ROSES.

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Some places in the world make really good music, some places are the hub of music that isn’t all that. It is all personal taste therefore this is just my opinion. I’ll choose The Jesus And Mary Chain over The Beatles any day. I’ll choose Morrissey over David Bowie. Again and again. People look at you as if you have two heads when you say things like to them. As if you you’re supposed to listen to and love The Beatles or Bowie. B is for bullshit kids.

Los Angeles is the home to a LOT of bands a love. Part of the reason I’d like to visit there, but I know I wouldn’t leave. I’d set up camp in a sweaty basement bar watching bands thrash about. Leaving covered in whisky and sweat from anyone/everyone. Small, intimate venues own my heart. They are the home to purity and unity within music. I struggle to think how you can connect with a band playing an arena. It isn’t for me, but it is for others. That’s fine.

So yes, L.A. Home to a lot of bands I love and such. As is New Yorks (but please don’t mention the Knicks to me at the moment..panic sets is when I check the league standings.) One band that I’ve recently familiarised myself with and fallen in love with is Roses. Three guys who make a lot of noise. I love The Fall, and they sound like how Mark E Smith would sound if he sung in a more conventional way. I guess what I am trying to say is that Roses sound like a band from Manchester in the 80s. Some would be insulted, but this is a big thing. It’s a great thing. Two amazing bands came from Manchester; The Fall and The Smiths. They have the thrashing quality that made me fall for The Jesus And Mary Chain when I was very young. You can just hear the fury in the guitarist; you can imagine his fingers bleeding as he plays like a feral beast.

As always when I find a new band; they don’t have much to go on. Personally this is okay with me because it means I can pay more attention to two songs rather than a demo collection enough to throw me off. They have a song that’s just listed as Untitled. It is stunning, it is beautiful and innocent. The singer’s voice really does sound as if he is truly reaching out to one person in particular. It feels entirely personal, and your heart just goes out to him. It may just be a demo for now, but I hope they don’t change too much. It is perfect as it is.

A lot of the West coast bands I love do have a certain vibe to their music, like you just know they are from there. It isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes you want more. If you want those who go against a typical West coast sound you have the likes of Crocodiles, L.A. Witch, The Long Wives and of course, Roses. Play them loud. So loud. I think I’m annoying my neighbour by playing them loudly, and on repeat. But the thing is, We Hate Our Friends HAS to be played quite loud and on repeat. I’m just doing what I should.

Sometimes you just hear a band and you try to fathom why you love them. What lured you in and why. Thing is, when you give yourself a headache over that, you don’t enjoy the music as much. So just listen to whatever you want. Don’t call someone out for being a fan of a band you dislike or for not liking a band you don’t like. If we all liked the same thing, then all music would be boring. And trust me, there’s some really exciting stuff out there. You’ve just got to look for it if you want it badly enough, and with that….VIVA ROSES!!

https://soundcloud.com/#rosesla DIG.

COLD CAVE-People Are Poison.

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One person can be the voice of so many; yet not many may be familiar with this person. The underdog representing the underdog, and evoking every feeling possible. Whether it is the purity of lust or the disgust in deceit. One person can sum it all up so simply and elegantly. One person can make you realise all that you are, and fix most parts of you that you never knew how to sort out. You start to line everything up and shoot down the problems. One by one- you get better. What else could work?

Wes Eisold is my generation’s Morrissey. Not his voice, not his music- but his words. His words echo everything a human being could want and seeks. He’s my modern-day Morrissey because he sums up the ugly feelings in such beauty. You’re missing out if you’re not familiar. I have Morrissey’s words running through me day after day. Every single day. Not a day goes by where a song by him doesn’t sum everything up. The same goes for Cold Cave and a small amount of others. People Are Poison is a prime example as to why a chunk of my heart is in debt (forever) to Wes.

I became a fan exactly the same time I became a fan of Crocodiles. I picked up their records one day when my heart was smashed and I just needed music. Within weeks I was fixed up. Within weeks I let everything go, and left the past alone. People flirt with their past because they have no idea how to cope with what they have now, and what they will become in the future. Some people really are poison. I know some who are. Maybe they know they are poison too. Fortunately for me and them; we will never meet again. That’s the beauty of packing up and leaving everything. Drop it and start all over.

