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Posts tagged ‘rock’

Mixtape : Fascination

Fascination 


Cosmo Jarvis – ‘Sure As Hell Not Jesus’ (UK) link
Katie Herzig
 – ‘Free My Mind’ (USA) link
Toy Horses – ‘Interrupt’  (UK) link
Cassius – ‘I <3 You So’ (FR) link
Kids At Risk – Doing the Best As We Can’ (AUS) link
1, 2, 3,- ‘Can’t Bride Good’ (USA) link
Saint Saviour – ‘Reasons’ (UK) link
Baddies – ‘Tiger Face’ (UK) link
San Cisco – ‘Golden Revolver’ (AUS) link
Paisley and Charlie – ‘Stone Lions’ (UK) link
The Medics – ‘Beggars’ (AUS) link
Emma Dean – ‘Sincerely Fearful’ (AUS) link
I See Horses – ‘Amerika’ (NO) link
Bellman – ‘Spaceship, Move Slow!’ (NO) link
Kris Searle – ‘Reaper’ (UK/USA) link
Stylusboy – ‘Whole Picture’ (UK) link

Who Knew

Who Knew

Who Knew was born in a heat-less garage in Reykjavik, Iceland for about four years ago.
On stage lead singer Ármann Ingvi Ármannson has been compared with the likes of David Byrne with a panic attack. And with the rest of the band consisting of Snorri Eldjárn Snorrason (lead guitar), Jökull Huxley Yngvason (Bass), Jón Valur Guðmundsson (drums) and Hilmir Berg Ragnarsson (synthesizer) debut album “Bits and pieces of a major spectacle” was released in the spring of 2010.

Even though the songs on the album can sound all of the same, they do have a hint of a garage band with the likes of The Libertines high on sugar. The music sound a bit ..violent? But then again, they’ve a mixture you just don’t want to miss. How often do you hear a blend of garage punk, synth rock and noisy lo-fi rock, eh?

We Do

Shadow Thieves – Space Between

Shadow Thieves – Space Between EP

Shadow Thieves are an alternative rock band based on Gold Coast, Australia. They are Matt Buckley (vocals, guitar), Joey Green (drums, vocals), Jack Letizia (bass, vocals) and Cassidy Wilson (keyboards, vocals).

The band was discovered by Blue Tongue Management, and recorded the two first tracks (Promise and Mystery) of the EP in 2009, at Loose Stones Studios with producer Matt Bartlem and later had them mixed by Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus). The last four tracks were recorded at Loose Stones Studios, this time with producer Shane Graham of Rock Group ‘Fatis Valour’.

Shadow Thieves were included on the 2009 Big Day Out, Loud Fest and Caxton Street Festivals. They are signed to Lungata Records, so things can only go forward when they release the debut EP “Space Between” on August 24, 2010.

When a new band releases their first EP, you can expect one of two things; 1) an EP so carefully crafted, you can almost hear that they’ve “found their sound”, or 2) an EP so inventive you can hear the band is still playing around to find their sound. Or you can hear a mix of both; Shadow Thieves are one of these bands. On six tracks they give you everything from rock (Dinosaur Skin, Promise), roots rock , atmospheric rock, jungle rock, to progressive rock.

The opening track Gardens consists of almost all of the elements mentioned above; it is a good opening track that gives you a sum of of what you can expect from ‘Space Between’. It’s some steady riffs, intensive rock, jungle/roots rock, some pretty cool sound effects and proper vocals that suit the music well!

Never Seen Today was the first song that first caught my attention. The instrumental part (rock, atmospheric rock, piano interlude) of this song is just amazing, and the way the vocals interact makes this one of the highlights.

Band Bios: The Brute Chorus & Ivory Drive

Band Bios:
The Brute Chorus | Ivory Drive

The Brute Chorus

The Brute Chorus has been described as UK’s Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, whilst a parallel can be drawn to their theatrical story telling their musical stamp is more old time blues and surf rock than alternative folk.

They’re formed out of the ashes of Low Sparks, and the total lineup is James Steel, Nick Foots, David Ferrett and Matthew Day. Their (self titled) debut was recorded live at the Roundhouse, and they’re currently working an second album.

Tags: dirty rock, folk, anti-folk, alternative.

Good songs: Chateau, Hercules, Could this be Love?

