Single Reviews:

Isa & The Filthy Tongues – ‘New Town Killers’
With a sound that is a throwback to Jesus and Mary Chain (with a little higher voice range), this one's for lovers of heavy, damp reverberation in their music. The thumping bass decorates a seedy atmosphere that keeps up the tempo in this gloomy but cool track.

Brigada Mercy – ‘Roto Chico’
Musically sounding like a dark cabaret with a drunk guy singing in a karaoke, this lyrically weepy number is all about castigating blame. The music is interesting, but the vocals aren't. On a slight nitpick, it should be written as 'Chico Roto', not 'Roto Chico'.

Samuel Valdes Lopez

Tommy Reilly-‘Gimme A Call’
Released as this years Orange unsigned act winner, Reilly’s first single is a
well crafted song which manages to be both uplifting and haunting throughout.
However, he fails to be distinctive compared to his singer-songwriter contemporaries, which in that burgeoning genre unfortunately makes this song ultimately forgettable.

Will Young-‘Let it Go’
Despite having moments of interest this is virtually indistinguishable from
every other pop ballad. Although competent enough, this first single fails to
raise any anticipation for the arrival of the new album it comes from. Expect
to hear this one in the background of depressing clip montages.

Matt Smith

Peter Doherty – ‘Last of the England Roses’
There’s not a lot to say about this one. It’s a lot less of a shambles (no pun intended on his collective musical venture) than some of his previous releases so it shows some promise, but it just doesn’t really go anywhere. The chorus falls flat and his voice sounds decidedly out of tune. Not impressed.

Roz Glynn

Isa and the Filthy Tongues Official Site
Will Young Official Website Tommy Reilly @ MySpace

Photo Sources:

Isa and the Filthy Tongues by Markus Thorsen

Will Young 'Let it go' Official Single Artwork

Music news: Hippies recieve one Euro pay-off

MGMT
VS.
PRESIDENT SARKOZY
















Brooklyn indie eccentrics MGMT are seeking compensation from the French President for a copyright infringement. It’s alleged that Sarkozy’s UMP party repeatedly used MGMT’s popular song ‘Kids’ during their election advertisement campaign and at rallies without permission. UMP has admitted using the song and offered the band one euro as a symbolic gesture of apology; MGMT’s lawyer Isabelle Wekstein told the BBC, "This offer is disrespectful of the rights of artists and authors. It is insulting".

The alleged copyright infringement serves as an incongruous aide memoire that the UMP have been the front-runners in France’s debate about file-sharing, pushing for stronger laws to protect the copyright of artists. The icing on the cake? The controversy comes just weeks before a new anti-file-sharing bill is presented to the national assembly in France…oops!

Pippa Moore

Music News: Those Dancing Days re-release single ‘Those Dancing Days’ this week

I should really dislike this single, with my pet hate for musicians who re-release records when they become more popular, combined with my disappointment when Those Dancing Days cancelled a fuzz club at the last minute during the previous semester. However, when lead singer Linnea Jönsson's vocals kick in there is nothing that could make me hate this single. Pop as it should be, with a lovely blend of northern soul reminiscent of sixties girl groups and heart-warming lyrics. Reflective of the current indie-pop scene in Sweden, perhaps 'Those Dancing Days' will see the Swedes breaking into the charts.

Alexandra Rucki

Photo Source: Those Dancing Days Illustration by Cissi

Thos Dancing Days @ MySpace

Pop Single Reviews:

The Saturdays – ‘Just can't get enough’

A serviceable cover version to Depeche Mode's classic bubblegum track. The slight tempo change doesn't really fit it, and the significance of the lyrics change this time around as it is a charity single. Go get your red nose and dance to it. NOW!

Samuel Valdes Lopez

Take That- ‘Up all Night’

Take That’s new single “Up All Night” features a bass line played by a tuba and a video inspired by the Queen’s silver jubilee celebrations. Despite this, it is actually quite good. An upbeat slice of jaunty pop that is reminiscent of 2007’s “Shine”, this one's worth a download.

Jennifer Ruddick

Katy Perry-‘Thinking of You’

Everyone’s favourite faux-lesbian tries her hand at power balladry to distinctly mediocre effect. All the motifs of the form are present as Perry laments over a partner not matching up to an old flame, but one can’t help but think she had better get back to the irritatingly infectious floor fillers.

