Sunday 31 August 2014

*BONUS* Discussion ~ Rock Vs Pop

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 30. Today I want to expand on my review I published on Wednesday about the new Twin Atlantic album and how they have moved from a real rock band to purposefully writing 'pop' songs for more publicity.

Personally, I feel this is becoming more of a trend than just a one off thing for bands to do. Now, this is just my opinion, I am entitled to it and if you think I am wrong then that's okay, but I just hope you understand my points I will be making in this post. 

So... when I was around 16/17 I was going through a phase of listening to a lot of rock/punk and sometimes metal. The bands that I would listen to constantly would be Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, 30 Seconds To Mars and Alter Bridge. This to me was how people should rock on their albums. Keeping up high tempo most of the time with a lots of guitar rhythms and catchy lines. 

So after listening to albums such as "Riot" and "Brand New Eyes" from Paramore. When it came around to their new album I was pretty excited to hear what they had to offer considering they were now down to 3 members and the singles "Monster" and "Renegade" before the album 'Paramore' got me pumped. 

When the first single from the album came along called "Now", I was disappointed in the sound. I couldn't hear that driving guitar that was so precious in the albums before. I was hoping the second single would provide more promise. Again, I was let down, another 'pop' sound. There were no rock elements to the album at all and I was so disappointed. Especially when Hayley Williams was saying "this is the album we've always wanted to make". 

This example of Paramore isn't the first time that I have been disappointed with new albums from bands that I absolutely adored in my teens. This is starting to become a regular appearance. Its ruining my excitement for new albums if bands just keep producing pop for the larger audiences. I can understand why they want to do it, but people like myself are just getting fed up with every poxy band churning some pop crap out. 

This happened with the new Twin Atlantic album and personally I didn't think it was possible for them because their album 'Free' was insane and I thought building on the foundations of that album, you couldn't go wrong! Oh how wrong I was...

I don't know if I'm the only one that is noticing so many bands lately with a rock 'nature' about them are just producing songs for the charts, for Radio 1 and nothing for the audiences like myself. Its all about getting coverage these days, getting known, but in completely the wrong way. The only way to do this at the moment is create a happy - go - lucky song with some major chords, some kind of trumpet or saxophone playing a catchy riff and the band shouting "YEAAHH, YEAAAHH" or "WOOAAHH", "WOAAAH"...so creative... 

The day that a rock band makes a solid rock album after their successful first one will be the day I can jump in the air and be happy. Right now though, rock is dying out and pop is taking over badly. I have hope and promise still for a few bands such as The Cape Race (check their review out on my blog) and Mallory Knox who are rocking the Radio 1 playlists right now. 

The Cape Race - 'Home,Truths'


I hope everyone now understands my views and points where I am coming from about this issue. Its been playing on my mind for a while now and I thought this was the perfect time to say something especially with the new Twin Atlantic album being a real shocker. 

Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Album Review ~ Twin Atlantic, 'Great Divide'


*Disclaimer* - So this review, isn't going to be the my usual "yeah this albums great" review. I have got negative outlooks on this review, so if you DO like the new Twin Atlantic album then I would advise you to not read if you don't want to hear anything negative. Its not all negative, but I hope you'll understand my points about the album.

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 29! Today I shall be talking about the new album from Twin Atlantic. Their second album was an absolute masterpiece. A great step forward into the business and I was highly anticipating this album to be just as rocky and fulfilling as the last.

Twin Atlantic are a Scottish rock band from Glasgow, who in their last album 'Free', got a lot of success and radio play from Radio 1 and other stations alike. One of the songs was even featured on the video for the highest sky fall that was watched by over 36 million people! Not bad for your second album and now their new album has come around called 'Great Divide'. 

Although the two singles were not winning me over to buy the album, I thought I needed to check out the full album in case I was wrong about their new sound for this album. When I first heard their first single 'Heart and Soul', my immediate reaction was "oh no...another rock band going pop, please no!". Their second single wasn't much help either with quite a simple structure and happy chords although the song itself wasn't too bad. 

So...let me sum up the first three songs to you in three words. Waste. Of. Time. The first three songs nearly put me off listening to the rest of the album. The use of electronic pads and keys is just plain wrong for this band. Wrong. They use the same producer as the other record too, what was the guy thinking!? This to me just seems like a stunt for popularity which nearly cost them the album to me. Just skip to the song 'Fall Into The Party'...


