Theatre Royal - Turn From Sleep

One of Medway’s true greats, Theatre Royal, returned last week with ‘Incidental Friend’ (Vacilando 68 Recordings) the lead single from their new EP of the same name.

Today, we look at the second track from the EP ‘Turn From Sleep’. Another fine example of what should be considered mainstream. infectious heartfelt melodies shimmering in the winter sun. It’s what we all thought The La’s might have achieved had they held it together.

Combining the spritely acoustic guitars of the The Woodtentops classic ‘Good Thing’ with the shimmering warmth of The Stands’ ‘I Need You’, they once again breathe fresh life into the Medway and Paisley genres.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Theatre Royal don’t make bad songs! Be sure to check them out at the Lexington supporting their Medway brothers in arms The Claim, January 4th 2020.

DMA's - Silver

The surprise package of the decade, DMA’s return to sprinkle hope and sunshine on the dreary UK winter skylines once more. Their latest single ‘Silver’, released via Infectious Music, is the leadoff single to their upcoming third album.

No one can touch Thomas O’Dell’s right now. His soft but intensely emotive vocals cut through every ounce of election bullshit we’re fed at present. The story, an almost a modern take on Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity, looks back on a failed relationship and how they consume the male protagonist’s mind years later.

The torment within the lines ‘It’s funny that I think of you right now / Knowing all the years that turned to clouds’ is agonising. It will set minds racing to the one who got away immediately and questions of how it all slipped away will lurk painfully.

Thankfully, through the soaring closing stages, they offer a chink of light:

“How do I redefine
All my love for you
I guess I look to the sun with you
How do I realise”

Their que sera sera moment will drag you from unatoned realms to sun-drenched climates instantly.  

If there is a sweeter sound than The DMA’s, by all means, let us know, we bet you’re wrong!

Theatre Royal - Incidental Friend

One of Medway’s true greats, Theatre Royal, return today with their new single ‘Incidental Friend’. It’s the leadoff single from their upcoming 4 track EP, released 22nd November via Vacilando 68 Recordings.

It’s the first release since 2018’s spritely jangle pop double A-side release of ‘All For Forward’ and ‘Better Say Goodbye’. Jarring in comparison, as, gone are their archetypal Big Star melodies. However, the adopted slower pace serves them well. It’s a chance for front man Oliver Burgess to prove just how adorable his vocals are. Full of romance and idealism, you’ll be hard pressed not to think of your one true love has he sings ‘dreamt of the places we’d go / we walked in the untouched snow’.

The stripped back, almost bluesy affair brings to mind their Medway peers The Claim, who they will be supporting in January at the Lexington. It’s almost the perfect sonic for them. The sumptuous harmonica anchors them into their grey industrial landscapes which, in turn, allows the lyrical romanticism to escape further.

I you can’t wait for the January gig with The Claim, they will be supporting the legendary Woodentops at The Lexington 9th November.

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

Gazelle - Have You Found Forever Now?

Leicester's Gazelle have been tearing through 2019 like a whirlwind. Their new single is no let-up either. 'Have You Found Forever Now?', recorded with the legendary Gavin Monaghan sees them build upon then intelligent working class lyrics and escapist rock n roll.

On their debut EP ' Young Blood', an army of influences (The Enemy, The Rifles, The Courteeners) outlined their outsider credentials. Whilst musically, 'Forever' remains in this mold, lyrically it takes Tom Clarke’s Lowry-esque depictions and Liam Fray’s emotive every-man styles to stride out beyond them both.

Musically, the rasping guitars of The Rifles and The Enemy remain in the early part: kicking and screaming their way to hearts and minds. However, the combination of Noel Gallagher's key changes, The Cure-esque solo and the raucous production of Suepergrass circa 'Life On Other Planets' breeds life into their sound.

Lyrically though, is where 'Forever' shines. Ryan Dunn has combined a Clarke and Weller sharpness with the universality of Gallagher, the wit of Damon Albarn and a huge splice of Ashcroft at his “fuck you” best.

The tension Dunn builds from images of internal hurricanes is palpable. In the mire of Brexit, the poor are being left behind, not buy Dunn! This romantic tale hits the brink (“can we turn it around”) and then fires them back into the sunset with the line “Don’t let go if you’ve found forever now”.

Britain has felt so shit, for so long, the modernised messages of ‘All You Need Is Love’ and ‘Live Forever’ will bring tears to your eyes. ‘Forever’ leaves you with the notion that nothing can stand in your way. Gazelle have hit a vein of form here that simply put, has to elevate them to big audiences, now!

Gerry Cinnamon – Sun Queen

The wait had been so long that, our thoughts turned to misapprehension regarding Gerry Cinnamon’s return. So, when ‘Sun Queen’ landed in our laps, it was with tense moment loading it up.

