Babyshambles will be bringing out a new release called The Blinding EP, which will include 7 tracks. Bassist Drew McConnell said that it doesn’t count as a full album because it was due to have 11 songs on it originally, though didn’t explain why 4 tracks had been scrapped. There’s no release date as yet but its sure to be gobbled up by all their fans.
Well if the title doesn’t say it all then what the fuck do you want? Well the insanely fast guitars, drum machine and the gnarliest vocals in the world and the longest, most fucked up song titles, prove this to be the best thing since sliced heads.
Song titles like Rancid Cesspool Of Unimaginable Splendor By Ritualistic Butchery and Insatiably Craving Abhorrent Denouncement From The Confines Of Flesh mean no one else even comes close. If you don’t prolapse the second you put this on, you’re not human! Oh, and it’s a one man band as well eat that!
This is just one of the tracks that will feature on the Halloween Heavy Shit Special Radio Show here at Crossfire next week, the entire show is stuffed full of carcass slayed war and death metal and is the most gruesome show we have recorded to date. Spread the word if you like your tunes splattered in gore.
French
Surreal & DJ Balance have come out with a cracking new album, Future Classic and have brought their own mix of jazzy vibes and boom bap goodness to the forefront with this release. This track, Permanent Ink, features the vocal additions of Braille and Sivion and is the stand out track on the record.
With Vintage‘s beat of an underlaying choral sample and snappy snare, the three rappers vocalise their ability to rise above the wackness and prove their worth as emcees. With rappers switching their images up all the time and proclaiming greatness with no proof to back it up, Braille, Sivion and Surreal show them how its really done.
This record is another reason why the Hip Hop IS Music label is standing tall in the world of hip hop right now and if you’re digging this, you should definitely check out their other releases. Absolutely brilliant.
The legendary Rough Trade shop is 30 years old this year and to celebrate, they are launching the Rough Trade Digital store for music fans everywhere. The aim is to give you the excellent product knowledge of the staff and the fun of going to a record shop, but with a mouse, rather than your legs.
Not only will people be able to get new releases, but also music from a huge back catalogue over a range of genres. In addition to this, another aim of the site is to constantly change the music selection, giving the fans who come to the site the chance to discover more music, more often.
Another feature will be the counter-to-digital service for unsigned bands who want to sell their music digitally. A band that wants to sell their music online can go to one of the Rough Trade shops, with a CDR, and sell it on the site, with potential endorsement from Rough Trade.
An important point which allows the Rough Trade Digital store to stand above the competition is that its free from Digital Rights Management, meaning you can do whatever you want with the tracks you download from the site – burn them onto CD, export to an MP3 player… the works.
The digital service is set to launch on November 14th, so get your watches set!
• Henry Panza – Ollie up kickflip over: ph. Stadler c/o www.directioneast.com
• Fabio Cristiano – ollie up BS 360 to fakie
• Jerome Campbell – Frontside noseslide.
• Shawn Powers – Indy grab- Pow!
• David Gonzales – Frontside Airwalk.
• Colm Noonan – Nollie heelflip.
• Nut – FS Boardslide pop-out.
Top Five Skateshop peevs:
1. Removing old grip tape
2. Reps going for the hard sell
3. The Winter Lull
4. Video requests
5. Chainstores
Top Five bearded skaters emailed in by John Silver:
1. Lee Ralph
2. Chris Haslam
3. Dan Drehobl
4. Marc Johnson
5. Ben Jobe
Art of the Week:
Check these out at www.mekanismskateboards.com
Ali Boulala presented his first pro model shoe to me at the Etnies 20th Anniversary party in Paris, and to tell you the truth I like it a lot more than whatever previous models Ali has had elsewhere.
The lace, the ruby, the simplicity all add up to something fashionable and functional. Neither outweighs the other. Read what Ali had to say about his Etnies shoe here.
Just when you thought it was safe to come back to the water of rock, The Pit is back with its razor sharp punk, terrifying metal and bone chomping indie. There’s something for everyone here, as per usual, so get stuck in and check out what the writers have going on their stereos at the moment. Nothing fishy about that!
THE FORMAT – Dog Problems
(Vanity Label)
www.theformat.com
What do you do when your relationship starts to fall apart? Get a dog of course, a band-aid pet to stick the flailing couple together. At least that’s what Nate Ruess, frontman of Arizona upstarts The Format decided. Whether or not it worked is neither here not there, but it did provide the title of their debut album, out now on their own vanity label. Not only did these guys have girl problems, but they also got unceremoniously dumped by Atlantic too – and in the bun fight by majors to pick them up, decided to go it alone, without the ‘guiding’ hand of a label hovering over them in the studio. The result, ‘Dog Problems’, was produced by Steve McDonald and is an homage to their dedication to their own sound.
Ranging from run of the mill American indie ( ‘Pick Me Up’) , to blues, to upbeat pop (‘She Doesn’t Get It’)to an almost vaudeville show boat style in some track (‘Dog Problems’), duo Nate Ruess and Sam Means have patched together a theatrical, exciting and catchy sound, with hook laden tracks which can’t fail to delight. Every track has a new quality, a different sound, a new style, ‘Dog Problems‘ is a dizzying mix of poetry, indie and Beach Boys-esque pop. Catch them on tour now in the UK, supporting All American Rejects.
THE HEDRONS – I Need You
(Measured Records/Pinnacle)
www.thehedrons.com
2006 has been quite a year for the Glaswegian four piece, The Hedrons – from playing at Download, opening for Alice in Chains, and obviously being interviewed for the Upstarts section on Crossfire *cough* they’ve ridden the wave of their success, partying and rocking their way around the UK, even apparently out partying hair metallers Towers of London. To top off their blinder of a year, they’re releasing ‘ I Need You’ on limited edition signed vinyl 7″ and digital download.
