Saturday 28 February 2015

Glamour Assassins

Glamour Assassins? I can't agree with the name, their electronic jewels are surely for show and provide a glamorous accessory for nearly anyones playlist rather than killing it. Their recent singe 'Phantom of the Disco' features sci-fi like background melodies that offer a spacey feel, allowing you to zone out while the gloriously infectious oh-oh's fill your mind.


The vocals sound somehow not right for the track yet it is impossible for different ones to be pictured with the song. I like the way they almost make the song indecisive but still alluring, not many songs can hold such features yet still be an electric gem.
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Thursday 26 February 2015

MXSFLXWETICZ

MXSFLXWETICZ, pronounced 'MOS-FLOWETICZ' since they 'X out the O's for being at a opposition to most artists', offer something different to other rap artists, the main vocalist is a woman.Whilst you do get female rappers, they aren't taking their fair half of the rap industry which is why this is a duo to pay attention to.


I have to admit, when I first played the single 'ILLUSTRATIXN' from their freshly released EP 'THA ILLUSTRATIXN' I was lost for words. The track is so chilled but still atmospheric, gentle but still powerful, soothing but still groovy. The duo's vocals shoot through your veins and the beat is irresistible, the track is like gold.
Keep up with MXSFLXWETICZ:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Tuesday 24 February 2015

The TEL


The TEL are a three-piece rock band from St. Petersburg who would like to say 'Welcome On Board' with their new single. Its an irresistibly fast-paced track, boasting those energetic features that make a rock song rock. It flaunts powerful, shudder inducing guitar licks and infectious lyrics, inducing a full rock out session on the second or third play of the track. 'Welcome On Board' is a brilliant track to introduce yourselves to the Russian band, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them.
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Monday 23 February 2015

Slaves // Feed The Mantaray

The two piece garage punk rockers Slaves from Kent may have released their debut record Sugar Coated Bitter Truth 2 years ago in 2012 but their status as ‘rising stars’ still resonates 3 years on. After not releasing anything for a respective 2 years, Slaves returned with the 'Where’s Your Car Debbie?' EP in early 2014 followed by the single release of ‘Hey’ later on in the year which seemed to reignite interest in the band and then at the back end of 2014 they released the single ‘The Hunter’ which was greeted even more positively than ‘Hey’.

In many ways Slaves are unlike anything that can be heard at the moment and I think their appeal is particularly dictated towards a younger listener.  The two piece blend Isaac Holman’s devastating drums and of course his wonderfully raw, gritty, aggressive and distinctively Southern English lead vocals with Laurie Vincent’s highly enthused guitar delivered with an equal amount of aggression and intensity as Holman’s vocals as well as his own backing vocals particularly prevalent on the latest single. The end result is a culmination of a hard-hitting garage/punk band with a Plan B ‘Ill Manors’ vocal style.

Although perhaps not hitting the ground running like some of the other newcomers more recently, Slaves role in the current music scene still has potential to be considerably influential. The late developers’ announcements for several festivals already this summer as well as more to come I'm sure indicates their attractiveness to festival organisers and their predicted appeal to potential audiences. This is in addition to them embarking on the NME Awards Tour with Interpol up until now and from the 19th of February to the 4th of March with The Wytches, Fat White Family and headliners Palma Violets finishing at The Forum, London.



Officially released on 23rd March, Slaves’ latest EP in the run up to their recently announced second album ‘Are You Satisfied?’ scheduled for the 1st June bodes well for this future release. Built up of three tracks, the first of which is the title track which represents the same aggression and rawness that we've already come accustom to with Slaves except with the added falsetto style echo on the chorus working to great effect. Seemingly thinking back to their days back in their hometown in Kent, lead singer Holman rants about the ‘paper thin’ walls of their flat as well as their anger and irritation at hearing flatmate Tim making love to a woman a bit too loudly for their liking. All these elements combined make for a gritty, frustrating and vigorous 2 minutes and 55 seconds.