If you listen to the second album 'Free', you'll notice its hard-driving, heavy and fantastic for the boys to perform. You just know from top to bottom on the album 'Free' that these guys pack a punch. Though this 'punch' seems to have been left behind from this album.

There are some flickers of promise at the start of songs, but they don't follow through for the whole song. For example in 'The Ghost of Eddie' you hear the structure twice and think that's everything they have to give, but then the section where he whispers "everybody scream" into quite possibly the heaviest part of the album is a real treat to the ears of the shear noise. This doesn't happen in the new album.

Don't get me wrong some of the songs on this album are good, but its nothing compared to the previous album. That was their second album...one to work from...one to keep moving forward from. Instead it seems like they have moved backwards, there isn't as much creativity or passion in this album. To me the aim was to get as much coverage on Radio 1 as possible and leave old fans to leave them alone.



When I'm listening to the album, I feel like Sam McTrusty's lyrics are trying to get us to learn life lessons. He talks about how "the youth of today have lost their voices" and that to him"music is my therapy"!? He even has the cheek (in a sense) in the song "It's Not Dead" that according to him, 'rock and roll is apart of me'. Go back and listen to "Hold On" and see how 'Rock and Roll' that track is...

Apart from everything else I have mentioned above, I just hope Twin Atlantic can learn from their mistakes from this flop of an album and crank the gears up for album number four to impress all us rockers again.

The tracks I recommend (and could be the only ones) are "Cell Mate", "Fall Into The Party" and "Actions That Echo". Keep to these three and you have a pretty decent EP, how about that!? 

I promise the next review will be back to my jolly self! I might do a little discussion post again on Sunday about how a lot of rock bands are turning to mainstream and leaving their whole 'rock persona' behind just for more coverage.

Until next time and thanks for reading

Lewis





Website: http://www.twinatlantic.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinatlantic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twinatlantic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/twinatlantic

Sunday 24 August 2014

*BONUS* Single Review ~ Friar's Lantern, 'Possessive Voices'

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 28! This is a little review about a Brighton based band who are a little bit out of the ordinary for your ordinary band but has the possibilities to be something big. 

Friar's Lantern is made up of Abby White and Hayden Ashdown. Both from BIMM Brighton, they have formed this band to be out of the ordinary, to do something different and they're on the right path for sure! They are an atmospheric/electronic duo who base their music around various films/tv programmes that fit into the niche of its required sounds. 

This track is inspired by the American hit show 'American Horror Story'. The sounds coming from the both of them are mesmerising in the fact they can produce such interesting sounds with various instruments and technology. 

The track starts off with some dialogue that echo's through the introduction which already sends signals to me that this is going to be no ordinary song. The breakdown turns into layers of interesting guitar rhythms and tones. I know the both of them personally and all the strange, yet hauntingly beautiful screeches are coming from Hayden's guitar through various pedals. He loves his fuzzface and many others that make these powerful and intriguing sounds. 




They are also known for performing live with clips of films in the background. The film doesn't have any sound, but the band play to the track as if they're re-creating the music behind what is going on in the film. They certainly are something else this band which is why I decided to review their first single they released.

I'm sure there is plenty more to come from this duo so keep an eye out for their work in the future! Links will be down below for their soundcloud and facebook. They're relatively new so make sure you go give them some love!


Thank you for reading and until next time

Lewis

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/friars-lantern/possessive-voices

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friarslanternband

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Album Review ~ The Cornerstones, 'Stand In Line'


Hello! 

Welcome to blog post 27! Today I have a good ol' four piece British band from Uxbridge called The Cornerstones. 

The Cornerstones is made up of Richard Ruth - Vocals / Acoustic, Dan Bennion - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals, Kyle Radbone - Bass and Carl Sampson - Drums. This alternative band certainly know how to get those feet tapping with the 2nd album from the band. Their debut Album 'Begin To End' and single 'Smack Me In Face' were released under Redemption records and resulted in tours and support slots with Shed - 7, Oasis, Proud Mary, Finlay Quaye and also national airplay.

So now you have a bit of background on the boys, let's see what the album has to offer!

The album starts off nice and strong with the song 'Drag Me Down' to then move onto 'My Mind' which both have a similar drive to it. You get a good feel for the kind of vibe you're getting from the album. Its now just a case of seeing where the band go from the third song to the last to keep the audience fixated until the dying seconds. 

