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Thursday, 13 September 2018

Album Review: IDLES - 'Joy as an Act of Resistance'

Image result for idles joy as an act of resistance

Whoever coined the expression 'difficult second album' never bothered to tell Bristol punks IDLES. The follow up to their wonderfully deranged debut 'Brutalism', 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' is a record full of euphoria and heartbreak. Now signed to Partisan Records, IDLES have had one hell of a year from making waves over in the U.S. at SXSW to nearly (at the time of writing) selling out their biggest UK tour to date. 'Joy...' also amazingly made it to number FIVE(!) in the Official UK Album Chart, which, however you look at it, is an incredible feat for five relatively unknown lads from Bristol with one incredibly loyal fan base. Shouts to AF GANG too by the way.

Album opener 'Colossus' is a slow burner with a riotous finish whilst second track 'Never Fight a Man With a Perm' is a wonderfully bat shit crazy exploration into front man Joe Talbot's colourful past. These two tracks contrast brilliantly and instantly show an improvement on their sometime one dimensional debut record.

The thrashy tempo set by the second track is counteracted by the marching, plodding beat on 'I'm Scum' whereas 'Danny Nedelko' (named after Heavy Lungs' Ukrainian front-man) is a melodically charged commentary on immigration. 'Love Song' is yes, you guessed it, a love song and an ode to Talbot's partner before the unbelievably harrowing and beautifully heartbreaking ballad 'June' is introduced. A tough but equally beautiful listen, the song explores incredibly personal themes and is easily one of the most emotional songs released this year. Be prepared for tears with this one.

The lyrical themes explored on 'Joy...' are bold, relatable and incredibly frank. The honesty of the band is what makes them so special and their songs so accessible. On 'Samaritans', the band tackle toxic masculinity whilst on 'Television' they explore the ridiculous beauty standards of the media and fourth single 'Great' tackles the never-ending circus that is Brexit.

'Rottweiler', the albums closer and one that's been performed live since 2016 is a call to arms against the tabloid press and the perfect ending to a perfect album. The way the song builds at the end and the aggressive way Talbot encourages the band to keep playing is brilliant. IDLES' live show is one of magnificence and 'Rottweiler' is the perfect embodiment of that.

On 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' IDLES have blown open the punk scene. Musically the band have stepped it up incredibly since their last effort. The variation of each track is fantastic with new unexpected elements cropping up at any moment. Lyrically IDLES have created an album of pure joy. The subjects tackled here are dark but equally identifiable and the way the band marry these themes with wit and aggression is a touch of genius. IDLES have raised the already high bar set on their debut even higher on their sophomore release and it seems they won't be stopping. Magnificent stuff.

10/10

Best track - Never Fight a Man With a Perm

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Thursday, 16 August 2018

Track Review: Sam Fender - 'Dead Boys'

Newcastle singer/songwriter Sam Fender has returned with the fantastic new 'Dead Boys'. The 22 year-old has been making serious waves in the past year by playing shows up and down the country, smashing the festival circuit and making the BBC's 'Sounds of 2018' shortlist. Recently signed to Polydor, Fender's new tune was premiered on Annie Mac's Radio 1 show as the coveted Hottest Record.

Opening with fast-paced finger-picked guitar, 'Dead Boys' is atmospheric and instantly haunting. Fender's delicate vocals take center stage as he sings openly of male suicide, a rising problem currently facing the UK, especially in the music industry. Fender's vocal is haunting and beautifully delicate, delivering his powerful message perfectly.

The way the song builds musically is a real touch of genius. The addition of a heavily reverberated guitar part here or a long understated drone there ensures 'Dead Boys' is constantly dynamically interesting and intriguing. When the drums are introduced the groove becomes incredibly infectious with the track sharing musical similarities with The War on Drugs or early Ben Howard. The cascading guitar part before the second chorus adds a sense of grit as the song grows in intensity.

