Noel Gallagher – Blue Moon Rising

The notable quotable returned on the 30th January with his latest single ‘Blue Moon Rising’. Released on his own imprint ‘Sour mash Records’, it’s the second single from his upcoming EP of the same name (6th March release).

It’s been an interesting if not always exhilarating journey on these EPs. Forever searching for innovation, his ability to fins a great melody, blindfolded, in the abyss, had been left behind. Here though, he has found a way of marrying the two without reverting to type.

The low synth, almost techno intro combines with a gentle vocal Noel, subtly, he begins to unfurl a world where something is not quite right. As he decrees “shall we just run away”, the anticipation of what he might do with his skill for escapism fervently grows.

Then it comes, like an understated version of Johnny Marr’s ‘Armatopia’. The disco, soul, and acid house influences he often refers to are finally emerging. Although just loitering, they are slowly leading the lord saviour of 1990s back to the promise land once more.

The Novus - Frosty

Hailing from Stourbridge and Birmingham, The Novus, kings of the DIY scene, returned recently with their new single ‘Frosty’.

After one satanic guitar lick, it’s easy to see why they headlined This Feeling’s Big In 2020 shows in Birmingham and London recently. On the live circuit, frontman Conor Hill, has carried the band to these feats. He is an absolute psychedelic force of nature.

However, from last September’s ‘PMF’ to this new offering, the band now stand alongside him, equally as majestic. They’ve combined the Sabbath combines with the brooding mystique of BRMC and Brian Jonestown Massacre on this face melter.

Pulsating throughout are riffs, from the ‘Voodoo Chile’ playbook but, re-imagined by the fury of The Blinders for modern day Britain.

Stourbirdge, forever associated with its late 80s and early 90s scene, has pastures new to explore now!

Ash – Darkest Hour of the Night

Today marks the release of the Ash’s new single ‘Darkest Hour of the Night’. It’s taken from their upcoming compilation ‘Teenage Wildlife’, a compilation spanning their 25-year career.

Described by head honcho Tim Wheeler “a ray of light to pierce the darkest night of the soul – a redemptive anthem for a new decade,” it is their funkiest single to date. Lyrically, it’s a helping hand of the canvas. Get up and dance, everything will be OK permeates throughout.

It’s in the vain of Blossoms’ pop masterclass ‘Your Girlfriend’, it will stomp its way into your heart like their Phil Spector inspired classic ‘Candy’. Resplendent with handclaps, horns from Rubblebucket and sumptuous backing vocals, it’s clear Ash are still masters of the alt-pop single.

Roll on Valentine’s Day and the release of a truly remarkable back catalogue.

Thousand Yard Stare - Schism Algorithm

Slough’s unsung heroes TYS are back today with the second single from their upcoming album. ‘Schism Algorithm’, recorded at Raffer Studios with Callum Rafferty, is released via Stifled Aardvark Records.

The previous single ‘It Sparks’, ignited their bespoke flames of psychedelia and punk for the modern world. On ‘Schism Algorithm’, they explore the destruction left after the battles they thought on ‘It Sparks’.

Written by frontman Stephen Barnes and led guitarist Giles Duffy, it is very much a collaboration of sonic meets poetry. Barnes explores the post-truth world we find ourselves in with a laser-like focus.  

Through Duffy’s guitars, their classic ‘Comeuppance’ has been developed for the digital age. Every lick reflects the potency of the online world. The undeniable groove lures you in but, just like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, your only ever one step away from venomous bile. Duffy’s guitars, at times, offer hope but, there is a sense of dread and trepidation overarching everything.

This is a fine attempt to marry up rock ‘n’ roll with the new world we live in. TYS new album is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing of 2020.

HMS Morris - Babanod

Cardiff’s HMS Morris return on February 7th with their new single ‘Babanod’ (Welsh for babies). It will be released via Bubblewrap Collective for Dydd Miwisg Cymru (Welsh Music Day).

Thematically, it centres around the awkward moment when, your married friends deem themselves superior, purely because you're single. The use of electronic production is exquisite. Alongside Heledd Watkins poignant welsh language vocals, they create the unease and tension felt by the protagonist.