Kyle Rice

The Saturdays Official Site
Take That Official Site
Katy Perry Official Site

Photo Source: The Saturdays-'I just can't get enough' official single artwork

Single reviews:

Metric – ‘Help I’m Alive’

Canada’s Indie outfit are back again with yet another infectious single, this time in the shape of ‘Help I’m Alive’. The unmistakable husky vocals of Emily Haines hang over moody synths and sharp guitars, reinforced by a pounding drum beat which will have kids all over the country singing and shuffling along from start to finish.

Kings of Leon – ‘Revelry’

This rolling, easy-going follow-up to ‘Use Somebody’ from double BRIT Award winners Kings of Leon offers fans another chance to croon bizarre noises that bare some resemblance to the English language. Although not as catchy as its predecessors, Caleb Followill’s gravelly vocal carries the song along to create this simple, anthemic rock song.

Natasha Parker

Kings of Leon @ Myspace

Metric @ Myspace

Album review: Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers - Pandemonium Ensues

*

If the name ‘Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers’ wasn’t enough to strike fear into the self-respecting music lover’s soul, then this album will most likely do the job. Despite his beginnings in legendary British band Squeeze in the 1970’s, Glenn Tilbrook appears to have settled for becoming the face of mediocre Radio 2-friendly pop music. The slightly ludicrous folk bonanza that is ‘Best of Times’ opens Tilbrook’s latest effort, and it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that in parts it resembles family-function favourite ‘The Birdie Song’. This theme continues throughout most of the album, with tracks occasionally recreating noises expected of a bad ELO tribute band. Thankfully, none of these tracks span for more than three-and-a-half minutes.


Even though the album boasts appearances from Johnny Depp (yes, Jack Sparrow himself) on ‘Too Close To The Sun’ and his wife Vanessa Paradis on ‘Interest & Love’, neither track lives up to expectations. Putting high expectations aside, album closer ‘Too Close To The Sun’ is by far the highlight. Its psychedelic haze manages to ignite a small spark of excitement which its predecessors could easily extinguish. It could be mistaken for an old cartoon theme tune; or MGMT after dabbling with the work of The Tornados.


Pandemonium Ensues makes little sense; the title misrepresents everything it contains. You spend 45 minutes patiently waiting for the pandemonium to ensue, only to realize that the golden days of ‘Cool for Cats’ and ‘Up the Junction’ are far gone.



Natasha Parker



Photo source: Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers, Pandemonium Ensues official album artwork

Glenn Tilbrook @ MySpace

Glenn Tilbrook official website

Shapes @ The Grapes, Thursday, February 12th

Shapes (or WEARESHAPES as they are also known) are a mathrock Birmingham 3-piece who are mainly instrumental and progressive but shout in unison at random intervals to build a wall of sound. The set is short with no messing around, which shows that this is a band that must take their band practise seriously. They form a connection with the crowd explaining their Birmingham humour (when you say a joke and no one laughs but yourself, which consequently made people laugh) and banter between the songs is put on the front seat. Shapes experiment with the sounds their 3 modest instruments make and unsystematically put snippets of melodies together. Or at least that’s what it sounds like.

This is another band (think Rolo Tomassi and Foals) who actually carefully put together angular melodies and dissonant chords with random rhythms and time signatures .The songs take you on a progressive journey with tempo changes left-right-and-centre. Their energy is thrashed out in an almost punk rage, with the guitarist jumping all over the place and eventually launching himself on the floor with the crowd. They’ve only been together for a year but in that time they have released an EP through Godmonkey recordings and toured with a number of bands. They’ve also been on the Big Scary Monsters compilation and tour, developing their reputation as a tight and energetic band.

We can expect their second EP in May and they’ll be back in the Steel City on 4th March at The Harley. Note: their MySpace tells promoters not to book them if they don’t like loudness...be warned!

Kristi Genovese

Photo source: Shapes official tour poster

Shapes @ MySpace

Shapes @ Blogspot.com

Where Spaceships Go @ The Harley, Sunday 22nd February

A combination of four live bands mixed with the best of whatever The Harley’s bar had on offer looked to be a promising evening, with Ghosts, Warren John Myles, Pash(ly) and local band Darlings Of The Splitscreen all performing.

A change in order to the original line up meant Ghosts performed first, aka solo artist Ben Catt. Playing a very short acoustic set of approximately fifteen minutes, Ghosts did not fit in with the electro vibe of the other musicians. The music was dreary and drab, whilst not providing the function of the support to warm the crowd up.

Warren John Myles was as equally unimpressive, performing with only his laptop onstage. Whilst encompassing great stage presence, his Gameboy inspired music failed to uplift the crowd. The sound was akin to the likes of Crystal Castles, without the good vocals.

