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Charley
A Teenage Music Enthusiast
Sunday, 3 January 2016
Saturday, 12 September 2015
What Went Down- Foals (Album Review)
Foals- What Went Down
What Went Down is the latest album by Foals. It was released
on the 28th August on Transgressive Records and is the 4th
studio album by the band. The band followed the release by doing a surprise set
at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival on the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage on
Saturday in the early afternoon. I managed to hear the set (and see it from the
screens and watch only the last few minutes of it properly) from the Catfish and
the Bottlemen signing tent queue at Reading Festival and from what I heard they
were something pretty spectacular. The whole queue especially enjoyed a sing
along to “My Number”!
The album opens with the title track. The song “What Went
Down” is powerful and punchy and opens up the album perfectly as it leaves a lasting
impression of excitement on the listener as to what’s to come. What Went Down
is a song which announces the return and comeback of Foals. It is simply stating
that Foals are back and with some sort of mission. It gives the album a clear
sense of direction from the offset. The song is catchy as the end of the song
is captivating. It’s repetitive and builds up to a point of total suspense
leaving the listener wanting more. It was the first song released from the
album.
The song is followed by the band’s latest single “Mountain at
My Gates”. It is arguably quite heavy in comparison to some of their other songs;
however, it is extremely likeable. It is easy to see why this was chosen as a
single as it’s catchy and the words “There’s a mountain at my gates”, from the
chorus, linger around in your head for a while.
This is followed by "Birch Tree", "Give It All" and "Albatross".
Birch Tree is one of the stronger songs on the album. Its sweet lyrics hold a
natural theme which matches the cool and synthy music. Again, Give it All also
holds a synthy vibe which is complemented by vast drums. Similarly, Albatross
holds this vibe too. The lyrics rhyme (especially at the start of the song) and
follow a similar pattern throughout the making it tantalizing for the ears. I
like this song.
"Snake Oil" is upbeat. It’s got bite. It opens up with perhaps
rockier riffs and Yannis Philippakis (lead singer) singing “oooh yeah” over and
over. It’s exhilarating. It’s one of the rockier songs on the album, even more
so than “What Went Down” and “Mountain at my Gates”. It’s heavily laced with
guitars and drums and this is perhaps detaching from some of the more
traditional Foals songs. However, I like this; it’s different. It keeps the
album exciting and fresh as it breaks up songs which can often sound similar.
It proves Foals’ diversity in their style. It’s one of the album’s highlights
for me.
"Night Swimmers", "London Thunder" and "Lonely Hunter" follow
this. Night Swimmers uses faster drumming patterns and clapping sounds to give
it a feel of exoticness and even gives it a dancier feel. It talks frequently
about “blue” items in the lyrics. London Thunder is a slow track. It’s calming
and simplistic. It offers a traditional slow song to the album. This is
followed by Lonely Hunter which is a nice song. Its lyrics and music fit in
with the rest of the album.
The final song on the album is “A Knife in the Ocean”. It’s
just less than 7 minutes long and it’s an ending which makes the listener
excited for what’s to come in the future for the band. It signs the album off
in a way they want to be remembered by. It’s triumphant and showcases a lot of
Foals’ impeccable musical variety and skills as musicians and lyricists.
Foals’ music is extremely interesting to listen to. Its instrumental
side reveals many layers which makes the music exciting and also easy to listen
to. You could listen to these songs many times unpicking finely each layer as
though you were dissecting it in a school lab and you’d uncover an extremely
well thought out and well structured piece of music. This coincides with the,
sometimes bitter sweet and invariably optimistic, lyrics sung by Yannis.
There are many highlights to this album but I particularly
liked the songs “Mountain at my Gates”, “Birch Tree”, “Snake Oil” and “Night
Swimmers”.
Overall I think “What Went Down” by Foals is a success and
leaves the listener excited to see where this takes the band next. No doubt
they will tour off the back of this album (and also off the back of their
Reading and Leeds Festival secret sets- perhaps even coming back to play the
festival next year). Hopefully next year
we’ll see Foals high up on festival bills as this album is a great success and
it’s refreshingly current and unique.
