The Rotanas – Scores on the Doors

Formed back in May 2017, Cardiff’s The Rotanas have been steadily growing on the underground circuit. Feb 28th, they return with their new single ‘Scores On The Doors’, released via Distrokid. Will this be their breakthrough single?

The past few years have belonged to the UK punk scene. Rightly so, there has been a plethora of angst ridden talent. However, if there was anything to learn from Labour’s crushing defeat, howling rage against the status quo alone, is not enough.

Whilst this single is not the answer, it offers a bridge to from punk to something more universally appealing. There is enough spite in Harry Watton’s vocals to lure the fans of Fontaines and, enough psyche on the guitars to tempt the disciples of The Blinders and IDLES.

Sonically, this is a rock ‘n roll wet dream. One where Twisted Wheel and Shed Seven have united. Who better than them, to deliver a tale of carefree abandon vs going home early?

They have been defining themselves as Gritpop, it might just be the framework of angst and escapism Britain needs!

Yuka Tree

Yuka Tree are five-piece punk/rock ‘n’ roll outfit consisting of Kieran Breese (vocals & guitar) Louis McLoughlin (guitar), Jacob Shotton (guitar), Joe Royle (bass) and Ollie Barron (drums).

In January, they released their debut single ‘Preacher’ via Manchester’s 42 Records.  Recorded with Jack Howorth (Fat White Family), it’s their first step into the burgeoning punk scene.

Maybe it’s the that they’re from 5 different cities that, they have more universal appeal than many of the current punk crop. It certainly lends themselves to the Fontaines DC end of the pool than the vitriol of IDLES.

Although not free flowing like early Oasis, the punk-cum-psychedelic hiss of ‘Bring It On Down’ or ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ lurks in the shadows. The stop start nature lends itself to many classic Fall records as well as, the coming of age rebellion of LIFE.

Sure fire ones to watch!

Levellers – Food Roof Family

Have 32 years really have passed since Mark Chadwick and Jeremy Cunningham met in The Eagle in Brighton? 11 studio albums (soon to be 12), and 17 Beautiful Days festivals later, they have returned with their latest single, ‘Food Roof Family’.

With soaring fiddles and unifying polemic, they have tapped into the groove that made them legends on ‘Levelling The Land’. Chadwick’s guitars play great homage The Ruts venomous classic ‘Staring At The Rude Boys’.

Despite being entrenched in punk; they stride out beyond its polemic. Through their song writing, they’ve hit upon a pathway that moves past the aggressive binary times we are living in.

No matter how frenzied or desperate the guitars threaten to be, the Celtic tones of the strings lend an affection that few possess. So much so that, by the time of the chorus, you’ll be reaching for loved ones to embrace and euphorically raise your fists.

Despite their longevity, their passionate rhetoric has not waned. Furthermore, the hooks and ecstasy which propelled them to our hearts on ‘Levelling The Land’, is out in full force. Here’s to another 22 years.

The British IBM - Man of the Hour

The Cambridge three piece recently released ‘Man of the Hour’, the lead single from their new album ‘Play The Game, out tomorrow.

With the ragged glory of Guided By Voices in their hearts, they stagger their way to rock ‘n’ roll’s promised land. They’ve combined the effortlessness of Pete Astor and the alt-pop of The Wannadies, with rock ‘n’ rolls rabid desperation to be heard.

The results lead to another rock ‘n’ roll underdog that should be heard. Whilst it lacks that truly killer chorus or solo, there is a doggedness that’s impossible not to fall for.

*Image courtesy of Ian Guebert

Shambolics - Sandra Speed

Dunfermline four piece, Shambolics, returned on Valentine’s Day with their new single 'Sandra Speed'. Released on Alan McGee's Creation23, it follows November's sold 7 inch 'Fight Another Feeling'.

Last November, they sold out London’s Water Rats (full review). A stepping stone towards bigger for many, but, for Shambolics, it was a night where they laid bare who they truly were. The pop majesty of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ and ‘Tusk’ and the genius of Alex Chilton shone through their playing. Now, on ‘Sandra Speed’, they have a record to do the same.

The effortlessness and, slightly wayward genius of Chilton’s 'The Ballad of El Gonodo' shines bright. With 70s hedonism gone and, the working class triumph of the mid-90s a vague memory, Shambolics rightly, had to inject an urgent grittiness to the single.

At present, punk is in the ascendency. It’s a great angst filled moment in time to savour. Lurking in the shadows though, are tunesmiths like Shambolics. The spirit of punk in their hearts, they are waiting to infiltrate the masses. It won’t be long!

Ist Ist - Wolves

Manchester four piece, Ist Ist, recently announced their debut album, 'Architecture’ is due for release on May 1st. To kick things of, they have released 'Wolves' as the lead single.

The post-punk quartet have set their lasers to destruct! Frontman, Adam Houghton professes “proof there is no god” as he lays bare, anxieties of social services coming for your children in the night. Alongside his intense vocals, the darkness becomes tangible.

The guitars and bass, throb with so much ferocity that, IDLES, White Lies, Editors, Shame and anyone else they (we) have ever compared them to fade out of sight. They have launched themselves into the universe with a bullet of the utmost severity.

All shall bow down to its glory!

The Blinders – Circle Song

February 13th marked the date when, the most exciting UK band, bar none, returned. The Blinders, following on from their instant classic ‘Columbia’, have returned with ‘Circle Song’. Produced by Rob Ellis, (PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi), it is the lead single from their upcoming album, ‘Fantasies Of A Stay At Home Psychopath’ due out in May.

The Blinders toured last winter, it was a valiant attempt to help Corbyn into power. Alas, their joyous dystopian rage failed to land beyond the converted. The political parallels are uncanny.

‘Circle Song’, musically has dramatically moved away from ‘Columbia’. In as come, the stylisation of ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino’ and the romance of Bowie’s ‘Drive-In Saturday’ to send the trio of in a new direction.  

Such was The Blinders’ connection with Labour last December that, it’s hard not to hear ‘Circle Song’ and be drawn to the Labour leadership contest. While the band needn’t reinvent themselves, this new, more reflective approach allows their talent to breathe. Maybe this is the way for both them, and the Labour party to win over the masses?

The Blinders head out on tour this May from the 1st May, check here for the dates.

Daniel Land – White Chalk

“All love is cast away”

London based artist Daniel Land returned the fateful 31st January to release ‘White Chalk’, the lead single of his upcoming new album. Written with rhythm guitarist, Gary Bruce, it’s available on his Bandcamp page now.

Land is in a spell of creativity at present, having to release his masterpiece ‘The Dream of the Red Sails’ (full review here) and the EP ‘A Certain Kind of Light’ in 2019. This offering has picked up that slipstream of beauty on this Brexit inspired single.

Sombre and reflective, land talks of “selling England” and the “winter that is coming over island”. Whilst this may appear antagonistic, in reality, it’s a heartfelt indictment of how many remain voters felt on 31st January. Land expertly delivers the sense of loss many felt. Not of an economic union, few understood but, a death of love and kindness.

Despite the sorrow, Land’s dream-pop guitars, flicker gently, hopeful, and alas, on the horizon, like European shores. Land has set the bar high for his new album, an exciting prospect awaits.  

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