Forge Music

The future is present: Read Forge Music at Forgetoday.com!

2009-03-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Forge Music has moved to the new website: http://www.forgetoday.com

Where you will be able to find all the usual single, album and live reviews; features; Music News blog and (eventually) Forge Music's own podcasts, exciting stuff!

Thank you to all the contributors who have helped keep this blog running and thank you to all the readers, please continue to read on & on & on....

All our best wishes,

Pippa Moore & Alexandra Rucki

Note: If you would like to have a go a writing for the new website, please feel free to drop us a line: online.music@forgetoday.com

Music News: Michael Jackson to announce comeback in London

2009-03-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson is expected to announce a live comeback tour at London 02 arena later on this month, as part of a series of summer concerts. The singer who has not toured for twelve years is due to appear at the venue this Thursday, to make a “special announcement”, a statement has said.

Jackson is likely to run a spate of several gigs at the arena in the form of a residency, similarly to Prince who played for 21 nights in 2007 and Britney Spears who will play eight nights in June.

The singer last performed in 2006, at the World Music Awards in London. However, fans were disappointed as he sang only a few lines of ‘We Are the World.’ Jackson is currently in the process of selling the contents of his former home Neverland, due to financial problems, and he was cleared of child abuse four years ago. The comeback tour in London follows months of speculation and rumours over the possibility of ‘money-spinning’ shows.

Alexandra Rucki

Photo Source: Michael Jackson appearing at the 2006 World Music Awards from exposay.com

Jack Daniel’s Music Masterclass: Q&A session followed by semi-final, Fusion & Foundry, 25th February

2009-03-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

It is a Wednesday evening and in the dark lair of the Foundry there is a congregation of some of the hottest music buffs in the business. The reason? To give advice on how to make it big.

Among the array of shimmering speakers is sound engineer Donard Duffy who has worked with bands like Slash and Supergrass; music producer Steve Proud who helped launch CSS; and music journalist Richard Davis, reviews editor for Artrocker magazine. The other two music professionals are Graham Wrench who manages Richard Hawley, ex-Pulp guitarist; and music lawyer Lance Philips who specialises in e-commerce laws.

The hour-long question and answer session hosted by Jack Daniel’s is both informative and entertaining. Around 40 people comprise the audience, many contributing to the discussion.
The first question addresses the best way “into” the music business as an unsigned artist. Music producer Steve Proud suggests the digital age approach of contacting record labels via social networking sites such as MySpace.

“It makes it a lot easier,” he explains, adding, “But if you have a MySpace music page, there is no need to get in touch. If you’re good enough, I’ll find you.” This comes as a refreshing reminder that record label owners are just as keen to sign decent artists as artists are to get signed.

Several more questions on the same topic are tackled, such as whether you must play live (“no, but it helps!”) before Lance Philips talks about his career.“People think you can’t be creative with law, but here’s proof that you can” he muses. “I didn’t think I’d suit the traditional role, which is why I’m really glad I can combine my love of music with my work.”

Richard Davis urges budding music journalists to concentrate on writing well and getting their articles published and not focussing on a specific music genre. Everyone is then invited to the gig which follows: three bands battling it out in the semi-final. It is up to the panel of music experts to decide who wins.

Phantoms! are the first to play and deliver a mediocre set of bland, generic indie. The melodies are tight and they sound well-rehearsed, but there is nothing nearly special about their performance.

Next up is electro quartet Neon Kicks who have about as much in common with the previous band as you all thought lawyers had with music, before reading this article. Their style is unique and distinct, blending steady vocals with deep, booming bass over a sea of synthesisers.

Finally, the crowd’s favourite, Manchester lads Romanov play a twenty-minute set followed by rapturous applause. And they deserve every inch of it: the songs are catchy and melodic; irresistibly indie riffs powdered with rough, rocking vocals, and their on-stage energy is unforgettably fantastic.

At the end of the evening, the winner is announced as second band, Durham–based Neon Kicks. They will now go on to support a JD Set Gig in May and battle against two other finalist groups for a cover-mount CD on national music magazine Artrocker.

Grace Crook

For more information on The JD Set Unsigned or to vote for Neon Kicks to win, go to www.thejdset.co.uk/unsigned

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

Single Reviews:

2009-03-02T03:10:00.000-08:00

The Maccabees- ‘No Kind Words’

A darker feel for the usually fairly fey indie types, which builds slowly before breaking out halfway through into a rapid downhill descent, with guitars circling around Felix’s half-muttered lyrics. Underwhelming at first, but a
real grower - after three listens you’ll be hooked on its menace.

Rowan Brunswick

Papa Roach – ‘Hollywood Whore’

‘Hollywood Whore’ is the first single off Metamorphosis, the latest Papa Roach album. While it does show some early promise, notably delivering a well written guitar riff, the vocals are bad and manage to kill the song completely. Anyone other than hardcore Papa Roach fans would do well to avoid this.

James Cook

Pet Shop Boys - ‘Love etc’

A slightly awkward arm around the shoulder moment this. You know the one, when an ageing artist teams up with the younger generation, inevitably allowing them to bask in how influential they once were, whilst also gaining a bit of credibility at the same time. In this case its Pet Shop Boys fondly gazing down on the Girls Aloud hit factory Xenomania. Consequently, we get a rather stilted call and response effort, that sounds like a bland middle-ground between both artists.

Andrew McGuinness

Snow Patrol- ‘If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It’

‘If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It’, is another effortlessly cool track from Snow Patrol, with a catchy chorus and dramatic end, you’ll be singing along to this in no time. The single will not be as popular as some of their previous tracks, but great all the same.

Laura Kay

Me My Head- ‘Night on Fire’

Second single, ‘Night Is On Fire’, establishes Me My Head as a furiously (even self-consciously) edgy band. Despite this rawness, the single’s B-side ‘This Feeling’ confirms that they can also be ridiculously catchy and immensely radio-friendly. Me My Head could be described as combining the anthemic style of The Bravery with the humour of Art Brut; that might not sound like the best start to a musical career, but they manage to pull it off.

Amris Kaur

Photo Sources: The Maccabees 'No Kind Words' Official Single Artwork; Me My Head 'Night on Fire' Official Single Artwork

The Black Dahlia Murder @ Corporation, Monday February 16th

2009-03-02T02:47:00.000-08:00

Reading's Sylosis kick off this action-packed bill at Corporation with their brand of what they call 'Epic Thrash Metal', which, as genres go, isn't too far off the mark. Excellent and precise guitar work and a similarity to the head liners style make them a worthy opener.

Psycroptic, 'The Tasmanian Devils', as they are sometimes affectionately known by fans, are next up. Their Technical Death Metal assault is about as intense as anything you will ever find in this genre; who needs guitar solos when the guitarist is attacking his instrument with such ferocity you wonder if it had insulted him somehow. The drums are played not as a rhythmic force, but rather as another lead instrument, weaving in and out of the intricate guitar lines and complementing the music greatly. My only complaint is aimed at the strange ambient sections in between the songs, which whilst providing respite, are obviously a chance for each musician to catch his breath.

Cephalic Carnage describe themselves as 'Rocky Mountain Hydrogrind'. Whatever this is supposed to mean, they play with conviction and passion, and truly have their own niche. It is very difficult to pigeonhole them, as they seem to switch from Grindcore blasting to slow, Doom Metal sections faster than it takes most people to blink.

Finally it is time for The Black Dahlia Murder to take the stage, and any thoughts that mosh pit-goers would be completely exhausted from the previous bands are squashed immediately, with a vicious and large pit opening very quickly. Included in the crowd was someone dressed in a gorilla costume dancing like a maniac, who later joined the band on stage to headbang.

The definite highlight was 'What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse', which is slightly sped up and leaves the audience reeling when that main riff breaks into Iron Maiden-esque lead sections.