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
Reading 28th August- 30th August 2015
Reading 28th August- 30th August 2015
Highlights- Catfish and the Bottlemen, Peace, Everything
Everything, Circa Waves, All Time Low, The Wombats, Jamie T, The Maccabees, and
The Libertines.
Ones to Watch- Nothing but Thieves, Mini Mansions, The
Sherlocks, Sundara Karma, Rat Boy.
Reading 2015 has drawn to a close once again and I’m, again,
left with a haunting sense of sadness and an overriding feeling of total
fulfilment that this year’s Reading was just as phenomenal as the last. Reading
and Leeds 2015 was headlined by Mumford and Sons, Metallica, and The
Libertines. Foals did a secret set on the Saturday at Reading on the NME/BBC
Radio 1 stage as well.
There’s something
about Reading that makes it so special- I’m not sure what though. Perhaps it’s
the lack of “arty-farty” attractions and stalls that makes it desirable and classically
simplistic or maybe it’s purely the teen spirit and drunken friendliness that
surges throughout the crowds. Or perhaps it’s the Hippy Chippy van (the best
festival chips I’ve ever had)?
This year I was able to meet Catfish and the Bottlemen and they
were genuinely some of the nicest lads I’ve ever met in the music industry. Van
thought we’d met before as he greeted me with a “We’ve met before, right?” (Unfortunately
we’d not met before).I feel like their appreciation for their fans radiates
warmth which echoes in their music. Fortunately, despite being told off by the
security guard, I managed to get a selfie (which would have been nice if the
camera wasn’t the wrong way round at the prime photo moment) with Van McCann.
They’re some of the loveliest men in the business and this, along with their
classic tunes, almost guarantees success for the Llandudno lads.
Friday (28th August 2015)
Sunset Sons played the Festival Republic stage early Friday
afternoon to an almost packed out tent which contrasted their BBC Introducing
set last year. The band played a short set which showcased the bands sun-kissed
indie rock material and attracted new and old fans. The band got the crowd
going with songs like “She Wants” and even saw people on shoulders and dancing
along. Their music is truly current and exciting and has set them up nicely for
their November tour supporting Imagine Dragons. Sunset Sons are a band to watch
and now is the best time to get into them- before they shoot into stardom.
All Time Low never disappoint and this energetic set saw old
and new fans unite in a set that was filled with old and new material, from
their new album “future hearts”. Whilst
All Time Low are still using the same penis related jokes (all of which I’ve
heard about 7 times now) and getting up to their usual antics they manage to
captivate a crowd- they’re never boring, ever. Their set sought the inclusion
of the whole audience and required much participation as Gaskarth (lead singer)
made the audience regularly sing phrases and mimic his sounds. They band even
got a hand-picked, by Alex Gaskarth, selection of fans to sing Time Bomb on
stage with them, one of which played Jack Barakat’s (guitarist) guitar with
him. It’s amazing to see such excitement at a festival for a band I’m only used
to seeing enclosed in venues- apart from at Slam Dunk 2013 (which I didn’t see
a lot of because the man in front of me decided to wear a top hat). All Time
Low dazzled the main stage and provided a gateway to a full weekend of music.
During the set, the band announced that they will come back and do an arenas
tour next February in the UK which will not to be missed if you’re going on
their Reading and Wembley arena performances. I recommend All Time Low to
anyone looking for a gateway into “pop-punk” music or even just general “rock”
music.
Peace took the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage by storm on Friday
afternoon which followed a successful run of Reading and Leeds performances,
this being their 3rd. The tent was practically packed out and the
crowd danced and sang throughout. Peace played a selection of songs from their
debut album (In Love) and from their latest album “Happy People”, as well as
opening with part of a song by the Replacements. The audience sang along with
Harrison Koisser to well known songs like “Lovesick” and “I’m a girl”. Peace
has a loyal fan base which made for an energetic performance full of
appreciative fans and gave off a totally different vibe to their Glastonbury
performance. Their Reading performance felt as though they’d already won over
the fans without even starting to play. Harry Koisser remarked that Reading is
his “favourite festival in the world” and that it’s coming to the end of a
decade of him attending it which made the audience feel at ease with their
performance, as though it genuinely meant a lot for them band to be there. The
members are entertaining, Harry Koisser was wearing a coat coated with wet
enamel and stated the audience had been watching paint dry: “it’s not that
boring is it” Koisser remarked before launching into their final song “World
Pleasure”, an 8 minute track. This, being one of their last Summer Festival
performances, leads them into their September/October UK tour and I’m very
excited about the tour.
