| | |  Island
Look Out sunshine is the new single from The Fratellis, taken from their second album, Here We Stand. This is a happy, poppy little summer song with a light jangley verse and a catchy chorus. The song is typical pop rock fun and the lyrics are very light hearted and great for a drunken sing along. There’s no deep meaning or intricacy here, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the simplicity of this music.
The great thing about this song is that there is no messing around. The song just gets stuck straight in to it with a short intro and then your in to the bouncy verse and then in to the sing along chorus and before you know it its gone and your starting it from the top again. Great little, simple track, does the job. 
Views: 187
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by Marcymarc
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| | | Atlantic
As you can imagine from the title of this album, the content is going to be interesting and also implies that someone obviously thinks a lot of himself. Following in Jesus’ steps, Kid Rock has taken it upon himself to use his music to preach about the ways of the rock and roll bible whilst occasionally making it sound like it could be believed. As before, Kid Rock has used someone else’s classic song to push his stuff and again he adds nothing to the track. The track in question is called ‘All Summer Long’ and has sampled ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ among other tracks.
Although he’s claiming himself to be some kind of modern music messiah, the artwork imagery of guns, bikes and scantily dressed women leaves him some what short of what Jesus is generally perceived as. As for the music, there is quite a wide array of styles on here. There isn’t as much rock as you would expect someone called kid rock to have put on his album, but this doesn’t mean that the replacement is bad. There are a l
Views: 192
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by Marcymarc
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| | |  The Black Numbers
Punk rock always has, and most probably always will be a genre of music that splits music fans. Marmite Rock, if you will.
On the one hand, you have often bad vocals (‘rebelling’ against talented vocalists maybe?), lazy musicianship (‘rebelling’ against innovative musicians?) and song structures that are more predictable than The Kooks.
On the other hand however, you have genre that doesn’t seem to care about these things and is just straight up, honest music with lyrics that tell it like it is. The spirit of punk is something that a non-punk fan should never really get into an argument about with an actually genuine punk fan, because they will defend it to the grave (however wrong they may often be, e.g, dyed hair, pierced noses and Misfits patches sewn to bags aside, the war on Iraq still somehow went ahead, what was Blair thinking?!). The fact is that whatever one thinks of it, punk is perhaps the most community driven forms of popular music that is in existance today, and th
Views: 175
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by MattWillis
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| | |  N/A
The sort of music on offer here is “pop-punk/emo” or whatever qualifies for these genres these days - I would argue it was neither proper pop, punk or emo. The EP is quite generic, not a collection that wants to take risks or raise the bar, which is always a bit disappointing. The first two songs are not the strongest which is a strange marketing decision and leaves the listener with jaded first impressions, to be kind, or no impression to be accurate. However, the EP as a whole will probably attract new fans in the current musical climate, particularly amongst the younger generation.
Track 3, the title track, is slightly more interesting in terms of arrangement but the vocals are very high pitched (and not in the Brian Molko mould) but to the point that they sound constantly strained at the higher/longer notes. The band could flatteringly be compared to The Automatic although without the potential to make cross-over anthems. Having said that, ‘We Are The Cancer’ - track 4 - is
Views: 218
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by G.Rodriguez
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| | |  Sixsevenine
This is one of those singles, yes: one of “those” singles. I challenge you to find one definitive reason for why you want to listen over and over again, I’ve tried for a while but the best I can offer is that it’s simply a great pop song. It starts off with the hook, giving you plenty of chance to actually get the thing in your head before it hits you full on later in the song, a master stroke.
The verse keeps it simple and there are lots of “woo”, “la” and “woah” parts which are catchy as hell, and so easy to sing along to it should be a crime. I’ll be honest here, I’ve heard of Mystery Jets, but never heard any of their music, so I may not be the best qualified to review them. However, on this evidence I really want to go out and listen to them more, that’s how good this single is, it sets up an amazing perception of the band and their songwriting nous and ability. There are some really incredible details in the songs. The almost random synths dropping in all over the pla
Views: 211
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by kevinbarnes
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| | | Sixsevenine
You might be excused for not knowing Cut Off Your Hands. In fairness from looking at the cover of this single it appears that the name is in fact the song title. A little background then, for indulgence sake. These guys originate from Auckland, New Zealand and were formed in 2006. You’d certainly be excused for not knowing that; not many bands manage to make it these parts from down under, and those are usually of the very highest standard. The band are releasing their debut album, ‘You & I’ later this year, for the time being ‘Exceptations’ is the single which will tie everything over.