Ivory Drive

Ivory Drive is an Alternative/Indie band from Boulder, Colorado. They are Van Wampler (Vocals, Piano/Organ), Wes Barton (Drums), Geoff Boux (Saxophone), Sean Whissen (Bass), Colton Crandell (Trumpet).

Debut album “From this Far” was released in 2009, and the song “Otherwise Pretend” was selected as a Semi-Finalist in Mike Pinder’s Songwars songwriting competition on January 1, 2009.”

With a combination of piano, organ, drums, bass, trumpet, and sax, their unique sound is a savory stew of rock and jazz, flavored with blues, world, folk, and even bits of classical. And the most brilliant combination of old music meet new!

Tags: retro folk, alternative, folk, sax.

Good songs: Breath of the Victory March, Otherwise Pretend, Glory Faded.

Band bios: The Kissaway Trail & Violet Bones

Band Bios:
The Kissaway Trail | Violet Bones

The Kissaway Trail

The Kissaway Trail is a Danish rock band, formed out of the ashes of Mew, The Raveonettes and Carpark North. They’ve supported bands such as Editors, Ra Ra Riot and The Temper Trap and The Boxer Rebellion.
And have have performed at the Wireless, Latitude and SXSW festivals in 2007, and the Montreaux, Jazz Festival in 2008, where they supported Interpol and The National!

The Kissaway Trail have an energetic and dynamic rock sound, and they could easily be a Mew 2 mixed with Glasvegas – respectable!

Tags: rock, indie rock, guitar, epic, dynamic rock.

Good songs: SDP, Enemy, Prelude, New Lipstick.

Violet Bones

Violet Bones (previously known as 9FOLDPUNCH) are a five piece indie rock band based in Cambridge, UK.

The members have decided not to go to on university, and have toured independently across the UK and performed at venues like In the City and supported punk heroes New York Dolls! Been supported by BBC Cambridge since the early stage.
Things can only go one way for these guys.

Tags: punk rock, indie rock, rock, alternative.

Good songs: I feel the Need, Harley Street Pretty, Talk of the Town.

Short Review: The Minor Leagues – ‘This Story Is Old, I know, But It Goes On’

The Minor Leagues – ‘This Story Is Old, I know, But It Goes On’

The Minor Leagues was born in 2002, and has since then had the company of 56 band members (!) though, they’re still going strong and the fifth album “This Story Is Old, I know, But It Goes On” was released in late 2009. And sixth one is soon to be recorded!

The Minor Leagues is a rock band, with heavy influences from ska pop, lo fi rock, 70’s rock, 60’s summer soul, 80’s punk and some newer rock. Or more likely Dexy’s Midnight Runners hook up with Mott The Hoople and The Rubettes! Of all things – it’s working beautifully!

Strong tracks are the ever so catchy Good Boys, Travel Agent, Until Then and Projections of a Person.

Listen on Spotify.

Arrows of Love

Arrows of Love

Arrows of Love! You should almost think this was a kind of “sugar sweet, fly around on a cloud surrounded by unicorns because I’m so in love” band. It’s not. This is the rather opposite.

They take the inspiration for their name from William Blake’s poem ‘Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion’. So.. almost?

Arrows of Love creates noisy, lo fi garage rock packed in with some lyrics nearly insane to like. But thank God in a good way. The lyrics fit the unsystematic and (actually) pure brilliant music perfectly.

Arrows of Love formed in London in 2008, by Nima (formerly of Hush The Many) on guitar and vocals, Wim Eden (Loverman, The Eraserheads) on drums and Kate on cello.

They’ve released “Burn this town” EP (2009) and the single “In the Year 2525” (2009.)

In the Year 2525

Band Bios: Band of Skulls & Elizabeth and the Catapult

Band Bios:

Band of Skulls | Elizabeth and the Catapult

Band of Skulls

Band of Skulls is an alternative rock band that formed in 2008 in Southampton, England. It consists of Russel Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums), who formed a band after they all met in college.

They’re formerly known as Fleeing New York, and recorded some demos, and did some gigs in the London area.

The name Band of Skulls was born in December 2008, and they the debut album “Baby Darling Dollface Honey” distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March.

Tags: alternative, rock, punk, punk rock, garage rock, blues rock, indie rock, raw rock, garage, alternative rock, rockabilly, crunk.

Good tracks: I Know What I Am (video), Fires, Death by Diamonds and Pearls.