Sam Fender's songwriting has come on leaps and bounds in the past year and 'Dead Boys' is a real testament to his growth. Poignant lyrical themes, combined with fantastic instrumentation and stunning performances set Sam Fender way ahead of the pack leaving contemporaries like dull-as-dishwater James Bay and your Mum's favourite bore George Ezra behind. Time to get into Sam Fender, he'll be sticking around for quite a while.

'Dead Boys' is out now on all decent streaming sites or you can listen below.

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Monday, 13 August 2018

Track Review: Ash - 'Naked'

Credit: Lauren Dunn

‘Naked’ is the second single from Hawaiian newcomer Ash (not to be confused with the Northern Irish alt-rock band of the same name), and it’s a fantastic slice of Latin-jazz-neo-soul-R&B. You’d think with a mixture of genres like that, this track would sound like an absolute cacophony of inharmonious sounds, and you’d be so, so wrong. ‘Naked’ takes the best parts of each genre; the jazzy bass, the Latin rhythms, the soulful singing, and combines them into an intensely expressive song.

The first thing that grabs you is Ash’s incredibly heartfelt vocals, being equal parts Portishead and Destiny’s Child. This combination enables Ash to display a masterclass in expressive vocal delivery as they transform from low, sultry dulcet tones in the verse to elated highs in the feel good, summery chorus. Featuring such lyrics as “I surrender to the moment now I know there’s no reason to be scared”, the composition emits pure positivity, nicely supported by the carefree rhythms and instrumentation.

Layers upon layers of percussion give this track an amazingly syncopated groove, underpinned by the wonderfully vibe-filled bass-line, forming a rock-solid foundation for a song that is undeniably dance-able. This is aided up by the light tinkling of a jazzy piano part, before the song crescendos with a fantastically vivid trumpet solo.

Essentially, everything in this song is filled with a sense of rhythmic passion, creating an atmosphere of optimistic fervour that is absolutely sure to brighten up your day.

‘Naked’ by Ash is available now on all platforms or you can listen below.

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Friday, 10 August 2018

Track Review: The Post Romantics - 'Call It Off'

Liverpool natives The Post Romantics - consisting of brothers Connor, Cameron and Liam Cockbain and their childhood friend Samuel Barton - have released an intriguing new tune entitled "Call It Off". The band have spent a significant amount of time constructing this release, to ensure that it properly captures who they are as musical artists and it seems that, with the production assistance of Sugar House, they have achieved their goal.

Opening with what appears to be a fairly standard trap beat, the track demonstrates its eclectic approach when these are joined by atmospheric guitars and rich lead vocals. In just under three minutes, the listener is drawn in by a layered sound which is defined by emotive vocal delivery and enveloping instrumentation, judiciously layered.

Between delicate verses and charged choruses, the band present a narrative based on a relationship which is reaching an end before it has even had a beginning. Combined with the melancholic tone, the familiarity of the lyrics highlights the band's attempts to reach a generation who feel dejected and desperate for a distraction. At the same time, they have managed to craft a song which is charming and tuneful.

Despite the multitude of British indie rock artists who have broken through in recent years, The Post Romantics clearly bring something different to the table. If they can cultivate their experimental influences and continue to combine them with a gritty and authentic lyricism then the band have the potential to create music which amalgamates genre in a polished way.

Listen to 'Call It Off' below.

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Wednesday, 8 August 2018

Track Review: Wes Allen - 'Ask Me Now'

‘Ask Me Now’ is the first single from Wes Allen’s debut EP, ‘Funny Thing’. It’s a very relaxing piece, conjuring up similar feelings found on ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ era Bon Iver with it’s sparse arrangement and lo-fi instrumentation.

Produced by Chester Hansen of BADBADNOTGOOD, the song heavily features a wonderfully comforting acoustic guitar progression, which somehow feels both familiar and unique at the same time. You can tell great care has been taken in capturing the performance of the instrument, as the volume of individual notes ebb and flow in the most charming way, helping keep a fantastic sense of groove throughout. This is all undercut by scattered vibraphone (an irresistibly delightful, if criminally underused, instrument), swelling routinely throughout the track at pivotal moments in the composition.

