Tag Archives: New Music 2019

WALLOWS: Nothing Happens.

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Wallows record

“It’s not a crime if you take what’s given
It’s just a crime if you’re payin’ for it
What’s the fun if you know what’s comin’?”

 

A debut record holds so much weight for a band- they can either fuck it up, or make you listen. Listen obsessively or disregard after one listen. Wallows truly have nothing at all to worry about with their debut record, Nothing Happens. It’s a record that’ll make you feel like everything is alright amongst that inner chaos that boils inside of you. It’ll be that friend you need when everyone else has turned their light off and gone to bed. It’ll be everything you need to get you through.

The record opens with the gorgeous, Only Friend. Dylan’s vocals on this song remind me so much of Julian Casablancas. They both have this beautiful, relaxed sound in their voice that just eases you and makes you hold onto the lyrics even more. I love how as this song fades, it goes gently into Treacherous Doctor which is one of the many moments where Braeden and Dylan’s vocals are in sync of each other, and just show us how great they are as singers. Each song flows gently and effortlessly into the next. The way in which Treacherous Doctor has this powerful instrumental moment which is delicately eased into the Sidelines.

 

Nothing Happens has been the only thing I’ve been listening to solidly since yesterday. It’s 38 minutes of sheer joy and genius. It is such a beautifully put together record, and although they’ve been a band for a number of years now- there is definitely a grown sound in this debut record. It is such a joy to listen to, and the way in which it takes you away from where you are and into their world, I really cannot praise it enough. Are You Bored Yet? is great to hear on this record, and how it slots between Sidelines and Scrawny. There is something about their songwriting that just really hits you. Are You Bored Yet? and Scrawny are two of my favourite songs of the year, and lyrically too. I really don’t have the words to do those two songs justice with how great they are.

As someone who is prone to panic attacks and the like, I seek comfort in music. I take the tablets because I have to. But for me, music is the one thing I rely on the most to ease me out of certain places. I’ve taken a lot of comfort from this record, and it is songs like What You Like and Do Not Wait that really ease the mind and body. But, let’s not dwell on that side. You just need to know about how great this record.

I think some have probably made the comparisons to The Strokes. Normally I shy away from comparisons and the like, but for me, Nothing Happens has something about it that Is This It had when I first heard it. There’s this wonderful laid-back sound on this record that is found on Is This It. But, the bands aren’t the same. Wallows make you feel like you’re in this blissed-out summer mood, and I think Ice Cold Pool probably has my favourite chorus. Just throwing that one out there. I adore Braeden’s vocals so much on this song, and it’s definitely my favourite song that he sings on, on this record.

Now to turn my focus on Cole; Worlds Apart is his moment. I’d say Scrawny is too, but I’m going with Worlds Apart, because I just love how he keeps up the pace of the song, and gives it this brilliant rhythm. It’s a sad song, but there is something so innocent about it, and what I love so much about Wallows is that they keep you guessing on what decade they are from. Worlds Apart has a 60s psychedelic feel to it, but songs like Scrawny sound like they from now.

What You Like is again another one of the songs I keep obsessively going back to. I just love everything about this song. I love the vocals, I love the production, I adore the lyrics a hell of a lot and the sound is just perfect. It’s another song where Cole’s drumming just leaves you in awe. Something you cannot help but treasure about this record is how well produced it is. Not in an over-produced way, far from it. You just hear that Wallows know exactly what they want their record to sound like, and how they want the record to flow. It flows perfectly. I know I’ve already mentioned it, but the way in which each song flows into the other is just brilliant. I can’t help but really focus on that. John Congleton has truly produced a phenomenal record here.

 

Everything I love about music is in this record. I loved the excitement surrounding the release of this record, and finally being able to listen to it. Listening to it over and over again, it just makes me love Wallows all over again. It’s such a brilliant record, and every single song fits perfectly. The record ends on Do Not Wait- a 6 and a half-minute masterpiece. If you’re looking for a band that’ll surprise you with their sound, and never give you anything typical- then Wallows are for you, Nothing Happens is the record for you. Do Not Wait is a wonderful song to end the record on, and it’s definitely a song that you turn to. Just listen to it closely, and you’ll get what I mean. Dylan’s outro on this is another stand-out moment on this record. For me, they all shine on this record- but this song just shows us all how bloody brilliant they all are.

