s a song for every occasion. I don’t mean bursting out into song every 5 seconds like that horrific programme that ruins other people’s songs, you know the one. There’s probably more than one. Frustration is part of everyday life for us all. You try to ignore it, it creeps up. This is why a sub-genre of music has not let me down. I spoke with my Grandma earlier, and she said..”I’ll confess to you now- I’ve never needed anybody.” I needed to hear that. Especially from her. She’s stubborn and tough. She’s strong but careful. Everything I want to be, she is. Much like mother, Patti Smith and Shirley Manson. But I’m just a delicate soul trying to be tough. That (fake) leather jacket of mine is fooling no one. But it protects me. This is why anything with a lo-fi sound hits me in the heart. There’s another band that have hit me in the heart, and have claimed a spot.
The Whines were brought to my attention by another amazing musician, Stevie from Youthbitch (check ’em out. I wrote about them a couple of days ago.)
If Warpaint turned lo-fi, this is how they’d be. Quick comparison here. Right, you know exactly how Warpaint make me feel. Like I am in a constant state of euphoric bliss. My eyes closed and I’m floating on water. I’m untouchable and nothing is getting in. I’m off-limits to the world when I listen to Warpaint. I’m getting that vibe right now from The Whines. Their slow lo-fi sound is, like Stevie told me-sincere. If a band are honest and open; not to mention true to their art (and heart) I will fall hard for them. The qualities I look for in music is probably what I look for in a girlfriend. But I’ve never ever had any luck with girls. However with music, I’ve gotten pretty lucky with it. Is it a bad thing? If you ask someone who is needy and clingy they will see it as a bad thing. Which is why I see it as a good thing. Your wants and needs are opposites.
The Whines are from Portland (I think there is something in the water there that causes amazing music to be churned out) and are just flawless. Perfect in every dimension possible. I want to be their chum and watch them at band practice. Then they take the stage on some muggy Friday night at a bar that is dark and cramped. We’ve all got our best jacket on and our favourite beaten band shirt underneath. I turn to the person next to me, and give them that look that can only be described as, “I dig them for the same reasons as you.” This is personal. This is honest. This is giving me a bit of hope. You can be 25 and hopeless. I don’t recommend it, but hey- it happens. The world owes you nothing, so go on and take on the world.
I feel like I can when I have this lo-fi sound pulsating through my eager ears.
If you’re looking for a band that are going to make you feel RIGHT and that it is okay to feel a bit unsure; check them out. The honesty comes across so strongly because vocalist, Karianne sings in a believable way. By this I mean, you can really feel the frustrations in her voice. Also check out the compilations from Gnar Tapes, a Portland label involved with the band and Youthbitch too I think. Super cool bands on it. Worth investing in for sure.
If you’re not going to be honest and give it your all- then don’t bother. That’s what I’ve taken from this. Go with it man, go with it.
Mondays are shit. Sometimes the rest of the week is too. You know when you wake up and think, “Can I just sleep away this week because its going to be pointless?” That happened this morning. So far, it has proven to be a waste of time being awake. Anyone who doesn’t enjoy being asleep is a LIAR. It’s wonderful. No one can annoy you and no one can ask things of you. But the thing is, when you’re awake you can expose yourself to some brilliant things such as a nice film, a book that just grips you or in my case (currently) a band that make you glad you got up this morning.
I Am In Love (I’m not, it’s the band’s name) formed in Leicester about two years ago, and are now based in London. They make music that is dark, intense with an electro vibe. So it is really no surprise that I love them is it. I love anything that is dark and intense. I’m not too keen on intense people though. I like calm things. I like quiet. But I like music to be the opposite of this. I guess it’s because I want the opposite of what I am. Yet, I’m still trying to figure that shit out. Summertime in the UK is about as trusting as a Pimp’s smile (I have no idea, go with it) but with bands like I Am In Love, you constantly have that Summer feel going right around you as you listen to them. I Want You is probably for now, my favourite track by them. It makes you want to watch the Sunset and think about the one you cannot have. Then you probably drink a litre of whiskey to think about something else. AMEN! I probably shouldn’t type things like that, but I’m just being realistic. I could drink whiskey listening to this band. I could also sit on a beach listening to them (I will never stop pleading with anyone to take me to L.A.)
Music always gives you a sense of escapism. Whether it is to be reassured that everything is okay, or to feel like you are not alone with wanting to transport yourself far away. Music is a solid thing. It’s there at 4am when the lights are out and the phones are off.
I Am In Love are a band I could be content with listening to whilst on the piss-ridden night bus at 3am, falling in and out of sleep on the bus with glare of the street lights bouncing off the glass. And the mental drunk person yelling “WHERE ARE THE SEATS” or something equally entertaining. You’d slip out a smirk because in a way, you are in a state of bliss. Music just touches you in a way a friend/relative/lover can’t. Music reaches that apparent untouchable place. I Am In Love do exactly that.
Everything about them is what makes me fall in love with new music. Most of the time I’d probably be okay with listening to old bands. but every now and then your ears are blessed with something new that moves you. Palm (their new single) is out 25th May, for the love of all things right in the world- get your hands on it. It will make you want to dance and probably cry. The vocals resemble a plea for everything to stop. The music makes you glad everything is still going. It’ll toy with your emotions.
I Am In Love are a euphoric band that leave in you a trance. Keep swaying, keep listening. Sing your heart out to their songs. It’ll feel like a huge healing process, something which lets face it- we are all seeking. The past is a ghost, don’t let it haunt or rule you.
I Am In Love deserve to be huge this year. Here’s hoping it happens. It needs to bloody happen.
Beat In My Bones. 