An Horse - Trains and Tracks

This Australian duo have released this track off their sophomore release "Walls". Their sophomore effort is accompanied by a more mature, refined sound while they still stay loyal to their roots of edgy indie pop.
They managed to crash their website for a full 12 hours when they announced recently this track was available for free download via their Twitter account. The power of social media must have been underestimated!

The duo play Bamboozle this weekend on the same stage as Gaslight Anthem so I am fully expecting them to gather some new followers and gain momentum.

Their album is currently available in stores and online. Its definitely worth a listen, quite enjoyable.

Marcus Foster - Tumble Down

Marcus Foster is a English folk artist who sadly remains fairly unknown and vastly under appreciated. He has two claim to fames - He is the ex-boyfriend of Singer-Songwriter Laura Marling and Robert Pattinson covered his song "Let Me Sign" for the soundtrack of that horrific creation of a "movie" we all know as Twilight.

Sadly for Foster, his career has started to gain some momentum in the shadow of Marcus Mumford and Co. How can he compete against the leaders of the Nu-Folk movement who not only dominate European music scenes but have taken it as far as to crack America, a feat which very acts ever obtain.

Foster is a true singer-songwriter who secretes emotion by the bucket load in his music, of ten his heartfelt vocal is strained due to him really pushing it out so much. This track is a humble, emotive effort which is backed by his a acoustic guitar and a strong drum beat which builds throughout the second half of the track. I can't help but remember the one and only Jeff Buckley when I listen to this track.

Listen to a the title track from his EP here:

American Babies - Dance All Night

This captivating single is taken from American Babies sophomore effort "Flawed Logic". This country ridden, two steppin, feel good jam is permeating old school country influences and I for one love it!  Tom Hamilton clearly grew up listening to that Honky-Tonk music of old times long gone but this Philadelphia outfit cross country influences with indie/folk melodies and it creates a fantastic summer tune which will please fans of all genres.

The album dropped recently on Engine Room Records and I for one can't help but savor this release and hope for bigger and better things for such a talented group!

The Head and The Heart - Lost in my Mind

This is Seattles next global folk icon in my opinion. This group recently signed to Sub Pop records. This Fleet Foxes inspired outfit are both musically and geographically similar to Fleet Foxes.  Lost in my Mind is a sure fire folk-pop classic with melodies similar to that often utilized by The Beatles back in their Heyday!

They are a band which know what their fans want and provide it in abundance. This group bring forth a true folk presence which is loyal to the originalities of folk music and puts merely a twist to the core of folk as it should be played.

I fully expect these guys to soar for the heights reached by Seattle counterpiece Fleet Foxes in the coming months.

I'm From Barcelona - Get In Line

This mass effort from 29 member swedish indie pop starlets "I'm From Barcelona" is a head bopping, chair shaking, jump up and down catchy pop gem. The first single off the album Forever Today released this month is a dance floor anthem if i ever heard one. The whole album is another classic swedish production ( Robyn influenced? i believe so with the indie synths approach).

This song is definitely one for those hot summer days, tons of funs and a definite hit on the European scene this coming summer!

Death Cab For Cutie - Some boys

 Ben Gibbard and co are back with the third track off their upcoming release "Codes and Keys" due for release on May 31st via Atlantic Records. This little gem is titled Some Boys and is quite the ambient pop tune. This song ventures towards Seventies Electronics as the band promised Rolling Stone about their upcoming release. However, Gibbard's sweet vocal melodies ensure that the band remain in that niche they have carved out for themselves while feeling out some new sonic territory instrumentally.

The Shins are back with a new untitled track!!

James Mercer is the front man of both The Shins and Broken Bells and last month he played a  benefit set at The Bagdad Theater in Portland, Oregon for a local school.  He was joined by Joe Plummer (The Shins and Modest Mouse) providing percussion. Mercer announced that The Shins were working on a new album and that this currently untitled gem "should be on there".