Originally headlining, Pash(ly) of NYC fame turned up next on stage wearing a bizarre outfit which appeared to be made entirely of bra’s, whilst surreal visuals of a woman peeling off stockings played in the background. Seductive vocals mixed with abstract disco beats made her sound on a par to Fan Death, adding to the recent revival of Disco music with dance artists. However, she did dance as if she needed a wee and by the end of her set most of the crowd had grown fed-up and wandered off to buy another gin at the bar.

Stars of the show local boys Darlings of the Splitscreen provided the much needed energy for the evening the other lacklustre musicians had failed to supply. Looking like three cartoon characters, the trio mix an electro vibe with catchy lyrics such as “You bring the liquor boy, I’ll bring the crazy love.” They seem to have built up quite a fan-following, with most of the crowd heading to the front and jigging along to the rhythm. Having played Leeds and Reading’s BBC introducing stage and featuring in the NME, Darlings of the Splitscreen will hopefully take Sheffield’s music scene to a higher level.

Alexandra Rucki

Photo source: Darlings of the Splitscreen 'The Dash' single artwork




Darlings of the Splitscreen @ MySpace
Pash(ly) @ MySpace
Ghosts @ MySpace
Warren John Myles @ MySpace

Single review: Howling Bells - 'Cities Burning Down'

Howling Bells’ two year absence was not without its fruits – they toured with Mercury Rev, whose influence runs subtly beneath Juanita Stein’s eerily apocalyptic vocals in ‘Cities Burning Down’. This exciting new single gives good reason to anticipate an album that would translate excellently onto stage – or failing that, turned up very loud through headphones.

Amris Kaur

Photo source: 'Cities Burning Down' official single artwork

Howling Bells @ MySpace

Howling Bells official website

The Datsuns @ Leadmill, Thursday, February 12th

Rock and Roll. You could be forgiven for thinking there isn't much of it around these days. New Zealand's The Datsuns are here to convince you otherwise, or rather wrestle you into a sweaty choke-hold of stomping 70's guitar riffery, skin-searing solos and paint-stripper vocals. They play their own brand of in-your-face hard rock, obviously influenced by bands such as Thin Lizzy, T-Rex and Deep Purple, and like those bands they still retain a pop edge.

This all sounds like a recipe for a great live experience, but the lack of audience members present at the Leadmill tonight seems to sap at their confidence and The Datsuns play with slightly less zeal than you might expect. As a result, the audience response is muted and not at all typical of a rock crowd. Eventually when the bigger songs are played mid-set a few people start to dance or head-bang (almost half-heartedly, which is a depressing sight I can tell you) and you can't help but think that their other songs should sound a bit more like the blistering 'MF From Hell'.

Thankfully The Datsuns haven't fallen into the trap many of their peers (by writing longer, duller songs) and four albums into their career they have stuck to their guns and continued to write 3 – 4 minute wonders, which suits them perfectly. Also on the positive, The Datsuns pull off a very tight live set tonight and the sound quality is perfect, not too clean as to tear all the personality away from their sound, but not too dirty as to make them sound muddy. All in all fans of this genre could do a lot worse than see this band - but don't expect to see anything new, just a rock band playing the music they love.

Guy Favill

Photo source: Justin Edwards @ This Is Not A Photo Opportunity

The Datsuns official website

The Datsuns @ MySpace

The Datsuns @ Last.fm

The Secret Machines @ Leadmill, Friday, February 13th

Tonight it’s the turn of New York’s psychedelic indie blues band, Secret Machines, to entertain a diverse Leadmill audience of angry looking, middle aged balding men - a challenge which they effortlessly achieve through every aspect of their performance. Support comes in the form of electro wizards, Filthy Dukes, who help to lure a sizeable crowd towards the Steel Stage before the main event. It soon becomes apparent that tonight is going to be a somewhat cosy intimate affair.

As Secret Machines take to the stage there’s a strong focus on creating a sense of atmosphere through a long haunting guitar intro which unfortunately loses its impact due to a mixture of dodgy monitor issues and hunchback techies constantly traipsing across the stage attempting to sort out equipment. However, the trio soldier on and treat us to a harmonious mix of upbeat guitar riffs, engaging vocals and powerful drumming sprees. The strength of the band lies in the sheer tightness of their performance with every song seamlessly flowing into the next, allowing their audience to stay focused with never a moment of relaxation.

