Come at the King – Shudder

London’s Come at the King returned on the 29th March with their new track ‘Shudder’.

This is the kind of record latter day Oasis attempted on their last record with ‘Bag It Up’ and ‘Waiting For The Rapture’. Sadly, Noel could never quite land the kind of slow menacing psyche track synonymous with their friends BRMC.

Come at the King have hit upon the desolation of BRMC and the dirty riffs of early Black Keys on this slow building number. It’s an impressive effort for a fledgling band but, arguably, just one crushing solo away from glory.

Catch them live at Modern Age’s London date on 12th April at 229.

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

Cabbage – Torture

In the run up to their debut album, Cabbage played a string of shows where, for half a set, they would blow crowds away with their wobbled synth-punk-psyche. The other half, would fall flat. Sadly, this filtered into the album too. The early menace of the ‘Le Chou’ and ‘Uber Capitalist Death Trade’ started to dissipate, and so, this comeback single is a big moment for them. Can they recapture the glory?

In short, not exactly. The fire and wobble of guitars and synths as faded to a new take on Phil Spector pop. Clearer and more distinct, they’ve found a way for their lyrical bullets to be fired without anyone really noticing.

History often repeats itself in some form or another. ‘Torture’ has the hallmarks of Pulp’s 1996 classics ‘Mis-Shapes’ and ‘Common People’. The target is firmly on the Tories and their years of austerity. Like their Sheffield peers, they’ve shrouded their attack in a singalong masterclass. SO vibrant, so catchy, and armed to the teeth bombs to attack the “6 toed born to rule pony fuckers”.

Musically though, just where have they plucked this 60s girl group meets Manchester psyche classic from? It’s not that weren’t capable, its just so spectacular good. Please let this be the single that breaks through on to Radio 1 a-list. Let this sit in-between Khalid and 1975. Some will say this is distorting the norm, we say bollocks! This was always the norm! ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ meshed in between Ace of Base and Whigfield, splice of life!

Gazelle – Guilt Trip Gun

Leicester’s Gazelle have been on a roll this year, playing with Sugarthief at This Feeling’s nights. ‘Guilt Trip Gun’ is their first release of the year and, that roll is picking up speed.

It has the hallmarks of Noel Gallagher’s classic song-writing style. Notions of melancholy and self-doubt are coupled with the bravery to jump off the edge and stick two fingers up to the world. It’s a beefy single, images of chests out and fists aloft as beers fly all around are immediate. However, cutting through the bravado is, an almost gentile solo from the John Squire’s ‘Sally Cinnamon’ and ‘Mersey Paradise’ era.

The evanescent flow will rekindle the birth of The Courteeners and The Rifles a decade ago. The hope and inspiration they offered before the financial crash was the soundtrack to so many teenage escapist dreams. Thank god, amid the endless tripe of Brexit, Gazelle have tapped in to that feeling.

Golden Fable – Hold True

North Wales’ Golden Fable have returned with their new single ‘Hold True’. Released last week on Full of Joy Records to praise from Elbow’s Guy Garvey, it looks set to catapult them in to a wider UK consciousness.

Having joined forces with North Wales’ orchestra NEW Sinfonia, they have created something truly striking with the strings. They’re hook laden and jagged, and when they serve as alternative to a guitar solo, thoughts of surpassing ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ will enter your mind-set.

It’s ambitious culture clash but, it’s one full of love with Rebecca Joy’s vocals and Jonathon Guy’s feather like touch on the guitar.

Ignore this if you can!

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!

Echolines – Imagination Stranger

Fresh from supporting the glorious Bugeye, Newcastle Upon Tyne's Echolines are gearing up for the release of their new single. 'Imagination Stranger' will be available from the 1st March via 6Not4 Records.

Vocally, Charlie Richardson embodies the pop spirit of 80s cult hero Ian Hodgson (Bradford) on their classic 'Gang Of One'. Meanwhile, the sparkling synths and shimmering guitars ebb and flow from sun kissed New Order to the C86 movement.

