Rapid Review.. SO MANY REVIEWS!

I exist, say whut?

Just a brief one to end my absentee ways and - more specifically - to keep a record of some of the reviews I have written for other sites. I'm gonna link to some of the better ones I feel I have written on this particular blog post - please go have a read if you're so inclined!

Aside from that, I currently appear to have mislaid my blogging mojo. I'm afraid I'm still looking for it. Creative block sucks.
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1. AlunaGeorge - Body Music

This was a really good pop album - surprisingly so - and it was pretty amazing live and tipsy when I was at Reading. (READ HERE)

1. Swim Deep - Where The Heaven Are We

Because - let's face it - that other album cover was just far too cringey! Bit disappointed by this album in all honesty; the singles were very promising but I can't help but feel the band failed to back it up. (READ HERE)

3. The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars

This album was seriously beautiful, and the voices of Joy Williams and John Paul White are exquisite! (READ HERE)

4. Fenech-Soler - Rituals

Fenech-Soler's second album changed tack a little; it was far more pop than their previous (which was also very good!), so it's really up to preference. (READ HERE)

5. Arctic Monkeys - AM

Easily one of the most hyped and anticipated albums of the past year, ever since 'R U Mine' blew everything out of the water! Being almost 2 weeks since I first got my PR through Renowned For Sound, I'm still of two minds about it. I do like the album, it has some very good songs, and even the ones that I don't run to, when they crop up on my playlist, I still like them. On the other hand, 'R U Mine' almost set the bar too high in my opinion, and it almost feels like a separate entity in comparison to the rest of the album. I tried to articulate my feels better in the actual review, however I still feel that I'm not quite managing to hit the nail on the head with my p.o.v.  (READ HERE)

6. MGMT - MGMT

I didn't particularly enjoy this album so to speak; it is very dense and experimental, though I could still recognise that it was artfully done, if slightly self-indulgent. However, I feel I concluded very succinctly in this review, so here we are. (READ HERE)

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There were a lot of other reviews I've done of the past month or two that don't really fit the nature of this blog, so I've skimmed over those, but if you are so inclined, feel free to read my entire Renowned For Sound works here :)

Rapid Review.. The Lonely Island - 'The Wack Album'

I'm alive! Returned to the real world; I seriously feel as if I've been living in an alternate universe this past week (holiday). No internet! Sporadic phone signal! A house in the woods! It was oddly strained to say the least, but at the same time nice to detach myself from the almost constant bombardment of instant information we have access to these days. It was like life before smart phones - when we all actually had lives!

Whilst one holiday, I managed to honour my reviewing commitments, dedicated lass that I am! That said, I sort of feel that this blog has been a little neglected as of late, especially as I was doing so well with posting (almost) every day - BOO.

Here's the first of my reviews this week for Renowned For Sound.com, my album of choice being The Lonely Island's latest offspring. You know The Lonely Island - just think 'Motherlover', 'The Creep', 'I'm On A Boat' or - my personal fave - 'Jack Sparrow'. I was so excited to get this album, entirely based on their previous hits, I hadn't heard a single thing from their new album. Unfortunately, I was a tad disappointed, read my review to find out why :)

http://www.thelonelyisland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thelonelyisland

https://twitter.com/thelonelyisland

Rapid Review.. CSS - 'Planta'

Most may recall Brazilian band CSS from their neon 'Nu-Rave' circa 2007. Come 2013 and they've had a bit of a musical makeover, with a far more mature and experimental album. If nothing else were to peak your interest, they even co-wrote with Rancid's Tim Armstrong, something that I myself certainly was not expecting.

The band are certainly as quirky as ever, (though with far less neon) incorporating bizarre sounds and questionable lyrics to create an interesting album. Click here to read the full review on Renowned For Sound.

http://www.csssuxxx.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CSSSUXXX

Rapid Review.. The Dandy Warhols - 'Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia'

In case you're wondering where this long(ish) sabbatical has come from, it's because I've gone on holiday and appear to have neglected my blog without scheduling posts for the week to come. In fact, I hadn't even done my bloggy maintenance from the week before! SO here we are, with another Renowned For Sound review. You'll be seeing many of these in the future, as it's hard for me to juggle album reviews specifically for this blog whilst writing for a website, and working amongst other things.