Artwork by Mari Elin

Although sonically worlds apart to The Kinks, such is the detail on every note, it's hard not to recall the brilliance of the minutiae on their ‘The Village Green Preservation Society’ album. The detail on every guitar lick allows that gnawing sense of social unease to grow exponentially.

Then, comes the mesmerising solo. Is our protagonist coming defiant or, is the crushing drunken spiral out of control in full flow?

‘Babanod’ is available to buy here on the 7th Feb.

Asylums - Catalogue Kids

Less than two years ago, Southend’s Asylums released their second album 'Alien Human Emotions'. Not a second thought was given to dwelling on that success. Last fall, they ventured to Chicago, Illinois, and begun work on album number three with the legendary Steve Albini.

The lead single from the album is 'Catalogue Kids' and, it's slotted right back into their groove. Jazz Miell has his guitar set to warped and Luke Branch's vocals are at their pop punk best.

Last time out, they tapped into the of mood younger generations. Increasingly maligned by housing policy and a jobs race to the bottom, society has continued to nose dive. So, it’s fitting Asylums have not only returned, but with more animosity than ever.

What was disillusionment, has morphed into a rage. At points, its despair, but, crucially, in the closing moments on ‘Catalogue Kids’, the it’s defiant! The colossal thrash signifies enough is enough. It's violent and venomous, it begins to paint pictures of a lost generation kicking back.

No wonder Iggy took them tour.

Key to the UK punk scenes success in the 70s was, its ability to highlight generational divides and disrupt the social status quo. In 2020, elder generations who were afforded jobs for life, secure pensions and affordable housing now sneer upon those under 35. “Work harder” or “sacrifice more” are bellowed out, ignorant to the fact that work isn’t paying, education is a con and mortgages are a fantasy for anyone below 40k a year.

Asylums are picking at this scab. Well, they rip it clean off really. This raw polemic, is delivered with the angst it deserves and, culminates with the genius twist on The Who’s ‘The Kids Are Alright’:

“the kids don't seem alright”

Maybe, just maybe, this is the cultural needle needed to prick elder generations to be more emphatic. However, what really must be, is, a clarion call to younger generations. Get angry. Get poetic. Form a band and strike out!

The Asylums play their biggest headline show at London's Moth Club this October. Get your tickets here.

*Image courtesy of Luke Branch

King Kartel – Be Mine

King Kartel have announced the release of their brand new single ‘Be Mine’, out 7th February.

The Manchester via Ireland outfit have always been the soundtrack of great house parties. Former single ‘Gunslinger’ brought the playful menace of the Little Man Tate’s classic ‘House Party At Boothy’s’.

On ‘Be Mine’, they’ve returned with a sound no one saw coming.  With the soul of Plan B’s ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’, they walk a tightrope of soul and do-wop with real poise.

There is so much style oozing from this record that, it could easily be put into a Scorsese film.

Any radio station not playing this, should hang their heads in shame!

LIVE DATES:

6th March - Club Academy, Manchester

The Institutes – Alleyways

Coventry, so rich in its alternative music history, looks set to be offering up another gem of a band in The Institutes. The four-piece, have just completed a mini-tour, playing for Kick Out The Jams and This Feeling releases their new single 'Alleyways' this Friday. (image courtesy of Melli Foris).

They had been raising eyebrows in 2019 with their dream rock 'n' roll, on 'Alleyways', they look set to offer seismic change. Paying lip service to their heroes has diminished and, in its wake, is a colossal romantic adventure.

They've taken the spirit and lyrical imagery of 'Sally Cinnamon' and the melancholic ache of Oasis' 'Listen Up' and made it sound fresh. The only rehash here is, ordinary people swinging for the stars.

Anyone who longs for bands to reach the dizzy heights of Spike Island, Knebworth, and Heaton Park, look no further. The solos are sumptuous universal appealing pieces of escapism begging for memories to made.

Nadia Sheikh - Get Away

Click to buy the single

Nadia Sheikh, the Spanish born, London based singer-songwriter is back with her new single ‘Get Away’. Produced by Stereophonics drummer Jamie Morrison, she is about to tour with the Welsh legends.