The other two tracks, ‘OK’ which they've clearly re-recorded and put on this EP after it appearing on the ‘Where’s Your Car Debbie?’ release previously and ‘I Shine My Shoes With A Dirty Vest’ make up the rest of the EP. ‘OK’ is relatively short and to the point but doesn't hold back on its intensity and boyishness with the thrashing or untidy guitar as well as Holman’s careless vocals and the suitably ‘shouty’ chorus.  This is contrasted with ‘I Shine My Shoes With A Dirty Vest’ a track not even a minute and a half long arguably a bit of an experiment by the two-piece which combines a synth pop style beat with a very simple bass line with no use of any familiar intense Slaves style guitar. However, Holman’s style of vocal delivery is almost teenage or careless in nature with the use of spoken word towards the end even with an element of ‘The Streets’ about it.
Particularly because of the innovative nature of what Slaves bring to the current alternative music scene, they are definitely ones to look out for at the festivals this summer and if you're looking for a trashy, punk-enthralled live performance which won't shy away from any sort of mosh then Slaves are your match made in heaven. With their second record destined for release in early June as well, this young Kent duo can surely only have bright futures ahead of them.

Keep up with Slaves: 

Luke, (@heroicshart)

Sunday 22 February 2015

Throwback Rock

Factory Fast Records are back again with a belter of a compilation. Whilst the most recently mentioned albums have not quite been full rock, following an acoustic theme in the two Acoustic Arsenal LPs (read the reviews here and here) and a slight electronic theme in The Mysterious Projekt X (read the review here), Throwback Rock is at tipping point with it's heavenly rock tracks. It is safe to say that this is a vital album for any rock fans collection. The album is to be released on the 24th of Feb.

The album see's the return of some FFR veterans, The Harrison Brothers bring their track 'Awakening', a track that could never fail at making you feel good with its rumbling, old-fashioned rock sound, and The Statements bring 'In My Head' which follows a juxtaposed rock sound to the previously mentioned track; it is lighter and more emotion based.
Second Player Score open the album with 'Falling Forever' which seems eager to kick start the album. It is bit like a storm, its quick and angry with a force to be reckoned with yet it holds and immaculate beauty which makes it perfect to listen to. 'Dynamite Love' by Michael Daughtry follows, giving a similar air to that which cloaks Journey, it has a feel good factor regardless of the subject and makes you want to learn all the lyrics so you can join in at a high volume.

'White Lies' by Monogroove is so cheerful and light that as soon as it came on my frown lines vanished and I became a backing singer, joining in with the harmonics behind the light lyrics. Monogroove definitely give off Beach Boy vibes. Venus Syndrome are next to take the stage with 'Eviction Notice'. It has country rock DNA, a deep bass and smooth electric licks, al of which suck you in and cause your ears to surrender to its power. Appropriately closing the compilation is 'Your Ghost of You' by BisonSound, a Foo Fighters sound-a-like that resonates within your being.

The record will be released on the 24th of February and will be available on Amazon, iTunes and Google Play but you can pre-order it:  https://www.createspace.com/2270514

Emily (@emiemzy)

Saturday 21 February 2015

Fella

Today, the 'skindie' band Fella are releasing their second EP 'A Commoner's Tale' on CD at Queen of Hoxton. The EP will be available digitally in 2 days on the 23rd of Feb. The EP has been influenced by the likes of The Specials, Eminem and The Clash and really gives an example of their effortless resurrection of the 'rude-boy' culture.

All of the tracks ('Brenda', 'Queens & Fiends', 'The Stitch Up', 'Sideways' and 'Bunny Boiler') feature some sort of reggae infused beat, rock like melodies and raw sounding vocals which give a prominent reminder of The Ordinary Boy's. Also, the addition of rap in some of their songs make their tracks sound more interesting and necessary to check out.

