Amplified!

photo by David Straight

The following have been on I-pod rotation this week.

Still Corners

London based duo Still Corners have been whispering through my speakers with their shoegaze, Doors style tunes. Vocals that hold a Karen Carpenter delicacy with psychedelic organs and dazed guitars that lead me dreamily through these miserable spring days.

Check out 'History of Love' and 'Cremona' at Still Corners myspace

photo by Gregory Nolan

The New York Fund

It's nice to see there are grown up bands in London. None of these kids with neon slashed t-shirts and hi-tech trainers showing off their new angular hair cut that covers one side of their face. It's good to know there are bands that stick to dreamy guitars and heart beat basslines. That's the beauty of country rock n roll - sweet love songs, with the occasional burst of dirty, explosive rock. The New York Fund bring their rugged handsomeness and Jack Daniels fused heartache that they so rightly declare. To make your life complete take a look at The New York Fund myspace

photo by Shervin Lainez

Jukebox The Ghost

Washington DC trio Jukebox The Ghost might be getting bored of the Ben Folds comparisons so apologies for adding myself to that list. However, it is certainly not a bad thing. With their uplifting piano-pop that douses you with happiness, it's hard not to fall in love with these three lovely men. Heartfelt, energetic and simply contagious - and that's only through my stereo. Jukebox The Ghost are currently on tour across the States and should be making their way over to the UK soon. More info and downloads go to Jukebox The Ghost myspace

Shout Out Louds and The Brunettes @ Bush Hall 10/04/2008

Time has never been on my side when it comes to a Shout Out Louds tour. Every London show has always clashed with me being out of the country or an irrelevant activity that I am not needed for.
However, last week finally saw their return and I was most definitely not going to miss it. Bush Hall provided the venue and a most fitting venue at that. Beautiful cupid statues coming out of the walls, red, velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers that added a touch of class and sophistication. Perfect for a band of similar sorts.

New Zealand youngsters The Brunettes offered their bouncing girl/boy pop as support and kept things upbeat with lots of wooden percussion,
trumpets and clarinets. The crowd didn't seem as excited as The Brunettes but that's the London audience for you. The appreciation was eventually expressed with the unfolding of arms and waving them sporadically in the air as The Brunettes challenged the audience to a dance off competition. The ladies had no problem with one in particular chosen as the winner.

The Brunettes continued their set with a child-like, 60s inspired sweetness and some unusual chanting of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Their youth and bubblegum-pop ballads provided the ideal opener for our headliners.


With a new EP recently completed, Shout Out Louds return with their love struck urgency and new song 'Impossible' opening with The Cure tinged vocals like 'I don't want to feel like I don't have a future.' Lead singer Adam, holds that overwhelming appreciation in his eyes which shows how much he is happy to be on that stage soaking in the enthusiastic crowd. He shuffles nervously in between songs and hugs his guitar lovingly when the moment suits.

They perform an amazing set using every instrument they can get their hands on and spoon feeding us classics 'Please Please Please, Very Loud and Tonight I Have to Leave It.' On one occasion Bebban leaves her keys and glides to the front mic to sing in delicate, hushed tones and once finished returns back to her original spot as if she never moved. Once they finish their intense encore to disapproving fans who wish the night would never end, Adam cups his hands together and shakes them on each side of his head like a boy that has just won a gold medal proving Shout Out Louds have a grip firmly on our hearts.

More live photos at Amplify This! Flickr

Man Man

Man Man - To tie in with the release of 'Rabbit Habits,' Man Man are making an apperance across the pond. The Philadelphians are bringing their Captain Beefhart licks and Tom Waits drenched vocals to the UK for a few dates in May. Catch their unique sounds if you can because I am sure it will be a night to remember.


Review of Rabbit Habits along with some tasters at Pitchfork
Have a look at their lovely little home at Anti Records

11 May - Dublin Whelan's
12 May - Glasgow Stereo
13 May - London Cargo
14 May - Manchester Phoenix
15 May - Bristol Start The Bus

News & Tributes

Wolf Parade's follow up to Apologies To The Queen Mary is out on June 17. With a working title of 'Kissing The Beehive,' the Montrealers seem to be continuing along quality paths with their quirky rock. Find an interview and tracklisting at Billboard and listen to a taster at Pitchfork.


