Music Liberation: October 2007

Tuesday, 30 October 2007

Gig Review - Hadouken!

Last night I saw Hadouken! in TJ's, Newport. and this is my review.

For starters this was the first time I have been to a gig in agesssss, so it felt good to be back in that environment. Hadouken! are a "cool" band, and as such the majority of the crowd reflected this "coolness", all wearing brightly coloured clothing and waving around glowsticks. The average age must have been about 16, there were alot of kids around, which made me feel very old, but also quite nostalgic remembering that back in the day I was one of these kids, getting overly hyped about the band I was seeing. They were still pretty irritating though...

Arriving at the venue about 8, I presumed things would be underway, but they were not. In fact the first band didnt start playing until 8.45pm. It later transpired that this was because of an illness within The Ghost Frequency camp, particuarly annoying as I was looking forward to seeing them. Anyway this meant Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames were the warmup to H! (thats how the kids do it).

Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames come from Leeds, and are currently (somehow!) unsigned. I was really impressed with this band, whose post hardcore punk style reminded me in parts of Refused and iForward Russia, aswell as taking on influences from the nu rave scene. There were lots of effective repeated vocals, strong rthymic drumming and some intricate guitars. Definatley a band i'm going to look out for, and for me were the best band of the gig.

And then Hadouken! took to the stage. and the kids finally got to let out all their hype ness, with lots of high pitched screaming and bouncing around. Oh and waving their glowsticks. I can't pin down what it was about this Hadouken! display, but something wasn't quite right. Don't get me wrong I had a good time and the band put on an entertaining gig, playing all their "classics" from Liquid Lives, Dance Lesson, and That Boy That Girl. I think its got something to do with comments from the band along the lines of "we're enjoying playing smaller venues like this because after this tour we'll be playing bigger venues". It just made me think it doesnt seem quite right that a band like Hadouken! can out of nowhere enjoy this much success, when compared to say Hundred Reasons who've had to really fight hard to get to where they are, are probably not going to reach the level that Hadouken! are already at. How much of this is down to the "marketing industry" i'm not sure.

mmmm i'm not even sure what point i'm trying to make here, I might have to return to the discussion when i've thought about it some more. If you know what i'm feeling or think i'm talking nonsense, then i'd love to know what you think, so please comment away!

MP3: Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames - Signal Noise

MP3: Hadouken! - That Boy That Girl

Sunday, 28 October 2007

New Wave Of Music #5

Yo. Here's the next collection of tracks i've been enjoying lately.

MP3: Los Campesinos! - The International Tweexcore Underground

Category: Indie/Alternative/Pop

Info: Released as a single last week.

Label: Wichita

Comment: Young welsh band who make great records you can pogo along to!

More: http://www.loscampesinos.com/

MP3: Future Of The Left - The Lord Hates A Coward
Category: Alternative/Rock
Info: Taken from the album "Curses" (2007).
Label: Too Pure
Comment: Another exciting young welsh band. These guys make some mean rocking tunes.
More: http://www.futureoftheleft.com/

MP3: Goose - Black Gloves (Ft. Marcus Graap)
Category: Electronica/Indie
Info: Taken from album "Bring It On" (2007).
Label: Skint
Comment: Wicked track from Belgium's finest. This version is available on the bonus 2nd Cd of the album.
More: http://www.goosemusic.com/

MP3: Soko - I'll Kill Her
Category: Folk/Acoustic/Pop
Info: Taken from the E.P "Soko Not Sokute" (2007).
Label: Believe Digital

Comment: Young French singer with a funny song about love and jealousy.
More: www.myspace.com/mysoko

MP3: Outl4w - No More Survivors
Category: Punk
Info: Taken from the E.P "I Can't Relate" (2007).
Label: Currently unsigned.
Comment: This track is awesome!!! Can't believe the average age of this band is just 15! Exciting, looking forward to a full release.
More: http://www.outl4w.tv/

MP3: Chris Naish - Take This Train
Category: Acoustic
Info: Released as a single last week.
Label: Currently unsigned.
Comment: If Chris Naish continues making tunes like this then he could go far.
More: www.freewebs.com/chrisnaish/

Wednesday, 24 October 2007

Hundred Reasons - Quick The Word Sharp The Action

Time for an album review. This week its the new record from Hundred Reasons called "Quick The Word Sharp The Action", out on V2 Records.

Background: Hundred Reasons have been around for awhile now. Since 1999 to be exact. With new album "Quick The Word Sharp The Action", the band are now on album number 4. Previous releases have included the Gold selling debut LP "Ideas Above Our Station" (2002), "Shatterproof Is Not A Challenge" (2004), and "Kill Your Own" (2006). The current lineup of the band is Andy Bews (Drums), Colin Doran (Lead Vocals), Den Doyle (Guitar), Andy Gilmour (Bass), and Larry Hibbitt (Guitar and Vocals). Over the years this band has had to overcome adversity time and time again, ranging from being dropped from their label, to lead singer Colin Doran being threatened with career ending vocal problems. But they keep bouncing back and coming up with excellent albums, and this new one is no different.

