Police in Atlanta have launched a murder investigation after an assault at a Korn show. Andy Richardson was left beaten by two other concert goers after he asked them to be careful not to bump into his pregnant girlfriend and a mentally ill child that was with them.
He was declared brain dead once in hospital and the life support machine has now been switched off. Police claim to have “persons of interest” regarding the assault but no arrests have yet been made.
Did you know that in the time it takes to listen to ‘Bang Bang You’re Dead‘ yet another child will have died on the world’s roads?
3000 people die every day on the world’s roads, only HIV/AIDS kills more young men worldwide than road crashes. Every 3 minutes – the average length of a song – a young child is killed and four are permanently disabled.
Sorry for this shocking news but this is why Dirty Pretty Things have backed a campaign to Make Roads Safe coordinated by the FIA Foundation and RAC Foundation to raise public awareness about the impact of road crashes in developing countries.
‘Dirty Pretty Things’ commitment to the campaign is motivated in part by a recent tragedy in which three teenage girls were killed. Two sisters, Claire and Jennifer Stoddart, and their friend, Carla Took, died in a car crash in July while driving home from a concert in Ipswich where the band had just performed.
Calling on fans to sign the Make Roads Safe online petition at www.makeroadssafe.org Carl Barat, lead singer of Dirty Pretty Things, said: “It is unbelievable that around the world a child is killed every 3 minutes on the road, yet almost nothing is being done to prevent this. The recent deaths in Suffolk of Claire, Jennifer and Carla were so sad, such a waste of young lives, and this is happening to families every day. This is why Dirty Pretty Things are supporting the Make Roads Safe campaign.”
The band will support the campaign with a special one off gig with special guests at The Coronet, in South London, on September 13th.
Two hundred pairs of tickets to the concert will be given away free by the Make Roads Safe campaign and Dirty Pretty Things to supporters in a prize draw on the Mke Roads Safe website.
Phil Stoddart, the father of the two sisters killed in the crash, said; “I hope that the Make Roads Safe campaign will help other parents avoid the pain we have been going through as a result of the tragic loss of Claire and Jennifer”.
Do your bit and sign the petition NOW at www.makeroadssafe.org. It will take 1 minute of your life and could save many more.
The Forum – London
Wednesday, 2nd August 2006
The venue is packed to the gills, and as I stand at the bar after waiting in 3-deep rows of tattoos my cold pint is poured in front of me and then as it floated towards my hands from the barman, a charge from a rampant fan steals the beer and legs it into the crowd! Welcome to a Ministry gig!
The last time I saw this band I was at the Brixton Academy 14 years ago tripping out of my head on acid and holding onto my best mate for cover, it was a proper kickin’ like never before! Tonight will be no different (but minus the LSD) and i’m glad to see that the the visual element to their live sets has not disappeared; fresh political content by the reel is lined up delivering some home truths: WAR, TERROR, RELIGION, AND DEATH….
Al Jourgensen is a master at providing Ministry with as much ammo as he can muster up, and these days Joey Jordison smashes the drums from Slipknot, Paul Raven drives the bass, from Killing Joke, and Tommy Victor cranks out the vicious guitar whose career includes the mighty Prong and Danzig. This collection of established heads could have been a nightmare to some but it seems as though Jourgensen has built the finest army to launch tonight’s aural assault.
Kicking off with ‘Fear (Is Big Business)’ the atmosphere is as big as the expectation and the juggernaut begins to roll, pushing out new tracks from their latest album ‘Rio Grande Blood‘ merging them with well known numbers as the crushing ‘N.W.O.‘ and the incendiary device that is ‘Thieves‘ (one of the best Ministry songs ever written?) – and how fitting that George Bush’ punchable face is plastered all over the screens mixed with DESTRUCTION, RIOTING and CORRUPTION as ‘Lies Lies Lies‘ blasts out of the speakers that are barely dealing to cope with such a forceful array of sinus splitting outbursts of razor sharp beats and noise.
Corrupt American bureaucrats and mindless patriotism fuel the projected charge of ‘Rio Grande Blood‘, it oozes into your brain cells like liquid napalm amongst the ghostly shouting voice of Jello Biafra that can be heard throughout ‘Ass Clown‘ from the new record, but you can’t beat the classics from Psalm 69, thankfully Jourgensen recognizes this but decides to leave out party track ‘Jesus Built My Hotrod‘ as we wait to the end of the set through the encore.
Ministry revisited the UK in style forcing a burning torpedo through ear canals across London…it’s just a shame this show could not be shown on BBC1 at 9.30pm so that they could plant the fact that political hypocrisy, greed and inhumane behaviour is about to finally kill our entire planet as countries turn on each other and others fuel bloody battles.
Two things to remember today kids, Ministry fucking rock and Bush is another word for Cunt.
Chuck Bangers
Abandon Ship
The Grosvenor, London
19.07.06
Help Us, we’re melting! We’re in the middle of a freak British heatwave and standing around in packed punk gigs gushing in sweat is probably not most people’s idea of a good time. But like the saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Except we’re not in a kitchen, we’re sweating our bollocks right off in the back room of a stale smelling Brixton pub and four lunatics from Brighton are rampaging around the venue with red mist in front of their eyes, completely and utterly immersed in the rapid-fire hardcore noise they pummel from their amps.
Abandon Ship hail from Brighton and have been popping up on DIY hardcore bills with alarming regularity for the last two and a bit years and they just get better and better each time. Tonight though, something inside them collectively clicks and they go utterly apeshit. It’s like watching a band play when you fast forward your DVD player. They are so fucking fast and fun they almost make up for the disappointment of missing female hardcore band Bitchslap who were on first. Almost.
