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Thursday, 17 May 2018

Live Review: Decave #7 - Oscar Jerome x S. Fidelity Collaboration @ Birthdays, London (11/05/2018)

If you haven't heard of Decave and the brilliant collaboration night the small but passionate London-based promoters put on once a month, then please allow us to enlighten you. The premise is simple - they get two great musicians who have never met before, make them spend five hours in the studio collaborating and then, on the night, they perform their creations live at a venue somewhere in London. Past collaborators have included artists like Goat Girl, ISLAND, Blaenavon and Line Fire and for their 7th outing, singer-songwriter Oscar Jerome and electronic beat maker, S. Fidelity.

It's fair to say, as soon as the performance started, we and the relatively large audience were hooked. Jerome's incredible guitar playing coupled with the hard, but sparse beats of S. Fidelity instantly worked a treat. They opened with two tracks which were both created that day. Much to our amazement they were both fully formed songs with clear structures, lyrics and brilliant instrumentation. We have to confess, we arrived at Decave with a slight trepidation. It could have been far too easy for S. Fidelity to play a drum loop whilst Jerome shredded across the top for a good half an hour but luckily, this wasn't the case. These songs showcased each artist's superb talent with a high air of professionalism. Jerome's soulful vocals and guitars, combined with the electronic beats and brilliant use of S. Fidelity's vocoder amounted to a captivating performance.

One of the best things to take away from the night was how much fun both artists looked to be having on stage. It looked as if they had been friends for years, but in fact, they had never met before the day. They then performed a John Martyn cover which silenced the crowd before each artist broke into a solo rendition from their respective back catalogues. The setlist itself was concise and you could really tell each artist had put in maximum effort and thought into the whole process.

We were genuinely blown away by how good the performance was. Decave have got a brilliant concept here and it won't be long before the crowds get bigger and bigger. Also, it's clear Oscar and S. Fidelity should record a split EP. The chemistry the lads showed was electric and we'd definitely go see them perform together again.

Make sure you keep up to date with all things Decave by 'liking' their Facebook page.

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Wednesday, 2 May 2018

Live at Leeds 2018: Ones to Watch

It's the magnificent Live at Leeds this bank holiday weekend and we'll be there once again. Here are our top tips for one of the best festivals in Yorkshire. We've also handily included the stage times and locations of each act, you know because we're super nice like that. This list is in alphabetical order too so it's dead easy to navigate. Enjoy!

Abi Ocia
The Chapel, 18:00-18:30

After racking up over six million plays on Spotify, London-based Abi Ocia has made a name for herself with tastemakers and bloggers alike. Her unique take on R 'n' B is something we're very excited for and The Chapel is the perfect venue for her tender, intimate vocals.

Listen to - Running

APRE
Belgrave Music Hall, 14:00-14:30

London duo APRE have only got one tune online but it's great. 'All Yours' is full of funk-influenced guitars and psychedelic synths. A must for fans of Foals and early Bombay Bicycle Club and a perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Listen to - All Yours

Avalanche Party
The Lending Room, 23:00-23:45

Yorkshire lads Avalanche Party have been making waves all over the UK with their chaotic and entrancing live shows. Signed to Clue Records, the band play their garage rock and roll with an intense urgency that explodes off the stage. It'll get sweaty with this lot.

Listen to - I'm So Wet

Boy Azooga
Brudenell Social Club / DIY Stage, 20:00-20:30

Having just signed to the legendary Heavenly Recordings, Boy Azooga are starting to make waves in the world of indie. The Welsh natives draw from the Beach Boys and the legend that is Wesley Gonzalez to create their unique indie hits.

Listen to - Loner Boogie

Bruno Major
Headrow House / NME Stage, 23:00-23:45

Bruno Major's voice is incredible. His debut album 'A Song for Every Moon' is the culmination of a year-long project where he released a new single every month. The result is an album full of singer/songwriter confessionals combined with modern electronic production. Major is a perfect way to end the day.

Listen to - Just the Same

Cosmo Pyke
Brudenell Community Room / DIY NEU Stage, 22:45-23:15

Talented lad this fella. He's a skater, model, graffiti artist and a brilliant songwriter. His jazz-influenced indie-soul is fresh and the perfect soundtrack to any summer. He's only young, but the future is super bright for the brilliant musician from Peckham.