I can't help but be excited about this. I am a huge James Mercer fan and an even bigger fan of The Shins. When they released "Oh, Inverted World" way back in 2001, my life changed. They remain one of my all time favorite bands and even at the age of 12 when that record was released i still had a huge appreciation for it. To this day, Phantom Limb off their 2007 release "Wincing the night away" remains one of my all time favorite songs.The band will be back on stage for the first time since 2009 at the Outside Lands festival in San Francisco from August 12-14th.

I am thoroughly excited by the prospect of the new album, hopefully more information is released about it soon!

The Decemberists - This Is Why We Fight

Today, Vevo got its hand on the new very serious video from Colin Meloy and Co. for their single,"This is Why We Fight". The track is taken from their latest album entitled; The King is Dead.

The video is a serious affair dabbed in hopelessness and scorn. It features Children and Young Adults dressed in old school military garb trouncing around a post-war battlefield with looks of desperation and hopelessness firmly planted across their faces. The video itself brings the passion and seriousness of the song forth with real prowess and emphasis on the serious undertones within this song.

The song itself is undoubtedly a political ballad but nonetheless remains a beautifully crafted strumming effort from an always reliable Decemberists outfit. Colin Meloy is as perfect as always in his vocal delivery.

The King is Dead remains a must have album for 2011!

Check out the brand new video at:

This Is Why We Fight

Noah's Ark Was A Spaceship - Warm Eyes

These guys are Nebraska's rising indie punk rock sensations. This track "Warm Eyes" is taken from their February LP, Hanga-Fang. NAWAS are one of the first artists on Conor Oberst's (Bright eyes) label, Saddle Creek Records.

This is one of the best tunes of the year so far and its obvious that 90's alternative music such as Sonic Youth and The Pixies thoroughly influenced every facet of this Omaha outfit.

Look out for big things from these guys this year!

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/noahsarkwasaspaceship

Live video:

The Wombats- Anti-D

A guilty pleasure of mine ever since "Lets Dance to Joy Division" are back with a ballad (of sorts), a tune produced by these guys could never  be classified as a true ballad but its an indie pop ballad ...i suppose.
They use a clumsy metaphor for being a "Human Anti-Depressant". The song itself is coupled with strings and anthem-like attempted vocals. In the long run, the song is not an anthem, it lacks power and gravity to achieve such heights. It remains however a catchy, witty and true to their nature indie-pop tune. It's not a song which grasps or amazes me but I wouldn't turn it off if it came on in the car either. A solid effort, hopefully the next album brings more depth or The Wombats may have fell off the wagon.

Arctic Monkeys - Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair

Alex Turner and Co released their new single "Don't sit down 'cause I've moved your Chair" off their June 7th release date album; "Suck it and See" earlier on today. The track is available to download digitally right now!
The single will be released in hard copy on May 30th.

The track is not in anyway like their bangin' anthems of dancefloor mania from their debut release but this track shows us the usual witty lyrics of Alex Turner at their finest. As always, the song oozes personality, swagger and utter poetic sophistication. Their is a reason this man is widely considered one of this generations greatest lyricists.

The track has a nice tempo too which builds throughout the song and overall its destined for chart topping success as always. In fairness, Alex Turner could moan and grunt for 3 minutes and still sell records.

Enjoy the track  below:

Art Brut - Lost Weekend

Lost Weekend is the first offering from "Brilliant!Tragic!", the latest album from German/British Indie outfit Art Brut. The single is officially released on May 16th and the full-length album will follow suit one week later. Art Brut are renowned for their unique talk-singing approach to music.

This single is very different to the usual heavy talk-rock which Eddie Argos is more associated with. In this simple love song, he has switched it down to an almost whisper. It is quite unusual but at the same time its effect and fits the theme of a love song more so than a heavier vocal would.