People Are Poison is dark and have a ferocious feel to it. Delicately rambunctious on the ear. It is going to please most/all Cold Cave fans; because let’s be honest here, Wes can do no wrong. People Are Poison has everything I want a Cold Cave song. EVERYTHING. As I listen to it, I am falling back in love with them. When I go back to the gym later (twice a day..check my motivation!) I’m more than likely just going to blast Cold Cave in my ears. I won’t care for the sweat falling off my face; I’ll just be driven by one of my favourite bands ever. That’s how it is, that’s how I function.

The song is menacing, musically. But Wes’ voice, as always, just seduces you in the purest way imaginable. You can feel parts of you drift off to him, just knowing he is saying everything you’ve been building up over time. Time..time..time. It is frail and we take advantage of it. And time does the same to us. The heavy intro is carried throughout; which is also lures you in too. As soon as Wes starts to sing, the heart flutters..races. Pick up the pace. You realise that a lot of people are poison. Politicians for example. Authority figures. People you used to know. Do you think about the time you were at your worst? Were you poison too? Or did you just have it trickle into your bloodstream?

I’ve essentially not really told you about the song, have I? Well, you don’t need to read anything I’ve written. I just felt like it. Go listen to the song. Go buy it from http://www.deathwishinc.com as part of the Oceans With No End 7″.

WAVVES-Afraid Of Heights.

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“I don’t wanna remember anything.”

Watching one of your favourite bands grow is an exciting thing. I remember when Wavves started. It was only Nathan, and over time has grown. Grown into one of the best lo-fi bands around. Always consistent with their ferocious sound; once you’re a fan, that’s it for life.

Nathan’s vocals on Afraid Of Heights haven’t really changed from King Of The Beach, which came out around 3 years ago now I think. But that’s why I love Wavves. There are no obviously massive changes in their sound, you have to listen extremely closely and have listened intensely to previous releases to get it. However, if you are new to Wavves (where have you been?!) Afraid Of Hearts will lure you in and captivate you just fine.

If you constantly feel like a loser or the arse of society, then I guess you’re going to get a lot of comfort from this record. If you feel hopeless, desperate, out of luck or anything like that; this record will just speak to you. It’ll speak to you like no other. Every song is bold and free of pretentious imagery that is found in far too many bands. Wavves have their own take on it all; I think it is the right way. Simple but nothing short of brilliance.

The summer will creep up on us soon enough, but as you wait and wait for it you are seeking out music to play during the long nights when you feel a bit lost. Or just really really fucking tired. You don’t need to go too far; it’s all in Afraid Of Heights. I really like Cop as it shows Nathan’s gorgeous story-telling in a way like no other does. Yeah it’s about killing a cop and that’s bad- but the way Nathan tells it is so open and vulnerable. Like he’s going to care for his friend and make it all okay again. That’s pretty much the essence of this record; it just makes you feel like everything is going to be alright. Most of the songs on the record last just over 2 minutes. There aren’t many bands that can really hold you and keep you when they make songs this short. The kings of this of course were the Ramones. Wavves do have a hidden punk ethic to their music. Punk isn’t dead, so long as people keep the teachings of it alive. Afraid Of Heights is raw but also frail.

Everything Is My Fault has an ethereal psychedelic vibe to it. Nathan’s voice gently swims through you. Making you take the blame for all the fuck ups. Even if you never did a thing wrong. Some people just like to pass the blame around so they shake responsibility. Those filthy fucks; we don’t need them do we? No. Get rid of them. Right after this, we’ve got That’s On Me which just feels like a massive life lesson. To be honest though, a lot of songs by Wavves feel like a life lesson. If Nathan can get through his troubles which seem identical to your own, then you can get through your own too. They say everything will be alright, maybe it will be. I guess. I Can’t Dream is 5 minutes of sheer heaven. It is stripped back and dreamy. For when you just want something to soothe you, this is the one to do so. Easily.