Elizabeth and the Catapult

Elizabeth and the Catapult is a Brooklyn-based pop/rock trio, born in 2004, consisting of musicians Elizabeth Ziman, Dan Molad, and Pete Lalish.

They’re best known for their 2009 album “Taller Children”, produced by Mike Mogis and released on Verve Forecast.

After Ziman and Molad completed their studies, the band moved to Brooklyn in early 2005. Using Molad’s home studio, the band financed, recorded and produced an EP, Elizabeth and the Catapult in 2006. The band was the featured Billboard Underground Artist for October 2006, and signed with Verve Records in 2008.

Tags: pop, indie pop, soul, alternative, jazz, pop jazz, cabaret, cabaret pop, retro pop, retro jazz.

Good tracks: Momma’s Boy, Taller Children, Race You (video), Rainiest day of Summer.

Interview: The Zone

The Zone is an alternative rock band from Guildford/Fleet/Basingstoke, UK, Founded by Dave (vocals, guitar), John – JC (bass, vocals) and Jon – JP (drums.) They were formed in 2006, and released recently a new EP “The Time We Have” from Reputation Label.

The first thing I noticed about this music was the guitar skills. They’re solid. And you can hear everything from gentle Italian inspired riffs combined with an acoustic guitar (Pleased To Be Here).
To the total opposite, and what has proved to be the typical sound of The Zone; a steady rhythm with some energetic guitar riffs in “Which Path”, “The Time We Have” and “Years Gone By” – a track that also have a brilliant guitar solo.

I asked Dave some questions;

How and when did The Zone form?
A long, long, time ago I was born in Coventry. When I was a student I got into a few bands in London and carried this on until I got married and the kids arrived. I did a few gigs and recording but with a young family it was difficult. My eldest is 18 now and they all have their own things to do, so that gives me more opportunity to get out and rehearse and gig. The Zone formed back in 2006 when JC popped up in Guildford. We got together for a party to do some covers, then wrote some original stuff and then advertised for a drummer and did our first gig as The Zone in May 2007 at the Dublin Castle in London. I’ve known JC for years (since college), it just was that I was down South and he likes living in the Midlands…

What is your musical background?
As a kid I learned music theory playing the trumpet and then switched to the guitar. My guitar teacher used to love Santana and I think some of that is in my playing somewhere. I was in bands in the late eighties in London and although I did backing vocals I only started singing lead vocal in the nineties. We played all over London in the eighties, supporting bands like “The House Martins”. It was great fun and we clocked up quite a few gigs. At that time the bands were wanting to do pop-rock and techno but I kept introducing a blues riff or two where I could – I recall there was a review that described my guitar as providing “Gilmour laden riffs” – I took that as a compliment!

How would you describe your music?
I think we like to take the feel of Classic rock/blues and give it a twist or two. The twist is generally in the progressive vein, adding in bits and runs and twiddly bits. When I’m jamming with JC and JP (Jon Parry, our new drummer) it all comes quite naturally. I also prefer to avoid “obvious clichés” – there’s so much music where you think “where’s the originality in that?” – I love trying different rhythms and styles and keep things interesting.

What’s your biggest musical influence?
Classic Rock – Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, Cream. And then there were the more progressive rock bands – Pink Floyd, Yes and Rush. My older brother used to play loads of Beatles and Pink Floyd and Caravan, things like that. The first band I remember actively seeking out was Thin Lizzy – saw them in concert a few times, brilliant live. Like most guitarists I could reel out a few names – Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Dave Gilmour, Alex Lifeson – I’ve tried to take on things from those guys for sure. Vocal wise I’d say I’ve tried to listen to more recent styles – I like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kaiser Chiefs and Kings of Leon – “singers” rather than “screamers”. I also have listened to a fair amount of Aha – I’m not just saying that because you’re from Norway!

You recently released a new EP “The Time We Have” – what can you tell us about it?
It’s our first release with Reputation and we’re really pleased with it. It’s a bit of a “change-over” as our old drummer Keith plays on two of the tracks and JP plays on the other two. We’re opening live with the title track and getting a great reaction and “Just A Song” (with JP’s drumming) seems to be going down well as well. “Pleased to be here” is something different for us, acoustic guitars and JP played a 12-string acoustic as well as drums on that. “Which Path” is more rock/blues and is another live favourite.

Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
I often get something in my head and try to get a rough recording of it so I can introduce it in a jam session with JC and JP. Sometimes it’s just a lyric or riff but at times it’s a large part of a song. The main thing is get to a guitar before it disappears, listen to Radio 4 – anything but music! – as that is the easiest way to erase the song in your head. Then when we’re jamming some ideas form quickly and others take a lot longer – “Acceptable Risk” took ages, at one stage we had three separate parts and couldn’t work out how they should fit together. But now I think it’s one of the strongest we’ve done – it’s on our Myspace and Reverb Nation pages and on my profile page at Reputation if anyone wants to hear it.

How do you promote your music?
Like most bands we’re open to offers!!! Reputation http://www.reputationlabel.com is a great place and we’re getting songs played on there fairly often. We also get involved with a site called “Rock Til You Drop” http://www.rock-til-you-drop.com where we can. Other than that you will find us regularly messaging fans and prospective fans on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter etc. We’ve had some great comments from fans at our live shows and from Myspace people listening to our songs – it’s really great to get the feedback.

What are your plans for 2010?
We’ve played a couple of gigs in April and our next gig is at the Boileroom in Guildford on Thursday 20th May. We’re supporting Karn8 and it should be a good night! After that we’re planning a few gigs in June/July and in July we’re playing Guilfest on Saturday 17th July – details of our gigs are on Reputation, Myspace and Reverb Nation. We’re also planning to record more songs – we’re currently working on a rocker of a song called “Revelation (Reputation)” which we’re hoping the Reputation people will enjoy! We’d also love to squeeze in a video if we can – plenty of ideas, just need to find the time!

You can follow The Zone on Reputation, MySpace, Twitter, and on Reverbnation.

Jane Carrey Band

Jane Carrey Band

Jane Carrey Band are Jane Carrey (vocals/guitars), Terry Goldberg (drums), Ian Sloane (bass) and Daniel Sahagun (guitar), a band formed in Los Angeles in 2008.

Jane Carrey grew up in a family of carnies, with a father, (Jim Carrey), as a professional comedian, inspired her to write happy songs of otherwise sad topics, and to see the beauty even in the deepest melancholy.

The band has been playing around in the LA area since the formation, and a self-titled debut album was released in October ’09.

The typical sound of Jane Carrey band is an upbeat mixture of modern pop, folk rock, soul, alternative pop and indie rock. That gives you a fresh and innovative summer sound. 

Simple Beauty

These United States

These United States

These United States are a musical group from Washington, D. C. They are Jesse Elliott vocals, guitar, Robby Cosenza (drums, vocals), J. Tom Hnatow (steel, guitar), Colin Kellogg (bass, vocals) and Justin Craig (guitar, vocals).

They formed in 2007 and have played more than 500 shows across the United States, United Kingdom, and northern Europe. And released three albums; A Picture Of The Three Of Us At The Gate To The Garden Of Eden (2008), Crimes (2008) and Everything Touches Everything (2009).

They play a lovely and highly enjoyable mix of rock and roll, orchestral roots rock, indie folk, psych folk, pop, garage rock, alternative country and psychedelic rock.

Strong tracks like “Will it Ever”, “First Sight”, “Conquest & Consequence”, and the latest single “Everything Touches Everything” represent perfectly the music genres this band operate with – and are also/just some of (actually) a lot of brilliant songs from these guys.

These United States performed on Baeble Music’s SXSW 2010 Day Party at The Scoot Inn on March 18, in Austin, Texas. And footage of the concert can be seen here.

Baeble Music that host the concert are also arranging a competition for all the fans (living in US)can win one of two prize packs with a signed poster, a TUS American Apparel shirt, and two full sets of all three TUS albums. All they have to do is log into baeblemusic.com using Facebook Connect and post a comment on the concert. Read more about it here!

I Want You To Keep Everything

EP announcement: Songs for Staying In

Quiet Company – Songs for Staying In

“Songs for Staying In” is Quiet Company’s new EP, set to be released on May 11th.

Quiet Company will release a new song from the EP each Monday until the release date. And you can follow the progress on making the new EP on their official site. Where they through a video blog discuss and talk about the new song.

You can also download all the songs by pre-order “Songs for Staying In” from the same site.

“Songs for Staying In” is another great release from Quiet Company. The eternal optimistic and upbeat style, makes this music really easy to like, whether you’re a fan or not.

“Things you Already Know” is a very good instrumental song. The sound of something that can remind you of some good lo-fi inspired stuff (and some Beatles), before it burst in to a typical rock song, while keeping the good laid-back Quiet Company style. And use flutes and trumpet, makes this to one (of many) brilliant tracks on this EP.