Overall, I like the song but hope the whole album does not stick to this vocal style

Check out Art Brut at: http://www.artbrut.org.uk/

Justice - Civilization

This thumping club anthem, first featured in a popular Adidas Commercial a few weeks and now we finally have the full track version. This French outfit are the Sultans of the electro scene, and have been for a long time. This track "Civilization" is going to be banged out in clubs all over the world for the Summer of 2011! The single officially dropped on April 4th.

Check this French duo out at: http://www.myspace.com/etjusticepourtous

Here is the full single:

But, don't ignore the Adidas commercial which is loaded with global superstars from the sporting world:

DEATH CAB for CUTIE - Home Is A Fire

One of my all time favorite bands have just dropped this track "Home is a Fire" off their new album, Codes and Keys, due for release May 31st on Atlantic Records. I have been listening to Ben Gibbard with both Death Cab and The Postal Service for many years and this track seems more similar to his work with Postal Service than it does Death Cab. However, i am still a huge fan; there is very little that Mr.Gibbard can do wrong in my eyes. As always, their is a beautiful rhythm to the song combined with his unique songwriting style and (the postal service like) electronic beats to bring the whole concept together and create as per usual, a great tune. For me, this is one of the most anticipated releases of the summer and this song, along with previously released the tourist only reaffirms that feeling. Roll on May 31st!

 Check them out here: http://www.deathcabforcutie.com/

  DEATH CAB for CUTIE - Home Is A Fire by ATL REC.

Dry the River - No Rest

This indie folk outfit hailing from the United Kingdom are no Mumford and Sons wannabe's, they bring their own vibe and personality to their music. They are one of the few indie folk groups around who could dream of scaling as high as Marcus Mumford and Co. The band gained a lot of hype following performances at SXSW with many critics taking a liking to their distinctive front man's vocal tone.

This song "No Rest" is an upbeat number which escalates from a soft, gentle introduction to a heavier thud which only brings forth the youth and personality of these guys.

This group will be touring the festival scene throughout the summer and are definitely a must-see in my opinion.

Check them out at : Dry the River

Walk the Moon- Anna Sun

These guys are fresh off absolutely killing it at SXSW, definitely one of the bands most hyped after their performance down in Austin. These guys craft chirpy, agonizingly catchy lyrics that you cant help bopping along with from start to finish. This single is taken from their self-released 2010 LP "I want!I want!". If these guys keep dropping gems like this they are destined to dominate the indie pop scene for years to come,  even if they are from Cincinnati which has produced nothing special in the indie scene to date.

Watch out for these guys in the coming months: http://www.myspace.com/walkthemoonband

Metronomy- The Look

The Look is the second release from the follow-up album "The English Riviera" which is due to be released on April 11th, 2011. This has elevated Metronomy from a middle of the road, nothing special group to a top notch, headliner act. As typical, the music seems to flow effortlessly, the melodies are particularly joyous and the lyrics are as soft as ever.

This album is a must hear!

A combination of stop frame animation, bemused pigeons and dodgems make the video equally as captivating.

Friendly Fires- Live Those Days Tonight

Friendly Fires will be releasing their Second Album entitled 'Pala' via XL Recordings this coming May. They preceded the album with the release of thing bangin' dance floor tune. Full of energy, tenacity and the swagger always associated with this group its a welcome return to the scene for Friendly Fires.

Friendly Fires remain pioneers for dance pop worldwide and I predict this song to be the sound of the Summer!

Check them out here: http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/

Frank Turner - I am disappeared

Frank Turner has released “I Am Disappeared,” one of the first tracks to hit the airwaves from his upcoming album, England Keep My Bones. His new album will hit stores June 6, 2011.


As always Frank stays true to his origin as a singer songwriter in this lyrically driven masterpiece. His instrumentals may be simple but with lyrics of this strength, it would be only disappointing to draw the listener away from the message he is trying to get across. 