The rest of their set is filled with the Melodic Death Metal classics and the charismatic and enthusiastic delivery which make The Black Dahlia Murder such a great, and famous (relatively, of course) band. Fame which they clearly deserve.

Guy Favill

Photo Source: Metal Blade Records Inc

The Black Dahlia Murder @ MySpace
www.myspace.com/sylosis
Psycroptic Official Site
Cephalic Carnage @ MySpace

Single Reviews:

2009-02-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-26T04:09:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-02-26T03:48:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-02-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

*

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

2009-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-21T03:55:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-15T05:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-13T09:06:00.001-08:00

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'

2009-02-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-02-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

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'

2009-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

Music News: Fans mourn the loss of musical 'maverick'

2009-01-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

Sad news to report: renowned musician John Martyn has died at the age of 60. On Thursday, a statement on his website said: "With heavy heart and an unbearable sense of loss we must announce that John died this morning."

The singer-songwriter was best known for producing music that boldly spanned the gaps between blues, folk and funk. Albums like Solid Air and Grace and Danger put Martyn on the map as a one-of-a-kind artist who has been drawing large audiences since the early 1970s. Martyn has worked with and influenced people like Eric Clapton and Phil Collins and was well-known for being a fantastic live performer. Martyn was appointed for an OBE in the 2009 new year honours.

John Martyn Official Website

Pippa Moore

Single Review- Peace and the Presidents, 'It's Only Money', Released January 25th

2009-01-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Peace and the Presidents reveal how awful it is when artists start bandwagon-jumping. Their debut single called 'It's Only Money' is, naturally, about the credit crunch. It aspires to demonstrate a voguish mix of politics and music in the mould of M.I.A. but falls far short. The lyrics are hardly revolutionary - “The best things are free.” Move over Marx! - and there is a vocoder effect not unlike the type Cher gave up using a decade ago. It's all rather Eurovision - only without the camp comedy value.

2/5

Craig Purshouse

Listen to Peace and the Presidents here: Peace and the Presidents

Leave your comment on the single below.

Single review: Elijah Wolf and The Rubalous, 'Camouflage'

2009-01-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

'Camouflage' is a pleasant enough track that needlessly masks its core melody with effects and forgettable hooks, giving it the musical equivalent of soft focus. Unfortunately this means that Elijah Wolf and The Rubalous can sometimes stray dangerously into U2-like territory. However, beneath the surface are lyrics that stand as an emotive testament to Bipolar depression (the condition this record is raising awareness of) and all profits from the sale of the single are being donated to the Equilibrium Bipolar Foundation

Jack Bradley

Elijah Wolf and The Rubalous

Club Preview: The Joy Formidable @ Fuzz Club, January 22nd

2009-01-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

Fuzz is back tonight, with The Joy Formidable being the first band to play in ‘09. Tickets are priced at only £2, so why not drag yourself away for a break from revision and watch some lovely live music?

The Joy Formidable are a three-piece hailing from North Wales, with a sound akin to the likes of Johnny Foreigner and Electrelane. Having recently toured with cool kids White Lies, the band offer wistful indie pop melodies which will be sure to brighten up a chilly January evening. The trio are on the same record label with bands such as Foals, Jonquil and Blood Red shoes and ‘09 could spell big things for them. Resident Fuzz and Bleach DJ’s Badabing and Jimm will be shaking up the dance floor once the band head off, with Fuzz in the main room and Bleach next door.

Listen to and watch videos of The Joy Formidable here: The Joy Formidable @ Myspace

Alexandra Rucki

Music News: Brit Award nominees fail to excite...again

2009-01-20T17:39:00.001-08:00

The truth is out: the Brits are officially the most boring, predictable music awards show this side of the NME awards. The Brit nominees were announced to the anxious and oh-so-eagerly awaiting public on Tuesday. Threats like ‘Coldplay’, ‘Take That’ and ‘The Verve’ have been bandied around the awards time and again, year after year; 2009 is no stranger to them either. There’s no doubting that these bands have made a musical impact in the past and that they deserved to win. But do Coldplay need to win six times? Take That, seven times? It’s great if these bands are consistently good (although some of them aren’t) but how lacklustre; how uninspiring! Where are the DJs, the hip hop artists, the unsigned acts? Where is the controversy, the rock n’roll and the fresh, challenging new talent? The UK simply does have more to offer than this. It’s a brilliant concept to have awards that celebrate home-grown talent because often innovative musicians from the UK get overlooked by international shows. However, it’s probably fair to say that the Brit Awards no longer bring us innovative talent to admire; more like stagnant water for our music industry to drown in.

Thankfully, interest comes in the form of our golden girls: Adele, Duffy, MIA and Estelle - artists that have given us something new to think about of late. Perhaps the only other Brit Award worthy of note is the Critic’s Choice Award: Florence and the Machine, Little Boots and White Lies have all created a spark of curiosity recently. Let’s just hope that the music-loving British public will have the guts to dig a little deeper into the UK scene, scratch away the surface and unearth something that perhaps wasn’t so obvious, but is equally as brilliant.

If you would like to decide for yourself, check out the nominees: The Brit Awards

Pippa Moore

Single Review: Transglobal Underground ‘Dancehall Operator’, released February 2nd

2009-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

It’s rare one stumbles across a group as innovative as Transglobal Underground, and latest single ‘Dancehall Operator’ is no exception to their ambitious and ground-breaking style. Being one of the first ever bands to fuse the genres of world music and dance together, ‘Dancehall Operator’ shows a varied amount of styles ranging from dub to bhangra and indie; so there should be something in there to please everyone. The single illustrates beautifully how Transglobal Underground are the masters of going beyond the limits, and this track would go down very well at Sheffield’s own Tuesday Club.

Forge Music says: 4/5

Find out more about Transglobal Underground: Transglobal Underground @ Myspace

Alexandra Rucki

Lady Gaga - Yay or Nay?

2009-01-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

There is something about Lady Gaga I can’t quite put my finger on. I cannot decide whether to laud my praises onto her or hate her with a scathing passion. On paper she does reflect the type of artist we should all nod our heads in approval to, having already penned songs for the likes of Britney, The Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block whilst already being nominated for a Grammy. Her debut album The Fame is topping UK charts, and there is no denying ‘Just Dance’ is addictively catchy.

However, in recent interviews she has started to become irritating in her professions of how ‘original’ and ‘different’ Lady Gaga is to other female solo singers. Her reasons given for being different include her interest in fashion…oh because I’m sure all those female singers before you have never given a fig about fashion? And that lightning bolt scrawled across your face, an original idea? Yes, it’s all been done before and so Lady Gaga should concentrate on what she’s really good at, making good pop songs and not caring about being some innovative new artist.

Buy tickets to see Lady Gaga and the Pussycat Dolls live at Sheffield arena on February 5th: Tickets @ Sheffield Arena

Find out more about Lady Gaga here:Lady Gaga @ Myspace and here Lady Gaga official website

Picture:Lady Gaga @ Myspace

What is your opinion of Lady Gaga? Leave a comment below.