Quiet Company will have a show at Encore w/ The Rocketboys, for the new release on May 7th.

The Ladies of Sport

The Ladies of Sport

The Ladies of Sport are Rich deCicco (drums, bass, guitars, programming, percussion, vocals), Mary Kohatsu (guitars, bass, Keyboards, programming) and Ann Kohatsu (guitars, keyboards, programming, percussion).
And they are a alternative pop band based in Brooklyn, New York.

They have so far released one album, “Empires Fall”. That can be downloaded from their official site, by joining the mailing list.

The music is influenced by the sound from the eighties, which contains an electronic drum and a regularly use of programming, without being a total Dolby.
The music is still modern, something you can hear in Slipslide. This is a alternative rock piece with a nice background mix of a matching piano and a hint of a subharmonic violin.

Zeus


Zeus

Zeus is Mike O’Brien, Carlin Nicholson, Rob Drake and Neil Quin. A Canadian band formed in 2009.

They released their debut EP “Sounds like Zeus” in June 2009 and the debut album “Say Us” in February 2010. Both through Arts & Crafts records.

”Say Us” contains everything from 60’s inspired classic rock from the likes of The Band, Bob Dylan, and the rocky part from the Beatles. To a newer modern rock classic – with some psychedelic a like rock influences.

That, with a mix of southern rock. Something you clearly can hear in “The Renegade”, with some saxophone rock (of all things) and in “I know”.

The opening track on “Say Us”, “How does it feel” are some of the strongest tracks on the album, where they both have that classical rock feeling, and sound a bit like the Kinks.

Marching Through Your Head

Jukebox The Ghost


Jukebox The Ghost

Jukebox the Ghost is a piano driven pop band, born in Washington, now loving in Philadelphia. They have toured extensively since 2006.

They toured with Ben Folds  in 2009, across the USA, followed by a UK/Europe tour from February 2010.

Their first “Let Live and Let Ghosts” was released in USA in 2008, and internationally in 2010, in the occasion of the Europe tour. A second album are set to be released in 2010.

The whole “Let Live and Let Ghosts” album is a brilliant album that almost sounds like a concept album as the songs glide in to each other, and starts where the last one ends.

The most notable transition is between ” Miss Templeton’s 7000th Dream” to “Static to the Heart”, something that proved to be most energetic track on the whole album.

Hold it In

Fictionist


Fictionist

Fictionist is a band from Salt Lake City, and are made up by Stuart Maxfield (lead vocals, guitar), Robbie Connolly (backing vocals, guitar), Jacob Jones (keys), Brandon Kitterman (backing vocals, guitar, toys), Spencer Harrison (backing vocals, bass) and Aaron Anderson (drums).

Fictionist was originally called Maxfield, after band leader/creator Stuart Maxfield. But changed the name to Good Morning Maxfield when they found another band with the same name.

The name Fictionist was born in the autumn of 2008, as the band changed their style to what Fictionist is today – a sparkling sound of epicness!

The debut album “Invisible Hand” was released in early 2009, followed by “Lasting Echo” in January of 2010.

This music is just wonderful! It has a laid back rock style you rarely hear in these days. And it give you a very good feeling of peace.
They mix soft psychedelic, piano rock, art pop, and powerful, and a mixed pop historic interaction of 70′s pop/rock and that kind of rock you most likely will hear in about 5 years.

Still, there is just something about this music; it’s moody, emotional – without being sensitive, and, it’s somehow still a mystery.

Blue Eyed Universe

Quiet Company

Quiet Company

Quiet Company is a band from Austin, Texas. They are Taylor Muse, Thomas Blank, Matt Parmenter and Jeff Weathers.

They released the debut album “Shine Honesty” in 2006, from Northern Records, LA. The last album “Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon” was released exactly three years later.

They also recorded a cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for the 2007 release of Peace on Earth: A Holiday Album.

Quiet Company give you optimistic, uplifting and piano rock drives tunes that is easy to like to like if you’re into this kind of music. The lyrics are mainly about life, relationships, happiness and the hope for a better world. Without being a converting band.

The interaction of power pop, power rock, piano rock and a bunch of percussion instruments makes this music sound unique, happy and immortal.

