Tag Archives: Music

DUM DUM GIRLS- Rimbaud Eyes (video)

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Next week Dum Dum Girls are coming back to the UK along with Crocodiles for let’s face it, the best tour of the year. Nothing else really matters because these two bands are quite simply, the best at what they do. In my biased opinion, Too True is the best record of the year. Dee Dee has a gorgeous way with words (just listen to Trouble Is My Name and you’ll see how she truly gets to the core of nagging emotions.)

Their next release is the ethereal Rimbaud Eyes which is another creative collaboration with Tamaryn who directs the video. Personally, I think Tamaryn should just work with DDG on every music video because their relationship really does bring the music to life. It is just a beautiful collaboration.

Rimbaud Eyes video has a similar psychedelic feel to it that is found in Bedroom Eyes (taken from Only In Dreams) and what I really adore about Dum Dum Girls music is their way to always make you feel as if you’re in a dream. The video is part cartoon and part wishing you could swish your hair about like them. Especially Andrew’s heavenly locks.

I don’t need to write anymore about how stunning the video is, just watch it:

Go get yourself a ticket to their shows next week!

Interview with GIRL TEARS.

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There are very few bands who can grip you by the throat so passionately with their music on first listen. Better still, with their first record. I can name a handful (I won’t) of bands that have debut records that do this. They are the records you still go back to more than once a week. I don’t mean bands from decades ago, I mean more recent times. It is so easy now to put something out, and to then be forgotten. But there are a few that, when I’m old and irritating those in the care home with my rowdy music, I will remember fondly and love them as much as I do right now.

A band that have become very important and dear to me over the past 6 months or so are Girl Tears. They are 3 guys from LA who make the kind of music that makes you believe pieces of Punk is still alive. The real raw essence of Punk is in their music, so it seemed obvious that I would really love this band. Kam, Sal and Tristan make music that smacks you upside the head and goes right into your gut. The lyrics get to you and the sheer boldness in the music, the short punchy songs really get you to the core. I’ve no heard anything like this in a long time.

In an ideal world I would have interviewed Girl Tears after a sweaty and ferocious LA show, but for now let’s just work with email. I sent the questions over to the band after they played SXSW as I wanted to hear first hand what it was like for a new band to play such a notorious event. An event that, some may argue as now a corporate affair- but the music lovers will see it for what it is. It’s a showcase for new music, and new music is always a pleasure to find and enjoy.

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I asked Girl Tears what it was like to play SXSW and mentioned a quote from Alison Mosshart who stated that playing during the day in the blistering heat and sunshine isn’t meant for their music. A few other bands have said this, including the wonderful Dum Dum Girls.

 

Tristan: “SXSW was great. Crazy at times – but really great. We got to meet a lot of people and see some great bands. It would definitely be easier to go just to watch bands vs. playing. Getting around the city in the van was a little hectic, but you kind of have to expect that. We didn’t have to deal with any media people at all – I don’t think anyone really cares about us haha – there was like 916 other cooler bands there. I think this is actually the first interview we’ve ever done?!  We played pretty much every type of show – a bar, an outdoor stage, a record store, a big tent, a barn(?), a backyard show, and a pool party. It was really fun. Playing in the day is kind of weird, especially for our type of music, people aren’t really that hyped to be berated by loud, fast music at 12 in the afternoon. Especially when most of them probably had been drinking the night before. But we got lucky – it wasn’t too hot that week, so that was nice.”

 

See dear reader, don’t listen to all the cynics that say SXSW is some corporate shindig. It is everything to bands like Girl Tears because they get to show new fans what they are about. As a band that play mainly shows in LA, playing in Austin is a big deal for them.

 

Kam: “I drank more beer and slept fewer hours, than probably any other week of my life. That was my SXSW. It was great. Like Tristan said, we played day shows, we played night shows, played in houses, in backyards, on stages, in a barn, in a liquor store, in a record shop… it’s all just kind of a blur at this point, but I can’t wait for next year.”