Dutch quartet Restless Youth have been through a lot of changes recently. Their debut 2004 EP was a perfect distillation of the primal punk rage of Bad Brains and Black Flag and their first tour of the UK a couple of years back were high-energy, wild hardcore affairs. The new material, however, has seen the band mixing their love of classic seventies rock and garage punk in with their original hardcore sound to admittedly mixed results. When it works, it’s a brilliant crossover of styles and when it doesn’t, well, it’s a bit of mess. Unfortunately, the audience doesn’t take too well to the band’s new style and the slowing down of their older tracks and the hesitant reaction from the audience faced with the unfamiliar material sucks the atmosphere that Abandon Ship created right out of the venue like an industrial hoover.
Back to the drawing board then boys.
Sam Ashley is the now London based, bearded photo editor for Document Magazine. Like all skate magazines, Document take their photography seriously but they also know that quality will always be delivered whilst the onus is upon this fella..
Due to his commitment to skateboarding and his incredible eye through the lens, Sam has risen to the top and now also finds himself shooting adverts for for Blueprint, Landscape and Heroin Skateboards – welcome to Sam Ashley’s Triple Shot.
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve shot photos for as long as I can remember but I’ve had stuff published since ’98.
How did you get into skate photography?
Just by wanting to shoot photos of my friends, sometimes skateboarding, sometimes not. I did this for a few years before sending some photos to Sidewalk Mag, they began using them a short while after.
Have you ever felt bad about taking a photo?
No regrets!
What were the worst days shooting skateboarding of your life ever and why?
Trying to get a photo at competitions alongside 6 other photographers, 4 of whom don’t even skate, sucks. Other than that it’s all good!
What image inspired you so much to take up photography?
Matt Hensley by Dan Sturt,Transworld, August 1990. – I don’t think this photo made me run out and start shooting skate photos but it made me realise how great photography could be. When this came out Hensley was everyone’s favourite. The craziness of the spot made it seem out of this world but at the same time it was almost attainable, it made you think ‘maybe we could skate something like this?’. The BGPs are awesome and the trick was epic too. Sturt tied it all together with on point lighting and composition, everyone I knew was blown away by this.
What’s the relationship like between a photographer and filmer?
I’m good friends with quite a few filmers, they’re generally good lads! Problems usually arise from the fact that I consider photos with a filmer’s death lens hanging in the corner only fit for the bin. As long as they’re not stood in front of my flashes or my lens then I’m happy.
What main advice would you give to upcoming skate photographers?
Try and be as original as possible. Practice your photography on your friends, If you mess up a photo of Johnny Pro backlipping a 29, everyone’s going to know about it. Don’t work for free, if your photos are worth publishing then they’re worth something.
Tell us about your favourite skate photo you submitted to this feature?
It’s a shot of Paul Shier in Barcelona 2003.
I’ve chose this just because I like the simplicity of it I think. There’s no flashes or fisheye or colours…
A lot of skate photographers (myself included) get bogged down with tons of lights and trickery but a most of my favourite photos end up when I just try and keep it simple.
Is the work of a skate photographer well paid?
I’m happy to make a living from doing just skate photography.
Let’s just say that photographers in other fields are probably paid much better, but they probably don’t have as much fun.
Are there ways of getting better/free equipment as you continue to grow or do you have to fund everything yourself?
I’ve never tried to blag any camera equipment, I doubt I’d get too far either! Fuji give me film now and again though, which is nice. You can write equipment off against tax though.
Does music ever inspire your photography?
If I’m shooting bands I’ll definitely listen to their stuff beforehand and try and convey what they’re about in the photo. I listen to music quite a lot, but when I’m on tour I usually leave the i-pod at home. I find it a bit antisocial when people stick the headphones on when they’re in the van.
Tell us about the non skate shot you have submitted and the story behind it…
Adam Mondon, Finland 2002 – How can you not love a ropeswing?!
If you were to buy a pocket snapper for capturing skating on a budget to get going, which camera would you suggest?
My first camera was a Nikon FE2 with a 50mm f1.8 lens. This set up is small, light, has fast flash sync and is relatively cheap, I still use it! FM2s are good too.
Would you recommend digital or film?
Generally speaking I’d say shoot film for stills and shoot digital for sequences. There really are too many variables to say definitely one or the other. Digital’s so good now that what you’ve shot is more important than what you’ve shot it on.
What are the benefits of using film or digital?
Basically, I think film usually looks nicer and digital is more convenient.
What kit do you use?
My standard set up is Hasselblads for stills, Nikon digital for sequences. I’ll quite often mess about with other cameras though, just to make things interesting for myself.
You can find out more about Sam Ashley’s photography over at www.samashley.com
Leave comments on the Triple Shot features here.
What should have been a celebratory release of the comeback of one of the greatest American hardcore punk bands of all time is now tinged with sadness. Original guitarist Pig Champion died earlier this year just after this album was completed, their first in nearly ten years. It was no secret that Pig was not a healthy man. His sheer size and endless bad habits were never going to see him into his eighties but it was still a shock when he finally went. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions and he was a kind and friendly giant and knocked up a great curry too!
Pig and frontman Jerry A were lifelong friends and went through thick and thin together in the band. The booklet opens with some words from Pig: ‘This is a dedication of love to Jerry A. and Poison Idea. It is with great pride that we have delivered this LP. That we have completed it is almost a miracle.’
Despite the fact that Pig rarely gigged with the band anymore (his size made touring difficult!), he was still very much a member of Poison Idea and his unmistakable guitar and buzzing trademark riffs run riot all over this album as Jerry A screams and bellows like he’s sixteen again. And while this album was never going to reach the dizzy heights of the classic ‘Feel The Darkness‘ there’s still some great Poison Idea moments here and let’s face it, any new Poison Idea music is good music.
Songs like ‘The Number One‘ and ‘Jihad Love‘ are as ferocious as anything the band have delivered in the past and ‘Latest Will And Testament‘ is just another great Poison Idea album. And this one’s for Pig.
James Sherry
Element Skateboards have been organising a new series of boards for you recently with the help of artist Matt Irving.The collectable series made up of 5 decks for Jake Rupp, Tosh Townend, Colt Cannon and Bam Margera, with the addition of the Element Arrow for the speed freaks. In fact i want one of those, maybe there will only be 99 left when you go to purchase one….