On Modern Men

The Justice Force 5

The Justice Force 5

Nanananana, who needs Batman when you’ve got The Justice Force 5?
The Justice Force 5 wants to save the world – through the music! They even named their EP after the mission. Starting in Brighton, where they’re from.
They also have a reputation of being a brilliant band live.

The lineup of superheroes is: General Bovine (backing vocals), Captain Courageous (vocals and rhythm guitar), Bo Diggity (backing vocals and lead guitar), Dr.Amazing (backing vocals and keybords), El Vampiro Diablo (bass and backing vocals) Judgement Dave (drums) and The Organ Grinder. They are also knows as General Bovine & The Justice Force 5.

This music is brilliant. The lyrics are mostly about saving the world and get the girl. Something we need lyrics about in these days.

They have one great love rock ballad, Noises Like Oooooh. Which contain all the greatest elements from this band, the guitar riffs, the hero-alike lyrics and steady and original rhythm.

Fight The Fight
has a really good musical composition; the (again) great guitar riffs, some new wave inspired background noises and you can hear some brilliant drums here.

Fight The Fight

Isaac’s Aircraft

Isaac’s Aircraft

Isaac’s Aircraft is a four piece alternative/rock/indie band created in Cambridge, by Zak (Vocal, guitar), Calum (guitar), James (drums) and Martin (piano).

Isaac’s Aircraft released their debut EP “Holding up the line” in 2007. The second EP “Friends and Foes” was released in 2009, and was featured on BBC6 Music.

The typical sound of Isaac’s Aircraft is uplifting and upbeat piano driven, alternative pop/rock. It’s has an innovative and refreshing sound, and it’s easy to like.

Steady On show you the greatest parts of Isaac’s Aircraft as it has a irreproachable mix of steady pop jazz and a upbeat rock style and some great lyrics.

Big Mammoth is the sound of real music. It has a mix of some electric guitar, an upbeat and jazzy piano. And the interaction is fresh and uplifting.

Friends and Foes

The Hundreds and Thousands

The Hundreds and Thousands

The Hundreds and Thousands sounds like “three solid musicians who have played together a lot.”

They are Ian LeFeuvre, Peter von Althen and Maury Lafoy, all former members of power-pop outfit Starling. And they are based in Toronto, Canada.

The self-titled debut album was released last year, and consists of everything you can ever think of from the world of new wave and pop rock. And they do sound a bit like a rocked up version of Muse, and a modern Supergrass.

This music is extremely energetic, upbeat and has an indescribable mix of power rock, alternative rock and a type of rock ‘n’ roll that would make an old gramophone explode. And cry for sugar.

Ball Park Music

bpm

Ball Park Music

This music reminds me of all good things in modern music. It has it all, without making it sound like a cliche.
The lyrics are quirky and very well written. The great mix of pop, modern pop jazz and piano pop makes this music fun and eternal inventive.

Ball Park Music was created by songwriter and vocalist Samuel Cromack in 2006. The rest of the band joined him when they all started at the same course on the university.
The total line-up is Samuel Cromack, Jennifer Boyce, Dan Hanson, Paul Furness, Dean Hanson and Brock Smith.

The debut EP Rolling On the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep was launched in April 2009, and the single Sea Strangers (I Don’t Really Know You) was released in November 2009.

Rolling On the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep is a great debut release that show all the great sides about Ball Park Music. This music is a result of someone who really love making music and it’s something you can hear through the music.
Culture Vultures In the Year 2008, All I want is you and Mr Maybe are three very good tracks. They’re all the great sound of Ball Park Music as they’re a bit pop, a bit rock and a great dose of remarkable vocals.

Sea Strangers (I Don’t Really Know You) is a typical “good jazzy piano driven pop song” you easily can be found of. The lyrics here have gone in the right direction from the debut EP, and it is perfectly combined with a remarkable and upbeat tune through the song.

Sea Strangers (I Don’t Really Know You)

Baddies

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Baddies

Baddies is a band. Formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex (2007), by twins Michael (vocals/guitar) and Jim Webster (drums). Simon Bellamy (guitar) and Danny Rowton (bass) joined the band to make it complete.

Baddies has been tipped as one of the bands to watch in 2009, and have the reputation of being one of the most exciting new bands around. The long-awaited debut album “Do the Job” was released on September 28.

This music is actually very fascinating. It’s like hearing some kids high on sugar play the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Pixies and Klaxons – at the same time. The result is the sound of some catchy and quirky alternative rock.