Keep up with Fella:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Friday 20 February 2015

Jep Roadie

Jep Roadie's latest release 'Superheroes' is immaculate. I would go on to tell you how insane it sounds and how I haven't been able to spot pressing play but I feel that Jep Roadie explains it all better himself:

"Speaking as the "lone wolf" that they always refer to, I can tell you what comes of seclusion. Plenty of self awareness and the yearning to save. Not in the way most "rappers" use the term nowadays. But in the traditional sense. Actually saving someone's life. Of course, it is just an extension of our overall humanity and willingness to put others before ourselves. Nonetheless, I did not choose to save. I do not like to save. I simply need to save. It cannot be controlled. By day, I can't really stand most human interaction. I find most to be self absorbed and simply lost. Most are lost because of the devices used to distract the world. But by night, I am the one howling at the moon in hopes it will reply. I don't do this for recognition. I do not do this for monetary gain. It would be much easier to rob a bank than to become a superstar. I pretty much do this for a family member, I am yet to meet. I do it so that a lost soul may be revived by one of these recordings. The lone wolf always seems to be lonely. But maybe inside his heart, lives the voices of all. This is no sermon. I am not preaching. This is no attempt at being something I am not. I am writing this in hopes that someone will relate. That someone will understand what I am saying or how I feel. Until then, I will continue to write these songs. Everyone is a Super Hero in someone's eyes. Ideas like that make life worth living. I love you. Sincerely, A 90's baby, who was given PTSD."
Read our previous review of Jep Roadie here.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Wednesday 18 February 2015

SpiTTa

SpiTTa has recently released his debut mixtape 'The Take Off'. Featuring collaborations with LiveSosa, Major, Drewski and CoraLiz, the mixtape shows talent and strength throughout, showing no lack in SpiTTa's rap abilities.


The beats are professional are mind consuming, the vocals are delivered with clear precision which again illustrates his excellence when it comes to the rap genre and, whilst some tracks such as 'One Night Stand' aren't to my own personal taste, I would happily listen to a majority of the tracks on repeat, using them to liven up any dull day with their party atmosphere.

Keep up with SpiTTa:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Interview // Lucchi


A few days ago, we were able to catch up Lucchi who we previously featured with his new track 'Hunger Games' (read the review here).

Mytacism Music: So, what was it that got you into rap? Have you always loved the music or was there a different reason? 


Lucchi: My family were avid listeners of hip-hop, I was exposed to it early. My family always had to have music for everything, cleaning, cooking, reunions, funerals, holidays. Absolutely EVERYTHING. The first song that grabbed me from a production standpoint was pumps and a bump by MC Hammer. When I heard that beat, I started asking questions. I think that's when my love for it was born.


What have been the main influences on both your past and future releases? 

My Life and My Surroundings have always been the influence in my music. That's why I love my cities so much.. S/O Athens, Al and Hall of Fame City, Ohio! That's why I think my music has an original feel to it. I'm really telling stories untold and exactly what I'm going through. If you listen, when I put out freestyles my lyrics sound like journal entries. I feel like I have to document it when I'm going through something.

Is there any artists that you would love to collab with? 

Yea, there are plenty. Honestly too many to name and I'm also interested in writing songs for other artist too.

Do you prefer to write your raps or freestyle? 

It depends on how the beat feels for me. I lean more towards writing though. Freestyling is an art in itself and anybody that's nice with it I salute you, really, those type of cats are Alphas in this hip hop realm to me.

What do you want people to take away after listening to your work? 

Just feelings, I want what I say to touch people. I was taught that if you tap into a person's heart, they won't forget you. If I get you to remember me, I feel like I'm doing my job. I get a new high every time someone can break down my lyrics and take something from it

Where do you hope to be in the future? 

On the road. I'm ready to campaign and do more shows on the road. Majority of the world is suffering from a lack of lucchi4k on their playlist. Lol I'm kidding but that's the mindset I have. I want the world to hear me. 

And finally, what can your fans look forward to in the future? 

