Review: Drowners - Drowners

image: drownersband.com

New York newcomers, Drowners, have had me on the edge of my seat ever since the release of their breakthrough EP, Between Us Girls, back in February of last year. Since then, they have enticed us with tracks such as Unzip Your Harrington and Luv, Hold Me Down, both of which make a punchy return on the eponymous post-punk debut we've all been anticipating.

The album's opener, a short but sweet interlude, Ways to Phrase a Rejection, immediately affirms that romanticised scuzzy guitar sound that dominates the entire album. With strong influences from The Strokes apparent, combined with a kind of lovey-dovey charm, resonant of that of The Cure.

Long Hair comes next, which will be familiar to the earlier fan of the leather jacket clad New Yorkers. Its fairly basic lyrics sounding lavishly remarkable amidst the punchy riffs with a charmingly whimsical undertone. Whereas Luv, Hold Me Down focuses more so on the romantic side in an amorous blur of catchy, fluid riffs and much softer drums than its predecessors. Its infectious chorus taking you to a world of shimmering britpop psychedelia with an 80's, post-punk, rough cut edge.

The track that follows happens to be one of my favourites on the record, Watch You Change. This track oozes the angst of a Smith's classic with very Libertines-esque guitars, especially apparent in the riff that follows the chorus. Unzip Your Harrington, however, has got to be the band's most credible track to date. Despite its laid back, simple nature, it's impossible not to have a little sway to. Its almost humorous yet thoughtful lyrics seem somewhat tear jerking when paired with that angst ridden instrumental.

Pure Pleasure, another stand out track in my opinion, follows with a distinctive introductory riff that instantly confirms this track's brilliance. Embellished with amatory lyrics telling of Matt Hitt's amorous nausea when offered twos on a special someone's cigarette.

The most hard hitting track on the album, Bar Chat, follows with a much heavier, post-punk sound than the earlier tracks we become accustomed to on the album. This track does not stick out like a sore thumb though, as it purely reinforces Drowners' ability to oscillate between that 80's punk pandemonium to the more heavily apparent 90's britpop feel that dominates the band's sound.

That affectionate charm we were greeted with on Pure Pleasure soon returns on ninth track on the record, A Button on Your Blouse. Another track that encapsulates all that is great about Drowners. That dreamy, lovesick sound that fills your eardrums with sweet nothings, conflicting with punchy riffs that commune to make something very special.

The album culminates with a track that rounds off the material we have had to take in perfectly, Shell Across The Tongue. Another track telling of heartache in that recurring laid back obscurity of pungent riffs with a lovesick charm.

As you can probably tell, I am awfully impressed by Drowners' first LP and despite my undying love for their previous material, I was not expecting a record as good as this. Free of filler tracks and repetitive monotony, the album is a truly great pursuit with all twelve tracks bound together by that 80's meets 90's undertone. It is certainly a hitt with me (get it?)...

***

8/10

Drowners' self-titled debut album is released January 27th via Frenchkiss Records. Preorder it here.

Introducing: Wild Cub

image: alfitude.com

Wild Cub are an American five piece, based in Nashville, with a jubilant synth-pop 80's sound that proves ridiculously infectious, even after the first listen.

I stumbled upon this band for the first time a couple of months back when I heard their debut album's lead single Thunder Clatter on a Bose advert during the summer. With the help of the trusty 'Shazam' app, I became completely and utterly obsessed. Seriously, if you haven't already heard this song, please YouTube it, right now.

However, Thunder Clatter isn't just a one off, Wild Cub have a whole host of shimmering catchy tunes that will leave you with a massive smile on your face. Their debut album, which was released in January of last year is full to the brim with summer anthems including Jonti, Wishing Well and Hidden in the Night to name but a few.

I actually had the pleasure of seeing Wild Cub play live at The 1975 gig at Manchester academy last Wednesday (which was a very pleasant surprise!) and they certainly didn't disappoint. 

The material I have heard from this band so far has been absolutely brilliant and it's always a good sign when you can replay a song over and over again without getting bored, (which is the case with many of Wild Cub's tracks) I have extremely high hopes for the future of this band.

Wild Cub's debut album 'Youth' is out now.

The 1975, Manchester Academy [08.01.14]

One week into 2014, and I was already seeing The 1975 live for the fifth time to date. Readers of my blog will be fully aware of how much I love this band and having been a fan since the early days of them playing under the pseudonym, Bigsleep; I almost feel like a proud mother witnessing how far they have come in the past twelve months.