At the forefront of the track is Wes’ wonderfully reserved vocal performance, containing such haunting lyrics as, “ask me now if I’ve changed my mind, about leaving you behind”. The performance describes the painful process of breaking up with someone who wants to stay together, and in doing so brilliantly contrasts the messy unpleasantness of breakups with the soft and calming personality of the song.

Harrowing and dark themes aside, the whole thing feels like it takes place in a blissful underwater cavern, far away from the problems of the outside world, where for three minutes and fifty-three seconds, you can just forget. And that’s something everyone needs once in a while.

‘Ask Me Now’ is available on Wes Allen’s debut EP, ‘Funny Thing’.

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Tuesday, 7 August 2018

Track Review: Johnny Payne - 'Lazy Love'

Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Johnny Payne has shared his first solo effort 'Lazy Love'. Recorded in Denver with Pat Riley and Alaina Moore of Tennis and James Barone of Beach House, 'Lazy Love' is the first track to be released off his upcoming debut EP 'Johnny'.

A piano led ballad, 'Lazy Love' has all the throwback tropes harking back to John Lennon and the schmaltzy production of current Father John Misty hits. Opening with simple piano chords, Payne's vocal takes centre-stage throughout the initial sparsity of the instrumentation. It's here where Payne sounds at his most vulnerable and endearing.

Johnny says, "There is nothing wrong with being lazy. Especially in love it is a virtue." The song echo's this sentiment with lazily played beats and a sometimes simple vocal melody. The tune is a slow builder, but when it finally kicks off it really slaps. The production here is fantastic. The dreamy string sections, rhythmic acoustic guitars and sparse drum beats build throughout to a wonderful climax with an infectious guitar solo and beautiful female led backing vocals.

On 'Lazy Love' Johnny Payne has released a song jam-packed with beautiful moments. The overall sound of the piece is breathtaking and with the new EP slated for release on September the 28th, we're already incredibly excited to hear more.

'Lazy Love' is out now on all good streaming sites, or you can listen below.

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Monday, 6 August 2018

Track Review: Ed The Dog - 'Shame'

Former Fish Tank front man Ed Wetenhall has reinvented himself as Ed The Dog, having spent a considerable period of time in his High Wycombe attic writing music with whatever instruments he could get his hands on. 'Shame' is the third single from his debut album of the same name, released at the end of July, and it has all the characteristics of a classic indie hit.

Straight away you are hit by the anarchic production and metronomic percussion. The introductory guitar riff is simple, lo-fi rock but it's effective at building up to Ed's opening line, "I've never felt more ashamed of myself than right now", which sets the tone of the track somewhere in between humiliation, frustration and exhaustion. As the song progresses, the guitar manages to channel both an alt-rock grit and a quirky jangle pop timbre which ensures its distinctive sound.

Drawing on a session with a psychotherapist, Ed examines the overwhelming complexities of being a human being in the twenty-first century and a desire for the lucidity brought by childhood innocence. Far from downbeat, he is able to transform his experiences into a concentrated chaos - laden with memorable hooks and clever lyricism - contorting his voice in the process.

In just under four minutes, Ed The Dog has crafted a tune that is familiar in style but fresh in its witty reflections on the world. Given the tumultuous modern society we live in, the necessity of music that encourages us to reflect on ourselves and our experiences is clear. With 'Shame', Ed has done so in a charming and lively way.

Listen to 'Shame' below.

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Wednesday, 1 August 2018

Track Review: LANNDS - 'you + drugs'

LANNDS is the Memphis-born artist Rania Woodward and producer/songwriter Brian Squillace. Now based in Jacksonville, the duo have racked up over two-million streams to date on the strength of their coming of age anthems. 'you + drugs' is the final single to be released off their eagerly awaited second EP 'Legends'.

Drawing from Woodward's soulful blues background and Squillace's electro-pop musing, the track opens with a pulsing sample before Woodward's beautiful vocal is introduced. The production of 'you + drugs' is initially elegantly simplistic and the way the way the song builds over the first minute is fantastic.