Start to finish, Nothing Happens is an effortlessly brilliant record. Obviously as a huge fan of the band I’m going to say this, but in all honestly- it’s one of the best debut records I’ve heard in a long time. Listen to the record, and just fall into a state of escapism. Just be. Let the songs carry you. Cling to them if you want; you won’t be alone in that, trust me.

BAD HOO: What Is When.

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Aside from The Coathangers putting out an incredible record on Friday, Bad Hoo also put out something truly remarkable.

If you’re looking for a record to get drunk to, break stuff to, have a good time to or just do a whole load of nothing to- then you’re going to love What Is When. It’s a proper smack in the kisser kind of record. It’s just a brilliant noisy record, and it’s fuelling my obsession for them.

The lyrics and music on this record are hard-hitting. It’s a take on what’s going on, and what is messed up in the world. But you can’t help but be comforted by the music. You kind of feel at ease with all that’s fucked up in the world, and you just throw your cares away to the music. Bad Hoo are definitely a band that are here to be seen live, listening to this record you truly hear how brilliant they are and how their music is meant to be witnessed live. Shit kicking songs like Confuse Bouche and Rootbeer, NZ are the ones you know will set off any crowd. The songs on this record are beautifully wild, and these two are definitely a prime example of this. The songs are made for a good time, all the time. The record will get you to loosen up, and it’ll also charge your mind up when needed.

I love how they make this record a collection of songs that show us all that they are so sure of their sound. When you listen to this record, you feel at times you’ve stepped into a Spaghetti Western or into a dive bar. They give you these brilliant images and situations, and for a band to do this so early in their career is nothing short of genius. I’m in awe of them. I just love Bad Hoo a hell of a lot, and I love how they just have this unfiltered approach to their sound. Nothing is overproduced, no one outshines the other. It’s just a bunch of pals making music for us to believe in.

The best thing to do with this record is this: on your first listen, be alone. Do it through headphones. Second listen: play really loudly and do whatever the hell you want to do as you listen to it. Third listen onwards: play it so your neighbours hear, play loud and just go nuts to it. Oh, and make sure you really let go to Banana Splat- especially the instrumental break. It’s insane. It’s such a great moment on the record, and it’s definitely one of the liveliest songs on the record.

Whatever you’re into, you’ll get into this. It’s such a great record, and the more you listen to it the more you hear how great the band are. Songs like Blind Dolphin just leave me in awe every time. I just really love this band, and I cannot help but praise this record. Everything about this record is all I want from music. It’s rowdy, it’s loud and it’s unlike anything else I’ve heard before. What Is When is such an exciting record to listen to, over and over again. I’ve played it a lot the past few days, and I keep finding different parts to love. The record has this wonderful ability to make you see with every listen, just how brilliant they are as musicians. There is so much going on but by no means is it overbearing. It’s just an absolute pleasure to listen to. Most certainly one of the year’s finest records for sure!

Please go out and buy this record so they can afford to come do a UK tour.

THE COATHANGERS: The Devil You Know.

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Everything I’m about to say about The Coathangers has already been said before. We know they are exceptional, and this is even more apparent on their new record, The Devil You Know. If you’re looking for a record to totally lose yourself in and just love music all over again- get this record. You don’t even need to read anything anyone writes about it- just buy the record.

This is their sixth record, and its again another example of why they are such an exciting band. There’s no other band like them, and that’s what really grips you. There’s other things that really grab you about this band, but the main thing is- they are fucking incredible. They’ve been going for over a decade, but they still maintain this brand new sound that just makes you want to listen to them, and only them.