With a set consisting of material from both current self titled album and previous release Ten Silver Drops, including the uplifting previous single 'Lightning Blue Eyes,' the appeal is kept strong for both new and old fans keeping us all hooked until the very end. As the band try to leave the stage in preparation for an encore the sheer density of the crowd prevents them from getting too far and after much pleading and cheering from the crowd they return to close what has been an unyielding and skillful performance.

Ross Haymes


Photo source: Mike McNamara
Secret Machines @ MySpace
The Secret Machines official website
The Secret Machines @ Last.fm

Single review: Animal Collective - 'My Girls'

The Baltimore group Animal Collective’s album Merriweather Post Pavilion has been one of the most hyped of 2009 so far, and as new single 'My Girls' demonstrates, rightly so. Combining a heavy bass line with twinkly keyboards and breathy vocals to great effect- this is a track that will please both old and new fans alike.

Jennifer Ruddick

Animal Collective @ MySpace

Photo source: Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion official album artwork

Jack Daniel's host industry masterclasses, Wednesday, February 25th

Interested in a career in the music industry? Jack Daniel‘s master classes are seeking budding music enthusiasts to attend their talks, hosted this Wednesday at Sheffield University's Student Union. The classes which are designed to help and advise in all things music-related include:

* Coaching on live performance

* Music law

* Music media

* Ways to attract management

* Sound engineering

There will be Q and A sessions from various experts in the music field, including music lawyer Stephen Kemper – well known for helping launch careers for the likes of Biffy Clyro and CSS - and music journalist Richard Davis, Artrocker magazine’s Reviews Editor.

Immediately afterwards there will be a JD Set Unsigned gig taking place in Fusion, with an invite for everyone who attended the masterclasses.

To register for the masterclasses go to www.thejdset.co.uk/unsigned

Know when to unplug, please drink Jack Daniel’s responsibly.

Alexandra Rucki

Photo Source: The JD Unsigned Masterclasses press release

Single review: Tallulah Rendall - 'Time Away'

The lyrics to this single are saturated with integrity and sincerity matched with folksy guitar-picking and sweet melodies. 'Time Away' unwinds itself seductively into an expressive and poignant ballad leisurely carried along by Rendall's delightful vocals.

Pippa Moore

Tallulah Rendall @ MySpace

Single reviews: released Monday, February 23rd

Polly Scattergood - 'Other Too Endless'

Despite the odd grammar in the title this is a strangely charming pop song. The lyrics are quiet dark, mentioning people of pills and the line "you'd die if you don't get me back". The synthesisers are warm and fuzzy balanced against a recollection of dark nights, perfectly complementing Polly's voice and the use of 'incidental' sounds in the background adds to the sense of melodrama.

Emmy The Great - 'First Love'

Emmy has a pretty voice and this song showcases it really rather well. It's folk-indie of the type that will really please fans of Laura Marling and is fleshed out brilliantly by excellent production values. It references Cohen's 'Hallelujah' without being contrived, even if at times some of the rhyming seems a little forced. The b-side is a cover of the Ash song 'Burn Baby Burn' which makes this even more worth picking up.

Lee White

Glasvegas- ‘Flowers and Football Tops’

Non-degradable rhythms mix with a cacophony of “woo-hoos!” that first grow on you, like a chant, then tire you, like a chant. Glasvegas' greatest strength has always been their greatest weakness: the songs are nice to hear, but there's not too much substance to the nice sounding shapes they draw.

Esser – Work it out

The guy with the quaint hairdo offers a cut that seems to be walking a fine line between 90's R&B and a daily affirmation you'd do in front of a mirror to reassure yourself. Positive thinking goes a long way, why not help it with a little ditty? The vocoder chorus is truly the essence of the sticky wad of bubblegum pop Esser offers.

Samuel Valdes Lopez


Watch Esser perform live at Interval bar tonight for free!

Polly Scattergood @ Myspace
Emmy the great @ Myspace
Glasvegas official site
Esser @ Myspace

Photo source: Official single artwork for Polly Scattergood 'Other Too Endless'

Update: Duffy cleans up @ The BRITs 2009

The Ting Tings and Estelle give a shambolic performance/mash-up of 'Shut up and Let Me Go', 'That's Not My Name' and 'American Boy' to a bopping crowd who resemble a smiling mob of Blue Peter competition winners.

Kanye West is best International Male. Girls Aloud win for Best British Single with 'The Promise'. An ageing Tom Jones presents MasterCard British Album to Duffy for 'Rockferry' - Duffy, just managing to hold back her tears amidst rampant applause, gracefully accepts her third award of the night.