Tippi’s drawling vocals are swaggering and arrogant, these girls do gritty punk rock and they do it well. It’s no wonder that these four pouting, punky beauties have over 82,000 friends on My Space alone, with their brand of raw, dirty rock, they’re the real deal and ‘I Need You’ simply confirms what we already knew – The Hedrons are well on their way to becoming a real force to reckon with. Bring it on.
THE HOLLOWAYS – Generator
(TVT Records)
www.the-holloways.com
Nambucca’s finest are back with their second single on TVT Records, a fresh mix of Generator (previously released on Sensible Records). Listening to this first thing in the morning after a, quite frankly, shit night, I can grudgingly admit, that it had even me cracking a smile after 2 plays. It’s so endearingly happy, so upbeat, Alfie Jackson’s charming vocals “I can get a record player and a generator, generate the music to make you feel better” busy the proceedings along, and you’re left wishing you were dancing to this in a club, not nursing the first coffee of the day.
There’s a glow of infectious energy bouncing out with the bass line, a effervescent happiness – if they played this on the tube on a Monday morning, the world would be a better place. The Holloways are currently on tour with Babyshambles on the Frog Tour, they’re going from strength to strength, here’s hoping the album makes good the promises laid down in the singles.
THE LEMONHEADS – The Lemonheads
(Vagrant/Polydor)
www.thelemonheads.com
It’s been almost ten years since The Lemonheads disintegrated post Reading ’97, following frontman Evan Dando’s very public battle with drug addiction, and following a ‘Best of’ release by Atlantic, all went quiet on The Lemonheads front. But, you can’t keep a good man down. A decade later, Dando is clean, coping with bipolar, and this week sees the much anticipated release of a brand new self titled album on Vagrant/Polydor.
Recorded in seclusion at Allaire Studios, NY, the album brought together two of Dando’s strongest influences, drummer Bill Stevenson (Descendants, Black Flag) and basist Karl Alvarez ( Descendents), who along with Dando’s long term Australian colleraborator from Smudge, Tom Morgan, co-wrote an album of melodic, emotive and wonderfully reflective rock. The overall sound is wonderfully familiar, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. ‘Become The Enemy’ is already a mainstay on their live show, a husky break in Dando’s vocals, that overwhelmed feel to the lyrics adding to the pumped up guitars. J Mascis adds his scuzzy guitars to ‘No Backbone’ and ‘Steve’s Boy’. Other guests include Garth Hudson on keyboards and Josh Lattanzi on ‘Let’s Just Laugh’ adds to pumped up drawling power pop – its the kind of infectious animated and melodic tune that Dando and Co did so well in the 90’s.
It’s almost as thought Dando’s simply been on pause for the last ten years or so, and are back with an album that’s every bit as infectious and endearing at ‘It’s a Shame About Ray’. So often you dread a favourite band’s ‘come back’, but this is a welcome exception. If you were a fan back in the day – you’ll be happy Dando’s stayed true to his sound, and at only 35 minutes long, it’s a short but sweet return to form from Evan Dando. Long may it last.
SOUND TEAM – Born To Please
(Capitol)
www.soundteam.net
The Texas based six-piece Sound Team step up to the plate with their debut single ‘Born To Please’, taken from their forthcoming album ‘Movie Monster’. Recorded at their own Big Orange studio, ‘Born To Please’ has a relentless beat, throbbing away as the track waltzes and meanders, blissfully chilled out at times, with passion searing through sporadically.
Charmingly familiar riffs and a multi textured sound combine to create a track that’s immediately likeable; the laid back Texan vibe combines with their indie sensibilities to produce a single that never quite grabs your attention with any one particular thing, but is a absolute gem of a track. One listen simply isn’t enough, and whilst you can’t pinpoint what’s so captivating about it – it simply curls its way into your memory. Frontman Matt Oliver’s vocals are engaging and sincere, backed up by his ‘team’ of friends, this is just the first offering off a debut album that could well be the surprise indie classic of the year. Close your eyes and let yourself be charmed.
THE DUNES – Socializing W/Life
(Curve Music)
www.theduneslive.com
How’s your day been? Depressing? Then I would not recommend Socializing W/Life for the instant uplifting remedy you need. Indeed, one might almost mistake the album for a rip off of Coldplay until track 6, when it mysteriously takes a deep dive into grunge.
It picks up a little in track 7, but never quite makes it back to the indie of the first few songs. For such an unusual mix of styles the listener might at least expect the orgy of depression to sound colourful and varied. Disappointingly however, I must used that dreaded word ‘samey’ to describe most of the songs. Dune really does try to add some diversity, but it can never quite depart from the bottomless pit of misery.
Having said that, Socilazing W/Life does have several redeeming melodies which are worth a listen. Hurry Up and The Easiest are solid tunes, but this album really does save the best till last. Lost is original and actually quite artistic, particularly in the way it starts and ends. It is a mesmerising tune which I admit to listening to over and over again. Ultimately, Socializing W/Life is no masterpiece but it’s also certainly no disaster.
THE LONDON APARTMENTS – Logistics And Navigation
(Beggars Banquet Records)
www.thelondonapartments.com
There is no beginning or end to Logistics And Navigation. The music seems to rotate in one circle, never changing and never moving away from the place where it all began. Apparently there are four tracks to this album, but apart from the five second gasp between songs, it sounds like one long 20 minute track to me. This is not to say that the music is bad. In fact Street Lights Are Soldiers kicks off with great promise.
There is a slow melodic beat interspersed with a smoky female voice. The mix of drums and electronics is smooth and original. It sounds as if Justin Langlois took his inspiration from Zero 7 and Air, but crucially he did not fall into the trap of copying them as is so easy for mystic-wannabee-musicians to do. No, he in fact fell into another, more common trap for all music artists-that of not making his songs sounding significantly different from each other. Maybe that is why The London Apartments ends at track 4. The even thump of electronic mystique soon ran out of steam. But for quick relaxation, 20 minutes of The London Apartments is just right. It’s easy to close your eyes to and go to sleep – and I don’t mean that in a bad way at all.
