Category: Music

Music

Review: Futurology – Manic Street Preachers

Written concurrently with last yearÔÇÖs ÔÇÿRewind the FilmÔÇÖ, itÔÇÖs more accurate to describe ÔÇÿFuturologyÔÇÖ as a counterpart than a follow-up to SeptemberÔÇÖs acoustic reflection on middle age. Indeed, a lot of the songs here give a comforting feel in contrast to the heartbreaking moments of ÔÇÿRewind the FilmÔÇÖ. The opening title track bubbles through its verses until a soothing Nicky Wire vocal ÔÇ£one day we … Continue reading Review: Futurology – Manic Street Preachers

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Music

Live Review: Arcade Fire, British Summer Time (03/07/14)

Following a successful show at Glastonbury only a week earlier, Arcade Fire are set to headline the British Summer Time festival. The atmosphere within Hyde Park is relaxed with tinges of anticipation. Combined with a wide variety of stalls and amusements that you would expect at a festival, itÔÇÖs easy to think you were a world away from the capital, rather than at its epicentre. … Continue reading Live Review: Arcade Fire, British Summer Time (03/07/14)

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Music

Preview: Beacons Festival (7th-10th August)

Taking over Funkirk Estate in Skipton this August 7th-10th is Beacons Festival. Beacons is North YorkshireÔÇÖs premier arts and music festival set amongst the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. With student ticket deals (only ┬ú89.50 plus booking with a valid student card) or buy five get one free offers (at ┬ú109.50 plus booking) and some of the biggest names in new music itÔÇÖs not one to be … Continue reading Preview: Beacons Festival (7th-10th August)

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Music

Review: Ed Sheeran – x

Following up Ed Sheeran’s chart topping album ‘+,’┬á the highly anticipated ‘x’ is set to be just as huge. Expressing his emotions of love, hurt, the pressures of stardom and of course, inebriation, we see Sheeran’s true lyrical talent in his ability to construct depth and meaning whilst keeping each track delightfully poppy. Opening track ‘One,’ whilst a seemingly bleak start to the album, is … Continue reading Review: Ed Sheeran – x

charliemock
Music

Review: Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown

There’s a reason why Every Time I Die are heralded as one of the most consistently brilliant bands in hardcore and their latest output, seventh studio album ÔÇÿFrom Parts UnknownÔÇÖ, is definitive proof. The sombre chords at the outset of opening track, ÔÇÿThe Great EscapeÔÇÖ, signal the calm before the storm. When the song kicks in, it instigates an unrelenting torrent of pure aggression. Vocalist … Continue reading Review: Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown

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Music

Review: Jack White – Lazaretto

To some extent, you know what youÔÇÖre going to get with a Jack White record. ‘Lazaretto’, White’s second studio album, is no exception with most of the old trademarks present.┬áRaucous riffing and squealing solos? Check. Weird, jarring lyrics? Check. And, rising above it all, you get WhiteÔÇÖs signature hair raising yelp. Although, thereÔÇÖs also a marked emphasis on the mellower side of his sound, with … Continue reading Review: Jack White – Lazaretto

charliemock
Music

Review: Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence

Inevitable pressure and expectation: the second albumÔÇÖs labelled ÔÇ£difficultÔÇØ for a reason. Despite extra EPs and deluxe editions, Lana Del Rey has greater expectation than most for her second studio album after breakthrough ÔÇÿBorn to DieÔÇÖ made her a teenage icon.┬á ÔÇÿUltraviolenceÔÇÖ has been received exceptionally well though, as the consensus seem to believe it eclipses ÔÇÿBorn to DieÔÇÖ with its newfound sleepy psychedelica. Del … Continue reading Review: Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence

charliemock
Music

Review: Peace – Sin City, Swansea 12/06/14

What initially seems like an odd choice of venue becomes painfully clear upon entering SwanseaÔÇÖs Sin City. ItÔÇÖs packed. Perhaps something to do with the Birmingham quartetÔÇÖs recent appearance on E4ÔÇÖs hit ÔÇÿrealityÔÇÖ show Made in Chelsea? Certainly not. This crowd know exactly what theyÔÇÖre waiting for and it is by no means influenced by a controversial TV cameo. An echoing intro sets the mood … Continue reading Review: Peace – Sin City, Swansea 12/06/14

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Music

Live Review: Chet Faker – Colston Hall, Bristol

Chet FakerÔÇÖs career has been one of constant battle with definitions; does he make jazz, soul, house, hip-hopÔǪ Is he where he wants to be? Minutes into his live show, as Faker dances around the array of equipment surrounding him, a wry smile on his face, it becomes abundantly clear that he has no interest in being categorised. HeÔÇÖs perfectly happy to just make music … Continue reading Live Review: Chet Faker – Colston Hall, Bristol