They keep this album going in emphatic fashion with one of the better songs from the album personally called 'Stand In Line'. Its got more grit and power in the chorus' which give the band a reason to play with dynamics and adds a whole new feel. 



The vocals from Ruth are really shone through in the song 'Ground', his naturally soft tone makes you feel at ease. It doesn't take too much to love his voice, the higher notes are reached with ease and has one of those distinctive voices. The album starts to gain in volume and power at this point which is nice to hear and gives it some great energy!

The start of 'Erased' has one of those beginnings that you know its going to be a good song. Any song that starts with harmonica is a good song and adds a new element to this brilliant track. A sort of more happy-go-lucky tune, but works really well with the harmonica. 

So as we get into the latter stages of the album 

The album has nice little gems if you listen carefully to most of the songs. Its either little guitar licks hidden in the shadows of the tracks, subtle backing vocals or acoustic guitar playing the chords. I like albums that don't show everything to you, it leaves nothing to discover. Its like an island with all its treasure chests uncovered and dug up for you. 

One of the more popular of the slower songs 'Try To Hide' has some harmonica playing that is to die for. Its very mesmerising and can put your mind at ease to listen to for those brief few minutes which is a great feeling. 'Try To Hide' keeps things very simple throughout with the usual line-up, but subtly brings in the electric guitar for the chorus and leaves the acoustics and harmonica to its devices, beautiful. 




The single 'Smack Me In The Face' is a song that you can really immerse into quite easily with some cool guitar licks and vocals. Its different to the other tracks on the album in a good way. Coming to the final few tracks its like a plane landing, you know when you're coming to the end of your journey, but the captains make sure you land safely. The last 3 tracks are simple a great way to bring the album to an end. 

In conclusion, the album has quite a few strengths to it. Nice licks and ideas streaming through the album. Beautiful harmonica playing. A lot of promise for album three and the music is open to a wide audience which is a very strong position to be in!

Go check this album out and support this UK band!

Lewis


Website: http://www.thecornerstones.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thecornerstonesuk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thecornerstones

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Album Review - Lost Midas, "Off The Course"


Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 26! Today I'm going to be letting you all know about an artists who goes by the name of 'Lost Midas' aka Jason Trikakis. An artist who started out as a rated hip-hop drummer in his 20's, is now a fully fledged producer of his own electronica beats. Signed to the label Tru-Thoughts, his debut album "Off Course" has caught the attention of many radio DJ's from the likes of XFM and BBC Radio 6 Music. 

He has been writing music all his life, but hasn't had the opportunity to express his musicality when he was drumming for other bands. So once he decided to climb aboard his solo career and also learn many other instruments, he managed to find his sound he has been searching for as "Lost Midas".



His music is described as "electrofusion" to which he describes it as because there simply is no other word or description of his music to him. With electronic production becoming his main love, as well as a passion for playing keys. Trikakis found himself in LA where his over-lapping sounds have created a vibrant and unique sound. 

Each individual track displays his unique blends of electronic production and songwriting. I enjoy the guest appearances on the album to give it more of a dynamic range throughout the record. The album features appearances from Audris, Taylor O'Donnell and NuTrik. 

The track "Head Games ft. Audris" has impressed many DJ's and magazines alike such as DJ magazine and Radio 6 Music. Other tracks that have been in the radar of radio is "Archetype Forgotten" with plays from Huey Morgan and Steve Lamacq. "Head Games" is a personal favourite of mine because the vocals are given a lot of space in the track to which then the audience can listen to the music being produced too. 

Lost Midas is a very gifted musician with a lot of ideas and knowledge to create his own sound. Using pads, keyboards and the drum kit all at once when he performs requires a lot of concentration and perfection to get the right sound. I really admire Trikakis' admiration and ambition towards his music.



This is what other people are saying about the rise of 'Lost Midas':

“Beautiful, dreamy sounds coming out of LA courtesy of Lost Midas.”... “Amazing… absolutely brilliant.”- BBC R6Music Lauren Laverne’s Headphone Moment and MPFree  “This is fluorescent, fragrant electronic music.” - CLASH


Lost Midas will be doing a mini tour in October starting off at Low End Theory. Then ending up at the Tru-Thoughts 15th Anniversary show featuring The Seshen and Alice Russell as headline act at the Skirball Cultural Centre in LA on 24th October 2014.You can grab his debut album from the Tru-Thoughts Etch Shop and Itunes.