Mumford and Sons headlined the Main Stage at Reading
Festival on the Friday this year. It’s their first Reading since 2010. They
played many well known classics including “the Cave”, “Little Lion Man” and “I
will wait” as well as songs from their new album “Wilder Mind”, for example
“believe”. It was a visually stimulating set which featured an array of
instruments, some of which lesser seen on the Reading and Leeds main stage, which
made for an exciting set. The band’s set saw an audience of appreciative fans,
however, the reception was mixed, as you could expect from the thought of a
band like Mumford and Sons headlining. I felt the performance was exciting and
inspiring and capped of the first day of the festival perfectly. The band are
no longer all about banjos and acoustic guitars, as this set suggests, as the
inclusion of electric, rockier tunes was intertwined with those classics.
Saturday 29th August 2015
Wolf Alice played the BBC Introducing Stage as a surprise
act early afternoon prior to their set on the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage. Their BBC
Introducing set was intimate and special. They played all their hits, including
“Bros” and made the audience crave their later set. Their later set stage saw
Ellie and co conquer the NME/BBC Radio 1. They played songs from their latest
album “My Love is Cool” and also songs from their EP “Blush”. Wolf Alice was
extremely energetic and used their indie rock laced tunes to stimulate the
eagerly awaiting fans. The band are inspiring and it’s nice to see female
fronted bands triumphantly claim sets on larger stages as there was a distinct
lack of female fronted bands on the line up. Their music is a huge shift in the
way we currently view female in music- especially in this area and genre. Their
set cemented huge success for the band and I’m sure they’ll keep coming back.
Circa Waves played the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage on Saturday afternoon
to an audience of excited teens and those who were perhaps not fans of the
Metallica-esque bands gracing the main stage at the time or those who were not
partial to a bit of dance music. Their set was fuelled by songs off their
latest album “Young Chasers” which was a triumphant success. The audience sang
along to the sun-kissed tunes (despite the changing weather outside) and some
even found it heavy enough to mosh, this is disputable though. Kieran Shudall (Lead
singer) even attempted to crowd surf during “T-Shirt weather”. The band’s set
was one of my weekend highlights as it included fun and easy to listen to songs
and oozed youthful hope and promise.
Everything Everything played the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage early
Saturday evening and brought their new album “Get to Heaven” to Reading. The
band played frantic, varied and perhaps even somewhat “schizophrenic” songs to
an audience of fans who knew the album well. Their set was well thought out and
exciting. They were able to captivate the audience with their upbeat tunes and
excitingly metaphoric melodies. The set undoubtedly gripped fans and convinced
fans who were maybe saving spaces for later acts. I think Everything Everything
is one to watch as I think they will take their refreshingly interesting songs
to the next level. The audience responded well to the set and repaid the band
by singing along with the (where they’re from) band. This leads them into their
Autumn/Winter 2015 tour.
Closing the Festival Republic stage on the Saturday was the
Wombats. The Wombats provided the perfect alternative to those were perhaps
weren’t Metallica fans. The Liverpool lads were a triumphant success and are
worthy of playing larger stages at the festival, for example the NME/BBC Radio
1 stage. The band delivered, to a sea of loyal fans, a set filled with songs
from each of their three albums. The set was incredibly well received and the
song lyrics echoed teen anxiety and were perhaps even relatable for some of the
young crowd. The atmosphere was buzzing and the dancing meant it was a
particularly hot and sweaty performance. The trio provided an unforgettable
performance which was feel-good and fun. The band closed with “Let’s Dance to
Joy Division” which saw the whole crowd singing and dancing and many people
were on shoulders. The band managed to create a set list which struck pure
harmony with the audience as it created a perfect balance between new songs,
from their latest album “Glitterbug” and older hits like “Techno fan” and “Kill
the Director”. Their set was incredibly fulfilling and I’d like to see them
return very soon. This set launches them into their October UK tour.