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Music

Review: ZABA – Glass Animals

As one of the first acts signed to Paul EpworthÔÇÖs Wolf Tone label, the excitement around Oxford quartet Glass Animals has been gradually building over the past two years. Following a trio of well-received EPÔÇÖs that have displayed a willingness to experiment and rework their own material, the release of debut LP, ÔÇÿZABAÔÇÖ, proves reason for the aforementioned excitement. Opener ÔÇÿFlipÔÇÖ begins stripped back, with … Continue reading Review: ZABA – Glass Animals

charliemock
Music

Review: Thumpers – Galore

Introducing Thumpers and their debut album ‘Galore’. Released via their own label, the band have┬áshot themselves into the ether of hype surrounding the records release. With the title track and first single from the album gaining recognition from the likes of XFM, Radio 1 and Radio 6 Music, the duo certainly have a lot to live up to. The record starts with the welcoming tones … Continue reading Review: Thumpers – Galore

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Music

Interview: CHVRCHES

Tucked into the UnionÔÇÖs cluttered backstage area with an unassuming air, you would never guess that the synthpop trio were in the middle of their international tour following seemingly instant success with 2013 debut album The Bones of What You Believe. Lead singer Lauren Mayberry is quick to defend the hard work itÔÇÖs taken to get this far: ÔÇÿFor us, it doesnÔÇÖt feel that instant … Continue reading Interview: CHVRCHES

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Music

Festival Preview: Pili Pala, Swansea

Now in its second year, Pili Pala festival is returning to SwanseaÔÇÖs Uplands from 16-17 May. The event will showcase the best of local music talent across four live venues. Regulars on the local circuits include Cardiff-based Houdini Dax with an onslaught of powerful, upbeat rock, while the alternative Tarsiers will be bringing psychedelic influences to the scene. Meanwhile, warm acoustic sets that falter in … Continue reading Festival Preview: Pili Pala, Swansea

Hannah Embleton-Smith44 Comments
Music

Album Review: Chet Faker – ‘Built On Glass’

Despite the relative rapidity of Chet FakerÔÇÖs growth in stature since dropping that ÔÇÿNo DiggityÔÇÖ cover back in 2011, the Melbournian has continued to develop on his own terms. Following recent collaborations with Flume, this debut is just the second release of FakerÔÇÖs solo career following 2012ÔÇÖs ÔÇÿThinking in TexturesÔÇÖ EP. FakerÔÇÖs love for jazz is clear from the offset, and the infectious bass line … Continue reading Album Review: Chet Faker – ‘Built On Glass’

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Music

Preview: Jealous Lovers Club & Juxtaposed Microfest, Gwdihw Caf├® Bar, 04.05.14

May 4th 2014 brings with it the inaugural Jealous Lovers Club Microfest. Taking place across two stages at CardiffÔÇÖs Gwdihw Caf├® Bar, the festival will be a showcase of Jealous Lovers ClubÔÇÖs musical mantra, with Playlounge, Nai Harvest, Radstewart, Woahnows, Olympians and a whole load more filling out the diverse bill, topped by the return of indie-popÔÇÖs best kept secret Tellison, in their first Cardiff … Continue reading Preview: Jealous Lovers Club & Juxtaposed Microfest, Gwdihw Caf├® Bar, 04.05.14

Tom Connick1,762 Comments
Music

Album Review: Superfood – ‘MAM’

B-town four piece Superfood have released ‘Mam’ to the masses, and fans of fellow Brummie bands like Peace will fall head over heels in love with their short and sweet EP. Having supported Drenge and the aforementioned Peace on tour last year, 2014 sees the quartet hit the road with Wolf Alice in late Spring. In tow, will be their newly recorded tracks. ÔÇÿTVÔÇÖ is … Continue reading Album Review: Superfood – ‘MAM’

Tom Connick480 Comments
Music

Live Review: Johnny Foreigner and Radstewart, Clwb Ifor Bach

The jewel in Cardiff’s independent venues crown is slightly under packed on this monumental Friday night. It’s been four years since Johnny Foreigner have graced the stage of Clwb Ifor Bach and their committed following seem committed to them and them alone. Those who have bothered to arrive early for the supports mingle around the bar as Totem Terrors take to the stage, boasting lovely … Continue reading Live Review: Johnny Foreigner and Radstewart, Clwb Ifor Bach

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Music

Album Review: Manchester Orchestra – ‘Cope’

Most wonÔÇÖt have ever given much thought to the simple word ÔÇÿcopeÔÇÖ. Manchester Orchestra have. ÔÇÿCopeÔÇÖ explores every avenue of meaning it possesses, the simple power of one word best epitomised by the succinct branding of this album. Always lyrically strong, AtlantaÔÇÖs finest have stepped up their game with this album finalising a journey of struggles with life, death and everything in-between spanning four studio … Continue reading Album Review: Manchester Orchestra – ‘Cope’

Tom Connick1,470 Comments
Music

Live Review: Manchester Orchestra, The Fleece Bristol

ItÔÇÖs been 3 years since Manchester Orchestra have hopped across the pond, and the excitement is palpable in the sold out crowd packed into the Fleece for tonight, the first show of their tour promoting new album ÔÇÿCopeÔÇÖ. The Fleece is a curious venue, with its metal struts jutting up from ground to ceiling at every few metres, and to begin with you wonder how … Continue reading Live Review: Manchester Orchestra, The Fleece Bristol

Tom Connick401 Comments