Mogwai - Special Moves / Burning (Album & DVD Review)

Mogwai aren't known for being the most mainstream band on the planet: despite their success and long-standing reputation as rock goliaths, they're a long way off moving to Japan and advertising toothpaste. They're equally unlikely to be releasing a 'Greatest Hits' album anytime soon. So, for those of you looking to see the band given the Westlife treatment, I'm afraid that new live release Special Moves / Burning is probably as close as you'll ever get. Recorded in Brooklyn last year, the 2-disc set CD/DVD presents fifteen classic tracks in all their live glory, validating the reputation that Mogwai have earned as one of the most intense performers on the circuit.

Written by: James Conlon | Date: Friday, 27 August 2010

Shine 2009 - Associates (EP Review)

Finnish duo Shine 2009’s debut EP, Associates, is a dreamy, melodic collection of tracks which defy the fact that summer is on its way out, if it ever started that is. The self released EP, available on the 6th September, is by no means the best lyrical, vocal or musical work you will ever hear, however it is one of the catchiest, happy, dreamy releases you will hear. This EP, takes you back to the 90’s, whilst remaining fresh and current. The 90’s was a good decade though; we were all younger, life seemed better. No complaints there then, and that is what this record does. It takes your mind back to happier, care free times.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Thursday, 26 August 2010

Secret Sirens - Black Heart (Single Review)

Black Heart, is Secret Sirens debut single, due for release on the 6th September. The Leeds based pop duo of Andrew Siron and Narelle Frances, have managed to produce a tense and progressive pop track, which is both dark and catchy in equal measure. The first track of the single, the radio edit starts with huge, screaming electric guitar notes and thumping drum skins, before Narelle’s wonderful vocals open up over the plodding keyboards. The track rises and falls throughout, musically and vocally, shifting the depth, tempo and volume, from subtle to huge and back again.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Klaxons - Surfing The Void (Album Review)

A wise man once said: "A band has their whole lives to write their first album, but only six months to write their second." Or something along those lines. Anyway, that might be true, but it does not appear to be a philosophy that the Klaxons have followed. After releasing their debut album 'Myths of the Near Future' to huge success and a number of awards, including the highly respected Mercury prize, the London-based three-piece chose to take some time over their next offering, only to have it famously rejected by their record company two years later. In somewhat of a hurry at this point, the Klaxons got together with American rock/ metal producer Ross Robinson to make their follow-up album 'Surfing the Void'. Although the inclusion of Robinson, who has previously worked with Korn and Slipknot, may seem like an odd choice for an English dance-punk band, it may be just what the group need to escape the "New Rave" label that has hung over them for the past three years. Now, finally, 'Surfing the Void' has hit our stores and iStores, just in time for the Klaxons' headlining sets at this month's Reading and Leeds festivals. But is it here in time to save the band from the looming threat of obscurity? That may well depend on the album's content.

Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Roots Manuva - Jah Warriors (Single Review)

Roots Manuva’s new single Jah Warriors, featuring Ricky Ranking is due for release on August 30th This release from the forthcoming, Roots Manuva meets Wrongtom project, includes 3 tracks. A radio edit of Jah Warriors and a re-work of, Bashment Boogie and Buff Nuff. The title track, Jah Warriors, may have a reggae based, hip hop beat, but that is the only positive for the track really. Beyond the tin drums at the start of the track, you really do struggle to take away any more musical merits. The vocals from Roots Manuva at each verse may have a deep, urban edge to them, but the chorus’s fail to impress. Even the lyrics, are lack lustre as this track ultimately disappoints.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Monday, 23 August 2010

Spring Offensive - The First Of Many Dreams About Monsters (Single Review)

At almost 14 minutes long, Spring Offensive’s, The First Of Many Dreams About Monsters, is very difficult to call a single. The epic track is a five chapter story, each chapter encompassing Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's Grief Cycle - Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance . Dramatic from the opening samples of conversation and intense, slow drumming. This track rises and falls throughout, moving from stage to stage, with the intense sampling continuing amongst moody sections of depressive guitar and drums.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 21 August 2010

The Heads - Relaxing With... (Album Review)

The Heads, debut album, Relaxing With... originally released in 1996, is due for a re-mastered, re-release on August 30th, packed with an extra disc including unreleased tracks and John Peel sessions. The Bristol four piece, produce a psychedelic mass of feedback, riffs and amp blowing noise, straight from the underground scene created by the likes of the Stooges, Hawkwind and The Velvet Underground.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 21 August 2010

James Blackshaw - All Is Falling (Album Review)

James Blackshaw’s ninth album, All Is Falling, is eight tracks of musical sublimity, that need no lyrics or vocals to accompany the impressive instrumentals. Playing his 12 string electric guitar with a delicate and mesmerising subtlety, this album cannot fail to impress. The progressive, All Is Falling, parts 1 – 8, is one continually evolving piece of exquisite music, that flows with melodies and cascading sections of instrumental genius. This is James Blackshaw’s first recorded material, using a 12 string guitar, along with the use of piano, glockenspiel and percussion and with the assistance of Charlotte Glasson, who plays violin, flute, alto, saxophone and glockenspiel, Fran Bury, who plays violin and Daniel Madav, who plays cello.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 21 August 2010

Hermanos Inglesos - Wanderland (Single Review)

Hermanos Inglesos, are believe it or not, a Belgian group. The brothers, Cedric and Didier Engels have already impressed Europe with their super cool techno and they now look to impress the UK, with the release of this single, Wanderland, on August 23rd and their debut album in autumn. Wanderland, is an infectious dance track, filled with throbbing bass and techno beats. Swooping over the throbbing techno pulses are wonderfully sensitive synth rhythms and keys, which hypnotise and enchant.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Hawk (ALBUM REVIEW)

Hawk is the third release from the unlikely duo of Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell, who have mixed gruff Americana with tender folk roots to form a diverse and compelling album. The pair embrace their contrasting natures as Lanegan's husky, Spaghetti Western murmurs seem an unlikely partner for Campbell's sheepish, melody-driven vocals, but there is an undeniable charm which penetrates through into every track.