Sal: “SXSW was a dream. The luxury of living in LA is that most bands stop here for tour anyway, so (with the exception of getting to check out some new bands) I was able to just focus on our shows and hanging out with as many people as I could. In that respect, it didn’t disappoint, because it was pretty much a great vacation from work and the shows were terrific and extremely diverse. I wouldn’t trade any of the experience there for anything else, and enjoyed meeting all the people I got to meet!”
Just go through their Instagram page, and you’ll see tons of photos of the band having fun at SXSW. I really enjoyed their photos of them seeing Dum Dum Girls play. Girl Tears are excited about finding new music as they are making it. This attitude really comes through in their debut record, Tension. Which (and I’m not being biased) is honestly one of the strongest debut records I’ve heard in a long time. It’s got the dark, distorted feel that is found in the beloved Psychocandy. I feel like I’m in 1985 not 2014. So what could possibly influence a band like Girl Tears? For me they do sound like Iggy Pop, the Ramones and The Birthday Party bumped heads in a drunken bar brawl and Girl Tears happened. What made them all want to make music?
Tristan: “I would have to say that Operation Ivy made me want to play in a band & make music. The first time I heard them – it was totally one of those moments where I was so intrigued and confused as to what I was hearing. I had never heard music like that before, or that type of recording. I seriously thought something was wrong with the speakers. And then of course I couldn’t stop listening to it, and I dreamed about how fun it would be to play in a band like that, with all that energy and sincerity. And then a couple of years later I bought my first bass (that I still use!) from a friend. Since then I have played in a bunch of different bands – but Girl Tears is the first band I feel completely natural in –  with that energy that I have been lusting after since I first heard Operation Ivy!“
I’m fairly sure in a few years time, people will be saying this about Girl Tears and citing them as influences. Each band member is influenced by something different to the other, and that really comes through in their music.
Kam: “The Replacements are a big one for me, The Ramones, The Nerves, everything Dischord and SST put out in the 80s, all the Slumberland bands, the Sacred Bones bands, Lolipop bands, Burger bands, so much.”
10 points go immediately to Kam for mentioning the above labels.
Sal: “I feel like more than any of my friends, I had to discover everything on my own. My parents listened to pop music and I’ve always had different tastes, which made for great contrasts and unfortunately discovering everything late. The very first music I ever got into was metal on MTV when they used to play music! From there it was borrowing Metallica and Led Zeppelin tapes at the library and it’s all been downhill from there, haha. Still, what I love the most about the band is first and foremost the diversity amongst the three of us and how different we all are as people and musicians. Each person has their unique perspective on everything and together, the results are always unpredictable and super fun.”
That’s exactly why this band have a brilliant tight sound. They all bring something else; their influences aren’t typical or predictable- but they all have one thing in common. Kam, Sal and Tristan have mentioned bands that play with the same passion as they do. That kind of love for what you do is infectious, it just makes you adore them even more.
There’s one other thing that really made me love their music and what they do, and that’s their artwork. Their artwork is created by Tristan. I’m fascinated with his artwork- mainly because in my family, my uncle is the real creative one. He got me into Punk, he’s in a Punk band and is a brilliant artist. He drew me a birthday card last year with Patti Smith on. He also once drew me a picture of the Backstreet Boys, but I was 11 years old and didn’t know any better. What I wanted to know was how Tristan approached his art, is it the same as how he makes music?
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*This photo is the flyer for their show at The Satellite by Tristan.
Tristan: “I’d like to think my approach to art is similar to music. Most of my art is pretty basic – black and white, heavy contrast etc. I think the way I try to play music is very similar, the whole “less is more” idea goes a long way for me; I always have the thought in the back of my head of “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. With art and music – I think a lot of people get excited with new techniques, or pedals, or effects they’ve learned how to use and want to incorporate them – but a lot of times it just comes out kind of wrong, or forced or gaudy you know? So I feel like you can’t go wrong if you keep it basic. I don’t know though, it might be because I can’t see colors that well and I’m not that great of a bass player! Haha! So I have to keep it basic!”
His art is just as brilliant as his bass playing, he’s just being modest. Girl Tears are down to earth chaps who care about music, and it really comes through. That’s how it should be. There’s no ego here, they just want to be heard. They have to be heard.
Girl Tears live in a place where if you’re not in a band, you’re probably an actor. A place where art, music and film is everything and is everywhere. As beautiful as this can be, it can also be a place where dreams wither and die. It can bring the best out of you, but it can also drain you. Everyone is facing the same struggle with their art, and if you see someone else’s hopes be crushed- does it deter you or does it make you tougher? Everyone is different. Some can cope with this kind of pressure, others just fold. The best way of course, is to just keep going and to ignore most obstacles. To never acknowledge others telling you that you cannot do something. Just how hard is it to be heard in the City of Angels?
Kam: “It can be difficult, most definitely. There are a trillion bands in LA, and you’re totally right, if someone’s not in a band they are an artist, or an actor, or a writer, or something. The only thing I know to do is ignore all of that, and try my hardest to make something that is honest and true to who I am, and who we are, as a band. At the end of the day that’s all that really matters to me. Also our friends at Lolipop Records and Dirty Laundry TV have helped us enormously, we’re really lucky to know good people in LA.”
Sal: “I’ve been playing music for so long and I’ve been in bands where the only goal was to push ourselves as much as possible to get “big”. The place I’m at right now is where I’m completely happy just hanging out with Kam and Tristan and love playing these songs every chance we get. We’ve had some great opportunities which blows my mind, but I’m trying to take it all as it comes, so being just one band amongst millions is just fine with me!”
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Girl Tears are sentimental chaps who love each other and love what they do. Their music is at times dark, raw and in your face. But are these three like that? Oh I highly doubt it. Their songs, like I have mentioned many times before, really does keep the manifesto of Punk alive. They’ve got the short, punchy songs down to a fine art. Their songs sound right at just under 2 minutes long. But then you have bands like Warpaint who have some songs that last over 5 minutes, and they sound perfect that way. Warpaint jam on stage for close to 10 minutes after the song has ended, but Girl Tears manage to melt your face and blow your mind in under 2 minutes. Both are polar opposites, but are bands that you just need to witness live (I’m still waiting to see Girl Tears live, but I’m 100% sure their live show would leave me wanting to start a band.) Is having short songs something Girl Tears set out to do?
Kam: “You know, truthfully I don’t think I know what I’m doing half the time. I think when I’m writing songs, I’m just trying to do what feels right and what makes sense in the moment. This album is what made sense to me at the time. All these lyrics, it’s not necessarily how I’m feeling 100% of my life, but in the moments that I wrote it, they were totally honest and real. All I wanna do is write songs that are honest. Whether they are 1 minute long, or 8 minutes long, I’m down for whatever. As long as it’s fucking real, ya know?”
So there you have it. An insight into one of the most exciting bands around. A band that really love what they are doing and aren’t doing it to seek approval from others. Their fans are dedicated and truly believe in them. In a short amount of time, Girl Tears have become one of L.A’s most exciting and genuine bands around. They’ve got something that goes beyond words. Their music has heart, guts, passion, soul and all in between. Their plan over the next year or so is to keep playing live, record more, keep writing and tour some more.
Listen to their music: http://girltears.bandcamp.com/ and play as loud as you like.
Play at night for the full effect and allow yourself to be moved by something truly gorgeous, sinister and rambunctious. Girl Tears are my favourite new band; it’s about time they became yours.

