MOSES – Almost Everything Is Bullshit

London’s MOSES released their debut album on Friday 17th April. It couldn’t be better named either, ‘Almost Everting Is Bullshit’. via Anti-Fragile Music.

Artwork by Ana Ban Ana

After a well-received EP in 2016, they followed it up three good singles in the following eighteen months. Pre-2010, they would have been signed, financially backed and received airplay. Alas, XFM died, BBC6 grew tired, and labels entrenched themselves with middle of the road solo-artists to save costs. The fact this is album is released then, is a triumph of MOSES resolve.

That suffering is on show during ‘Waiter’. Long shifts and a growing sense of isolation clearly put strains on the relationships of songwriter and singer Victor. Timing is everything in the arts, MOSES has endured mistiming but, ‘Waiter’ right on cue with the world separated from each other.

The heartache and despair of ‘Waiter’ Is countenanced by the compassion and tenderness on ‘Joy’ and ‘Crocodile’. ‘Joy’ decrees “im sure one day I’ll have everything I’ve wished for”, a simple but glorious reminder to keep going. Especially to the current young generations of the UK. Industry after industry, CEO’s choose profit over people and race to the bottom gleefully. Opportunity is ceasing to knock but MOSES grabbed it anyway! Meanwhile, ‘Crocodile’, is joyously childlike. Pushing away life’s stress, they funnel early Dr Feelgood through the playful side of Coxon on ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish’.

‘You Need L’ follows similar themes of relationships being and life ambitions being so close yet so out of reach. Unlike the ‘Joy’ and ‘Crocodile’, the sonically traverse darker realms. As Victor sings “As your down, you need love”, a special frontman is emerging. Said messages are nothing without integrity. The delivery is not only on point, it will drag you into the emotional trenches but, he will lead the fightback out of them! Couple this with the genius awry solo and the anxiety levels are cranked!

It’s not all shades of light and dark though. There is plenty of room for bangers. Live favourite ‘River Thames’ scraps and punches its away to glory. It reawakens the lyrical wit of The Ordinary Boys debut album and, for the first time in a decade, shines a light on the prevalent working-class spirit many will have you believe doesn’t exists there anymore.

‘Cause You Got Me’ is begging to pummel your consciousness. Souls need to be cleansed in big, drunk crowds braying for life-affirming moments of magic on live stages. Then, just when audiences can’t take the adrenaline any more, ‘Findings’ will chime and best friends young and old will hug like never before.

For anyone who hasn’t been on their journey yet, this album will serve you well. A raucous and often tumultuous journey, but never without hope. As madness festers, let them guide you back to the light.

*Image courtesy of https://weareboutique.co.uk/

Bugeye – Don’t Stop

For a few years now, Bugeye have been lighting up the underground with their brand of disco punk. Now signed to Reckless Yes, the debut album is finally coming. First up though is, lead single ‘Don’t Stop’, out now. .

Evidently, they have not felt one ounce of pressure signing to a label and recording the debut album. ‘Don’t Stop’ has retained everything that makes them great live. The sexiness and danger of the Pixies and Blondie remains strong.

This isn’t the status quo though, working with Paul Tipler has paid dividends. Not only is it the perfect fit, Tipler having recorded with Elastica and Idlewild. The disco production alongside their stomping punk will make them major players sooner rather than later.

Like all great pop singles, there is something dark lurking behind the music you’re dancing and singing to. ‘Don’t Stop’ examines alcohol abuse, through the prism of regret and hopefully woeful promises to change. It’s an awkward listen for anyone unwilling to dissect alcohol’s influence and for that, it should be truly lauded.

On this showing, the debut album cannot come soon enough.

MOSES – Basically

At the end of February, MOSES stepped out of the studio with Gavin Monaghan once more. The results:

Art work by Ana Ban Ana. The 8th collaboration between the two.

Guitar hooks.

Bass hooks.

Vocal hooks.

This is alt-pop music. Except, it isn’t! BBC6 has become too middle aged and Radio X, well, outside of the Gordon Smart and John Kennedy, we have no idea what they’re attempting. They need shaking by the young working classes.