At the bottom of the bill came Nashville quintet, Wild Cub, gracing the venue with their blissfully upbeat, slightly 80's resonant sound. Tracks like Wishing Well, Jonti and Shapeless braced the crowd for the main event whilst the obvious highlight from this flawless set was Thunder Clatter, a track you may be familiar with from the Bose advert a couple of months ago, and a beautiful track at that, one that is so infectious it hurts.

Then came the turn of Wolf Alice, a band that I have been impressed with over the past few months and they certainly did not disappoint with a short but sweet set of their delicate yet hard hitting sound. Leaving You, White Leather and Your Love's Whore amongst others pleased the crowd whereas my personal favourite track of theirs, Blush, sounded even more glorious played live.

Now for the main event. Matty and the boys instantly affirm their presence as soon as they step onto the stage, jumping straight in with the lead track from their first ever EP as The 1975, The City. Its distinctive introductory drum beat proving a hit with the crowd who wave their arms in unison. Unfortunately, less than 60 seconds in, a technical glitch causes the boys to stop playing followed by a declaration from Matty, "We've been on tour for a year and we've never messed up, but when we come to Manchester we mess up." Not the band nor the audience, for that matter, are phased by this as The 1975 start the track from scratch, with Matty's infamous hair flick taking centre stage in time with George's relentless crash of drums.

Next came one of my favourite tracks, a track that has not made an appearance on any of their EP's nor the album, Milk, with its energetic nature buzzing across the crowd, before primarily synth-ridden track M.O.N.E.Y descends upon the audience whilst the true fans spit every lyric of the rap-like verses, telling of drug fuelled partying. 

So Far (It's Alright) and Head.Cars.Bending both prove to be massive crowd pleasers, which just goes to show the significance of the bands earlier EP's within their ever-growing back catalogue, whereas tracks from the album like Talk! and She Way Out create an equal amount of buzz, showing the fans' loyalties towards that number one album we all waited so long for.

Fallingforyou proves a clear highlight with its delicate vocals and that synthy, atmospheric side to The 1975 that is more apparent on some tracks rather than others. More fast paced album tracks follow such as Settle Down, Pressure and Heart Out, all of which keep the crowd moving as well as showcasing the band's actual talent. It is easy to just pass off The 1975 as 'just another synthy-rock-pop band' but they really are so much more than that. This is definitely exemplified by the crowd's reaction who all seem to be in awe from start to finish. 

As the set powers on, the energy from previous tracks is put aside for the beautiful Me, taken from their Music For Cars EP. This truly does reflect the bands excellent live reputation as it sounds distinctively identical to the recorded version. My all time favourite track of theirs You follows with its angsty lyrics and climactic final section, proving a hit not just with me but also with every single member of the crowd who sing along, clinging on to Matty's every word.

Menswear is played before track of the summer Girls fills the venue with that 80's riff and blunt lyrics. This is definitely a favourite with the audience who dance and sing along all the while. 

To the audience's absolute dismay, the boys vacate the stage which felt odd as out of all the times I have seen The 1975 play live, this is the first time they've done an encore. (success affirming shit) A minute or so later, they're back with the even more angst-ridden love song Robbers. Although I do prefer the ancient original version of this track, this does not take away from how wonderful it sounds live, still to this day, years after it was written.

Chocolate is next, a song that brought the Mancunian four piece mainstream success and allowed them to be the chart topping sensations they always deserved to be. Followed by the first track that brought this band to my attention, Sex. The first time I heard this song was in the tiny club academy in Manchester while they supported Little Comets. I remember thinking, 'right I need to google this band when I get home.' Now seeing it live at a massive sold out headline show at the largest of the three academies, it felt somewhat surreal. It's scuzzy guitars and seedy lyrics making for the perfect culmination to the evening.

Seeing The 1975 play a show this big was very odd for me and I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. (without sounding like a ridiculously lame fan girl) However, the boys impressed me as always and it makes me extremely happy that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Keep doing what you're doing boys, I'll be seeing you at the Phones 4 U arena next, yeah?

Coming Soon // 2014 Releases

Following last night's post, I thought I'd follow it up by giving a bit of a heads up on the releases I'm most excited for over the coming months. 2013 was a great year for music, as I'm sure you'll all agree, and I think it's safe to say that 2014 is looking just as promising.

