Twice in one night? Arty farty music videos that is. I have just managed to find Hot Chip's new video for One Pure Thought and it is fantastic. Totally quirky and child-like with bold, primary colours giving it a Gilbert and George tinge. A task for all you dancefloor daisies - try practicing the one-legged, air guitar dance half way in the video. I'm already tearing up my bedroom carpet with my moves.
Hot Chip - One Pure Thought
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Golden Cage
Is it possible for one person to make such danceable, loveable songs that pull your heart strings in every direction? Well, in my books Erlend Oye is that very person. His side project The Whitest Boy Alive have released Golden Cage and one of the most stunning yet simplest videos to assist this magnificent song. My words can't do it justice so just find out for yourself.The Whitest Boy Alive site and myspace
Make sure you catch them on their only UK dates
May 19th 2008 - The Brighton Coalition
May 21st 2008 - Koko, London
The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage
Monday, 7 April 2008
Amplified! Vol.2
Kill The Drama, Pittsburgh, PA
The Gin Riots, South London
I have had one single experience with gin that I prefer to push to the darkest depths of my being. A night which passed in sketchy, hedonistic stills that ended in disaster and drunken depression. So when The Gin Riots popped in my inbox you can understand the sudden nausea that overcame me at the sheer memory of my liquid enemy. Luckily, being a brave little soldier, I pressed on to see what was in store for me...and it wasn't as bad an experience as I expected.
The four-piece from South London seem to be tearing up the streets with their jangly guitars and deep, bouncing basslines with perfomances all over the city. I was first enlightened to 'The Daily Dust' which reminds me of balmy, summers in the park with a free flowing bottle of Pimm's. You can't help but hear the Barat/Doherty influence on this track with drawling vocals and imaginative lyrics with lead singer Guy Stevenson mumbling 'you'll be the death of me, you'll be the reason that I fall.' However, it's not all Libertines-wannabees - far from it. 'The Polka' picks up the pace with choppy chords and more finger clicking beats. With husky whispered vocals reminiscent of The Cure's Robert Smith you can hear youth, anger and gin pumping through their veins which must give off one hell of a live show. You can hear many other bands ringing through and constantly find yourself saying, 'don't they sound like so and so...?' but The Gin Riots seem to keep that individuality that I have not heard for a while.
I still won't be reaching for the bottle of Gordon's anytime soon but I will definitely be skipping my way to the front of Gin Riots next show and putting them high on my 2008 summer soundtrack.
Check out London dates and new songs plus a free MP3 at The Gin Riots myspace
For our friends across the Atlantic, The Gin Riots have got an all important performance at NXNW in Toronto during June. If you are over that way then show some support.
Did anyone know that Pittsburgh was known as The City Of Bridges? I had no idea. That was my brain food for the day. It's amazing the things you find out when you should really be crunching numbers or getting that contract signed for your boss.
Anyhow, the other little detail that my brain managed to soak up was who actually lives in The City Of Bridges. Kill The Drama, four strapping gentlemen that are definitely not your ordinary, American rock band. When I first saw their photo, I must admit I thought I was looking at the new 30 Seconds To Mars. But don't let image lead you astray. Kill The Drama hold something very special. 'Close Friends With Sharp Knives' is the first thing to hit my ears and the hairs on the back of my neck. As a guitarist, a riff is one of the first things I like to hear and this track provides it. Fierce, fast and fearful. It's an intro that can leave other bands weeping in the midst. Bryan Laskey provides desperate yet sublime vocals be it the upbeat, thrusting rock anthems or the haunting ballads like 'Sunshine.' Bryan's voice is so bewitching that it makes me lack concentration. Even while trying to write this review.
They seem to have a good track record for a new band. Winning Pittsburgh's musical showcase The Graffiti Rock Challenge in 2006 and teaming up with photographer Robert John (Rolling Stone/Gun's n' Roses/Velvet Revolver/Alice in Chains) for the recording of their first music video. If that isn't enough, they released their debut album 'Close Friends With Sharp Knives' in February 2007. Not a bad resume for a few years work. Unlike some American bands that let fame go to their heads too quickly, Kill The Drama seem to maintain the 'keeping it real' mentality that alot of bands lack. You can hear their emotion. You can see their passion. And you can feel thier longing to be heard. The one thing that makes them stand out is they deserve to be heard.
All you need at Kill The Drama site and myspace
Take a look at Kill The Drama 'Close Friends With Sharp Knives' video
The Gin Riots, South London
I have had one single experience with gin that I prefer to push to the darkest depths of my being. A night which passed in sketchy, hedonistic stills that ended in disaster and drunken depression. So when The Gin Riots popped in my inbox you can understand the sudden nausea that overcame me at the sheer memory of my liquid enemy. Luckily, being a brave little soldier, I pressed on to see what was in store for me...and it wasn't as bad an experience as I expected.
The four-piece from South London seem to be tearing up the streets with their jangly guitars and deep, bouncing basslines with perfomances all over the city. I was first enlightened to 'The Daily Dust' which reminds me of balmy, summers in the park with a free flowing bottle of Pimm's. You can't help but hear the Barat/Doherty influence on this track with drawling vocals and imaginative lyrics with lead singer Guy Stevenson mumbling 'you'll be the death of me, you'll be the reason that I fall.' However, it's not all Libertines-wannabees - far from it. 'The Polka' picks up the pace with choppy chords and more finger clicking beats. With husky whispered vocals reminiscent of The Cure's Robert Smith you can hear youth, anger and gin pumping through their veins which must give off one hell of a live show. You can hear many other bands ringing through and constantly find yourself saying, 'don't they sound like so and so...?' but The Gin Riots seem to keep that individuality that I have not heard for a while.