We needn’t have worried. Released 2 weeks ago via Little Runaway Records, the 34-year-old Glaswegian looks set to continue his miraculous journey to the hearts of these fair isles.

With pressure on to deliver, Cinnamon has delivered his most effortless pop song to date. The vocal hook of the chorus is as sumptuous as they come. The female protagonist dreaming of James Dean conjures sun kissed nostalgia that’s impossible not to fall in love with.

As with his debut, and especially his live shows, the glory of ‘Sun Queen’ lies within the heart of the man delivering it. The tag of ‘one of us’ has never been more relevant than with Cinnamon. His lyrics and melodies walk our streets. They daydream of escape, they romanticise summer and recapture teenage romances.

Welcome back Lord Protector of Britain’s soul!

Useless Cities – How To Feel

Self-professed miserabilists Useless Cities returned last month with their latest single ‘How To Feel’. Produced by Paul Tipler, (Placebo / The Horrors / Idlewild) they have taken their brand of indie to the next level.

Tom Argent has taken the destructive guitars of Shame’s debut album ‘Songs of Praise’ and given them room to breathe. This slower, more melodic approach moves away from Shame’s angst and, into a more pensive realm. Once Corneila Bent’s keys come into play, the beauty levels are significantly raised.

The duo repeat this pattern on vocal duty too. Argent has a fragility that’s sits between Tom Smith (Editors) and Ian Curtis. As he sings ‘it’s a nice dream’ about the start of a romance, you can’t help but feel he expects it to come crashing down. Then, like an angel, Bent glides in to sprinkle affection and restore the hope for this burgeoning relationship.

Be sure to check them out at Werkhaus (London) on the 14th November.

Eilis Frawley – Illusions

Berlin based percussionist Eilis Frawley (Party Fears & I Drew Blank) releases her debut single ‘Illusions’ from her forthcoming EP via Reckless Yes Records.

Bold and distinct from the off, Frawley has combined a unique blend of spoken word and the Avant Garde pop of Flying Lizzards and tUnE-yArDs. Despite the left field approach to music and production, Frawley has anchored her lyrics in the everyday.

She tackles the stresses of projecting our best selves on social media and simultaneously neglecting the nourishment of the soul. Better still, rather than offer clichés about living for the weekend, Frawley offers up a savage indictment of how over worked and pressured we are:

“One free evening and we ruin our livers to forget”

This is a rare piece of alt-pop. It’s accessible and weird simultaneously. It is absolutely ripe to freshen up BBC6 Music.

The Crooks – Nevermind

“I seem to get this feeling I just cant explain”

Chesterfield outfit The Crooks, fresh from selling out their This Feeling’s 13th birthday this past Saturday, release their new single ‘Nevermind’ on Friday.

In 1994, when Liam sang ‘you and I are gonna live forever’, the world changed. Ambition and escapism combined on Noel’s story of two best friends who ‘see things they’ll never see’. The universality of its message (plus the great melody) became all things to all people.

It was amazing time of hope and unity. Job security was a thing, pay rises could be earned. Unlike 2019! Having a job for longer than 12 months is a fucking achievement these days! Thank god, no, thank The Crooks for this single!

Despite being less personal than the heroes of Live Forever’s tale, it’s not less gallant. Defiantly drawing the line in the sand, they shall be pushed no further! Furthermore, when the guitars soar, they offer a helping hand off the canvas for everyone to stand up to the torrent of shit we’re being made to live through.  

Musically, Hurricane #1’s classic ’Step Into My World’ and Embrace’s ‘The Last Gas’ leaps of the page as this track triumphant builds. However, its within the all-inclusive clarion call where its beauty lays. As Jacko sings ‘remember things are easy, don’t get left behind’, it’s hard not to be overcome with emotion. Thoughts of friends, lovers, family will flash before your eyes on this truly defining moment for the band!

Their next gig is 2nd November, again for the brilliant folk of This Feeling, it is not to be missed!

The Raintree County - Lay In The Tall Grass

Leed’s hottest prospects The Raintree County are back with their third single ‘Lay In The Tall Grass’. With some killer This Feeling shows under their belt, can they transfer this confidence to the studio?

The previous two efforts have seen their influences laid bare. Enjoyable as they are, it’s here their own identity begins to stand up next to their heroes. The scouse rock n roll of The Real People remains but, they have a more measured approach. The sophisticated backing vocals demonstrate a band considering their every move, the results, a far more soulful sound enhancing their working class sounds.

As the closing psyche guitars swirl, the excitement of what this band could become grow steadfast. They have opened the doors for so many possibilities. Eight minute Andy Bell (Ride) guitar parts or Lee Mavers three-minute pop dittys could all emerge from this.

Despite the onset of winter, the future is blossoming for The Raintree County.