The Pet Shop Boys end the show with a classically camp and strange performance - a medley of all their hits made all the weirder by the appearance of Lady GaGa and Brandon Flowers half way through.

The BRIT Awards 2009 - commercial, overrated but oddly entertaining.

Photo source: Spiros Politis
Duffy @ MySpace

Update: The BRIT Awards 2009

Kings of Leon pipped Fleet Foxes, MGMT, AC/DC and The Killers to the post, winning best International Group with grace and style, "Thank you to the BRIT Academy...thank you to the UK, without Y'all we would be nothing." Kings of Leon also win the award for the Best International Album and again pay homage to their adopted homeland: "You created Kings of Leon, good luck getting rid of us!". The Band also perform popular single 'Use Somebody' to an excited studio audience.

Paul Weller wins Best British Male. Duffy gives a triumphant performance of 'Warwick Avenue'. Take That give an undeniably cheesy rendition of 'The Greatest Day' from an illuminated platform suspended above the crowd.


Best live act goes to veterans Iron Maiden.
With their latest outstanding offering it's no surprise that Elbow pick up the award for Best British Group. Florence and the Machine wins the coveted Critics Choice Award.


Photo source: Daniel Boud

BRIT Awards @ Twitter

The Brits official site

Update: The BRIT Awards 2009

U2 kick off the show with an underwhelming performance of new single 'Get on Your Boots' - blighted by bad sound quality and Bono's ego. The presenters this year are the wisely chosen Matt Horne and James Corden, along with the fabulous Kylie Minogue.

So far Duffy has won two awards (Best British Female and Best British Newcomer) and was visibly moved by the experience. Katy Perry has won Best International Female (presented to her by the one-and-only Lionel Richie!) The awards show has also featured an appearance by Alex James of Blur and performance by Girls Aloud.

Duffy talks about British music on the red carpet at the BRITs:

Album review: Asobi Seksu - Hush

Forge Music says: ****

It is probably a reflection on the sad state of my own sorry life that I was more excited to learn about Asobi Seksu’s latest release, Hush, than about the promiscuity from which their Japanese moniker is derived ("casual sex").

Following a disappointing first couple of minutes, and a quick check at the calendar, I was wondering why the band had released what sounded like a sleigh-bells-and-all Christmas album months too late. It seemed that singer Yuki Chikudate’s vocals had lapsed into that of a carolling child.

Happily, the title of the first track ('Layers') is apt and with a little persistence it transforms into the kind of material that one would expect from a band such as Asobi Seksu. My fears are further assuaged by ‘Sing Tomorrow’s Praise’, which highlights their ability to produce indie rock resembling a more successful Howling Bells. The band’s last offering, 2007’s Citrus, was widely regarded as an excellent example of modern shoegaze which managed to sound fresh and fun in an oftentimes stagnated genre. It is clearly apparent that this sound has not been lost: this is Asobi Seksu at their best.

The joyful pop-shoegaze sentiments of ‘In The Sky’ inspire a certain giddy feeling; ‘Risky and Pretty’ serves as a gorgeous interim of ambient synths; ‘Me & Mary’ is accessible and sure to win people over with its fast-pace and delicious noisiness. Give it time to get past the bumpy start and Hush is simply superb. Casual sex? Pfft! Give me Asobi Seksu any day.


Lisa Harrison

Asobi Seksu official site
Asobi Seksu @ MySpace
photo source: Asobi Seksu, 'Hush' official album artwork

Single reviews: Miley Cyrus, The Tunics and La Roux

Miley Cyrus - 'Fly on the Wall'

Having read this 15 year old's frankly terrifying list of achievements I feel compelled to treat her latest offering with some degree of respect. The melody is undeniably catchy with surprising power behind the vocals and backing but the lyrics seem to scream Disney Channel rather than chart success. No doubt tweenage consumers will prove me wrong.

Victoria Imrie

Miley Cyrus official site
Photo source: Miley Cyrus 'Fly on the Wall' official single artwork


The Tunics - 'Shine On'

Ticking all the indie boxes, 'Shine On' has cocky lyrics sung by a droning lead vocalist. It's lacking any real tune and is as forgettable as the majority of the 'the' bands around at the moment. They sing "This is rock and roll". If this is true, it's a very sad day for music.

Laura Kay

Listen to 'Shine On': The Tunics@ MySpace


La Roux- 'In for the Kill'



A slick 80’s-style video and look heralds the simple, catchy synths and jumpy beat, mixed with a very modern vocal style. The gorgeous electronic sound behind a beautiful voice makes a fantastic combination of 80’s electropop and 00’s dance; a definite club hit.