Lyrically, it recalls the call to action of The Specials 'Rat Race' or The Enemy's 'Away From Here' but, from a more subtle pop laden position. The spiky reflection on society's mindless obsessions feels perfectly timed in these fractious times.

*Artwork courtesy of VanGoth

Twist Helix - Ouseburn

Based in Newcastle, Twist Helix have been at the of North East’s burgeoning DIY since their debut album was released last October. Having been tipped off about them by the glorious Bugeye, we decided to delve into the album.

Concept albums are always a bold move. Many fall by the wayside. So, it comes as quite the shock to see one on a debut album. Nevertheless, tired of clichés such as “a city in decline” and “people left behind”, Twist Helix have shone a light on the artistic undercurrent of the city.

Former singles 'Newcastle' and 'Ouseburn', although local in content, will pull in like-minded souls from pockets of cities and seaside towns that artists have bred life into (Southend and Hastings for examples). 'Ouseburn', sparkles with synth pop a la Passion Pit circa 'Manners' as it meanders its way like the Tyne & Weir river.

‘Newcastle’ though, is a clarion call to all those who thought they were alone in believing their town or city is more than what their told it is. It opens with perhaps the most defiant and inspiring opening line of an album in recent years: 

“This city is not sleeping / It’s dreaming”

It's not all shades of light though. 'Little Buildings' and 'Collapse', demonstrate the sense of loss that has penetrated the social conscious of places like Newcastle in recent times. Unlike blow hard social commentators, they’ve tapped into a spirit and a feeling that paints pictures of both rage and hope. The courage to bring a poetic soul to a fight the rich will resonate the length of breadth of the UK.

Former single 'Graphite' signifies a future beyond their local horizons. Musically, it combines pop dynamism of X Ray Spex with the finer exponents of indie-electronica of the late 00s (Reverend & The Makers, Sunshine Underground). Something bigger beckons for them here.

When you look at the recent success of Zola Jesus or Austra, the festival circuit could be great for Twist Helix this year.

*Image courtesy of Paul Black Music

Death of Guitar Pop – You’ll Be Fine Sunshine

It’s a great time to be a DIY outfit and Essex’s Death of Guitar Pop are no exception. Selling out gigs through word of mouth, dabbling in music management, modelling for Stone Beach’s clothing range, and by day, delivering exquisite Ska pop music.

Their latest offering, ‘You’ll Be Fine Sunshine’ is no exception. Much like the genius of Tommy Cooper, everything seems so simplistic and offers a broad appeal. Really though, something far more creative is at play.

Lyrically, their working class depiction of escaping to warmer climates is remarkable. Tales of “technicolour yawns down a back alley” and recovering with a Lucozade should be put on par with the work on Ray Davies, Damon Albarn and Suggs’ finest efforts.

Whilst we laud the bands efforts of making a living on the DIY scene, we want more. More from the people they so lovingly portray and entertain. The Specials were heralded in their heyday, 30 years on, their set to get another number one album. So, we urge you, join their side and raise them up to the same status, clearly they’re good enough.

*Image courtesy of Jeremy Walker https://www.jeremy-walker.com/

Scrounge - Crimson

South East London duo Scrounge released ‘Etch’ with Fierce Panda last November. It was a raw piece of post-punk. The Goldsmiths alumni are at again on their latest single ‘Crimson’. 

Vocally, Lucy has found a sweet spot between Courtney Barnett and Kim Gordon. It serves this tale of distorted reality well. Backed by Luke’s violent Stephen Malkmus drawl, Scrounge are well on their to the hearts of all post-punk fans.   

The DIY scene of South East London, often overlooked, is set to become undeniable with the prowess of Scrounge. 

*Image courtesy of Fierce Panda Records

Crimson, a song by Scrounge on Spotify

Café Spice - Bn2

Manchester trio Café Spice, fresh from their sold out show at Jimmy’s, have returned with their second single ‘Bn2’ 

No one forgets the first time Joni Mitchell speaks to them on a personal level. Café Spice have now hit that standard on this tale of friendship and heartbreak. So often, this subject breeds lyrical cliché. Here though, they’ve tapped into the aching emptiness words have in these scenarios. 