Written by: James Conlon | Date: Monday, 16 August 2010

Bad Religion - Bristol O2 Academy - 7th August 2010

The when, where and who questions that surround the origins of punk rock music are still widely debated to this day and the same old names continue to be thrown around whenever the argument is brought up. Bands like the Clash and the Ramones were successful for a short while in their day and are still remembered by many as the most influential of the genre. Then there are others like the Sex Pistols who, despite often being hailed as one of the greatest groups of their time, actually only released one album before disappearing in a puff of hype, only to return almost twenty years later to shamelessly capitalise on their bygone success.

Written by: Rob Sleigh | Date: Saturday, 14 August 2010

Lana Mir - Self Titled Debut Album - (Review)

Lana Mir is a Ukrainian singer/songwriter, based in New York. She is set to release her self-titled, debut album on the 23rd of August. Without doubt, Lana has a beautiful voice and a definite sensitivity in the way she constructs her songs. This 11 track album is a breath of fresh air, contemporary and timeless. Lana manages to create a large, wonderful sound from her sultry vocals and simple instrumentals.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Teeth - See Spaces (Video of the Day)

This is the video for TEETH’s new single, See Spaces. The video is directed by the band and the track will be available as of the 16th August. Coming from the East London DIY scene, these electro pioneers push all the right buttons, with their pulsing, big beats and rave inspired sound. Recently reviewed by stereoboard, this single whole heartedly impressed and also proved that there is definitely life left in the dance music scene.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Menomena - Mines - (Album Review)

Mines, is American indie rockers, Menomena’s fourth album, released on the 26th July, this record from the Portland three piece looks set to follow the success that I Am The Fun Blame Monster! and Friend And Foe achieved. Thumping drums and vocal variance dominate this album, along with all manner of instruments and effects that are put to good use throughout. All of the group’s members share vocal duties during the album, which brings a very different feel to each track, especially against the musical variation also on show.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2010

Francis Neve - The Second Time We First Met (ALBUM REVIEW)

The Second Time We First Met is the debut release from Francis Neve, an Essex-born singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. The seven track mini-album covers the lifespan of a relationship, calling together various influences into a melodic and sincere record, full of dark undertones and pent- up intensity. From the first moments of opening track Brains Drying Up, Neve's intentions are made clear: sparse guitar strokes pave the way for his syncopated drums, creating a sound full of atmosphere and intensity slumbering just beneath the surface. Once his ethereal vocals break into the frame the track takes on something truly original: the emotiveness of Bon Iver side by side with fervent harmonics, echoing back to the days of early Foals. Neve forges traditional songwriting into a sound clearly influenced by the modern rock scene, without abandoning the acoustic tradition altogether.

Written by: James Conlon | Date: Monday, 09 August 2010

Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep - (Album Review)

Edwyn Collins may be in his fifties now, but the guy still knows how to make a pretty good album. Losing sleep is his seventh solo album, following work in the 80’s with his ex group, Orange Juice. This record see’s Edwyn collaborate with The Cribs' Ryan Jarman and Johnny Marr, The Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart, Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy, The Drums and Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Sunday, 08 August 2010

Spring Offensive - Live at Night and Day, Manchester

Oxford five piece, Spring Offensive, played Manchester’s Night and Day on Friday 6th August. The penultimate show on their small, self funded tour of the country, which has seen them supporting and opening gigs as far north as Newcastle. They opened the night with a 30 minute set of dark, intense music, which definitely impressed the intimate crowd and rocked the small Manchester venue.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 07 August 2010

Circus Envy - A New Dawn - (EP Review)

Circus Envy are a five piece folk band from Hull. Their EP, A New Dawn, is a collection of five soft, acoustic tracks which feature guest performances by BBC Folk Award nominees Hannah James and Sam Sweeney. The group are currently playing across the North of England, including a slot at Beverley Folk Festival, with a tour to follow in Autumn. They are also currently busy with a project for The BBC, with renowned composer, Benjamin Till.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Saturday, 07 August 2010

Johnny Flynn - Barnacled Warship (Video of the Day)

Directed by Christian DeVita, lead storyboard artist on Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox' as well as Tim Burton's forthcoming 'Frankenweenie', 'Barnacled Warship' is a staggeringly beautiful video by critically acclaimed indie-folk singer Johnny Flynn. 'Barnacled Warship' is the second single to be taken from Johnny Flynn's new album 'Been Listening'. It's released on the 16th August via Transgressive Records and will be available as a digital download, and on limited-edition 7" vinyl. The vinyl will be backed with two poems, specially written and recorded by Johnny as B-sides for the single.

Written by: Nigel Sachdev | Date: Wednesday, 04 August 2010

Teeth - See Spaces/Time Changes (Single Review)

See Spaces/Time Changes, is the debut single release from Teeth. An East London dance act who may just be a little special. Using pulsating rave beats, euphoric synth melodies and sci-fi vocals they create a dazzling wall of electronic noise. This two track medley blasts through your ear drums with the subtlety of a lump hammer, yet the appreciation of timing and rhythm constructs a sound, which stripped back to its raw elements, is as intricately put together as a Swiss watch.

Written by: Adam Simpson | Date: Monday, 02 August 2010