Anyway, this week I reviewed the 13th anniversary 2 disc re-release of The Dandy Warhols album Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia. It's a bit of a classic, something of which I was unaware when I approached it. Yes, it's the 'Bohemian Like You' album, but don't let that put you off, for it is a surprisingly good listen, and I've even found myself voluntarily returning to tracks such as 'Mohammed', 'Nietzsche' and 'Big Indian', which aren't necessarily what you'd expect from the band, with psychedelic elements and 'Nietzsche' especially sounding like a cleaner My Bloody Valentine.

Anyway, as always click the pictures or here to be redirected to the article, and be sure to give the album a listen,, it's better than you think!

http://www.dandywarhols.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDandyWarhols
https://twitter.com/TheDandyWarhols

Rapid Review.. Laura Marling - 'Once I Was An Eagle'

I admit, I have never overly immersed myself in the music of Laura Marling. The only reasons I have for this are:

1. When it comes to acoustic and/or folk music, I prefer male voices, eg. Jamie Woon, Jonny Craig, Justin Nozuka, Josh Kumra (off the top of my head, and they all begin with a 'J':- WOW.)
2. My limited exposure to Marling had left a somewhat depressing, lovelorn mark on my consciousness, and it's rather rarely that I actively choose to listen to such lyrically heavy music.

Therefore, despite approaching Marling's new album, Once I Was An Eagle, with a touch of trepidation, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised, despite her tales of romantic misdemeanour. I'm rather proud of the review I wrote for Renowned For Sound.com so please feel free to read it here :) 

I gave it 5/5 - yes people, a mighty 5/5! Marling truly captivated her audience with this album!

Rapid Review.. 30 Seconds To Mars - 'Love, Lust, Faith & Dreams'

Earlier this week, I wrote a review for Renowned For Sound.com on 30 Seconds To Mars' new album, Love, Lust, Dreams and Faith. 

For me, it came as somewhat of a surprise, as despite following the bands and Jared Leto (don't start..) on various forms of social media, I hadn't paid enough attention to be aware that they were going to spring a new album on us all.

30 Seconds To Mars are one of those bands that make me reminisce on my time at high school and college; the first song that I ever heard by the bands was 'Attack', taken from their 2005 album, A Beautiful Lie, and it is still the song that I return to by the band, the few others being 'Hurricane', 'Stranger In A Strange Land' (This Is War), 'From Yesterday' (the video!) and their cover of Bjork's 'Hunter'. Part of me feels as if I've outgrown the band; along with so many others, they now reside in Nostalgia Town.

Anyway, my opinions on the new album can be read by clicking here or by clicking the pictures in this post!

Feel free to tell me what you think about my review or writing in general :)

PS. I gave it 3/5

Rapid Review.. Paramore - 'Paramore'

Literally, before last weekend had past, I had barely shot a passing glance towards the new Paramore album. In hindsight, a part of me felt as if Paramore had been locked away when I had turned 20, with their first three albums - All We Know Is Falling, Riot! and Brand New Eyes - being relocated under the 'nostalgia' pile, with the band never aging, or growing up.

However, after seeing various opinions through social media - most supplied via Hayley Williams re-Tweets - I began to grow intrigued upon seeing comments such as 'Paramore has changed, not keen on this album' and 'Paramore has changed - best album yet!'. Wanting to find out for myself, I gave it a listen or three, and found my self somewhat surprised.

Their fourth, self-titled studio album can be viewed as somewhat of a mixed bag; there are definitely some quality Paramore-pop songs tucked in there, many of which I find myself unintentionally humming prior to realisation; I guess that makes me a tad addicted. The first pair of songs are beyond catchy and result in the aforementioned effect, with album opener 'Fast In My Car' going from 'beyond irritating' to 'I want to listen to this noww' in a matter of plays. Speaking of 'now', 'Now' - the first single from the album - is a definite grower, with Williams hitting some rather impressive power notes that I can't help but attempt (and fail) to mimic. At first it felt like common fodder, somewhat lacklustre, but in hindsight it was simply unfamiliar. The first truly mediocre song for me would be 'Grow Up', ironically because it sounds rather juvenile  and possesses a rather underwhelming chorus. It is on 'Daydreaming' that we first begin to feel that we are beginning to venture into some slightly new territory, with the strings on the verses causing them to sparkle, and the instrumental after the bridge has a euphoric edge, however it is again let down by a repetitive chorus.