SURF CURSE.

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“We can shoegaze in my room,
So we can sing about our gloom.”

 

I’m currently in awe of two things right now; Kevin Costner’s mustache (Jimmy Fallon show from possibly last night) and a fine duo called Surf Curse. Now, I can’t give a proper opinion about Kev’s mustache, but I can write some words about Surf Curse- but that’s if I can tear my eyes away from the TV screen for long enough.

Surf Curse are based in Reno, Nevada but come from Henderson and consist of two guys who love music and pizza. They are two vital things most people need in life. Without pizza and music, life would be a massive bore. It would be a drag to get through the day. You think of your favourite pizza, and you’re okay. You think of your favourite song/band, and you’re alright. The ultimate dream is to eat your favourite pizza whilst listening to your favourite band. That’s sheer happiness there. For so long I have been tempted to start a blog dedicated to pizza. Going to pizza places, eating some pizza and writing about it. However, as someone who is finally losing weight- I can’t really allow myself to follow this dream just yet. I’ll do it one day. As an Italian (alright, HALF Italian) I feel it is my duty to take up this task. I’ll write about Surf Curse for now.

Surf Curse make music that if I was a teenager listening to them, I’m pretty sure I would have felt less awkward in my skin. As a 27-year-old listening to them, I think it is safe to say that make me feel at ease with what I’m uncomfortable with about myself. They’re a really fun band to listen to who merge lo-fi with a raw Summertime feel. hen I first listened to Surf Curse, I thought they were English for some reason, but no they are from Reno (Nevada.) They’re the kind of band that if you saw them live, you wouldn’t be satisfied until there had been a stage invasion to Skullder. Skullder is my favourite track. It is now my favourite word, and I don’t know what it means.

I really love their lyrics because they touch on the frustrations of love or the formation of lust that then moves onto lust. We’ve all been there; the thought of being with someone, but something holds you back. There’s always a reason for it. Sometimes the reasons hit you later on in life. Your feelings will never be sorry for being an inconvenience. Not many things will.

Forever Dumb is one song by Surf Curse that a few years ago, I’d have seen myself in this song. As I’m older (probably still careless and not much wiser) I can see the wrong I did. I can be sorry forever, but it’s no good is it. If you don’t move on from the damage you caused, you’ll keep doing it and you’ll hate yourself. I’ve spent a large chunk of my life doing just that. But I want to reinforce the idea that Surf Curse are a FUN band. Their sound is blissfully wonderful and their lyrics at times are sad. The way they talk about being hopeless and fucking up really hits you in the gut. Regardless of age, you can always relate to this.

Surf Curse again, just back up my idea that duos are the best. You can hear them play with such fury and determination. They make you want to grab your best friend and start your own band. Their song, Heathers is one to scream along to- as loud as you possibly can. You’ll feel liberated once you do that. Their songs are the perfect sound of Summer; whether you’re in love or you’ve shielded yourself away from it all. Their songs are the definition of love, lust, youth and are entirely energetic.

