The new double A-side single from uber-talented guitar afficionado Iain Archer is the first release from his forthcoming album Magnetic North. Archer has surpassed himself with both of these tracks: 'Soleil' is punchy and energetic, but 'Canal Song (End Of Sentence)' is stellar, boasting some intricate guitar, lilting vocals and noticeable echoes of Elliot Smith.
This is the first release from The Radio since their debut album Kindness in 2004. The title track 'Satellite' is an upbeat tune featuring the signature breathy female vocals that characterise their songs. Gentle harmonies and a catchy melody layered over a punchy beat make this a lovely summer track. In places, particularly on their more subdued tracks, they sound a lot like American quirky rock outfit The Eels, minus the underlying darkness. The Radio make subtly pretty songs and can really shine when they want to, as the title track on this EP demonstrates.
Seems we forgot to flip the record over. Pinky's 'Jack The Lad' features on a vinyl-only double A-side single with Porn Trauma's 'Cassanova Blues', which we've already reviewed. Well now it's Pinky's turn, and it was worth the wait. 'Jack The Lad' is an uptempo track with funky verses and an irresistable chorus. Pinky's distinctive voice really makes this track memorable, varying between deep and soulful and bright and soaring. Definitely one to watch in coming months.
Imagine growing up in Falkirk, a very small and very rainy village in Scotland, and living a youth of unrequited love, forbidden desires, drinking cans of cider in fields, awkward sexual encounters with female friends and dirty bed sheets. This might help you to understand Moffat’s background and lyrical content, but nothing can prepare you for the brutal honesty and frankness with which he sings.
You've got to hand it to them for their energy. The pace of 'Henrietta' is frenetic throughout - and it's a lot of fun to dance around to. With the current overload of young post-punk rockers clamouring for attention in the UK, The Fratellis may have a difficult time standing out. This is a strong debut single though, so if things go right for them, they could be bumping shoulders with those pesky Monkeys and Chiefs in no time.
Thankfully, this unusually-titled song from India Arie is not just about her hair. Oh no, she is onto so much more than that. "I am not your expectation," she proclaims in that husky soulful voice and we kinda' get the picture. The Atlanta, Georgia native says that her mission is to "spread love and healing through music." This may not cure the masses but it's a nice little antidote all the same.
You know those songs that seem only to work at a certain time of the year? Well, come on down 'Lips Are Unhappy' - your time is now. It's playfully light without being pointless, and manages to echo the pop of the '60s without sounding like a carbon copy. And if you like things slightly more world-weary, b-side 'Baby I'm Broke' is a bit of a heartbreaker.
The second single from Dublin four piece The Adventures starts with a few seconds of feedback. It's a chance to steady yourself, because for the next two and a half minutes 'Don't Tell Your Friends' doesn't let up, showcasing a band who are learning fast how to mix lethal pop hooks with driving melodies. Tell your friends!
There is no shortage of great rock bands coming out of Cork these days and Red Sea Pedestrians fancy themselves as the hardest working of the lot. They certainly rock hard and this single, from their debut album, affirms their classic rock sound. 'Tear' is anthemic and passionate and serves as a nod to RSPs influeces, like the Dave Matthews Band and Led Zeppelin.
The latest release from the Mr. Beast album, 'Travel Is Dangerous' shows why Alan McGee reckons Mogwai do shoegazing even better than My Bloody Valentine. There's an immense sense of brooding, emotional restraint during the verses, which give way to a stirring chorus. Genuinely powerful stuff.
The Jades' lead singer Sheila O'Sullivan has a powerful and beautifully textured voice which holds its own against a background blast of guitars, bass, drums and something a little electronic. 'Beautiful Thing' uses the ever-popular formula of toned-down verses followed by a memorable power chorus and it works well. Their debut album, due for release in September, should be great, if this is anything to go by.
Dublin-based quartet Communal's second single from their debut album Passport is impressive, even on first listen. 'Be One' is a steady tune that has radio playability written all over it, thanks to Jools King's emotive vocals. Steady is the operative word - don't expect fireworks from this song. Nonetheless, it's a likeable excursion.
We really could do without another set of Coldplay clones, couldn't we? Well, Cord wouldn't agree: they seem pretty happy following in the dull footsteps of Chris Martin and co. 'Winter' is not a bad song, it is just very unexciting. Listening to it, I couldn't help feeling decidedly underwhelmed. Which is not the kind of feeling I want music to evoke in me.
Man, that voice is annoying. What is he saying? Nerve-jangling vocals aside, this single, while being catchy enough to have the emo kids hooked, is definitely not as memorable as FOB's previous offerings. At 2:51, it's on the short side too. But I supposed we should be greatful for that. A little less whining, a little more music next time, perhaps?
'Whip My Blue Chip' has all the right ingredients for a band who claim to be influenced by Bowie and the Super Furry Animals - intriguingly strange lyrics, detached vocals, and a nice mix of electronica and guitars. But it never really blasts off in the way you keep hoping it will, and as it fades out, you can't help but feel nothing terribly important has happened.
Bill Callahan, pioneer of lo-fi alt-country, continues in the same vein as always with his latest single 'Rock Bottom Riser' under his Smog moniker. Melancholy and poignant, Callaghan's vocals sound deep and reedy as ever as he waxes lyrical on matters from family to his guitar. "I love my Father, I love my Mother, I love my sister too", he drones. If there was ever a song that would put you to sleep, this is it but if wallowing is your thing you'll love this.
The first track on Dublin-based singer-songwriter Eamonn O'Connor's EP, Born To A Holy Land, is a melancholic lament to Ireland's troubled past and woes of the present day. Cello accompanies acoustic guitar to give it a deep mournful sound, with some genuine spine-tingling moments. 'Love In Vain' is a little more cheerful and up-tempo throughout and has a definite folk/country feel. O'Connor's voice is soft and wistful, lending a distinctive atmosphere to his music. 'Yellow Man Street' is accompanied by harmonica, again giving it that folk feel and subject matter sticks with the parochial and traditional. We hardly need another singer-songwriter but we can certainly make an exception for Eamonn O'Connor.
Head Automatica’s 2004 debut Decadence was a dance-rock extravaganza. For the follow-up, former Glassjaw frontman Daryl Polumbo has crafted an altogether poppier affair, full of Fall Out Boy-style harmonies, meaty riffs and powerful choruses.