Metronomy - Love Letters

I'm a huge fan of Metronomy's previous three albums, especially Nights Out, and so I'm certain that this one will continue in the same promising fashion. They have already released first single from the LP, I'm Aquarius, which is brilliant so lets just hope the rest of the material sounds just as good.

Release date: March 10th via Because Music

The Family Rain - Under The Volcano

I don't think I've ever been as excited for a debut album before. The three brothers have been dabbling in band set ups since 2004 so its understandable why the material they have released so far is of a ridiculously high standard for how early on in their career they are. Still, the tracks they have treated us with so far including Trust me... I'm a Genius, Feel Better (Frank) and Carnival made for some of my favourite tracks of the past 12 months so I am almost certain there will be more where that came from upon the release of Under the Volcano.

Release date: February 3rd via Virgin EMI Records

Temples - Sun Structures

All three singles Temples have released, as well as their b-sides, in the run up to their debut LP have been brilliant and so I've been increasingly excited about the album since it was confirmed. Finally, in late November, the Kettering four piece released the first new cut to be taken from their debut Mesmerise which, in my opinion, is their best release so far, so to say the LP is looking promising would be an understatement. It is also released on my birthday so that's an extra reason why it's going to be fantastic.

Release date: February 10th via Heavenly Recordings

Skaters - Manhattan

I have mentioned New York indie-rock outfit, Skaters, before and I honestly cannot stress enough how much I am anticipating this album. If its first single, Deadbolt, is anything to go by, its going to be one of 2014's best albums to say the least.

Release date: February 24th via Warner Bros. Records

Warpaint - Warpaint

Californian four piece, Warpaint, confirmed a sophomore self titled album was on the cards in an interview with NME as early as 2011. Now recording is well under way, I am extremely excited to see what the Warpaint girls have in store for us. Let's just hope the album is good as its first single, Love is to Die.

Release date: January 17th via Rough Trade

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

Bombay Bicycle Club's debut is still, in my opinion, their best to date. I felt that both the albums that followed never really lived up to the first. However, after hearing Carry Me, the first single taken from the album, Bombay Bicycle Club's fourth effort is looking much more promising than its predecessors.

Release date: February 3rd via Island Records

Drowners - Drowners

I have mentioned these guys a fair few times before. Their catchy guitar pop sound that owes much to 90's Britpop and that Strokes-esque trend that many new bands have been going for in recent months. This band may be more well known for being good mates with fashion's favourite sweetheart, Chungo, but their music certainly must not be overlooked. The material they have released so far is looking very promising so the LP shouldn't be short of glorious.

Release date: January 28th via Frenchkiss Records

The Neighbourhood - #000000 & #FFFFFF

The Californian quintet have been rather secretive regarding their sophomore album, however, singer Jesse Rutherford has confirmed that it is "a diary of songs that are inspired by [their] thoughts on the road," revealing that "it's not [them] as a band... It's [them] as a sound." The first two releases from the album, Silver and Unfair are definitely a step in a different direction from their previous, more melodic material but both sound brilliant regardless. I am very excited to hear what The Neighbourhood have to say in the form of their second album.

Release date: To be confirmed

So here are a number of albums I'm looking forward to this year and I'm sure there will be many more to follow. I have heard many a rumour that the likes of JAWS, the Drums, the Horrors, the Cribs and many more brilliant bands are set to release albums in the next twelve months so I suppose all we can do is keep our eyes (and ears) peeled.

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Albums of the Year // 2013

Now that 2014 is well under way, I thought a great way to start a year in posts would be to give a run down of my favourite releases of 2013. The past twelve months have been excellent for the world of music, with countless new bands impressing us time and time again, as well as a few old favourites treating us to stellar new material. And so, in no particular order, here are my top ten releases of 2013:

Foals - Holy Fire

It is a well known fact that I am a huge fan of Foals. Antidotes and Total Life Forever are two albums that still to this day I can listen to over and over again. It is safe to say that the Oxford boys have well and truly surpassed their debut and sophomore LP's with their newest pursuit and even though it was released right at the beginning of 2013, I still can't get enough.

White Lies - Big T.V.

2013 saw yet another favourite band of mine release their third album to date and what a brilliant album this is. All three releases from the Ealing trio have taken different directions sound wise, yet they are all bound together by Harry McVeigh's signature baritone bellow and Charles Cave's dark, story-telling lyricism. I think I love all three White Lies albums equally despite their differences but this LP has definitely put the cherry on top of an already amazing back catalogue. 