You can listen to their sun-kissed melodies right here: http://surfcurse.bandcamp.com

FROTH.

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When your mind races and your body feels like it is seizing up, the only cure for this is to listen to music. Aside from cruel diseases, music is a cure. It eases loneliness, it drives away sadness, it can bring joy- it’s more than a cure. It’s everything. It can stop fear momentarily. There is something about it that can make you feel as if you can do anything. The ultimate high.

You find a band sometimes that instantly makes you wish that right now, you were elsewhere. In body you can be in one place, but in mind you are some place else. I suppose it gets messy when your heart gets involved, but I’ll try to avoid that for now. I suppose when you can escape in your mind well…it’s cheaper than an actual holiday. My body hasn’t felt right since I came back from Brussels; I am desperate to go back. Anyway, this is about music- not my desire to go back to Brussels.

Froth are a Los Angeles band that with first listen, you’re going to wish you lived in LA. Although, maybe it is the idea of LA that will lure you in. Froth have got a sound that is found in a lot of bands I love; a typical blissed out Psychedelic sound with 60s Girl Group harmonies. A real Garage Rock vibe is surrounding Froth’s music, and it is so easy to love them on first listen. It’s like seeing a cute puppy for the first time. What  love the most about Froth is that they don’t sound like a band that are around now. There’s a wave of nostalgia in their music that too, is found in a few bands that I am fans of. That’s another reason to love them. Their debut record came out last year (Patterns) and it’s probably one of the most underrated records of the year. Let’s not make the same mistake again. The whole point of making a mistake is to learn from them. Some mistakes are fun to keep on making, so I guess they aren’t really a mistake. There can be beauty in a fuck-up.

I’ve said it about a few bands before, but Froth make the kind of music I wish I could. Their sound is beautifully relaxed with a gorgeous Psychedelic glare. They’ve got a real DIY ethic, and if you’ve got a label like Lolipop Records and Burger Records putting your music out there, it is easy to see why. I’ve read some snippets about Froth, and I’ve read that their live show is something that needs to be seen; as you listen to their music it is easy to imagine what it would be like. Froth are a band for those who REALLY love music, and I’d imagine they would attract a passionate crowd to their shows.

As Summer is faced approaching, the pressure of heading to a beach can be a drag for those like myself who cannot (and will not) part with their black clothing and Docs. How am I supposed to relax when I feel like I am melting? Surely there are better places to hang out? Good luck if you’re in LA. But, I suppose you’d find some place better. My point is, if you dress like me (do people call you a scruff too?!) and you know what the Summer means, then just listen to Froth. Something about their music will make you feel less dreadful about imminent heatwaves galore! There’s only so long you can stay indoors before you totally lose it. Find a tree and just sit under it. Froth are a band that you can just shut off to; there is something really assuring about their music. You feel as if you’ve heard it before, but the truth is- you’ve not heard anything quite like it.

I may never get to visit LA, but I feel like I’m already there when I listen to Froth.

So, if you want some Summertime grooves or something to just soothe your soul, then give Froth a listen: http://froth.bandcamp.com

YOUNG BOYS.

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If a band can make your mind feel polluted and dirty like The Jesus And Mary Chain did, then you know you’ve found a band worth clinging onto. If a band can make you feel as if something is crawling in your brain and trying to get out, turning you into an angsty/irritated mess, then again you have found something to grip onto. Bands like this don’t happen often, especially now and I really should have written about this band a few years ago, but like a dumbass- I forgot. I forget a lot of things, so I’m sorry. I can make up for it now.

Young Boys are an incredible band from New York. Their lust filled, fuzzy songs are what my record collection pines for on a daily basis. They are the kind of band you want to see in a sleazy basement bar, and you leave you are covered in sweat that isn’t yours and you smell of drinks that never touched your trembling lips. Young Boys are the soundtrack to the most sadistic dreams and thoughts you have ever had. They allow you feel something truly dark, and they don’t make you feel bad for feeling it.

They are a band you can imagine that when you see them live, some form of riot will ensue. They are usually the best shows; when your body feels as if something or someone has smacked into it a dozen times and left you wanting more of this fuzzy stuff in your eyes and seeping out to your toes until you feel alive and totally wired. That’s when you know you’ve had a pleasurable outer-body experience. Young Boys thrust upon you decadent feelings and the ability to just launch your body into the nearest wall, just in search of a feeling. But what is in a feeling? If it feels good, someone is gong to tell you it is bad. You tell them to shut up and you play them something by Young Boys.

I’ve cared about Young Boys music for some time now, and I’ve made several attempts to write something about them but always deleted it and left it alone. I don’t understand why now at 10.15pm is the right time to unleash my feelings and thoughts towards their music, but it is better than not doing so.