Listen to - Social Sites

Demob Happy
The Key Club, 20:15-21:00

Demob Happy recently released their decent second album 'Holy Doom'. If it's riffs, hair and chaos you want, these are the band for you. With elements of psychedelia and 70s influenced backing vocals, this trio will be a definite highlight.

Listen to - Liar In Your Head

Easy Life
The Wardrobe / Dr Martens Stage, 16:15-16:45

Easy Life's 'Pockets' was a late highlight of last year. the single is reminiscent of some of Jamie T's early stuff and we love it. Their debut mixtape 'Creature Habits' takes influence from hip-hop, indie and electronica. Each track is an absolute head bopper and it will be great to see these tunes performed live.

Listen to - Pockets

FLING
Leeds Beckett Union (Main Stage), 17:00-17:30

Bradfordians and wonky pop specialists FLING follow the legendary Ash on the Leeds Beckett Union mainstage. Their tunes are unbelievably catchy if lyrically a little odd, but FLING are the ones to inject some fun into your day.

Listen to - Banjo Billy

Forever Cult
Leeds Beckett Union (Stage 2), 20:00-20:30

We love Forever Cult and after the release of their latest single 'Usurper' and a UK tour with Fizzy Blood they just keep on getting better and better. Expect serious noise from the quartet fronted by the supremely talented and all-around nice guy Kieran Clarke.

Listen to - Usurper

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly
The Key Club, 12:00-12:45

Sam Duckworth has been releasing music under the Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly moniker for 14 years (14 YEARS!!). His politically charged acoustic pop is still pretty timeless and you'd be an idiot to miss the legendary 'The Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager' live.

Listen to - The Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager (Part One)

Haley Heynderickx
Holy Trinity Church / Clash Stage, 14:15-14:45

We love love love Haley Heynderickx here at Not Another Music Blog. (we gave her debut album an 8/10) and we can't wait to see her live for the first time. She'll be gracing the beautiful Holy Trinity Church with her unique and brilliant folk music.

Listen to - Worth It

Her's
Brudenell Social Club / DIY Stage, 21:00-21:30

Liverpool two-piece Her's know how to write a riff. Their oddball pop has seen them garner some amazing praise and we've heard only great things about their live show. Ariel Pink and Mac Demarco fans will love these two.

Listen to - What Once Was

Hey Charlie
The Key Club, 18:15-18:45

This all-girl three-piece are keeping Rock 'n' Roll alive in 2018. They look cool as fuck and know how to write some proper heavy tunes. We can't wait to see how their riff-driven guitar music transpires in a live setting.

Listen to - Hey

The Horrors
Church / Dork Stage, 21:30-22:45

Last year, we featured The Horrors' newest studio album in our top 50 albums of the year. The band have grown from strength to strength since their inception and this is one show we're incredibly excited for. The Church is the perfect setting for some psychedelic, gloomy indie.

Listen to - Something to Remember Me By

IDLES
The Wardrobe / Dr Martens Stage, 12:00-12:45

Credit - Lindsay Melbourne

Opening the day for us is IDLES. Without a doubt the best punk band in the UK right now, Joe Talbot and the rest of the boys return to Live at Leeds after a sold-out headline UK tour. Last year's performance at The Key Club is the stuff of legend and we can't wait to see their rip-roaring, social commentary noise come to life. Get down early for this one.

Listen to - White Privilege

JW Ridley
The Wardrobe Bar, 21:15-21:45

Last year, London-based JW Ridley released one of the best debut tracks we've heard in recent times. 'Everything (Deathless)' is an eight-minute epic with krautrock beats and heavy reverbs reminiscent of The War on Drugs. We're expecting big things from JW Ridley, and we're tipping him for massive success at this years Live at Leeds.

Listen to - Everything (Deathless)

King Nun
The Key Club, 17:15-17:45

After being tipped for huge success in 2018, King Nun have been quiet on the release front so far this year. Not to worry, their current material is brilliant and the Dirty Hit band are renowned for their live performances. They promise to cause a riot.

Listen to - Hung Around

LIFE
Santiago Bar (LAL Fringe), 22:00-22:45

LIFE self-released their critically acclaimed debut in 2017 and since then they have gone on to appear at numerous festivals and tours all over the UK and Europe. They return to Leeds with their ferocious punk after headlining SXSW for the BBC.

Listen to - Grown Up

The Magic Gang
The O2 Academy / Leeds Festival Stage, 19:15-20:15

The Magic Gang have had a bloody brilliant year so far. They scored a chart position of 12 for their debut self-titled album and it seems like they've been on tour ever since. Their relaxed indie has gained them tonnes of fans up and down the UK and it would be a crime to miss them before they inevitably get even bigger.

