Panda Riot.

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Panda Riot. Brilliant name for a band. Is the music as good as the name? In short, yes.

I don’t really need to write any more on the band do I? Oh I do. And I will (or at least try to.)

Labelled as “dream pop.” You’d probably think, “Oh here we go. Another rip off of Beach House.” You’d be a tit to think that. You can be dream pop and still sound NOTHING like those who also fall into this sub-genre. Thing is, I do love a lot of bands that fall into this category but I’ve never really understood what the hell dream pop was. Is it pop music that’s dreamy and makes you sway your body? Is it pop music that isn’t bland and actually makes you feel something? I honestly have no idea. There’s lo-fi elements here. There’s a bit of shoegaze. It’s slightly distorted. Why is it called dream pop? I won’t lose sleep over not knowing. Although, I could look it up I suppose.

Panda Riot come from Chicago. Home to err..R.Kelly. Oh god, I know. Trapped In The Closet. What a wonderful thing that was. The midget, and Bridget (she doesn’t like cherries..yes, I’ve watched ALL of it.) Actually no, they are now based in Chicago but they’re from Philly. Sorry about that- my bad.

Their ep- Far And Near is something you really need in your life. You’ve got to get involved with Panda Riot. I’ll help you, so you don’t have to do anything. Lok, just click here : http://pandariot.bandcamp.com/album/far-and-near-ep

The more I listen to them, the more I’m starting to really understand what this dream pop sound is. I’ve started to realise that most of the new bands I listen to, do fall into this category. I have no idea who came up with it; but I like it. For me, it’s a style of music that just makes you feel good. Nobody wants to be sad all the time now do they.

If you love delicate vocals (if you don’t fall in love with Rebecca’s voice, go see a doctor- you’re probably ill) and music that makes you feel like you’re floating out of your body- Panda Riot are for you.

Oh, and they’ve also covered Paper Planes by M.I.A. Go listen to that too!

Hunters.

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If The Kills get you to support them on tour- you know you’re fucking good. You know you’re one of the best new bands around when this happens to you.

Hunters are just so obnoxiously loud. I don’t mean this in a bad way at all. I mean this in the most loving and praising way possible. If they weren’t loud and brutal- I wouldn’t write about them. There’s no point expressing a load of hate for something/someone. I’m not the one on stage every night singing my heart out- I’m in no position to judge. I love Hunters. In love. Total love for them.

Isabel’s voice reminds me of Patti Smith. See, if Patti went a hell of a lot more aggressive with her music- this is what it’d sound like. You know how much I love Patti. I love her as much as I love my mum- big love. If I was going to make a list of bands I want to see live before my heart stops- Hunters would be on my list. I’d love to be in the front centre, right in the midst of this sweaty, riot of a show. It’d be the best thing wouldn’t. Smashing and throwing your body about until you feel like you’re going to fall down. But you won’t fall, because the music will excite you much. You wouldn’t stop.

It’s really no surprise that Hunters are out of this world. They’re from Brooklyn. Foxy Brown to Friends (band) this city has, and is still producing some of the best music your raggy ears will ever hear.

My advice to you? Stick with Hunters. Who cares if they don’t become fucking huge and play stadiums on their own headline tour. Who cares. They have a REAL underground and Punk feel to their music. It is genuine and it oozes so much heart. The fury. The passion. The sheer brutality in that guitar makes me glad to be alive and that my hearing is my strongest sense.

Check them out! : http://huntersny.bandcamp.com/

Sweater Girls.

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Sweater Girls are sweet. Not in the way that you use the word to describe something good. I dislike it when people use it like that; I think it’s daft. Don’t use it near me, I’ll only want to throw something at you. Depending on how much I like it, depends on what I want to throw at you. They are sweet in the, cute kind of way. You listen to them and think, “This is what the American version of Camera Obscura sound like!” I love Camera Obscura, and I don’t really trust anyone who doesn’t. How can you listen to Away With Murder and not feel so much?! Emotionless fools.