Nathan has changed. As I listen to the record more and more; you can hear the growth. The band play a bit more harder and his words are more passionate. Growing up does this. Whilst recording the record, Nathan was listening to Weezer’s (best record) Blue Album. You can hear the influence for sure. Not a rip-off, far from it. You can just tell he’s been influenced by something great and in the process has created something really really incredible.

I have no idea how music is going to go this year. I don’t know if we’re going to have a piss-poor year, or if everything is going to be great. I just want it to be as loud as Wavves. So I guess I’m going to call Afraid Of Heights as one of the best records of the year. It’s my favourite so far, for sure. From an entirely personal level, I’m truly connecting with a lot of the lyrics. Wavves merge all I love; lo-fi and garage rock, and just make something I cannot get enough of. This is staying firmly on repeat. Oh and the appearence of Jenny Lewis is wonderful too.

Afraid Of Heights is out on 26th March.

DEPTFORD GOTH.

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I sometimes become a fan of bands based on their names. If they have a strange name, I will make sure I listen to them enough times to become a fan. I’ve bought many records based on artwork, and fortunately I enjoyed it. That’s as good as my luck seems to go. It’s okay, because I love music more than most things. I’d choose it over a lot a of things. I listened to Dum Dum Girls based on their name, The Kills based on their name and a load of others- it’s worked out well so far. Chicks Who Love Guns was another one that won me over with their name too.

Deptford Goth is another I can add to my list. It’s not really a list. I don’t like lists, mainly because I’m not really a fan of organising stuff. Making plans is my idea of hell. Anyway.

Daniel Woolhouse aka Deptford Goth is making the kind of music that makes you want to stay cooped up in your bedroom making spacious music causing the listener to feel as if they are floating through time. Bypassing everything that is awful and finding something beautiful. If only this could happen in “real life” then maybe we’d all be a bit happier. His record, Life After Defo is out on Monday. I’ve heard it and I’m in love with it. This isn’t an album review. If you want a review of it, check Music Broke My Bones website today at some point, I sent in my review. Hopefully you’ll dig it and go buy the record. You don’t need to me tell you though; just buy it anyway.

We’ve got people like Youth Lagoon to The Weeknd making music that has this gorgeous atmospheric vibe to their music that just makes you feel as if you are in some dream like state. You feel as if nothing can touch you as you listen to it. The same goes for Deptford Goth, but he has that Burial feel going on; he makes you want to wander around in the dark with nothing or no one around. Everything is desolate bar your mind. It could be an unhealthy way to look at it, but some musicians just make you feel this way. Personally, I think it’s an excellent thing to take away from music. Twinges of loneliness are healthy. Why would you want to be surrounded by people all the time? The headaches, the noise and their meaningless words. Just saying things with no worth in the hopes to be heard. It’s dull and boring.

Deptford Goth has a lot to say. His vulnerable vocals and straight to the heart lyrics will make you feel at times, he’s living inside your head. I’m aware that teachers/teaching assistants are vital. But thank goodness Daniel sacked that off and went towards music. He just has this exquisite world he has created with his music, if Life After Defo isn’t hailed as one of 2013’s highlights then I think something is seriously wrong.

His music will find lost souls and provide much-needed comfort. An escape route for the mundane and tumultuous trials of everyday life. He is just utterly perfect.

THE BAND IN HEAVEN.

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I really like The Band In Heaven because they’re weird. People try to be different because they don’t want to be like anyone else, they try really hard and they just look really silly. You see through it. They go home, and they watch the same deathly boring tv shows as everyone else. Behind closed doors they are like every other person you pass. When you see them in the street, they act a certain way just so they seem unlike anyone else. This just makes them fake and full of bullshit. I have a point..and I’ll get there. Skip this part and just listen to The Band In Heaven. Or if you want to torture yourself, you can carry on reading.

The Band In Heaven do not try hard to be unlike anyone else. They don’t try hard to have this weird vibe about them. I’ve gone through most of their back catalogue and it just sounds so effortless. We are forced to fawn over bands who evidently won’t last and have nothing about them. The Band In Heaven do sound like what you would hear as you reached the end of your life. Well, I would anyway. I don’t know what my view on Heaven/Hell is. How can you have an opinion on something that happens when you die? You can’t come back and tell anyone about it. I guess you make up your own mind on it, just to get you through. So you don’t shit yourself when you die (actually, you do shit yourself when you die because..well, you know. ANYWAY.)