‘Get Away’ signals the start of something far bigger for Sheikh. Big resounding riffs and colossal drums pound alongside her PJ Harvey meets Kate Nash vocals. All the danger of ‘Flip The Coin’ the mystique of ‘Going Down’ are joining forces.

Although sonically uplifting, The Courteeners meets Foals guitars lead the mind to darker places. In the closes stages, Sheikh’s angelic vocals descend into madness; desperate to escape a world of nightmares.

This is a real leap forwards for Sheikh.

Sheikh’s support slots with Stereophonics are:

24/1 - Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid - Spain

25/1 – Razzmatazz, Barcelona - Spain

28/1 – Olympia, Paris - France

29/1 – Olympia, Paris - France

31/1 – Batschkapp, Frankfurt - Germany

1/2 - AFAS Live, Amsterdam - Netherlands

2/2 - Huxley Neue Welt, Berlin - Germany

4/2 - Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne - Germany

5/2 – TonHalle, Munich - Germany

6/2 – Volkshaus, Zurich - Switzerland

8/2 - Lorenzini District, Milan - Italy

9/2 - Les Docks, Lausanne, Switzerland

11/2 - Rockhal Box, Esch Sur Alzette - Luxembourg

12/2 – Docks, Hamburg – Germany

Ani Glass - Mirores

Following in the footsteps of her former Pipettes colleague Gwenno, Ani Glass is too stepping out into Welsh language via electronic pop music. Her latest single, ‘Mirores’, was released on the 17th January via Recordiau Neb Glass.

With the sexiness of Moloko and the dark bass of Tensake circa ‘Around The House’, Ani Glass is walking a beguiling line you daren’t take your eyes of.

Vocally, she flits between the dangerous and sexy tones of Laura Marling in the verses to heavenly escapism of Kate Bush and pop majesty of King Princess.

Glass’ weird and wonderful vision is one to watch in 2020.

Ani Glass 2020 tour dates:

6th March - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

7th March - Railway Station, Caernarfon

10th March - The Social, London TBC

13th March - In-store at Spillers, Cardiff

14th March - Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham 

21st March - In-store at Tangled Parrot, Carmarthen 

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

Fast Blood - Milo

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s Fast Blood are back with ‘Milo’, the second single from their debut EP (released 28th Feb).

Their previous single ‘You’, was full of Kerouac’s desperate romance and was gloriously euphoric. On ‘Milo’, these adventures have been replaced anxiety and nihilism. Hello darkness my old friend!

So often, music offers up happy lyrics to a sad song and vice versa. However, ‘Milo’ reminds us all, if your struggling, vent, vent and vent some more! The fractious stop start guitars are the perfect partner to Abigail Barlow’s desolate lyrics. Despite the rage, and the agony of the line “sad excuse of a useless heart”, her vocals are never without hope. It’s this, more than anything, that keeps you coming back to their anthemic despair.

The lo-fi guitars bring Idlewild’s work on ‘100 Broken Windows’ and classic Pixies to the fore. Splice in Barlow’s North East accent and a uniquely dynamic alt-pop niche materialising.

*Image courtesy of www.stevenlandlesphotography.com

Nada Surf – So much Love

Who among us hasn’t felt lost in recent years. Politically, culturally, financially, austerity, and the politics of hate have dominated. Just when political hope exited stage left, Nada Surf entered stage right!

Their new single ‘So Much Love’, taken from their ninth studio album ‘Never Not Together’, is the spark progressive minds need. The spritely guitars of LA’s are given the free spirit of British Sea Power’s ‘Bad Bohemian’ on this instant pop classic.

With tolerance and acceptance oozing from every note, the fractured times we live will disappear immediately. To find a melody this infectious nine albums in is astonishing. What other band has found a single this great this late on in their career?

*image courtesy of Annie Dressner

The Crooks - She Walks Alone

Chesterfield five piece, The Crooks, are a fledgling band in name only! They continually reach for the stars and, on previous single ‘Nevermind’, begun to nestle in alongside them..

*All images supplied by the band.

With Noel Gallagher’s early day dreaming euphoria in their hearts, they are song writing for headline slots. Noting has changed on their new single ‘She Walks Alone’, released on Friday 17th January.  