Alexandra Rucki

The inevitable cliché : Forge Music's most anticipated albums of '09

2009-01-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Oh…suddenly it’s 2009 and we all have exams, it’s a recession and…well, it’s cold. Thankfully, we have an eclectic horde of new music to look forward to this year which, if we can afford to buy CDs as well as food, will offer us some light relief from all this doom and gloom:

1) Morrissey - Years of Refusal, 16.02.09
Whether you love him or hate him Morrissey is back with his first new release since 2006. First single, ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ is as catchy and cult as ever and the video sees him practically serenading a bunch of puppies…aw. Watch the new video: Morrissey@YouTube

2) Antony and the Johnsons – The Crying Light, 21.01.09
The sophomore album from the critically acclaimed baroque pop group will feature the haunting and beautiful single ‘Another World’. Expect orchestral arrangements and heart-wrenching melodies that won’t fail to send a tingle down the spine. Listen to the new single: Antony & the Johnsons@Myspace

3) Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You, 09.02.09
Oh dear: Lily Allen always seems to be in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Controversial comments about drugs and Katy Perry slaggings-off aside, let’s hope that Lily’s second studio offering puts her back on to the musical radar. New single ‘The Fear’ (released 26th Jan) is twinkly electro-pop with (predictably) cutting lyrics. Listen to the new single: Lily@Myspace

4) Franz Ferdinand – Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, 26.01.09
Nigh-on four years later from You Could Have It So Much Better, comes the third offering from Scotland’s finest. Despite the album receiving mixed reviews, first single ‘Ulysses’ has been receiving airplay and is imbued with the funky bass lines and catchy choruses that Franz Ferdinand are famous for.
Listen to the new single:Franz Ferdinand@Myspace

5) New Found Glory – Not Without a Fight, 10.03.09
The Florida pop-punkers join forces with producer Mark Hoppus (ex-Blink 182) for a new album that harks back to the harder-hitting days of third album Sticks and Stones. New single ‘Listen To Your Friends’ (already released) stirs up memories of teen movies of yore and long summers with friends. If you’re feeling your age, this could be just the ticket back to a misspent youth.

6) Deftones – Eros, Early 2009
In the making since 2007, this album apparently sees Chino Moreno and co. darker and stranger than ever. Cited as closely resembling ‘White Pony’ in sound, this is bound to be another experimental rock/metal classic from the group.

7) Dream Theater – TBC, late 2009
The band who practically defined progressive metal will release their 11th studio album in late 2009. There’s been much speculation on the internet as to the sound of the new offering but vocalist James LaBrie has alluded to a more extravagant sound persisting with the epic nature of the songs that featured on their last effort.

8) M.Ward – Hold Time, 17.02.09
The ‘Him’ of She&Him is back with his seventh studio offering. Expect folk rock in its purest form with twanging guitars and evocative lyrics. M.Ward’s distinctive vocals are a treasure. Also, this album features guest appearances from Zooey Deschanel (‘She’) and members of DeVotchKa.

9)The Thermals – Now We Can See, 07.04.09
A move to Kill Rock Stars record label has prompted a new album from a lo-fi rock band that continues to create a disturbance under the noses of mainstream indie fans. Expect more dynamic indie rock from the Oregon troupe on their second album.
Watch The Thermals live at the Raynor Lounge 07.02.09: Facebook Event

10) The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love, 24.03.09
The fifth studio album from this wondrous folk band was debuted in front of some 75,000 people at a Barack Obama rally in Portland. Originally intended to be a musical, this record is an hour-long narrative of a fantastical fairytale story – despite vocalist Colin Meloy’s reluctance to use the term ‘concept album’. Expect more whimsical and lush tunes with those over-so-wistful lyrics. Love it.

Other notables: U2, No line on the Horizon (27.02.09) Neko Case, Middle Cyclone (03.03.09) Alexisonfire TBC (summer '09) Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavillion (12.01.09) Beirut, March of the Zapotec/Holland EP (17.02.09) Black Lips, 200 Million Thousand (24.02.09) John Frusciante, The Empyrean (20.01.09)

Antony Hegarty photo: Don Felix Cervantes

Be sure to check out the latest in album reviews from Fuse Music, Forge Press in the new semester.

Pippa Moore

The JD Set Unsigned presents…Battle of the Bands @ Raynor Lounge

2009-01-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

The Jack Daniels Set Unsigned 2008 hit Sheffield this month, bringing four unsigned university bands to the Raynor Lounge. The bands competed against each other to win a session at a recording studio and our very own Alexandra Rucki helped to judge the competition. Forge Music went to check out the latest in Sheffield local talent, and got the chance to speak to the bands before they played…

Epic Fail:

How would you describe your music?
Nothing more specific than alternative rock. Tonight our sound might be a little bit different as we have no keyboarder today, as he’s had to go home this weekend for a family gathering.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Two of us met by living together in Ranmoor, and we advertised on the Union notice board for other members. We have been together now for about 18 months.
Has your music been influenced by the Sheffield music scene at all?
No, we don’t like to say we’re influenced by the whole Artic Monkeys scene or anything like that.
What is the worst thing that has happened to you whilst performing live?We have actually never performed live before, this will be our first time. There was this one time when we were rehearsing though and got threatened by a load of chavs…
If you were to form a tribute band who would it be too?
Girls Aloud, obviously.
Do you believe you could win tonight?
Yes, of course.

The verdict: For their first ever gig Epic Fail, although insular onstage, do impress with their rock sound and driving bass. The singer has a classically grunge voice with a rather strange quality. Epic Fail hit their stride further into the set, bolstered by the loud applause from the crowd. A definite runner for first place.

The Red Shark:

How would you describe your music?
Loud, classic rock. Someone once said we were quite like Ash mixed with Guns and Roses, and I quite like that description.
Has your music been influenced by Sheffield bands and the Sheffield music scene at all?
Not really, we’re more influenced by people like The Wildhearts and those sorts of bands. I like Sheffield though; we’ve met some really cool bands. Say Things Twice have played a couple of gigs with us, I really like their music. Scutty Neighbours are also good; they sound like us - just plug in and rock out. Also, we like Goodbye Jimmy, they are really cool and we played a gig with them quite recently.
How did you meet and how long have you been playing together?
We lived in a house in our first year and we had a spare kitchen, so we stuck a drum-kit and my ludicrously large amplifier in there and started a band with our housemates. They’ve graduated now and moved on, so Peter knew Will through kayaking and was roped in. (To Will) I think we knew you were in the band before we had even met you
What has been your highlight of the year as a band?
Well we’ve only played one other gig this year, which was at the Casbah and it went really well. We actually won over a few people which has never happened before and got to give away quite a lot of stuff.
Do you think you have a chance of winning tonight?
(Laughs) Well we’ve played three times at battle of the bands before and came last in all of them.

The verdict: With a prog and post-rock sound, The Red Shark bring heavy guitars and grungy undertones to the stage. On stage, the front man is energetic and entertaining. Despite their intense sound, The Red Shark are relatively inoffensive and could do with a bit of spicing up. Having said that, they do pull off some epic riffs tonight – impressive.

The Great Deception:

Can you tell us a bit about how you met and how long you’ve been together?
We lived in halls together because we all joined uni at the same time and we’ve been a band for about three and a half years. We’re all still living in Sheffield.
Do you draw heavily from your influences?
We’re all into quite different music – we all have common interests but we all like lots of different stuff. One of us likes ‘emo’ and one of us likes punk, the other one likes prog rock. It’s a bit of a weird mixture. We all like Metallica though!
As a band, what has been the highlight of your career so far?
(All laugh) We once did a gig that wasn’t in Sheffield! Our best gig was probably at the Frog & Parrot about a year ago.
What do you want for the future of the band?
It would be nice for people to just enjoy our music; we were really excited to be playing at the union. The scene here is very indie, we’re not really into it – it’s difficult to get gigs in Sheffield anyway…unless you’re an indie band! We’ve asked so many places for gigs – we’ve actually never played at the union before tonight either. We did enter last year’s student band competition and we also played at Tapton Hall of Residence, which was our first gig. There are so many uni bands; there should be more competitions like this.
Finally, do you have any other upcoming shows?
Yes, we’re playing the 13th of January at the Boardwalk. We’re also trying to enter a national unsigned band competition at the moment.

The verdict: I sympathise with The Great Deception over the fact that the Raynor Lounge hasn’t filled yet and the tech guy only dims the lights a few minutes into their set. They provide post-punk style tunes, but seem a little nervy, particularly when lead singer Mark only thinks to respond to hecklers with “Shut up.” With song titles like the ‘Worst Cigarette I Never Rolled’, they are not by far the best or most practised band playing the competition tonight. However, with some practise there is room for improvement and their lyrics supply a good bit of catchy punk.