This record is ridiculous. It’s heavy, it’s Punk, it’s loud, it’s a work of art. It’s straight up genius. Crimson Telephone is my go to song to play obnoxiously loud. I remember being about 14 years old and listening to Bikini Kill for the first time- I found a band that really spoke to me. I found them on my own, and it changed my life. That feeling they gave me was something that every kid gets when they find a band by themselves, and the band become their life. The Coathangers do exactly the same for me. With this new record, they do it all over again. This is such a great record that has so much emotion and passion within it. It’s absolutely one of the best records we will get this year. Besides, it’s been released again on Suicide Squeeze and we all know that they’ve got a knack on releasing music that is perfect.

The Devil You Know is for us underdogs, the ones who need something in music to do something to us that nothing else can. The fury, my god, the fury and passion in these songs is enough to start a fire inside the tamest of people. Hey Buddy is a song that will have the same power of Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill- it’s an anthem. It’s a BIG song. It’s an important song. It should be the national anthem for the world. Listen to it. Listen to it, and pay close attention. Play it loud. For the love of god play it loud.

Music is powerful, and it is so obvious on this record. Every song is charged by something that is missing in the world- compassion. But this record isn’t soft. This is a record for those who are pissed off, and want shit to get done. Enough is enough. They are the band we need, we want and deserve. They may not save the world from all its fucked up-ness, but who can now? But, what they have done on this record and on songs like Stranger Danger , F The NRA and the whole record to be honest is to be a voice for us.

The Devil You Know is a record that is instantly timeless. There is so much importance to this record, and there is so much to it that you discover with every listen. Play songs like Fuck The NRA really loudly, and you’ll pick up on a Sex Pistols like rage in the sound or other times you’ll hear something like Bratmobile flowing through. It’s just a phenomenal record that I know I’ll keep on going back to. Not just this year, but for the rest of time. It’s a record that shows us how incredible they are as musicians and people. There is so much to love about them. Take the song Last Call- it has quiet moments, then it kicks in and it is the most glorious thing. When it kicks in, you can just imagine this setting everyone off when they play it live. It’s out of this world. It’s my favourite for now, but to be honest every single song is perfect.

Whether you’ve been an obsessed fan of theirs for years like me, or if you’re only just getting into The Coathangers, it is pretty safe to say that this record is going to blow your mind, and then some! It’s a masterpiece, and the sheer excitement and devotion in this record is something to love and treasure.

Play loud.

Oh, and The Coathangers- if you see this somehow, I love you!

BAD HOO.

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Tomorrow, Bad Hoo are putting out a new record. I can’t wait until then to write about them. I can write about the record separately anyway.

Bad Hoo are a completely off the wall, in your face band from Victoria. They deserve to be your favourite band. The kind of band you play to unwind to, except their songs are so hectic and loud it’d do the opposite. It’ll get you pumped, and ready to go to a show and have the best time. Bad Hoo have a brilliant sound that makes you feel carefree and oblivious to all that’s going on. Sometimes, we need that kind of escapism and they deliver it so well.

They’ve only been around a couple of years (I think) but ignore time on this one, they’re just a really great band. And you know, if I didn’t have a torn tendon in my shoulder I’d probably be throwing my limbs around to their music. I’ll just do it mentally for now. Something I really dig about them is that they sound like a band that you’ve just got to see live. (Hey, Bad Hoo- if you see this, can you come to the UK? Specifically Manchester, please?!) They have this really cool sound that makes you feel like you’re at their show, you don’t feel like you’re listening to a recorded version of them. They’ve got this effortlessly cool sound, and this is the kind of sound that just rules you. When you find bands that give you this feeling, it becomes something that you seek in everything else. I just love this raw and brutal sound they have – it’s a real rugged Punk sound. They are fearless with their music, and I have nothing but respect for that.

I’ve only listened to one or two songs from the new record, but I am super excited to hear it and write about it. The energy that Bad Hoo have is just ridiculous. They sound like a bunch of hyped up kids who have drank too many energy drinks and refuse to sleep. Their hyperactive sound is an absolute joy to listen to, and you can’t help but want to be part of it. I just adore this wild and weird sound- it’s great. I honestly cannot praise them enough, but obviously will try to!