Emily Cresswell

La Roux @ MySpace

Single Review: Skint & Demoralised - 'This song is definitely not about you'

How can you hate a song which includes your daily requirements of glockenspiel? You can't. Quirky as his previous efforts, the spoken word approach still works quite well with the eclectic mix of instruments and twangy guitars.

Samuel Valdes Lopez


Photo source: Skint & Demoralised 'This song is definitely not about you' official single artwork
Buy tickets to see Skint & Demoralised at Fuzz club on 19th Feb:
allgigs.co.uk

Tuesday Club @ Fusion and Foundry, Tuesday, February 10th

Featuring DJ Hype, Brookes Brothers, Toddla T, Youngsta, Oneman, Martelo & residents.

Packed out with jungle fans eager to see early 90’s legend DJ Hype , Tuesday Club announced itself to 2009 in the best way possible. A night that will go down as one of the best in recent memory, Brookes Brothers stole the show with a stunning display of electronica, drum n’bass and nu-jazz that would’ve blown the tits off Jordan. As the scene rears its head towards dark, grimy Dubstep, the reaction of the Tuesday Club crowd shows that Sheffield still holds affection towards vibrant, funky London Elektricity-esque mixes. Having worked with the likes of up-and-coming Hospitality Danny Byrd, Brookes Bros seem destined for greatness. One to watch out for this coming year, and expect to see them tear up the drum n’ bass circuit up and down the country.

Although punters flocked to another well-groomed Toddla T set, DJ Hype, the headlining act, did not disappoint. One of the pioneers of drum n’ bass, Hype has a hardcore following, and it was those he pandered to with a throwback to the early days of the rave: heavy, intense, powerful and raw. Superb stuff all round.

Max Glover

Photo Source: United Music

Album Review: Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You

Lily’s been away for a while and after the raft of clones that sprung up as soon as she charmed the charts two and a half years ago, she needs to show us she’s still original and still the best. Her worldview and attitude have clearly changed – where Alright, Still had romanticised ditties about pedalling around in the sunshine, we’re treated to a rant about crack-takers and a song about an inadequate lover (‘Not Fair’) which even contains the lyric “Maybe I’m just overreacting / maybe you’re the one for me”.

Along with the lyrics, the music has also lost some bite. She’s moved on from cod-reggae, but many of the later songs in the album blend into one; the sanitised likes of ‘Chinese’ aren’t helped by the limits of Lily’s vocals – they are too well suited to songs about being comfortable and ordering takeaways and it doesn’t take long for the sickly-sweetness to grate. The album is almost saved by a few killer songs such as ‘Back To The Start’ – Lily just about keeping up with the breathless dirty pop backing - but it’s not really enough.

Rowan Brunswick

Lily Allen Official website

Lily Allen @ MySpace

Photo source: Lily Allen, 'It's Not Me, It's You' official album artwork

Album review: Emmy the Great - First Love

Forge Music says: ****

After a series of well-received singles swelling the hype over the last two years, the long-awaited debut album from London singer-songwriter Emmy the Great, real name Emma Lee Moss, finally sees a release. What’s evident is that this isn’t an album that’s been thrown together; it’s been crafted over time, and is all the better for it.

Lyrically there’s much reference to the perils and pain of the title; ‘War’ is an album highlight, highly reminiscent of Regina Spektor as the piano builds up into a crashing crescendo in a sub-two minute package of break-up memories. Elsewhere, ‘The Easter Parade’ takes a cynical glance at Christianity, concluding simply “There’s no such thing as ghosts.” Pop culture references are scattered about too: in ‘MIA’ the aftermath of a car crash is sound tracked by an M.I.A. song playing in the tape deck whilst a blood-covered Moss in the passenger seat debates the correct pronunciation of the singer’s name.

The album has a consistently assured sound, a plethora of instruments from a variety of contributors building songs such as opener ‘Absentee’ from Moss’s simple acoustic guitar and vocal into a brass-drenched stomper. Coming out of the folk revival of the last year, there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but that’s not what it should always be about. Moss has certainly proved herself with this mature collection.

Ffion Thomas


Emmy the Great Official website
Emmy the Great @ MySpace
Photo source: Emmy the Great, 'First Love' official album artwork

Single review: U2 - 'Get On Your Boots'

Combining noises of raw drums and growling guitar sounds with choppy vocals and trippy lyrics makes this a catchy and energetic song. Perhaps not as impressive as their more melodic offerings, but still a great song to jump around to. One for the indie clubs.

