Posted: June 1st, 2009 | Author: Matt | Filed under: Reviews | Tags: Hafdis Huld, Holdfast, Matt Merritt, The Krak, We Were Promised Jetpacks | No Comments »
HOLD FAST – Lie
myspace.com/holdfast
Ooh, Holdfast have got a little heavier (well, on record at least). This features some really beefy guitar courtesy of Adam, that really juxtaposes nicely against Roberta’s vocals. As always Toby & Ben propel the band along at pace and the whole here is possibly their most accomplished track yet. If you like White Lies or The Joy Formidable, there’s plenty to enjoy here!
THE KRAK – Estate Dwelling
Not On Your Radio
It sounds at first like you’re going to get a Red Hot Chili Peppers track, but as soon as the vocals kick in this is a quintessentially British tune, what the Kooks might write if they’d grown up in a working class environment. Tom Lattimer’s vocals have an element of Mike Skinner about them too, he sounds like an urban poet while the band as a whole show here that they have a knack for a catchy chorus!
HAFDIS HULD – Kongulo
Snow Angel
For anyone who heard Hafdis’ last album, this will come as a bit of a shock, being a lot less cutesy than her previous work. Not that it lacks the charm of the lady herself. It’s a nicely put together song and the subject of Alain Robert, the man who climbs skyscrapers barehanded (Kongulo is Icelandic for spider) is an interesting one. A nice track to whet the appetite for Ms Huld’s next album then.
WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS – Roll Up Your Sleeves
Fat Cat
More mainstream than their last single this track sounds like a more rocking Snow Patrol getting jiggy with Maximo Park. But in a good way… Yet again the Jetpacks lads have thrown their stuff together and created an anthemic track. With singles like these, the album is all set to be awesome!
Posted: May 11th, 2009 | Author: Matt | Filed under: Reviews | Tags: Matt Merritt, Peter Lyons, Shirley Lee, The Mighty Roars, The Moulettes, We Were Promised Jetpacks | 2 Comments »
Another week, another bathc of offerings from artists up and down the land. This week we’re enjoying the sunshine, so lets just hope these tunes will keep the smile on our faces.
SHIRLEY LEE – Dissolving Time
Missing Page
You might recognise Shirley’s dulcet tones as he’s front man of Spearmint, but this is a little different. Relaxed indie pop is the order of the day here, with a tune that reminds me of The Lighting Seeds. Much like Broudie & Co, this is a bit of a marmite tune, you’ll either love it (like me – it makes me want a pub garden and a pint of cider though), or you’ll loathe it with a passion!
THE MOULETTES – Wilderness
Sotones
This is a strange beast, female vocals with 40’s harmonies over the top of some intriguing folk rhythms. On my first listen I didn’t take to this one bit, but going back a few times I realised what a clever little tune this is, revealing a little more with each listen. I’m still not 100% sold, but I’m intrigued enough to want to hear more.
THE MIGHTY ROARS – Elvis Lives (And He Drinks Sake)
One Little Indian
Female fronted punk with a decidedly radio friendly pop sheen? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but The Mighty Roars pull it off admirably. This cheeky but affectionate nod to the Japanese and their love of western culture is a fiery little track and bound to get you pogo-ing on the spot!
PETER LYONS – Old Friends
Sotones
Our second Sotones release this week, this electro-folk track is the more initially appealing of the two (which will be paired as a double A side release). Fittingly though, as much as this was the more intriguing track on first listen, Lyons’ voice lacks the charisma to keep the interest on sustained runs through the track. It’s a nice little tune though.
WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS – Quiet Little Voices
Fat Cat
Jarring guitars played fast, rapid drumbeats and strained vocal chords. This is the sound of a bunch of youngsters getting together and venting their emotions through music. Unlike the spotty teens down your street massacring well known tunes though, these lads from Edinburgh have crafted a post-punk anthem in waiting. We’re very excited by these guys and can’t wait for their forthcoming album!