There is something quite rebellious about their sound. I don’t really know much about music from Victoria, but let’s just call Bad Hoo as the best band from there. If everything sounds like this, then we need more and more bands to com forward and hit us with this rambunctious sound. I can’t get enough of it. Irrespective of if I play it sky high or through headphones, the same feelings are there. Bad Hoo are just a great band who make you forget about the world and all it’s shittyness.

Bad Hoo take elements of Surfer Rock, the eeriness of The Cramps and The Mummies and give you something that’s destined to blow your mind, melt your face and destroy your hearing in the most pleasurable way possible. I desperately hope they come to the UK because I reckon their shows will just be utterly wild. You can picture it now- drinks flying, sweat hitting everyone, the heat getting too much but none of it matters because the music is just every form of perfection.

Alright, that’s enough for now. Their new record, What Is When is out tomorrow. I’ll save some more words of praise for that!

HOORSEES.

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HOORSEES BAND

 

One band I have written about tons of times is Dr Chan. I love their flawless Garage Rock sound. I love how they just make brilliant songs that never get old. Every listen is like listening to them for the first time. A huge part of my love for Dr Chan, and now Hoorsees is due to my love for Alexin’s voice. He has such a distinctive voice, and is of course, a brilliant musician. Dr Chan and Hoorsees are made up of excellent musicians, and its fairly obvious that France is consistent in giving us some amazing music.

Hoorsees have been around for a few years, and their songs are just an absolute joy to listen to. The music takes you off into this Shoegazey kind of dreamland. It’s just wonderful to listen to. Especially on songs like Bad Words. Then you have Pitfall which again sounds like My Bloody Valentine but with less reverb. Hoorsees have such a strong sound, and it’s a sound that you cannot get enough of. They send you off into a whirl with their gorgeous sound. You don’t want to come down from this at all.

Their debut record is due out this year sometime, and going by what they’ve released so far- I’m pretty sure we are in for a treat. Hoorsees are a band that once you listen to, you just fall instantly in love with them. Bands like this are rare, but are a real pleasure to find. By no means am I making any comparisons between Alexin’s two bands, but one thing they sure have in common is that they make music that just makes you feel good. When you hear something that just grips you, and you cannot find the words to fully explain it- I think that is when you know you’ve found something you’re going to love for years and years to come. Whilst we are in an age where everything seems so throwaway, it’s bloody good to have bands like Hoorsees who give you something to hold on to.

I love listening to a band, finding out where they are from and feeling like I am in their city or wherever taking everything in. Hoorsees make you feel like you are wandering around the city with a load of nothing to do, just killing time. They have a relaxed sound, but also one that is very defined. I’m going to go back to their song Pitfall quickly. I really love this song, and how there’s this pleading, almost romantic desperation in the vocals. Call it passion, call it art. Call it what you want, but it’s so great to hear. I love the strength in the vocals and the way they are married up with this 90s reverb sound.

Hoorsees also give you that notion of clinging onto your youth/childhood. Given that the world is probably going to shit, this is something we are probably doing more than ever. The closer on their Youth EP, Wasted Youth, definitely gives you this feeling. It is also something that is quite apparent on their new single, Boyhood.

Boyhood is the perfect song to eases you into their debut record. It shows a lot of growth from their Youth EP which came out nearly two years ago. Hoorsees are made up of brilliant musicians who really hit you in the gut with their music. They’re a really great band to listen to through headphones, and just zone out from everything to. The create this escapism in their music that is just so good, and so beautiful.

Play ’em loud in your ear. Wander round your city, and just give yourself some time- and self-care.

 

WALLOWS.

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I’ve laid off writing because I’ve torn the tendon in my shoulder, and I’m in pain. A lot of pain but I’ve put this one off for far too long. I’ve been in need of writing about Wallows for the past two years. First listen back then, I knew I was listening to something gorgeous. Now they’re fast approaching the release of their debut record, I guess now is a good time to unleash my love and admiration for them.