Progression.. more bodies of work and visuals to go along with that.
Keep up with Lucchi:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Monday 16 February 2015

King Eider


King Eider, the folk infused 5 piece who have deservedly earned a spot on this years Garden Stage at Isle of Wight, are set to release their single 'Fire' next week on the 23rd of Feb. Now,whilst their previous sound may have been more country folk, a bit like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros for example, their newer sound is slightly less personal but more rounded and developed. This is not say the band has lost any talent however, in fact their sound seems to be evolving from strength to strength.



'Fire' opens exquisitely with tinkling piano keys before being backed by a steady, compelling beat and bass line. Then that adroit voice comes in, one filled with truth and a sense of rawness that makes it impossible for the song not resonate within your soul, even if it is for a few minutes. The song is a gem, its got such a surge of emotion and an aesthetically pleasing sound that it is worthy of display and high value.

Pre-order the single via their Bandcamp

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Sunday 15 February 2015

Peace // Happy People

The awesome foursome return with their eagerly awaited second record

Single releases of ‘Money’, ‘Lost on Me’, ‘Gen Strange’, ‘World Pleasure’ and most recently ‘I'm A Girl’ previous to the release of Happy People ignited exciting prospects for this record and it certainly hasn't failed to deliver in its completed form.  After the overriding success of Peace’s debut record In Love (2013) which arguably propelled the band to the forefront of the current Indie music scene, some may not have expected the new record to meet or even exceed the standards of the first one. However, Koisser x2, Boyce and Castle have conjured up a selection of 10 (or even 18 with the highly recommended deluxe version) songs that show a mature progression from In Love but still maintain the effect of impeccably catchy riffs and choruses on a select bunch as well as Koisser’s familiar passion-enthralled vocals.

The record in its entirety offers the listener several sides to Peace and even sides to them that have never been heard before. In many ways the first track ‘O You’ is a suitably introductory start to the album, edging the listener into Peace’s renewed style with a song that has a fairly steady yet enticing melody. It then comes alive in the chorus, even if it maintains a sombre yet hopeful tone, one which is consistent within some of the songs on this record. As we go into ‘Gen Strange’ the fluidity and rhythm increases as the album begins to take the listener into a more lyrically memorable direction with ‘how do you do it (x3)… so good’ resonating in their ears from that moment onwards. This is only short-lived however as ‘Lost On Me’ bursts onto the scene with its melody that struggles not to provoke shapes being cut and this is accompanied by its unbelievably catchy chorus that will surely be echoed by anyone subjecting their ears to it. And, if you’ve had the pleasure of checking out the video for this song (which you can do so below if not), all you’ll have in your mind is a an image of the 4 of them doing a constructed dance routine all in white, even taking it across main roads, disrupting family picnics and through a landfill site with no care in the world.



cc; Luke Jewell 10/02/15
The 4th track on the record, ‘Perfect Skin’, can be put in the same bracket as ‘I'm A Girl’ with how it’s personalised very much so to lead singer Koisser.. This song makes comparisons between him and his lover in the verses and then this passion I’ve spoken of is clearly evident in the chorus in Koisser’s voice embodying himself as a female almost. This is accompanied by heavier use of guitars and then into the solo later on in the track giving it the aggression and ruthlessness that is quite contrasting to the song tonally but perhaps represents Koisser’s frustrations. The title track could perhaps be regarded the most controversial and ironic song on the album due to its sombre and slightly depressive tone, contrasting to the title’s suggestion of positive connotations. It is as though Koisser is longing for these seemingly scarce ‘happy people’. The nature of the guitar melodies and riffs are almost Foals-like creating a cold, saddening yet still rhythmic mood. As ‘Someday’ comes next, the ‘low’ mood of the album is still lingering as this song represents the side of Peace that has been rarely heard with its acoustic, stripped back sound. Koisser’s lyrics are the main focus of the track, as well as a similar mood created to the track that comes before it.  The sincerity and gentle nature of Koisser’s vocals are complemented by the delicate and soft guitar that comes in after the first verse.