If you want to hear more about how this came about and who Matt Irving is, then click here.
Welcome to the August edition of The Mix. I trust you all have your air conditioning on, or even one of those little fans blowing in your face. I haven’t had a summer like this since I was at school, its roasting out there! Obviously not too hot for some of Britain’s top artists to be writing, producing & releasing some of their best work yet.
This month we have a whole library’s worth of singles and albums to have a look through for your enjoyment, so sit back and twist one up, double drop, knock one out, crack one open…..what ever it is you do, and enjoy.
DR SYNTAX – Subcultures
(Dented Records/Beer & Rap Records)
www.dentedrecords.com
www.beerandraprecords.com
www.myspace/drsyntax
www.drsyntax.co.uk
Dented Records have teamed up with a new label called Beer & Rap Records to bring you something that should have been organised a long time ago, and here it is! The long awaited debut release from Dr. Syntax “Sub-Cultures“.
Dr. Syntax is already well known from collaborations with the Foreign Beggars and Menagerie. He puts in a nice twist to tunes and somehow manages to improve already brilliant songs. Well, he’s back with a strong dose of outstanding solo ability, easily living up to the sky-scraping standards of his past appearances.
This track is upbeat with light hearted but intelligent lyrics, making fun of some of the different cultures and “Sub-cultures” you’re likely to stumble across in and around your local area. I know I’ve met a few of the groups brought up in this track. Ok so they’re stereotypes, but we all know people that hang around in local pubs that don’t like the look of newcomers, people that have mullets, dress in crap clothes and wear sun glasses at night and people that argue about who’s the best hip hop artist (don’t we? all of you in the music from the corner yahoo groups!).
The two other tracks on this cd “Animal Hides” (sounding much more like the good old Menagerie) and “Pack Mentality” (straight from the sound of the Foreign Beggars) are both produced by Ido. Koaste also makes and appearance on this cd. On the info I’ve been sent with this cd it says he’s a newcomer but he’s been around for quite a while that I know of, you can hear some of Dr. Syntax, Koaste’s and loads of other tunes here.
Sub-Cultures is the first 12″ from Dr Syntax’s debut album, “Self-Taught” coming up later this year…I’ll be sure to be reviewing that!
BLACK GRASS – A Hundred Days In One
(Catskills Records)
www.black-grass.com
www.catskillsrecords.com
We looked at the single “Don’t Leave Me This Way” last month and this month we are going to take a look at the album “A Hundred Days in One” as a whole. What an album it is! One of Brighton’s finest Black Grass (AKA Mex) has really taken decent music to the next level here. This is a really eclectic album with so many different genres of music crammed into one cd, it left me well impressed. This was not what I was expecting after hearing the 12″ release last month.
It brings us music from the styles of funk, jazz, soul, uplifting party beats and somehow sticks to a hip hop related genre. In some ways it reminded me of the eloquently expressed Herbaliser but with an edgy feel to it. It’s a bit more quirky, a little more tangy and a tiny touch more pop (but in a good way). This is one to play for the people that are not so attuned, to the stuff our readers love to listen to, when they come round to chill.
Rising UK star Micall Parknsun features on the track “Down & Dirty” with fellow UK star Jehst making an astonishing appearance over a military style beat on “Lines of Defence“. Brilliant head nodder! This one is released on 29th August 2006. Keep on looking for this one.
Look out for Mex playing this years’ Bestival in September and also the final set at Fat Tuesday at The Big Chill this Month.
NNEKA – The Uncomfortable Truth
(Four Music/Yo Mamma’s Recordings)
www.nnekaworld.com
This one’s a little different. It’s for all of you that feel the need to chill out and take time out to listen to the likes of Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Lauren Hill etc etc… I really like this one. Nneka has released the single “The Uncomfortable Truth” taken from her debut album “Victim of Truth” on Four Music / Yo Mamma’s Recordings, and it is truly inspiring. This tune has worldwide hit written all over it. It is the sort of tune I would easily expect to hear at the number one slot in the charts. I mean the decent charts, not the shit we’re exposed to on Sunday afternoon radio stations. Released on 21st August, written by Nneka and produced by DJ Farhot, this is a tune that could and should take over the airwaves.
The second track on this CD “Stand Strong” is sung live and if im honest, you would never know that this track had not been tweaked and improved in a studio if it didn’t say “live version” next to it. It is sung with great power and full on emotion, more so than the cover suggests it might. Nneka draws influence and inspiration from artists such as Bob Marley, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Mobb Deep and Lauren Hill and you can tell. It feels like there’s a bit of every artist involved in the making of these couple of tunes, I can’t wait for the full album!
RECLUSE CREW & SYNOPTIC PRESSURE – The Art Of Raw Sound
(Kool Kat Records)
www.koolkatrecords.fi
www.recluserecordings.com
The Recluse Crew are a group of people bursting out of Helsinki; they are a collaboration project between the production team Recluse Recordings and MC’s from Dirty Smarts and LLC. Dragging in the stateside talents of Synoptic Pressure, who have apparently been displaying some amazing shows in Minneapolis, the end result is a rather impressive display of original talent.
“The Art of Raw Sound” is a 17 track LP that, to me, sounds more like East American hip hop than it does Scandinavian. This isn’t a bad thing, but when I first saw the CD I thought it might take me on a journey through Europe with some different styles, you know, like MC Solaar or Saian Supa Crew. It’s not quite like that but yes, I do like this album. There’s no pretence, no posing and it is decent rap music!
DR. OCTAGON – The Return of Dr. Octagon
(Casual Records)
www.protestrecordings.com
www.thereturnofdroctagon.com
Dr. Octagon is better known as Kool Keith, original member of the New York new school pioneers the Ultramagnetic MC’s. I hope everyone knows who they are. If not, you should, please look them up.
This is the official sequel to Dr. Octagon featuring Kool Keith, One Watt Sun, DJ Dexter and Princess Superstar. The Return of Dr. Octagon is the follow-up to Kool Keith’s 1996 critically acclaimed Dr. Oncagonecoloyst, a psychedelic hip-hop album about a deadly, sexually expressive and doped-up doctor.