MOSES, for 2 years have sought to bring people together with songs of solidarity and love. For the first time lyrically, they strike out. Taking aim at society’s trolls, they place the target firmly on themselves and, for the want of better words shout:

“come and have a go if you think your hard enough”.

MOSES have hit upon their greatest bass line to date. Funky punk grooves pave the way for frontman, Victor, to sprinkle his unique vocal magic over.

The la la la’s and the yeah yeah yeah’s are begging to howled back at the band on their upcoming headline shows at Lending Room March 28th (Leeds) and ULU April 11th (London).

*Image courtesy of Mike Rădulescu

MOSES – Who Needs The Money?

In 2018, London’s MOSES burst onto stages, desperate and frantic to show you their energy with ‘Cause You Got Me’ and ‘River Thames’. Then, in 2019, the antidote to their joyous rage came. The raucousness faded into an overspill of love.

The last outing though, ‘Who Needs L’, began the tying of all things together. The warmth of the lyrics, the mayhem of the 2018 guitars united in their most challenging song to date.

Here though, the deranged guitars are kept on a leash; threatening to break free but never do. Instead, a different beast is freed. The boisterous solo is like a rabid animal destroying all that stands in its wake. This is the sound of the mainstream being told to fuck off.

This is MOSES’ time!

*Artwork courtesy of Ana Ban Ana

MOSES: Live at Water Rats, London

London’s MOSES signed of 2019 with a home city gig at Water Rats. It has been another year of great singles, and crucially, real creative growth.

Then, mid set, the bombshell was dropped. Frontman Victor announces lead guitarist Rory is playing his last show with the band. Two years ago, MOSES were very much a band that had a great frontman. On this night, they were tight as fuck, and it was Rory dying on his MOSES sword in glory.

Maybe it was supporting The Blinders in 2018 that turned the corner for Rory. Their slot with the Manchester/Doncaster three piece, all of equal greatness, returned MOSES to Cro Cro Land this past April ablaze. A spiteful punkiness permeated their rock n roll credentials to take them to another level. This power, was out in full force at Water Rats.

To date, MOSES have been a band who have been one paced. Luckily, it was always full tilt and exciting. ‘King Size’, ‘Cause You Got Me’ and singalong anthem ‘River Thames’ were all prime cuts of this energy. However, they’ve never fully done Victor’s song writing justice.

Now, with ‘Joy’ and ‘Findings’ in their live arsenal, they have the ability to take you on his emotional roller coaster. As he sings “give me hope, give me love, give me something that can help me find you” echoes of U2’s ‘Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ fill the room. His sense of loneliness in a city as overpopulated as London, is the modern day equivalent of Andrew Lincoln’s career defining performance as Egg in ‘This Life’.

What the future holds for MOSES post-Rory remains to be seen but, if this is all it was going to be, its how you sign off in style. It was Ali Cook scoring a ton in his last for England. With the growth shown in 2019 in the studio, it would be one hell of a waste though.

*image courtesy of Ana Ben Ana

MOSES – You Need L

London’s MOSES have returned today with their new single ‘You Need L’ via Anti-Fragile Music. Recorded at Garden Studios, they once more stepped into the recording booth with the legendary Gavin Monaghan.

If ever there was a band ready for a slot across mainstream airwaves, it was MOSES. Always scintillating and emotionally uplifting live, they have continually delivered the goods for 18 months. Now, on ‘You Need L’, they have delivered their most creatively daring single to date.

Lyrically, it’s so delicate, whilst all around them is warped psyche-punk mayhem. If ever there was a musical indictment of the times, this was it! In 2018, they put out the eye catching ‘River Thames’ and ‘Cause You Got Me’. Raucous and lovable indie-punk, nothing new, but right in a slot of high quality anthems to be loved. Here though, they’ve said “to hell with that” and made academy sized singles sound underground and deranged.  

Just as you expect a clichéd thrash of the guitars, they pivot away to pastures new. It’s more challenging and interesting than all of their previous infectious work. Prime example being the dystopian ‘oooooooohhhhhhhhhs’. It’s not as spiky as IDLES and not as Melodic as The DMA’s but, there’s a tightrope being walked here that deserves equal respect.