BONNIE “PRINCE” BILLY – The Letting Go
(Domino Recordings)
www.bonnieprincebilly.com
I’m not quite sure what I’m listening to. Is it folk? Is it blues? Is it Country? Or is it just the ramblings of a man who simply picked up his guitar and just decided to strum out some songs. It does not matter. Whatever the category or categories, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s The Letting Go is heart renderingly beautiful. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy has a reputation for pleasing both folk and blues lovers alike, but The Letting Go should please anyone who has a profound love of genuinely good music.
Its art not only lies in its soulful harmonies but also in its deception. On first playing it, the listener can be easily fooled into thinking that there is a strong orchestra supporting the music, but actually it only took five talented people to make the magic. With Dawn McCarthy’s pure voice stringing along Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy’s raw rasps to a haunting instrumental background, the mix is perfect. There was only one track, The Seedling, which, overcrowded with disjointed sounds, was hard to tune into. But hey, you can’t have it all, and 11/12 fantastic tracks certainly isn’t bad for an album. The Letting Go is perfect for putting your feet up and relaxing to. Go on, you know you deserve it.
THE EARLY YEARS – The Early Years
(Beggars Banquet Records)
www.theearlyyears.net
The Early Years self-titled debut album is the definitive modern psychedelic trip. Having learnt well from their ancestors -The Beach Boys, U2, The Velvet Underground and of course the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour – The Early Years have twisted that old hippie formula of sitars and guitars into something new and shining. The band wastes no time. Track one, Ones And Zeros, lifts you up and never chucks you down. Those faints echoes of, “Freedom, freedom…” weaved into heart thumping beats and mind flowing chords, are liberating and exciting.
The unusually titled Musik Der Fuhen Jahre, is a five minute twisting, spinning hallucinatory spiral. The wordless track demonstrates the musical talents of the band. Do not mistake this album though for one plateau of high in the sky tunes. Every song is dynamic and often filled with something a little bit more than psychedelica. For example, Song For Elizabeth is a subtle tribute to a long lost love. The Early Years is not just a chill out session but also an inspiring piece of work. It’s easy to sleep to and it’s easy to think to. What more could you want from an album? For a debut, The Early Years is definitely an impressive start, and hopefully an indication of great things to come.
THE VIEW – Superstar Tradesman
(1965 Records)
www.theviewareonfire.com
Full of energy and a happy go lucky beat, Superstar Tradesman is a great song to just get up and bounce to. Every second is valuable bouncing time. It is no surprise then that The View is turning out to be a big must-see band. After the success of its first single Wasted Little DJs, Superstar Tradesman has been released to give music lovers another little taste of what’s to come in The View’s upcoming debut album. Superstar Tradesman is definitely a good wetting of the appetite, but be warned, it will leave you craving more. Supported by strong bass and drum, and lined with steely vocals, the four man band have created a simple light hearted song. On playing this you know it’s going to be a great day and more importantly, a great night.
AGAINST ME! – Americans Abroad!!! Against Me!!! Live In London!!!
(Fat Wreck Chords)
www.againstme.net
It seems that just about every band and their dog are releasing live albums these days, although such recordings are rarely essential. In the case of Against Me‘s effort, the only incentive for die-hard fans is a solitary new track, but overall this record serves as a good overview of the Floridian folk-punk quartet’s career to date. The cynics that criticised them for their recent signing to Sire Records will hopefully take ‘Americans Abroad…’ as proof that the band’s righteous ire burns as fiercely as ever; every song here is infused with all the conviction you’d expect from such seasoned road-dogs as this lot. If you’re not yet familiar with Against Me, here’s a chance to catch up.
THE BRONX – The Bronx
(Wichita)
www.thebronxxx.com
A hint to bands wanting to recreate the energy of their live set on record; throw all that stupid multi-track/overdub crap aside and just record it live. That’s what LA quartet The Bronx did on their debut, and although the band’s hardcore fury has been tempered slightly on this second album, the likes of ‘Shitty Future’ and ‘Rape Zombie’ are sure to bring a smile to the face of those who yearn for Nick Oliveri’s return to Queens Of The Stone Age. There’s no time wasted here, as the band rip through thirteen songs in just over half an hour; just rock n’ roll played fast and raw – the way it oughta be.
FIVE O’ CLOCK HEROES – Bend To The Breaks
(Glaze)
www.thefiveoclockheroes.com
The words ‘scratchy guitar-pop’ may have been tainted somewhat by the legions of second-rate Libertines copyists currently clogging up the toilet circuit nationwide, but thankfully NYC’s Five O’ Clock Heroes are a different proposition entirely. ‘Bend To The Breaks’ is more reminiscent of The Cars than The Clash, more Joe Jackson than Joey Ramone. Essentially, it’s a record of unashamedly catchy tunes that will quickly take up residence in your brain. Songs like ‘Time On My Hands’ and ‘White Girls’ are infused with a healthy dose of funk and addictive choruses, so get your dancing shoes on and enjoy.
FUCKED UP – Hidden World
(Jade Tree)
www.jadetree.com/bands
As you might have guessed from their name, Fucked Up aren’t out to make friends, or to fit into someone else’s preconceptions of what constitutes ‘punk rock’. This – their debut album – takes in the fury of early American hardcore, shout-along choruses reminiscent of British street-punk and passages of drawn-out instrumentation allegedly inspired by (ahem) Pink Floyd. Bizarre as it might sound, this mix of influences works a treat; with the band creating a raw, twisted sound that is both confusing and deeply compelling. If you like your punk rock to be dangerous and unpredictable, then it’s time to get Fucked Up.