I still won't be reaching for the bottle of Gordon's anytime soon but I will definitely be skipping my way to the front of Gin Riots next show and putting them high on my 2008 summer soundtrack.
Check out London dates and new songs plus a free MP3 at The Gin Riots myspace
For our friends across the Atlantic, The Gin Riots have got an all important performance at NXNW in Toronto during June. If you are over that way then show some support.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Amplified! Vol.1 - The Nightjars
photo by Anne-Laure FranchetteA new feature arrives at Amplify This! to pay homage for all new bands around the globe. If you have the Amplified tag stamped on your backside then you are definitely going places.
To guide us on this snowy March Sunday is The Nightjars, a four-piece shining the light for Manchester. Now correct me if I am wrong but whenever I think of bands from Manchester, I have the image of drunken, arrogant, northern swagger that comes with bands like Oasis, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays but I suppose you can't make those assumptions to all bands. Of course, you can never forget the likes of Joy Division, Doves and Elbow which proves Manchester have managed to keep their footprint firmly on the music map.
The Nightjars are another band who are ready to join that list and on paper they look very promising. With influences from Velvet Underground and Pixies they are sure to cause a bit of a frenzy. After listening to some tracks off their album 'Towards Light' I have yet to feel dissatisfied. Alot of angst. Alot of drums. And a whole lot of bass. Perfect!
To guide us on this snowy March Sunday is The Nightjars, a four-piece shining the light for Manchester. Now correct me if I am wrong but whenever I think of bands from Manchester, I have the image of drunken, arrogant, northern swagger that comes with bands like Oasis, The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays but I suppose you can't make those assumptions to all bands. Of course, you can never forget the likes of Joy Division, Doves and Elbow which proves Manchester have managed to keep their footprint firmly on the music map.
The Nightjars are another band who are ready to join that list and on paper they look very promising. With influences from Velvet Underground and Pixies they are sure to cause a bit of a frenzy. After listening to some tracks off their album 'Towards Light' I have yet to feel dissatisfied. Alot of angst. Alot of drums. And a whole lot of bass. Perfect!
They deliver punchy, scratchy guitar rock in the form of 'Stay Focused,' 'Bass Drum' and 'Set Them Up' that gives a raw, young image for a band that are still on the fickle music ladder but the songs that stood out for me are the more melodic, grown up gems like 'You Set Me Reeling' and 'Second Guess.' Both with dreamy guitar and luscious vocals from lead singer Ollie that provide a heartbreaking mix for all us loved up couples that huddle together in pub corners and share whiskey tainted kisses while trying to pay attention to the band providing the soundtrack.
Label buddies with Joan As Policewoman, The Nightjars are sure in good hands on Reveal Records and hold promising reviews in NME, BBC Online and Fake DIY. These Mancunian guys are definitely doing something right so make sure you jump on the bandwagon before they reach the stadium they are aiming for.
Until then, caress your ears with these darlings
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Let's Get Up
photo by Liam HenryWhen you first hear Leeds based band Dinosaur Pile-Up you can't help but get excited. Like when your Mum used to give you a whole fifty pence piece and you would run as fast as your legs could take you to the corner shop and scream to the little old lady for every sherbert flying saucer under her roof. OK, well that's how excited I got. Without mentioning names, there are some really awful new music floating around at the moment but DP prove how much worthwhile talent is getting ignored. Frontman and multi-instrumentalist Matt Bigland is proving he is the full package both musically and lyrically with a voice to smack you back into T-Rex's giant jaws.
I was lucky enough to catch them on a short visit to Leeds in a tiny, half empty underground clubnight and they completely confirmed everything I have just said. Energetic, powerful and leaving the crowd wanting so much more...and that was only their first show. Someone pass the flying saucers please!
The lovely people at Fake DIY put DP in their Class Of 2008...and rightly so! Check out the interview with Mr Bigland. Class Of 2008 DP Interview
All you need at Dinosaur Pile-Up Myspace for demos, dates and downloads.
MP3: What Howard Said
I was lucky enough to catch them on a short visit to Leeds in a tiny, half empty underground clubnight and they completely confirmed everything I have just said. Energetic, powerful and leaving the crowd wanting so much more...and that was only their first show. Someone pass the flying saucers please!
The lovely people at Fake DIY put DP in their Class Of 2008...and rightly so! Check out the interview with Mr Bigland. Class Of 2008 DP Interview
All you need at Dinosaur Pile-Up Myspace for demos, dates and downloads.
MP3: What Howard Said
Finally, here are some photos from the Leeds show at Trash 22/03/2008
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
The Stills - Water Rats, London 21/04/07
Yet more photos that have been dug out from the depths of my hard drive. And more of The Stills. I can never really fault their shows so I won't bore you with how fantastic and brilliant they were...yet again! Just enjoy the photos.
More at Amplify This!
All things The Stills
More at Amplify This!
All things The Stills
Voxtrotting In Hoxton
November 6th 2007 saw Voxtrot pass through London town. A rare appearance from these Texan elfins and what a night! A rammed Hoxton Bar and Grill in the scenester East End was the perfect setting. I was so excited that these guys had finally managed to get over to the UK to play some dates and it was totally worth the wait. Although, if Voxtrot are reading - please get your butts back over here pronto! Here are some shots from the show courtesy of Amplify This!
Check out Voxtrot's Myspace for dates and an exclusive Ova Looven remix of Firecracker
Check out Voxtrot's Myspace for dates and an exclusive Ova Looven remix of Firecracker
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