Sunday 30th August 2015
Sundara Karma played the Festival Republic stage on Sunday.
This is their second time playing Reading Festival and their set was full of songs
off of their recent EPs including “Flame” and “Loveblood”. Their set was well received
by the audience with some of the audience even moshing. Their sound is very
modern and likeable and they present themselves very well in their stage
presence. This made for an exciting, albeit short; set which left the audience
wanting more. Sundara Karma is supporting The Wombats on their upcoming UK tour
which will be a huge platform for the band. I think they’re definitely ones to
watch as their catchy hooks and excitingly current lyrics only scream success.
On Sunday afternoon, following the news of their number 1
album the previous Friday, The Maccabees played the Main Stage at Reading.
Their set was laced with popular fan favourites, such as “Pelican” and “Latchmere”,
and cleverly intertwined with singles (among other songs) from their latest
album “Marks to Prove It”- in which the title track caused much excitement to a
pending sea of excited fans. Their set was anything but boring and they managed
to captivate the huge outcome of people. The band has played the festival
countless times and it was nice to see them feel at home on the stage. The set
felt comforting in a sense that the songs were easy to listen to and the songs
were well known. The Maccabees are
touring with their new album, “Marks to Prove It”, around the UK this winter.
Jamie T, a popular spokes person for the teens of today, followed
his 2014 surprise set at Reading by returning to reclaim the Main Stage this
year with a top 5 new album (Carry on the Grudge) under his belt. The crowd
craved Jamie T’s angst, teenage hits and knew all the words to songs like “Sheila”,
“Zombie” and “Sticks’n’Stones”. Treays dazzled the crowd with songs from his
latest album, like “Don’t You Find”, “Rabbit Hole” and “Peter”, which the crowd
knew all the lyrics to and could sing along to. His songs give off a sense of
teenage hope and promise with a relatable melancholy that sees the world
plainly. His set was refreshing and different to the usual Reading sets. He had
a huge crowd which sang along with Treays in a way which only radiated
positivity. His set was one of my favourites of the whole weekend. I’d
definitely recommend him to anyone as I feel like his music is exciting and
speaks for a generation of misguided youth.
Years and Years played on the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage just
after Jamie T had finished on the Main Stage. Their set drew in a crowd which
packed out the large tent perhaps because it fitted snugly in the gap between
Jamie T and Kendrick Lamar on the Main Stage. Their set was full of songs from
their recently released album “Communion“. They played, arguably their biggest
hit, “Desire” early on in the set and a few people walked out after this.
However, this left many loyal fans. The set was energetic and the crowd danced
along with lead singer Olly Alexander. It was the perfect way to bring the
evening to a close, before Headliners “The Libertines”.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Reading Festival Recommendations 2015
What to see at Reading and Leeds 2015- My Recommendations
With under 12 hours to go until Reading and Leeds festival kicks off I
thought I’d go through the line-up and identify my ‘must sees’.
I love festivals; the freedom of being able to do (almost)
whatever you want for a weekend (or little under a week depending on how you
choose your festival experience) surrounded by people too drunk to care and *still*
calling out for “Alan” and/or “Steve”.
I’m nowhere near a “festival veteran”- or at least not yet- but Reading
holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been to Reading once before and it was
my first “proper” festival, if you will. I’ve been to many a concert and the
day festival “Slam Dunk” (Slam Dunk a so called rock festival) but never
something like Reading. It’s hard to imagine the impact of such event on a 15
year old (who went with her Dad and wrote about said trip in her English GCSE
exam) but, in a mix of excitement, surprise and a slight scarring for life, it
left me hooked onto the festival scene.
Since such event, I’ve been to Glastonbury (again, with my
Dad- who, I will add, wanted to go to Glastonbury following the glorious
sunshine of Reading Festival all weekend) and I plan on going to more
(hopefully Isle of Wight, T in the Park, Latitude etc. at some point). I think
the best part about these weekends is that you can see whatever you want and
you don’t really have to be anywhere as you’re not losing out- unless you don’t
go and see Catfish and the Bottlemen (then you’re most definitely missing out)!