He yearns to escape from the hard days, the days in which he feels trapped and lost;


"And come morning
 I am disappeared
 Just an imprint
 On the bed sheets"

Check Frank out at: http://www.frank-turner.com/

Wild Beasts- Albatross

Following on from their critically acclaimed and Mercury Prize nominated second album Two Dancers, Wild Beasts are back with another album release (Smother)  slated for May 10th. The band have released the first single from the album, “Albatross,” a track washed with sonic layers 
and textures of abstract sounds combined to form something typically bold and unique


This is the first piece of the Smother puzzle which has been laid out for us and reminds me a lot of TalkTalk. I really believe that in Smother we may be in store for something spectacular from Wild Beasts. 


Check them out here: .http://www.wild-beasts.co.uk/

Cults- You know what I mean

Cults were undoubtedly one of the breakout bands of 2010 and are destined for even greater heights this coming year. They just dropped this track "You know what I mean" and sources confirm that it will feature on their debut album due for release in May. 


The song itself is a joyous up tempo ode to confusion and loneliness. Madeline Hollen's unique (As always) voice brings a real presence to the song and in the last verse when she riles her voice up to an octave she truly brings the song to a crescendo. For a band who made its name with a happy-go-lucky summer pop song, it's a bold move that hints at longevity some might not have expected. 


Check them out at: http://cultscultscults.com/ 

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean

Since the blogosphere is starting to buzz in a major way about Fleet Foxes impending album release "Helplessness Blues", I decided to upload this track which will feature on the album. Since their self titled debut back in 2008, Fleet Foxes have been placed firmly at the driving seat of the indie-folk movement. They describe their music as "baroque harmonic pop jams" which alone shows us the creativity within this group. Their album is due to be released on May 3rd, 2011. 


The whole album has (unsurpisingly) leaked online already and for me, this track was my standout. It stays loyal to the beautiful harmonies and acoustic nature with which we all associated Fleet Foxes. This track alone should shelve any doubts about their sophomore album not living up to the hype. 


Enjoy!


Check them out at: www.fleetfoxes.com  

The National- Think you can wait

This sleepy new song from Tom McCarthy’s new film Win Win is as with anything from The National a lyrical delight. My favorite line being; "I'll pull the devil down with me one way or another." This tune features an exquisite, gentle but brooding melody and guest vocals from Sharon Van Etten supporting Matt Berninger's typical oak-infused crooning.


Check The national out here: http://www.myspace.com/thenational

Elsinore- Chemicals

Illinois pop quintet, Elsinore bring upbeat, catchy melodies fused with evident rock influences. The lead singer reminds me of the vocalist from The Editors, not a bad comparison to have. He has a very classy, sombre tone which i thoroughly enjoy. The video to Chemicals is quite funny and creative. It is done in black and white and features just manic actions and crazy occurrences which keeps the whole thing quite lighthearted considering the song is undoubtedly about trying to figure out the mentality of a person to whom you have become attached.

Elsinore are a charismatic, enigmatic outfit which having stumbled across this tune earlier have me hooked.

Check them out here /http://www.elsinoremusic.net/

Currently their only scheduled to play in the Illinois area but hopefully they will start to venture further afield in the near future- they certainly have the talent to do so.

Trophy Wife - The Quiet Earth

Trophy Wife are a trio who are meteorically rising through the indie folk rankings from Oxford, England.  Bringing an upbeat feel driven by incessant drums and chiming guitar action, Trophy Wife are simply- fresh. This is the type of melancholic indie which is destined for the dancefloor albeit the type where people only shuffle their feet and nod approvingly. There is also an undeniable warmth  to their sound, highlighted by 'The Quiet Earth's refrain of "When it comes / Don’t you hesitate" – I imagine these are the sort of tunes that The XX would come up with if you fed them a shit load of Prozac and sent them soaring away from their usual grouchy states of  
depression. 


My favorite aspect about Trophy Wife is their confidence and swagger they bring to their music- Remember, this is only their second release. Their sound is so refined that I cant help but think that these guys will be around for 
a long, long time. I for one, hope so! 