Now, the first big difference: The Interludes, of which I'm not sure whether to regard positively or with trepidation. The three are short ukelele driven songs with a tinny and retro sounding vocal and, whilst 'Holiday' and 'I'm Not Angry Anymore' are catchy, thought chilled out little ditties, it is 'Moving On' which is the highlight of the trio. Other highlights of the album include 'Ain't It Fun', with it's rather gospel sounding ending and also 'Last Hope', but most irking however, is 'Part II', which is literally a rehash of Paramore's Riot! era song, 'Let The Flames Begin'; it literally has the same lyrics - multiple times, however the later instrumental on the bridge brings to mind Watch Out! era Alexisonfire; a song of multiple exclamation marks, it seems, both good and very bad. 

The band definitely channel the roots of their homeland (Nashville, Tennesee), with songs like 'Hate To See Your Heart Break' and '(One Of Those) Crazy Girls' carrying a country-esque vibe, whilst 'Still Into You' is pure, unabashed POP! - however, it is album closer 'Future' which is most surprising, which deceivingly smoulders for three minutes before hitting us with a crescendo of noise, one which you would never in your wildest imaginings would expect to come from Paramore, it is positively metal in intensity, a symphony of noise that is, oddly, a perfect end to an unexpectedly decent album steeped in pop sentimentality and, if you are willing to take it is for what it is, there is a lot to enjoy there; perhaps Paramore are finally growing up.

http://www.paramore.net/
https://twitter.com/paramore
https://www.facebook.com/paramore

Rapid Review.. Charli XCX - 'True Romance'

It's been a long, long time coming, ladies and gents but it's here and happening; Charli XCX has finally dropped her debut album!

I can't express how frustrating, yet exciting the wait has been for me since she announced the release date a few months ago, I've literally been counting down the days til I got the album in my grubby lil mitts! But now True Romance is here (I ordered a signed copy and it arrived 2 days in advance - woop woop!) - and what a treat it is!

To anyone who has been following Charli XCX closely for the past year or two, it is immediately apparent that there are very few tracks that are not immediately identifiable. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially as some of the singles and samples on her mixtapes have been proper bangers, and even the short intro at the beginning of album opener, 'Nuclear Seasons', feels familiar. The latter is still one of Charli's best songs, and has held the test of time for me, especially considering that I first heard it at least 18 months ago, however in comparison to this, I still can't get overly excited by 'You (HA HA HA)', despite really liking the Gold Panda sample and knowing all the lyrics.

The first new song that is thrust upon us is 'Take My Hand'; it's an incredibly fun electro-pop number that will have you dancing around your room singing into a hairbrush (people still do that?) and is a perfect pre-piss up song, with Charli declaring 'Don't go to sleep - let's go out!'. Track 4, and we're back on firm favourites with the addition of 'Stay Away', the song that re-introduced Charli XCX to the world as a more serious artist, in comparison to her older demos. 'Stay Away' is a luxurious gothy number with an industrial edge that hums and purrs it's recount of a past relationship that turned sour, and it is easily the most mature sounding song on the album.

'Set Me Free (Take My Hand)' continues the more mellow mood, whilst 'Grins' gets somewhat trippy and experimental, but the next standout track for me is 'So Far Away' - a song that I raved about previously when it was included in its entirety on the You're The One EP; it's an addictive and moody lament to love and shows a more sultry side to the singer, with Charli half-rapping her way through the verses declaring 'I wasn't looking for a thug, I was looking for a bad boy'. Next is 'Cloud Aura', her duet with rapper Brooke Candy and the highlight of the SUPER ULTRA Mixtape, a song that I initially found somewhat irritating yet, months later, I find myself highly addicted to. Listen to it and channel your inner badass! The party vibe is continued by the chilled out R'n'B of forthcoming single 'What I Like', before we hit 'Black Roses', a song that I'm actually not as fond of, it feels weaker, but then again, given what I've initially written about other Charli XCX songs, this may be subject to change!

Next is the euphoric and catchy 'You're The One', before we're given 'How Can I' - a song first debuted on the HEARTBREAKS AND EARTHQUAKES Mixtape - and now, hearing it in its finished form, I am left a little befuddled by. It's gloomy and menacing and is easily the darkest track on the album, however the bridge section feels somewhat clunky and slightly out of place, however we are taken full circle with album closer, 'Lock You Up', a poppy number with a rosy - slightly '80's glow that rounds off the album in a satisfying manner.

Overall, True Romance has the feel of an extended mixtape; the songs flow that effortlessly into each other, and it works all the better for this. You'll find yourself thinking, at the end of 'Lock You Up', where on Earth did this entire album whizz by, it's of that much consistency and that much fun. Not a single moment drags.

So, whether you're a Charli XCX addict or waiting to be converted, definitely have a listen of True Romance, I highly doubt that it will be something you regret, and you may just find yourself your new favourite pop starlet in the making! I'm already anticipating album number 2!