This is the sort of song which comes right at you out of nowhere. A crash symbol kicks the cocktail into life and there’s an instant drive and urgency to the bassline which gets you listening straight away. The shouty, reverb heavy vocals add to that blend and right away this song has an appeal which so many never quite reach. With an “oh-oh, oh-oh” leading into an unashamedly big chorus it
Views: 219
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by kevinbarnes
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| | | Epic
Go:Audio’s debut album met my expectations of poor and meaningless. With in my opinion only one or two songs worth hearing. I don't think it’s really worth your time and money.
This guys lyrics are awful. They make sense. They are just so un-song-like lyrics it’s quite embarrassing to listen to. “He’s living in his soul, he’s playing at the ball, his mother shouts him down for tea”. That’s a line from ‘He’s Changed’. What the hell is that about!?! If my vocalist wrote lyrics like that I’d laugh in his face. This band needs help in this department desperately.
I have to ask where’s the bassist? Without the bass it sounds bare. They try to make up for it with the synth playing bass notes, but it isn’t the same. The guitarist in Go:Audio needs a good kick up the ass! He just strums out power chords in almost every song with very little flair being incorporated at any time. I also notice he puts loads of bass on his guitar sound (to make up for the lack of bass playe
Views: 235
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by Richard Meyrick
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| | | Ice Records
Following the success of many other recent comebacks from previously expired artists, the release of a compilation of Eddy Grant’s work doesn’t come as a surprise. Due to the nature of a ‘best of’ album, this release offers nothing new to fans but is just another chance to cash in on Eddy’s success, and rightly so, because no doubt it will well.
Despite the quality of the content of this record, it is difficult to validate the need for this CD considering that a ‘best of’ was released as recently as 2001, and Eddy can only boast of one studio album on his CV since. However, in terms of compiling his hits and various other recordings onto one convenient CD with a nice glossy picture of the man himself looking moody with undertones of pride on the front cover, this record ticks all of the boxes.
Incredibly successful records such as ‘Gimme Hope Jo’anna’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Dance’, ‘Baby Come Back’ and of course, ‘Electric Avenue’ all feature on here, although unfortunately they compi
Views: 101
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by MattWillis
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| | |  Cash For Pigs Records
Not being a massive fan of a music that is often as unoriginal and unimaginative as punk, it is always incredibly easy for me to pick holes in bands of this genre. I get tired of the chanting choruses, 4/4 time signatures, basic chord progressions and ape like drumming simply due to the fact that even at the tender and ripe age of 21, I have already heard it been done way too many times by countless bands.
Upon first hearing Everything On Red’s demo, opening track ‘NeveroddnevereveN’ began to confirm my views of punk and had already provoked me to write a bad review for the entire record because I had naturally predicted that it would all be the same from here on in. However, to ensure that as always, the review was as fair as possible upon respecting the band’s endeavours and listening to the entire CD, I was pleasantly surprised by what the rest of the EP held. Each track on this well written release is very different and unique to the next; yet still somehow manages to mainta
Views: 245
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by MattWillis
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| | | Unsigned
Upon receiving an album with a name like ‘Rise of Agartha’ that was recorded in the metal-drenched country of Sweden, it is pretty self explanatory what I was expecting to hear; gut wrenching and screechy vocals, machine gun drums and guitars that sound like a hummingbird rigged up to a distortion pedal (a fantastic image, I know.)
Unfortunately however, I must confess that prior to hearing this record, I was not as clued up on the the UK’s very own The Hollow Earth Theory as I perhaps should have been. With a jam packed calendar that is full of impressive gigs over the next few months and a considerable fan base under their belt, this band deserves respect, whatever your opinion of their music. Upon the first listen to this CD, which was ironically on a previously tranquil Sunday afternoon drive, I was not expecting the hard hitting and menacing sounds of the records first ‘real’ track. Launching from a simple and melodic passage of music into an abyss of what can only be describ
Views: 198
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Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by MattWillis
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| | | Self-released
Dead Letter Office were onto a winner when they decided to infuse the fairly unremarkable indie of ‘Chairkickers’ with a bubbly electro back beat. It sees ‘Chairkickers’ gain the infectious energy that songs of this genre need in order to stand out from the indie crowd. ‘Chairkickers’ other inspired moment comes in the form of a drum roll leading up to an explosive cry of ‘chairkickers!’ that sounds strangely like a cockerel crowing. It’s odd enough to be edgy, whilst still managing to be pop-music addictive. You’ll find yourself fighting the urge to scream “chairkickers!” randomly for days afterwards, guaranteed.
