Review: Skaters - Manhattan

image: press.wbr.com/skaters

After much deliberation, I have finally reached the conclusion that New York newcomers, Skaters', debut album is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. It might not be the most spectacular first pursuit the world has ever seen, but it does showcase that signature Skaters rough-cut-readiness we heard on  tracks like Schemers, Miss Teen Massachusetts and Deadbolt. 

Skaters' experimental side is instantly adhered to on the opener of the LP, One of Us, with its electronic intro, soon to be transformed into that scuzzy guitar sound that seems to dominate the band's overall vibe. Another stand out track has to be Bandbreaker, with yet another instrumental that oscillates from what we are used to with Skaters (in a good way). With very laid back guitars and drums and an understated yet groovy bass line, this track oozes New York coolness, which is what I loved about Skaters from the moment I heard Deadbolt.

To Be Young In NYC is another lovely track that encapsulates all that is brilliant about Skaters; definitely the kind of song that's made to be played while driving through the city that never sleeps in the dead of night (if only). The heaviest moment on the album comes in the form of guitar ridden Nice Hat. This is probably my least favourite track on the album is it takes away from the band's ability to make a killer melody without having to go OTT on guitars.

Aside from the new tracks we have been introduced to on Manhattan,  there are quite a few old gems that make a well deserved return on the LP, including I Wanna Dance (But I Don't Know How), Miss Teen Massachusetts, Schemers and of course Deadbolt. All of which prove to be the band's most credible tracks, it's no wonder they released them prior to the LP release.

Although I should detest the album for making me long to live in New York even more than I already did, I truly am a fan of Skaters' debut. I am impressed with the quality of tracks like One of Us and Bandbreaker seeing as I thought it pretty impossible for them to live up to tracks like their wonderful Deadbolt. A great band and a great starting point for what looks like a blossoming career for Manhattan's very own.

***

7/10

Review: Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

image: bombaybicycleclubmusic.com/

On the surface, Bombay Bicycle Club's fourth album is a huge contrast from their previous three, but despite the slightly more electronic route they have taken on this record, it soon becomes apparent that this new sound is just another evolution of a band who are stepping out of their comfort zone, not to please a wider audience, but simply to show off their versatility as a band who have been playing together for eight whole years.

The album's opener, Overdone, instantly showcases that brand new sound the London four piece have gone for on their most recent endeavour with a heavily electronic intro and a slightly R&B resonant feel from the outset. However, Bombay's sound hasn't undergone a complete refurbishment, there are still a fair few punchy riffs in there, and Jack Steadman's quirky vocals haven't had the Beyonce treatment or anything...

It's Alright Now, follows with another intensely electronic sounding intro. However, as soon as the drumbeat kicks in, you'll know it's a Bombay Bicycle Club track for sure. This is definitely one of the many highlights of the album with stunning guest vocals from Lucy Rose. We are then greeted with a track that will probably be familiar to you (unless you have been living under a rock for four months), Carry Me. This was the albums first single and the track that started all the speculation about the bands sudden U-turn in sound. With a melody that wouldn't sound out of place on the dancefloor, this track is a wonderful encapsulation of the way in which Bombay Bicycle Club have evolved into an incredibly versatile outfit.

The best track of the album has to be Luna, a track that becomes almost anthemic towards the end. With plenty of layers and the most infectious melody. Another excellent track comes in the form of Feel, with a bit of an R&B vibe going on and the catchiest chorus on the record.

The LP comes to a close with its title track which sounds significantly similar to the bands previous material when compared to the rest of the tracks we have been graced with on the album. With a much more laid back sound and an emphasis on drums rather than the electronic elements they seem to have embraced on this record.

Overall, I think So Long, See You Tomorrow is a great effort and a refreshing revamp of Bombay Bicycle Club's sounds as we know it. There's nothing wrong with bands who can take a risk- this one has certainly paid off.

***

7/10

Review: The Family Rain - Under The Volcano

image: thefamilyrain.com

Out of all the releases 2014 has in store, Under The Volcano has been at the forefront of my excitement for months and it is safe to say that the Bath brothers certainly do not disappoint.

I have mentioned bluesy, rock 'n' roll three piece, The Family Rain, on numerous occasions and every release of theirs, leading up to their highly anticipated debut, has been absolutely faultless. Take Carnival, for example, a track that makes a fabulously polished yet punchy return on the album in question, which serves as the perfect introduction to the band's sound; guitar heavy on the surface, with a ridiculously catchy drum beat and enough 'ooh ooh's' to have a 60's girl band out of a job. What more could you want?

The next track on the album takes a slightly heavier turn with Trust Me... I'm A Genius. Another track that will be familiar to earlier Rain fans, with a guitar hook taking its inspiration from that of the iconic Still D.R.E. A strange comparison to make but just another nod at how well The Family Rain tackle that hip hop influenced rock 'n' roll sound that very few bands notably master this early on.

Feel Better (F.R.A.N.K) provides a slightly more energetic feel to the album with break-beat drums and a much more 'punk' sounding vibe overall, a further piece of evidence to support The Family Rain's versatility within the 'guitar-music' genre. This is followed by one of my personal favourite tracks on the album, a track of which the hook you may know of as Memento if, like me, you are an avid listener of the band's soundcloud. Don't Waste Your Time On Me, a track that I vividly remember from their set at Leeds festival, with every member of the crowd singing a long. Like many tracks on the album, this one starts off instrumentally sparse and slow in tempo, building up into something much more heavy and anthemic. With heartfelt lyrics and that underlying hip-hop drum beat, erupting into brash guitars and screechy vocals from front-man Will. This track definitely encapsulates what the band are about in a mere three minutes and fifty four seconds.

Another blissfully heavy track comes in the form of Reason To Die, which again makes for one of my favourite releases The Family Rain have ever put out. A track laced in exceptionally groovy riffs and ominous lyrics brought to justice by Will's aggression ridden vocals, before we are graced with my favourite track on the album, (and I say this with great caution as literally every track stands out for me) Binocular. Kicking off lightly in an extremely joyous fashion, we are introduced to yet more beautifully crafted lyrics before we are punched in the face with a very Cribs-esque sing-a-long chorus that proves impossible not to nod your head to. It's safe to say this track would get a crowd going in seconds.

On My Back comes next, another track that could put up a pretty good fight for the top spot along with Binocular and Reason To Die. With some of the album's most interesting drumbeats and an infectious hand-clapping running right through the track, not to mention its catchy lyrics that were meant to be sang-along by thousands of festival goers. This track certainly is a high point of the album. Pushing It makes for one of the band's roughest and toughest tracks yet with heavy introductory guitars and a laid back drumbeat. Did I mention it's as catchy as anything?

As the album draws closer to its end, we are introduced to one of the most beautiful and anthemic tracks on the LP, Together. With the initial vocals being recorded into a kids toy, The Family Rain are certainly not afraid to experiment. Once it kicks in, this track is slightly reminiscent of some of Kings of Leon's best work, with an anthemic, bluesy chorus that will be in your head for days. The Final track, All The Best, proves to be the perfect culmination to the album, taking a notably different direction to its predecessors. With more of a balladry feel than previous tracks and even more 'ooh-ooh's,' All The Best is an absolute masterpiece.

If you haven't already clocked on, I am a massive fan of The Family Rain. Their debut album has turned out even better than I imagined (if that's even possible) and I can't wait to hear more from them. Under The Volcano has got to be one of the best debut's in a long time, right? Let's hope some tour dates are on the horizon.

***

9/10

Under The Volcano is released February 3rd via Virgin EMI Records. Preorder it here.

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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