Are you a Chalri XCX fan? What are your thoughts on True Romance? 

PS: It wasn't until I was linking to all my other articles that I realised how much I had written on Charli XCX in the past 18 months!

http://www.charlixcxmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic
https://twitter.com/charli_xcx
https://soundcloud.com/charlixcx

Rapid Review.. Peace - 'In Love (Deluxe Edition)'

So, any self-respecting Peace fan has most definitely heard the album by now, after it was streamed in its entirety via NME.com. I could have reviewed it then, like every other music blogger/vlogger/journo-nut did, HOWEVER I abstained, and waited resolutely for my signed deluxe copy to drop through the post.

This was not helped however, by this God awful weather that has swooped upon the nation. We are 5 days from April. NO APRIL NEEDS SNOW! Whilst it may look pretty, the novelty dies rather rapidly (aka. as soon as you step outside) and this as had the unsavoury repercussion of keeping my local postie from my fine looking door. But today - finally (OK, OK, 1 day after release date is not bad, though I was hoping for it to arrive in advance) - Peace's album finally found its way into my eager mitts.

The debut album by the Birmingham four-piece, In Love, speaks of, well, love. It's music has a rosy tinted glow, it's warm and inviting, and would definitely be the perfect soundtrack to a chilled out summer evening, similar to fellow "B-Town" name-makers, Swim Deep. As we well know, every single/EP song that has preceded has so far exceeded the last - 'Bloodshake', 'California Daze', 'Wraith', 'Follow Baby' (see what I had to say about the new re-recorded version) - and such a high standard resulted in my overly high expectations for this album. Were they met? Well, the more I listen to In Love, the more I think so.

'Higher Than The Sun' hits the ground running; if a Peace virgin were to hear this song, they would know exactly what they are letting themselves in for, it epitomises exactly what Peace are about - optimism, love and fun. Because Peace are a fun band, as evidenced by the second song 'Follow Baby' - so good they released it twice. As stated in one of my previous posts, the song manages to feel familiar (The Horrors, Nirvana) yet unique at the same time, though I do still prefer the scuzzier vocal of the original version. 'Lovesick' recalls The Cure's 'Friday, I'm In Love', whilst the ever indulgent 'Wraith' still retains its glow. Things slow down for the first time with 'Float Forever' - a song which sounds deceivingly like its fellow album inhabitant 'California Daze' which, in the boxing ring, still emerges as the superior song.

It is midway through the album that we encounter the first of the In Love (Deluxe) bonus tracks (they have been interspersed throughout). 'Drain' is a song that has managed to forge itself a very special place within my heart. After the singles which, whilst having not lost their sparkle, have lost that early addictive satisfaction that comes when first falling in love with a song, 'Drain' is the song that really hits home with me, so much so that I find it positively scandalous that it is not included in the standard version of In Love, as it feels like such a pivotal benchmark within the album. Whilst at times Peace can feel rather precise, there is a deconstructed segment that makes the listener do a double take - as does the deceivingly premature ending found a little later on, it is the gem that standard edition owners have been robbed of. For me at least, the rest of the album is certainly a 'post-Drain' affair. That said, 'Delicious', 'Waste Of Paint', 'Toxic' and 'Sugarstone' are all what we'd expect from Peace, with 'Waste Of Paint' being a particular '90's infused anthem with a killer chorus. Other bonus tracks 'Step A Little Closer', 'Scumbag' and the Peace song, 'Bloodshake' only enhance what it an already strong album. Songs that I'd earmark for future singles would be 'Lovesick' and 'Waste Of Paint'.

Have Peace changed the indie rock world? The long and short of it is 'no', but it is not something for which I care, as for all their influences worn on the cuffs of their gaudy vintage shirts, Peace embody everything good about the nostalgia wave and re-work it into something fresh and relevant - because Peace can write good songs! - and quite frankly, this is all that I care about! ;D

Standard CD(10 track), Deluxe CD(14 track) and vinyl and MP3 editions of In Love are out now.

http://peaceforeverever.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/peaceforeverever
https://soundcloud.com/p-e-a-c-e
https://twitter.com/PEACE4EVEREVER

Rapid Review.. Chvrches - Recover EP

Glaswegian band, CHVRCHES (that's a more Google friendly "Churches" for the uninitiated) are gearing up to release their debut EP, Recover on 25th March (UK) and have let the lovely folk over at Pitchfork stream it for free - there's no harm in trying before you buy after all, check it out here!