Come check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/atrophywife

Kurt Vile- Baby's Arms

Kurt Vile is a singer-songwriter hailing from Philadelphia. He has been likened to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger and Tom Petty in the past. In this single taken from his album "Smoke Ring for my Halo", we witness a song about the contentment and feeling of safety that comes from the closeness of a loved one, you can tell that he has experienced this emotion whether he is actually singing about himself or not. The song is not overwrought with feelings, but Vile has a talent for subtly becoming the characters he sings about. Vile brings a very Elliot Smith feel to his music, a very healthy comparison to have. 

Overall, I am liking the direction Vile has taken since signing with Matador Records and look forward to hearing the album in its entirety. 

Check him out here: http://kurtvile.com/jesusfever/

Arctic Monkeys - Brick by Brick

Sheffield's finest export are back with a BANG! This track randomly appeared on their website last Friday and its a serious tune. It brings the usual witty lyrics from Alex which as always go straight for the jugular with constant success. The song itself possesses low registering harmonies combined with some delightful guitar riff's which keep the tempo of the song stomping along with utter delight.


The arctic monkeys seem to have abandoned their analytical approach to "Humbug" and reverted back to their who gives a fuck, its rock 'n' roll methodology of producing music! I for one welcome this ode to their earlier work with open arms and am thoroughly excited to see what their album hits us with when it drops in May.


Bring on "Suck it and See" on June 6th, 2011. I have great expectations for this record. 


Check the lads out at www.arcticmonkeys.com  

The View - Grace

Before i delve into my latest music offerings allow me to apologize for my absenteeism of late - midterms combined with spring break have resulted in this blog being placed on the back burner. However, i am back with renewed vigor and I will be posting regularly from here on out - Promise.

This week I will be reviewing the first single from Scottish outfit, The View. The single Grace is their first offering from their third album "Bread and Circuses". Thankfully, The view seem to have found their feet and reverted back to the style of their debut album "Hats off to the Buskers". Their second album was a commercial flop ("Which Bitch?").  Grace delivers the expected sprightly, angst-filled, rebel pop with which The View are associated with.  The single is not quite up there with "Same Jeans" for me but it does have enough momentum achieved by Kyle's reliable vocal, thumping drums, and hook laded lyrics to make me believe that perhaps, The View can become sustainable in this industry and not dissolve into the murk following their upcoming album release.

Check them out here: http://www.theviewareonfire.com/

AE7FAV9WAAHX 

Watch Out For Rockets- Telepathic War Machine

Introducing Watch Out For Rockets; a quartet hailing from Austin, Texas. This band have gained a lot of momentum in the past 12months on the blogosphere and even been named in Indie Rock Cafe's bands to watch out for 2011.

Their name sounds like that of a sappy "Emo Pop" band such as We the Kings or The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus but thankfully they fall far far away from bands like this. I would describe this outfit as Psychadelic Punk Pop, and then some. I find it very difficult to categorize this group into one genre or even a handful of genres which is always exciting when dealing with a relatively unknown up and coming group.

They manage to bounce between genres on all their songs which is usually a dangerous move but I find that they succeed with ease. Their style of music is undoubtedly not defined even by the band yet who remain trying to find that niche at which they are most comfortable. They are clearly very influenced by Spoon which is obviously a good influence to draw from, however I feel at times they almost try to replicate them - it's a fine line.

They are a very generous group who at http://watchoutforrockets.bandcamp.com/ have made 5 full EP's available for free download so get listening folks!

WE CAN'T ENJOY OURSELVES -Hang Back With The Brutes

I've been getting some hassle for not plugging some american bands so here we go; My first act to introduce is We can't enjoy ourselves, fresh off the streets of Brooklyn, NYC. This trio are the definition of indie pop and contrary to their name definitely sound like their having fun.

Thanks to Bandcamp i have been listening to their  LP (for free)on repeat for the past few days and loving this track in particular. The guitar riff's are energetic and from the intro we're greeted with an upbeat rhythm. The lead singer Giovanni Saldarriaga brings incredible vocal control and range to the witty pop songs. He is very much like Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) in both his vocals and live stage performance.