Arctic Monkeys - AM

Avid readers of my blog (lol) will be familiar with my love/hate relationship with this album. Of course this is some of their best song writing to date, of course Alex Turner sounds (and looks) better than ever, and of course this group of spotty teenage lads have suddenly become the biggest band of our generation, but still something just wouldn't gel with me. Being a fan of High Green's finest upon the release of their debut album at the tender age of nine (yes, nine) I became accustomed to the gritty, immature lyrics and scuzzy, post-punk sounds that the monkeys were initially famed for. Although the Arctic Monkeys' sound took a blatant turn back in 2009 when they released third album Humbug, it was only until Turner's snake hips and all these R&B drum beats Helders has been throwing at us that I came to realise they were no longer going to be telling tales of drinking in parks and getting turned away by bouncers. Recently, I have been able to appreciate the brilliance of this album, despite its absolute opposition to their previous LP's and I commend them for taking a risk, a risk that has paid off, massively. 

Peace - In Love

My first ever post was a review of this album, a review in which I gave it a very generous 10/10. Maybe I was a little bit overenthusiastic but this has got to be one of the best debut albums in a long, long time. I've been a huge fan of Peace since I heard Bloodshake, formerly titled BBLOOD and my positive perception of the band continued when I heard their debut extended play Delicious. To say I was pleasently surprised by this album would be an understatement. Peace were definitely the musical underdogs prior to the release of this LP and who knew they would release a debut as good as this? Album two can't come quick enough.

Haim - Days Are Gone

Another musical surprise of 2013, the Haim sisters did not disappoint in the form of their debut album. This infectiously summer-sounding LP has injected just enough Californian sunshine into my North-Westerly surroundings for the past three months since its release in late September. Their nu-folk meets nineties R&B sound is a breath of fresh air and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us in the future.

Splashh - Comfort

Every track on this album just takes you to another world. Similarly to Tame Impala, their psych-rock sound has made for one of the most exciting albums of the year, with each track sounding completely different but brought together by those signature dreamy guitars and a sound that oozes summer vibes. I cannot wait to hear more from the Splashh boys in the future. Just listen to All I Wanna Do and you'll feel the same. 

King Krule - Six Feet Beneath The Moon

Archy Marshall's debut was released on his 18th birthday and what a way to celebrate with a dub, jazz, hip-hop and soulful blur of sluggish beats accompanied by his instantly recognisable growl. This album has been a firm favourite of mine for the best part of the previous year with its smoky angst-ridden rambles of the trials of London life and the materialistic consumerists of the 21st century. Archy Marshall is one talented chap.

Palma Violets - 180

This album has been a steady favourite of mine since its release in February of last year. With Best of Friends being named NME's 'Best Track of 2012,' the London boys had a lot to live up to and they certainly did just that. Tracks like Rattlesnake Highway and Johnny Bagga' Donuts just scream youth and having fun.

The Neighbourhood - I Love You.

The Neighbourhood are a very unique sounding band with ex-rapper Jesse Rutherford providing the vocals for this alternative quintet. The line up sounds odd, but you only have to listen to Sweater Weather to understand why it works so well. This along with many other tracks on the album have set the perfect foundation for the band along with their strictly black and white aesthetic which continues to spark attention. I hear that The Neighbourhood are already pretty big in America and I have no doubt in saying the same thing will happen here in the UK very shortly.

CHVRCHES - The Bones of What You Believe

It is crazy to think that at first I wasn't entirely sure about this band. Their electronically rich debut single The Mother We Share wasn't an instant grower for me but after hearing a good helping of the Glaswegian synthpop trio's first LP, I was pleasantly surprised. Now, three months after the album's release, I am still well and truly hooked and tracks like Night Sky and Recover could be listened to forever.

and now for a bit of a cheat...

The 1975 - The 1975

Ok, I know I said I was going to pick 10 but I could not leave this album out. I always overlook this album seeing as I already knew the majority of the tracks word for word before the release date was even revealed but there is no denying it is by far one of the best debuts of the year. I absolutely love The 1975 (not like you didn't already know) and this album has been the soundtrack to pretty much every event of my life over the past year.

So there you have it, my top ten albums of 2013. However, I would like to point out the fact that I could have gone on forever with the likes of Jagwar Ma, Savages and Phoenix, all (to name but a few) of which released albums that I have been glued to for the past twelve months, but obviously for the purpose of this post and your boredom, I stuck to ten (well, eleven).

ALL IMAGES BELONG TO THEIR ORIGINAL SOURCES