Not Another Music Blog.: April 2018

Friday, 27 April 2018

Track Review; yawwn - 'Be A Man'

Following the release of their debut single 'Partisan' in January, South West London five-piece yawwn are back with their second single 'Be A Man'. The track was recorded between their South Wimbledon rehearsal space and the legendary Konk Studios in North London. The band teamed up once again with producer Lou E to deliver this hefty slice of indie-pop.

Rolling drum patterns open the track whilst frontman Toby Hasler-Winter sings of his insecurities when it comes to his own manhood. Space-age synths are introduced with heavily reverberated and warped guitar riffs reminiscent of yawwn's previous banger 'Partisan'. Once again the band show their excellent ability to write a killer chorus as the catchiest of vocal melodies is accentuated by luscious instrumentation.

The sound design throughout the track is to be greatly admired. Combining psych rock and synth sounds not too dissimilar to the likes of Tame Impala and GUM has given yawwn's dose of indie-pop the originality it needs. Lyrically the track is a statement on the sludge of conventional manhood and whether or not Hasler-Winter can be secure in his own feelings on the subject. This is sure to resonate with many in this modern age of insecurities.

Once again yawwn have proved they are a band of great talent. 'Be A Man' is as catchy as you like, but also drives home an important message. Be who you want to be.

Listen to 'Be A Man' below.

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Wednesday, 25 April 2018

Track Review: YOWL - Warm (In the Soft White Fire of Modern Living)

Peckham 5-piece and Not Another Music Blog. favourites YOWL have shared their brand new single 'Warm (In the Soft White Fire of Modern Living)'. It follows the release of the bands second single and video for 'Dark Room' and a UK tour with label mates LICE including a sold out headline show at London's Sebright Arms.

Photo Credit: Rowan Allen

The track opens with a delicately picked guitar riff with frontman Gabriel Byrde's vocals complimenting the jarring guitar melodies. YOWL have a knack for building their witty and poetic songs slowly but when the chaos comes, the lads really let rip. YOWL's instrumentation compliments their commentary on the frustrations of the London 9 to 5. 'Warm' perfectly encapsulates the feelings of exhaustion and anxiety of modern day life. Throughout the song, more dissonant guitar stabs are introduced over a walking bassline. These guitars embody the lyrical themes and Byrde's sometimes vacant vocals contrast perfectly.

YOWL are a band that create consistently well written and articulate music and 'Warm' is another wonderful addition to their relatively small but amazing back catalogue. They are at the forefront of the growing South London punk scene and are one of the bands we believe Britain and guitar music as a whole needs. Their dynamic and honest statements on the trials and tribulations of life are a gift and it won't be long before everyone starts to wake up.

Alongside the new single, YOWL have also announced two new live dates including a headline show at Bermondsey Social Club on the 31st of May and a show supporting IDLES at the legendary Trades Club in Hebden Bridge on the 1st of August. Catch YOWL live at any of the dates below, you really won't be disappointed.

28th April – Portsmouth Psych Fest
28th April – Sticky Mikes, Brighton (Free entry)
6th May – Sounds From The Other City, Manchester
25th – 27th May – Dot to Dot Festival
31st May – Bermondsey Social Club, London
21st July – Truck Festival, Oxford
1st August – Trades Club, Hebden Bridge w/ IDLES

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Monday, 23 April 2018

Live Review: Famous @ The Old Blue Last, London (19/04/2018)

It's not often bands have the audacity and confidence to play a headline show on a Thursday in London without having any music online. Last week, at the legendary Old Blue Last, Famous did just that. Barring one track of robot-like spoken word on the band's SoundCloud page, the band don't really promote themselves much and it's clear they've built their dedicated following through the live circuit.

Photo credit: Phil Smithies

The first thing to mention is how tight Famous actually were. The sometimes complicated bass grooves locked in perfectly with the drum sections and different loops, also triggered by the drummer. This strong foundation ensured Famous' own blend of new-wave, disco indie could be delivered with captivating eccentricity from front-man and blazer waring extraordinaire, Jack Merrett. The band opened with a spoken word introduction backed by electronic drum loops and synth patterns before exploding into their eclectic set of Joy Division, disco, and punk influenced indie-pop bangers.