I love Wallows because every song I’ve heard so far is just perfect. They make you feel like you’re on holiday, they make feel so carefree and alright. This band makes me really happy, and I’ve only got a few bands that give me this feeling. I love Dylan and Braeden’s vocals so much. I love how they are both delicate yet tough. Wallows have been together for quite some time, and I really like how you can pick up on this because their sound is so together. You can really how focused they are, and how they have this passion in their sound that just makes you fall in love with them.

Their lyrics have this sadness in some of their songs- it’ll remind you of The Cure in a way, and they do it in such a poetic way. Their songs are so captivating, and so easy to relate to. They make you want to waste your days watching the sunset at the beach, with their beautiful music playing. Recently I’ve been solidly listening to Wallows. They just give me this calm feeling that I guess most would get from meditation. Wallows make you zone out and feel like you’re in a constant state of euphoria.

I need to get my love for their newest song, Scrawny out there. The lyrics are easily my favourite of the year. I know it’s only March but my god these lyrics are every level of perfect. Dylan’s vocals on this one are my favourite to date. He hits certain notes, and it goes so well with the way Cole carries the rhythm along with Braeden- all three of them have this ability to just make you zone out with what they do, and just soothe the mind. Scrawny just may be my favourite song of the year. The lyrics are incredible, and I absolutely adore the line, “I can still have wisdom and look like a child.”  As someone who looks like they could pass for a teen still, I can wholeheartedly relate to this line. It’s the kind of lyric you’d want tattooed on you. It sounds simple, but there is so much in that line that makes you see just how brilliant the band are. Much like Morrissey, they have this way of hitting you with one-liners that just stick with you. As someone who is obsessed with lyrics, Scrawny just gives me everything I want. It’s straight-up poetry.

Let The Sun In shows us just how gentle Braeden’s voice is. What I love about Dylan and Braeden’s vocals  is that they are so distinctive. Wallows sound like no one else I’ve ever heard, but they have this wonderful L.A. feel to their sound. They just have that gorgeous summer feel flowing throughout their songs- even the slightly sadder ones. The trumpets on Let The Sun In make you so happy. For me, Braeden’s vocals have a 60s feel to it, and they are beautifully married with Dylan’s contemporary sound. I know what I mean by this, I just how it comes across the way I want. Basically, their vocals are totally different and go so well together. It’s Only Right is a perfect example of this also. Wallows make beautiful music that you can’t help but sing a long to.

There’s a verse on It’s Only Right that just hits you pretty hard; “I hear you talk, when you’re not there. It comes at me from everywhere. Can you lose the rest of me, and take my mind away?” The song is nothing short of divine, but this part for some reason gets me every single time. This song does, and I have no idea why. It has this heightened instrumental ending that reminds me slightly of Beach House. I could write about Wallows forever and not get bored. I’d always find something new to say, and something different to love.

Aside from writing perfect songs; Cole, Braeden and Dylan have this brilliant way of taking you back in time and also catapulting you way into the future. I’m so confident that their debut record is going to be nothing short of incredible. I just really, really love Wallows. I love their dreamy sound, I love their poignant lyrics, I love how they make you feel they wrote the songs for you. I love how Cole has this relaxed drum style. I love Braeden’s calming vocals. I love the way Dylan delivers certain lines on songs. Together, they just make the kind of music I am always looking for. They ease every terror in my mind, they ease the panic attacks and calm down the aftermath. You want to live inside these songs. They wrap you up, and make you feel safe.

Before I conclude this, I need to talk about the purity of Are You Bored Yet? which features the wonderful, Clairo. Her voice with Dylan’s is just a pleasure to listen to. The song is full of sadness, but also hope. The hope in this song is so pure and innocent. I adore the line, “Will you tell the truth so I don’t have to lie?” Instrumentally, it is definitely one of their finest songs. It shows a different side to the band, but also gives you that sensitive side that you cannot help but fall in love with.