Rodrigo y Gabriela are scheduled to play London Roundhouse on June 25th. I have been lucky enough to see this Mexican acoustic rock duo several times in tiny venues and I cannot stress enough how they are the most amazing live act I have seen to date. The energy in their simple performance is so captivating it leaves you transfixed long after the show has ended.



Book your tickets at Roundhouse Box Office
Further information at Rod y Gab site and myspace


Maxïmo Park has announced a special one off charity show at the Kentish Town Forum on 28th May. A very rare opporunity to see these Newcastle elfins in intimate surroundings. The show is in aid of two cancer charities including The Royal Marsden. All proceeds go straight to charity and support comes from Mystery Jets, Blood Red Shoes and Pete and the Pirates. I would suggest a good deed for the day and purchase your ticket but they sold out within minutes. I suppose we will all have to watch it on TV.

Amplified! Vol.4

The Kiss Off, Brooklyn New York

I have been overwhelmed with American bands of late. A few popping in my inbox every few days that are really catching my attention. This morning I came across The Kiss Off from Brooklyn. The five piece formed in 2007 by guitarist Adam De Rosa, bassist Nathan Lithgow and keyboardist Oliver Edsforth. The threesome was later joined by drummer Michael Resnick and singer Sam Tyndall.

They maintain a nice little list of influences including Bowie, Echo The Bunnymen and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You can hear the British influence shine through on tracks like 'Laying Dead' which holds an incredible Bowie strutting bass drum that runs through you for miles on end. I also need to mention 'Knots' with its distorted bass line that could be Joy Division if I close my eyes. Lead singer Sam Tyndell also delivers with the similar desperation that Ian Curtis once had. With fantastic vocal range his voice sores from the deep mumbles to passionate cries that can be heard on their EP 'Brace' which is released in Spring 2008.

The Kiss Off definitely gave my day the start it needed and are proof that British bands continue to influence musicians across the globe. If I had the paycheque of Puff Daddy then I would fly these boys over the atlantic myself.

The Kiss Off myspace and a couple of tracks for you to delight in

The Kiss Off - Laying Dead
The Kiss Off - Knots




Unicycle Loves You, Chicago Illinois

Yet more goodies from Chicago. All this delicious new music is making me beam. Which is exactly what Unicycle Loves You do to me. They are like the moment you put your favourite chocolate in your mouth and let the velvety, melting sugar and cocoa beans disperse over your tastebuds. Combining trumpets, castanets, synths and my most beloved cowbell only adds to their uplifting, sing along tracks. 'Highway Robbery' glides through with a Belle & Sebastian dreaminess including lots of 'ba ba ba ba di da.' Similarly on 'Woman Bait For Manfish' with the beautiful xylophone at the beginning. Unicycle Loves You are heavenly by name and heavenly by sound.

Just leave me to float away to Chicago on my chocolate boat.

Unicycle Loves You site and myspace where you can find plenty of upcoming Chicago dates

Amplified! Vol.3

Man Plus, Seattle WA

As usual, when I am less than inspired by the British music scene my attention turns straight to America or Canada. I am currently going through that stage and I have discovered some gems that I would like to share with you all.

Man Plus are from Seattle and make tunes that you have to move to. I don't like comparing bands to other bands but with Man Plus, I truly can't think of anyone that they sound like. They use the average three minutes wisely by cramming in elctro beats and high hats, fuzzy guitars and mumbled vocals. 'A Ghost Is A Ghost Is A Ghost' was the first thing I heard and it blew me away. The repetitive piano chord that opens the intro and continues to play throughout the whole song is genius. The simple fact they don't remind me of anyone else makes me like them even more and maybe because they are from Seattle. Oh! and they have awesome art work. Either way, just make the most of the following goodies

Man Plus site and myspace
and some of their fancy artwork below

Coconut Love

I openly admit that I fall in love everyday. It's a kind of disorder that I can't control. I really try. Unfortunately, it is and most probably will always be with boys that I can't have. That is definitely true for the following person. Since I first saw him riding his bike, catching a train across the Indian desert or wearing tights during 18th Century French monarchy he has stolen every beat of my heart. I have since discovered that not only is he beautiful, funny and clever, he is also musical. That doesn't make my unrequited love any easier. He has a voice like an angel and writes lyrics like 'I wish you would've put yourself in my suitcase. I love you standing all alone in a black coat.' All that is left for me to do is hide under my duvet and cry myself to sleep.

For all of you that have no idea what I am droning on about just go to Coconut Records
Do your research and you will know who I am talking about.
(If you need a more obvious hint then go here or just look below)