We can't enjoy ourselves will become known for weaving simple, catchy, upbeat pop gems. You can't help but enjoy yourself as you listen to this tune.

For my metropolitan readers in the tri-state area, you can catch this exciting new act at ; Bruar Falls in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on March 12. Its a bargain for $8, go check them out before they pick up steam and blow up!

Find them here: http://www.myspace.com/wecantenjoyourselves



WE CAN'T ENJOY OURSELVES - One Belongs Here More Than You - 03 Hang Back With The Brutes

Radiohead- Codex

Radiohead's latest offering dropped today (Feb 18th) on digital release. The album titled "King Of Limbs" was moved forward a day on release due to the band abandoning plans to release it via a big screen in Tokyo. The album as a whole is simply beautiful, its a master craft which only Thom Yorke and Co could produce. 

The standout track from me is the eerie, nature driven, and mysterious "Codex". This song is undoubtedly one of the purest, most honest songs I have ever listened to - its simply AMAZING. The combination of the beautiful piano instrumental and Thom's falsetto creates a very sombre, engaging vibe to the song. The song lacks any epic climax or a godlike solo from Johnny but there not needed. This song is innovative, its passionate and its raw - all these factors make it beautiful. This song is a real grower- first listen; its okay.However,  by the 4th or 5th listen, I was infatuated by this song. It moves you, thats the passion and power that Radiohead present in their music. At the 4 minute mark we are greeted by a string section which lifts the song perfectly and is a fantastic addition. 

My opinion is that this song will be the fan favorite over time. It is undoubtedly a grower and has a new feel to it but it has character and is brimming with sincerity. This song for me, is worth the cost of the album alone. 

Buy the album here: http://www.thekingoflimbs.com/  

The Naked and Famous- Punching In A Dream

The Naked and Famous are a five piece indie band hailing from New Zealand. The band is comprised of Thom Powers,Alisa Xayalith, Aaron Short, David Beadle and Jesse Wood. Their debut album “Passive Me, Aggressive You” was released on the “Somewhat Damaged” label during September 2010 (in New Zealand). On 6 December 2010, the BBC announced that The Naked and Famous had been nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. They were also named in NME's list of bands to watch out for in 2011 - I couldn't agree more!


Punching In A Dream is the third single off their debut album released on the Polydor label in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2010. Their indie pop sound is an elaborative combination of psychedelic guitars, modern indie synths, captivating melodies and a soaring chorus to top it all off.  Typically, I am not a fan of a female lead vocalist (strictly personal preference) but for some reason Alisa really engages me, her tone is so soothing and mellow that I just can't help but enjoy their sound. Her vocals soar on the chorus as she echoes; "Wait, I don't ever want to be here, Like punching in a dream breathing life into the nightmare." 


My verdict: My favorite band right now, without a doubt. Their whole album is fantastic, creative, original. I will be buying my ticket for May 4th and I honestly cannot recommend this quintet highly enough.


The band has announced performances at SXSW 2011 and will be touring alongside British Band Foals and Brooklyn's Freelance Whales starting April 10th in Vancouver, Canada BC with a performance on May 4th in New York City (Terminal 5). There album will also have a North American release date in March, 2011. 


From first listen this band screams MGMT, Passion Pit, Miami Horror - so all you guys who listen to these bands, This one is  a sure fire hit with you!!


Check them out here:  http://www.thenakedandfamous.com/

Yellow Wire - Last Breath

Yellow Wire is the solo project of Singer-Songwriter Ol Beach. The project began in the year 2008 following the split of his preceding project "Wire Daisies". The band had enjoyed  some success in Europe with a few songs available on iTunes and a spot on a famous Brazilian Soap Opera. However, Ol felt a new direction was needed in his music and set off on his solo path of discovery. This track is the follow up to the first single released in mid-2010; "Where Is The Summer?"