Barely two months since ‘Nevermind’, the progress is astonishing. Frontman Jacko, has innate ability to sing Noel’s Oasis songs as if her were Liam. That extra aggression, apace with emotive key changes breeds new life into the sound.   

The intricate influence of The Verve has added a depth to their sound. The opening Nick McCabe licks will put your excitement levels on red alert. Then, Mods’ solo strikes. The heady days of Steve Craddock’s OCS brilliance align with the shimmering genius of McCabe, it’s truly sublime!

Lyrically, they have elevated themselves too. The tormented soul who “walks alone in her mind” paints a tragic picture. Not to be downhearted, The Crooks’ infectious spirit comes to the rescue. With an encouraging arm around the shoulder, they lead their protagonist back to the promised land.

For so many, hope diminished last December. Some were even left crossing boxes in tears of shame. This song may well become a rock ‘n’ roll parable for the disaffected. Embracing the bad times, it paints a blueprint back to the good times.

Captain Handsome - Halloween

Captain Handsome is the eagerly anticipated side project of Fightmilk singer Lily Rae. Her latest single ‘Halloween’ is out today on all digital platforms and, will be followed by the physical release of the EP ‘I Am Not An Animal’ on 31st January via Reckless Yes.

From the opening strums of the guitar, you just know something brutally honest is coming. Rae, speaking about the track said “Halloween’ is part ode to Goth Christmas (the best day of the year) and part hardcore whinge about parties going wrong. If you've ever ended up as somebody else's funny story, I hope you manage to exorcise it and move on rather than putting horror strings into a three-minute lo-fi mope.”

Is it wrong to disagree? The sense of a soul crushed on the line “I had a bad time on the bathroom floor” at a party is something to rejoice in. If it’s never been you, you’re simply not living life romantically or dangerously enough.

The sinister strings build so much tension they should come with an anxiety warning, that is, until the release of the last chorus. What was once Rae’s deluge of sadness, becomes triumphant, an amusing footnote in a life clearly turned around to great success.

The tragic is magic. Let it in!

Reckless Yes currently have membership for the year open - included is all their releases this year, plus a load of other benefits and the knowledge you're supporting independent artists. The Captain Handsome EP is available to all members now and there's even an option to join Last Night From Glasgow at the same time and get all their releases too. More here - http://recklessyes.bigcartel.com

Twisted Wheel - Black & Blue

Manchester’s Twisted Wheel are back with their new single ‘Black & Blue’. The four piece release their third album 'Satisfying The Ritual’ (20 March 2020).

With mental health continuing to be a huge issue in the UK and, Christmas being a time of heightened anxiety for so many, Twisted Wheel’s heartfelt rock n roll could should open hearts and minds.

Lyrically, it’s their best work to date. There is no grand rock ‘n’ roll gestures here. The everyday reference points get to tragic nature of this illness. The portrayal of self-destruction, in a manner which creeps up on people gradually, is both commendable and harrowing.

When rocks bombast and life’s harsh realities combine, the expectation is a watered down ballad. Whilst Twisted Wheel have injected Soundtrack of Our Lives’ ability to be sorrowful, they have maintained their dangerous sound.

The single is available to buy here.

Gill Landry - I Love You Too

Two-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist GILL LANDRY returns with his new single, ‘I Love You Too’. The track is taken from Landry’s upcoming fifth solo studio album Skeleton At The Banquet and is accompanied by a stunning new video.

Originally from Louisiana, Landry released 4 critically acclaimed solo albums with guests such as Laura Marling, Brandi Carlile, and Klara Söderberg (First Aid Kit). Having recorded and toured with, the best, the quality of this single comes as no surprise.

Packed full of drama like the great Nick Cave singles (which is all of them), Landry tells the tale of a man who has lost a grip on his identity. The slide guitar and Landry’s deep languid drawl paint a vast and lonely canvass.

The success of Peaky Blinders and it’s use of music has meant that, it has kind of become a genre in its own right. So much so, it’s impossible not to picture Tommy Shelby in a moment of inebriation recalling his love and pain for Grace Burgess.