They round of another captivating year at the Water Rats (London) Friday 22nd November. Expect a warped frenzy of a party!

*Image courtesy of Ana Ban Ana

MOSES – Findings

For the best part of 2018, London’s MOSES were churning out anthemic but punk led singles. Earlier this year, changed tack with ‘I Think You Worry To Much’ to provide a shimmering pop song. Their latest single ‘Findings’, again leans towards the alternative pop world.  

With the whimsical aspects of Coldplay and Snow Patrol in the 00s pomp at play, MOSES have delivered a slow building number in that vein. This is no indie rehash though. There something so beautifully fragile about MOSES and frontman Victor in particular. As leadership implodes and institutions crumble, MOSES (among others) continue to deliver great pop art and somehow, they do it with kindness.

*Image courtesy of Ana Ban Ana

Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:

The Cosmics - Drained

The Birmingham three piece have returned with their new single ‘Drained’. This is taken from the 6 EP they are releasing in June.

The immediacy of the record is undeniable. Singer Erin Grace co-opts a Shrang-la’s vocal for the verse before effortlessly sliding into a furious punk rock delivery in the chorus.

Conor Boyle’s guitars possess the rapid fire angst of Oasis’ ‘Bring It Down’. There are nuggets of Noel’s glam rock riffs from ‘Hindu Times’ and ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ giving this record a depth and warmth few can match.

Their upcoming show at Old Blue Last (June 13th) is sure to be a sold out affair on this showing.

*Image courtesy of Danny Boyle

Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:

MOSES - I Think You Worry Too Much

Moses are steadily becoming the success story with which all bands knocking around pub back rooms should take inspiration from. At the brink of splitting, they came back with the kick ass indie-punk singles 'Cause You Got Me' and 'River Thames' in 2018. They've since been signed to These Bloody Thieves and are soundtracking Rio Ferdinand's film '90 Minutes'. Good things do happen to good people.

They're back again with their new single 'I Think You Worry Too Much'. A much more laid back affair than their previous efforts. Adorable and infectious, the early work of The Kooks springs to mind. As ever with MOSES though, an integrity and earnestness shines through their work, setting them apart from their peers. The tag 'lifer' was invented for people like MOSES. Whether it be Brixton Academy or Water Rats, they will bring the honesty shown on this single to anyone who does or doesn’t care.

Musically, this is the first time we have seen the London outfit move away from their Art Brut meets Blur crash bang wallop sound. Everything about this single hook laden. The Funk of the bass and the glam-stomp drums clear the pathway for anthemic chorus and the almost dreampop jangle of guitars.

In times of such division, MOSES might just be the tonic of togetherness to knit us all back together again.

*Image courtesy of Ana Banica

Sick Love – Soccer Mom

Led by future icon Rebecca Geary, Dublin’s Sick Love take garage rock to the edge of pop-punk on this spiky but humorous mission statement.

They’ve have come out swinging with Stooges riffs and solos on this sardonic take on suburban life. IT’s visceral in places but always with a pop immediacy demanding your attention. In Conor McLoughlin, Sean O'Connor and Cormac O'Neill, Sick Love have a real in your face dynamic. They’ve a humble quality on stage, a real sense of this could be your gang shines through them.

Once you throw the enigmatic Geary into the mix, all bets off! The detail in her vocal delivery is remarkable at such a fledgling stage of the bands career. Brace yourselves!

Bugeye - Disco Dancer

Croydon outfit Bugeye, now a four piece since, have been working with Paul Tipler (Placebo, Idlewild, Stereolab) on their new single ‘Disco Dancer’.

Razor sharp basslines and highly sexed guitar riffs, this is a alt-pop anthem to conjure images of post-punk at CBGB’s in its late 70s/early 80s heyday. We defy you to not dance in the mirror at home to these licks!

The merging of Blondie’s funk and Elastica’s aggression feels a natural home for Bugeye and one they can expand upon to even greater things.

*Image courtesy of Stuart Bennett (Deacon Communication)