Return of Dr. Octagon is deeper, darker and more spaced out than the original album. This time around Keith’s groundbreaking mic skills and schizophrenic imagination compliment the mystifying production and heavy bass lines. Dr. Octagon has reinvented himself covering a broad lyrical range that includes everything from socially conscious lecturing and advising to intergalactic Martian legends.
Great tunes such as the main single “Aliens” as well as other top tracks manage to twist and turn way before each corner. Production trio One Wat Son have the ability to bring out the madness in Keith’s lyrics, and his unhinged nature. Some tracks to listen out for on this wonderful album are “Ants” in which DJ Dexter (formally of the Avalanches) steps in for the Egyptian scratch flavour and “Trees“. The latter being a soon to be classic dance floor filler at any half decent club or bar. It seems that any of those rumours you hear about this album being an unofficial release is absolute turd! So don’t worry about it. Who listens to gossip anyway, you bunch of old women!
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Right then, for the end of my section this month I’ve decided to big up a clothes company that I have stumbled across during the past few months. I think I first saw it in Big Smoke magazine and decided to have a look at the website because I liked the photography on the advertisement.
This company is Siino (see no)! I’ve bought a few things from there now and I have a thing about promoting things that are on the up. If you like your clothing to be smart, well designed and so not everyone you walk past is wearing it, you’ve come to the right place. I know it’s difficult to buy things online because of the way things might look, sizes etc but with this company the photos depict the clothing really well and if you are large in size, you buy large. If you are medium in size, guess what….you buy medium.
There are some top notch things on sale from this company so have a look at the website .You can also buy Siino stuff from here too. Here are a couple of pictures of the kinds of things you can buy there. I bought the t-shirt in the top picture but in white (half print and half stitching). It looks pretty damn cool when you’re out and about.
As you can see there’s some cool stitching on these two tops, apparently designed from a collection of other pictures all strategically placed to form another picture, or in some cases a big fat S (for Siino). There’s a lot more to it but to find out you’ll have to contact hello@siinoclothing.com or call 01926 332040.
And there you have it! That’s my rant for this month I hope you enjoy the tracks I’ve pointed out to you. If you can’t get hold of them quite yet, just hold on to your hats and you’ll soon be able to. The best things come to those who wait…apparently!
Now, over to Abjekt with his array of weird and wonderful collection of singles & albums.
Don’t forget to mail me at kris@caughtinthecrossfire.com
Cheers people
Kris Drew
Big ups to Kris for his reviews, I can definitely vouch for the Dr Octagon album, crazy shit, I love it. So this month was a particularly big one for me and I have a bunch of stuff for you guys to check out. I’m off to the Scribble Jam festival this month, the premier underground hip hop festival with MC/DJ/Beatbox/Breaking battles, live performances and graffiti expos, so whilst I’m gone checking the likes of Pigeon John, Jel, Brother Ali, Murs and Glue, you can track down these badboys and listen to what I recommend to tide you over til next time.
LOW BUDGET & AARON LACRATE – BMore Gutter Music
(Milkcrate Records/All City Music)
www.myspace.com/aaronlacrate
We’re kicking off with some party jams people. Milkcrate’s Aaron LaCrate and Hollertronix’s Lowbudget have teamed up to combine some funky-arse B-More House with hip hop and smeared it with a nice big dollop of bass. This is the sort of music you wanna be hearing when you’re getting down in a sweaty nightclub at 3am and it’s just the thing I need to wake me up in the morning.
With guest appearances from Big Dada’s MC Spank Rock and his running buddy Amanda Blank, you know that the rapping’s going to be top rate when it’s played out over the beats. And when you have a woman promising you a “pussy made of Gold”, you know you aren’t gonna go far wrong with this record. Baltimore’s clubs are banging and this CD proves it.
DARC MIND – Symptomatic Of A Greater Ill
(Anticon)
www.anticon.com
First things’s first – Darc Mind’s album doesn’t sound like an Anticon release. It’s not experimental, it’s not inane noise that has nothing to do with hip hop and you don’t have an MC trying to fit a whole verse into one sentence. This is a record which would fit on any typical hip hop label’s roster and is the sort of release that a lot of heads would happily slip onto their system.
The album, written between 1995 and 1997, could be argued to be ahead of its time. But to me its more of a mix between early 90s rap and the emergence of underground shit from the late 90s and early 2000s. Its dark and broody in some places [especially in Rhyme Zone] and stripped down in others [Covert Op] and even reminds me of Public Enemy on BMoc. If you liked the early rap stuff and want a little twist on it, this may well be the record for you.
JURASSIC 5 – Feedback
(Interscope)
www.jurassic5.com
I’ll admit I’ve never been a huge fan of J5, but at least you know that Cut Chemist is always going to deliver some good head-nod beats. At least, you did know that you could count on that with J5 records, but now he has left, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Unfortunately what came out of my speakers wasn’t anything worth listening to.
There is an argument, which I agree with, that J5’s output has gotten progressively weaker with each release and Feedback seems to support that point of view. Brown Girl for example, sounds like something the Pussycat Dolls would release into the charts, Work It Out, which inexplicably features Dave Matthews, just doesn’t hit the spot in any way and Turn It Out has some weak distorted beat which just sounds like they’ve not really bothered.
The only saving grace for the album is Canto De Ossanha, an instrumental which saves us from the poor rapping experienced throughout the album before it as Cuban and latino vibes fill the air over strumming guitars. But overall, this is one I’d steer well clear of.
WHATEVER THE WEATHER PRESENTS… – Fog Horn Vol. 1
(Whatever The Weather)
www.whatevertheweather.net
This is a mixtape which features a host of randomly collected artists and when I read the tracklist and saw the likes of Sage Francis and DJ Vadim sitting alongside the likes of Carpetface and Eat More Cake, I wondered how it would stick together, if at all. But as soon as the CD had finished I was happy to hear that it was seamlessly put together and provided a great mix of styles.