The Crookes:

How did you meet and how long have you been a band?
Two of us lived together and we met George after an Eng Lit exam and then at Fuzz Club. Dan (guitar) couldn’t even play guitar when we first met! We formed at about the start of this year.
So how would you describe your sound? One of the other bands here described you as ‘very pleasant’.
(All laugh) I don’t know if we could be described like that! We’ve been compared to Belle and Sebastian.
Dan: I think the influences we have are a kind of an odd mixture of like sixties music, especially girl groups. Then we also like modern folky bands too.
George: I’d say we sound like jangly folksy pop music.
Alex: With lots of hand-clapping!
How would you describe the Sheffield music scene and has it had a big impact on you as a band?
We never wanted to have the ‘Artic Monkeys’ side of Sheffield music. The bands we’ve played with in the past obviously draw a lot from the Artic Monkeys but I feel that it’s been done a bit too much now. We do play with, and like bands such as ‘Slow Club’.
You just played Fuzz with Slow Club didn’t you? How was that?
Dan: It was a real kind of marker for us, seeing as we met there. They played our song ‘Backstreet Lovers’ at Fuzz the week after the show, which was strange as people sang along.
George: We managed to find each other on the middle of the dance floor.
Alex: We always said we would never dance to our own songs but we all went mad, it was an honour really.
Finally, do you have any other upcoming gigs?
The Stockroom on the 18th of December with the Situationists and Champion Kickboxer – well respected Sheffield bands.

The verdict: My personal favourite, The Crookes are a band which exemplify how Sheffield indie has moved away from the post-Artic Monkeys style copycat bands and onto something new. With a variety of instruments, ranging from a banjo to a xylophone; praise goes to them for playing to a tough crowd, which is mainly made up of people in support of the heavier rock bands. At times they could have performed tighter, but top marks go to the four-piece for attempting something new and ambitious.

The overall result: The marks are collected from the Judges and the winners are announced: The Red Shark are victorious. The band looks forward to a session at a recording studio, courtesy of the JD Set Unsigned. The four chaps end the evening by playing a few songs from their previous set, and the crowd respond with enthusiastic dancing.

Your friends at Jack Daniels remind you to drink responsibly.

Pictures: The Red Shark @ Myspace
The Crookes @ Myspace

Listen to the bands on myspace here:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=65412359
Epic Fail @ Myspace
The Crookes @ Myspace
The Great Deception @ Myspace

Alexandra Rucki and Pippa Moore

Single Review: Coherantt ‘Your Still a Soldier’

2008-12-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

Coherantt serves up over six minutes of thumping drum and bass in the DJ’s latest single release ‘Your Still a Soldier’. With a heavy bass running throughout the whole track, the single sounds quite dark at times whilst the lyrics ‘Your Still a Soldier’ are chanted throughout. Mixing drum and bass beats with electro, Coherantt shows that Northern artists and record labels are helping the Drum and Bass scene to expand and blossom.

Forge Music says: 4/5

Alexandra Rucki

Official Site:Coherantt
Myspace: Coherantt @ Myspace

Merry Christmas from Forge Music

2008-12-21T04:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our writers and readers, and expect to see an official website in the new year.

Don't forget to support Forge Radio's bid for Christmas number one! You can buy their cover of Band Aid's 'Do they know it's Christmas?' from the Itunes music store for only 79p, which is donated to charity.

Single Review: Skilf (feat. Michelle Ericsson) 'Slow Me Down'

2008-12-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Brighton based mc Skilf, an ex-performing arts student, offers us an old school slice of garage served up with smart, fast-paced lyrics and smooth production. ‘Slow Me Down’ features Californian singer Michelle Ericsson who brings a silky melody to the mix, overlapping the hip hop beats and funky bass line; a formula that will definitely get heads nodding. Skilf quotes Bob Dylan as well as Wu Tang Clan amongst some of his influences, so it would be foolish to expect anything less than an eclectic and appealing single. An interesting sound that is worthy of note.

Pippa Moore

Picture: Skilf @ Myspace

Single Review: The Fratellis 'A Heady Tale'

2008-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

There is no intro to this single, you just jump into the energetic and vibrant music of The Fratellis. Jon Fratellis' vocals are a bit monotonous sounding but the upbeat and refreshing percussion by Mince Fratellis (drums) save the day. Everything starts coming together and making sense when the guitar and piano break in. The quirky lyrics about heartbreak are original and amusing and make this band ,who have been around for a few years now, stand apart from the sea of indie on the market. This is promising new work from The Fratellis and is one for eclectic ears who like a mix of jazz and rock.

Forge Music says, 3/5

Iris Provias

Official site: The Fratellis

Pendulum @ The Academy - Wednesday, December 10th

2008-12-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Rumour has it that this gig sold out two days into Fresher's Week. Whether this is true or not, Pendulum are a band on the ascent at the moment and they know it. The swagger of their resident MC, Ben ‘The Verse’ Mount, constantly insisting in forceful tones that the crowd “make some noise” or start a “ring of mayhem” was therefore barely needed to work the Academy into a frenzy. Consequently, he came oddly close to sounding like a particularly hardcore holiday camp rep.

Butlins aside, you know exactly where you stand with a band whose aims are as beautifully simple as Pendulum’s. Hence, this was not a gig where the audience was required to stand around in a semi intellectual manner, nurse a pint of best and comment on how musically aware of each other the group members are. Indeed nursing a pint of best was impossible in an atmosphere that came dangerously close to crushing the front rows of the audience in a swirling mass of jumping bodies.

Even so, the sextet are an incredibly tight outfit. Given their past in Australia’s underground dance and drum ‘n’ bass scene, their musical preciseness has developed into one of their major selling points. Speaking of major selling points, Pendulum’s best riffs have long been more than catchy, and they are truly mighty in the flesh. 'Blood Sugar' with its' angry squawks and apocalyptic intro, is made all the more impressive for the pulsating bass that accompanies. However, not all of these hooks are as memorable, 'Granite' in particular suffers from repetition of the main riff for just slightly too long and becomes almost grating.

There was a sense that the Academy couldn’t quite contain the wall of noise it was being asked to deal with. This created a sense of noise spilling over; of the gig suddenly becoming too much for human consumption at any point. It is almost as if Pendulum have a sound tailor-made for parks and stadiums, not compact indoor venues. It remains to be seen whether they can surpass their status as extremely popular and evolve into the next true super group, whose blend of rock, drum ‘n’ bass and electronica sets the trend for years to come.

Chris Goding

Official site: Pendulum

The Prodigy @ The Academy - Thursday, December 11th

2008-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Photo: Samuel Valdes Lopez

The second half of the ’90s was a strange time: grunge was dead and buried and a new fad broke and entered our hearts: electronica. Spearheading this movement via intense videos and seriously infectious beats were The Prodigy. Their breakout album, Fat of the Land took the whole world by storm, generating a few copycats and parodies, whilst becoming one of the bonafide albums to have and brag about. Then they disappeared. Rumours flew by and after a disappointing single (2002's horrid 'Baby's Got Temper') and an uneven album (2004's Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned), all hopes for a comeback were done for.

However, today was the day those hopes rose from their graves, uniting a generation of old and new fans alike. To much anticipation, one by one, The Prodigy appeared on stage. Not one syllable had been spoken, but the public went mental, liberating all their pent up energy in jumps and fist pumping.

The band responded by giving their all, including their best known tracks ('Breathe' , 'Firestarter') and injecting new life into tepid songs such as 'Spitfire'. Did people know all the songs? No, and they couldn't care less, as The Prodigy guided them for over an hour of utter madness.