They fall in the Shoegaze category, well they pretty much pick up where others left off. They aren’t like The Jesus And Mary Chain. Which is good because I love them, and I don’t want another. I was looking for something new/different and I’ve found it. They have the same amount of fury in their sound like TJAMC did, but that’s it. There’s no obvious 60s girl group influence here. They have a more space-like feel to their music. It’s as if they want you to fall into some trance and feel complete after you’ve listened to them. Again, this could just be me couldn’t it.

I really like the way their song High Low starts and eventually becomes this hazy and mystical trip. Their music may make you lucid. Or maybe you’ll just think everyone else around you is insane and you’ve got everything figured out. I doubt anyone ever has got anything figured out. You can never be sure. A healthy amount of doubt is just fine to carry around. They’ve just managed to take influence from other bands/genres and made something of their own. Not many bands have done this, or can do this in such a way.

The Band In Heaven have this ethereal yet haunting feel to their music. Something which I always look for. If it doesn’t make me feel like I’m somewhere else or if it doesn’t leave me feeling slightly creeped out; I don’t want to know. They do this, and more. A hell of a lot more. They’re the kind of band that younger generations should listen to and want to start a band. The talent they posses to make you want to start your own movement is incredible.

If your life is a boring mess (I can relate) and you want something to make you feel human for a while, then give them a listen. Most of what they have done can be found here: http://thebandinheaven.bandcamp.com/

They are the kind of band that you want to hear in your dreams. Or walk around at night guided only by hazy street-lights that you stare at for so long, everything goes blurry. They’re just stunning.

SUEDE-Bloodsports.

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You have to wait a long time for good things to happen. Thee good things don’t have to be huge. They can be anything; but everything to you. I wait and wait for my favourite bands to release new music, and when they do this strange and euphoric feeling takes over. This is happening right now.

I won’t ever EVER have a bad word said about Suede. I still regard Brett Anderson as one of the best frontmen ever. Do you remember when everyone was a bit silly in the 90s and thought Oasis and/or Blur were the best thing? How foolish. I didn’t like either. I still don’t. My heart and ears belonged to Suede. I remember first seeing Brett Anderson flail around to Metal Mickey on Top Of The Pops and I fell in love. It was a deep obsession that just grew and grew over time. His solo work is just as beautiful. I’m worried about my attraction towards him, but I don’t want any help. My girlfriend has nothing to worry about though.

Bloodsports is Suede’s first release in just over a decade. Some may think that, over such a long space of time that Suede may have given in to how modern music now sounds. Would they go synth crazy? Or even worse, would the band wear ill-fitting chinos and raid the sale section in Topman? Fortunately, they’ve done neither. They’ve remained true to themselves. They have a very distinctive sound. A sound that is found in no other band before or after them. Proving that they will forever be timeless.

The record starts with Barriers. As I listen to Bloodsports, I really cannot fault their decision to open the record with that song. It really does set the tone for Bloodsports. Bloodsports is made up of anthemic songs for you to cry out in your bedroom that posses such pleading and beautiful lyrics. This is why I love Suede. Their songs may sound as if they would sound perfect in a massive arena, but the thing is, as the lyrics are so vulnerable you cannot imagine listening to this record with anyone. That’s just my personal view. I couldn’t imagine listening to Bloodsports with anyone. It feels like such a personal record.

If you’re looking to have your heart broken, then listen to What Are You Not Telling Me or if you fancy something that contains a euphoric build-up then listen to Always but if you are seeking comfort in any form; then please just go out next Monday and buy Bloodsports from your local record shop. Part of me wants to say that this record will only be understood by the proper Suede fans. Not the ones who only know Beautiful Ones and that’s it. But the thing is, it is a perfect record from start to finish; everybody should hear it. Buy it for your lover, relatives and the friends that you can stand. I don’t care. Just have this brilliant record in your collection and give it to others. Every single song on Bloodsports gives you answers to the questions that keep you up at night. But, Suede- what took you so long? It’s not that I mind because Bloodsports is truly worth the wait.