Argh Kid – Riot

Manchester’s Argh Kid has been one of the shining breakthroughs in 2019. Less than a week after they released their debut EP ‘Derelict Dreams’, he returned with the explosive single ‘Riot’.

The raw power of Public Enemy combines with the Beastie Boys outlaw instincts to provide well timed assassination of government. As the visceral production takes hold, just consider, in 2 months, an unelected leader has lost 6 votes, 2 court cases, stated no custom checks in NI, stated there will be custom checks in NI, sacked members of his party, and dithered on about Jason Donovan. What a time to be alive!

Thankfully, leadership comes in many forms. UK spoken word artist Dave Scott (aka Argh Kid) has stepped up to the plate. His distinctive Mancunian vocals adopt venom of Jason Williamson and aggro yet melodic tones of Tom Meighan circa ‘Club Foot’.

Meanwhile, all around him a bassline throbs to echo down the ages. The guttural hook is soul shaking and, as Scott decrees “don’t believe the shite”, a breed of patriotism you can be proud of emerges. Not the bloated lunch on expenses, Churchill wannabee guff of Mark Francois!

Put simply UK Hip Hop hasn’t felt this vital since the early work of Kano and Dizzee Rascal. It’s pure, its violent and it’s working class intelligence from the gut!

Café Spice – Open Door

Manchester’s Café Spice have returned with their third single ‘Open Door’ on 27th September. They have dates in London (The Old Church, Stoke Newington 30th November) and Manchester (Band on the Wall 10th December), gigs which are sure to sell out.  

‘Open Door’ is a tale of failed romance and moving on but, crucially, its delivered with rare honesty and integrity. The lyrics, from the opening line, come with a striking poignancy:

“My heart is full / My heart is heavy”

Immediately, the scenario of impending break up looms, the pit of your stomach will turn to knots!

Their previous single ‘Bn2’, showcased with aplomb, cliché is not part of their remit. There is not an ounce of triumphant closure on display. Like any aspect of life, there are no full stops. The end is clear, the pain is tangible, but the concept of “what’s next” is as freeing as it is daunting.  

Café Spice have delivered yet another outstanding single. New acts, attempting the complex, in this case trifecta harmonies, often show promise but are not fully formed. Much like First Aid Kit circa ‘The Lions Roar’, they are coming with fully formed pieces of emotive art.

The Velvet Hands – This Feeling

Fresh from supporting 2019’s all-conquering heroes Fontaines D.C. and the omnipresent Liam Gallagher, the Falmouth four-piece are back! Their new single ‘This Feeling’, is released on 27th September via Jam X Recordings.

If previous single 'Don't Be Good To Me' was a solid jab, 'This Feeling' is a massive right hook! The brazen NYC rock n roll of The Strokes collides with the Danish punks Iceage. The results, slice of pure devilment.

Despite the chaos, there are moments of pop majesty. The Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist meets Julian Casablancas back ‘n’ forth vocals recreate the Pete and Carl dynamic for a drunken night out in 2019.

Nevertheless, it’s the intensity that overshadows everything here. Pete Shelly may have left this mortal coil but, his soul lives strong and furious in the The Velvet Hands.  

There some moments of real pop majesty lurking within here. The early Libertines back n forth vocals being the cream of the crop. However, it’s the intensity of it all that overshadows everything. With the spirit and the joy of the Buzzcocks in their hearts, it’s to visualise the assault they put upon their kit in the studio.

Thousand Yard Stare – It Sparks!

When Thousand Yard Stare returned in 2015 at the 100 Club, no one could have foreseen the two fine Eps that followed. Such was their quality, most believed this was then riding off into the sunset on top.

The gigs kept coming though, and now, it’s coming full circle with another 100 Club date on October 3rd. To mark the occasion, they are releasing a new single 'It Sparks' via Stifled Aardvark Records.

Recorded at Raffer Studios in Kent (with Callum Rafftery), it continues in the vein of the Eps. Adopting new directions into their underdog spirit. The pomp and pomposity contained in the orchestral opening melts into House of Love via The Cult's guitars. It's a glorious pop music moment. 26 Seconds of vile Tory austerity disintegrates into menacing rock music.

It’s one thing to attack, it’s another to take people with you. In Stephen Barnes’ vocals, they have an instrument to do just that. They’re the musical equivalent of the Phil Kingston, the climate change protestor who sat upon a DLR train for his 83rd birthday. They carry a depth of love and selflessness you simply have to follow.

Barnes has always carried melody well but, this feels more like a performance. Throughout, he threatens a Johnny Rotten snarling violence but it never fully materialises. It’s pure drama, holing the listener in a state of excitement.

This is a notable point in TYS career. It might not be their best pop single, but it's definitely their most profound. With a new album in the offing, exciting times lay ahead.

