Box Camera possesses a subtle appeal that mightn’t be evident on first listen, but be patient and the lush melodies and layered hooks begin to work their charm.
Although bass player Rob is the lead singer, most of the band’s energy is channeled through keyboardist Pennie who has a very serious case of Frontman’s Syndrome. When not screeching backing vocals he’s prowling about the stage like a hyperactive child fed a steady diet of sugar sandwiches and Iggy Pop records.
Students are renowned for their loud music, substance abuse and copulating in the streets. But eating disorders, anxiety, stress and depression may be more true to life.
When not sleeping late or trying to score free beer, students like nothing better than to kick back and watch a movie. In fact, it is thanks to students that many films have gained a permanent place in the pantheon. Here are some stude faves from the annals.
The lead single from The Frames’ soon to be released seventh album The Cost is a double A-sided affair which will easily keep their faithful happy and might even win them a few new fans. ’Falling Slowly’ starts gently before building to a gorgeously anthemic, sing-along chorus and soaring finale. ‘No More I love Yous’ sees the band using the traditional quiet/loud formula but with their own twist, while Glen’s singing has never sounded as heartfelt and passionate.
It seems Sheffield is the place to be these days. Apart from Alex Turner and his crew, we have The Long Blondes and Little Man Tate making a lot of waves with the indie-loving faithful. Pity poor Milburn though. These youngsters are former Sunday football mates of the Arctic Monkeys, and they face the biggest challenge of all trying to step out from the long shadow cast by that band’s extraordinary debut.
Since coming to Ireland, IZABELA CHUDZICKA has seen her compatriots arrive in droves and establish a thriving immigrant community here. As the presenter of Ota Polska on City Channel, she has an inside track on the Polish experience in Ireland.
PETER, BJORN AND JOHN have released one of the finest pop albums of the year in the shape of Writer’s Block. As their first Irish headline show, tonight’s gig, therefore, has the potential to be something memorable. It is, but for all the wrong reasons
By ommitting references to penalty points, kilometres or stricter enforcement of drink driving laws, the Government’s official Rules of the Road is dangerously behind the times.
This new single is a three-minute distillation of exactly what the Frattellis are about, with lots of hand-claps, a manic sing-along chorus and, of course, driving drums behind buzz-saw guitars. ‘Chelsea Dagger’ is the perfect tune to get the masses warmed up for their debut, out next month. Sure, it’s shambolic in places. But these boys sure know how to bring it all back together to create an all-singing, all-stamping wig out.
Ironically (or, more likely, deliberately) it takes all of five seconds before the new Scissor Sisters' single awakens in you the urge to get up and dance like a crazy sugar-filled loon. Elton John plays on the track, which is fitting as it is the most Elton John-sounding song the man never wrote himself – lots of ‘70s glam disco flourishes that should guarantee it a place at the top of the charts.
Music to listen to if you want to transport yourself back to post-Nirvana, mid ’90s grungelite-by-numbers hell. If you do find yourself in possession of this single, skip immediately to the b-side, ‘All Purpose Underneath’. This suggests there might be a less overwrought and slightly more interesting side to Pilotlight.
The Blizzards' rollercoaster shows no sign of losing momentum. This little number is destined to become one of the tracks of the (late) summer. The boys from Mullingar have taken Weezer’s power pop formula, added a dash of Scissor Sisters glam and a pinch of Queen bombast. The result? An instantly catchy tune that will keep their fans sated (just about) until their debut album arrives in the autumn.
The debut single release form The Mighty Roars is a rollicking statement of intent. It comes at you on the back of a breakneck riff, all thunderous hand-clap rhythms and pounding drums. Swedish singer Lara Granqvist exploits the middle ground between Karen O and PJ Harvey: the result is an abrasive yet instantly catchy, shout-along single. There are sure to be lots of Yeah Yeah Yehas comparisons but in truth The Mighty Roars tread a different territory, one previously occupied by the likes of the B52s and The Pixies. Their Take A Bite Of Peach EP caused quite a stir when it was released last year. If this song is any reflection of their album, it won't be long before The Mighty Roars are heard everywhere. The B-side, 'Whipped Ma Bitch' is also well worth checking out.