Open One Eye

Music from a Bedroom : Microfiches & Capulets

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Microfiches

Microfiches are Siddie (vocals/guitar), Sloth (bass), Rad (drums) and Surd (guitar/vocals/sampling). And they are an alternative/shoegaze band from Pune, India.

This is Indian madness, and spiritual noise of another dimension.

They make noise, systematic noise. Combined with some vocals that suits the music perfectly. They have some indescribable outburst from time to time, but still, it’s brilliant.
Although, it can be difficult to really get this music. But if you get it – it’s stuck. And can probably be good music to have as a background noise while you daydream.

Microfiches on MySpace.
Microfiches on Last.fm.

c

Capulets

Capulets are a two-piece experimental rock band from the north of London, and they are Luke Hebblethwaite (vocals, guitar) and Pietro DeSantis (keyboards, backing vocals).

The best thing about this music is how good the music is all over. The lyrics are very well written, and the way the music is mixed and produced makes it sounds like inventive and good psychedelic cowboy rock from the 80′s.

The music doesn’t get boring, as it is has a genius mix of psychedelic and alternative rock, mixed with some good  experimental rock.

Capulets on MySpace.
Capulets on Last.fm.

Somastate

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Somastate

Somastate was formed in 2008 in Calgary, Canada. And have become one of the most talked about, freshly-unique hard rock bands in underground music.
They are; Jay Brazeau (vocals), Nathan Navetto (drums), Taylor Johnson (guitar), Caleb Goff (guitar) and Corey Adams (bass).

The debut EP “Reversals EP” was released in January 2008 and consists of eight strong tracks; it was nominated and won the competition for “Best Hard Rock Album of the Year” (2009).

And the single “Wrapped Around a Bullet”, finished second place in the category for “Best Hard Rock Song”.

Somastate has spent 2009 touring around in Canada, sponsored by JagerMusic. Between recording the next EP “The Physics Demos”, for a November release, and working on the material for the debut album, due for a 2010 release.

The typical sound of Somastate is immense and steady metal rock. The quality is irreproachable and it got a killer bass line and some energetic drums that keeps the music alive.
One of the greatest things about this music is how the songs and the EP itself are build up.

The first track, ”Wrapped Around a Bullet”, starts up as a strong piece of work. The bass line and the drums are thrilling and keeps the song alive.

“Sing Gloria” is a real hard rock song. Enough said. It’s good. And it keep a great energy through the song.

“To return” is a perfect way to end this EP. It doesn’t sounds like the other songs to Somastate, but it still got the sound of Somastate.

“White Flag” is one of the tracks from the upcoming EP. And it shows you how the band has grown since their first release. It’s still intense and it’s the same quality – only better. And it gives you a perfect first impression of the new release.

Album recommendation : The Home Guard – ‘Forlorn Hope and Glory’

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Album recommendation : The Home Guard – ‘Forlorn Hope and Glory’

The typical sound of The Home Guard is unique and uplifting. And can be described as an indescribable mix of so many genres of music, so perfectly combined. Like; rock, progressive rock, Brit pop, folk, new wave and glam. This is what makes the The Home Guard “Homeguardish”..

The debut album A Head of Steam was a good album where they mainly sounded like Sparks, Elvis Costello, Roxy Music and Jethro Tull.

This album is a big step in the right direction from the first album, as the lyrics and songwriting skills has been improved. The same can definitely been said about the production, mixing and the quality of the music all over.

The intro has been inspired by the opening track, “Procession”, from Queen’s second album. The heartbeat sound followed by a progressive rock piece Year Zero, with some Jethro Tull influences, makes this to a good first impression of a follower album.

The next track, Sweating Blood is a typical indie rock piece (but still a song to take a notice of.) It got some good rhythms through the song and some synth beats that keeps it alive.

One For The Road show you a more happy Brit pop/rock piece of the Home Guard, the consistent bass through the song, combined with some heavily visits of a certain piano, makes this a strong track, even though the vocals aren’t among the best.

The next upbeat track is Soldier On, a great instrumental piece of work. With some great bass plays in the middle of the song, might make this the best mixed track on the album.

The last track; This is a classic and progressive ballade. Other People show you that the music to The Home Guard is more than just an average indie rock band. This is epic, and a genuine masterpiece.

Jointpop

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Jointpop

Jointpop are a rock band, formed in Trinidad and Tobago (1996) by Gary Hector (vocals, guitars), Damon Homer (guitars), Dion Camacho (drums), Jerome Girdharrie (bass) and Phil Hill (keys/synth).