So, Sweater Girls. They aren’t all girls. Maybe they don’t all wear sweaters. That’s not a problem. The music is bloody good- that’s all that sounds. On their bio on their Facebook page, it says the following:

“We are an indie pop band, influenced by jangly guitars, friendships, loneliness, and laughter. Sweater Girls aim to melt hearts with songs that remind us of our best friends, happiest and saddest moments and our favorite songs.”
Even if I hadn’t heard the music first- this alone would’ve made me love them. I know I am fond of music that is dark and would probably scare anyone half to death; but I have a decent side to me. And that side of me loves music like this. It’s gentle but you do get touches of heartbreak in their music. It’s just so delicate and honest. These are qualities that I love in music and also, in people. If I think you’re fragile and honest-I’ll probably want to talk to you. And I’m not someone who has much to say really.
If you’re one of these suckers to a commercial holiday and you “celebrate” Valentine’s- put a song by Sweater Girls on a mix CD for the person you like. If they’re worthy of your affections- they will appreciate it.
You don’t always have to be a rock, let Sweater Girls melt your heart.

Neverever.

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Today, I finally got hold of The World As I See It by Albert Einstein. If you’ve never read it; you’re missing out. I’m just under half-way through (a book holds my attention more than anything) and I can already sense that this will be a book that I reference for the rest of my life. I don’t know why I’m telling you, I guess I just hope my fellow fans of Neverever are intelligent and love books? Regardless, just read the book.

So, Neverever. What do you need to know? They’re from L.A. I know what you’re thinking, “Stop with the L.A. band already!” The thing is, English music is boring me again. It’s not making me excited at the moment- so I’m looking for bigger and better things. You know of my love for Garage Rock bands- they just have everything I want. I like my music how I like my women….odd, I guess? But not too odd. My music can be as strange as it wants to be. I don’t want a woman that barks at dairy produce at 2pm on a Friday.

Neverever are currently the band that are giving me that “I’m in love” feeling. Not with a person, but with a sound. I don’t have any chums that dig this kind of music. It’s a good thing I guess, because it means I don’t have anyone constantly saying to me,”I hate what you listen to.” I get that A LOT. It’s a good job nobody I know reads what I write here, because they’d hate it. I think if any did read this- they’d tell me how they hate how I write, and they hate what I listen to. It’s okay, I don’t want to share Neverever with anyone right now. I want to keep them as my own. Just like how I feel about Dum Dum Girls, 2:54 and Swim Deep. There’s others, but there are some bands I’ve got to keep close to me and not let anyone I know catch on. Not yet anyway. What sometimes happens is, I find a band/singer. Write about them on here. I’m called various names for liking such things. A few months later….BOOM! They’re everywhere. It’s cool. It’s cool. But you’re not taking Neverever from me. Not yet.

So why do I love Neverever so? Because they make me feel like I’m some place beautiful. Somewhere better than where I am right now. Okay..they make me wish I was in L.A. There. I said it, okay? Big deal. They make me wish I was in L.A. drinking cheap whiskey on a beach watching everything pass me by.

It’s like the Count Five meets Dum Dum Girls with slight touches of Blondie. I fucking LOVE this. I really love this. My excitement is back. It’s back- and it is all for Neverever. I want to listen to them in some shitty, dark, filthy underground bar surrounded by sweaty bodies that are throwing their limbs about like children that have drank too much cherryade. This is stunning stuff. Neverever, can you please come to the UK and scream your songs in my face? I’ll scream back right at you. God…this is it kids. This is what you need. If you don’t want it, or need it- then I’ll take it. I’ll take all of it. I’m never going to recover from whatever I’m feeling for this band right now.

Dirt Dress.