Also, festivals, as well as support bands at concerts which I believe are
brilliant platforms for up and coming bands, are a great place to scout new
music. You can find such new music on the BBC introducing stage (at somewhere
like Reading, Glasto or T) or perhaps playing other stages when you’ve nothing
to see- maybe even the main stage. Festivals allow you to “check out” bands
without the committal to sitting through an hour’s set and being bored as
anything. Nonetheless I’ll stop spewing
my thoughts and somewhat biased opinions at you and allow you to revel in the
line-up of Reading and Leeds Festival 2015.
The Reading and Leeds line up is always (ALWAYS) a talking
point and a clear generator of controversy. This year the announcement of such
bands as Mumford and Sons was met by an unwelcome crowd and uproar from those who
believe Reading and Leeds has and should always be a “rock” festival. Although
this was also met by an almighty eye roll by the many “indie” and “pop “ lovers
who saw Metallica steal the coveted Saturday (at Reading) headline spot once
again. There’s always something on for everyone at Reading, which is what sets
it apart from other festivals I believe. For example, if Metallica isn’t your
thing then The Wombats might tickle your fancy- or not.
FRIDAY (Reading,
Saturday Leeds)
I recommend you see;
Mumford and Sons (Headlining Main Stage from 21:30-23:30)- I
think this will unmissable in every sense of the word. Their amazing stage
craft and presence is a cause for excitement as it will be interesting as to
whether or not they are able to deliver old hits, such as “I Will Wait”, “Little
Lion Man” and “The Cave”, as well as their new, somewhat more modernised,
material from their latest album “Wilder Minds” in pure ambience. I am very excited to see how they captivate
an audience worthy of a headline act and I believe they will be accepted with
open arms by many new and old fans.
Peace (NME/BBC Radio 1 from 18:55-19:35)- Peace have been
playing Reading since 2013. They never fail to disappoint and I don’t doubt
that their early evening Reading set will be anything less than insane. The
Midlands quartet is entertaining live- to say the least- and will undoubtedly
bring their infectious tunes to an excited crowd. I am excited to see songs
from their debut album “In Love” intertwined with songs off their new album “Happy
People”- one of this year’s most exciting and captivating albums so far, in my
opinion. I would definitely recommend seeing
Peace and have some fun, for it is one of their favourite festivals to play,
and after their Glastonbury triumph this year, I wouldn't give it a miss!
Sunset Sons (Festival Republic from 14:10-14:40)- I've been rooting
for the success of Sunset Sons ever since I discovered them, by pure fluke, on
the BBC Introducing stage last year.
Their upbeat sun kissed, somewhat Californian, style tunes, in the same
vein of current Mumford and Sons, scream visions of sun and happiness which are
exceptionally easy to listen to. Sunset Sons are supporting Imagine Dragons on
their upcoming UK tour and they’re destined for success as a result. It’s
definitely time for Sunset Sons to shine and I recommend you see them before
they become huge.
Saturday (Sunday at Leeds)
I recommend you see;
Royal Blood (Main Stage from 18:10-19:00)- Royal Blood’s
triumphant number 1self-titled album, as well as a current state-side tour with
the Foo Fighters no less, launched the band into stratospheric stardom last
year. If you missed Royal Blood at Reading (or Leeds) 2014 then you will
definitely not want to miss this hit laden set. Royal Blood’s minimalistic set
up and powerful rock riffs are destined to win over a crowd of fans. Royal
Blood are perhaps future headliners and I definitely see them.
Catfish and the Bottlemen (NME/BBC Radio 1 from
19:55-20:45)- Catfish and the Bottlemen are currently my favourite band. I think
Van McCann is one of the most exciting front men in music currently. I believe that
Catfish are leading the new wave of up and coming bands and that their music is
excitingly refreshing for the indie rock genre. Their style is classic, timeless
and simple. It is guitar laced rock and roll and simply there’s just something
admirable about it. It proves that a band with ambition, good tunes and exceedingly
well mannered and appreciative members can become huge with a loyal fan base. If you’re to see one band this weekend (and
remember it) it should be Catfish.