TILLY AND THE WALL – Bottoms Of Barrels
(Moshi Moshi)
www.tillyandthewall.com
Two guys and three girls, one of whom tap dances in place of a drummer? It might seem gimmicky, but if ever there was a band to make me push aside my ever-growing cynicism for a while, Tilly And The Wall are it. The band are based in Omaha, Nebraska, and this is their second album of sweet folk-pop odes to love, friendship and the innocence of youth. There’s a mischievous sense of humour at work on songs like ‘Bad Education’ and future single ‘Sing Songs Along’ that could charm the birds from the trees. Seriously, if you’re feeling a bit jaded these days, give ‘Bottoms Of Barrels’ a spin; it’ll help re-discover your inner child.
UNEARTH – III: In The Eyes Of Fire
(Metal Blade)
www.unearth.tv
Having stolen the show on the Sounds Of The Underground tour in London earlier this year, metalcore maestros Unearth have returned with their finest album to date. The Massachusetts quintet’s strengths lie not so much in reinventing hardcore-tinged metal as simply playing it harder, louder and more skillfully than most of their peers. ‘III: In The Eyes Of Fire’ sees the band sounding nothing short of savage, with songs like ‘March Of The Mutes’ and ‘This Time Was Mine’ guaranteed to whip any self-respecting moshpit into something resembling a war zone. A fresh shot of vitality into an increasingly over-crowded genre.
RAZORLIGHT – America
(Mercury)
www.razorlight.co.uk
Razorlight return with the second single from their current self titled album and revisit the sound they do best with ‘America‘. In other words, it’s another slice of radio friendly goodness from the London four piece, which to a cynic would sound like it was well and truly made to cash in on the American market. Still, the less cynical of us would say, it’s a scrumptious sing along anthem made to be played in front of thousands. Whatever you think, you can’t deny Razorlight have a certain knack of tapping into your head with their harmonious tunes and ‘America‘ is certainly no exception.
JAMES DEAN BRADFIELD – English Gentleman
(Sony BMG)
www.jamesdeanbradfieldofficial.com
What a difference a few years makes. Minus his Manics bandmates James Dean Bradfield lifts his second single from ‘The Great Western‘. It’s catchy enough and sparks thoughts that Bradfield maybe has a more mature outlook on life these days. Of course, it’s nowhere near the quality of older Manics tracks and that’s the problem here. Bradfield’s solo stuff is always going to get compared to the Manics and unfortunately this single falls somewhat short.
SEETHER – One Cold Night
(Wind Up/Sony BMG)
www.seether.com
Shaun Morgan sounds like a man full of issues. With a much publicised break up with Evanescence songstrel Amy Lee, Shaun is clearly still full of angst if the lyrics on these live tracks are anything to go by. Taken from a show in Philadelphia’s Grape Street in February earlier this year ‘One Cold Night‘ is an acoustic, stripped down performance of some of their best songs. Seether are well known by their fans for performing acoustic versions of songs at their live shows so it makes sense that they would at last release a live album and bonus DVD which truth be told, is actually rather good. With obvious Kurt Cobain comparisons aside, Shaun has a glorious voice and tracks like Broken, Remedy and Gasoline are both delicate yet ballsy in their execution. Whilst probably not as successful on UK shores as they are in the US (their current release Karma & Effect has sold over 700,000 copies there and still counting) this CD shows how extraordinary they are live. Do not miss them when they tour the UK in October.
ESCAPE THE FATE – Dying is Your Latest Fashion.
(Epitaph)
www.escapethefate.com
Hurrah! It’s here at last. Escape The Fate‘s debut album that is. After a well received EP ‘There’s No Sympathy For The Dead’ and an appearance on the legendary Warped tour this summer it’s all going rather well for the boys from Vegas. Ok, they look like every other band around just now and sound similar to some but they have just enough creativity to edge them apart from bands like Atreyu and Senses Fail. Having a few huge tunes like ‘Situations’ and ‘Friends And Alibis’ doesn’t harm them any either. In fact, I’d bet my last fizzy cola bottle that this lot are going to be massive. Check this CD out for yourselves. You’re going to love it.
THE LONGCUT – Airtight Session EP.
www.thelongcut.com
When I saw The Longcut a few years ago in a dingy little pub in the back of beyond and I wasn’t sure if I was standing in piss or beer, it was a quiet affair. Just a handful of people and a stage as big as a postage stamp. Now with their videos on almost constant rotation on MTV2 and with much airplay by Zane Lowe, The Longcut release their Airtight Session EP and are shaping up to be quite the band. Quintessentially Mancunian, there are elements of The Stone Roses and Joy Division in their music even if it is sometimes deficient in variety. This EP shows progression, determination and most of all, clear talent. An absolute belter.
THE FRATELLIS – Costello Music
(Island Records)
www.thefratellis.com
In a generation that’s becoming vastly over-populated with those “Indie Cindy, lego haircut and polka dot dress” lot, more and more bands are flooding the airwaves to encourage them. At first glance, I dismissed The Fratellis as just another band following suit. Though, thanks to a truly “Epic” Essex Pong video, (search that shit on youtube, you won’t be disappointed!) with bouncy ‘Chelsea Dagger’ as the soundtrack I was proven otherwise and bought debut album “Costello Music“. What I heard was a harmless, Scottish-tinged, indie-pop record that’s as infectious as the clap (check the irony!).
The Glaswegian trio venture into every crevice of the indie-genre, with triumph, resulting in a solid and chart worthy debut. Perhaps my immediate dismissal was an over-reaction; the record is definitely a worthy investment for anyone looking for some happy-go-lucky beats to bop around to like a mentally detached sap on a rainy day. So fellas, don your skinny fit jeans and knitted sweaters, ladies, start combing your hair like Doc from Back to the Future and go hit up your local indie disco. From the top ladies and gentlemen, “Doo, do do doo, do do doo, doo do doo de doo”.