Review: On first listening to the new album, I have to admit I wasn't blown away. But with each time I have since listened to it, its got better and better. This forth album see's the band maturing and growing in confidence to experiment with their sound. Theres the typical Hundred Reasons sound on first single "No Way Back", but on tracks such as "The Shredder" we see the band delving into previously unchartered territory with positive results. One of my favourite tracks so far is the final one "Out Of Time", which is so good it makes you want to listen to more, and so you press the play button again. That track combines a catchy chorus with heavy guitars and drums, and for me will be an instant favourite on the live scene. Which is where the band really come into their own, with an incredible energetic and inspring live performance which really does the faster songs justice, which sometimes the records don't.

You can catch Hundred Reasons supporting Enter Shikari throughout October and November, and the band have their own headline tour in January. Check the band's website for more information.

MP3: Hundred Reasons - No Way Back

MP3: Hundred Reasons - Out Of Time

Monday, 22 October 2007

New Wave Of Music #4

Hey! So i'm back after a nice refreshing break. Got lots of new music to waffle about. As usual hope you enjoy the tracks!

MP3: Akala - Where I'm From
Category: Hip Hop/Beats
Info: From album "Freedom Lasso" (2007)
Label: Illastate
Comment: This guy has serious talent! Also check out "Bit by Bit". Keep an eye on Akala, he will be huge!
More: http://www.akalamusic.com/

MP3: Malakai - The Battle
Category: Beats/Indie/Experimental
Info: Taken from the recently released E.P, simply titled EP1
Label: Island
Comment: Bristol based duo, who make cool sounding beats and samples.
More: www.myspace.com/Malakaibristol

MP3: Jimmy Eat World - Big Casino
Category: Rock/Punk
Info: Released as a single this week (22/10/2007)
Label: Polydor
Comment: Awesome track, first single off the new album "Chase This Light" (2007)
More: http://www.jimmyeatworld.com/

MP3: Dave Gahan - Kingdom (Digitalism Remix)
Category: House/Dance/Alternative
Info: Find on the original "Kingdom" release
Label: Mute
Comment: Cool original track, but with the Digitalism input its a dance floor killer.
More: http://www.davegahan.com/

MP3: The Cribs - Our Bovine Public
Category: Indie/Punk/Pop
Info: Find on the album "Mens Needs Womens Needs Whatever" (2007)
Label: V2
Comment: The Cribs, much like The Wombats, make music you can dance and be happy to.
More: http://www.thecribs.com/

MP3: Milburn - What Will You Do (When The Money Goes)
Category: Indie/Rock
Info: From album "These Are The Facts" (2007)
Label: Mercury
Comment: Milburn are very talented, & for me better than that other Sheffield band
More: http://www.milburnmusic.com/

Sunday, 14 October 2007

Radiohead - In Rainbows

Before I get started i'd just like to say that this will be the last post for a week or so as i'm going on holiday on Monday. but I'll Be Back...

So today's post. Radiohead. Your probably sick of reading about this band by now, it seems almost every blog across world has had something to say about them and the groundbreaking release of their new material. But for what it's worth i'm putting my two pennies in.

As we all know Radiohead made their new album, "In Rainbows", available for download for whatever price you were willing to pay for it. Upon the anouncement it caused a media storm and the profile of the band was raised tenfold. I don't mind telling you that I actually paid nothing for the album...My reasoning? Well, to me mp3's and downloads are a vehicle for promoting bands and artists. I decided that if I like and enjoy listening to the album, I will, like with other records, purchase the hard physical copy when it is released. But the question is, is it any good?

And the answer is yes.

.
Like with other Radiohead records, it takes time and a few listens to really appreciate the songs, ideas, and concepts. I've never been a huge fan of the band before, but as my musical tastes have matured over the years, i've been able to "get" what Radiohead are about more and more. I think this album is really accessible. Its not as guitar heavy as other releases and maybe thats a reason why. Thats not to say the guitars have been neglected. Listen to my current favourite track "Bodysnatchers" and this is instantly apparent. But there are slower, clearly Thom Yorke inspired tracks such as "All I need" which are really well produced and strike a real chord of honesty and musical integrity.

What I like about this new Radiohead album is that I think everytime I listen to it im going to come out with a different impression of the record.

.
So it looks like I will be purchasing the physical copy of "In Rainbows". So as far as im concerned, Radioheads gamble has clearly paid off.
.
MP3: Radiohead - Bodysnatchers
MP3: Radiohead - All I Need
.
www.radiohead.com/deadairspace
www.inrainbows.com (Download the album here)

Friday, 12 October 2007

New Wave Of Music #3

First off, I'd like to say thankyou to everyone who voted for this blog in this years BT Digital Music Awards. In the category of best music blog, I came in at number 68! So hopefully next time I can break into the top 30, well thats the aim! Anyway on with today's post.