From the instrumental opening Which Way The Wind Blows by Natureboy which features soft horns and some nice percussion through the strings of Prolyphic and Suspect‘s Highs And Lows to the incredibly bassy fast paced action of Zej‘s Bob In Dob, you know that every track will provide and new twist and turn, and that’s what’s so refreshing about this compilation. From big names to small names, they all give something different and yet it doesn’t feel forced. Definitely one to check out.
RISHI RICH – The Project
(Two Point Nine)
www.2point9.com
Again, I’ll start with an admission – I’m not too hot on the Indian style vibes that started breaking into mainstream rap and allowed the likes of Jay Sean and Juggy D to get more exposure. It’s just not my thing, and I find it really taxing to have to sit listening to wailing voices in the background in most of the tracks. So whilst I’m sure that those who do feel that kind of vibe will love this new Rishi Rich album, it just doesn’t click for me.
The one track I don’t mind so much is Let’s Start Talking which has a nice grimey bassline on the beat and features the talents of one of the Grime world’s top MCs J2K and the awesome female rapper Baby Blue. But once again the vocal samples in the background just take the edge of what would be a good grime track and let it down a little. If you do like the Indian style beats then this is the CD for you, if not, then it’s best to leave it to those who do.
PLAID & BOB JAROC – Greedy Baby
(Warp)
www.warprecords.com
Plaid aka Ed Handley and Andy Turner have returned to the fore with this new release on the legendary Warp label, Greedy Baby. The album was written directly for surround sound systems and perhaps would have sounded even more mighty and impressive had it been playing on one, rather than my PC speakers, but nevertheless it’s certainly an impressive build up of eclectic beats and tuneful melodies. Some parts provide the soundtrack to lazy Sunday afternoons whilst other tracks set off an eerie and mysterious vibe that keeps you guessing.
You don’t just get a CD with this release, you get a DVD to accompany it and it completes what was already such an interest album. Each track on the CD is featured on the DVD with the brilliant work of Bob Jaroc. He provides the visual backdrop to the sonic soundscapes put down by Plaid and gives each track its own life with characters as well as just music. This isn’t just an album, this is an experience in sound and art and you’ll do well to check it out.
PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS – Stepfather
(Basement Records)
www.basementrecords.com
Thes One and Double K are back again and this album is as good as any they’ve put out there in the past. You know with PUTS you’re going to get some nice chilled rapping over a selection of quality beats and as always, they don’t disappoint. Kicking off with Step In you’re thrown straight into a summer’s day and then immediately they switch the styles into a stripped down track Pass The 40 with some ill scratching up on the chorus.
Whether they throw in a full pumping beat or the jazzy styles like in Flex Off, whether they sample a vocal into the fabric of the track [More Than You Know] or bang in with some great percussion [Tuxedo Rap], they do it with style and a flow that seems as though they feel more natural rapping than talking. Musically and lyrically PUTS have come up with a sure fire smile-inducing album and if you were a fan before you’ll love it, if you weren’t a fan before, you will be after hearing this. And with the album coming complete with a DVD, you can’t really go wrong. Quality stuff.
HIP HOP IS MUSIC PRESENTS… – Heavy Rotation
(Hip Hop IS Music)
www.hiphopismusic.com
Braille‘s new label Hip Hop IS Music has already promised big things, you only have to look at their roster, and yet as if this wasn’t enough, the label has put out a mix CD to showcase the talents of some of the roster to show just how great this label will be. The CD kicks off with the strumming title track, featuring Braille himself with Kaboose and Sivion, horns and vocal samples backing the rapping with ease.
Theory Hazit‘s track, My Favorite Hip Hop Joint, throws down a nice jazzy sung chorus over stunted melodies and is followed by Surreal bringing in Moment In Time, which is an ode to how he makes hip hop for the fans, putting his soul on the canvas for anyone listening. Fresh Nostaliga by Sojourn pumps out the funky guitars straight outta Shaft and Big Rec‘s Unleashed shows the more heavy hitting side of the label’s potential.
With beats by the likes of Ohmega Watts, Tony Stone and Muneshine, plus a few of Braille’s mates getting in on the action like Mars Ill, this is as good a compilation CD as you’re going to find. Hip Hop definitely IS music and this CD will prove that to you.
SIVION – Spring Of The Songbird
(Hip Hop IS Music)
www.hiphopismusic.com
Sivion, member of the DeepSpace5 collective which houses Mars Ill and Listener, comes with his solo outing on Braille’s aforementioned Hip Hop IS Music label and Spring Of The Songbird is a nice summery vibed album. With a healthy dose of singing going through the album, its not your average boom bap affair but Sivion brings it off well with solid rapping and a nice knack for storytellings.
Production from DeepSpace5’s Beat Rabbi, Ohmega Watts, Tony Stone and DJ Idull gives him a varied palette with which to rap over and he mixes it up from chilled out beats to more powerful and heavier tracks. Who Am I sounds like a DeepSpace5 track with fellow members Freddie Bruno and Playdough guesting and Going Through It features the new boss Braille on guest vocals.
But it’s the Tony Stone produced Walk With Me that kills the entire record. The beat has some amazing drums and the sung chorus and introduction of the live Saxophone in the background just give it the depth that allows it to stand above the rest of the album, which is no mean feat. Hip Hop IS Music looks good on paper but sounds even better on the stereo.
This month’s art comes from the ever talented Jon Burgerman. Miss Sixty commissioned him to use his brilliant style on their hotel in East Italy. Jon started drawing on one side of the room and then just carried on til he was all the way over the other side. Imagine staying at a hotel with this all around you. I wouldn’t leave the room if this was mine, I’d be too busy looking at every little character on there. It’s awesome, as is all of his work, so make sure you visit his site and check out everything on there. Click here for a view of the entire room.