GET CAPE WEAR CAPE FLY – Chronicles Of A Bohemian Teenager
(Atlantic Records)
www.getcapewearcapefly.co.uk
I’m sitting here, sipping on a steaming caramel macchiato with the beautiful debut from Southend’s very own Sam Duckworth under that now infamous alias, pouring into my grateful ears and I can only feel an overwhelming sense of comfort. After a shaky start, playing to slowly growing fans in his local haven, Chinnerys, Sam has managed to strap a jet pack to his arse and fly up that ladder of music prestige. It’s about time the lad got some credit. I first saw him playing a small set in my local summer festival, though totally wankered, the potential from him shone through and I made sure I was present at his later, heart warming live shows as often as possible. He’s definitely gone a long way since then. ‘Chronicles‘ has that instant appeal factor to it; while charming your ears from the beginning, it leads you on a trip from cleverly written acoustic medleys, to finger clicking, head nodding, jazzy scores that make that caramel macchiato taste just that extra bit, bohemian. Spicy. Despite being unavoidably comparable to USA’s Conor Oberst, Sam manages to pull away, just that extra bit, and create something that’s been missing from the English music scene for way too long now.
SAOSIN – SAOSIN
(Capitol Records)
www.saosin.com
Somehow, it took Californian 5 piece SAOSIN 3 years, 2 member changes and a ridiculous amount of fiddling with songs before releasing their self-titled debut to the ever growing, awaiting fans, thankfully just before their impatience would have reduced them all to ripping their ears off in protest. So was it worth it?
I first heard the group in 2004 on some shoddy compilation CD free with a magazine. “I Can Tell There Has Been An Accident Here Earlier” demanded my attention more than if a drunken gentleman was to sporadically pummel me in the face with a screwdriver. Its immediate pounding beat alongside an addictive catchy riff had no trouble in getting my head to bump along to it, much to the hilarity of anyone on the same bus as me at the time. Although the agonisingly high-pitched vocalist, that could give Justin Hawkins a run for his money in the squashed testicle department, put me off slightly on first listen, it proved to be infectious and I soon sought after their previous releases. To my despair, there was only the one EP, ‘Translating The Name’. So, like many other fans I started to wait, and wait, and wait for an album.
Two years later, and bang, debut album frontin’ on the music store shelves. There was this awful feeling mind you, that all the excitement behind the album, would result in a bitter disappointment. Fortunately, SAOSIN hit the nail on the head with this, resulting in a beautifully produced, psychedelic and very likeable full-length which is proving to be one of the finest post-hardcore release of recent years. While it may lack the energy of some of their earlier work (in particular those with former singer Anthony Green, now of Circa Survive) it is still an album delicious enough to be in any post-hardcore lover’s collection. Just, for the love of God, don’t be fooled by the CD’s goodness and see them live. You may never hear it the same way again.
MY MORNING JACKET – Okonokos
(Sony)
www.mymorningjacket.com
For those who hark back to the good old days of rock where the women wore the make up and the men wore their hair long then you probably already know and love MMJ. For those of you that don’t then Okonokos, a double live album, just like they used to put out in the good old days, is a perfect introduction to a band who pride themselves on musicianship, top songs and good old-fashioned rock!
MMJ give a heavy nod towards Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lep Zep & even Pearl Jam, but by no means are stuck in the past, listen to One Big Holiday, Dancefloors or the sublime Golden and there is much more to their sound than rock throwback pastiche. The mastermind behind MMJ is Jim James, whose guitar playing, evoking many duels with fellow guitarist Carl Broemel, and incredible vocal talents are the heart and soul of the band, all conducted at the back by drummer Patrick Hallahan.
Well, there have been a lot of artists and record labels putting in a load of work to get their new 12″ singles, albums and CD’s out on the market this month. We have a shed load of things to wet your appetite for my 12th month at Crossfire. (Happy Birthday Kris! – Z-Ed)
For those of you that haven’t quite got your heads on, that’s one whole year I’ve been at Crossfire already! We are starting with one that I’ve been waiting for since the last album came out in November 2001…..Yes, you guessed it!
BRAINTAX – Panorama
(Lowlife Records)
www.lowliferecords.co.uk
This one is soon to be released on Lowlife Records…. on the 23rd of October in fact. “Panorama” takes a widespread and extensive look at the world including cultures, politics, and the hip hop scene on a whole. This album attempts to make us take a step out of our usual dreary seats, think outside the box and give us a different focus. “Panorama” definitely hits on subject matters that are not often found within the realms of a hip hop cd. “The Grip Again” has detailed views on the world and environmental concerns, while “Anti-Grey” ft. Dubbledge investigates race issues and home affairs. Interludes between tracks include harrowing speeches from journalist Robert Fisk and George Galloway that act as a great accompaniment to the view of the rest of the album.
Anti war, pro multiculturalism, a somewhat left wing political view, anti Thatcherism. How could you possibly go wrong? You can go out and buy the double A sided new single “Run the Yards/Last Tenner” right now. It was released on the 2nd of October. It’s a good sniff of what’s to come. If you buy it from the Lowlife website you will receive a 12″ signed by Joey Brains himself!
FOREIGN BEGGARS – Stray Point Agenda
(Dented Records)
www.dentedrecords.com
Voted best group and winners of best single at the Lyric Pad Hip Hop Awards 2005, Foreign Beggars, if you have been missing for the past few years and somehow don’t know, are a 5 man crew that comprises of rappers Orifice Vulgatron and Metropolis, DJ Nonames, Beat Boxer Shlomo and Producer Dag Nabbit.
This album is another banger that you can already buy from the Dented Records website on vinyl or cd. As usual, there are some great tracks on this one. “Confessions of a…” is one that stands out for me. There is some nice word play and top flows throughout this track. “Stray Point Agenda” brings in the recently released “Slow Broiled Ilk” which also includes “Let Go“, two tunes that I have been playing out for a few months now. I’ve just been waiting for this bad boy to arrive on my doorstep. I’ve found that it’s perfect for those funky bars that people tend to love to go to. And lets be honest those types of bars have the hottest girls in them. So DJs! Get to work and share another spot on album from the Beggars with everyone else!