Listen to - Oh, Saki

The Modern Strangers
The Lending Room, 13:00-13:30

Fronted by brothers Max and Archie Davenport, The Modern Strangers make create nothing but bangers. We've been obsessing over them for a while and we can't wait to hear their disco-tinged indie tunes live.

Listen to - Coco Hello

The Orielles
Holy Trinity Church / Clash Stage, 12:00-12:45

Leeds is only a short trip from Halifax for The Orielles but its one that will be worthwhile. They've had an amazing 2018 already and we can't wait to see what's next for the trio. They're on early so be sure not to miss them open the Holy Trinity Church with their blend of shoegaze, indie-pop.

Listen to - Let Your Dog Tooth Grow

Pale Waves
Brudenell Social Club / DIY Stage, 23:15-00:00

The latest signing to blow up from Dirty Hit, the home of the 1975, Pale Waves have already built a cult following. The Manchester-based quartet have worked with Matty Healy to write some absolute pop bangers and they will be definitely closing the Brudenell in style.

Listen to - Television Romance

Peace
The O2 Academy / Leeds Festival Stage, 15:15-16:15

Indie legends Peace release their 3rd album on Friday (4th May) and to celebrate they'll be opening the O2 Academy / Leeds Festival stage. Expect some absolute indie bangers from the boys from Worcester.

Listen to - Power

Pip Blom
Brudenell Social Club / DIY Stage, 17:00-17:30

Sports Team label mate Pip Blom, originally from Amsterdam, is definitely one to watch. Her heavily distorted slices of garage-influenced indie will fill that Brudenell room perfectly.

Listen to - Soon

Sam Fender
LUU Stylus / The Independent Stage, 18:15-19:00

Geordie-boy Sam Fender made the BBC's Sound of 2018 longlist this year and has been working tirelessly ever since. The singer/songwriter writes about fake news and sexual harassment with a grit and bite that can be lacking in your average troubadour. His breakout single 'Play God' is majestic.

Listen to - Play God

Sorry
Brudenell Community Room / DIY NEU Stage, 21:30-22:00

London post-punks Sorry mix low-fi instrumentals with melodic vocals and scratchy beats to create a bleak sound reminiscent of their life in London. They will go down well with the Brudenell crowd and expectations will be high. They are surely bound to deliver.

Listen to - 2 Down 2 Dance

Sports Team
Brudenell Social Club / DIY Stage, 15:00-15:30

Not Another Music Blog. favourites Sports Team will be gracing the best venue in the world, The Brudenell Social club. Be prepared for electric stage presence and the wittiest of tunes. We're not quite sure Leeds is ready for this lot from North West London.

Listen to - Camel Crew

Superorganism
The O2 Academy / Leeds Festival Stage, 14:45-15:30

We saw this internet age supergroup at a live recording of ...Later with Jools Holland once and they blew us away. Their experimental and catchy indie-pop tunes are enough to win any music fan over. They released their debut album this year to rapturous applause so be sure to check out the weird and wonderful eight-piece.

Listen to - Everybody Wants to be Famous

Suzi Wu
Brudenell Community Room / DIY NEU Stage, 19:30-20:00

Nineteen-year-old Suzi McDermott's refreshingly new sound and captivating storytelling has found her fans across the board, earning her 'World Record' and 'World First' on Zane Lowe's Beats1 show and support across Radio 1 and Spotify. She apparently blew the audience away at SXSW too so go see what all the fuss is about.

Listen to - Speed

TOUTS
Nation of Shopkeepers / Too Many Blogs Stage, 19:00-19:30

A singer that can't sing, a mod that can't play bass and a drummer that can't see - TOUTS' Facebook bio. They don't give themselves enough credit to be fair. We're big fans over here and we can't wait to see the lads from Derry literally tear Leeds a new arse hole with their ferociously brutal punk.

Listen to - Sold Out

The Vaccines
The O2 Academy / Leeds Festival Stage, 21:00-22:30

Probably the most well-known band on the whole bill, The Vaccines will be closing out proceedings at the O2 Academy. They've been a part of a resurgence this year with the release of their brilliant new album 'Combat Sports'. Expect old and new hits from a band who really know how to work the crowd.

Listen to - Your Love Is My Favourite Band

Tickets for Live at Leeds are still available here, don't miss out!

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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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