As the album enters into its final stretch, the ‘low’ part is most definitely diminished and ‘Money’ brings back the kind of groove provoking effect that ‘Lost On Me’ has earlier on. 'Money’s distinctive riff is arguably the most memorable out of all of the tacks, with this song being a certified crowd-pleaser. The added element of when Koisser hits the higher notes accompanied by Sam Koisser’s bass which oozes funk gives the track that added edge and even a touch of swagger. As the record begins its climax, the most recent single ‘I'm A Girl’ continues in the same fashion as ‘Money’ except with harder hitting guitars mixed with a bit more vigour and intensity. This song is perhaps where Koisser’s feminist side reaches its pinnacle and the passion and aggression within his lyrics and vocal delivery epitomise this. Koisser has even said that this track was inspired by Emma Watson’s (a firm favourite of Harry’s) ‘HeForShe’ speech but one thing’s for sure, this song won't shy away from inciting raucous moshes amidst live shows.

‘Under The Moon’ is the second to last track on the non-deluxe version of the album and the track works in the same way as ‘Someday’ since the listener feels as though it’s just them and Koisser’s vocals. His voice almost assumes the tone of loneliness and emptiness but still has a somewhat endearing aspect to it, making it a very pleasant three and a half minutes of a song. It’s a gentle interlude between the ferocity of ‘I'm A Girl’ and then the what turns into a relatively rampant ‘World Pleasure’.  This track very much suits its placement as the last track on the record due to its longer than average length and the turning point in the song which brings the album to an uplifting, unified ending almost. The orchestral-type intro which then continues throughout as a back-seat sound  gives the song it’s relaxed, low lying tone but then this accompanied by the bass which is key to the track as a whole as well as Koisser’s vocals contribute to its steady but still danceable vibe. As the bass takes centre stage at what I referred to as the turning point, the song uplifts itself with Koisser’s choral-style vocals as though there is more vocal back-up behind him giving the resolution to this song and the record a grand conclusion.


Although the record is provisionally 10 songs long, the deluxe version offers 8 extra tracks of which ‘God’s Gloves’, ‘Imaginary’, ‘Saturday Girl’, ‘Fur’ and ‘The Music Was to Blame’ are my personal highlights although each and every one of these songs make the record stronger as a whole offering different aspects to Peace’s sound. In particular, the last track of the 18, ‘The Music Was to Blame’, seems as though it has Bowie influences and even 80s dance elements to it (less so on the chorus) with Koisser’s vocals which suit it applicably.

This record is out NOW and you’d be foolish not to spend some of your hard-earned money on it if you haven't already, whether it’d be the 10-song standard version or the longer 18 song deluxe for an entirely worthwhile more expensive price. It’s everything that their first record In Love offered and a whole lot more with an added bit of Koisser charm and sass as well as an adequate dosing of ‘Boycie’ banter. If there are happy people in this world then the majority of them are surely going to be the lucky ones buying this record.



Keep up with Peace:
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Luke, (@heroicshart)

Saturday 14 February 2015

One More Thing

'One More Thing' is the second compilation in the 'Acoustic Arsenal' series (read the review for the first compilation here) and again it contains some insanely good songs. The compilation is due to be released on the 17th of Feb (three days time) so mark the date in your calendar and set a reminder on your phone since the album includes the likes of  Vanessa McGowan and her track 'Lucky', a brilliant mix of melodies and spoken word poetry, one which holds a power that forces you to stop your current actions as it is one which really needs to be listened to. Matt Davis is also back with 'One Sided Love', a song which continues to hold his particular talent of inducing euphoria within his listeners minds.

The compilation is opened by Simon Taylor and The Sundowners with 'Hot Love' where the listener is greeted with the sort of melodies you hear on an elevator. Do not be detoured however for it swishes you into a relaxing love tune that is hard to hate: the vocals are more streamline than a penguin and the melodies transport you onto the perfect beach scene. Following that is 'An Empty Walk' by The Harrison Brothers who create a smooth atmosphere, the song oozes affection and the melodies seem to radiate their own emotions whilst sounding a bit similar to The Beatles.