MANAGE – Live In Protest
(Merciless Records)
www.myspace.com/expectnomercy
This album was sent to me as a surprise. I don’t know who sent it or where it came from but it definitely did impress me. This album was released on the 1st of September so everyone out there can get their grubby little hands on it now. “Live in Protest” has quite a dark feel to it; you can often hear the sounds of an eerie organ throughout a number of the tunes. The entire album has been produced by Chemo. Chemo has worked with some of the most talented artists in both Britain and America; Kyza, Yungun, Verb T, Jehst, Kool G Rap, Rass Kass…….The list goes on and on.
The flows that Manage spits are powerful and can leave you knocked back into your seat at the worst of times. The album is also enhanced with some knock out artists and some quirky little samples that we all know and love. You can have a sample listen to this album at the myspace website written above. So check it out and go buy it. Its £5 for the cd and £7.50 for the double album. What a bargin!
MOLE & IRIS – An Introduction
(Self Released)
www.brightonhiphop.com
There is some dope artwork from delarge, dope production from evil sun, 184, biji, cuth, ido, steve clear, and iris, dope cuts from g-petz and daps, dope guests including, well, Mole and Iris… All in all its a good little introduction to the type of music they make but they say that they know its not perfect but any feedback would be appreciated… I think that they are under cutting themselves a bit; this is a good introduction album.
They have that definitive Brighton sound to them, which I must add, that I really like. I first heard of Mole & Iris on the 2005 Brighton Hip Hop Festival CD with a track called “Inheritance” a nice chilled tune with largely intelligent lyrics and a subject matter that makes a good observation of problems that have arisen from past events in society. Pretty damn good really. If you like your Dr Syntax, Elemental or Koaste then grab yourselves a copy of this. You can get a copy for £3 if you go here and drop them a line. Alternatively, if you buy your stuff from Suspect Packages they are sending this out with any orders that you make while they last.
LOW BUDGET SOUL – Strangers to the Ordinary
(Futuristica Music)
www.myspace.com/lowbudgetsoul
Ok, this CD doesn’t quite fit my usual remit but you people out there need to know about tunes that not only I like, otherwise we wouldn’t get anywhere would we. I’ve been sent a bit of info on this CD so I tell you what I know about them. Lead vocals are supplied by Randolph Matthews who has sent his talents to a whole host of projects over the past few years including NSM, TY & Gum Drop. His smooth delivery really does compliments the rough edged, sample led beats of producer Tris “ol English” Browne whose off the wall and yet soulful creations draw comparison to the music of Madlib, the late J-Dilla and Pete Rock.
So there you have it! These people have worked with some other amazing artists that are world renowned. This shows how good they really are. This CD is one for sitting at home with the ladies, cracking open the wine and turning the lights down low. Unless of course, you like the type of girl that likes happy hardcore blasting out on a week night.
Already receiving huge support worldwide from Giles Peterson, Patrick Forge, Mad Mats, Dirk Rumpff, Giant Step…..I just feel like im name dropping here! Nevertheless, “Low Budget Soul” are staking their claim for notoriety as a classic future soul act.
BLACK GRASS – Oh Jah ft. Marnyah [Single]
(Cat Skills Records)
www.black-grass.com
This is a continuation of releases from the Black Grass album A Hundred Days in One. Following the success of the single “Don’t Leave me This Way” Black Grass have decided to drop this heavy track right on top of your heads, “Oh Jah“!
This track gives a feel of happy summer days with a funky reggae vibe to it. Featuring rising reggae MC Jah Mamyah on the vocals, this tune has a catchy hook and has all of the attributes of any good times classic. Mex’s up tempo beats, a heavy bass line and some harmonious trumpet action help to emphasize Jah’s top quality lyrics. There are a few remixes on the single courtesy of The Nextmen and Mr Trick. Also included on the single is “Lucha Contra De La Injustica” Which you could find on my myspace page a couple of weeks ago. Every so often I put some good tracks on there so take a look. www.myspace.com/krisdrew Add me if you wish, nothing wrong with a bit of networking. Anyway, Great tune!
That’s that from me, Kris Drew, this month, on to a couple of new additions to the Mix before Abjekt’s look at the world of music.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Eye Of The Tiger Vol 1
(True Tiger Recordings)
www.truetiger.co.uk
I know this Mix CD has been out for a while, but trust me it’s one of the strongest records on road in a while. This record focuses on the Scandalous Unlimited crew but there are loads of cameos by some of Grime’s biggest names. These guys slowly leaked hit after hit on the airwaves and clubs creating a whole lot of hype and a demand before the product was finished. Main man on the buttons, Stanza, lost his hearing just weeks before the deadline, so things got delayed a little but this only served as more anticipation for the debut stormer, Eye Of The Tiger Volume 1.
The Scandalous Unlimited crew counts the talent of conscious lyricist Purple, amazing vocalist Ny, quick spitter Ghetto, crooner Shyam and pushing buttons is Wretch 32. Add to this incredible line-up the talent of Wiley (who was cornered in Copenhagen and dropped his bars in one day – Boom!), Bearman, Aftershock crew, Skepta, Virus Syndicate, L Dot Man, Doctor, Plan B, Bruza and more, and you know this CD is heavy!
To drop a few of the hits that blew up on the radio and in the raves are Ny’s Fire, Wiley’s unstoppable WD25 Freestyle, Purple’s provocative Blowin’ Up, Doctor and Bearman juggling funny rhymes for Let It Go and Purple, Plan B and Doctor killing the mad samples of Broken Wings.
Basically Eye Of The Tiger Volume 1 can get played from start to finish, and then repeated over and over without trouble. It’s sick to see the quality Stanza and the True Tiger camp managed to produce out of a garden shed in Watford. Since this dropped, no Mix CDs have come close. Expect to see Volume 2 drop soon.