The ambition is striking, but it’s the execution that’s mind blowing. This is only their second single remember! Cast your eye over recent Green Man or End of the Road festivals, how many folk acts there have ever hit this level?  

With Glastonbury back this year, we urge Emily Eavis and the BBC to give them a huge break, clearly, they won’t disappoint. 

Bn2 Written by us Produced by Martin Hollis Recorded at British Grove Studios, London Follow Café Spice: https://facebook.com/cafespiceband https://instagram.com/cafespiceband https://twitter.com/cafespiceband Café Spice play Jimmy's, Manchester 6th February 2019. Tickets and more information at https://www.cafespiceband.com

Stanleys - The Martyr

Stanleys are a Wigan four piece consisting of Tom Concannon (Vocals), Jake Dorsman (Guitar), Harry Ivory (Bass), and Rob Hilton (Drums). They released their debut EP ‘The Sound of the Stanleys’ last year and have returned with new single ‘The Martyr’.

It’s the kind of free flowing escape from a home town that can only come from youth. Vibrant and aimlessly meandering as it longs for something to drag them away from their surroundings. Lyrically, they've struck gold. This is a classic Western movie isolation and fear being diminished by a wandering hero.

It's the chorus which really lifts their lyrical prowess to the next level though:

“Beat and broken, made to work all day / dreams are forbidden, hopes are cast away as reachless”

The western imagery is given a distinct modern day British feel. Images of Clint Eastwood fade into the brave Wetherspoons staff protesting against the repugnant Timothy Randall Martin. Stick your poverty wages up your mullet you tosser!

'The Martyr' is what true outsiderdom sounds like, not millionaires preaching their salt of the earth. This single is heartfelt, riotous, and escapist. Music lacks the power of film to make prequels but, if it did, this would surely be the early years of Richard Hawley roving the streets of Sheffield.

Forget the right wing millionaires who preach outsiderdom, this is what it sounds like. Heartfelt, alone, longing to belong to something worth loving. Sadly, music cant make prequels like film. If it could, this would surely be Richard Hawley’s teenage years wandering the streets of Sheffield.

Come At The King - Minesweep

London three piece Come At The King enter the affray like Tabasco heavy Bloody Mary. If anyone has any Christmas cobwebs left, their new single ‘Minesweep’ will blow them away.

It’s a furious combination of dirty BRMC riffs and the devilish blues of the 22/20s. When they hit the release valve on the solo, the fluidity of Black Keys and effortlessness of early Oasis comes to the fore.  

Come At The King have arrived in style!

Desperate Journalist - Satellite

Desperate Journalism return with their second single ‘Satellite’ from their upcoming third album 'In Search Of The Miraculous'. The London outfit, signed to the legendary Fierce Panda are, to date, one of the UK’s best kept secrets.

It is however, hard to imagine that secret lasting much longer. ‘Satellite’ is a vast expansive piece of rock n roll that simply has to dominate the airwaves.

There is a real sense of all or nothing oozing from its soul. Guitarist Rob Hardy, is so often the vehicle to shine a light on the glorious vocals of Jo Bevan. Not anymore. They’ve become duo bouncing of each other a la Pete & Karl or Brown & Squire.

The riffs alone are a joyous piece of escapism but, the solo is a destructive force that will leave souls cleansed and former detractors reeling from their mistakes.

They recently sold out London’s Oslo, on this form, Brixton beckons.

Satellite, a song by Desperate Journalist on Spotify

*Image courtesy of Fierce Panda Records

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)  

MOSES – River Thames

Things are afoot for London’s MOSES. Their recent single ‘Cause You Got Me’ took their monthly Spotify plays from 1.8k to 193k. They supported the UK’s hottest band The Blinders and now, they’ve returned with their new single ‘River Thames’.

Produced by the legendary Gil Norton (Pixies & Foo Fighters), ‘River Thames’ kicks politicians’ banalities about “communities being left behind” into, well, the river! At its core, is a belief in people, a romanticism in their lives, a song writing trait that has drifted away in recent times.  