The Prodigy use theatrics and charisma wisely and repetitively, and it makes one wonder why fans think that Liam Howlett is the reason why the band is called The Prodigy? You should see him, surrounded by high-tech equipment, always commandeering his soldiers of sound.

They respond by dominating that uncontrollable, raging beast - the general public, and rendering the whole place into an electronica-fueled gestalt. The line between performer and public blurs, making the Carling Academy tremble to its very foundations.

Barring the few minor technical glitches that made the gig start a little late, it delivered completely, blowing away people's minds, leaving bruises on all parts of the body and producing a satisfactory ear ringing. Yes, for one night, The Prodigy were outnumbered, but they will never be outgunned.

Samuel Valdes Lopez

Official site: The Prodigy

The Gentlemen @ Leadmill- Sunday , November 30th

2008-12-16T01:32:00.000-08:00

“Is there anyone here that you haven’t seen since the last Gentlemen gig?” ask the members of The Gentleman. A huge cheer from nearly all the crowd follows. It seems that being a fan of The Gentlemen is very much a community affair. They could be described as The Leadmill’s house band, having supported Palladium, We Are Scientists and many others at the legendary venue.

Due to their loyalty for their hometown, they have a concentrated fan-base, albeit somewhat small. The 800-capacity venue is a long way from full, but with so many familiar faces, it’s obviously a much cosier and friendly affair.

Since this was a night for Sheffield bands, it seems only right to mention the support band - Dead Like Harry. They peddle an interesting form of lilting epic rock, which someone should mention to their head banging bassist. The band play like professionals, but when there are attempts to try to tug at the heartstrings with pathetic opening lines such as ‘You used to be my angel/You used to fly so high’, it appears somewhat wet.

So onto The Gentlemen, who play enthusiastically, despite being exhausted after spending the day filming their music video in the same place. Lead singer Nicholas Noble – imagine Ricky Wilson and Avid Merrion’s lovechild after a shopping spree with Napoleon Bonaparte – beams throughout and the boys are clearly enjoying their upgrade to headliners. The band’s bio promises a wide range of influences, but in truth their nearest cousins musically, for better or worse, would have to be Fall Out Boy.

The band preview a wide range of material from their forthcoming new album, with 'Unique’ and the like sounding tighter than their previous stuff. Despite a disastrous attempt at a French language ballad (which even goes over the head of my French-studying friends) the whole show is a joyous affair, no doubt aided by all the people who’d been there drinking for the afternoon’s shoot.

Maybe it’s time to get a bit more of an extended family though lads?

Rowan Brunswick

Listen to the support band: Dead Like Harry @ Myspace

Listen to the headliners here: The Gentlemen and here: The Gentlemen @ Myspace

Music News: Alexandra Burke crowned winner of Britain’s X-factor

2008-12-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Burke was announced as the winner of X Factor last night, bagging a one million pound recording contract and the opportunity for stardom.

The twenty-year old singer from North London beat off runners-up JLS and Eoghan. Despite being the bookies favourite to win, Burke reacted with shock when she was announced the winner. She performed Silent Night, sang a duet to Listen with Beyonce Knowles and concluded the first part of the show with You Are So Beautiful.

Burke has had no previous professional vocal training, but was taught to sing by her mother, who used to sing with Soul II Soul. In 2005 she auditioned for X Factor and got to the judges houses stage, but Louis believed her to be too young at the time and she didn’t make it to the final stages.

The ratings for this years X Factor have been higher than ever, regularly beating BBC one’s Strictly Come Dancing in the battle for viewers. This is the result of appearances from international stars such as Britney Spears and Beyonce Knowles. Furthermore, the replacement of judge Sharon Osbourne by Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole has no doubt contributed to increased ratings, as the singer regularly generates more media interest than the contestants themselves.

Watch the X-Factor final here: X-Factor Final

Alexandra Rucki

The Worst Ever Christmas Songs...

2008-12-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Traditionally, Christmas is a time for giving and, apparently, it's also a time for recording some of the most annoying and horribly cheesy tunes ever to grace the airwaves:

Cliff Richard – ‘Mistletoe and Wine’
Fortunately, the family’s spending Christmas round ours this year, which means I’m not forced to endure my Auntie’s annoying obsession with Cliff Richard and ‘Mistletoe and Wine’. There’s not a lot to say other than this is the most infuriating Christmas song ever recorded. Well Cliff, I’ll never forgive you and it’s hard to forget 3 minutes of relentless, torturous, wet nostalgia.

The Wombats – ‘Is This Christmas’
As if the thought of Les Dennis attempting a career come-back wasn’t bad enough, the Wombats invite him to collaborate on a Christmas single. It’s the biggest fart of a Christmas song ever...so dreadful Jo Wiley might even play it. Hopefully she will though and thus irritate an unprecedented number of people and banish the Wombats to the celebrity graveyard inhabited by their fellow scouser. The video’s even worse; just the three of them; the Krusty-the-Clown-lookalike singer, the annoying bassist and the drummer yelping ‘Is This Christmas?’ Yes it is, now shut up.

Joe Christmas

Picture: The Wombats @ Myspace

Music News: Blur reform for Hyde Park gig

2008-12-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Seminal brit-pop band Blur have announced to NME that they are reforming to play live next year, headlining at Hyde Park on July 3rd.

The full line up - Damon Albarn (vocals) Alex James (bass) Dave Rowntree (drums) with inimitable guitarist Graham Coxon, will appear together for the first time since Coxon left the band in 2002. Albarn and Coxon both indicating that they have put their past differences behind them.

Tickets go onsale at 9AM this Friday (12.12.08)

Horray!

Read the interview: NME

Pippa Moore

Music News: Could Robo-Hand Allow The Long Blondes to Reform?

2008-12-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

What happens when music and science collaborate? Well a robotic hand it seems…

Photo: Ross Parry for The Telegraph

Former guitarist of Sheffield based band The Long Blondes hopes to be able to play again following a stroke, thanks to the help of a robotic glove. In October the band were forced to split as guitarist Dorian Cox suffered from a stroke, causing the right side of his body to be paralysed so he was unable to play the instrument anymore. However, advances in modern technology means this may no longer be the case as it has been reported Cox is undergoing neurological physiotherapy, including training sessions with a mechanical glove.

The apparatus is known as a SaeboFlex and assists patients by supporting their wrists and helping them to grasp and release objects.

"It's a fantastic service, it's helping tremendously and I think it can work wonders me and others – it's almost like a gym for my hand," Cox told the Telegraph.

But does this spell a reform for The Long Blondes? Well with lead singer Kate Jackson already announcing that she has been working on solo material, even if Cox does recover a reform may not be the case. Nevertheless, at least there is an element of some hope for fans in the form of a mechanical hand.

Alexandra Rucki

Club Preview: Fantastic Damage @ The Bowery

2008-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Finally! A night out in Sheffield that actually plays some Anticon. records. For over ten years, the indie record label has reliably produced some of the finest in leftfield and experimental hip hop, yet is still highly underrated.

Artists such as cLOUDEAD, Why?, Subtle, Themselves and Aesop Rock have continually impressed with a mix of ambient and hip hop overlayed with surreal lyrics often delivered in polyrhythmic, spoken-word style.

This night, taking place at The Bowery, is brought to us by Children For Breakfast & Pickers, Knickers & Shitkickers every Monday and is completely FREE. The perfect opportunity to chill out with a pint and get lost in Anticon....

Picture: Why? @ Myspace

Record label: Anticon Official

Club: Fantastic Damage @ Facebook

Pippa Moore.

Single Review: Keane, 'Perfect Symmetry'

2008-12-04T04:19:00.000-08:00

Following hard on the heels of the brilliantly absurd mid-90s pop of ‘Spiralling’ is a new Keane single, ‘Perfect Symmetry’. The name feels appropriate, as it marks a return to the ringing piano and uplifting melodies that saw their debut outsell the likes of Gwen Stefani and Scissor Sisters back in 2004.