ESKIBOY [WILEY] – Da 2nd Phaze
(Boy Better Know Records)
www.myspace.com/eskiboywiley
Wiley is the Godfather of Grime- a UK musical genre that mixes garage MCing with twisted Hip-Hop beats. It’s pretty unique, and if you’ve got your ear to the street, then you know the yoot are loving it more than the mainstream American rap tunes, and Eskiboy over here is holding down the fort at Top-Spitter.
Basically, the Grime game is a rough one because the competitiveness between MCs and their crews can go beyond the simple battle rap, even though physical violence is not a good look and hinders the artists getting shows booked etc. Da 2nd Phaze is Wiley’s second album after a good few years hiatus from his debut Tredding on thin ice (2004). Released as a mixtape of sorts, Wiley has produced an album that is chock full of street anthems. From the controversial number one hit on road Gangsterz, the raving favourite Eskiboy, to the Rza-esque production of Story Weather, passing through the emotional melody of Mystery Girl, it’s all here and banging.
Wiley is a real busy guy, and after having a daughter and turning 27, the ‘E3 boy’ has decided to step it up a knotch. This second album really is the signal for a second phase of sorts, with Grimes Godfather signing on Big Dada Records and several new mixtapes hitting the streets as we speak (Tunnel Vission, Crossfire Vol.1, Flame Grilled Whopper Vol.1…).
LUPE FIASCO – Food And Liquor
(Atlantic Records)
www.lupefiasco.com
Fresh out the windy city of Chicago, Lupe Fiasco has gained recognition from some of Hip Hop’s greatest connoisseurs, including Sir Jay-Z himself. Understandably so as debut ‘Food and Liquor’ stands tall against any recent competition. Chilled and tight production provides a sly undertone to the witty, fresh lyricism, notable on single “Kick, Push“, a song dedicated by the man himself to good ol’ wood pushing. Crossing the divide between rap and skateboarding has been an often attempted, yet unfortunately often miserably failed scenario.
Lupe pulls it off with class, resulting in a slick beat and a catchy hook with not the slightest odour of fromage, well, maybe just a little. Plus, the guy deserves props for looking dapper as fuck while doing it. While the album lacks a certain stand out track that defines the album, songs like ‘Daydreamin” and ‘I Gotcha’ come close, but why have one stand out song, when you can have a whole album of smooth, toe-tapping grooves that could make you smile like a Cheshire cat? ‘Food and Liquor’ is an album worthy of your coins and iPod capacity, check out the album artwork inside too! Dope! With the like’s of Kanye, Lupe and Pharrel being major heads in the hip hop industry these days, hopefully some similar artists will start to emerge and fuel our passion for cleverly written rhymes over a jazzy score. Geek rap has never looked so cool.
What’s shakin’ you lot? This month has been a quality one for me, getting to see Kid Koala, Jay Z, People Under The Stairs and Stone’s Throw live, with Jehst and Edan lined up in the coming weeks. I’ve also had a lovely amount of CDs in and as always I’ll share it with you fine upstanding citizens. But this is only for the sexy people!
SURREAL & DJ BALANCE – Future Classic
(Hip Hop IS Music)
www.hiphopismusic.com
I might start sounding like a broken record if Braille’s new label keeps putting out brilliant music, but that’s something I’m happy to do, so long as I have this soundtrack behind me. Florida’s Surreal is a rapper who I’ve heard on various guest spots, but this is a chance for him to really come out on his own steam and DJ Balance’s cuts certainly stand up well underneath the flows.
Hip Hop IS Music make a point of keeping hip hop true and making sure the producers have equal footing on the tracklisting on the back cover. So even before listening, I saw the likes of Ohmega Watts, Tony Stone and The Sound Providers listed as some of the beatmakers for this album, and I was already excited. So, what does the record sound like? In a word: Awesome.
The deep horn thrusted amongst the liquid guitar on Car And A Job compliments Surreal’s raps perfectly and is followed soon after by the bluesy instrumental by DJ Balanace on One Man Band. The one producer who I didn’t know before this album but who has made me find out more is Vintage, who provides the beats for The Proof, a brass infused beat and my favourite track on the album, Permanent Ink which features Sivion and Braille.
This is a jazzy album with great beats and great lyrics. Can’t really say much better than that can you? Get online and buy it.
JUGGAKNOTS – Use Your Confusion
(Amalgam Digital)
www.amalgamdigital.com
The Juggaknots are finally back and there won’t be too many people more excited about this than me. After about 10 years since releases, brothers Buddy Slim and Breeze Brewin have added their sister Queen Herawin to the mix and are still coming with the freshness that made them stand out so much on Clear Blue Skies.
The beats go from nice and chilled in Hey to bouncing and party-vibed on Leon Phelps to bleepingly grimy on Strip Joint. All three MCs have their own style and Queen Herawin’s raw sounded vocals really give it another edge to what the Juggaknots put out there. Guest producer Oh No gives a couple of beats to the album, one of which, Vows, sees Slick Rick up on the mic too in a nice addition to the vocal talents already on show.
In short, if you dug the Juggaknots before, then make sure you pimp this album because they’re back and they’re just as good as they ever were.
STONE’S THROW – Chrome Children
(Stone’s Throw)
www.stonesthrow.com
Stone’s Throw have become the staple of jazz-infused hip hop and have built up a deserved reputation of a great label in the ten years they’ve been around. Peanut Butter Wolf’s label is celebrating its ten year anniversary with this release, which showcases the talent available to you. Oh No opens it up in fluid fashion on Oh Zone and the hardcore sound of Guilty Simpson follows up, showing the variations on the label.
Madlib, arguably the most famous of all the label’s roster, drops Take It Back, a typically off-kilter buzzer with his so-laid-back-its-horizontal delivery and the legendary J Dilla appears with his Nothing Like This, a short but swirlingly brilliant track. MF Doom’s vocals on Madvillain return with Monkey Suite, and Quasimoto teams up with Percee P on Raw Heat and it really is as raw and stripped down as you can get, whilst remaining as hype as possible.