LANNDS certainly know how to work with dynamics. The duo introduce all sorts of textures and musical elements to ensure the track never gets dull. The introduction of the electric guitar after the first chorus is a touch of class. The tone, melody and overall sound of this section is fantastic. It's at this moment where you can really hear the duo's influences. Drawing from Daughter, The Japanese House and Lapsley, the atmospheric instrumentation coupled with Woodward's distant, layered vocals takes this tune to another dimension.

Thematically, 'you + drugs' is about addictive relationships where thoughts and relationships spiral out of control. These themes are incredibly relatable for a lot of people and they run deep throughout LANNDS' dense and highly emotive songwriting.

On 'you + drugs', LANNDS have created a piece of music that transcends many types of emotion. The dark themes, atmospheric instrumental and well-oiled performances make this slice of dream-pop one to remember.

Listen to LANNDS below.

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Thursday, 19 July 2018

Track Review: Olivver The Kid - 'Overreacting'

'Overreacting' is the new tune from ex-The Neighbourhood drummer Bryan Sammis. After a year-long hiatus, LA-based Sammis is back with his solo project Olivver The Kid and a new EP to boot.

The disco-influenced, super electronic track is a short but sweet slice of 80s infused, sun-drenched pop. The track pulses at an upbeat pace throughout with tambourine driven percussion and synth arpeggios that add to the driving nostalgia of 'Overreacting'.

Sammis says, "the song is about realising the normalisation of art around you. Knowing that artists and peers are capable of showing so much more emotion if they just let themselves go, rather than what they are supposed to do".

The vocals on 'Overreacting' are brilliant, especially on the verses where Sammis shows his knack for a fantastic melody that is as infectious as any other. The control he shows when transitioning from falsetto to full voice is incredible.

On 'Overreacting', Sammis cranks the nostalgia up to the max and the impeccably produced track benefits so much from this. It's short running time ensures people will go back time and time again. This is definitely one for summer, especially with those amazing guitar leads towards the end.

'Overreacting' is out now on the new 'Ego Surfin' EP.

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Track Review: Honey Moon - '(Why Do You Think You're So) Special?'

We've been on to Honey Moon for a while here at Not Another Music Blog. Their jangly croon influenced indie-pop is the stuff of brilliance and the perfect accompaniment to this never-ending British heatwave we seem to have found ourselves in. '(Why Do You Think You're So) Special?' is the London-based bands latest single after a two-year break from the airwaves and first through indie label Heist or Hit.

Honey Moon's 50s and 60s pop influences shine brightly in the opening stages of the song. Walking basslines, surf-tinged guitars, wistful backing vocals and skittish drums all combine to create a throwback sound harking back to the doo-wop era's of early American and British pop.

The introduction of Jack Slater Chandler's dreamy and incredibly controlled falsetto adds another element of finesse before the band crank up the intensity in the chorus. Melodically this track is up there with some of the best indie music we've heard all year. The "I don't know if I could ever stop loving you" refrain is so catchy and sweet that it'll have you singing it all day long.

The craftsmanship of the song is a wonder with each musical element perfectly formed to build a sound that is not only timeless, it's also incredibly refreshing. Produced by Alex Greaves at The Nave in Leeds, the way 'Special?' builds to the final brass filled stages is a joy and the dynamic grandiosity of the outro makes us want to return time after time.

Have love songs ever sounded better? We think not.

On '(Why Do You Think You're So) Special?', Honey Moon has returned with a perfect slice of doo-wop indie-pop perfection. With songs like this, Honey Moon is reaching for the stars and it won't be long before the four-piece really make a name for themselves. Time to take note.

Upcoming Live Dates
20th July – Truck Festival, Oxfordshire

'(Why Do You Think You're So) Special?' is out on all good streaming services now or you can listen below.

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Wednesday, 18 July 2018

Track Review: Taylor Janzen - 'Stations'

'Stations' is the new hauntingly beautiful single from 19-year-old Winnipeg singer-songwriter Taylor Janzen. Taking influence from Not Another Music Blog. favourites Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Snail Mail, Janzen fuses highly emotive lyrics with sparse guitar-driven instrumentals.