The formerly mysterious trio, who emerged out of the blue in May of last year with the moody electro single that was 'Lies' - read and listen here - were made a part of the BBC's Sound of 2013 Poll at the end of last year, and have since released second single, 'The Mother We Share' and now, the Recover EP. The title track, 'Recover' is a much lighter affair than the aforementioned 'Lies', in fact, it positively sparkles, and I can only describe it as warm electro akin to that of Swedish duo The Knife. The voice of singer Lauren Mayberry is rather inviting, resonating in a childishly innocent manner through the 3 tracks (the additional remix is a treat too), and juxtaposing nicely with messrs Iain Cook and Martin Doherty on the darkly throbbing 'ZVVL', before coming back to the forefront of the poppier 'Now Is The Time'.

Though short, Recover really is a treat of an EP, the high quality electro smothering your brain in a manner akin to dripping treacle, and whetting your appetite for an album release (hopefully) later in the year. If not, more EP's will surely have to tide us over. Get on it now; it's worth all of your attention!

Recover EP is available via iTunes.

The band are touring the US in May/June before hitting the festival circuit later in the summer.

North American Tour - May/June 2013

5/27 — George, WA — Sasquatch Music Festival
5/28 — Portland, OR — Wonder Ballroom
5/29 — San Francisco, CA — Rickshaw Stop
6/1 — Los Angeles, CA — Troubadour
6/2 — Solana Beach, CA — Belly Up Tavern
6/5 — Austin, TX — The Mohawk
6/6 — Dallas, TX — Granada Theater
6/7 — Lawrence, KS — The Granada Theatre
6/8 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line Music Cafe
6/10 — Chicago, IL — Lincoln Hall
6/12 — Toronto, ON — The Hoxton
6/15 — Montreal, QC — Le National
6/16 — Boston, MA — Paradise
6/17 — New York, NY — Webster Hall
6/21 — Washington, DC — Black Cat
6/22 — Dover, DE — Firefly Music Festival
6/23 — Philadelphia, PA — Union Transfer

http://www.facebook.com/CHVRCHES
https://soundcloud.com/chvrches
http://chvrches.tumblr.com/

Rapid Review.. Bloc Party - 'Four'

If there's one thing that this review isn't, it's time effective. Once again, apologies, part 1 - because I didn't even get this album 'til a month or so ago, and part 2 - becuase after I started writing this review, I actually forgot that it was there...

The fourth album by London based quartet, Bloc Party, imaginatively entitled.. erm, Four, dropped in late August (almost 3 months late - sorry!) and in my opinion it is easily one of the best efforts from the band as of yet, and most surprisngly of all...

It's heavy.

Yup, who'd have guessed it?

Four is a tightly wound, if not ragged beast; a scruffy powerhouse collection of songs that you really wouldn't expect from an often soppy and sentimental band such as Bloc Party. That's not to say that they don't do soppy and sentimental well, and sure, they have the some amazing belters under their, er, belts (puns galore!), but for this quantity to be in a Bloc Party opus is unheard of.

The album itself is incredibly consistent in the quality of the songs, but unlike their previous albums, it feels like there is no real stand-out track. Silent Alarm had many - 'Banquet', 'Helicopter', 'So Here We Are', A Weekend In The City - 'The Prayer', Intimacy - 'Mercury', but with Four, a track doesn't leap to mind. At a push, I'd say 'Kettling', and at a further push, perhaps 'Octopus' (with it's Daft Punk guitar), whilst '3x3' surprisingly wouldn't sound out of place with Matt Bellamy on vocals - it really reminds me of something old Muse would have concocted.

Somehow, this review had turned out sounding negative - it's really not! If you've ever had reservations towards Bloc Party, end them by listening to this. They were never run of the mill, and always worth your attention, but with Four they grab you buy the collar and shake you and pull you until your reservations have been blown to smithereens.

Something which I don't think anyone, fans and fence riders alike, was expecting.

http://blocparty.com/
http://www.facebook.com/blocpartyofficial
https://twitter.com/BlocParty/

Rapid Review.. Charli XCX - 'SUPER ULTRA Mixtape'

You've probably gathered by now, if you follow this blog that is, that I am a large fan of Charli XCX. The alt. pop singer has been garnering more and more press coverage recently, and now she has released her second mixtape, SUPER ULTRA, prior to the release of her album early next year.