Their debut record, Nothing Happens is released on 22nd March.

Also, check out their covers of This Charming Man:

 

And, Boys Don’t Cry:

LAS SELVAS.

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If you’re already looking for a band that’ll beautifully captivate your summer and rule every bone in your body, then look no further than Spain’s finest, Las Selvas.

They only have two songs up on their bandcamp page, but these 7 minutes worth of songs are enough to get you hooked and turned onto this magnificent sound. I know nothing about them, but I do know that they are exceptional musicians who just make you want to get lost in what you’re hearing in.

Under Buzz is 5 and a half minutes of euphoric gorgeousness. It has heavy parts, it has gentle moments. It’s a mind-fuck and it is so beautiful. I’ve listened to it so many times on my lunch break already. I just keep going back to it. I love the collision of soft and gentle. I love how this song just takes you off some place magical, truly magical. This song really makes you pay attention to Las Selvas, and immediately has you hooked. Part of you just wants to join the band- especially when the song kicks in. When it REALLY kicks in, you can’t help but think “my god this is what I’ve been looking for!” It’s such a powerful song, and for a band to have this so early on is truly remarkable. This is what we need, this is the band we’ve been looking for!

There’s four of them I think in the band, but they make it sound like there’s about ten of them. I don’t know how they do it, but they make you fall in love with them immediately. There’s really no denying how talented they are, and how deserving they are of every ounce of success that needs to go their way. Going by what I’ve heard so far, I’m pretty sure that their live shows are wild. I love how carried away they get, and although they are just two demos- these two demos are just perfect. They don’t sound rough or anything like that, they sound like songs from a band that are very sure of how they want to sound, and they also sound like they’ve been doing this for decades.

Blue Life is a song that makes you want to just head to the beach and watch life go by. It’s a peaceful song that just takes you again, to some magical place. Somewhere sacred and safe. They’re a band that evidently have it in them to keep giving us masterpieces after masterpieces. This is with just two songs; it’s nothing short of incredible. I’m pretty sure I’ve just found the best new band of 2019, easily.

I love how Las Selvas give you a pure sun-kissed feel in their music, and just make you feel so at ease. They are really such a joy to listen to, and I really cannot wait to hear more from them. I want more songs like Under Buzz that sound like Warpaint with a hint of 90s Grunge to it. I love this sound so much. I love the gentle moments in their music, and I love the heaviness that compliments it all so beautifully.

I know next to nothing about Las Selvas, but I do know that they are one of the most exciting bands around and hopefully, 2019 belongs to them. I hope they play some shows in the UK and just take over the world. I love them. I just absolutely love them, and I’ve decided right now that I am declaring myself as being their biggest fan.

Las Selvas, how I love you so!

CROCODILES: Love Is Here.

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One thing I really enjoy is writing about my buddies, Crocodiles. With every record they just reinforce my love for them, and their ability to constantly evolve their sound and always take themselves out a safe zone when making music. I think April this year sees the 10 year anniversary of their debut record, and the 7 records they have put out in a decade have all been masterpieces in their own way. Now it is the turn of Love Is Here to be adored in all its glory.

I don’t want to write this in order of the songs, because I’ve a lot to say about one songs in particular- My Far Out Friend. On every record by Crocodiles, they always have this one song that hits you right in the gut and takes you away from where you are. They always have this one song that sends you off into a euphoric bliss that nothing else can touch. My Far Out Friend is easily now in my top 5 songs by them (it’s always changing, of course but this one is something else.) I absolutely adore Brandon’s vocals on this song. I love how his vocals on this are as dreamy as the music. It has this gorgeous psychedelic feel, and there are two moments in the song where there’s this little drum roll that goes into a beautiful instrumental. It makes you feel like you are floating, and Brandon’s vocals come back in like they are guiding you through the clouds. This is truly one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, and it’s one I keep going back to. It’s such a gorgeous and ethereal piece of music. The second instrumental part is slightly heavier, and wraps up this work of art so beautifully. My Far Out Friend is THAT song that you close your eyes to, and just zone out.