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The more I listen to L.A. Garage Rock bands such as Dirt Dress- the more I want to pack up my stuff and fuck off to L.A. and just get lost in the music scene there. If I had the money, or if I ever won the lottery- I’d go. I wouldn’t tell anyone. I’d just go. Maybe I’d call when I got there, I don’t know. I’d probably love life too much to give anything else a second thought. If only I was selfish enough to put myself first and do something, right?

Man..I fucking love Dirt Dress. This is some raw and harsh Garage Rock right here. Would you class it as a genre? Sub-genre I guess. Well, if you want to call it a genre- it’s easily my favourite. That and Shoegaze. They’re my favourites. I don’t need to include Punk because Punk is my heart- that will never change. Garage Rock is just everything the world needs right now. Some bands that are in this genre create a sound so aggressive it makes you want to punch the nearest wall- yet they can have another song that just makes you want to dance until every limb and bone is unable to move anymore.

Dirt Dress are three extremely talented guys from the City of Angels. I seriously need to get myself there. If anyone in L.A. sees his- I’ve not got a criminal record, I have an English accent and I love music- employ me? Some may say I have nothing to offer, but give me the chance- because I have. They just don’t know me. They’re arseholes.

Alligator Lungs. I’m enjoying this track. I’m going to call this and Junk as my favourite tracks by them. This is incredible. I’ve never taken drugs, but I’m going to asume that the way Dirt Dress are making me feel right now is like having a fucking nice time on some kind of substance. I’m 25, and I’d rather have a cup of tea- shut my eyes and fall into another world than take some kind of drug to make me feel. I’ve got an old soul. An old, and possibly worn out soul.

What I love about Garage Rock is how dirty and unpolished it always sounds. I guess that’s why it is called Garage Rock. It has that innocent and simplistic feel to it- yet it is a hard sound to stay genuine to. Because some grubby paws always seem to want to cash in, and turn it into over-produced and over-hyped mundane tripe! We won’t stand for it no more. If you’ve lost your faith in music, give Dirt Dress a listen. Everything you want from a band will be found in their music.

It’s brutal, it pours out passion with twinges of fury- it is Garage Rock at its finest. I instantly fell in love with them. Remember, it is okay to fall in love instantly with a band/singer- but be cautious and careful with a person. Dirt Dress are like a hybrid of Captain Beefheart meets Richard Hell. I love this. I love this a hell of a lot. I’m in total love.

Dirt Dress, I love you. Please come to the UK. I need you.

Eat Y’Self Pretty.

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I don’t like happy music really. I don’t go out of my way to find music that will make me happy. However- my idea of happy music is different to yours, probably. I find joy and comfort in The Jesus And Mary Chain and Morrissey. Why does it make me happy? Because it’s good to know someone can articulate those gut-wrenching feelings better than you can. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a miserable person at all. I just like music that has a lot of feeling and is dark. Very dark.

So why on earth would I like Eat Y’Self Pretty when I could quite happily sit here and play some Deftones or Bring Me The Horizon. That’s easy, because Eat Y’Self Pretty like Swim Deep are another brilliant band from Birmingham. Every city deserves its year to shine. Hopefully (and rightfully so) this year should see Birmingham getting the recognition it truly deserves. You know what? Fuck London and the Olympics. Sack it off, don’t bother. Go get involved with the Birmingham music scene. From rap artists to guitar bands- the city is just flowing with talent. Why is nobody picking up on this?

I suppose you want me to say who they sound like? I’d say they sound like Two Door Cinema Club; but I don’t want to insult Eat Y’Self Pretty. So I will give them a decent comparison, even thought I hate comparing anything to anyone. If you love Foals- give these guys a listen. They’re not as dark as Foals, but their sound will remind you of Antidotes. If you recall, that is a bloody good and solid first record.

If you would be so kind, please check out their sounds at : http://eatyselfpretty.bandcamp.com/

If that gets you going, you can see them live at the following:

18th February-The Flapper (Birmingham.)

9th March-The End (Birmingham.)

10th March-The Wilmington Arms (London.)

 

Forloco.

