Category: Music

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Album Of The Week Album Reviews Buzz Chart Reviews

Parquet Courts

Parquet Courts
‘Light Up Gold’
(Dull Tools)

The words Parquet Courts may not mean much to most just yet, but punk and indie listeners on both sides of the Atlantic are going to get a fine taste of pure American post-teen rock rowdiness coming their way soon.

This New York four piece throw out pumped-up attitude with the passion and devotion for great, original rock music before coating it with the texture and flavour of a steak done rare. The band previously released a 4-track EP which was exclusively available on cassette and have followed that with a stunning fifteen track LP titled ‘Light Up Gold’ that pays homage to the likes of the 80’s US post punk scene and has the drive of the very best indie out there.

Vocalist Andrew Savage leads the pack with gritty, iconic vocals on opener ‘Master of My Craft’. His lazy style emanates the East Coast’s post-punk scene beautifully and he also delivers some pretty tasty lyrics too.

Parquet Court’s personality shines with every snare that drummer Max Savage makes. Don’t assume the brothers are doing all the hard work though, the marvelous rhythm, lively guitar and driving bass fuse together to move with soul in ‘Tears O Plenty’. What really works on this full length though are the jagged chords that are filtered with a vintage fashion in ‘Borrowed Time’, ‘Yr No Stoner’ and the absolutely must have: ‘Stoned And Starving’. This record has a wide variety of tunes that include the moody ‘N Dakota’ and gratifying melodies in tracks such as ‘Disney P.T’ plus title track ‘Light Up Gold’.

This album is one of the most exciting finds of the year so far. Look out for them this week as they cruise through London to play three debut shows. If their live sets are as spiky as on tape, then you will be in for a treat.

Jenny Chu

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

UK Subs

UK SUBS
XXIV
Captain Oi!

Brothers and Sisters, the time to decide whether you dig the UK Subs is I believe long passed. You will definitely know by now if you do.

Inching ever closer to a fully continuous A to Z of album titles, “XXIV” is their 24th long player, and although that does include a few live releases, a majority are studio recordings, dating all the way back to ‘79’s “Another Kind of Blues”. That’s a pretty phenomenal legacy, and in Charlie Harper they are fronted by one of Punks endearing legends, a guy who has resolutely kept this band going for over 30 years.

I was a bit disappointed by the last album “Work in Progress” but approached “XXIV” with fresh ears, and guess what – it’s mostly a real ripper, chock full of some of the best Subs material since the two mid-Nineties albums “Quintessentials” and “Riot” that saw the classic Harper/Garret/Gibbs line-up regrouped to great effect. Opener “Implosion 77” launches “XXIV” in blistering fashion, Charlie hollering megaphone style to a thumping beat and striking power chords. I was surprised they threw in the harp driven “Coalition Blues” so early on, but it does in fact work, and nails some bang-on topical lyrics about the public school government, and all those “ministers who can’t administer”. From here on in it’s a steady mix of fast thrashers and mid-paced hoary punk rockers, and good old Charlie sounding in fine fettle.

The ‘expanded’ version of this album is boosted by an acoustic collection of songs, so kick back as Charlie and Alvin Gibbs split vocal duties, and these seasoned old rockers show a they can be sensitive boys when they want to. I’ve played these acoustic tracks a number of times, and there are some real nice tunes. “Thunders in The Wind” has Alvin pondering on the opiate felled Johnny Thunders, and warning of too much junkie business, whilst “Stormy Day” is a snappy shanty those of us down on the coast will very much understand.

A solid album from the UK Subs, and for longtime fans a definite cause for celebration.

Pete Craven

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Live Reviews

My Bloody Valentine live at Hammersmith Apollo

Live Review:
My Bloody Valentine
Hammersmith Apollo
12th March 2013

As a devout fan of My Bloody Valentine, Kevin Shields, Fender Jaguars and everything surrounding these three golden Shoegaze fundamentals, I was utterly stoked when I discovered the Valentine’s had announced a tour of their new record mbv and more importantly, that they were to descend upon London for a string of live dates in March.

To my own surprise, I am more sceptical than excited about My Bloody Valentine’s performance tonight. Almost in disbelief that this mysterious, genre defining outfit are actually about to climb onto the stage at the Hammersmith Apollo before my very eyes. My reservations are scuppered when Kevin Shields, Bilinda Butcher, Debbie Googe and Colm O’Ciosoig materialize from back stage, easing into hypnotic crowd pleaser ‘I Only Said’, one of my personal favourite tracks from Loveless. It sounds sweet.
Eager to hear some new material from what was probably the most anticipated album in alternative music since 1991: mbv, the quartet’s third album and follow-up to Loveless is unveiled with, ‘New You’. A track with an almost-Hip-Hop drum beat paired with shimmery tremolo guitar grooves; typically My Bloody Valentine, typically awesome.

