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.

Idealistics - The Rain In Our Eyes

Cambridge's Idealistics are back with a new EP. The three piece released 'The Rain In Our Eyes' recently and, have rightly been garner interest from Lammo and John Kennedy.

Images courtesy of Vanadian Avenue

It's hard to talk about the trio without mentioning singer and bassist Alexandra Hirsz. Having been diagnosed with a rare form of EDS, she is having to be fed via a tube that runs into her heart. So, the fact that she can record and perform live, to such high standards, is a a remarkable feat of human spirit.

However, this EP, is not something to pity. This is a shot at rock music glory and, at points, it succeeds. Arguably, it's only 'Timeless Goodbye's' where the EP falls short.

'Scandalous' takes Oasis' Kinks inspired 'Importance of Being Idle' guitars in the verses and then, switches through the gears to the Manics' 'Dylan & Caitlin'. It's no surprise Hirsz has joined the Manics to duet on 'Little Baby Nothing' in the past on this showing.

It's on 'Scandalous' and 'My Rules' where the Idealistics excel. The former, combines the aloof sexiness of Chris Stein's (Blondie) guitars and the undeniable prowess of Stevie Knicks. Then, on 'My Rules', via Hirsz' vocals, they transcend music.

The haunting pianos immediately warrant attention. Something special is happening here! Then, in five minutes of lyrical and vocal glory, Hirsz makes the world bow down to her sheer brilliance. By just stepping into a studio, she is defying what most of us would believe to be possible. To then poetically lead us mortals, into a head-space of not pigeon holing people with disabilities, especially in the arts (or anywhere), is as brilliant a social comment you will hear all year.

Couple this with, Hirsz' ability to channel the life affirming power of Patti Smith, you will be physically shaken.

‘The Rain In Our Eyes’ is available on Spotify.

Champion of Youth - Champion of Youth

In recent times, the indie-pop scene, has been dominated by Darren Hayman, Wave Pictures and Field Music. Often awkward, but always rewarding. Champion of Youth, have taken their baton, often spliced in the work of the legendary Pete Astor, and attempted to push the scene forwards.

Vocally, John Ammirati the has the hall marks of said Astor on ‘Admit It’ and ‘Restraint’. The former, is a solid indie number. That is, until Andrew Beswick delivers a solo with the cuteness of Alvvays and the charm of Coxon’s ‘Bittersweet Bundle Of Misery’.

On ‘Restraint’, the joyous Ray Davies-esque vocals of Astor’s ‘Spilk Milk’ combine with the effortless rumble of Allo Darlin‘ on this instant alt-pop classic.

Their quest innovation continues on ‘Every Tongue’ and ‘Last Day In The Sun’. ‘Every Tongue’, has the abrasiveness of The Wolfhounds at their best. The angular free flowing riffs of classics ‘Anti-Midas Touch’ or ‘Me’ are slowed to an almost funk meets Lou Reed drawl. There are, injections of pace, and Thousand Yard Stare points of aggression but, it never lets you settle.

On ‘Last Day In The Sun’, their quest to forge new paths peaks in a moment of joyous pop music. They inject the coolness of the Velvets with askew indie genius of Standard Fare.

Champion of Youth, on this EP, have given new life to an already creative genre. Slots at Indietracks and the Cambridge Indiepop alldayer beckon.

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

Le Cygne Noir - Last Day Of My Life EP

After last year’s groundbreaking debut album ‘Shadow of a Wrecking Ball’, Le Cygne Noir has returned with a new EP. Last Day Of My Life’ was released on the 10th January via Cherry Red Records.

Here is our track by track review:

Last Day of My Life

The beauty of Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ informs so much of this song. The pianos are achingly beautiful as he sings about desperation:

“I wake up to a holocaust / my dearest dreams have all been lost”

So much pain, so much beauty, all wrapped up into the gentle but power opening minutes.

That is, until, it morphs into a Bunnymen meets New Order dancefloor filler. Arm in arm, love oozing from its pores, this is an anthem of unification. Throw in the sublime nod to Kraftwerk, and, it has it all!

Deadly Night Shade

If Gruff Rhys fronted Depeche Mode in a period of heavy Burt Bacharach and Scott Walker influence, this would surely be the results.

The sumptuous 60s melodies, Acid Jazz organs and the gothic vocals all combine to create images of Italian pastel coloured mods with goth eyeliner.

Deny the vocal hooks and the ecstatic guitar solo at your peril.

Red Light

The recent energetic psyche of Erland & The Carnival and Weller’s ‘Saturn’s Pattern’ & ‘Sonik Kicks’ combine with the nerve damaging Hawkwind and the freakier side of The Creation and Pretty Things.

On paper it sounds great, right? However, such is the quality of the previous two tracks, you are left feeling something is awry. The pop cut through has gone from the special madness he has created.

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

MOSES: Live at Water Rats, London

London’s MOSES signed of 2019 with a home city gig at Water Rats. It has been another year of great singles, and crucially, real creative growth.

Then, mid set, the bombshell was dropped. Frontman Victor announces lead guitarist Rory is playing his last show with the band. Two years ago, MOSES were very much a band that had a great frontman. On this night, they were tight as fuck, and it was Rory dying on his MOSES sword in glory.

Maybe it was supporting The Blinders in 2018 that turned the corner for Rory. Their slot with the Manchester/Doncaster three piece, all of equal greatness, returned MOSES to Cro Cro Land this past April ablaze. A spiteful punkiness permeated their rock n roll credentials to take them to another level. This power, was out in full force at Water Rats.

To date, MOSES have been a band who have been one paced. Luckily, it was always full tilt and exciting. ‘King Size’, ‘Cause You Got Me’ and singalong anthem ‘River Thames’ were all prime cuts of this energy. However, they’ve never fully done Victor’s song writing justice.

Now, with ‘Joy’ and ‘Findings’ in their live arsenal, they have the ability to take you on his emotional roller coaster. As he sings “give me hope, give me love, give me something that can help me find you” echoes of U2’s ‘Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ fill the room. His sense of loneliness in a city as overpopulated as London, is the modern day equivalent of Andrew Lincoln’s career defining performance as Egg in ‘This Life’.

What the future holds for MOSES post-Rory remains to be seen but, if this is all it was going to be, its how you sign off in style. It was Ali Cook scoring a ton in his last for England. With the growth shown in 2019 in the studio, it would be one hell of a waste though.

*image courtesy of Ana Ben Ana