Thank you very much and until next time

Lewis


Website: http://www.lostmidas.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostmidas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lostmidas

Sunday 10 August 2014

*BONUS* Single Review - Antriksh Bali, 'Daze Blue (feat. Nikita Sailesh)

Hello,

Welcome to blog post 25 and an extra post for all you lovely people this week! Though this won't be as extensive as my main Wednesday posts, I'm sure you'll all love this artist that I have for you today anyway.

So, the artist I have for you today goes by the name of Antriksh Bali and is from New Delhi, India. When he contacted me about his single he wanted me to review, I was so captured by the fact he was from New Delhi! This blog goes all the way around the world!


Bali is an electronic/alternative musician that is inspired by a wide and peculiar range of elements in music. From sonic experiments to urban and dissonant orchestral scores, he has the mind set where there are no boundaries or genres. 

His music is very captivating to listen to and whilst doing my internship at Tru-Thoughts currently, its given me a great ear for this sort of electronica music to understand the true meaning behind it. With over-lays and fantastic scores for various instruments on this song, its definitely up there with the best. 

The song is about the phase that an artist goes through many a time in their career which is 'writers/creative block'. This song is about the conflicts and expression of turmoil that artist has when they cannot think of anything creative to put into a song they feel so attached to. 


The single is available on Bandcamp, Ok Listen and Reverbnation along with an extra song called "We Don't Need War, We Need More Satallites", which is a more remixed chilled song. Check out Antriksh Bali's single and support his work!

Until next time

Lewis

Website: www.antrikshbali.com/

Bandcamp: antrikshbali.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/antrikshmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/antrikshbali


Wednesday 6 August 2014

Single Review - The Courtesans, 'Genius'



Hello!

Welcome to blog post 24! Today I am letting you all know about a female indie/alternative four piece band that are hitting the music business hard and not being portrayed as you're typical girl band. These girls are throwing the book out of the window on 'how to be the perfect girl band' by twisting and bending it in such a spectacular fashion that its caught the attention of many people. 

The Courtesans are Sinead Le Bella (vocals), Saffire Sanchez (guitar), Agnes D. Jones (bass) and Victoria Brown (drums). The single is the first song off their new album that will be released on 8th September called '1917'. Until then, the latest single 'Genius' is looking at the portrayal of the 'perfect girl' and that never ending search for her. Thus seeing young teens falling for the cheap lipstick, botoxing, slimming pill versions rather than one of those less genuine natural girls that get hidden in the darkness. 

From the first couple of lines in this song, you can tell this isn't your average girl band song. 



"Holding a gun to his head, she says
Do you love me? 
Do you love me?
Counting down the bullets she says
One for you, One for me
One for you, One for me"


Now, does that sound like something that Little Mix or The Saturdays will sing!? I love this dark side to the such loved cliché for a band. These girls have a fantastic image too that'll have you looking twice...once in shock and two in awe of their adventurousness. Their hair style is brilliant for the band image. Thick, long hair that has colours of red, bright blue, blonde and black, the perfect mix!

The start of the song, sounds like something from any ordinary song and then the struck of a chord on a guitar changes the mood completely. I do like the fact that all the girls in the band play a different instrument and don't all just sing otherwise that wouldn't make this band so unique. I do think that in recent years, girl bands are making a comeback for the greater good and The Courtesans are setting a great example to bring back the image in style!

Don't just take my word for this band, here are some other people's thoughts too:

"...dripping with a melodrama, intellect and wispy mystery not heard around these parts since early Garbage and Shakespeare's Sister" God Is In The TV Zine
"they're tight, they're funky and they’re absolutely terrifying" Never Enough Notes
"a sensual 4 piece audio and visual experience", Hellhound Music
"..saw The Courtesans live and still have not recovered" The Von Pip Musical Express

 Looks like that's all I've got time for today! Do go check the band out and watch the video down below. Another quick thank you to everyone who has been viewing my blog and got it over the 2000 milestone! Amazing, I cannot thank you enough! 

If any artist/managers want to contact me for reviews, then my email is in the 'contact me' section up the top of the page, these guys came to me with open arms and of course I agreed! Yours could be next too!?

Until next time!

Lewis




Wesbite: http://www.thecourtesans.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecourtesans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_courtesans

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CatrionaVillenhardt/videos