Keane are still commonly viewed as a better example of bland than band, which is a shame; post-rehab, Tom Chaplin may remain baby-faced but when bellowing, “Oh boy, you ought to leave this town!” he sounds more fearless than a bulletproof Iggy Pop. Chaplin claims this is their “anthem of peace”... a bold statement, but confronted by the Killers-style communal synth sing-a-long three minutes in, even Dubya would be hesitating over the big red button marked ‘WAR’.

Forge Music says, 4/5

Jeremy Peel

Ultimate Playlist: The songs that have shaped your life

2008-12-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

This week, Pippa Moore explains why eclectic is the way to go:

Why? – The Hoofs

Jacques Du Tronc – Et moi, et moi, et moi

Tori Amos – Crucify

Of Montreal – Lysergic Bliss

Chromeo – Fancy Footwork

My love of alternative hip-hop and spoken-word begs the inclusion of Why? on this list because their music is witty, beautiful and poignant. Although Tori Amos may seem a particularly cliché choice, this record is like none I have ever heard before – dark, mysterious and challenging. Jacques Du Tronc is a brilliantly funny and witty Francophile. My increasing interest in electro and house means that Chromeo simply to be on the list (especially considering this song has been remixed by the likes of Crookers, amongst many others) as well as Of Montreal, because their music is catchy and originial and because Kevin Barnes is a genius, if not slightly bonkers...

Of Montreal photo: Leó Stefánsson

Of Montreal @ Myspace

Single review: Portishead, 'Magic Door'

2008-12-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

The high pitched beep at the beginning of this track should serve as a warning to the uninitiated. Portishead is a bleak land populated by fractured beats and the tortured vocals of Beth Gibbons. Add into this dramatic piano thuds and a strangled trumpet that sounds like a drunk elephant and you have ‘Magic Door’, the penultimate track on their album ‘Third’. But for fans of Portishead of old, we expected more than this. Gibbons laments ‘I don’t know who I’m meant to be’, and sadly, we don’t know either.

Forge Music says, 2/5

Kimberley Long

Club Preview: Ebony Bones + Rosie and the Goldbug @ Fuzz 4/12/08

2008-12-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

After the disappointment of both bands cancelling last weeks Fuzz, this Thursday’s Fuzz club with two promising bands will be sure to provide indie fans with their fix of good music for the week. Support comes in the form of Cornish trio Rosie and the Goldbug. Headed by Rosie on the keyboard, their music has been compared to the likes of Kate Bush, Blondie and the Pretenders. First single “You’ve Changed” was released this Monday, check them out on www.myspace.com/rosieandthegoldbug.
Headlining this Thursday is electopop post punk songstress, Ebony Bones. Expect mayhem and lots of colour and chaos on stage. With lyrics like “Don’t Fart on my Heart” there is something we can all identify with in her music…have a listen on www.myspace.com/ebonybones.
Expect usual fuzz-club DJ’s playing the latest in indie-pop afterwards in Foundry, and Bleach for all the best in rock, punk, ska and metal in Fusion.

Alexandra Rucki

Music News: Those Dancing Days cancel Fuzz Club

2008-11-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Headliners, Those Dancing Days have pulled out of Fuzz club tonight due to illness. The shows looks set to be rescheduled at some point in the future. The offical line from Fuzz is apology for any disappointment caused and that unused tickets can be returned to the point of purchase for refunds. However, this blogger says: don't be rubbish and do that!

Still expect to hear some hot new indie tunes spinning until the wee-hours of the morning. The show must go on afterall....

Pippa Moore

Ultimate Playlist: The songs that have shaped your life

2008-11-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

This week, Roz Glynn unravels the mysteries of folk and soul:

Joanna Newsom – Sawdust & Diamonds

The Crystals – He Hit me (and it Felt like a Kiss)

The Smiths – Sweet and Tender Hooligan

Iron & Wine – Boy with a Coin

The Shangri-Las – Leader of the Pack

Raiding my parents’ CD collection before I came back to university produced some great 1960’s pop and soul which explains The Crystals and The Shangri-Las -classics. My growing fondness of folk, and love of distinctive female voices, is why Joanna Newsom takes pride of place on this playlist, with Iron & wine being another of my new found alt-folk favourites. Then there's The Smiths, but well, everyone loves The Smiths!

Joanna Newsom, 'Ys' album artwork: Benjamin A. Vierling

Official site: Joanna Newsom

Too young to listen to 60s, soul and Motown?

2008-11-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

“We are the mods. We are the mods. We are, we are, we are the mods.” These very words in the film Quadrophenia, showed how proud youngsters were in the 1960’s to represent their love of soul and motown. Four decades later and young people still have a place for it in their hearts. To some, it’s a dead era and its existence belongs only in the past but does this really matter? So what if the ‘golden age’ of music took off before some people’s time?! The fact that people still like it in this generation shows they like the music on their own accord, rather than being part of what was fashionable.

The loved artists in question include The Supremes, Isley brothers, Spencer Davis group, Curtis Mayfield, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Al Green. A lot of the popular bands people like today such as The Enemy were inspired by bands like The Jam, who in turn were inspired by this musical era. So it’s no wonder the soul and motown inspiration filters through music collections all over the world today.

Other singers with the soul sound are Duffy (whose been compared to Dusty Springfield), Amy Winehouse, Adele, Joss Stone and Corrine Bailey Rae. Infact, it seemed as if they all emerged at the same time, or at least a ripple effect was caused when Amy Winehouse became popular.
But why do people still love the 60’s era? Well it was a time of free love, peace and socio-political libertarianism. It was when music started to become a way of life. It was when different styles merged together to create unique sounds. Motown in particular was uplifting and knocked down racial barriers with people coming together through a mutual love of music. The Funk Brothers must be given the most credit for being the pioneers of Motown. People want to re-live that same laid back approach to life.

And it’s not just the music people want to re-live or retain, but fashionable vintage clothing remains as popular as it was all those years ago too. Any look at Sheffield town centre and you’ll find Freshmans, Cow and other smaller boutiques selling the era back to us. There’s the bi-annual vintage fair as well showing just how in demand vintage fashion is. Even shops like Fred Perry recreate the era with polo shirts galore. Laura, a Univeristy of Sheffield student says: “I wear vintage clothing because you can see something you really like and know nobody else will have it. It gives you a bit of originality. A lot of the vintage shops are cheap too so it just makes sense”.

It seems then that the era is not dead (far from it in fact) with people paying homage to it in some form or other on a regular basis. We simply can't move on: after all a lot of the music we like today had to come from somewhere, and you can bet a good percentage of it was from the 1960’s. Long live the 60s!

Kristiane Genovese

Guns n’ Roses : Chinese democracy

2008-11-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

New age trans intro with Chinese speakers in the background does not cut it until the famous guitar solo style breaks in. The lyrics are uninspiring and so is Axl Rose’s voice. The old fans of Guns n’ Roses will not be disappointed since this track is very similar to their previous songs . For others it will sound like recycled old tracks from the band's heyday. Oh dear.

Forge Music says, 3/5

Iris Provias

Single Review: Tallulah Rendall “Lay me Down”

2008-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Randall’s hauntingly harmonic vocals ease effortlessly over her latest track “Lay me Down”. Oozing with sheer style and sophistication, Rendall keeps us hooked on her every word right up until the final fluttering moments of this beautifully simplistic offering. A mystical and magical record that almost deserves to be appreciated rather than simply listened to.

Forge Music says, 4/5

Ross Haymes

Single Review: Clinic “Tomorrow”

2008-11-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

“Tomorrow’s” monotonous western style riffs mixed with a short-for-breath vocalist and the occasional appearance of harmonica drag it down into the realms of the unimaginative and easily forgettable. A more promising remix by DFA shows us what the band might be more suited to. Ultimately the release misses depth, which seems to be a defining example of what Clinic are all about.