The beauty of Ol's music is that you can sit back, soak it in and it really does capture you. The lyrics albeit simple are honest, raw and compelling. The melodies are catchy and this song in it's entirety is undoubtedly a song of reflection, bewilderment and missed opportunities. This is a song anyone can relate to, who hasn't felt the pain of a heart left wanting? Well, Yellow Wire capture this pain and emotion in emphatic fashion. The crashing guitars and heart-felt, soaring vocals of Ol Beach only add to the power of this anthem.

Fans of Bon Iver, The National, Band of Horses - This is your band to watch out for in 2011!

Check out Yellow Wire here: www.yellowwire.co.uk/

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know

I'm going to sound biased plugging an Irish band but honestly, these lads are the real deal! I seen them play live in NYC a few weeks back and their energy and presence in a live atmosphere really only instilled my belief that their destined for greatness. The band hail from Northern Ireland and their debut album "Tourist History" was released in March 2010 (in Europe). They are currently signed to the French label Kitsune Music.

This single "What You know" is a bouncy, energetic number with a real feel-good factor to it. The lead singer Alex Trimble looks about 15 years old so that stern voice is quite humorous coming from him. This band is breaking the mold of Northern Irish bands (Snow patrol, Ash, etc) by peddling an awkward form of Electropop which really engages us constant optimists. Their songs are brimming with hope and dreams of happy endings perhaps due to the fact that after years of struggling to catch a break they have meteorically been catapulted to the forefront of the indie scene and are gaining fans by the second - and rightfully so!!

My verdict: Great song from an outstanding trio!

PS- Kanye West posted this video on his blog a few weeks ago so clearly I am not alone in my love of Two Door Cinema Club.

Check them out here: http://twodoorcinemaclub.com/

Frankie & Heartstrings - Hunger

This Sunderland outfit have been getting a lot of publicity lately on the blogosphere and even in established fields such as NME who have been bigging these guys up for a while now. This group has a certain cocky, brash,  and even rebellious vibe to them in this title track taken from their forthcoming debut album (Hunger - released February 21st). The chorus is anthemic as it echoes;  “we’re waiting for you/ we’re waiting for you/ to come out tonight”. 
This band really reminds me of Dexy's midnight runners except Frankie Francis belts out the tunes like a natural born frontman, he brings a true hip vibe to this band with his obvious cocky nature shining through. 


The band are clearly influenced by Franz Ferdinand which for me is a negative, I have never been a fan and would certainly never style a band on the exploits of Franz Ferdinand. I wouldn't go as far as some people and dub these lads the next "big thing" but I do see a market out there for some hip indie kids who don't take themselves too seriously. I think a lack of attention from the media on this group could bring forth an even greater effort on their follow up album.  


Check them out at http://frankieandtheheartstrings.com/ 

Mirrors - Into the heart

Mirrors are a band originating in Brighton (England) and comprised of 3 members. Their debut album "lights and offerings" will be released on February 28th in the United Kingdom. The track "into the heart" is their single officially released today. The band won't be winning awards for their creativity anytime soon with the song being highly repetitive ("into the heart that wallows in the dark"). However, their sound is very unique and has me wanting to hear more.

 From the outset, the band reminded me of one of my favorite current artists HURTS, however they fell short of reaching such great heights in my opinion. Their sound resembles a church organ combined with indie-synths and electronic beats and the frontman's tone reminded me of of Jarvis Cocker.  The band seems to be strongly influenced  by the early 80's specifically perhaps bands such as Depeche Mode and Echo and the Bunnymen perhaps.

Overall, I am definitely intrigued by their sound and the instrumentals they bring with their music. Personally, I am a huge fan of well constructed, creative lyrics and mirrors is definitely lacking in that department. However, I still find myself enjoying this song and excited to see what they put forth in their debut album. The only question that remains is; Will the mirrors become tiring fast? I'll find out on February 28th when their album drops.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/mirrorsmirrorsmirrors