Ok people, that’s your lot from me this time around. I’m off to Minneapolis and Ohio and will hopefully be grabbing some new hip hop whilst I’m over there. Make sure you enjoy the rest of the sun if it sticks around and I’ll be back soon with more recommendations. Whilst you’re at it, don’t forget to check out my beautiful voice over at the Hip Hop Radio Show. And, as ever, I would love to be sent CDs to review, so hit me up at the address below.
Inabit!
Yes people, the raging, stinging scorpion of a jugganaught that is The Pit is back, ready to blow those little socks off that your mummy made you wear.
This time round we welcome new writer Cathy Reay, who joins us this week and whilst you’re reading The Pit, why not do it with the new Crossfire Indie Show or the latest Heavy Shit Show coming out of your speakers? You know it makes sense…
RAZORLIGHT – Razorlight
(Vertigo)
www.razorlight.co.uk
www.vertigorecords.co.uk
Despite the fact that Johnny Borrell is looking increasingly like a human tampon (head to white attire is never a good look when you’re that svelte) Razorlight‘s follow up to their hugely successful ‘ Up All Night‘ sees the band make good the promises laid down in the first album. Building on their signature guitar sound, the four piece have produced an upbeat, engaging array of tracks, albeit with a softer, perhaps more commercially appealing sound.
Tracks like ‘America’ and ‘Before I Fall to Pieces’, whilst endearingly melodic and summer filled, don’t have the same bite as tracks like ‘Vice’ or ‘Somewhere Else’. The band have taken a new direction, which might not appeal to all, but this album is definitely a grower, give it a few listens before casting judgement. ‘Who Needs Love’ and ‘Los Angeles Waltz’ stand out, but it’s the first single ‘In the Morning’ which has the kick and verve in it, which is lacking in the rest of the track listing.
MY AWESOME COMPILATION – Awake
(Sore Point Records)
www.myawesomcompilation.com
www.sorepointrecords.com
The third single taken from their debut album ‘Actions‘ see the Leicester based four piece My Awesome Compilation notch it up a gear with their infectious brand of pop punk. Upbeat and starting to sound a little like Blink182, Chris Driver’s vocals pave the way for swirling, smiling beats – this is a perfect summer track from a band of brothers who’ve been plugging away for years.
Whilst previous offerings have been punk driven and higher octane, ‘Awake’ is a short lived, mellow sun soaked track, the perfect soundtrack to a balmy evening, the sharpened points of the surprisingly emotive lyrics padded by the warm guitars and upbeat vibe. ‘Awake’ prove My Awesome Compilation are more than your archetypal good time band- catch them on tour over the summer.
MONEEN – If Tragedy Is Appealing, Then Disaster’s An Addiction
(Vagrant)
www.moneen.com
www.vagrant.uk.com
Rumour has it that when Moneen recorded their album ‘The Red Tree’, the session was so intensive and so stressful that the amps and pedals in the studio quite literally went up in smoke – and the first (downloadable) single from that combustible album ‘If Tragedy Is Appealing, Then Disaster’s an Addiction’ is crammed full of pent up energy just waiting to explode out of your speakers.
It kicks off with a tumbling beat, heartbeat quick, levels rising, months of touring have produced a vibrant, engaging and jagged arrangement, and the first single combines all their best attributes into a high octane explosion of sound. Their intense live show has been perfectly captured by producer Brian McTernan (who also produced the equally spikey Thrice). They’ve managed to sidestep the ’emo’ tag with a fast paced, heart in your mouth single – Moneen are the best thing to happen to the Canadian rock scene since…well… ever?
BIG HAND – Day & Night
(Self Released)
www.thebighand.co.uk
www.myspace.com/bighandmusic
When a band’s recording their debut album in the legendary Air Studios you know they must be doing something right. When Chris Nutall caught some of one of their notorious live shows at The Barfly, he was so impressed he offered to help them out, and so the four piece found themselves recording in the hallowed studios of Air.
Big Hand are a band who have universal appeal, whether rock, hip hop or indie schmindie is your bag, these guys have an uncanny knack of plastering a smile onto your face and lifting your spirits, and their EP ‘ Day & Night’ does just that. Five tracks of good time ska, the opener ‘ The Trumpet’ lulls you into a false sense of security before the Caribbean vibe waves in, gentle reggae tinged velvet vocals and a bouncing rhythm.
This EP just makes you want to dance; it’s laid back with a feel good vibe to life you out of the lowest of lows. ‘Pirates’ stand out, the tempo kicks up a notch – it brings in the sunshine with every trumpet call. It’s easy to understand why Big Hand have gained such a huge following, this is food for the soul, who needs Prozac when you’ve got these guys?
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL – Don’t Wait
(Vagrant)
www.dashboardconfessional.com
www.vagrant.uk.com
Dashboard’s a strange conundrum, when once just a side project from Further Seems Forever’s ex frontman Chris Carrabba, he took to the stage sandwiched between bands on the Florida hardcore scene, with his acoustic guitar and produced tracks to melt the coldest heart, takes of heartbreak from a relationship breaking down to betrayal and infidelity.
The tracks took wings and he slid uneasily into the mainstream, and suffered the same backlash cries of sell-out that many have taken on the chin before him. There’s no denying the guy is a talented writer, the hooks he spins out, the raw emotional twirling on every line, that way he can capture a certain feeling, a depth of spirit – without being bland. The first single of the new album ‘Don’t Wait’ is a slice of soaring melody, urged along by a reassuring bass, Carrabba’s familiar vocals coaxing the listener to ‘lay your armour down..’, let yourself be swept along from chorus to chorus, the guitars washing over you.
He’s moved on from the raw hurt of ‘Screaming Infidelities’, the vitriol of ‘Saints and Sailors’, and the overwhelming joy of ‘Hands Down’, to a more mature sound, a dramatic track with an epic soaring quality. Forget your preconceptions about Dashboard and enjoy some truly talented songwriting.