‘I Love You Too’ is out now. Skeleton At The Banquet will be released 24 January 2020 via Loose on LP, CD and digitally. Pre-order the album here.

*Image courtesy of Alex Page

Nada Surf - Something I Should Do

Nada Surf recently announced their ninth studio album ‘Never Not Together’ is due for release February 7th via City Slang. To kick things off, they have released ‘Something I Should Do’.

It has been, at times, a ridiculous decade. At others, desperately worrying. The echoes of the 1930s have been sleepwalking there back into societies around the world. As the far right’s identity becomes more prominent, progressive influence has diminished.

Progressive liberalism has continuously lost votes, turned on itself, and, fragmented. As this decade closes, the New York icons have scratched away at the surface at let some much-needed light in to guide us through. Free yourself from social media, show more empathy and immerse yourself in art all seem obvious, but, via Matthew Caws’s heavenly vocals, they become gospel.

His lyrics hold much weight, not because of any Strummer-esque sloganeering, but, via their humbleness and honesty. His finger is on the pulse of what the human condition is in 2019. Wanting space to breathe but longing to belong in a social media dominated world is a different animal to anything seen in the last century. However, being kind hasn’t changed, and Caws eloquently advocates much more of it on and offline.

After 10 years of Tory divide and conquer tactics, and Trump’s acceleration into the abyss, this single, a chink of light for a more caring future is expertly timed.  They have drawn warm, embracing, and intelligent battle lines. Let heartfelt reason lead us to enlightenment once more!

*Image courtesy of Annie Dressner

Lacuna Bloome - My Girl Is A Supernova

With the commercialism of Christmas in full flight, the arrival of Lacuna Bloome’s romantic ode ‘My Girl Is A Supernova’ is perfectly timed. Released Wednesday 11th December, let their innocence and love soundtrack your festive season.

Previously, they have been concerned with re-imagining The Stone Roses for the modern-day. The last single ‘Plastic’ expertly does just that! ‘My Girl Is A Supernova’ witnesses their first real departure from their Mancunican idols. Sam’s guitars, subtler and straying into dreampop allow for Niall’s purist and his joyously romantic lyrics to truly shine before a crushing Robert Smith circa ‘Disintegration’ solo.

One thing that does remain from their love Roses is, the bass player and drummer had their moment in the sun too. Noah's drumming is the true star of this single. Devastating and life-affirming amid frontman Niall's couplets, he heightens thoughts of meeting the “one” tenfold.

Meanwhile, Molly's bass playing has taken on Mani and Simone Marie's (Primal Scream) ability to effortlessly link everything together with kick-ass hooks.

With the pop music adventure of Johnny Marr, The Cure, and Pet Shop Boys added to their arsenal, Lacuna Bloome continues to prove they are the hottest unsigned band in the UK.

*Image courtesy of @shotbybutch

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Death of Guitar Pop - Feeling Like a Right James Blunt

The time has come to cast your vote and make a real change. No, not the election (but please do vote). This Friday, Death of Guitar Pop release their Christmas single ‘Feeling Like A Right James Blunt at Christmas’. They have been killing it this past two years on the DIY scene, now, they are giving back with all proceeds going to mental health charity CALM.

Male suicide is still devastatingly high in the UK and, at Christmas time it hits a saddening peak. That said, this isn’t just some throwaway single for a good cause. This is the first Christmas classic since The Darkness’ ‘Christmas Time’ in 2003. It’s everything pop music should be, catchy, infectious and brings people together.

Lyrically, nothing will make you laugh more than this in 2019. Uncle Bet’s Lynx Africa sets and Uncle Trev’s racism are as comedic as they are melodic. As the brass soars, the backing choir-esque vocals bring home that warming feeling that, yes, we all buy into commercially but, when it comes from a humble and heartfelt place like this, it’s undeniable.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. The glorious parodies in the video of music video past are gut wrenchingly funny. Check out the video below, but, more importantly, buy it here:

https://smarturl.it/feelinglikejames?fbclid=IwAR2__P7JxQebofUzLtGphN0ImSL-5y1dBSn2mnrYeqzDAj1Pppj4Ugw4mCk