'One More Thing' by Melting Pot is a song which makes you shiver from its simple loveliness. I could literally listen to this song for eternity, its soothing voice drips gold and the melodies are like a strong painkiller, they swoop you up and make you smile, forcing any bad ideas to vanish for a short holiday. 'Annabel Lee' by UVTraveler  emit a sad and tentative tone, it is a song you go to when you've had a bad day and you need something to make you feel like you're not alone. The song also contains beautiful guitar notes which really lift you off your toes. Last but not least is 'Run Better Run' by Carroll's Sword which gives a soothing goodbye, it feels just like one of those exceedingly good hugs that shoot warmth through your veins.

You can pre-order the album here. The album will be available via most online retailers including Google Play, iTunes and Amazon.

Emily, (@emiemzy)

Thursday 12 February 2015

Lucchi

Lucchi has recently released a smooth, freestyle rap which is backed by a melody which makes you want to crank up that volume and loose yourself into the beats and words streaming with ease out of Lucchi's talented mouth.
Keep up with Lucchi:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Cuban Hexe

Cuban Hexe, a band who create the sort of music that could easily be the soundtrack to some killer memories. Their fast-paced songs create a 3 minute long jam session for those listening, boasting a more authentic type of rock feel in comparison to the majority of new bands these days. Listening to their songs would mislead you into thinking that it was made by long term musicians, however, the band are made up of a younger generation and, because of this, I think it is necessary to take the time and give them a listen.


Their most recent release has been their EP 'Missile Crisis', a release which simply flows with talent and beauty. 'Secrets' opens the EP via the lead of a sharp guitar, one which pulls your attention and sends shivers down your arms through its brightness in comparison to the dirtier rock moans that back it. The next track holds slightly less allure than the first, but thats not to say the band have lost their cool. 'Unreachable Girl' still oozes Hexe's staple clear cut rock performance, it just lacks in gold coloured content.
 'Four' and 'Blackwater Canal', however, is laden with it. 'Four', the oddly named third track, is almost misty with secrecy, the melodies have reclused and the vocals are pushed to the forefront of the song adding an open charisma to the composition. 'Blackwater Canal' has a hypnotic sequence of riffs and the almighty screech of the title requires full audience participation whether you begin willing or not as the song begins.

Click to vote for Cuban Hexe to play live at Hard Rock Manchester.

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Emily (@emiemzy)

Tuesday 10 February 2015

A is for Atom

Having recently released his second EP, A is for Atom, A.K.A Mike Cykoski, is on a road that only goes up. His music is produced with such a scientific perfection as the name implies, a factor making his music noticeable and gives it a level of eloquence.


'Load Up On Guns' seems to serve as an appetizer, repetitive but layered, simple but effective. The chorus is the songs main strength, some of the pauses aren't long enough to be effective and some of the electric baking sounds out of date during the intro of the song. 'A Song For You' has a sadder feel to it in contrast, the voice is low, the beat slow and notes are elongated, but it is the beginning to the upward road the EP is now taking.
 'Bombs Away' is smoother than a baby's bottom, the vocals float out as fluid as a stream of consciousness, the melodies are like velvet and there is an overall appearance that has been streamlined. The build of momentum from the added guitar also gives the track an extra bit of  'oomf'. For me 'White Dress' is the highlight of the EP. It has beauty which needs to be heard; the sounds are rich and full, vocals powerful and strung out enough to make it one to sing along to and there is the right level of emotion involved which doesn't depress or make a fake atmosphere.

Bringing up the rear is 'India'. This is one of those songs that pick up your negative emotions and throw them out the window for a while since it is inevitable that you will start moving in time to an infectious drum beat. This was definitely the right track to end on.

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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Monday 9 February 2015

The Mysterious Projekt X

This is the first compilation out of Factory Fast Record's new Projekt X series. All three CD's in this compilation feature the sort of music you would expect when you think of the title: spacey auras, sci-fi tones, electro melodies and that extra kick ass element brought in by the last few tracks which boast rock genetics. The album actually features one of the artists who have recently graced our presence: The Magickal. Their recent single 'The Ticket' is 4th track on the compilation and you can read the full review of their dark and gripping electro track here.