On the down side, the lyrics in the chorus should gain ‘Chairkickers’ instant indie-anthem status, but the music and frontman Benjamin Hiorn’s voice aren’t impassioned enough to make the most of those lyrics. Whirling electro and Horn enthusing “we will never be part of the crowd,” makes this a good indie chorus, but by no means an outstanding one. You can’t help feeli
Views: 148
Comments: 1
Last Activity: 3 Weeks Ago
by altsounds
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| | | Epic
Go:Audio’s ‘She Left Me’ doesn’t cover any new ground. It’s a slick jaunt along the fine line between pop-rock, and just plain pop, with a feel good chorus packed with hooks that’ll have you singing along in no time. However, there are a million Myspace hopefuls churning out similarly polished pop-rock nuggets. Even those who manage to catch the masses’ attention usually only hold onto it until the next five-million-profile-views hopeful releases their debut album.
So what sets this guilty pleasure apart from the rest of the crowd? The answer is its lyrics. ‘She Left Me’ is a genuinely funny tale of trying to cover up the fact that you’ve just been dumped. Lie-packed lines such as “she’s got herself arrested / got ten years locked away / but that’s okay / because the honest truth I was gonna end it anyway,” are guaranteed to put a smile on even the sourest of faces, especially when it’s delivered over Go:Audio’s dizzy piano notes and unobtrusive riffs.
Go:Audio have that sort
Views: 245
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Last Activity: 4 Weeks Ago
by Jessica_Thornsby
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| | |  Ferret Records
Turtle Nipple & Toxic Shock is the second full-length release by the San Jose band Heavy Heavy Low Low, and I have to say possibly the best named album I've heard this year. I had to post the tracklist as part of this review as the comedy titles best up most of the enjoyment you're going to get from this record.
Track listing
1. "Hahahahahahaha" - 0:38
2. "Giant Mantis VS. TURT nip" - 2:17
3. "How Many Dad’s Must Eat Themselves?" -
4. "3000, 100 Points, 100pts, Gummy Octopi" - 2:02
5. "H.D.EYE Hybrid Cyborg" - 1:39
6. "Trot Line Beer Can" - 1:05
Views: 352
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Last Activity: 4 Weeks Ago
by benchente
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| | |  Red Int/Red Ink
This is the first I've heard of Love as Laughter, and I must say i'm impressed. Backed by producer Joe Blaney (Clash, Ramones, Keith Richards, Tom Waits) and recording in New York City's West Village, 'Holy' is fundamentally a simple album. Acoustic driven, dreamy, psychadelic tinged rock with just enough mainstream likeability to have your mum humming along whilst still holding onto some essence of coolness. It isn't exactly pushing the boundaries of modern music, more reworking classic riffs and lyrics into something fresh for a new generation.
At some points Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and even Fleetwood Mac are evoked. Sam Jayne's folky voice floats over the tracks with enough of a drawl to awaken images of bayou Americana. This is a laid back, groove ridden album with plenty of variety to hold your interest throughout. One thing this record isn't doing however is breaking new ground; to be honest I don't think thats what they are trying to acheive anyway.
Excellent stuff.
Views: 151
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Last Activity: 4 Weeks Ago
by benchente
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| | |  Ferret Records
On first listen this record sounds like a promising combination of two bands; Glassjaw and The Bled. Now for some people reading you're probably thinking that's a good thing, right? Not so for LD. They've managed to produce an album so derivative that any qualities it does have are simply overshadowed but the fact that we've heard it ALL before.
From the opener 'To Satellite's washed out acoustic strummings, to the post hardcore pulse of 'Miami Nights' LD rip through a technically impressive and yet thoroughly boring tracklisting. Any emotion on this album sounds contrived and the structures for all the songs seem to be near enough identical, almost every track featuring the standard middle 8 'beatdown' with overly distorted screaming. I don't think vocalist Matt Geise could have sounded any more like Daryl Palumbo if he'd tried. The one factor that kept this review at a six rather than a five or four are Eddy Marshburns guitar riffs, crunchingly heavy and yet diverse, he's one t
Views: 241
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Last Activity: 4 Weeks Ago
by benchente
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| | | Mantonio Enterprises
Finch is the new self-titled EP from the LA Screamo rockers. This is their first release since their 2005 album Say Hello To Sunshine and since leaving their old label Drive Through Records. This is a very welcome return and this release does not disappoint. There is a kicking combination of power, melodies and energy. The chorus’s will have everyone singing and dancing along.