Forge Music says, 2/5

Ross Haymes

Club Preview: Those Dancing Days + Sky Larkin @ Fuzz, 27.11.08:

2008-11-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

Reasons to be cheerful: the unquestionable Fuzz Club displays (again) why it is the most revered indie night this side of the Capital when it showcases yet another excellent act THIS THURSDAY NIGHT. Those Dancing Days are a youthful, all-female group from Stockholm, who, having just released their debut album ‘In Our Space Hero Suits’, are creating a stir in the UK with their unique brand of bouncy indie-pop. Single ‘Hitten’ is already a club staple, drawing heavily from girl-group influences such as Blondie and Chrissie Hynde with catchier riffs than you can shake a stick at. If that isn’t enough, of course after the band there is the usual Fuzz dance-floor madness (and don’t forget Bleach in Room 2!): expect a good night all-round.

Tickets: £4 advance (from the union box office).

Pippa Moore

The one and only: Ed Banger Records

2008-11-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

If I was asked to describe the current electro-house music scene in two words, I would without a doubt simply say ‘Ed Banger’. Although the label was founded in 2003, it only really gained wider success with the signing of more mainstream electronic acts such as French group Justice, bringing electro music back into the popular music charts and media.

With the release of Ed Rec. Vol. 3 earlier this year featuring the likes of Mr. Oizo, DJ Medhi and SebastiAn alongside other more widely known acts such as Uffie and Busy P himself, it is clear to see that french electronic label Ed Banger Records have more to offer us than the squeaky-clean electro mix of ‘Never Be Alone’ by Justice. 2006 was a big year for Ed Banger, with Justice now the label’s most successful act, gaining critical acclaim for their first solo single ‘Waters of Nazareth’ and receiving best video at the MTV Europe Music Awards for ‘We Are Your Friends’. This demonstrated not only the new musical talent the label had to offer but also the artistic element shown by Ed Banger's art directors ‘So Me’ who have contributed to the instantly recognisable artwork for several of the label’s releases.

2006 also saw Pedro Winter (A.K.A electro-house DJ 'Busy P') the label’s founder, signing the American-born, French-raised Uffie, who added a more underground hip-hip sound to the label. Uffie’s debut single, ‘Pop The Glock’ gained the label international acclaim and also appeared on the Rough Trade Shop's Counter Culture Compilation 2006. Ed Banger can be arguably be credited with bringing more attention to underground electro not just as a niche market, but as a genre now becoming more popular with Indie labels, acts and fans as well as gaining commercial radio play and recognition. DJ Feadz, also signed to Ed Banger, recently appeared at Sheffield’s own electro night Club Pony in October and is perhaps most commonly noted as collaborating with Uffie also released his ‘Happy Meal EP’ earlier this year.

Ed Banger’s success however must be attributed largely to the label’s producer, owner and founder Pedro Winter, an innovative DJ who decided to set up his own label as a division of Headbangers Entertainment in 2003. Not only does Winter manage and produce some of the biggest names in electro and house music under Ed Banger Records, he was also Daft Punk’s manager for over 12 years and as if this isn’t enough he even leaves time to record his own work as DJ Busy P, most recently ‘Pedrophilia’ on 12” picture disc. Through Winter’s passion for French house and electro and his dedication to making music fun and exciting again, Ed Banger practically defines the genre whose artists it showcases. No other label is currently producing electro music from new underground artists to such a high quality and not only to those already interested in the genre, but in a way that’s also accessible to a mainstream audience, establishing house and electro as worthy of being taken seriously.

With more of Ed Banger’s artists set to release records this year, expect acts such as SebastiAn, (with recent album ‘Remixes’) to gain more recognition for their work and really show how to remix a song that keeps people dancing all night, experiencing the energy and atmosphere that electro DJ’s and artists can offer. With Justice’s upcoming ‘A Cross The Universe’ tour as well as a live allbum and DVD Documentary with artwork provided by fans expected to follow in late November, it’s clear that Ed Banger will be THE label to follow in the coming months.

Stefi Avis

Feadz: Club Pony @ DQ, 10.10.08

2008-11-23T10:51:00.001-08:00

n650486643_1396894_1948, originally uploaded by fake_french <3.

Picture: Rose Marsh

Club Review: DQ, Club Pony – DJ Feadz, 10.10.08:

2008-11-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

France’s finest, the ultra cool Ed Banger Records, brings its electro-house to the cold hills of the North in spectacular style. With Club Pony already a firm favourite amongst fans of synthesisers, drum machines and double vodkas, it doesn’t take a large stretch of the imagination to envisage the anticipation caused by tonight’s guest DJ. Feadz is a Parisian-based artist well known for pulling blinding headline shows out of the hat, as well as for his work with Mr. Oizo and Uffie, who also happens to be his long-term missus. Tonight, DQ is crammed with bodies and when Feadz begins his set there is a manic crush towards the front of the stage accompanied by expectant applause. Feadz keeps the crowd engaged by mixing in some classic house and hip hop tracks with the most up-to-date in European techno and electro music (with a distinct nod to several of his label-mates). The music builds up to immense climaxes followed by hard-hitting beats that make almost everyone in the room want to dance like a twat and pull robot-style shapes. The thin-framed DJ bops about the stage and is visibly happy about the enthusiasm displayed by the Club Pony crowd. Feadz, with his forward-thinking, original and experimental skills, carries on well into the night and ends up leaving everyone with fun-filled memories, if not a sentimental hangover the next day. In the words of Uffie, “Feadz is bangin’”.

Pippa Moore

Single review: Skint & Demoralised – 'The Thrill of Thirty Seconds'

2008-11-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

True pop! The jaunty guitar rhythm goes well with the heavily-accented voice in this friendly, optimistic little song from the Wakefield group. Hard to resist for a quick dance in those grey “hey, where's the sun?” days.

Forge Music says 3/5

Samuel Valdes Lopez

Single review: Nick Harrison - ‘Something Special’

2008-11-15T04:47:00.001-08:00

‘Something Special’ is a great piece of reggae tinged guitar pop. The piano and vocal harmonies come across bit like early Supergrass, but not quite that good. It’s really quite cheesy, but if you can get beyond this it becomes rather enjoyable, incredibly catchy and dancey. Expect Radio One to be all over this guy come next year, so get your mitts on it before they do.

Forge Music says 4/5

Lee White

Single review: Jonjo Feather - ‘Taxi’

2008-11-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Gnarly and distorted, ‘Taxi’ is a bass driven bluesy track, that isn’t mindblowing, but it’s perfectly enjoyable. It eschews frivolities such as understandable vocals in favour of essentials such as cowbell and handclaps. Under two and a half minutes long, it’s worth checking gout if you like some of The Dandy Warhols fuzzier moments.

Forge Music says, 3/5

Lee White

Single Review: Flashguns - 'Timehouse Blue'

2008-11-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

So here we are, at the arse-end of 2008, enduring yet more insubstantial, arty-farty releases for the trend-following topman obsessives who think Morrisey's that bloke off the Homebase adverts. While no-one can question Flashgun's myspace list of favourites -Joy Division, The Cure, Nirvana etc- they would have done well to include more of these influences rather than Foals' intricate and over-imitated stylings. There's a slight hint of the Smiths but lackadaisical lines such as 'I can't live without you' make Flashguns' debut single less 'Frankly Mr. Shankly' and more 'Frankly Mr. Wa**ly

Forge Music says 2/5

Joe Christmas

Single Review: Fat Freddys Drop – ‘Pull The Catch’

2008-11-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

New Zealand’s dub-reggae outfit present the follow-up single to ‘The Camel’ before releasing their new album Big BW in 2009. With its hypnotic, bubbling bass line and a mellow brass section, Fat Freddys Drop will trick audiences into thinking it’s summer all over again.