Rightfully opening the album are The Poulsons with 'Germiston', a synth filled track with a very prominent reminder of Bowie, supplied mainly through the vocals but there are hints in the melodies too. 'Get Me Going' by Wild Horse  is a song filled with flaunts and exhibitioned talents. The twang of guitar notes, the plodding tempo of the beat and the ruling of the almost raw, in your face vocals make sure that you understand the power and talent the band have, and rightly so, they make an irresistible listen.
Creeping Volt Club's 'Time Bandit' is an eerie song, the whispers of voices and echoing sounds float around your head space and make you feel like you are in some sort of 80's laser quest. The music also holds a hypnotic talent; a wormhole of repetitive melodies try and suck you up, locking up your mind for a while.

The Statements are back again with a stripped back rock tune following their appearance in 'Rigged And Wired' (read the full review here). 'Bad Cilla' sounds both pure and fuzzy, creating a confused but mind tingling composition. 'Motorcycle Man' by Logaine is perfectly opened with loud and in your face guitar riffs. The song has an endless build of momentum formed by the rolling guitar riffs makes your blood run and swells your heart. The Windsor Project follows with a similar rock prowess with their song 'This is Where We Say Goodbye'.

Buy The Mysterious Projekt X:
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Amazon

Emily, (@emiemzy)

Sunday 8 February 2015

Acoustic Arsenal

Factory Fast Records are back with another exceptional release following 'Rigged and Wired', and they will keep coming back with even more brilliant compilations to get your hands on the coming weeks. For now though, we have 'Acoustic Arsenal' to soothe all of our music desires. The compilation features a mixture of stripped down songs including the immaculate, country styled 'Troubadour' by North Star and the rock infused folk track 'Moonshine' by The Federalis.


'Hey Mister' by The Shannons make it incredibly hard to stay away from your dancing shoes. Their easy melodies accompanied by the quick paced beat and bright string instruments make it hard not to begin floating around the room. 'Your Love Means Nothing to Me Now' by Johnny Hate is brimming with a bluesy, rock n roll sound. It is a sort of sound that plants a smile on your face and encourages your body into a gentle jam along with the infectious tones.
'Backburner' by Matt Davis is finely tuned and makes your ears tingle with a state of euphoria. Everything about this track is perfect; the purity of the acoustic guitar, the strength and talent of the vocals and the aromatic feel of the backing noises. 'Fly Away' by Dan McCarthy is a loving song, one which fills you with warmth and smiles. Its slow and calming, repetitive but assuring. 'All Protect This Lie' by Glen Fernando has a similar tone, slightly more brooding but it is still one that lazily cocoons you in happiness.

Buy the CD:
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Emily (@emiemzy)

Friday 6 February 2015

The Relights

The Relights are a band evidently inspired by the rock bands of the 90's, their sound a clear reminder of artists such as Oasis. The group is made up of Daniel Todd, Chris Bottazzi, Dean Swift and Michael Beckwith, all of which add to the band's signature sound.


The band has recently released a new single via their soundcloud entitled 'Calling All'. The song has a gentle rock tone, like a dimmed hard edge, which adds a somber feel to it. This would be a brilliant song to sing along to, it has one of those choruses that has an irresistible sound which forces you to echo it regardless of your own talents.
Also recently released is their double A-side 'Shadows'/'Free Now', both songs sound louder and more irresistible. 'Shadows' has a very quick pace and compelling lyrics which amount to a great track to fall in love with.  In the latter track, the instruments fill your mind with their quick and vibrating notes making the perfect track to play loud and proud.
Keep up with The Relights:
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Thursday 5 February 2015

Pond // Man It Feels Like Space Again

Did the Perth band deliver on their most recent instalment of psychedelic absurdity?