The Wombats (Festival Republic Stage from 22:30-23:30) -
The Wombat’s give an extremely credible alternative for watching the Main Stage
Headliners, Metallica. The Wombat’s expansive catalogue of angst, teenage hits
calls for a fun set featuring songs old and new. Their set on the Festival Republic
Stage is deserving of the coveted “headline” title and I am sure their set will
be energetic and fun. Their new album, “Glitterbug”, is full of extremely
catchy tunes which I am excited to hear in front of a festival audience. I hope
that they play “Pink Lemonade” as this always seems to have a great reception
when you hear about the album.
Sunday (Friday at Leeds)
I recommend;
The Libertines (Headlining the Main Stage from 21:55-23:30)-
The Libertines make a triumphant Reading return as a headliner following a 5
year break since their last Reading slot. The Libertines will not disappoint as
their enormous stage presence and drunkenly sung anthems which really reflect
the angst of teenagers today. The set paves the way towards their new album
release in September, “Anthems for Doomed Youth” and will undoubtedly feature
an array of new and old material. There’s nothing more thrilling than hearing a
whole crowd belt hits such as “Don’t Look Back into the Sun” and “Can’t Stand
Me Now” with Doherty and Barat. The London lot will bring Reading Festival to a
close in true Reading style and that is what I look forward to the most.
Jamie T (Main Stage from 18:25 - 19:25) - Following his 2014
secret set, Jamie T returns with another album under his belt and yet more
powerful anthems. Jamie T’s Glastonbury set dazzled a large crowd and following
that at Reading is only natural. Although his music is not for everyone, I
think his music showcases a multitude of British talents and I look forward to
seeing him at Reading having missed him at Glastonbury this year. If there's a man who can conquer Reading and Leeds it's Jamie T.
The Maccabees (Main Stage from 17:10 - 18:00)- The Maccabees
recently released their album “Marks to Prove it” which I found interesting and
would go as far as saying it was perhaps one of the more prominent albums
released this year for many reasons. The Maccabees have a Smiths-esque vibe
which makes for easy listening among a wide range of audience. The Maccabees
are current and exciting in the music world. Whilst their new music takes the
indie loving world by storm their set promises the usual hits such as “Pelican”,
although I would still love to hear “Toothpaste Kisses” on the set list!
Years and Years (NME/BBC Radio 1 from 19:25-20:05) - Years
and years are currently taking the pop world by storm. They’re almost guaranteed
a packed out tent just by their Number 1 album, Communion. They’re the name on
everyone’s lips and they’re definitely on their way to major stardom. They've
played events such as Glastonbury and Latitude this year so far and will embark
on their own headline tour in October. This could potentially be an exciting
set for the band in terms of their Reading and Leeds history.
Gengahr (Festival Republic from 15:25 to 15:55) - Gengahr
are one of my favourite new bands at the moment. Their music is refreshing and
definitely worth a listen to. Their debut album has received high praise and
they’re set to take the next few years by storm. I wouldn’t underestimate
Gengahr as I think they could change the way we see indie music over the next
few years. If you like bands like Wolf Alice and Swim Deep then you’d probably
enjoy Gengahr.
Sundara Karma (Festival Republic from 13:10-13:40) - Another
new and up and coming band. Their indie rock tunes are catchy and songs like “Flame”
will linger in your mind throughout the day. They’re heading in a very exciting
direction and I anticipate great things from the band. They’re definitely worth
a watch as their tunes are refreshing and will set you up nicely for a day of
great music. They’re also supporting The Wombats on their October tour.
These are my recommendations. Of course, there are many
bands I've missed off that I'm eagerly anticipating, for example Swim Deep and
Alt-J, that haven’t made it onto this list. I hope to spend Reading 2015
finding new and exciting music as well as listening to some of my current
favourites and old favourites.
If you’re going, albeit for the 1st of 21st
time, I hope you enjoy your experience as it’s truly like none other.