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They say “GUITAR MUSIC IS DEAD!” Bullshit I say, utter BULLSHIT. You see, if you’re forced to listen such tripe like Coldplay and you think it is guitar music- then alright, fair enough it is dead. But, there’s bands such as The Black Keys and my personal favourite The Chapman Family that are proof that it isn’t dead. You’re just being lazy and not seeking out the good stuff.

I always like to start with a rant, but it does tie in..somehow.

So, Forloco. They’re pretty damn good. Even if they weren’t Yorkshire lads, I’d still love them. My mum’s from Doncaster and she’s always told me that anything from Yorkshire is amazing. She isn’t wrong. Pulp, The Long Blondes, Richard Hawley. And now? Now you can add Forloco to that list.

Forloco aren’t just your average band with guitars. There’s something about their sound that makes YOU want to play an instrument and start your own riot. Originally, there was 3 of them- but now there is 5 of them. An expansion in band members has given them a grand sound that deserves to be heard.

In fact, I’ll help you. You don’t even have to go look for it. I’ll give you the link : http://soundcloud.com/forloco

I love the hopelessness feeling that’s in No Future. If you’ve ever had a shitty relationship, and let’s face it- we all have; you’ll love this one. If you’re trying to pluck up the courage to dump a lover, play them this. I’d say make them a mixtape for Valentine’s and put this on it- but that’s a bit harsh isn’t it. Don’t do that. Nobody likes a bastard do they.

What I love about Forloco is that they have a brilliant Garage Rock feel to their music. They remind me of a tamer version of Thee Vicars. I adore Thee Vicars, so it’s a bloody good thing.

If you’re in the Sunderland area, you can catch them supporting Steve Cradock at Bar One on 5th March. It’ll probably be the best thing to happen in Sunderland in a long time.

I don’t need to tell you how great these lads are. If you love Garage Rock or just want something different that’ll make you dance- give Forloco a listen.

Lana Del Rey-Born To Die.

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It feels good to have this record finally in my hands, blaring in my ears. When you’ve waited so long for something, to finally have it is one of the best feelings ever. As someone who really cannot live without music- this is a pretty fucking good feeling I’ve got going on right now.

So, everyone wants to hate on Lana. Because Daddy is rich, because she may have had something done to her lips, because she doesn’t go by her real name, because of THAT performance- let me tell you something, none of this is relevant. It will never be important. Is it her dad that’s singing the songs? No. If you’re going to claim your hate for Lana because of these reasons- you are a right trollop. I don’t expect everyone to like her; I’m sure she doesn’t either. You cannot please everyone. Hell..I know that there are a lot more people that like me than do like me. I’m convinced those that claim to like me actually cannot stand me anyway- but hey, let it go. I’ve got an amazing record blasting out in my ears right now. Nothing actually matters to me right now. NOTHING.

I cannot write as a standard “Music Journalist.” I just can’t. I write as a fan. Which is why I’m probably far too honest with my feelings; making me sound like a vulnerable mess. I’m not a vulnerable mess; but music causes me to be open. Certain music just causes me to write in such an honest way. Much like how the lyrics on this record are honest. I’m not saying I’m like Lana at all. If you think that’s what I mean- stop reading and go read some blog that is so scene- it makes your face crease up and bleed; or is that too mainstream?

The album opens with Born To Die. Y’know, I think albums with the word die/death/dying are always good. I’m basing this on Biggie’s records- and Lana’s album. My comparison to Hip Hop will be discussed a bit more in depth in a bit. Stay with me on this. So, you’ve all heard the song Born To Die. You do not need me to tell you anything about it. If you’ve got yerr wits about yerr- you’ll know it’s a stunning piece of art.