Pond's sixth official studio album 'Man It Feels Like Space Again' has been 45 minutes of psychedelic musical genius which my ears have revelled in several times since it's release. An album branded by the band themselves as 'slightly more sophisticated than the previous one' (Hobo Rocket) blends fantastical galactic sounds with the excessive but adequate use of synthesisers and keyboards accompanied by Nick Albrook's suitably erratic but lingering vocals to create an entirely psychedelic extravaganza.

The record takes the listener to a place far from where they are listening to it, something which is suitably fitting with the space theme. This can partly be down to the fact that the whole album seemingly morphs into one gigantic piece of music with how it's been edited and the nature of the transition from song to song. It's mood cannot be described singularly as songs like the first track 'Waiting Around For Grace', 'Elvis' Flaming Star', 'Zond' and 'Outside Is The Right Side' characterize the record's more upbeat, positive and fulfilling aspect although adversely, 'Holding Out For You', 'Heroic Shart', 'Medicine Hat' and 'Sitting Upon Our Crane' to an extent give the album it's more melancholy, thought provoking and maybe even sincere tone. The nature of the melodies and Albrook's vocals play a dominating part in this. Although, in songs like 'Waiting Around For Grace' and the last title track, the tone shifts at a certain point in the song, or even at several points, and this could even be described as a characteristic of Pond since it is exhibited in previous releases. In particular, the title track almost sounds like 2 or 3 different songs in one with the change in beats and melodies throughout which runs in accordance with the varying mood created by the 8 minute long track.

This release is sure to do wonders for the fan base of this Australian band with them already establishing a bit of a cult following particularly in the UK and the US because of their affiliations with perhaps the most popular and well-known current psych band, Tame Impala. Australian Psychedelia and this band particularly have had quite a significant effect on me and others I'm sure, and on our musical preferences particularly. This wonderfully experimental and unique genre and the bands exhibiting it arguably deserve further recognition for their work and this new release from Pond will certainly go a long way to achieving this.
Pond come to the UK this month as part of their album tour in which they'll play 6 dates starting at 'The Leadmill' in Sheffield on the 20th February and finishing at the Bristol Fleece on the 27th. There is an abundance of tickets available for the majority of the venues so if there's even a minuscule part of you that's debating on whether to get involved with this tour then don't pass up the opportunity to see this fantastic live act and give them the support they deserve. If you're in this state of mind, tickets are available here: http://www.gigsandtours.com/tour/pond

I shall leave you with the video for the title track Man It Feels Like Space Again which hallmarks their hilariously bonkers outlook on music videos:



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Luke Jewell, (@heroicshart)

Wednesday 4 February 2015

The Fontaines

Sheffield foursome The Fontaines are fabulously indie, making a sound that is recognisable but almost unplacable. It is such a mish-mash of different artists that the outcome is really hard not to love. All of their songs feature a fast-paced beat and the melodic voice of Joe St Ledger, giving them the feel of a great band to see live.


Their latest single '1984' carries all of the bands key features. Starting off with an intro similar to The Enemy, they roll into an infectious set of melodies, hard not to dance along with and hard not to love. St Ledger's voice makes you feel warm and lovely, the deep and silky parts of his voice can echo around your skull for awhile after leaving that sunny feeling with you all day.
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Emily, (@emiemzy)

Monday 2 February 2015

The Magickal

The Magickal are a new synth-pop project from Utah. Considering that they've only released 3 singles so far, these guys have some serious talent. The quality of their latest single, 'The Ticket', is astounding and all of their previous releases have the same standard. Their tracks are powerful and mesmerising, all holding a 'Magic' to take note of.


'The Ticket' is just one of those songs; infectious, gripping and simply beautiful. Its cloaked with dark electro sounds which take on the function of a normal drum beat. They lead the song and make it have a similar effect to psych songs as, like the lyrics express, they take over your mind and every note makes a different part of your body itch to move in time to them. The beat that is there acts more like an accessory, the lightest parts of the song adding a particular allure to the entirety of the tune. 

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Emily (@emiemzy)

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