Their debut record, New York Sun is the kind of record you play whilst walking through the city in the blistering heat. Sure you may hate everything around you, but the pieces of the city that you love- you keep close to you. You don’t want anyone to know of the things you hold sacred. So you go to the spot where you feel at ease, and watch the world pass you by as you listen to this record. That’s probably one of the best ways to enjoy it. Another way of enjoying this record is to play it really fucking loud and flail your limbs about- in private or public. Don’t be shy, just do whatever you want to do when you listen to this record. New York Sun is a record full of dark lust and obscure thoughts. It’s all kinds of perfect with hints of weirdness. Young Boys go to that place where you and others are too scared to go. Ode To Me is a punishment for those who have done wrong. I think it’s my favourite off their record, but I’m more than likely going to change my mind because New York Sun is a brilliant record. A brilliant debut record.

Anyone who talks about this band is going to insist that if you love that Scottish band with two brothers in it, then you will love Young Boys. That’s just a lazy observation and makes me really hate my kind (music journalists) I just wish they would dig a bit deeper or you know, just stop with comparing bands to other bands. Young Boys feel how a New York based band should. There’s this brilliant haunting vibe about them that makes you feel something massively creepy is waiting for you, but when you turn around you realise it is just your mind. So, if you love music that teeters with your mind and just freaks you out- then Young Boys are for you.

Throw on your battered (fake) leather jacket, head out into the sun and feel something strange yet beautiful.

Listen to their gorgeous and depraved sounds right here: http://youngboys.bandcamp.com

This handsome band are coming for your soul.

 

 

PONY TIME.

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Most will argue that Punk is dead. I suppose to an extent they are right, but sometimes you find something that still holds the value of Punk and stays true to the roots of it. One of the most disrespectful things to have come from any of this is the term, “Pop-Punk.” I’m pretty sure Joey Ramone would vomit upon hearing most of the bands associated with this ridiculous type of music. He’d probably shake his head at the sight of that singer from Paramore’s hair. It isn’t a stem of Punk at all, it’s truly awful. But, I suppose I’m in the minority of thinking this. And I’m fine with that.

But, like I mentioned, there are bands that have the roots of Punk about them. Pony Time are a brilliant duo from Seattle. One beats the shit out the drums, the others makes a lot of beautiful fuzzy noise. The vocals are cried out in a true Punk fashion and are meant for sweaty, intimate clubs for you to scream along to.

They’ve been making music for some time now, I thin they started back in 2009. I’m currently listening to the reverb fest that is Go Find Your Own. This record is made up of ear bleeding and skull shattering tunes that will shake up the soul. They’ve got an excellent eerie feel about their sound, as if it should be in some abandoned horror b-movie. Two people are making this sound; just two people. Sometimes you don’t need a gang behind you to make something as brilliant as this.

My attention span is questionable at times, and with their songs being around 2 minutes long- my attention isn’t swayed when I listen to them. They’re another band that make you wish you could pick up a guitar or play the drums, and make your own noise. Pony Time have got this amazing Garage Rock style about them; a true basement band that are playing with sheer determination to be heard. Pony Time are evidently a band that you cannot ignore. Or in my case, a band that I really cannot praise enough.

Their bandcamp page is full of records that you can stick on repeat until the early hours. If my neighbour starts being obnoxiously loud again, I’ll turn the volume up. Garage Rock will always beat shitty Dance music. Pony Time’s ferocious sound is enough to make you want to throw your body about in a non conventional and unapologetic fashion. They’re pretty much everything I want a band to be. They send you off on a glorious lucid trip as you lose yourself perfectly in their music. Music is the perfect thing to forget everything to. Sometimes we don’t want a daily reminder of how shitty things can be, so you stick your favourite record on and it is all okay for a while. That’s all you need sometimes.

Can Drink 100 Wine Coolers (for even the title alone) is probably my favourite Pony Time record. I guess it is because you get a real feel for a band with their first record. The three that I’ve listened to have all been a step up from the last, but still have that punchy feel about them. Pony Time are another band that reinforce my idea that duos are the best. They play a little bit harder and louder; Pony Time sound like a band that really come alive when you see them live. I have no idea if they have any plans to play the UK, but if they do- I hope they play a creepy and small venue for a handful of bodies to sweat and thrash about to furiously.

You can listen to Pony Time’s music here: http://pony-time.bandcamp.com

BAD GRAMMAR-Forced Fun.

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Everything sucks. But mainly because I’m no longer in Brussels. I went there on Saturday until Monday, and I had a delightful time- but people in Brussels aren’t fans of my kind. My kind being…vegetarians. Sorry about me and my lack of desire to eat a dead animal. It’s been 11 years nearly, I’m not going to change my ways. Luckily, I know the French word for “cheese” so I was alright. Brussels is a place I’d happily return to and stay there. I’ve decided it is now my favourite place, and every day I will dedicate 5 minutes to quietly sulk about the fact that I am not there. It’s worse when you’re unemployed isn’t it.