Beat Junkie J Rocc delivers his usual hype material and label boss Peanut Butter Wolf pops his head into the mix with his remix of Baron Zen’s Turned Around, with a grimey slice of production. This album also comes with a DVD which features a full length concert of Madvillain. They’ve produced some awesome shit over the last 10 years and this album proves there’s a hell of a lot more to come.
FOUR TET – Remixes
(Domino)
www.fourtet.net
Four tet can stand on his own as a quality musician and provide brilliant soundscapes for people to immerse themselves in. But this release doesn’t just feature the obvious talents of Kieran Hebden, it gives you a two disc selection of remixes. On the first disc, the disc that I have, you’ll get the remixes he’s done of other people’s work and with the list providing names like Radiohead, Madvillain, Bonobo, Aphex Twin, Beth Orton and Bloc Party, you know you’re in for a varied ride.
And that’s what sets this album apart from other similar ideas. Hebden has managed to collect a selection of remixes that all sound completely different and individual. Instead of giving all the tracks he’s worked on a certain sound, he’s moved from bleeping hip hop to lo-fi to synthy pop and he does it all with effortless precision.
The second disc, which I unfortunately don’t have a copy of, gives a collection of every remix done of his own work by other people, which includes remixes by Boom Bip and the late, great, J Dilla. Even without hearing it, I know it’ll be worth getting because of the calibre of remixers on the record. Make sure you check this out, you can’t go wrong.
TY – Closer
(Big Dada)
www.bigdada.com
Ty has always flowed along neatly with catchy hooks and laid back style and he’s back with another quality release, Closer. The first track, Don’t Watch That, is a great track about rumours that circulate about him, with him dismissing the idea that he’s loaded or always posing, with some great sharp snares and guitar strums. With a staccato melody hopping over a low funky bassline, Everybody shows Ty has another string to his bow and he switches it up again on The Idea, which features De La Soul.
When I saw Zion I were guesting on the album, I’ll admit I got excited. And when the fuzzy beat drops over a chorus of “Oh”s, the head of yours truly was snapping all over the place. Ty asks “What kind of world do we live in? Some of us are just shedding tears for a living” and providing a voice against the rappers who rap about material things. It might not be an original idea but it’s certainly delivered well.
Ty is not going to be on the list of the greatest rappers ever, but what he does, he does well. He’s chilled, he’s insightful and he knocks out some quality beats. So if you’re a fan of his earlier stuff, you’ll love this!
VARIOUS ARTISTS – Finger Lickin’ Thang 4
(Finger Lickin’)
www.fingerlickin.co.uk
The Finger Lickin’ label has won best label at the Breakspoll awards 4 times, and with that sort of reputation in your locker, you know that a mix series brought out by the label is going to be quality. The opening track, by the Finger Lickin’ Allstars, 2 Da Break, is as funky as you can get and if this was played whilst you’re on the dancefloor, you’d be all over it.
Trouble! By Soul Of Man featuring The Ragga Twins is just the sort of track you’d want to be breaking out the moves to at the Notting Hill Carnival, with its infectious and rowdy beat and Soul Of Man bring the heavy basslines again with their bumping Mylodowndirty. If you wanna pump up the jam, get this. I could use the pun that it’s finger lickin’ good, but I’m too cool for all that… right?
SQUAREPUSHER – Hello Everything
(Warp)
www.warprecords.com
Now, I’m going to admit, Squarepusher really isn’t my thing. It’s a bit too all over the place for my liking, but I thought I’d give his new record a try anyway just to see if I was all wrong about him. Whilst it is still all bit busy for me in most parts of this new album, which is Tom Jenkinson’s tenth, there are some nice parts in, such as the chilled out second half of Bubble Life, which comes as a welcome relief to the fast paced bass solo that kicks in. The drum and bass stylings of The Modern Bass Guitar is a standout track too, as I like a bit of DnB in moderation.
So, whilst this isn’t an album I think is all that great, I’m sure it will appeal to his fans, of whom the Neptunes, Thom Yorke, Flea and Andre 3000 are a few, as it is typical Squarepusher madness.
GHOST F. ABSTRACT RUDE – Basic Instinct (Single)
(Breakin Bread)
www.breakinbread.org
Ghost is one of the most highly regarded producers in the country right now and this track will only serve to cement this position. The track, which features American emcee Abstract Rude [check him out on Basement Records] is a nice smooth track with a great sounding wind section floating on the beat. It’s a chilled track from the album Seldom Seen Often Heard and is a definite late night jam.
The single also features some remixes, one by Ghost himself which is another jazzy affair and a Natural Self remix which has some neat guitar work and funky vibe to it. You’ll also get a second track, Round Trip, an instrumental which showcases Ghost’s handiwork which is another chilled track, with flutes and pianos working around some great drums. Make sure you pick this up.
This month’s art section is going to be a big “we are not worthy” to Flying Fortress, who have plastered their bears all over the place, and also done the “Don’t Copy Me” campaign. Always coming with the freshness, their designs can be manipulated by artists the world over. So when you get two of my personal favourites working together, how can you go wrong with a D*Face Fortress bear? You can’t. Now get on your knees and worship motherfuckers, because this is word to your MUM.
That’s your lot for this month, but make sure you hit me up with emails, even if you’re gonna slag me off and tell me 50 Cent knocks bells out of what I listen to. Keep your eyes peeled on Crossfire for other hip hop, be it live reviews or buzz charters. Until next time, keep it chill.
Peace,
Cayle Hunter has decided to cut his ties with both Will Haven and The Abdominable Iron Sloth. He has joined up with members of Oddman and others to form a new group called Armed For Apocalypse and the group recently recorded a demo of 3 songs.
The material is online at the link below.
Trivium have streamed their entire album online. The album, The Crusade, is out now to buy so check them stream and cop it if you like what you hear.
To peep the album, click here.