SUPER ULTRA hits the ground with 'Cloud Aura' (feat. Brooke Candy), which I reviewed previously, and stated that I felt it wasn't one of the strongest songs from Charli as of yet, although in hindsight after listening to this mixtape, it actually adds some well needed "oomph" to the sequence of tracks. The mixtape itself feels somewhat trippy, there are more mid-tempo/slow songs here and strange beats, with only 'Heatwave' really getting the listener excited by being a nice dance track. For me, the highlight of the mixtape has to be 'Forgiveness'; it's the nearest thing to a ballad that Charli has given us yet, and it's simple and personal, although as with any Charli XCX song, the temptation to mix it up is always there, as after the first chorus is done and dusted, the atmosphere turns menacing and dark.

On the newsletter email that delivered the free download, Charli stated that the entirety of the mixtape was written during her two days touring in Poland, and that the songs are all about love and are all sad in some manner.

Go to Charli XCX's website to download the SUPER ULTRA mixtape for FREE.

Read my review of Charli's previous mixtape, HEARTBREAKS AND EARTHQUAKES HERE.

Charli XCX is also doing a DJ set at The Garage on 21st November (tickets here) with Tom Vek, Brenton and Coves all playing live.

http://charlixcxmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic
https://twitter.com/charli_xcx
http://soundcloud.com/charlixcx

Rapid Review.. Lostprophets - 'Jesus Walks'

I follow Ian Watkins on Twitter. Fact. Yes, the twee fangirl in me appears to be persisting even in my impending evolution into adulthood. I began to make the transition into 'alternative' music around the age of 10-11 and, along with other bands that flirted with the mainstream (eg. Linkin Park, Evanescence, MCR, etc) Lostprophets were one of the first bands that I could definitely say that I was an utter fan of!

But anyway! a few Watkins-Re-Tweets in my Twitter feed later and I found myself watching this video, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised! I regard the first two Lostprophets albums, The Fake Sound of Progress and Start Something, with a sense of nostalgia, and The Liberation Transmission was a good pop album however, I wasn't amazed by their fourth album, The Betrayed. I found the lead track 'It's Not the End of the World..' rather weak so I didn't really put any effort into The Betrayed, and as a result, Lostprophets just slipped off my radar. I vaguely recall fifth album, Weapons being released a few months ago, but that was all.

'Jesus Walks' on the other hand, is a pleasant and surprising return to form! It's pure pop, a late summer anthem, and containing the great euphoric sing-a-long's that Lostprophets are known for. Everything is working here - the melody, the lyrics, it's all good! The song talks of having the strength to stand on your own two feet and the solidarity of believing in yourself, and flicking through some song teasers on iTunes, there appears to be some other tracks on the album that are growers too, so I may write a review up soon, which will be somewhat interesting for me as Lostprophets developed their sound taking a variety of influences in their first three albums (FSOP - new metal and experimental, Start Something - differed from song to song, Liberation Transmission - pop rock anthems), although the singles that I have heard from The Betrayed and Weapons seems to show them settling more definitely on a signiature sound.

On the other hand, check out the vid! Lostprophets tour the UK starting November 1st at Wolves Civic (hometown gig for me, should I go, should I go?)!

Wolverhampton Civic Hall (November 1)
Preston 53 Degrees (2)
O2 Academy Sheffield (3)
Edinburgh HMV Picture House (5)
Inverness Ironworks (6)
O2 Apollo Manchester (8)
Portsmouth Guildhall (9)
London Alexandra Palace (10)
Norwich UEA (12)
Lincoln Engine Shed (13)
Newport Centre (14)

http://lostprophets.com/
https://twitter.com/lostprophets
http://www.facebook.com/lostprophets

Rapid Review.. Pure Love - 'Handsome Devil's Club'

'Handsome Devil's Club' is the second single by Frank Carter's new outfit, Pure Love. This was released in late May (!) apparently but totally passed me by and I only found it about a week ago after my friend told me that their Reading festival set was pretty awesome!

As I said in a previous Pure Love post, this is the complete opposite of what was occurring in the original Gallows; this is Carter showing his versatility as a songwriter and performer, and I really cannot get over what a surprisingly good singer he is! 'Handsome Devil's Club' is as poppy and catchy, if not catchier than 'Bury My Bones' was. I know that even if I tried to dislike this song, I would still end up liking it, and when Pure Love's debut album is released before the year is out, I will definitely be getting it. The only thing that I'm not so keen on are lyrics such as "Give me a good girl / The kind that wants to please / Give me a good girl / Down on her knees" - I know, I know, cue the feminist in me, and cue much eye rolling from male readers over picky modern females. Sexism will always exist to some degree, and I suppose I'd rather have fun singing it in a good song, rather than in some semi-R'n'B derogatory chart hit rapping about 'bitchez' and 'hoes' and the like.