So I might as well write about a record that adds a bit of joy to my day now it is out.

Forced Fun by Bad Grammar is made up of a handful of songs that make you feel like you’re being satisfactorily beaten up. They leave you battered and bruised with their unapologetic and ferocious vocals; courtesy of Ben. Lucy’s drumming makes you pretty much disregard any other drummer you’ve ever heard. They’re the band that you need to listen to if you’re wanting to start your own band and make a racket. I really love the title of the EP. I think most of us can relate to being forced to enjoy ourselves. Hanging out with people who know someone you sort of recognise, if you squint slightly. Urgh..no thanks. Can I just stay at home with my books? I can’t? Fuck you, I can.

Forced Fun is the best EP of the year. Right next to it is the new Brown Brogues one, but I’ve already gushed about how awesome it is. Now it is Bad Grammar’s turn. A fine Mancunian band that no one could get bored of listening to. The EP opens with Stay Toned. Play it whilst you sweat it up at the gym. Just play Bad Grammar at the gym or go for a massive run whilst listening to them. Exercise to these wonderful tunes. Or you can stay at home and break stuff to it. Go for the latter; add some rebellion to your life.

Miley Serious is a delight of a song. It’s pun o’clock with this band. They’re bloody brilliant. See, I first heard about them when I saw them live and when the first time you hear about a band is at a live show, it kind of makes you love the band more than you would than if you heard them on record first. If you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand what I mean. I’ve just gone round the houses to try make my point again. The EP is about 15 minutes long (maybe a bit less) and as someone with a questionable attention span, I can safely say that this EP is just an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Weekend Dad is my favourite Bad Grammar song, and it’s my favourite of theirs to watch live. It’s under 3 minutes of sheer angst in the most glorious fashion. It’s the breakdown towards the end of the song that has a brilliant lo-fi/Garage Rock feel to it. Think early Wavves. Bad Grammar have made their own sound which is like nothing else, and I know so many people say this about other bands but you can always find some fault in their cheap declarations. I’m rarely right, but I think I am with this one. It’s a sound that you won’t find in piss ridden alleyways or arenas, or even lurking in your local. It’s a sound that has quite simply, come from two incredible musicians who deserve a wealth of success.

The EP ends with their new single, Temper Temper. The EP starts loud and ends loud. It is a riot for the ears that you cannot ignore. They’re playing The Old Blue Last on 29th April. It’s free; come on down! Their live shows are something else, and they have this infectious energy that is equally evident on record. In the past few months I’ve written about Bad Grammar a lot, but when you find a band you really believe in- why on earth should you shut up about them? I’m possibly repeating myself by stating how brilliant Ben and Lucy are.

So, I suppose all you can do is buy their EP from here: http://flatpackrecs.bigcartel.com/product/bad-grammar-forced-fun-pre-order Go on, treat yourself.

Buy it. Play it constantly and as loud as you like. Go see them live.

LOU REED- Sally Can’t Dance.

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“On a standard New York night
Ghouls go to see their so called stars.
A fairly stupid thing
To pay 5 bucks for a 4th rate imitators.”

 

I had this bright idea to go through every record by The Cure once and to write about them. I figured I’d do the same for Lou Reed, then realised it just wouldn’t work. I can’t dissect every solo record he made and figure out what they mean to me. It’d be boring for the poor sod who reads it, so I’ll spare them. I’ll go into a few records, the ones I know I can write about. I’ll start with Sally Can’t Dance because for reasons that aren’t too clear, it’s the only Lou Reed record I’ve been playing constantly for the past week or so. In fact, he’s the only person I really want to listen to. That’s not a bad thing, it’s perfectly fine with me.

Sally Can’t Dance is Lou’s fourth solo record and I’m pretty sure it is the first one that has no songs by The Velvet Underground on, and is also the first solo record of his to be recorded in America. It still has a typical Berlin feel to it though, he stays true to his weird and wonderful lyrics with a Funk based groove. The best thing about Lou Reed is that nothing in particular influenced. On some of his solo records you can get a Gospel feel coming through, elements of Disco and Glam Rock are in a lot of his songs. He took bits and pieces and created something truly inspirational.

Firstly I want to get into the song, Billy. The sax on it is ridiculous; it fits perfectly with Lou’s storytelling and stripped back feel to the song. It is the perfect. Billy shows just how perfect Lou’s writing was. He was a true storyteller; some fact, some fiction. You believed and hung onto his every word because it offered some kind of understanding in a cruel world. His songs have always had a flamboyant kick to it, and his strut on stage was a billion times more sassier than anyone elses. Maybe it was his blonde locks that brought this out of him.

