The 1975 Re-release 'Sex'

Earlier today, The 1975 took to twitter show their fans the brand new video for a song they have recently re-released, 'Sex.' Since being a fan of The 1975's music, this song has always stood out to me from the 4 EPs they have released on Dirty Hit in the run up to their album release. With it's sleezy lyrics and energetic riffs, it was hard not to stand still the first time I heard it in a tiny Mancunian venue while the boys supported Little Comets under the pseudonym 'Bigsleep.' However, I feel that the gritty charm this record once had has been lost in this new auto-tuned version. I am yet to understand why The 1975 continue to do this to their records, like the new version of 'The City' they re-released earlier this year. Why change something that is already incredible? I just hope tracks like 'Settle Down' and 'Girls' don't turn out as overproduced.

Despite their obession with fixing unbroken goods, The 1975 have definitely took it up a notch with this new video and it finally seems like they are evolving as a band that a worthy of big things. I feel that this new video really depicts the meaning of the song a lot better than the original did.

Review: The Weeknd - 'Belong to the World'

image: stasheverything.com

The Weeknd's first pursuit since his trilogy of mixtapes has sparked a considerable amount of controversy in the past week as speculation as to whether or not the track, 'Belong to the World' samples Portishead's 2008 single 'Machine Gun' emerged. Despite Abel Tesfaye denying the claims that he used the song in his new single without asking for permission, Portishead instrumentalist Geoff Barrow is adament that the sample used is identical to the one he created. However, The Weeknd claims that he has simply recreated the sound from Portishead's track although he has admitted that 'Belong to the World' is in fact based on 'Machine Gun.' Blimey.

Despite the beef that this track has caused, it is most definitely The Weeknd's most dynamic track yet with a much clearer chorus and melody to his previous work on his trilogy of 2011 sexually charged, trippy mixtapes. Although he has adapted his sound on this track, maybe to suit a more commercial audience, The Weeknd's signature deep, emotionally charged lyrics and haunting vocals are still apparent which continues to set him apart from other artists of his genre.

Although I have always been a huge fan of the mixtapes he put out in 2011, I am really loving this track and the brand new vibe The Weeknd seems to be going forwith this new album set for release on 10th September.

I am incredibly excited to see what 'Kiss Land' has to offer and I can totally understand why The Weeknd is being dubbed ad the new-age Michael Jackson.

***

7/10

Introducing: Jaws

image: edgemagazine.org

This Brummie four piece are for sure my favourite new band. Since forming in early 2012, they have released a whole host of incredible tracks, affirming their 90's grunge yet warm, cosy sound (if that makes sense.) This band seem to be happily wavering in the background as their home town, Birmingham, takes centre stage in the whirlwind of new music, take Peace and Swim Deep for example. On the contrary, I am fully confident that Jaws have the capability and pure talent to thrive in this period of exciting new music. 

Singles like 'Toucan Surf' and 'Surround You' which offer such a shimmering indie pop sound. The later released 'Friend Like You,' continues in the same promising fashion as their earlier tracks whereas 'Stay In' presents an edgier, more rough cut sound to their music. And then their most credible work to date in my opinion, 'Gold,' truly is gold. It's simple, maybe even predictable lyrics suddenly sound lavishly remarkable amidst the decadent guitars and bashful drums.