Hit Me is my favourite off Bloodsports. It is an open letter. That’s the only way you can describe it. You simply must play it loud and imagine you are singing it to those who get in your way and put you down. The way Brett sings “I’m not as strong as I pretend to be” is just so captivating. A line so simple, yet painfully easy to connect with.

Bloodsports is 10 songs all crafted so perfectly and beautifully. If we have to have to wait another 11 years for a masterpiece, then so be it. You can easily forgive them for it because they’re just so divine. Bloodsports is made up of delicate bedroom anthems. Sing, scream along. With Suede, you are never alone.

“Your heart is a thrown and sinking stone.”

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If the mind could take a holiday, would you let it or would you let yourself carry on? Bad things happen and good people go unnoticed. Too many people want to be famous, anonymity is no longer sought after. It’s a shame. Everything is shame; especially when you cannot do anything about it. We remember bad news because it lasts longer than anything good. We condition ourselves to cling onto the bad because it’s a sick form of comfort. The good slips through, as does time. As much as I dislike the concept of time I am utterly fascinated by it. Yesterday I had a job interview near Camden, so afterwards I went for a walk around Camden. On my own. It was pissing down with rain and I wandered round listening to music. If it wasn’t so grim outside, I’d have stayed longer. Camden isn’t my favourite place in London, far from it. I’m not really sure where my favourite place is in London. I just love that city. I used to hate it. I’m not sure why I hated it so much. Now? Now I have less positive feelings for the North of England. Maybe it’s a shame, maybe it isn’t. But you see, the North is always tinted with a shade of grey. London isn’t. It has something else, like no other. Or maybe I’m just really pleased with myself that I can use the tube all by myself without getting lost. Proud moment.

I wandered around the city a few times. No one knew me, and I didn’t know them. When I thought I got lost I just went a different way and got to where I wanted to go. Even if I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be there; I still got there. Time, patience and being aware. In a way, I could apply that to life. My life to be exact. Of course I could. I should. I’m going to try. I took great comfort in nobody knowing who I was. Not caring if I bumped into someone I knew. Stopping to talk to a friend in the street is something I’m not a fan of. I’d rather just sit down with them somewhere. Standing in the street to discuss events and emotions seems to informal. Also, you’re in the way of passers-by. If there’s one thing I dislike, it’s me being in the way of someone. Keeping distance is an art-form. I think I’ve gently got to grips with it. It’s not a tight grip; it never is.

It’s that time of year where I hate myself even more for not having a job or money. Christmas doesn’t bother me; it’s not having money to not go to SXSW that really gets to me. As a music obsessive, SXSW is my idea of heaven. I’ve never been to a music festival nor do I ever want to go to one. Stand in a field surrounded by drunken twats that smell of piss listening to the outline of bass rather than an actual song? No thanks. If I wanted that, I’d go to a club. And I don’t like clubs. SXSW seems like a classier affair. Where people actually care about music. No one is there to get so drunk they throw up and pass out. They are there to discover new music in brilliant venues. Bands from all over the world are there. Shit..last year The Jesus And Mary Chain played. I watched a bit of it on the internet and felt a rush of self-hate mixed with love for that band merge as one. I don’t know what I felt, but I just wished I was there. One year, I will go. I just have to. Maybe I should play the lottery, maybe that’d increase my chances.

I haven’t written anything for a while. I don’t know why. I haven’t even written any lyrics or poetry in my notebooks for a long time. I expect too much from myself at times with that. I’m not some literary machine. I never will be. I’ll take inspiration where I can, and when. I’m 100% sure I’d have found a lot at SXSW.

But all is not bad. After waiting for many years, I finally have tickets to see Beach House in 2 weeks in London. Two days after I’m seeing Foals. If there was an award for “Best Girlfriend In The Universe” mine would win. Not only just for this, but for her general being.

So this week will be spent mostly wishing I was at SXSW in small and sweaty venues with bands that would blow my mind. There’s always Record Store Day to look forward to.