Anyway, looking forward to both the Pure Love album, and the new Gallows stuff, and if my memory doesn't fail me then, as far as I'm aware, Pure love should be supporting Pulled Apart By Horses on their UK tour this autumn!

The 'Handsome Devil's Club' single, including 'Bury My Bones' and the videos for both songs, can be purchased for £1.99 on iTunes!

http://therealpurelove.com/
http://www.facebook.com/therealpurelove

Rapid Review.. Purity Ring - 'Shrines'

I mentioned that Purity Ring's debut album, Shrines, was released a few weeks ago, and after eagerly waiting for it to come out for what felt like ages, I finally purchased it!

Was it every bit as amazing as the singles that preceded it? I'm glad to say that, yes, it really was! But it was in a different way than I expected. It was more subtle than I anticipated, being delicate and dreamlike, but also confident and dark, like the musical fluctuation of dreams and nightmares intertwined. The childlike vocal of Megan James only adds to this effect, spouting somewhat grotesque lyrics pertaining to the fantastical and longings of love. 

Purity Ring's penchant for merging and creating new words (or 'neologisms!' - hooray for the English student in me!) continues here, for example, 'Crawlersout', the opening track for the album, striking the perfect balance between moody and epiphanous, although, after looking up the lyrics (here, bottom of the page) I can confirm that even my metaphorical and poetic mind struggles to decipher any deeper meaning from this! All of the previous singles, 'Ungirthed', 'Berlispeak' and the viral hit 'Lofticries', are present on the album, and rightly so. The first and second singles from the album, 'Obedear' and 'Fineshrine', both polarise Purity Ring's musical spectrum, the first being more subtle, the second practically the most upbeat track on the album, and both equally as fascinating. And that's a word best used to describe Purity Ring, as the sound they create and the lyrics they write are nothing if not unique and usual.

I'd definitely say that Shrines is one of the most hyped and anticipated albums of the year, and rightly so! It's definitely worth a listen, and even if (somehow!) this is your first time hearing of Purity Ring, I  would definitely recommend you give it a try! As for touring, the band are currently on a tour of the States, Canada, UK and Europe, hitting the UK for London, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow dates in late November!

http://purityringsongs.com/

http://www.facebook.com/purityringmusic

http://thepurityring.tumblr.com/

Rapid Review.. Charli XCX - HEARTBREAKS AND EARTHQUAKES Mixtape

As you should all know (or soon shall!) I love Charli XCX! In fact, I <3 her! She is a cool, quirky, pop powerhouse, and she is going to be big, be it in indie cyberspace or above the water.

She released her mixtape HEARTBREAKS AND EARTHQUAKES approximately a month ago now, and whilst I've been listening to it non-stop and have been planning to review it, I just never really got around to it.

But I shall now! The mixtape is split into arcs named after famous and cult films (namely Beyond the Black Rainbow, The Craft, Kill Bill, Cruel Intentions, American Beauty), incorporating soundbites to show the transitions. Similarly, the arcs shift between moods, altering between sultry seductress, self hate and love, largely discussing relationships and doubts.

Charli has a penchant for spoken word/semi-rapping segments, and this gets a lot of air time here, similarly to when used on 'Stay Away'. But the balance is right, it works and makes the songs more interesting (Charli recently stated in an interview that she used to have pipedreams of being a rapper in her early days, so it is most likely channelled here!). 

Apart from that, the mixtape contains samples and remixes of Blood Orange, Blood Diamonds, Drake, Rudimental, plus others, as well as a very short remix of her recent (US)/ soon to be (UK) single, 'You're The One' by Odd Future's The Internet and Mike G.

So anyway, apart from the delay, a very good mixtape to whet our appetites for the album later in the year!

Enjoy :)

http://charlixcxmusic.com/

http://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic

http://soundcloud.com/charlixcx

Rapid Review.. Ellie Goulding - 'Hanging On' feat. Tinie Tempah

Slightly late on the uptake (again!), this one managed to slip me by! As an Ellie Goulding fan, I'm a tad a shamed to say that I had absolutely no idea that she had a new song/single out.