HUMANZI – Tremors
(SFR)
www.humanzi.com
They certainly do what it says on the, er, album title… or do they? Humanzi may have gotten too big for their boots with their startlingly samey debut. Who said loud is always a good thing? ‘Diet Pills and Magazines’, the first single to be ripped and also the opening song is a choice tune to begin with. It’s fiery; pop but dirty (and not in the Christina Aguilera way). Nothing radically new for the indie scene, which is obviously what these kids want to be at the forefront of, but presented by such an edgy, loud, spell-binding voice that you can’t help but want to either dance or sing along – or both.
Unfortunately it all goes a bit downhill after that. The following tracks have such a similar beat to each other that it’s difficult to distinguish where one ends and the next begins. But none of them are able to match up to the firestarting intro – perhaps if that’d been left until the end I would have had nothing good to compare the rest to, but then again I doubt I would have listened for the duration of the disc anyway.
A definite dancefloor hit for visitors of indie rock clubs, but nothing here to prove any hint of staying power. They’ll be a feature band in NME next week, in the listings a month after but a year down the line NME won’t even remember who they are. Will you?
JAMES MORRISON – You Give Me Something
(Polydor)
www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com
www.polydor.co.uk
Many music critics have already lumped this 21 year old bright-eyed Derby fellow in with the James Blunt crowd, but no self-respecting, eager young voice deserves that sort of diminishing label. When Blunt finally retreats to one of his stately country homes and a work schedule filled with regular slots at Mecca Bingo, Morrison‘s marketing campaign will continue to thrive, focusing on the boy’s aesthetically charming sound and appearance.
One of the major differences in the James’ is that the annoying one was posh before he started making music, whereas this loveable creature is branded as more of an “I worked hard to get where I am” story. Couple that with the fact that his small, fresh-faced physique automatically classes him as vulnerable, impressionable, naïve etc and I guarantee people won’t be able to stop themselves from falling under his spell.
The song is, admittedly, heavily laden with cheese. Soulful as it may be, Morrison is obviously counting on a loyal female fanbase as it’s extremely unlikely that members of the opposite sex would even dare admit to enjoying his music. But there’s something so sincere, captivating and inescapable about this young man’s music that the fact that he could probably woo the entire female population of Great Britain into bed with him suddenly doesn’t seem like such an outrageous idea…
ORSON – Happiness
(Mercury)
www.orsonband.com
www.mercuryrecords.co.uk
Having failed to make a mark in their native land, generally assumed by us to have the only worthwhile opinion of music (ever) – the big ol’ US of A -, it’s surprising that Orson would be able to glide right into chart success in their native’s mini replica. But they have. Debut album ‘Bright Idea‘ hit number one here in the UK and the first single to be lifted from it, ‘No Tomorrow‘, was more than difficult to avoid on Radio 1’s rotation. The burning question is: what have they got that’s made them into such an overnight success?
The answer? Still trying to work that one out. ‘Happiness‘ is the second single from the record and is of a lower tempo than most of the other material. The singer sounds a bit like a cross between Bon Jovi and Spiral of the latest Big Brother, although veering dangerously towards the latter. His ability to actually sing is restricted to the chorus which is catchy, but nothing outstanding. The verses and bridge are when his Goldie Lookin’ Chain influences kick in and he seems unsure of what direction to push himself in. Settling for flatness, this is ultimately what makes the song such a let down. Though he’s not completely to blame, the music is pretty hollow and uninspiring too. Not a bad song per say, just sapped of powerful direction and taken over by fear and self-restriction.
RACONTEURS – Hands
(XL)
www.theraconteurs.com
www.xlrecordings.com
Boasting five tracks (four of which are previously unheard mixes) instead of just the one, this single release appears more like a rare EP than anything else. Though it’s obvious which of the five is about to tear up commercial radio-ah, or maybe not. The Raconteurs-say that name to your friends and they probably wouldn’t be able to hum a line, despite the fact that the album garnered a #2 spot earlier this year.
So, ‘Hands‘. Introduced by a simple little drum solo that catches you completely off-guard, effectively grabbing one’s attention from the offset, it develops with a sturdy, formulated pace of mellowed verses and a crashing, powerful chorus. The chorus is quickly signalled by faster drumming and, er, a bit more guitar work, creating the impression that the fuel behind this band is consistently very basic. Coupled with the fact that the vocals are a little monotone, this ensures that ‘Hands‘ might be a nice enough song, but definitely won’t be the groundbreaking, catchy-as-hell anthem the Raconteurs are searching for.
THE AGGROLITES – The Aggrolites
(Hellcat)
www.aggroreggae.com
At first it’s hard to believe that the Aggrolites come from Southern California, an area hardly renowned as a mecca for traditional reggae, when their sound is more reminiscent of late 60’s Jamaica. Songs like ‘Time To Get Tough’ and ‘Work To Do’ are awash with soulful vocals, laid-back grooves and swirls of organ; the band creating a sound that is simultaneously fresh and vital, but also respectful of early reggae pioneers like Toots And The Maytals and the Wailers.If this current heat-wave is getting on your nerves, then try relaxing with a cold drink and ‘The Aggrolites’ on your stereo.
ADEQUATE SEVEN – Here On Earth
(Breaking World)
www.adequate7.co.uk
Having revived the legacy of bands like Fishbone and Bad Brains in fine style on their 2003 debut ‘Songs Of Innocence And Experience’, Cardiff’s Adequate Seven have pumped their hardcore funk to new heights on ‘Here On Earth’. Quite simply, the likes of ‘Head Up High’ and ‘King Leopold’s Ghost’ are gonna make you bounce; a feast of smart lyrics and grooves so tight and fat that you’d swear George Clinton himself was at the controls. If you’re getting impatient for the next Capdown record, then ‘Here On Earth’ should tide you over nicely. Brilliant Seven, more like.
HEAVENS – Patent Pending
(Epitaph)
www.heavensband.com
Given that one half of Heavens is none other than Alkaline Trio vocalist/guitarist Matt Skiba, it’s perhaps unsurprising that his distinctive voice and darkly romantic lyrics lend his side-project’s debut album a certain familiarity. However, he’s left the music itself to multi-instrumentalist Josiah Steinbrick, who has forsaken speed and power chords for programmed beats, understated Cure-esque melodies and a twisted art-pop nous. Not an immediately addictive record; but given time, ‘Patent Pending’ will reveal many a subtle delight.