Last year, I was sent a copy of the record and it just blew me away. Aside from My Far Out Friend, the other song that blew my mind was I Was A Fly. It reminded me of something The Cramps would do. I love the weirdness in the song and there are bits of the music that remind me of something else, and it’s driving me mad that I cannot remember it. It’ll come to me, probably in my sleep. Typical. It’s a real gritty song that you can imagine hearing in dimly lit basement bars.

The record opens with the face-smacking Nuclear Love, and goes right into the wonderfully decadent Exit My Head. Both of these songs are reasons as to why Crocodiles are clearly just the best, and sure I may be biased but that’s what 10 years of being a fan does. I love hearing how they have pushed themselves with each record, and these two songs definitely show this. The songs are heavier on this record compared to Dreamless- but there’s really no point in ever comparing any of their records to each other to be honest. Crocodiles are a band that make you excited about music, and always leave you wondering what they are going to do next. I hope they release Exit My Head as a single because there is something about this song that oozes smut and beauty. I adore this song a hell of lot. The lyrics are brilliant, and I think it’s one everyone can relate to or has related to at some point, In some ways, it reminds me of Henry Miller meets Lou Reed then goes for a drink with Hubert Selby, Jr. It’s just a great song!

Love Is Here (The End Is Near) is a real Punk sounding song. It’s got that pogo feel to it, and I really hope that when they play this life that the crowd go apeshit. They’ve got many songs that make their fans go batshit when they play them (for me, it’s always Refuse Angels) and Love Is Here has got to be one of them that just spur the crowd on to just go insane to this song.

Rats d’Amour and Voyeur Under Glass make you feel like you are roaming a city like Paris late at night with a feeling to cause some trouble (nothing sinister obviously) or just watch the world go by. Voyeur Under Glass has a slight Reggae feel to the guitar which I love so much, and I love the bass so much on this one. Something you really notice on this record is just how ahead Brandon and Charlie are with their sound. I’ve noticed it on their other records, but there is something about Love Is Here that, although you know it is them- there is something about this record that is ahead of its time. The production and the whole sound on this record is nothing short of perfect. You can truly hear the dedication and passion in this record, and it is honestly a flawless piece of art.

Basically, this is just a declaration of love not a review. I can’t write reviews anyway. In short, Love Is Here is the record we absolutely need. It’s most certainly the record I need. And yes, it is my record of the year- I think that’s pretty obvious.

Get yourself a copy from their bandcamp page, and play it loud!

VIVA CROCODILES!

DEAD BUTTONS.

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Sometimes when you know virtually nothing about a band, it makes it easier to write about them. That’s what it’s like with Seoul’s finest. Dead Buttons. All I know about them is this- they are insanely brilliant, and they’re beautifully weird.

If you’re looking for something that will make you think you’ve got a riot kicking and screaming in your head, then you’ll love this band. They’re unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. I honestly have no idea what sounds like them, who are their influences etc. But to be honest, that shit doesn’t even matter. They’re a bunch of musical maestros who truly know how to rip you apart in the most pleasant way possible.

Their songs are these huge masterpieces that make you just sit in awe as you listen to them, they are truly something else. They really will blow your mind. The guitar is off the wall, and the drums keep up effortlessly- it truly does just make you feel like you are unable to move or jolt slightly, because what you’re hearing just throws you off. If you’ve think you’ve heard it all before, then think again! Dead Buttons are probably one of the most exciting bands around, and going by what I’ve heard so far- I’m pretty sure the music scene in Seoul is something we most certainly need to pay a lot more attention to.