Asd far as debut records go, I think this is one I’ll be listening to in 40 years time with a glass of wine, or rum, or maybe a cup of tea- I’ll be listening to it thinking, “I feel the same now about this record as when I first heard it.” It is instantly timeless. It has this nostalgic feel to it. I’d say “vintage” but I loathe the word “vintage” more than I hate my own face. Okay, so I don’t hate my face. I just hate the word vintage. It’s shite. This record just oozes so much passion, love, darkness and nostalgia. I was playing the record to my mum (who I have now converted to the Church of Lana) and we both said the same thing- when she goes for those delicate and slightly high notes- she sounds like the wonderful Kate Bush. As someone who worships the back catalogue of Kate Bush- this is just perfect. For someone else to hear what I hear makes me feel less mental.

Diet Mountain Dew was the first Lana song I heard. I loved the original, but this version on Born To Die, when I first played it I was a bit dubious. I thought “NO LANA NO!” But, after listening more closely, I can hear a hell of a lot Hip Hop influences in this. The drums just pour out New York. Hip Hop came from New York, and it is so evident on this song that you can really hear how much that genre played in this record. It’s just brilliant. I love both versions, I really cannot find any fault in the record; not like I was looking for any.

National Anthem is probably going to cause you to associate this with the one you love, or assume you love. Or something. The longing in you will take over, and this song will be “your life.” Possibly. Or you’ll just get fucked up on whiskey to this. I don’t care- do both. BE SAFE. 😉

I need to go into detail about Dark Paradise because it is my favourite track off the album. I want to listen to it until I stop hearing. I want to listen to it until all I hear is this song playing instead of other people’s voices. The album is a body of fragilty and purity. Listening to this song, I feel like I have had my heartbroken. I feel like I have just lost the love of my life. I feel like I have been emptied out of all the good in my life. It makes me feel exactly how Lana feels. I shut my eyes listening to this, and all I see is darkness. In my head, she is singing this on a beach in the pitch black with tears streaming down her face- but of course, she will be looking as beautiful as ever. The lyrics, my god. If you’ve recently had your heart thrown back at you in small pieces- listen to this song. At first it will seem as if someone is rubbing salt in your wounds, but keep listening. It will heal you. However, just don’t compare your ex to future lovers. If you do that, you stop yourself from truly loving. You owe it to yourself to love and to be loved. Don’t be so fucking cold now. It’s okay. Let this song get you through. Hurt for a bit; but you need to stop after a while. If I could convey properly what this song does and how it makes me feel- I would. I just can’t do it. She truly shines on this song. This song is just so utterly perfect and divine. I’m not just saying this because it is my favourite- it honestly is so raw. She really makes you connect with her here.

When she says “fucking” on Radio it sounds so damn sexy. I hate that word, but sometimes- some things/people are actually sexy. She has the face of an angel, and the mouth of a sailor. She’s real- this is why I instantly fell in love with her music. This doesn’t feel like a debut record. This feels like something. This record is full of dark moments that are twinned with sensuality. I read last week that this was a record to have sex to. After listening to it in full from start to finish- I have to say I agree. The way she sings on Radio and Carmen is just so damn sensual. The way she sings certain words, just carefully lingers in your ears for a while. It’s just so haunting and beautiful.

Million Dollar Man has a line that I love the bones of, “You’re screwed up and brilliant.” For me, that is better than an “I love you” kind of lyric. Who wants those standard 3 words? To see the brilliance in a person although they’ve got problems- you see through it, and love them anyway. This song is such a gorgeous dedication to a person you love. It’s so damn good. You know that, right? I cannot get enough of this song. I know Dark Paradise is my favourite- but this is so..oh man, I can’t even tell you. “If you’re going crazy, just grab me and take me. I’d follow you down,down, down.” I like to think, if I was with someone who was a bit troubled (aren’t we all ) and I loved them- I’d play them this to reassure them that they have my love and aren’t alone. It’s just beautiful.

Summertime Sadness although it’s about love; it is about loss too. That one love will stay with you, doll. It won’t go. The Summertime is when it grates you. The heat means nothing. But hey, with records like this- you’ll be just fine. A record can cure loneliness and that dreaded feeling you wish to never mention.