The name Jointpop (Join pop) reflects their music and where they’ve taken their influences; like The Clash, Velvet, Neil Young, Bob Marley, The Mighty Sparrow, U2, Beatles and Sex Pistols combined with some Dylanesque lyrics..

This music is what you can call personal and well developed Caribbean rock music. The lyrics are deep, emotional and extremely clever. That, combined with the unusual mix of Caribbean rock, British pop/rock and ever inventive creativity, makes this music modern and never out-of-date.

Some notable tracks are “The Irony of it all”, “The spelling bee”, “Monday morning love situation” and “Mystery” (all taken from the last album ‘The January Transfer Window’ (2007) and the last double  single “Please don’t tell my Inlaws (I’m and Outlaw)”/”Camden Ketchup” (2009).

Mystery

Floors and Walls

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Floors and Walls

Floors and Walls is another band from the prestigious BIMM (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) – the first band was Way Tangent.

Floors and Walls are Alex Adams (vocals), Dom Mcnulty (guitar/BV’S), Ian Booth (bass) and Adam Shamp (drums). They have played together since 2006, and released the debut album “What can we do today” from South Coast Records (BIMM) in 2007.

The musical skills are irreproachable and give you a rare and original combination of rock/punk/pop/funk, mixed with the typical sound of what you hear when the devil children of Mike Skinner and Kate Nash go together to make some music.

Uplifting and urban creativity can easily be some good tags to describe this music.

This; mixed up (or down) with some lyrics. Mostly about nightlife, one-night-stands, sluts, ex-girlfriends, and other notable happenings they’ve experience in their lives.

The Stand

Paper Heroes

Paper Heroes

Paper Heroes was formed in early 2008 when singer, Matt Weedon sent his song, “Jenny Jones”, into a SkinsLife competition. “It was the first ever song posted on the Skins Life site that made it into the show” – “we all love this track” wrote Skinslife and it was played on episode 9 of Skins in April with the band picking up prestigious Skins Party gigs in various cities around in England.

The band consisting of Matt Weedon (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Luke Boxall (bass and backing vocals), James Tomlinson (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Kieran Elms (drums and backing vocals).

In January Paper Heroes played a 3 week UK headlining tour with Fran and Josh from MTV’s ‘Living on the Edge.’ They have played with bands such as Pete and the Pirates, The Cheek, Ladyhawke, Sneaky Sound System, Killer Kelar and Pnau.

This music is personal, creative and sum up some of the elements from some of the other indie bands you can hear nowadays. They have the rhythm to Scouting for girls, the Kooks and Air Traffic, and they are still able to make their music their own.

This band can be able to be one of the bands to bring a new style of Brit rock to the new decade. This music is incredible catchy and memorable in the greatest way.


A lot like Eskimos

A lot like Eskimos

A lot like Eskimos are a four piece power rock band, from Leeds. And consist of Rich Wells (vocals), Dave Richie (bass), John (guitar) and Kez McDizzle (drums).

They started out as a two piece band in 2007, where they used acoustic guitars and a drum machine. They began to play at some venues and have played a lot of gigs since. This is how they build up the solid fan base they have today.

They’re known for having a punky and explosive style. The music is rough, creative and they have a  touch of modern rock. Their influences are taken from their own personal experience. And the result is a great mix of punk rock, dance and experimental pop.

If I was a rich man

Paul Steel

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Paul Steel

Paul Steel is Paul Steel. A psychedelic-a-like Elvis Costello from Brighton.

Paul Steel was signed to Fascination Records in a brief period in 2007; where he released his debut single “Your Loss”. His debut album and the second single “I will make you disappear” were both planned to be released in 2007, but they were both canceled.

He worked in his home studio with his self-released debut album Moon Rock, which was released on July 20th.

The Single “Ocean” was written and recorded in 2007/2008 with Beach Boys’ Stephen Kalinich. The song itself is really good – and can safely be marked as one of his more epic songs. It’s not so quirky as the other songs and made me for some reason think of “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen”).

Moon rock, yep, it’s addictive. It’s personal, and..

..this is what you hear when Electric Light Orchestra and Elvis Costello get mixed together with a modern psychedelic sound. And when a guy with a more than a inventive mind get locked in to a room with a lot of instruments and a computer. Charming.

In a Coma