THE PIPETTES – We Are The Pipettes
(Memphis Industries)
www.thepipettes.co.uk
The songs of the Ronettes and other 60’s girl group favourites evoked an innocent, wholesome image. Not the case for Brighton trio the Pipettes, who add a humorous feminist slant and some Blondie style punk-pop energy to these classic influences on their debut album. Gems like ‘Tell Me What You Want’ and recent single ‘Pull Shapes’ are drenched in Spector-esque strings and sweet harmonies, and with fourteen songs over 33 minutes, ‘We Are The Pipettes’ doesn’t outstay its welcome. Oh, and for the record, my favourite Pipette is Riotbecki.
WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE – Song Of The Blackbird
(Southern)
www.williamelliottwhitmore.com
Having dealt with the death of both his parents as a teenager, William Elliott Whitmore could be forgiven for indulging in morbid self-introspection à la Staind. Instead, he’s found solace in the music of his rural roots; a mix of country and bluegrass that often resembles the work of Johnny Cash and Ralph Stanley. Most of the songs on ‘Song Of The Blackbird’ feature Whitmore accompanied solely by his trusty banjo, but his soulful rasp shines through equally well on full ‘band’ efforts like ‘The Chariot’ and ‘Red Buds’. Truly, this is music to soothe the soul.
AUDIOSLAVE – Original Fire
(Interscope Records/Epic)
www.audioslave.com
www.epicrecords.com
Audioslave return with new single ‘Original Fire’, taken from their forthcoming third album ‘Revelations‘. To be fair, listening to this isn’t much of one because you know what’s coming before you even hear it. Chris Cornell’s raspy vocals, habitual Tom Morello solo and consistent but dull drums and bass from Brad Wilk and Tim Commerford all make for a dreary come back. It’s likely that in the just over 3 and a half minutes it takes to listen to Original Fire, you may have fallen into a deep coma. Desperately disappointing.
PETER BRAME – Wake Up
(Double Impact Management)
www.peterbrame.biz
‘Whoooooooooooo?’ I hear you cry. Cast your minds back some time to BBC 1’s Fame Academy. He was the loony one that was often seen swaggering around trying to emulate Liam Gallagher and Mick Jagger and rolling about on the floor. This continued after leaving Fame Academy too, with Brame being photographed worse for wear falling out of every party going. But now, a few years on, it seems he has decided to sober up and shake the label of reality TV wannabe to pursue a career as a credible musician. ‘Wake Up’ is spurred on by the spirit of 90’s rock and recalls early Primal Scream and Smashing Pumpkins with Brame sounding eerily like Billy Corgan and although it’s not earth shattering, it’s glossy chorus and slinky guitar is screaming for masses of radio airplay. There are aspects of promise and there could be more to this boy than the chart-friendly tag suggests.
ESCAPE THE FATE – There’s No Sympathy For The Dead
(Epitaph)
www.escapethefate.com
www.epitaph.com
Escape The Fate hail from Vegas, home of The Killers, Panic! At The Disco and class entertainment like Siegfried & Roy but thankfully they bear no resemblance to any of them. In fact their debut mini album is good. So good in fact it barely matters that this has all been done before. Much of this impressive debut is redolent of Senses Fail & Underoath with its thick guitars and soaring choruses and needs to be played at brain rattling volume for best results. Roll on the full length album…
VARIOUS – Unsound
(Epitaph)
www.epitaph.com
Anyone who calls themselves a punk fan will probably own at least one of the legendary compilations that were Punk-O-Rama. But now as Epitaph, well known for being a punk label have broadened their horizons somewhat and started to sign more and more hip hop and hardcore artists Punk-O-Rama, after ten years has been revamped to reflect the change. Which aint a bad thing, so me ole ma says ‘a change is as good as a rest’.
So now called Unsound, you get 19 tracks on the CD and a 10 track DVD which is good value for your beans. Featuring the likes of Pennywise, Bad Religion and Bouncing Souls alongside Converge & Some Girls who nestle between Dangerdoom and The Robocop Kraus its all pretty diverse. Also featuring some less well known bands like The Matches and Youth Group, who do a natty cover of Alphaville’s 80’s classic Forever Young, all are worth investigating. So what are you waiting for? Buy, buy, buy.
SNOWDEN – Anti Anti
(Jade Tree)
www.jadetree.com
www.snowden.info
Sensitive and packed with enticing tunes, Atlanta’s Snowden tick almost every box with their Jade Tree debut ‘Anti Anti’. Their sound is slightly 80’s inspired with hints of early Cure and New Order mixed with tinges of more up to date bands like Placebo, Beck, Coldplay and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs it’s and unpredictable yet beautiful album. Actually, there isn’t much else around at the moment that sounds quite like this, which is an absolute godsend. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re looking for something to get angry to or thrash about to, this isn’t it. It’s more your at home with some friends, chilling and having a beer music, which appeals greatly. Delicate guitars weave in and out of the albums fluent percussion and although not instantly catchy, give it some time. It’ll grow on you like mould.
Plaid aka Ed Handley and Andy Turner have returned to the fore with this new release on the legendary Warp label, Greedy Baby. The album was written directly for surround sound systems and perhaps would have sounded even more mighty and impressive had it been playing on one, rather than my PC speakers, but nevertheless it’s certainly an impressive build up of eclectic beats and tuneful melodies. Some parts provide the soundtrack to lazy Sunday afternoons whilst other tracks set off an eerie and mysterious vibe that keeps you guessing.
You don’t just get a CD with this release, you get a DVD to accompany it and it completes what was already such an interest album. Each track on the CD is featured on the DVD with the brilliant work of Bob Jaroc. He provides the visual backdrop to the sonic soundscapes put down by Plaid and gives each track its own life with characters as well as just music. This isn’t just an album, this is an experience in sound and art and you’ll do well to check it out.