Despite remaining spellbound by Shields’ whammy bar wielding guitar wizardry, I begin to wonder why tonight’s set has such a narrow selection of their new material. There are plenty of the old favourites thrown in there, ‘Only Shallow’, expectedly sends everyone nuts and pre Loveless ‘Thorn’ and ‘Cigarette in Your Bed’ receive rapturous applause from the 5000 strong crowd. Yet only three tracks from mbv are on offer tonight from Shields & Co. Is this simply because they reached their peak with Loveless all those 22 years ago? Only Kevin knows.

It is at this point when the arguably most famous feature of My Bloody Valentine’s live shows is about to commence. Midway into ‘You Made Me Realise’, the bowel shaking cacophony of overdriven guitar feedback and fuzz that literally sounds like a space ship taking off increased in volume by the minute. I’m not entirely sure how long it lasted for, but time seemed to stand still during this insane breakdown.

My delicate criticisms toward their set list now seem irrelevant after that aural telling off, however up until this penultimate track I have been wondering, “is this as loud as it’s gonna get?”. Be it the Hammersmith Apollo’s acoustics or a timid soundman I am unsure, but something wasn’t quite right for the duration of My Bloody Valentine’s gig. I know their trademark sound comprises of Bilinda’s sugary sweet whispers fading in and out of those fuzzy guitars but at some points, when unaccompanied by Kevin’s harmony; she was inaudible. To add to that, after hearing so much hype and rumour about the sheer volume of this band’s live shows I was expecting it to be a lot louder. Regardless, after experiencing ‘You Made Me Realise’ my hearing is a little delicate this morning.

I loved My Bloody Valentine before this gig and I continue to afterward. Other than a little throbbing sensation in my ears, I’m left thinking one thing; did the Valentines need to do this whole third album and tour malarkey? No. And nobody thought they ever would again. But after 22 years in the making they’re still playing sold out shows, and even if they didn’t quite live up to my expectations at the Hammersmith Apollo, they continue to blaze a musical trail wherever they roam.

Dave Palmer

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Music News

New Raekwon & Ghostface Killah tracks

After Method Man revealed that there’s a new Wu Tang album in the works to celebrate 20 years of the Clan both Raekwon & Ghostface Killah have dropped new licks online this week.

Raekwon has released a tune from his F.I.L.A. project with JD ERA scheduled for June. Whilst Ghostface stars on a collaboration with film composer Adrian Younge. Have a listen here.

Raekwon-whatever baby. (feat. JD Era)

Enemies [feat. The Delfonics] from Twelve Reasons To Die by Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge.

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Features

Must see shows: March

The weather is awful but there are plenty of shows out there worth leaving the house for, so get stuck into our recommended gigs for the reminder of March and spread the word. If you have shows you would like to put forward for April, get in touch.

HADOUKEN! – March 20th- Kingston

McClusky’s in Kingston alongside the good folk at Banquet Records will be hosting Hadouken’s album launch show for ‘Every Weekend’. Their gigs always bounce off the walls so go check out a band that have just been announced this week for Reading and Leeds main stage. You’d be a fool to miss this one considering how intimate the venue is. £10 for the show and a copy of the album. Visit www.banquetrecords.com for all ticket info and download this Koven remix for some deep dubstep and bass damage.

PARQUET COURTS – 19th, 20th, 21st March – London

American band Parquet Courts will be playing three shows in London towards the end of the month. 19th The Garage, Highbury (w/ The Men), Wednesday 20th March at The Shacklewell Arms, London New Cross and 21st at the Seebright Arms off Hackney Road as they make their mark on the UK. Follow your nose here to listen to their debut album. It’s a great blend of 70’s punk and trashy indie steez.

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB – Dublin, Belfast

The rest of the UK have missed out but just in time for their new album ‘Specter At The Feast’, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will be hitting up Belfast and Dublin. The American garage rock band will hopefully be back soon, but if you are in Ireland then get down to some shoegaze. Check here for dates.

BIFFY CLYRO – Tour across the UK

Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro will be heading off on tour from 20th March, heading to Newcastle, Birmingham, Cardiff, Sheffield, Manchester, Bournemouth, Dublin, Belfast, Aberdeen, Glasgow and London. Arenas are their kind of place and their shows are usually full of fire, smoke and rock and roll. Click here for full dates.

THE SMOKING HEARTS – Tour across England

British rock and roll band The Smoking Hearts will be doing a small tour at the end of March, visiting London (free show!), Bournemouth, Carthmathean, Cheltenham and Basingstoke. These newcomers are already known for their crazy antics of smashing guitars and drum kits sprawling across the stage. Click here for full dates.

JAGERMEISTER W/ GHOST, GOJIRA & THE DEFILED – Tour across the UK

Booze and rock and roll hits the road this month. A mere £5, the tour will be visiting major cities across the UK, bringing their A-game no doubt as they take everyone apart, piece by piece. For full dates click here.

GIDEON – March 20th – London

Heavy metal band Gideon will be showing off their stuff at The Garage, London at a one off show. Profoundly known for being aggressive and hardcore as fuck, £6 is most certainly a good deal. Click here for more information.