This Is What Makes Us Girls feels like a tribute to Lana’s teenage years- again with a heavy Hip Hop beat. I love it. I love the sounds she has created, and it all comes together on this final track.

If like me, you HAD to get the deluxe version- you’ll have Without You, Loita and Lucky Ones. I really do wish Kinda Outta Luck was on this record. Maybe an EP of unreleased tracks will come out? But for now, we have Born To Die. A fantastic debut record that, regardless of what any jumped up Music Journalist may say- this is an brilliant album. I hope this shuts up all the negative press Lana has been given. Your emotions will run wild after listening to this. Nothing will feel the same- and that’s a good thing. You may not be able to relate to all the songs, but that’s not important. What’s important is how you CONNECT to it all. With one listen, you feel as if you have heard this before- in a good way. Yet, nothing sounds like this now. Which is more proof as to why we need artists like Lana Del Rey.

 

Human Eye.

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I have no idea what I’m meant to say about Human Eye at all. Anything I say will not get across how raw and distorted this shit is. It’s so obscure and brutal. It’s like being chased by some kind of beast with no hopes of getting out alive. Fuck survival. If this is what death sounds like- I’m not fussed.

Human Eye are amazing. I don’t expect anyone to like them that likes delicate “oh woe is me here with my guitar acting like a folk singer and I shop in charity shops because I like to wear dead people’s clothes but don’t look at me because I’ll cry.” This isn’t for you. This will make you go back to your pretentious “I’m trying to be arty but I don’t understand anything” ways and sulk in a corner. If you’re like that- this isn’t for you.

Human Eye are for those that love the drawl of Tom Waits. The aggressive tones of The Black Keys. The rawness of Iggy Pop. They are for people who want music to make them feel so alive and invincible.

Their music will fuck with your head and make your body do things it maybe shouldn’t do. I’m sat down, so I’m okay for now. But if I stand up and listen to this- fuck knows what will happen. This is pure, brutal music. It’s like a riot exploding through the soundwaves. Go with it. Do not let this go. It just proves that Sacred Bones are putting out some of the best music around. It’s like it is some kind of movement that not many of us are up on. Thus, making it sacred. You need to get involved with this. If you ignore it- you’re a fool. You need this.

I listen to them and think, “Lester Bangs would love this.” Vocally they sound a wee bit like New York Dolls. It’s just perfect. It makes you think you’re in the 70s wandering around New York City waiting for something to happen. It’s now 2012, nothing like Punk will ever happen again. What do we have now? You say nothing. I say, HUMAN EYE!

Amen Dunes.

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I don’t need to know the insides and out of a musican for me to love them. Just give me the music, and that’s enough. I know NOTHING about Amen Dunes at all. Zero. All I know is that his music is giving me feelings I don’t know even if there are words for them yet.

I remember last year when I sat down and just listened to Youth Lagoon’s debut record, it did something. It emotionally did something to me. It’s like, it set something free. I feel in debt to Trevor for that. I don’t know him- but that record made me feel like something had finally clicked. That it was all okay. I’m getting the same feeling right now listening to Amen Dunes. It all feels like a huge wave of reassurance. We need that sometimes. We need that blanket of comfort to wrap itself around us, so we can carry on and face the next day, and the day after that. Baby steps. As you don’t have someone to hold your hand and guide you through it- music softly aides you through the day with its comforting sounds echoing delicately in your ear. You’re going to be just fine, kid.

New York- I swear you are the place I should’ve been born and raised in. The music scene there is beyond words. This shit right here is fucking incredible.

Listening to this, I feel like I am in a trance. My favourite so far is the song Jill. I feel like I’m listening to OM with a hint of Spiritualized. It’s just so utterly perfect and so damn hypnotising. I don’t want to snap out of this. Please do not wake me from what Amen Dunes’ music is doing to me right now. I care no longer for real life, I’m going to create my own world and Amen Dunes is going to be the soundtrack to it all.