AUTUMNS.

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One person can make so much noise it feels like a riot in your head. With no control over your body, you just let it happen. You become like jelly, and in your head; you’ve never felt better. The worst thing any music writer/critic/journalist/whatever can say about a band/singer is “THIS IS SO NOW.” Music has no time. It is timeless and at its best, inspiring. Scenes come and go. Like friends, enemies and pets. Nothing is permanent, and if it was I think it’d freak a lot more people out.

A freak out ensued when I heard Autumns. Autumns is one person, and you can call him Christian. When you listen to his music, you may think he’s from the hidden depths of an American town that is populated by feral animals and desolate buildings. He’s not. He’s from Derry and he is only 19 year olds. He’s the Derry version of Dirty Beaches. Meaning; he is one person making the most beautiful noise all by himself. He writes, plays and records everything himself. He does it with heart, soul and sheer passion. He makes you want to pick up a guitar and thrash about, unleashing all the fury your bones can contain. He has this infectious raw energy which projects into this brilliant rambunctious sound he has created.

The term that’s been used to describe his music (which started as a joke) is “Bedroom Wall of Sound.” The thing is, when you listen to his music, even straight away- you know that this is the only way to describe it. His music is refreshingly free of any genre/silly sub-genres. It is just a delight to hear something so pure.

The reverb in the guitar and his wonderfully muffled voice is everything I love about music. You can tell that Christian is a music obsessive. Especially as the two-track cassette will be released on my favourite label, Soft Power Records. The tape comes out on the 15th April, but be quick because there aren’t many copies being made. Get your mucky hands and eager ears on this.

http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

Dum Dum Girls-Wish You Well (demo.)

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Today was abysmal, but has been made a hell of a lot better by my FAVOURITE band putting up a demo.

I think anyone who has the un/fortunate experience of talking to me about music will ALWAYS have my love for Dum Dum Girls expressed. For me, they’re not just a band. You see, Dee Dee’s words have provided a crutch for me since 2009. I Will Be blew me away, Only In Dreams got me through hell. And their two EPs and countless b-sides have provided me with more than enough to get through dreary and dark days, like today. I haven’t wanted to write in a while, but the new Dum Dum Girls demo has given me a slight hint of inspiration.

Wish You Well may just be a demo, but no part of me wants Dee Dee to change any of it. It has a haunting and vulnerable vibe to it that makes you fall even more in love with Dum Dum Girls. Dee Dee has the power and strength that is found in the likes of Patti Smith and Shirley Manson; two women which I regard as the ultimate role models. Dee Dee will no doubt be regarded as highly as these two amongst fans of the Dum Dum Girls.

Wish You Well has been described by Dee Dee as a “demo lullaby” and to be honest, there is no better description. I could happily have this on repeat until my eyes became heavy and I could no longer battle sleep. From an entirely selfish point of view, this song is what I need right now. It’s more than enough to pull through. Her delicate words are married together with Sammy Nikdel’s echoing and ethereal guitar playing.

Dum Dum Girls have no set sound, but they always ALWAYS do one thing to me and that is heal. There aren’t many bands or singers that can do this in such a careful and thoughtful manner. I just adore the band and Dee Dee’s way with words. It isn’t just music; it is poetry. They aren’t just a band; they are a way of escaping the cold (even in a metaphorical sense.)

Regardless of how this song turns out, with it just being a demo for now, it is divine. A simple piece of heaven and I really cannot wait for record number three. Dee Dee, thank you. Just..thank you.

You can listen to the demo here: https://soundcloud.com/wearedumdumgirls

R.I.P Justin Benoit.

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My love for Cold Cave is grand, but my love for them is also saddened today after hearing that former member Justin Benoit had died. You don’t need to know someone personally to feel sad about their passing.

Justin was part of a band that helped me grow up and face up to adulthood, amongst other painful life chores. He was part of band that provided more comfort than I could imagine a band ever doing so. I don’t need to write an essay about this for it is obvious from anyone who knew him how awful this loss is.

Wherever he is now, I hope he is safe and at peace. R.I.P Justin xx