'Hanging On', a cover of a song by Active Child, enters with a harp and Goulding's ethereal tones, before becoming slightly more electronic, reminding me somewhat of Patrick Wolf's signiature delicate blend of folk and synth, until a deep underlying bass enters and turns the gentle atmosphere on its head. This is especially reinforced by the time Tinie Tempah's contribution comes around. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a person who pans rap/hip hop/pop rap 100% of the time, but there's something predictable about rapper features, it's old game, and this song would have been perfect without his efforts. On the opposite note, the song is at its most ominous during Tinie Tempah's speak/rap, weaving into Goulding's voice which is, as always, is in tip top beautiful condition.

The song, talking about a painful deterioration of a relationship, is also clearly musically influenced by the dubstep sounds of her current boyfriend, Skrillex, whose signiature sound can be heard at times. This could easily have been quite a disaster, but with this fresher new electronic path, I really can't wait for Goulding's album to come out. Alongside fellow Brit and newcomer, Charli XCX, I really feel that she will be defining a female indie/electronic sound that has the potential to cross over to the charts.

The song is currently available as a FREE(!) download via a link on her Soundcloud.

'Anything Could Happen', the first single from her second album, is out 20th September.

Her album, Halcyon, will be released 8th October.

http://elliegoulding.com/
https://twitter.com/elliegoulding/
http://www.facebook.com/elliegoulding

New Waves.. Bloc Party - 'Octopus'

Bloc Party ended their hiatus by debuting their new single, 'Octopus', the first since their 2008 third album, 'Intimacy'.

'Octopus' is a typical Bloc Party song, jangling guitars, beeps and a rapid rhythm section, a Bloc Party somewhat removed from the experimenting of 'Intimacy' and perhaps sounding nearer to the sound of their earlier songs of debut Silent Alarm than the efforts following said first album.

However, despite the catchiness, something feels a tad underwhelming. Perhaps a punchier, more hard hitting song would have been more fitting for a comeback single. Despite this, I'm still looking forward to the release of their imaginatively titled fourth album, Four ;)

'Octopus' is available to download now.
Four will be released 20th June.

http://blocparty.com/
http://www.facebook.com/blocpartyofficial
https://twitter.com/BlocParty/

New Waves.. No Doubt - 'Settle Down'

Slightly late on the ball, I admit, even after counting down the days, I still only manage to post this a week later!

But...

Finally! After teasing us all with pics and video clips for what feels like aeons, No Doubt FINALLY reveal their comeback single, 'Settle Down'!'

No Doubt are nothing if not catchy, and this is signature No Doubt, channeling their ska roots blended with catchy reggae beats, 'Settle Down' is a pleasing return and shows promise for their upcoming sixth album, Push and Shove. 


Even though it connects on first listen (for me anyway!) it's somewhat of a grower, taking a few more rounds to really sink in. Stefani has a knack for vocal hooks, and the chorus 'Get, get, get in line and settle down!' rotates in the brain and will leave you humming and grooving away to yourself for hours.

On a different note, Stefani has somehow defied time and looks not a day older than the last No Doubt video for 'Running', made back in 2003! Consider me amazed and wishing that I get hit by such a kind age stick!

'Settle Down' is out now.
Push and Shove will be released 25th September.

http://www.nodoubt.com/settledown/
https://twitter.com/nodoubt/

New Waves.. Kate Nash - 'Under-Estimate the Girl'

Kate Nash dropped this song unexpectedly earlier this week. Apparantly it was written, recorded and had a video made in just over 24 hours on Wednesday 13th.

'Under-estimate the Girl' is very unlike the conventional Nash that we're used to on, witty indie pop songs such as 'Foundations', 'Pumpkin Soup' and 'Do-Wah-Doo'. 'Under-estimate the Girl' is unexpectedly aggressive sounding, channelling New Wave influences such as Blondie but with riot grrrl-esque vocals, which don't really work when sung by Nash. Her growl and screech is no where near a 'Kathleen Hanna'.

However, the actual music in the song is right up my alley! I was surprised, I admit; it's been a while since I've actually enjoyed Kate Nash, for me her vocal style has been somewhat annoying, especially on her earlier songs. If her upcoming third album sounds like this, albeit, minus the dodgy vocal style, I'll be rather interested indeed!

http://www.myignorantyouth.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/katenash

Kate Nash tours the UK:

Edinburgh Electric Circus (June 16)
Glasgow King Tuts (17)
Leeds Brudenell (18)
Liverpool Zanzibar (20)
Manchester Deaf Institute (21)
Nottingham Bodega (22)
Birmingham Glee Club (24)
Bristol Thekla (25)
O2 Academy Oxford 2 (26)
Brighton The Haunt (28)
Guildford Boileroom (29)
Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach (30)