Get Cape Wear Cape Fly! - The Unconventionals

After the triumphant return of Sam Duckwork’s moniker Get Cape Wear Cape Fly in 2018, the Southend troubadour is back with a one off single. ‘The Unconventionals’, written, recorded and put out in 24 hours is out now!

Musically, it has all the hallmarks of Get Cape's introspective pop music. The hope and critique of Billy Bragg is once more prevalent. However, sonically, this feels like a leap off moment for Duckworth. Whereas 2018 was reinvention of the hopeful Get Cape sound relevant to 2018, ‘The Unconventionals’ treads pastures[AM1]  new.

This is a single, lyrically embedded in the political mess of today. However, Duckworth’s guitars are less hopeful indie kid and more Wilco via New Orleans ray of sunshine. It’s a seed of proof that there is a way forward, the dross of Brexit will not be forever.

Lacuna Bloome - Plastic

Brighton four piece Lacuna Bloome release 'Plastic' on Thursday 19th September, the lead single from their upcoming EP recorded at Audiobeach Studios (Producer Forbes Coleman).

It's easy to be swept along by the majesty of their playing. However, on 'Plastic', they have delivered a stunning indictment of the times. With Blake and peak Ashcroft in their hearts, poetic summation and defiance oozes from their souls. The punk insight of Billy Bragg emanates from the line “What you see is out of plain sight / Drifting everywhere” but, frontman Niall sings, it's with Johnny Marr's heart.

Musically, Ride's pop tinged 'Future Love' collides with the thunder of Stone Roses' 'This Is The One'. The sun kissed psyche guitars loop to sail you away to hazy climates in the early stages before, blood sweat and tears of the closing stages bring you crashing to shore.

Those closing moments, they're more than bombastic rock n roll. As Niall wrenches “yes its changing”, something more than music is happening. This is a gut wrenching clarion call echoing the desperation of Ian Curtis on 'Closer'.

Hope has been sparse of late. Maybe, just maybe Lacuna Bloome are the catalyst for the change they passionately decree. Winter is coming but, it would appear this four piece are drawing their Jon Snow battle lines, get behind them and charge into the night!

*Image courtesy of @shotbybutch

Mark Morriss – The Beans

The Bluetones frontman is on a roll at the moment. Not only are The Bluetones ‘Singles’ and ‘Science and Nature’ albums in the Vinyl top 10, his killer single ‘All The Wrong People’ has been going great guns (available here). The Hounslow Prince (is it too late to make that stick?) is back with an instant classic in the form ‘The Beans’.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a ‘Luxembourg’ era single. Infectious as ‘Never Going Nowhere’ and savvy like ‘Fast Boy’ and ‘I Love The City’ firm proof Morriss still has the magic.

Morriss’ lyrics are so often overlooked but, no one deals with relationships better. This, a seriously troubled one (“who cares / if you throw me down stairs”) is negated with so much humour that, it’s only the XTC via west coast 70s solo that brings home that, this is a personal experience.

‘The Beans’ is released on 23rd August via Reckless Yes Records.

Rats ft Skinnyman – Jack

Musically, there’s an array of indie-punk bands reigniting the mid-00s scene at the moment. Liverpool’s RATS are key to the scene, and have returned with their new single ‘Jack’ and, it might just set them apart from the pack.

Unlike so many of the 00s scene, RATS have a visceral social comment and are willing to creative risks in delivering it. For the most part, ’Jack’ conforms to many indie reference points of the 15 years, and does it expertly. It’s great pop music.

Then, the introduction of Skinnyman changes everything. The return to depression era employment tactics is ruining lives. All the while, the givers of zero hour contracts get tax breaks (FUCK BORIS). Step up Skinnyman! His aggressive climax is the sound of the downtrodden getting nose to nose with their oppressors and demanding change!

 *Image courtesy of @ChrisDriverPhoto

Death Valley Girls - Dream Cleaver

LA's Death Valley Girls, fresh from touring last years album 'Darkness Rains', wasted no time before returning to the studio. They have returned with stand alone single 'Dream Cleaver'. It's out now on Suicide Squeeze Records.

Their archetypal punk and garage remain but, now, they've calmed them and allowed their pop instincts to take them to a peculiar altered state of mind. They've taken the hypnotic spirit of Suicide and given it the immediacy Primal Scream.

When the sax kicks in, its easy to see why Bobby Gillespie was at their Victoria (Dalston) show earlier this year. The hallmarks of their dystopian classic '2013' lurk in the shadows of this anthem.

This tale, is a display of adoration for psychonaut and ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna; the founder of “the spirit molecule” and trans-dimensional travel.

In exploring this subject, they have left Stooges aggression of 'Darkness Rains' behind and moved towards a groove laden, white knuckle psychedelia realm.