Emily Cresswell

Listen to 'Get On Your Boots'

U2 Official website

U2 @ MySpace

Photo source: U2 'Get On Your Boots' official single artwork

Music News: Yeah Yeah Yeahs to release new material after 3 year absence

Yeah Yeah Yeahs have officially announced that they will be releasing long-awaited new material in Spring 2009. New album It's Blitz! will be released on April 13th in the UK proceeding the release of new single 'Zero' released on April 6th.

It's Blitz! will be produced by Nick Launay and Dave Sitek (who has previously worked with TV on the Radio). On their official website, Yeah Yeah Yeahs have expressed excitement about the new release, stating "Oh lord there's no stopping us now!!!". Only time will tell if a three year wait will have been a worthwhile one...

Pippa Moore

YYY's Official Website

YYY's @MySpace

Single review: Empire of the Sun - 'Walking on a Dream'

Their attire may resemble that of MGMT and at times they may look like glamorized extras from Planet of the Apes, but Empire of the Sun’s retro dream world seems to be winning people over unquestionably. Oozing warmth and kaleidoscopic images, this slice of electro-pop perfectly sums up their breezy and sublime sound.


Natasha Parker

Photo source: Empire of the Sun, 'Walking on a Dream' single artwork

Empire of the Sun @ MySpace
'Walking on a Dream' official site

Detonate @ Plug, Friday, February 6th

Featuring: High Contrast, Danny Byrd, Shy FX, Transit Mafia.

Detonate at Plug will always achieve a certain level of
performance. However, this most recent offering failed to live up to expectations raised by previous Hospitality shows.

High Contrast is renowned as perhaps the biggest within his genre; a pioneer of true liquid drum n’ bass: the architect of soulful intros, thumping baselines, spine-tingling drops and creative remixes. Yet, his set was, as it sometimes is live, darker, more jungle-orientated. Added to the particular brand of masculine soul employed by Shy FX, this conspired to lend the main room to a more cryptic, sinister atmosphere which is usually found in the Dubstep room.

FX were the main attraction of the night, drawing in more mainstream music fans with reggae, rn’b and hip-hop influences. Following a great set at Tuesday Club earlier in the year, he has what could now be described as a very strong following in the Steel City.

Some light was to be found with a very good performance from Hospitality’s young protégé, Danny Byrd. A liquid DJ in the mould of Mr. Contrast himself, Byrd wowed the crowd with a mixture of trance-ish riffs and light, frantic bass-lines. Having earned his spurs on the London circuit, with powerful sets at Fabric to name but one, Byrd will hopefully be seen in Sheffield again in the near future.

Source Detonate Events

Max Glover

Single Review: Crystal Stilts - 'Departure'

Brad Hargett’s melancholy, distorted vocals fuse surprisingly well with the upbeat sixties guitar riff which is sure not to leave your head for days after hearing ‘Departure'. Crystal Stilts, from New York, say the song is "brilliantly haunting"; an apt description. Worth a listen.


Laura Kay


'Departure' is released on 09.02.09

Photo source: Crystal Stilts 'Departure' single artwork.

Crystal Stilts@MySpace.com
Crystal Stilts@Last.fm

Music News: Blink 182 announce they are to reform

And the latest band to announce they are reforming is everyone’s favourite punk-rock trio Blink 182. On the official website Blink182.com , the band released a statement announcing that all three original members, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, are back in the recording studio together. The statement read: “To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some.”

After appearing at The Grammy’s together the band today have officially confirmed their plans, with a tour and new album expected this summer, “In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed.”
With side projects such as Tom’s Angels and Airwaves and Mark and Travis’ +44 not reaching the same status as Blink 182 ever would, the band have reformed and put their past differences aside.

Come on admit it, you know your inner thirteen year old is rejoicing.

Read the official statement here: Blink182.com
Listen to Blink 182 on MySpace: Blink182 @ MySpace

Photo: Estavan Oriol


Alexandra Rucki

Single Review: Morrissey - 'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris'

Back on his favourite topics of lamenting over failed relationships and isolation, Morrissey’s latest single ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ reflects all the reasons why fans keep on returning to worship at the Church of Moz. With his 50th birthday occurring later on in this year and hints at retiring from the music industry, one would forgive Morrissey for not being at the top of his game. However, this single goes to show this is definitely not the case and Morrissey can’t half write a good song about being miserable. Definitely a grower.


