The Bug
Infected EP
Ninja Tune
A lot has happened since The Bug released his critically acclaimed third album London Zoo. Although it’s been just two short years since that release, its influence and the rise of bass orientated music has meant Kevin Martin’s return to The Bug takes on a whole new context. Martin has always been a pioneer, whichever alias he is writing for, so his next moves shall understandably be watched very closely.
New single ‘Catch A Fire’ is a low key, but exceptional comeback song. Its throbbing bassline and reverb laden snare hits are typical of The Bug, but Hitomi’s softer vocal approach keeps things fresh. If this is a sign of what to expect from a new full length, then it’s likely that Martin will once again deliver something special.
Padding out the Infected EP are remixes from Autechre and Scratcha, and a reworking of Poison Dart with vocals from Roots Manuva. Unfortunately ‘padding out’, is exactly how the rest of this EP feels, with remixes of London Zoo tracks feeling like a needless revisiting of old ground. Surely remixes of ‘Catch a Fire’ would have made more sense here, rather than run the danger of continued association to the likes of ‘Poison Dart’, as big as that track undoubtedly is.
Still, in terms of ‘new’ material from The Bug, ‘Catch a Fire’ is typically promising. Here’s hoping for a full length from Kevin Martin next year, as a proper showcase of the man’s unique talent.
Sleekly Lion
Last Thursday Metallica played a beast of a set in Sydney, Australia that had James Hetfield’s daughter fully involved in the on-stage carnage.
Earlier this year, Aphex Twin confirmed in an 
Yesterday the undisputed king of party mash-ups Girl Talk topped the US Google search as he released All Day, his latest collection of hip-hop acapellas blended with nostalgic instrumentals and plenty of other re-contextualised musical treats.
This Saturday Gallows played no more than 5 songs at some Nike party in Whoreditch and caused the usual chaos they are famous for. Their typically explosive set spilled into the boxing ring that was set up beside where they were set up to play inviting the crowd to get loose between the ropes with them.
This pulsating work of repetitive riff genius ingrains itself on your brain and does not let go. With more than a little in common with the likes of rock legends Janes Addiction, 
What a bill. Alexisonfire played The Forum at about the same time last year but tonight is different. For one, the venue is ridiculously rammed full of bodies. Later in the evening, it’s a stretch to even see the bar, let alone get to it. It’s also a stellar line-up tonight with the Brits fighting their corner admirably as The Computers and Chickenhawk kick off proceedings with as much energy as their headlining Canadian counterparts. The Computers’ hardcore’d up rock’n’roll clearly intrigues the crowd and they yelp their way through an engaging set before the much hyped (and rightly so) Chickenhawk take to the stage. Rather on the darker side than either of the other bands tonight, the Hawk deluge a storm of dirgey riffs on an unsuspecting crowd. They seem slightly bewildered at the size of the venue but there’s no doubt that their loud sound was meant to fill such venues.