This will be a short one I'm afraid, as due to the mess that this blog became a month or so ago, I'm still trying to get back into my groove as far as blogging is concerned. Hey, I'm improving - June didn't even have a BUZZ! Also, quick reminder that if anyone reading this, music blogger, other blogger, or not even a blogger at all, if you'd like to write a guest post on this blog, get in touch via electragrrl@gmail.com ! That aside, let's launch into this month's recap!
CHVRCHES - 'Gun'
My single of the month has to be 'Gun' by Scottish band CHVRCHES. With each single they release, they seem to get better and better and I can't wait for their debut album - The Bones Of What You Believe - to drop in late September! AlunaGeorge - 'Body Music'
My favourite album of this month is AlunaGeorge's debut, Body Music. I love pop music, and this is pop music with substance! The pair manage to sound both retro yet relevant, harkening back to old skool garage and '90's R'n'B. There's not one bad track on the album, proving that Aluna and George don't need to rely on Disclosure to make a hit. Read the review I did of the album over on Renowned For Sound :) Above is 'Just A Touch'.
Interview: Tracer
I had the pleasure of interviewing Aussie band Tracer for Renowned For Sound! We had a chat about their influences, being on the road, and their new album El Pistolero. Check it out over here!
Smith Westerns - 'Weekend'
The first of the guest posts occurred on this blog, courtesy of Huw who blogs over at The Go-Slow, and he picked one of the best summery songs everrrr with Smith Westerns' 'Weekend'. Listen to it, and I dare you not to be humming it for the rest of your days. Lorde - 'Tennis Court'
And finally, I'm going to leave you with a sneak peek of an upcoming post. Let me introduce you to Lorde! One quick Google will inform you that this New Zealand native is about to take over, an impressive feat at only 16! ......................................................................................................................................................... And that's it! So tell me folks, what have you been loving this July?
Yup, I thought I'd switch it up a bit! Occasionally on this blog, there will be guest posts from other writers of the musically inclined. If you class yourself as such and would like to get involved, drop me an email (electragrrl@gmail.com) with the subject title of 'Guest Post', a little about yourself, writing examples or your own blog and what you'd be planning on talking about, and I'll get back to you!
For now I'll leave you with my lovely boyf Huw, who blogs over at The Go-Slow. Over and out!
Ta Kay! If you aren't familiar with Smith Westerns, you could be quite easily forgiven. The Chicago trio may have slipped past most of the indie-obsessed crowd, especially those on this side of the Atlantic. UK tours have never existed for the band (unless you count a short support slot for UK giants Arctic Monkeys). Not to worry though, I've got you covered ;)
After a somewhat below-the-surface debut album in 2009, the band didn't really catch any (semi)mainstream media attention until their 2011 sophomore effort Dye It Blonde, after catching the eye of infamous US indie label Fat Possum Records. The sudden success seemed to base itself around two factors: 1. The band's strikingly young average age (with all 3 members yet to turn 20), or 2. 'Weekend'.
The track (and band) seemed to emerge from nowhere, becoming a sudden indie radio hit with pop hooks galore. With a recipe of guitarist Max Kakacek's George Harrison-esque riff of the insanely catchy variety (WARNING: Will have you humming it for the rest of your life) and Cullen Omori's romanticised lyrics 'Weekends are never fun, unless you're around here too', "Weekend" is a delicious piece of indie pop. Garnished with dreamy synths and a youthful video that sees the Chi-Town trio strolling around their hometown in jeans so tight your balls may cringe, it became a brief staple in indie disco playlists.
With third album Soft Will released last month, the band have taken their penchant for 80's tinged pop songs with mega riffs to all new grounds. Though critically acclaimed, the album hasn't picked up the interest of its predecessor, hopefully not a sign of the band fading away. For those interested, check out the band's latest singles "Idol" and "Varsity".
Huw Woodward is a music writer, musician and lead singer/guitarist of the band Hollow. He has a somewhat obsessive knowledge of music trivia, Christopher Nolan films and Johnny Marr riffs. When he's not frightening elderly neighbours with late night drum sessions, he's most likely frightening his loved ones, friends and cats with his o̶v̶e̶r̶b̶e̶a̶r̶i̶n̶g̶ passionate musical debates. With regular single reviews and dogmatic feature articles, Huw maintains his own music blog at the-go-slow.blogspot.com.