Famous' themes and lyrics are rooted in the anxiety of the modern age and their instrumentals compliment Merrett's abrasive, yelping vocals. The vocal delivery of each track was performed with a clear and brilliant conviction and every single song was finished with rapturous applause from the packed out crowd.

It's fair to say that Famous stylistically looked like six strangers that wouldn't even talk at a bus stop but their on-stage presence and chemistry was infectious. We can't wait to hear recorded music from the band, but in the meantime, get out to a show, they're incredible and the songs really deliver.

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Friday, 13 April 2018

The Worst and Best of New Music Friday (13/04/2018)

It's New Music Friday and we're here to guide you through the worst and best tunes released today.

Worst

ZAYN - Let Me

Bradford's worst export and the epitome of a wet lettuce has returned with another bland and excruciatingly drab tune. His voice is so one dimensional it's insane. The production is equally as boring as the performance. We've had more enjoyable experiences watching paint dry than listening to this rubbish.

Tyreeeezy - Oh Nah

This dancehall beat with some mumbling autotuned fool 'singing' over the top trend has to stop. There's only so many variations of this type of tune we can handle. The track is called 'Oh Nah' so imagine for yourself what the lyrics are like. Poetry at it's finest.

September (Spotify Singles) - Taylor Swift

The Spotify singles series has actually resulted in some great covers by some great artists but this is one step too far. Taylor Swift has actually murdered one of the greatest disco tunes of all time. Her twee banjo and soft, folk take on the 70s classic is so cringe it hurts. Stay away.

Gavin James - Always

This is just music for your Nan who bought Gavin James' CD as a little treat after getting lost in ASDA and finding herself stuck on the music and video isle. She says, 'It's like Ed Sheeran, I like him, Ed, he's such a nice boy'. Leave it with your Nan, it's really bad.

Honourable Mentions

Bebe Rexha - Ferrari

Gavin James - Always

King Princess - Talia

Bazzi - Myself

6ix9ine - GOTTI

Best

Janelle Monáe - Pynk (Feat. Grimes)

Now, THIS is how you write a pop song. Janelle Monáe has collaborated with Canadian songwriter-producer Grimes to create a brilliantly well structured and interesting tune that celebrates creation, self-love and sexuality. The music video directed by Emme Westenberg is amazing too. Watch that here.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Talking Straight

Australian-based Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever have returned with a new rip-roaring track titled 'Talking Straight'. It's a fast-paced indie banger with a guitar solo that shreds through the upbeat drums and simple vocals melodies. With a new album coming in June, it's time to get familiar with this Aussie five-piece.

Fists of Fury - Kamasi Washington

Jazz maestro and all-around legend Kamasi Washington released two new tracks towards the beginning of this week. 'Fists of Fury' is the highlight, with Washington's signature choir and experimental jazz motifs taking centre stage. Clocking in at just under 10 minutes, it's a slog but a bloody rewarding one.

Alyss - 5D

'5D' is the new track from London singer-songwriter Alyss. Released through East London's Tropopause Records, the classically trained singer has created a distinct sound for herself. Her powerful vocals are backed by wonderfully experimental electronic instrumentals that bang hard. Go see her EP launch at the Pickle Factory on the 24th of April. It'll be massive.

Honourable Mentions

LUMP - Curse of the Contemporary

Florence + The Machine - Sky Full Of Song

2000 Angels - Ben Khan

Easy Life - Ice Cream

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Thursday, 5 April 2018

EP Review: LICE - 'It All Worked out Great, Vol. 1'

Bristol is currently having a real musical moment. We've recently covered the likes of IDLES, Heavy Lungs and Dogeyed. Now it's the turn of satirical art-punks LICE. Signed to the recently founded Balley Records which is the brainchild of Mark Bent and IDLES' very own frontman Joe Talbot, LICE have released their debut EP 'It All Worked out Great, Vol. 1'.

The EP opens with the beautifully chaotic 'Stammering Bill'. The repetitive bass riff and drum rolls amount to a passionate performance that is enough to grab anyone's' attention. The vocals here are near on inaudible but that's what gives them such charm. The song then breaks to a simple but dirty riff with a groove that contrasts perfectly with the track's turbulent opening stages. The second track, 'Voyeur Picture Salesman' is more laidback instrumentally but the vocals, more audible this time, are passionately delivered with a rawness and fierceness that can be hard to find in modern punk.

