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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