Alexandra Rucki

Morrissey @ Myspace

Watch the video: Morrissey @ YouTube

Late of the Pier @ Leadmill: Saturday, February 7th

Late of the Pier’s dynamic Saturday night set at Leadmill had their (predominantly young) Sheffield fan base - largely clad in a confusing chequered-shirt uniform- whipped into a frothy, animated fury from the first flick of the strobe. Most knew every word and bopped along to a multitude of time signatures coherently. It was hardly surprising that the crowd were so electrified.

This pop quartet from Castle Donington may sound slightly stuffy on their CDs, but give them an excitable audience crammed onto a small dance floor and the transformation of their small but finely-tuned repertoire is startling. The band performed a tireless and exuberant 45 minute workout. The crowd responded by channelling their own excitement and latent energy into an erratic moshing tide, which threatened to sweep away lead singer Samuel Eastgate in his stage-dive finale.

The theatricality of the performance was astounding, and the enjoyment produced was certainly mutual. Eastgate leapt around the stage, intermittently pounding bongos, cymbals and at one point (during a particularly fine rendition of ‘The Bears Are Coming’) an improvised glockenspiel, fashioned from 3 planks suspended from the ceiling. As far as anyone could tell from keyboard maverick Sam Potter’s flamboyant arm-waving, imaginary-orchestra conduction and contorted ‘lost in the music’ expression, he might have been tripping merrily on narcotics – and yet, this is a band which aims to make "Music that makes drugs redundant". Bassist Andrew Faley joined in at times with the synchronised choreography - some of the moves giving the hypnotic quality of a Haka; while drummer Ross Dawson remained almost perpetually convulsed in a head-bashing fit.

What sets the band apart from their self-derided homogenised Indie counterparts is an ability to make music which is both catchy and danceable. With song lyrics as peculiar as their instrumental components (“Get out get out like a trout” from ‘Bathroom Gurgle’), there was something infinitely charming about the conviction with which they were belted out. Late of the Pier have wooed critics and punters alike, and a pigeonhole still remains elusive. While cynicism prevents one from lauding Late of the Pier as ‘the next big thing’, tonight's performance has still proved their effortless ability for infectious hyperactivity, boundless enthusiasm, and dripping hair.


Lucie Boase



Photo: Jon Bergman; source: www.myspace.com/lateofthepier
Late of the Pier @ Myspace
Late of the Pier @ Last.fm

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: Drama for Brown/Rihanna, joy for the Brits

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards took place on the 8th of February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The awards honour music that was released between Oct 1st 2007 and September 30th 2008. Over 7,000 Artists, producers, engineers and mixers voted for the music that they thought was best in terms of quality rather than sales figures or chart positions.

The night drew attention before it had even begun however, due to the abrupt cancellation of both Chris Brown' s and Rihanna's eagerly awaited performances.

Brown and Rihanna, who are also currently dating, were seen at Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in Beverly Hills before news came from the Rihanna camp that she would not be able to attend the prestigious awards show. Later, the Academy also confirmed that Brown had cancelled his performance and would not be attending the show. Both were nominated for three awards each, with Brown winning the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals award for the single 'No Air' with Jordin Sparks and Rihanna also winning an award with 'Disturbia'. In recent hours it has emerged that Brown was involved in an altercation with an unidentified woman before the show which, according to the LAPD, has lead to allegations of 'domestic violence felony battery' after an argument escalated. It is currently unclear as to whether the two incidents are related as the couple are currently keeping schtum about the abrupt cancellations, with Rihanna's agent assuring that "All is fine."

Keep up to date with the official story: Chris Brown Official website
Rihanna Official website

However, the real entertainment came later on in the awards show, with the Brits dominating the nominations and winning numerous awards. Coldplay won Song of the Year with 'Viva la Vida' and Best Rock Album for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends after being presented with the award by all the ex-members of Blink 182. Adele won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for 'Chasing Pavements' and Duffy won Best Pop Vocal Album for Rockferry. Radiohead also won Best Alternative Music Album with In Rainbows. Record of the year went to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for Please Read the Letter.

Other British nominations included the legendary David Gilmour, as well as M.I.A., Hot Chip and Leona Lewis. Watch Leona Lewis on the red carpet:

Special mention goes to the UK's favourite adoptees Kings of Leon who won with 'Sex on Fire' and to Justice who won with their remix of MGMT's 'Electric Feel'. It's also worth mentioning Sir Paul McCartney's Grammy performance with Dave Grohl on drums. Excellent.

Official Grammys page @ Twitter.com
Official Grammys page @ YouTube
Official Grammy Awards site

Picture: Official Grammys logo from www.grammy.com

Pippa Moore