On 'Ted's Dead' LICE show us their more unconventional experimental side. The free-form trumpet solo in the middle of the track is a real touch of class and shows that LICE have more about themselves than your run of the mill punks. The lyrical themes are dark but witty, mirroring the band's playful image. The EP closer is a bass driven track that fluctuates in tempo introducing scratchy guitar riffs and heavy drum grooves. It's a brilliant final tune to end a fantastic debut EP.

With 'It All Worked out Great, Vol. 1' LICE have definitely cemented themselves as a punk band to watch. Their chaotic instrumentals combined with satirical lyricism, danceable grooves and brilliant riffs ensure this is a debut EP to remember.

Listen to the EP below.

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Wednesday, 4 April 2018

The Best of Fresh Finds (04/04/2018)

In this series, we pick out the best from Spotify's Fresh Finds playlists which shines a light on the latest and greatest songs from undiscovered artists around the world. You never know, you might find your new favourite tune. Click the titles to listen!

Ice Baths - New Strappings, Pt. 1

London-based post-punks Ice Baths have only been around a short while. Their spiky, noisy and sometimes uncomfortable sound is one of originality and severe urgency. The way the track builds to all-out noise towards the final stages is brilliant and the heavily reverberated vocals add a calmness to the rowdy chaos.

Dogeyed - Deep Dreaming

Bristol's Dogeyed are soon to be releasing their debut EP in May, and 'Deep Dreaming' is the first cut from that. Harriet Elder's vocals are sharp and passionate against a raw but equally dreamy and lazy isntrumental. This is another great track from an ever-growing Bristol music scene.

Suzi Island - Show Me the Way

The debut single from Brighton duo Suzi Island, 'Show Me the Way' is a dense and lavishly produced summer banger waiting to explode. Both only 19 years old, the lads have already carved out a sound that is sure to resonate with a young, indie-loving audience.

King Colour - A Night at Flo's

This instrumental is from King Colour's brilliant new 9 track EP titled 'Mood Lighting'. If you're a fan of killer guitar solos, brilliant drum grooves and 60s influenced organ sounds this one is definitely for you. Rock n' roll isn't dead when this lot are around.

Slow Pilot - Grow

'Grow' arrives on Slow Pilot's debut album 'Gentle Intruder'. Released on Starman Records, the tune is one filled with dreamlike textures that perfectly accompany Pieter Perisman's soft lead vocal. The guitar solo towards the end of the track is unconventionally bluesy but grabs the attention and cuts through the whistful instrumentation perfectly.

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Tuesday, 3 April 2018

Track Review: Longfellow - 'Plasticine'

London-based four-piece Longfellow have shared their new sun-kissed single 'Plasticine'. Their sound is influenced by the likes of Coldplay and The Killers with a heavy dose of their own creative vision thrown in for good measure. Longfellow garnered a tonne of radio support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lemacq and Jo Wiley for their debut single 'Siamese Lover' and with 'Plasticine' the band will be hoping for more of the same.

The track opens with an indie-disco influenced drum groove which is brilliantly accentuated by the gloriously catchy and lush riff played on muted guitar and percussive synths. When introduced, Owen Lloyd's vocal is instantly the centre of attention. His voice is warm and slick and you can really get a sense of Lloyd's knack for writing a superbly catchy lead melody.

In the chorus, more synths are introduced with additional high-pitched backing vocals to give a sense of the stadium rock scale that Longfellow are so clearly searching for. There are some lovely moments here including the cheeky 80s inspired drum fills and sci-fi influenced sound-effects. The track builds to a brilliant climax with different and changing vocal refrains, euphoric synth sounds and thick backing vocals ensuring the band sound as massive as possible.

With 'Plasticine', Longfellow have released a track worthy of any stadium slot or festival main stage. It's a summer tune that has been brilliantly performed, meticulously well written and above all will be loved by many. 'Plasticine' is a great release by a band who are clearly filled with high ambition. It won't be long until those stadiums headline slots come calling.

Listen to 'Plasticine' below.

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