RED DONS

Red Dons are visiting for 3 shows in the UK this month bringing their unique incendiary hardcore with them. On Wednesday 27th March they play The Shacklewell Arms in London, Thursday 28th March at Wharf Chambers in Leeds and Friday 29th March TBA in Manchester. Read this killer interview and make sure you don’t miss this. Hyped.

Words: Sean Hendrie

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Music News

Napalm Death to play the V&A

Grindcore legends Napalm Death have been confirmed to play the V&A in London. One of the biggest surprises you will hear this year! they will be joining V&A Ceramics Resident Keith Harrison in a 30 minute session through clay sound systems as his installation takes shape.

This experimental malarkey will happen on Friday 22nd March at 7pm. Book your tickets to this one off event here.

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Music News

New Wolf People album ‘Fain’ coming April 29th

Psychedelic British 4-piece Wolf People are back with a brand new album of 70s inspired folk and psych via the JagJaguwar label. The album recorded in an isolated house located in the rainy countryside of Yorkshire Dales is set for release on April 29th. Have a taste of the first offering ‘All Returns’ here.

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Music News

Giants release ‘Won’t Be Told’ video

Essex hardcore 5-piece GIANTS have released a new video for their track ‘Won’t Be Told’ today. the video is made up of various live shows filmed over the past few shows and tours and packs a mighty fine punch. Get on this and look out for them on the road from the tour dates below.

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Live Reviews

Funeral For A Friend live at the Garage

Funeral For A Friend
The Relentless Garage, London
18th February 2013

It’s a cold Monday evening and London’s Relentless Garage venue is graced with the presence of Funeral For a Friend. A somewhat intimate venue for these guys, who are no stranger to filling Brixton Academy and the like. The post-hardcore band have had a good, solid last ten years, enjoying major label success with ‘Hours and Tales Don’t Tell Themselves’ to taking a more indie route with the last few albums including the new album ‘Conduit’ which hit the shelves earlier this year.

The band have had a varied sound over the years, and ‘Conduit’ takes a step backwards, going back to their post-hardcore roots which isn’t a problem at all at the Garage because the atmosphere is as electric from the get go, to the ballad at the end. Singer, Matthew Davies greets the audience and asks if anyone had attended the matinee show in Kingston earlier in the day, to which half the crowd cheer. Pretty interesting, doing two shows in a day, and even more interesting for the lucky people who went to both!

The crowd, and myself, I have to say, were hit with a blast of nostalgia as they started the night off with ‘She Drove Me To Daytime Television’. Having had a look around, it looked as though pretty much everyone at The Garage were probably in their teens when FFAF’s debut ‘Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation’ was released, so this song was a perfect opener, taking us all back to our teenage years jumping around in a venue probably as intimate at this one. Davies introduced most of the set with a meaningful description and insight into what each track means to them as a band, the politics, the friendships, and the positive messages.

The diverse setlist was action packed. They chose to play some of their heavier songs, which fueled the mosh pit and left everyone in a sweaty state. But the evening was gracefully brought to an end with the song ‘History’, which Matt explains is about the 1980s miners strike in Wales and the lack of determination and faith from the government and what the country had to go through. The evening ended with all the support bands on the stage, arm in arm singing the chorus to ‘History’, along with the sold out crowed in the Garage. A great way to end a fantastic evening.

Words: Arif Noor

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Album Reviews Buzz Chart Music Reviews

Such Gold

Such Gold
‘MISADVENTURES’
Razor & Tie Records
Facebook

Such GoldAmerican pop-punk is kicking off in the UK – is it just because they’re American? Hell no. It’s because pop-punk is awesome.

After having a few setbacks in 2012 Such Gold have retained their strength and are back with their debut studio album, Misadventures that oozes impeccable pop-punk. If you have been with Such Gold from the start and you have enjoyed their previous EP’s, you’re truly in for a treat.

The album kicks off with the aggressive, yet upbeat ‘Two Year Plan’, which is pretty much the album condensed into two minutes and eighteen seconds of pure pop-punk brilliance. To be honest, most the songs merge into each other. They’re not particularly bad, just generic pop-punk tunes. However, there are a couple of songs which are more distinctive than the others. ‘Storyteller’ is a lot heavier than the rest and offers a chance for the listener to really appreciate the devotion that these guys have put in.

The lyrics portray a veil of youthful emotion. When vocalist Ben Kotin sings …and I wish that I could say the days alleviate / this artificial pain I never thought that I’d be feeling at this age”, his words strike a familiar chord; this is music you would listen to while trashing your ex’s house.

Kotin’s vocals blend perfectly with the pounding drums and contagious guitars to create a relentless wave of emotional angst and passion throughout. Everything that comes out of his mouth just seems like he is in a hurry to tell you, and that you must know whatever he is saying instantly.

Misadventures has everything that you would expect from a pop-punk record: catchy riffs, great beats and a singer screaming into your ear drums. Oh, and what is a pop-punk song without the whole band shouting in the background? Although most of the songs just get a nod of approval, there are some goldmines – pun not intended. It’s a good album, not spectacular, but worthy of your time none the less.

Words: Emily Gunn