Dead Buttons are a band that have probably been sent here to corrupt our minds, and get us all to just zone out as we listen to them. The music is nothing short of perfection. They have this Psychedelic feel but at the same time, the vocals are Punk-ish/ have a Garage Rock feel to them. Everything I love about music is in this band. I really cannot get enough of their sound. Take the song, Foggy Night. It’s just under 7 minutes long (they do songs that last over 5 minutes which is part of my huge love for them)  and it’s a song that has all these twisted and gorgeous layers to it. It’s gentle, but at the same time has a slight sinister tint to it. This song would be perfect in an 80s horror film where you can see all the set props move and the blood is clearly ketchup. It’s such a brilliant song, and it just gets you right in the gut. It’s one of the best instrumentals I’ve ever heard. They make music that is so beautiful, and I love that their recordings up on bandcamp are live ones. It makes you feel like you are at one of their shows, truly. I love how they convey the atmosphere over these recordings, and how you feel it’s just you and them.

There’s a lot of mystery and eeriness in their sound, which I love of course. I love how different they sound and how they are clearly unafraid to mess with the listener’s head. I love music that does this, and I love bands that are utterly fearless with what they do. It makes you believe in them more. I hope we get more music from them, because they are a band that need to be heard. Loudly.

You know when you hear something, and you just know it’s going to stick with you for a long time? That you know that nothing else is going to come from that euphoric feeling you get when you listen to them? Dead Buttons give you that, and so much more.

They’re just a phenomenal collective of musicians who are absolutely unafraid to push the listener, and have this wonderful passion within their music that just makes you be in complete and utter awe of them.

I need to hear more from them. We all do.

Play loud.

BLOND BLOOD: I’ve Never Surfed.

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We all know that Manchester is home to some of the greatest bands of all time, and to celebrate my 10 month anniversary of me finally leaving London and moving the best city in the world (Manchester!), I might as well write about one of the city’s most exciting bands.

When you think of Surf Rock bands, you think of bands that are constantly by the ocean and have never seen a rain cloud. Blond Blood are the opposite. This exceptional Manchester band are exposed to an unhealthy amount of grey skies and rain- but that doesn’t fill them with doom and gloom. If anything, it makes them bring this delightful joy. A summertime mood even when it is stupidly freezing outside and it’s dark before 5pm. Their music is brilliant, and last summer they released the utterly divine I’ve Never Surfed.

The songs on this record just make you want to waste your days away doing a whole load of nothing; either by yourself or with a group of friends who feel the same. Their song, No Fun has this beautiful Mancunian charm to it. It is brilliantly self-deprecating and to be honest, I can identify a lot with the lyrics on this one. I love how they can create this songs with partially sad lyrics, but they even it out with this beautiful and cheery sound. They are definitely a band that have to be seen live, there’s no doubt about that. I love how they have this L.A Surf/Garage Rock sound going on, but it still sounds like something you’ve never heard before. I think they are easily one of the most exciting bands around.

I’ve Never Surfed is such a feel good record, and it just makes you want to go on holiday for a long time. It’s the perfect record to do nothing to. Play it loud, lie on your bed and let your mind go somewhere peaceful. End Of The World is one of my favourite songs on the record, I just love the music to it. James Travolta is another exceptional song on the record. Basically, it’s made up of 12 fantastic songs that you just need to fall in love with.

Blond Blood just take you somewhere truly beautiful and magical with their music, and they have something about them that makes you feel like you are anywhere but where you are. They just make you feel like you’re on holiday, and I’m happy with that. They’re a band that definitely need to be played loud. I imagine that their live shows are nothing short of an incredible sweaty affair.

There are soft moments on the record, the song Don’t Kill Me is such a gorgeous song. I absolutely adore it. Then it kicks in, it really really kicks in. The heaviness to it reminds me of Silverchair mixed with Wavves. For me, that’s a dream combination. Have I said what my favourite song is yet? Well, it’s now this one. I love how it starts gentle, then it just slams into this heavy sound that erupts into something that just makes it standout out.

The record ends on the title track, which is 6 minutes of sheer joy and has this Western film feel to it. This song could easily be used as a soundtrack for a film- for either a brutal chase or fight scene. It just shows how brilliant they are as musicians. An effortlessly cool way to close the record.

I’ve Never Surfed is an incredible record, and Blond Blood are obviously one of the most exciting bands around. I really cannot wait to hear more from them.