Forge music says - 3/5

Natasha Parker

Single review: Alphabeat – "What Is Happening?"

2008-11-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

The band that brought life swaggering back into the pop genre are back with the fourth single from their eponymous album. In a different vein from their previous hits, What Is Happening? is a much lower-key tune. Don’t let this fool you though: the vocal harmony between the leads, Stine and Anders, punctuates the passion behind this story of a failing relationship. You may find it hard to dance to this tune on a night out. Equally, you’ll find it hard to rid this catchy pop ballad from your heads!

Forge Music says, 4/5

Sarah Richards

Single review: I Concur - 'Oblige'

2008-11-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

If the thought of an indie/post-rock/shoegaze amalgamation makes you want to dive headfirst into that Large Hadron Collider, then avoid this song like the plague. Although the lyrics are notably less interesting than previous efforts (past subject-matter includes the extinction of a prehistoric crocodile and the mistakes of a South Korean stem-Scientist) I Concur confirm their promising status for 2009 with a Verve-aping middle 8, which more than compensates for the weary and slightly grating intro.

Forge Music says 3/5

Joe Christmas

Single review: The Red Light Company - 'Scheme Eugene'

2008-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sweet melodies, soaring guitars and frantic backing vocals perfectly compliment singer and guitarist Richard Frenneaux' emotive tale of a relationship in-crisis. Imagine Arcade Fire without the dreaded sense of impending doom, the Shout Out Louds if they grew some balls and a chorus which could easily soundtrack the ending credits to the FA cup final and you are some way to realising the true extent of euphoria contained herein.

Forge Music says 4/5

Joe Christmas

Single review: Team Water Polo - 'So Called Summer'

2008-11-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Preston band Team Waterpolo may not be well known just yet, but their topically themed second single may change that. It’s basically a soft-rock/pop record, but has a tongue-in-cheek tone, mixing references to the last couple of dismal summers with a general feeling of expectation some might say comes naturally to Prestonians.

So Called Summer is the kind of record that sounds instantly familiar and sticks in your mind all day. The bouncy tempo, catchy lyrics and endlessly repeatable chorus gives Team Waterpolo a good chance of reaching the charts this autumn.

Forge Music says 4/5

N J Bowen

Single review: Voodoo Six - 'Feed my Soul'

2008-11-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

With a name like Voodoo Six, you can pretty much guess what you are about to hear – groovy club metal complete with throaty refrains of “We’re gonna make it baybeh”, of the kind Velvet Revolver would still be playing if their singer wasn’t made of 90% opium.

However, with the powerful descending harmonies of the chorus and Slash-bettering solo the trick is pulled off with flair. It is just a shame that we’re probably destined to hear only ten seconds of the opening riff soundtracking BMX videos on Youtube forevermore.

Forge Music says 4/5

Jeremy Peel

Single review: Silver Spoon - 'Through the Storm'

2008-11-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hip hop’s favourite fairy tale – the rise from violence and poverty to superstardom – is looking decidedly more worn now than in the day of Biggie and Tupac. And here, with a man recently graduated from Newcastle Uni and nicknamed ‘Silver Spoon’ due to his affluent background, we’re treading on very thin ice. As in, Ice, Ice, Baby.

Luckily for him though, ‘Through the Storm’ bears a muscular and dramatic beat courtesy of producer Sermstyle, falling somewhere between Timbaland and William Walton. With the addition of Silver’s own dexterous delivery and ability to hold a tune, the track slips under the bullshit radar.

But only just: 3/5

Jeremy Peel

Single review: The Saturdays - 'Up'

2008-11-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Second single from forthcoming debut album Chasing Lights, ‘Up’ is a sugar-rush of power pop which may well prove to be a little sickly for most ears. For what it is - an unashamedly poppy song, it’s actually not bad. While The Saturdays certainly can’t be faulted for catchiness, repeat listens may leave you on an insulin drip.

Forge Music says 3/5

Dean Maberly

The Mighty Boosh Aftershow Party - 7/10/08

2008-11-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

For the total price of £9.00 ultimate fans of The Mighty Boosh boys (aka Noel Fielding, Julian Barratt and Michael Fielding) could go and party alongside them at Plug. The event advertised as ‘Outrage’, promised a live set from Robots in Disguise and then a DJ set from the Mighty Boosh gang. But was it all a little too good to be true?

Plug isn’t particularly full, but the people who are here you can tell are Mighty Boosh fans. There is a scattering of people in Old Greg costumes, a few Hitchers can be spotted and a curiously large number of people wearing something that sparkles or is sequined.

The night kicks off, as promised, to a live set from Robots in Disguise. Ultimately only famous because of singer Dee Plume’s associations with Boosh man Noel Fielding, they’re not a band to be taken too seriously. Heavily adorned in thick make-up and styled like harlequin clowns, their music is fun, glittery and they provide quite a good slice of electro to the crowd. Taken with a pinch of salt, their tongue in cheek lyrics like “The sex has made me stupid” might have you humming along but I can’t see them being able to release a second album. And when they ask “Are there any electro girls and boys in here?” and get fans to dance on the stage alongside them, I do have to grit my teeth a little and worry that Plug didn’t check people’s ID to see if they are of the legal age to actually be here.

Shortly afterwards in a flash of shiny black hair appears the God everyone is really here to worship - Noel Fielding. The whole population of Plug is suddenly flung towards the DJ booth in an attempt to catch a glimpse of their hero. He parades around the back of the DJ booth, only to disappear with minutes back to the VIP room. Out pops Michael Fielding (Naboo), who is the only one who actually DJ’s throughout the evening. Rich Fulcher (Bob Fossil) makes a brief appearance, and so does Julian Barratt but only for a few fleeting minutes. Rumours spread that the bouncers are giving out backstage passes to the VIP room, but as the room fills it seems these are only handed out to girls who are wearing less than the usual amount of clothes. The rest of the night involves everybody crowding around the DJ booth trying to get some sort of contact with the Mighty Boosh cast.

So all in all, I wouldn’t really describe the evening as an aftershow party, but more of a night spent in Plug with brief appearances of characters from a TV show, who shortly disappear only to look from the VIP room onto the great unwashed of the public. And a load of people huddled around a DJ booth in an attempt to catch a glance of celebrity.

Alexandra Rucki

Singles reviews: Trivium - "Down from the Sky"

2008-11-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

Trivium impress straight away with potent dual-guitar work, amidst alternations between melodic and heavy riffing. More reminiscent of the Ascendancy album than later release The Crusade, vocalist Matt Heafy dilutes the clean vocals of Trivum's heavier sound with a return to metalcore screams, warranting only cautious optimism from jaded metallers.

Forge Music says 3/5

Mike Bentley

Singles reviews: Black Kids - Look at me when I rock (when I rock wichoo)

2008-11-01T11:49:00.001-07:00

Black Kids follow up disco stompers ‘Hurricane Jane’ and ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You’ with another slice of saccharine sweet indie pop. Although lacking the energetic frenzy of ‘Boyfriend’, Reggie Youngblood’s tales of adolescent desire fuse with funk bass, an irresistible opening riff and enough synth to get even the most lead footed scrambling for the dance floor. An all-round whichoo(n)!

Forge music says 4/5

Andrew Shepherdson

Welcome to Forge Music online!

2008-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking out Forge Music online. We've been having some teething problems with the actual website, but we couldn't wait to get writing and bring you some content, which we don't doubt will help you sleep a bit more securely at night.

Hopefully the website proper (www.forgetoday.com) will be online soon, but in the meantime please check us out here for news, reviews, features, opinion, questions, answers, and discussion of Tom Jones' trousers...