There isn’t a bad track on this cd, which makes the transition from start to finish as smooth as something very, very smooth. The cd comes in at just under 20 minutes and is only 4 tracks long, which is a little short. It has been a few years since the last release and this was definitely in need, but I wonder if they had just taken a few more months on this, if they would have been able to push out a full release. But hopefully with this being the newly set benchmark, the follow up will be a corker and a well desired return to form.
With some heavy touring ahead, this EP is going to get the push it needs
Views: 286
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Last Activity: 4 Weeks Ago
by Marcymarc
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| | | Lonely Astronaut Records
Very few artists release four EPs on four months but this is the kind of self-promotion and creative process that American musician Joseph Arthur likes. He took a similar approach back in 2002 with the four Junkyard Hearts EPs. So the six track Vagabond Skies EP is the third in the current series. As expected, it is a mixed bag.
Opener 'Slow Me Down' is a fairly standard guitar and voice piece, wonderfully produced and beautifully played. Arthur's vocals are deliciously soft, like Mark Lanegan with all the edges removed. As the song begins to fill out, bringing in more instrumentation and an up-tempo arrangement, it brings out more emotion in his voice. He is matched by distant ghostly choir-like backing vocals. An excellent start.
'Even When Yer Blue' is not great. The vocals are shaky; the guitar work disjointed and persistently loud. Again the same backing choir is used and already feels overworked. Likewise 'Pretty Good Company' changes the vocals yet again, and brings in so
Views: 245
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 08-01-2008
by cjsheerin
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| | | Credential Recordings
This musical genre isn’t my usual listening choice. After listening to this I understand why. The whole album to me is really boring. Each song has the same feel to it. It’s the same feeling that makes you fall into a deep sleep. It’s all down to the vocals. Aaron’s voice has got the same tone throughout the whole album.
The only song on the album that was remotely good in my opinion was ‘Maggie Mahoney’. It’s bouncy and energetic unlike most of the other songs on the album, and although his voice still possessed that familiar and boring tone, the music somehow compensated for it. I especially liked the piano. At least Aaron is good for something!!
I wouldn’t rush out to buy this album. Trust me, you would rather watch paint dry than listen to this.
Views: 204
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 08-01-2008
by Richard Meyrick
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| | | Caned & Able
Brigade are one of those bands who are becomming increasingly difficult to classify. From humble beginnings and being the brother of a massive pop star, Will Simpson’s band have almost gone from being the underground, almost cult-like fresh faced kids, to a band who seem set on doing big things and creating monstrously big rock songs. Could there be a clue as to there aspirations in the releasing of a double A-side single, the first time they’ve done this.
Personally, it’s brilliant to see ‘Stunning’ get a single release; when I first reviewed the album for the this very website, I concluded that it probably should’ve been the first single. It’s every bit the anthemic, radio friendly rock tune, the sort of thing that Brigade need to hoist themselves into the mainstream. For every ounce of sugary sweet pop melodies that escape your speakers during ‘Stunning’, Brigade don’t want to rest on those laurels, which is probably why ‘Stunning’ is placed after another song. ‘Sink, Sin
Views: 116
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 07-31-2008
by kevinbarnes
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| | | Visible Noise
Originally released in 1987 and re-released now on Visible Noise, ‘Jesus Meets The Stupids’ is an odd album, consisting of nineteen tracks of punk rock, comedy skits and complete randomness (a track of nothing but a single, tinkling piano, anyone?) To sum up this re-release: the songs aren’t tight enough, the shouty lyrics are mostly unintelligible and the comedy isn’t actually that funny.
There’s clearly talented musicians buried somewhere in this messy punk racket, as The Stupids tear along at a pace that shouldn’t be physically possible. However, this would be more impressive if they were able to play at such speeds with some semblance of a tune. The Stupids push the speed thing too far, and end up sounding like a group of people beating the hell out of their instruments. It’s like they’re trying to play five different songs all at the same time - and the vocalist is out of tune with all of them.
This tendency to go as fast as they possibly can regardless of what it soun
Views: 202
Comments: 0
Last Activity: 07-31-2008
by Jessica_Thornsby
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