The sound of the underdog is so often, one of kicking and screaming at injustice (and quite right too). Here though, they’ve bypassed that and gone straight to euphoric victory. It’s a Sunday league football win, it’s a prank on your best mate. This is the re-emergence of believing in ordinary people and ordinary things as the greatest subject matter on earth.

 *Artwork by Ana Ban Ana

https://www.facebook.com/anabananabanica/

https://www.instagram.com/ana_ban_ana_illustration/

http://www.colorhood.com/anabanana

Pink Lemonade - Space Girl

As the weather turns bitter, the enticement levels need to go up to venture outside. Thank heavens for Pink Lemonade. The three piece from Cambridge have just released their debut single ‘Space Girl’ and, if this doesn’t get your DM’s laced up for the winter nights, nothing will.

Put simply, this is perfect pop music! Vocal melodies akin to the criminally underrated Pipettes and a riff from the cheer leading gods. This is pure hairbrush (Lynx Africa for the boys) sing along in the mirror stuff.

*Image courtesy of the band

Strange Cages – Silver Queen

In September, Brighton’s Strange Cages released their second EP, ‘Silver Queen’ via the record label of the moment, Vallance Records (home to Sisteray, Beach Riot and False Heads).

Sleazy garage-psyche music, is too often devoid of emotion and passion. Too often a display of self-indulgence and mass ego. Well, Strange Cages, with influences indebted to Iggy, Toy, Neu and The Horrors are hell bent on bucking that trend.

Despite the hallmarks of the past in play, Strange Cages have found ways to make this EP relevant to 2018. There are the pop machinations of Blossoms and Goldfrapp shining through the synths on ‘The Leeches, the Fakers’. Meanwhile, ‘Children of the Gutter’ is a lost single of their peers Cabbage.

‘False Prophet Death Waltz’ and ‘Lasers of Joy’ are not the sounds of sane men. Psychotic and hullucagenic, thee early fire of the The Horrors is in full force. ‘Meanwhile, ‘Sick With Desire’ throbs like The Stooges one minute before seguing into the more beautiful moments of Syd Barrett’s Floyd era.

Ultimately, Strange Cages are a band with a clear direction and clear influences but not yet their own distinct style. It won’t stop you returning to the record but, the sense the sense that something truly great can come from this band lingers in the air.

Trampolene – The One Who Loves You

Although The Libertines career is not yet done, when you look back, the one thing that halted them from mega stardom was that one single, a ‘Wonderwall’ or ’If You Tolerate This…’ . The type the of hit that X Factor zombies couldn’t deny. Welsh underdogs Trampolene, whose soul is inextricably linked to The Libertines, have returned with that single, ‘The One Who Loves You’.

Is there a purer soul walking this divided kingdom of ours than Jack Jones at present? If this were the late 18th and early 19th century, Jones would be lauded as a romantic poet. In 2018, he is kicked into the margins and forced to scrap his way out of the gutter.

Scrap away he does and, on this unrequited love anthem, Jones has delivered a single that shouldn’t but inevitably will be ignored by day time radio, the break they truly deserve. Find me a teenage boy who wouldn’t cling to this song as they obsess over the girl they’re to shy to talk to, and we’ll drive them to therapy to work on their sociopathic tendencies.

Methods – Mankind

Methods, a five piece hailing from Wolverhampton and Salford have their roots indebted to Depeche Mode and New Order. Big shoes to fill.

On their new single 'Mankind', they have taken a leap into their hero’s world, with a spirit to stoke the fires of this sound once more. The archetypal Peter Hook bass from Adam Hall syncs up with the lush and expansive synths from Jon Nash to create their own dystopia. After darkness must come light, that killer hook isn’t quite there but, there are chinks of light here to get excited about.

Ash Bradley's vocal, sitting between Interpol's Paul Banks and a more aggressive version of Dave Gahan, keeps ‘Mankind’ hovering above a nuclear button. Bradley is awash with danger and fury.

All hail the darkness!

Artwork by Dan Crew:

Twitter: @DanCrewAnimate

Instagram: @DanCrewAnimate