We see things they'll never see
Ride – Future Love
Ride are back and once more teaming up with Erol Alkan on their new single ‘Future Love’.
There were some genuine moments of quality on ‘Weather Diaries’ (‘Lannoy Point’, ‘All I Want’, ‘Lateral Alice’) but, a lack of clarity at times (‘Charm Assault’, ‘Weather Diaries) meant the disappointment of ‘Tarantula’ had not been fully laid to rest.
However, it was clear from the ‘Nowhere’ tour in 2015 and the supporting tours of ‘Weather Diaries’ and EP ‘Tomorrow’s Shore’, the band were in sync again.
This is self-evident on the happiness permeating ‘Future Love’. Iconic singer/guitarist Andy Bell told Pitchfork it is “about the beginning of a relationship, when everything feels possible.” The romanticism of this notion is everywhere. Lyrically, it’s as sweet a pop single you’ll hear all year.
Ride diehards though, may make a different leap. One which imagines the lyrics being about Ride members being in love with the band again. It has the pop ecstasy of ‘Twisterella’ and the escapist warmth of ‘In A Different Place’. They may have been back for five years, but now they are home.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Noel Gallagher - Black Star Dancing
Despite the success of ‘Who Built The Moon?’, creatively, although leaps were made, great strides forward were not.
So, when the house music Noel talks about so lovingly emerges in the opening of ‘Black Star Dancing’, we stood still. Has the penny dropped? Has he gone for it this time? It would appear he might have!
The crisp bassline immediately transports you to the early part of a club night. A sense of excitement hangs in the air, where will this night go! Noel has found his Chicago soul vocally, cool and calm in verse, exciting and escapist in the chorus. Someone get him in a studio with Frankie Knuckles and Marshall Jefferson!
Noel’s work with Johnny Marr has filtered through on the guitars too. The choppy disco style of Marr and Nile Rodgers collides with his incredulous ability to deliver a catchy solo. It goes further than pop music though, there is a dark edge backing the heavenly backing vocals and hypnotic beats.
This kind of juxtaposition was there on ‘Who Built The Moon?’ but, the quality has now gone to another level.
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 Astronots - Settle Down
LA’s The Astronots are back with their new single ‘Settle Down’, the pre-cursor to their upcoming EP release.
Previous efforts such as ‘El Dorado’ and ‘How Much Pain’ have been indebted to the rock classicism of Led Zeppelin hooks and the effortlessness of The Band. On ‘Settle Down’, song writing duo Niko Giaimo (Vocals/Guitar) and Allee Futterer (Vocals/Bass) have found their sound.
Both voally and sonically, an eerily bewitching mood has been developed. Aloof and dangerous, The Astronots have arrived in a big way.
Ynys – Caneuon
Ynys is the new project from ex Race Horses icon Dylan Hughes. Released today on Libertino Records, it is timed to perfection with the sun beating down on the UK once more.
The Welsh language will be alien to many but, in fractious times, Hughes’ delivery should signify just how much togetherness can be gained via difference.
It’s an effortless sun kissed Elliot Smith track which meanders without a care in the world. Although clearly a great slice of pop, there is a defiance to this record. A carefree attitude for sure but, with an immediacy and a sense of “my time is now” permeates throughout.
Our 8th birthday party is Friday 2nd August at the New Cross Inn. Click the image below for tickets:
Ghost//Signals – A Bag For Death
Newcastle-based four-piece Ghost Signals have returned with their new single ‘A Bag For Death’. Much like Fierce Panda’s Sad Boys Club, they are making waves with their Cure inspired pop music.
Vocally, Rick Lanning has a great ability to impart elements of so many of the 00s greats. Its Preston (The Ordinary Boys) at his pop finest, there’s the fluidity of Joel Stoker (The Rifles) and the warmth of Liam Fray (The Courteeners) circulating throughout.
Musically, it unashamedly reaches for glory with The Cure as its foundations. It has the hallmarks of The Rifles and The Courteeners at their freest flowing. Setting such an awe inspiring sonic to a tale of toxic masculinity in society still burying its head on mental health is highly commendable.
Already a must see in act in Newcastle, Ghosts//Signals look set to achieve wider success with this heartfelt portrayal of a universal problem.
Dont forget our 8th birthday party extravaganza, tickets available via the image below
Skint & Demoralised - Boro Kitchen 4am
It’s been six years since we last saw Matt Abbott and David Gledhill in the guise of Skint & Demoralised. After three albums (the first two pop classics), Abbott established himself as one the UK’s finest spoken word performers, whilst Gledhill was working on his SOULS project. Amid the mire of Brexit, they’ve returned with new single ‘Boro Kitchen 4am’.
When they burst onto the indie scene in 2007, they were churning out classics such as ‘Red Lipstick’ and ‘It’s Only Been A Week’ as if it was second nature. They were songs that only a teenager could have written, even the darker moments were full of hope. Now they are 30, the hope has strayed into rage filled social observations worthy of Joe Strummer.
From the Sleaford Mods school of post-punk despair, Abbott’s vocal is at its most violent to date. Lyrically cutting and insightful, it gets to the crux of the Brexit conundrum and its endless contradictions.
Musically, someone has turned Art Brut’s amp setting to spiteful. Riffs and hooks not only aplenty, but they come at you like a flurry of punches. Maximo Park’s reinvention on their ‘The National Health’ album was rightly lauded. After hearing ‘Boro Kitchen 4am’, the rule book on how to re-invent yourself as an anarchic and poetic force has been re-written.
Their live dates at The Social (London 11th April) and The Great Escape Festival (Brighton) are not to be missed.
*Image coutesy of Kelly Harrison
Dont forget our 8th birthday party extravaganza, tickets available via the image below
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
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.
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.
*Image courtesy of Fierce Panda Records