Sally Can’t Dance is probably as flamboyant as Transformer. I know everyone says Transformer is probably his best solo record (I won’t dispute this ever) but it has seriously got some tough competition against Sally Can’t Dance. Sally Can’t Dance is everything a Rock record should be. It’s in your face, it is lyrically disturbing at times and more importantly, it’s a Lou Reed record. Lou Reed makes me wish I was born decades earlier so I could have experienced it all when it was happening. Imaging roaming the streets of New York, and this was what you and your pals were spending your days listening to. Instead, it is 2014 and I’m doing it alone because I don’t know anyone else who loves him. But I don’t mind, at least nobody is interrupting the music for me.

Lyrically, my favourite song from Sally Can’t Dance has to be Ennui. When Lou does bitter and angry, he does it better than most. He’s really digging into this person in such an unforgiving fashion; he’s really calling out this person. We all know of someone who is like this; they want people to fawn over them, they want everyone to love them and to be around them- but you really cannot see why anyone would give them the time of day. The most interesting people have nothing to say because they are watching. Conversation isn’t always needed, and silence is a beautiful thing. Not talking is wonderful.

The title track is a straight up sassy number. If it doesn’t make you want to flaunt whatever goods you are blessed with, then you’re probably listening to something else.  It starts off sounding like a Reggae number, and then just turns into this flamboyant sass-fest. You can’t get enough of it. The repeat button takes a right old bashing when you stick this record on. But the song isn’t about some girl named Sally that can’t dance. Read the lyrics- it is littered with references to drugs, rape and death. Painful topics that Lou exposed in a way no one else has ever done. Read the lyrics, and you’ll see it is a tale of what he was seeing. Quite possibly what New York was like back then. The song oozes wild bouts of depravity (I don’t mean this with reference to rape, I mean the decadent life that “Sally” led.) Maybe it’s about Edie Sedgwick, many have said that it is. Lou made you think, and that’s why I love him. One line from him could spiral your thoughts out of control then right back to a solid state of being. He even talks about his stay in a psychiatric hospital on Kill Your Sons, which is probably one of the most gut-wrenching songs I’ve heard by Lou. He had this way of really getting to the core of a feeling and exposing to you the truth of it all. Kill You Sons is all truth.

Sally Can’t Dance is a dark record. I’m not sure if it is Lou’s most sinister work, all I know is that a lot of the songs justify the common belief that he was pretty much, the best song writer of all time. He always made you feel like he was singing these songs to you- just you and him in a room. He was telling you these wild stories, and letting you in on the things he witnessed and the things he felt. He was a true wordsmith, and I think anyone that listens to him is often left wishing they could write something as captivating as he did. We can all do it, in our own way. Maybe we won’t show it to the world like Lou did, but the desire to do so is there. That’s powerful enough. Baby steps.

He can express the dark side of life in songs like Sally Can’t Dance, he can then reflect on a friendship in Billy and he can also be the most sarcastic of them all with songs like N.Y. Stars. N.Y. Stars is a nod to being bored with everything and everyone. The lack of depth in others has proven a way to be successful, but don’t buy into it. Listen to what Lou is saying here- don’t sell yourself short and don’t fucking dumb yourself down to please others. If you have to do that to keep people around, then please let them go and strike out on your own.

Sally Can’t Dance is a proper Rock & Roll record, what came after this was a record of feedback and beautiful noise. Were people ready for Metal Machine Music? I don’t know if the world ever was, but damn….it was glorious noise.

HAUNTED HEARTS-Initiation.

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How I’m supposed to not be biased when writing this review is beyond me. I’m unsure how to detach myself from the love I have for Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls in order to write something that make sense. But, I’m not proper music publication so I guess I can say what I want and be as biased as I like.

Firstly, this record sounds NOTHING like I was expecting. It’s really really odd and it feels like David Bowie and Jason Pierce got it on, and made something truly mind-blowing. I mean, of course this record is going to be perfect you know? That’s because both front two of the best bands around (and most hardworking.) If you look at DDG and Crocs tour schedule, you’ll probably be left wondering when they have time to think let alone sleep. But you don’t get to be the greatest band around by sitting on your tush.

Initiation makes you feel like you’re in space and on acid. I’ve never been to space nor have I have ever dropped acid (or any other drug, but I don’t hold militant views.) Being sent the promo is pretty much the highlight of my week, and no doubt I will be playing this all the way to Brussels this weekend. It’s got a spacey European feel to it. It’s just an excellent record from start to finish.

It opens with the seductive Initiate Me; and I’m sure if the likes of Alfred de Musset, Baudelaire and the rascal that was, Marquis De Sade were still alive they’d probably be listening to this record and fully enjoying the seductive nature of this record. What is brilliant about the record is that, it sounds nothing like their own bands. Go into it blind and pretend you’ve never heard of either band to really get this record.

