SINGLES CORNER! 31/08/2009

So, here we are with another singles roundup. Once again there’s so much exciting stuff flying through our letterbox that we’re just going to have to do a double post check back this evening for part two). So, what do we have for you this morning? How about a brooding folk charity single? The belated return of some rocking Aussies? Perhaps you’d prefer an introspective track from our favourite new Northern electro-pop/dance-rock act? Well, here’s our thoughts, why don’t you seek out the tracks and share yours?

HAUNTED STEREO – Cross The Sea
Tracks For Amnesty

First off – even if this isn’t your cup of tea, spend your pennies on this, it’s for a good cause. It’s a simple, haunting affair that, unlike most charity singles, would stand alone as a good track. In fact, we’ve been watching these guys & gals for a while and we think they’re something special, so go take a closer look.

MIIKE SNOW – Animal
Sony

Sounding like a Ragga classic updated for a modern chart audience, Animal is a strange beat indeed. With the writers behind hits like Britney Spears’ Toxic involved, you’d expect a chart rocket aimed squarely at the top spot, but somehow this seems to fall a bit short. It all feels a bit contrived and we can’t help but feel short changed by this.

WAVE MACHINES – Punk Spirit
Neapolitan

We like Wave Machines and, in our humble opinion, this is the best track on their album. Eschewing the upbeat dance of their previous singles, this is the sound of rage and frustration wrapped in a thin veneer of calm. We were worried that Wave Machines might end up a one trick pony, but this is a new skill altogether!

CATRAZ – Knock Knock
Side W7lk

I had to listen to this twice to get my head around it, this sounds like Mike Skinner working with Goldie Lookin’ Chain. That said, it’s a fun little track, but Catraz is walking a thin line between sincerity and pastiche.

JET – She’s A Genius
Rela Horrorshow/Five Seven

The boys are back and doing what they do best, bolting Strokes style tunes to fat rocking riffs and playing it all with the assured swagger of AC/DC. This is the sort of track designed to have you bouncing around your room, laying down some air guitar and pulling off your best rockstar poses. Is it the most impressive single we’ve heard ever… no, not even the most impressive this week. But it’s certainly the most fun!