MP3: Hadouken! - Leap Of Faith
Category: Indie/Electronica/Alternative
Info: From the forthcoming "usb" album "Not Here To Please You" released 12/11/07
Label: Warners
Comment: Also check out the awesome video
More: http://www.hadouken.co.uk/

MP3: My Chemical Romance - Mama
Category: Rock/Emo
Info: Taken from the album "The Black Parade" (2006)
Label: Reprise
Comment: The whole album has grown on me, particuarly this track
More: http://www.mychemicalromance.com/

MP3: British Sea Power - Atom
Category: Indie/Rock/Alternative
Info: Taken from E.P "Krankenhaus?" (2007)
Label: Rough Trade Records
Comment: Belting new track from a wicked band
More: http://www.britishseapower.co.uk/

MP3: The Editors - The Racing Rats
Category: Indie/Rock
Info: Taken from the album "An End Has A Start" (2007)
Label: Kitchenware
Comment: Another strong track from impressive new album
More: http://www.editorsofficial.co.uk/

MP3: Linkin Park - What I've Done
Category: Metal/Rock
Info: Taken from the album "Minutes To Midnight" (2007)
Label: Warners
Comment: Really impressed with how these guys have moved forward with this new album
More: http://www.linkinpark.com/

MP3: Ministry - Roadhouse Blues
Category: Industrial/Metal/Experimental
Info: Taken from album "Last Sucker" (2007)
Label: 13th Planet
Comment: Brutal track. Check this out!
More: www.myspace.com/ministrymusic

Monday, 8 October 2007

Band Review : Me Against Them

When in London a few weeks ago, I decided to buy an album based on no reason other than I liked the name of the band and thought the album cover looked quite cool. It also helped that it only cost £2. To my enjoyment, upon listening to the record I found out that it is actually really good, and has turned out to be a great find!

The record is the self titled debut album from a band called "Me Against Them".

Unfortunatley it appears after doing some research that the band are either no longer together, or are on some sort of hiatus. I've concluded this because 1) There official website doesn't exist anymore. 2) The record label website doesn't exist and 3) their myspace havent been updated for a couple of years. But this takes nothing away from how good I think their debut album is.

Me Against Them formed in 2001 and come from London. The members are Marty on Vocals/Guitar, Arthur on Guitar/Vocals, Mathew on Bass/Vocals, Sonny on Drums, and Steve on Keys. They are a fusion of alternative Rock and Punk, mixing distorted guitars and powerful drums, with angst filled, but tuneful vocals. They released an E.P entitled "Do The Splits" which came out in 2002 on Shifty Disco records.

The debut self titled full length album was released in 2004 on Hot Teeth Records. It received much recognition, getting airplay from Radio 1 DJ's Mark and Lard, aswell as getting played on XFM. The band also recorded a couple of sessions for John Peel.

And thats where it seemingly ends for this band...

If anyone knows anymore then let me know! Also leave me a comment with your opinion on the band.

Checkout the bands Myspace.

MP3: Me Against Them - White Pants

MP3: Me Against Them - Soul Destroyer

MP3: Me Against Them - Too Beautiful To Be Trusted

Thursday, 4 October 2007

New Wave Of Music #2

Good evening one and all! A Space For Music Liberation has now been added to the pages of the Hype Machine!!! Which for those who don't know is a music aggregator for music blogs, basically allowing people to search for bands, artists, songs, and blogs. So it will mean that this blog will be receiving alot more visitors, which is great! But it also means that songs will now only be available for download for a maximum of 14 days...

So get em' while their hot folks!

MP3: FOALS - ASTRONAUTS AND ALL

Category: Indie/New Rave/Electronica

Info: Another wicked track from Foals

Label: Transgressive

Comment: On tour throughout October/November

More: www.myspace.com/foals

MP3: JACK PENATE - MADE OF CODES
Category: Acoustic/Indie/Alternative
Info: Track taken from debut album "Matinee" released next week (08/10/2007)
Label: XL Recordings
Comment: Looking forward to getting the album!
More: http://www.jackpenate.com/

MP3: SHY CHILD - BREAK YOUR NECK
Category: Indie/Electro
Info: Taken from album "One With The Sun" (2004)
Label: Wall Of Sound
Comment: UK tour thoughout October
More: http://www.shychild.com/

MP3: KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES - RAISE HELL
Category: Indie/Rock/Emo
Info: Track taken from self titled E.P
Label: Unsigned
Comment: Wicked young Welsh band, on tour soon!
More: www.myspace.com/kidsinglasshouses

MP3: YOU SAY PARTY! WE SAY DIE! - MONSTER
Category: Indie/Rock/Alternative
Info: Track taken from the album "Lose All Time" (2007)
Label: Fierce Panda
Comment: Currently on UK Tour
More: www.myspace.com/yousaypartywesaydie

MP3: CHERRY GHOST - MATHEMATICS
Category: Indie/Soul/Chill
Info: Track taken from the album "Thirst For Romance" (2007)
Label: Heavenly
Comment: Thought-provoking chilled out tune
More: http://www.cherryghost.co.uk/