The song opens with a minimalistic finger picked guitar part before Janzen's evocative and dulcet vocals are introduced. The lyrics are incredibly personal as the Canadian based artist aims to break the silence about abuse.

Turning to songwriting as an outlet to express her feelings instead of religion, Janzen says "'Stations' is about the isolating and complicated feelings when one experiences psychological abuse from a loved one regardless of the nature of their relationship".

Janzen's voice is incredibly endearing. Her use of melodies and dynamics makes ensure 'Stations' sounds fresh and interesting throughout. On this new single, Taylor Janzen has released a stunning effort that is both lyrically and musically fantastic. The slow build guitars and layered backing vocals, as well as the lyrical content, ensure this is one of the most heartbreaking tracks we've heard this year so far.

'Stations' is out now and Janzen's debut EP 'Interpersonal' is released on the 10th of August 2018.

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Tuesday, 17 July 2018

Track Review: Jerskin Fendrix - 'Swamp'

It's fair to say, this is one of the best songs of 2018 so far. It's incredibly bonkers and beautifully composed. Born in Birmingham, Fendrix has been playing a fair number of solo shows at the iconic Windmill in South London's Brixton. Supporting everyone from Jerkcurb and Black Midi to Goat Girl, Fendrix has made quite the name for himself with his unique live performances. Fendrix is also a member of the incredible London band Famous who we featured a few months back.

Fendrix's third single 'Swamp' opens with an industrial influenced, hard-hitting electronic beat that drives the track throughout. Fendrix's thick baritone vocal contrasts perfectly with the sparse hi-hats in the verse before the distorted bass notes warp into euphoric trance-like synths hits.

Fendrix's incredibly unique sound does borrow elements of current pop music, whether it be lyrically ('No one man should have all that power', taken from Kanye West's 'Power') or musically where influences are taken from Grimes and commercial pop legend Carly Rae Jepsen. These moments give 'Swamp' a brilliant sense of familiarity which is bound to resonate with a wide audience despite the songs insane production.

The highlight of the track comes when Fendrix really shows his vocal emotions. The way the song builds to this moment is near perfection with the euphoric synths returning and the beat dropping out before the real pop magic is introduced. One slight criticism is that this section is far too short, or that it doesn't return. It's so good it just keeps us wanting to come back for more. The song then trails off into a subdued section that slowly pitches down and down before reaching a brilliantly dense finale.

This track is incredibly ambitious whilst also keeping itself grounded in accessible pop roots. It's jam-packed full of surprises and musical moments of real perfection. With tracks like this, Jerskin Fendrix is really throwing down a marker. We can't wait to hear what's still to come.

Watch the amazing video for 'Swamp' directed by Peter Price below.

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Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Track Review: Nic Pool - 'The Falls'

‘The Falls’ is the debut single of singer-songwriter Nic Pool, and boy what a great way to start a career in music.

The track is a tale of woe, twisting and turning down the spiral of grief whilst being beautifully supported by sublime and often ethereal vocals. This is most evident on the introduction to the track, which takes the form of a pitch-shifted soliloquy about unrequited love whilst swirling white noise descends on the listener. It must be said, it’s strange to have this upfront as the first thing people will hear, but it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the song.

From there, it launches into various sections where Nic demonstrates his impressive vocal ability. There’s a fantastic tone to his vocal delivery, you can almost hear the anguish that has resided inside for so long, before being awoken and thrust out into a microphone for everyone to hear. With lyrics like “got a pretty face, but one day you’ll be old”, you know that a heartfelt vocal like this comes from genuine loss, which is just undeniably powerful.

Vocals aside, the whole thing is underpinned by wonderful instrumentation, courtesy of Elliot Jacobson. Eerie guitars drenched in reverb reinforce the thematics of the lyrics whilst an staccato electronic piano keeps the rhythm at a steady pace. The sound design present throughout is a work of outstanding artistry that subtlety fills the gaps whilst simultaneously complementing the subject matter.

Basically if you want to hear the inner monologue of grief in musical form (whilst not being overtly morbid at any point), then this is the track for you.

Nic Pool’s debut single 'The Falls' is available now.

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