Saturday, 15 August 2015
August 2015- What I'm Listening to
August.
August, much like June and July, is a month where many bands and artists tend to be on the festival circuit- usually following an album release in the last year or so. This month has already seen albums like The Maccabees "Marks to Prove it" and prepares us for future album releases later on in the month, for example the release of albums like Foals' "What Went Down" later on in the month (August 28th).
This month I've been listening to a lot of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Everything Everything. However, I'm currently also loving newer artists such as Sundara Karma, Gengahr and Sunset Sons (all of which I hope to see at Reading Festival). I've been listening to a lot of artists who will be at this years Reading and Leeds Festival as I am going to that at the end of the month and wanted to be familiar with as much material as I can, so I don't end up regretting not being as into a band/artist as much as I do when I get home. However, discovering newer acts is always fun at festivals.
This playlist also features a bit of George Ezra, James Bay and Hozier because I'm currently finding them easy to listen to and I'm still (still...) recovering from Glastonbury (two months ago nearly).
This playlist also features a bit of George Ezra, James Bay and Hozier because I'm currently finding them easy to listen to and I'm still (still...) recovering from Glastonbury (two months ago nearly).
I hope you enjoy the playlist.
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Marks To Prove It- The Maccabees (Album Review)
Marks To Prove It- The Maccabees
'Marks To Prove It' is the 4th album by The Maccabees. It is out now on
Fiction Records. I've been anticipating the new Maccabees album for a while now
as a result of a triumphant Glastonbury set- which unfortunately I missed as a result
of clashes and getting swept up in the atmosphere (and mud) of Glastonbury- and
the success of its catchy singles prior to the record release including Marks
to Prove it (which, incidentally, caught my attention playing in a local
Topshop) and Something Like Happiness.
The album features
an eclectic selection of songs which are well thought out and well crafted in
order to create an easy to listen to album which still with holds a classic
Maccabees sound and vibe. The warmth of Orlando Week's voice provides a comfort
in the album which makes it an easy listen. The songs often include a
melancholic undertone in the lyrics which coincide and triumph above the well
composed and layered music accompaniment.
There are many
highlights to this album but I particularly like Kamakura, Marks To Prove It
(the title track), Slow Sun and Something Like Happiness.
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Glastonbury Festival Sunday 28th June 2015
Sunday 28th June 2015
Hozier played the Pyramid stage early afternoon on Sunday.
Hozier found fame with “Take Me to Church”, which he closed the set with, but
his set saw Hozier cement a positive and hopeful future in terms of the
direction he is going in. His set meant that he was able to attract new fans
with his calming tones and catchy songs. It was loved by Worthy Farm and very
well received by the audience. It proved the complexity of his voice and
amazing variation of his songs beyond “that song”. His singing was calming and
his voice is powerful. Hozier is one to keep an eye on in the future as his
voice is classic and timeless.
Lionel Richie played Worthy Farm for the first time on
Sunday 28th June. He played the legends slot. His voice was
virtually pitch perfect and his appreciation for his 100,000+ crowd made the
set seem somewhat better and extremely natural. He played a selection of songs
including the infamous “Hello” (which its lyrics appeared on many flags seen
throughout the weekend), “All Night Long” and “Dancing on the Ceiling”. The
crowd enjoyed his set as his voice and extensive song collection appealed to
the masses- no matter what generation you are from. It was definitely a special
moment for Glastonbury and did what the Glastonbury Legends Slot is meant to
do. His set delivered well known songs of loved classics and songs you could
dance and sing to.
Alt- J graced the Pyramid Stage early evening on Sunday. The
band played a selection of hits from both their albums and closed with arguably
their most famous song, “Breezeblocks”. Their set included many upbeat songs
and made the audience feel as though they were experiencing the music with them
through the occasional electronic beats and large variety of songs. It proved
their future headliner potential as it gained a large audience in its own right
after having to follow Lionel Richie’s 100,000-120,000 person deep crowd and
proved that different types of music can be as popular as the generic ‘pop’
music of today. Subsequently, it’s probable that we’ll be seeing a lot more of
Alt-J over the next few years as their conquest into stardom is only just
getting started.
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