The record was made in the winter of 2012. All they had for company was themselves, books, Motown and Krautrock. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. If anything it would be quite heavenly. There’s a lot of love, lust and desire on this record. It’s beautifully perverse at times, and if you can’t be decadent in your art then what is the point?

I really love Dee Dee’s voice on Love Incognito; her voice has a bit more bite to it than on a DDG record, but her distinctive sound remains throughout. She’s got the kind of voice you wish you had, she truly shines on this song. You can’t help but wish you witnessed some of the recordings of this record. Love Incognito is probably going to be the song that I’ll play to death before moving onto the final song, Bring Me Down.

Bring Me Down is a gentle love song that is just 5 and a half minutes of Brandon’s voice really getting to you. What I truly love about this record is the way their voices work together. If you go back to DDG’s debut, I Will Be you will hear just how divine their voices are together on Blank Girl (I hope they play this at their London show.) When Dee Dee’s voice comes in on Bring Me Down it adds a more angelic feel to it. Bring Me Down feels like a hymn for lovers, it is truly a gorgeous song and a perfect one to end this remarkable record on.

Up Is Up (But So Is Down) has got to be that Summertime song we all seek out. It’s got that sunset feel to it, as you head into the dusk with the sun blinding you less and less, and you become less stuck to your (fake) leather jacket. It’s just a stunning hazy track to dream to, you’ll have no problems with shutting the world off to this one. I love the way they sing, “She’s gonna love you until she’s dead.” A simple statement of romanticism.

Something That Feels Bad sounds totally different. It’s a fixed up version of what we heard last year, but still as gorgeous. I love the line, “You can tie me up if I can tie you down.” It’s the ultimate decadent love song. Why settle for typical and conventional when you can have something like this?

Initiation isn’t a record that’s going to just please fans of Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, it’ll move those that really really love music and are bored of the mundane drivel that some outlets project to us. Everything about this record is just really strange and magical. It’s a love filled record which exploits all the things that I want a record to sound like. Initiation is a flawless work of art that you can tell was made with love and care.

I’ve failed at not being biased or putting aside my admiration for them both, but what’s the point in not writing like a fan? I can’t pull a record apart and tell you why it sucks. I can only tell you why I love it so. The alternative however, is if you buy the record for yourself on 27th May. You’ll probably get what I’m trying to say, maybe I’ll work out what I’m trying to say.

But here’s to Brandon and Dee Dee; a beautiful couple who have put out one of the year’s finest record.

CHEESUS CRUST RECORDS.

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“IN CRUST WE TRUST“

 

I’ve always wished I was the person who could express their ideas clearly and make them happen. I wish I was the kind of person who had started their own record label and backed a load of bands that just wanted to be heard. Instead, I just write words about them instead. Maybe one day I’ll get it together, but I’m 27- I’m pretty sure I’m just too old to do that sort of thing. But, I know it is better to try and fail miserably than to just not bother at all.

There are some labels which I use to find new music, and have backed for quite some time now. From Sacred Bones to Art Fag to Soft Power; they all offer something that I am just excited to hear. They all champion the weird and wonderful, something which the airwaves are really too keen on, but they will be one day. They are like a specialised radio show at unholy o’clock.

A couple years ago I wrote about a band called Beach Skulls who are a feel-good summertime kind of band. They’re everything I love about music, and all I look for in a band. They’re on a label that really back music like this and they are Cheesus Crust Records. They are the sunshine amongst the typical dull English weather. They’re a label that aren’t afraid to put out music that is weird and wired. They’re just bloody brilliant.

A DIY ethic approach to music is something which I think should always be praised. The bands/singers on CCR aren’t afraid to be different and to make music that some may turn their nose up at. Hell, most turned their noses up at Punk and look at how influential and vital it became. CCR have a solid line up on their label. Ivan The Intolerable has something about Mark E Smith about him and Beach Skulls just make me wish I was in a band. Beach Skulls were the first band to release anything on CCR, and they really are a band that have a defining sound about them.

CCR is just one guy from the North of England who is passionate about music, and at the moment are just putting releases out on cassette. The bands they have are equally as passionate as music- it’s sort of infectious in a way. The bands they have are super talented and you know there is no compromising going on in order for them to make their music. Something which larger labels should probably take note of.

CCR have listed many reasons as to why cassette is such an important way of hearing music; and of course much like vinyl- the sound on cassette is nothing like what you hear on CD or MP3. It has a beautiful sound to it, much like vinyl. Vinyl has the crackling, cassette has a similar distinctive sound. Timeless and powerful, like your favourite song.

Cheesus Crust Records are the label that you would want to go to put your music out. They back the bands that need to be heard, and know exactly how to get them heard.

You can listen to their back catalogue right here: http://cheesuscrustrecords.bandcamp.com

 

*Artwork by Sian http://sianmorrell.tumblr.com/