2009 – How was it for you? Part 5

Twin Atlantic (Sam McTrusty – vocals)
www.myspace.com/twinatlantic

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
this year has been incredible. it has been a real landmark year for our band and one we will never forget… a trip to the states to record our debut label release and a relentless touring schedule has made 2009 dandy.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
so much radiohead it is almost sad along with wintersleep, the manchester orchestra, brand new, rage against the machine, sucioperro, and you will know us by the trail of dead, john lennon, muse, animal collective, ryan adams,aereogramme, cave in, mutemath, elbow and the gayblades.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
not a thing. everything that has been incredibley shit for our band this year has only made us stronger and more determined and focused on our identity as a band. 2009, like i have said, has been the best year for us yet. roll on 2010 as we have big plans.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
reaching as many new people as possible through touring in new countries as well as playing another home town show in glasgow which is always special. we have a uk and european tour at the start of the year so we are by no means taking a break. we also have our sights set on another record at some point.

Do you have a message for our readers?
if you bought our record “vivarium” thank you for all the support. you have helped us make 2009 the best year of our lives. also fuck straight lines… bendy is the future. viva la revolution.

Bad For Lazarus (Steve Wattis – Drums)
www.myspace.com/badforlazarus

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
The busiest of my life! I learned a lot about sewing, sustained many drum/guitar/microphone-based injuries. It was a lot of fun.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Mew, Mew and Mew. The rest of the band can’t stand them but I’m completely obsessed. Also a shit load of Yacht Rock like The Doobie Brothers, Toto and Hall & Oats.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I try not to dwell on the past, regret is a pointless wast of emotion.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
More shows, recording the album, Simon Cowell’s impending murder…

Do you have a message for our readers?
Stay away from the red rope liquorice and look out for each other guys, if someone falls down, pick em up. Don’t be an asshole.

White Rabbits (Jamie Levinson – Drums)
www.myspace.com/whiterabbits

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Much like any year of our lives. Making music and touring. With a few meals in between.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
This year I really enjoyed records from Glass Ghost, Animal Collective, and The Walkmen.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
More sleep. Particularly in my new apartment that I have only stayed at a couple nights.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
Seeing more movies. We always plan to see a couple when we are on tour but it rarely happens.

Do you have a message for our readers?
To Beyonce or not to Beyonce? That is the question.

SINGLES CORNER! 30/11/2009

FOREIGN BEGGARS – Seven Figure Swagger
Dented

With grime vocals bolted unceremoniously to beats that I can only assume were designed to blow holes in your sub-woofer, this is a classic British slice of rap/hip-hop with a refreshing electronic edge. If this isn’t already blowing away dance floors on underground club nights then there’s something seriously wrong with the world, and if this is your kind of tune then go ask for it!

TWIN ATLANTIC – What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?
Red Bull Records

Twin Atlantic are, quite possibly, one f our discoveries of the year here at Call Upon The Author, their Biffy Clyro meets 30 Seconds To Mars sound is fresh and engaging and this is another example of how well they know their way around a song. Seriously, if you haven’t heard this band yet then you’re missing out, so get googling now!

BLACK SOUL STRANGERS – Lies
Squeek Records

This Irish quartet have taken up residence in London to try and bring their indie tunes to the masses. They aren’t bad either, though this is certainly not groundbreaking stuff. In fact, if I’m honest this is almost a throwback to the latter days of the Britpop era with it’s singalong chorus, good fun then, in a throwaway fashion.

RUFFNECK ‘09 FT. NAVIGATOR – Ctrl Z v Freestylers
Never Say Die

Furious electro punk anarchy is the recipe of the day here. If you pogo’d round the dance floor to early Prodigy you’ll be right at home here. Having been the subject of a master class in Computer Music on how to remix (and of course, featured in a video here at Call Upon The Author), give this a spin and we defy you not to be dancing around the room!

BAD FOR LAZARUS – Old Rats On A New Ship
Shit Chic

Like the grubby rocker stood in a crowd of pristine skinny jean clad indie kids, Bad For Lazarus doesn’t quite fit. Somehow that makes this single all the more endearing. The screeching vocal and stomping beat, all drenched in distortion, hark back to the grunge era. Do yourself a favour if you get this disc and check out the B side too. ‘Kemptown Animals’ comes on like a prowling animal being sound tracked by The Fratellis, and it’s a gorgeous mix!