No, it’s not The Police making a dramatic comeback. But you could be forgiven for thinking Sting and the boys had gotten together again when you first hear Luke Jenners' singing on the new single from the New York electro-punks. Expectations are high for the band’s next album, Pieces Of The People We Love, due in September. ‘Get Myself Into It’ lacks the serrated groove of hits such as ‘House Of Jealous Lovers’. Still, its staccato reggae tinged chorus will make sure it’s another dance-floor filler.
Inspired by a chat with one of her friends who had just signed up to an Internet dating service, Eleanor McEvoy’s new single takes a wry look at the way people describe themselves when seeking that perfect someone. With a backing track that creates a smokey, lounge-like atmosphere, McEvoy’s look at the world of PO Box dating is at once touching and humourous and is a good teaser for her Out There album.
Brian Wilson gets referenced in Junior Boys reviews – it’s not that hard to see why. Although a million miles away from sun-blissed Californian pop, The Junior Boy’s brand of synthesised electro-pop strikes a similar chord. ‘In The Morning’ snakes its way out from your speakers and will climb inside your head before you realise what’s happening. The vocals are suitably restrained and by the time the spine-tingling piano kicks in, this track will have completely immersed you in its sleazy rhythmic beats.
A close contender for single of the fortnight, ‘Rocket Ship’ is a very loud and equally catchy old school rock’n’roll song. The Dublin quartet take their love of late ‘70s new wave and New York punk and contort it to deliver a cracking tune that never lets up in pace. The band are renowned for their frenetic delivery and chaotic shows – they have succeeded in capturing some of that energy on record. Singer Ronan Turner delivers some nice’n’sleazy CBGBs vocal creating, with some help from the other boys, a chorus that will stay in your mind for weeks.
Sheffield’s favourite sons return to bridge the gap between their phenomenal Whatever People Say I Am ... debut and their as-yet-unrecorded second album. When it’s released, that record will need to have a lot more tricks up its sleeve than this single. On the first listen it seems to have all the ingredients in place. Alex Turner’s wry tale of waking up beside someone you don’t fancy after a night out, the uber-tight rhythm section and the angular guitar are all vintage Arctic features. Despite this, the song seems to fall flat, never threatening to reach the heights of their previous singles.
An Ireland-only release to coincide with his upcoming Electric Picnic appearance, this EP is a must-have for fans of the Idaho songwriter. It’s essentially Ritter and his acoustic guitar on most of the tracks. Included is a cover of Modest Mouse’s ‘Blame It On The Teutons’. There are also two previously unreleased originals, ‘Harbortown’ and ‘Peter Killed The Dragon’, a gorgeous number that sees Ritter exploring his fascination with religious imagery.
One of the country’s best live acts, TKO have announced that their debut single is to be in aid of ‘2 Lads And A Cinquecento’, a campaign to support safe driving. Influenced by jazz, funk, folk and rock, the band are certainly versatile: it’s a pity then that ‘Let’s Go’ is such a standard affair. There’s not a whole lot wrong with it. But there’s a MOR blandness that the band appear to be trying to shake off for most of the song and it just doesn’t happen.
While there are moves afoot to crack down on ticket touts, auctioning concert tickets may be a way for promoters and artists to absorb the touts’ share of the spoils.
Try not to let their awful name put you off this debut from Leeds band Duels. The Bright Lights sees the band trading in the same kind of kitchen-sink estate tales espoused by the Arctic Monkeys and fellow Yorkshire outfit the Kaiser Chiefs but without the humour of Alex’s crowd and the instant catchiness of Ricky’s mob. This, however, doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.
Judging by the ecstatic cheering that accompanied him off stage when he finished, it won’t be too long before James Morrison is back. Most likely with a hit album to promote.
