Favourite Albums of 2013.

Top 10:


1. 'AM' - Arctic Monkeys

2. 'Mechanical Bull' - Kings of Leon

3. 'Sistrionix' - Deap Vally

4. 'In Love' - Peace'
5. 'Don't Forget Who You Are' - Miles Kane

6. 'Tribute' - John Newman

7. 'Modern Vampires of the City' - Vampire Weekend

8. 'Days Are Gone' - Haim

9. 'The 1975' - The 1975

10. 'Holy Fire' - Foals

Emerging Artist: The Gramotones

The Gramotones


          I was fortunate enough to see this band as they supported Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock on his UK tour. There are several young bands in the UK right now, hotly-tipped for success, such as The Strypes. The Gramotones should without doubt be one of the bands being labeled with a similar hype. With a unique sound in today's music scene, and a 60s fashionista style to their look to boot.

       Self-proclaimed admirers of the likes of Squeeze and Elvis Costello, the Gramotones of Manchester take heed of their influences but fight off "revival" labels to produce a superb and original sound. These northern boys know their roots, with the lasting impression of fellow Manchester band The Hollies acting as a inspiration.

       I managed to pick up the excellent single 'A Soldier's Kiss', with added B-Side 'Victorian Town, two excellent tracks. However I feel their best work, of which I saw live, lies in the two tracks. 'M62', sang by Jake Fletcher, is a poetic story-telling tune, expressing the Gramotones' pure ability in lyricism and song-writing, regardless of their youthful age. This punchy track, almost comparable to the modern storytellers within rock and roll, such as that of Arctic Monkeys, with smart lyrics but a truly different guitar sound. The second track, 'Little River', a softer and more melodic song, sang by fellow lead singer Sid Cooper. A rich 60s northern rock vibe, a sound that Cooper's voice truly suits. If it's a kickback sound they're looking for, they've found it with these tracks.

      The future looks promising for The Gramotones, touring with Steve Cradock, in which Jake Fletcher performed within Cradock's lineup with the OCS bassist. Recently, the Gramotones have been touring with Findlay and Tim Burgess. Furthermore, the Modfather Paul Weller stated Gramotones' track 'Daltry Street' as one of his favourite tracks of the year in an article in music magazine 'Mojo'. If there's anyone's word they should ever listen to, it would be that of Weller's.

Emerging Artist: Six Def

Six Def

     

       Somehow, this brilliant blues artist has managed to slip through the attentive fingers of the mainstream. Perhaps it's all down to luck, or to when and where. Those who are a fan of Gary Clark Jnr, and the earlier Black Keys records, will eat this album up. Six Def released 'Damn Fever' on 24th April 2013 but has yet to receive any real recognition for the superb dirty blues noises being created.
        Six Def received some exposure when one of the best tracks off the album, arguably, "I'm The King" was featured as part of the soundtrack to the programme 'Suits'. As small an exposure as this might seem, 'Suits' features an excellent soundtrack, with Ima Robot's song "Greenback Boogie" used as the title themetune.

       Those who argue that music is not in the era of the guitar need to look at artists such as Six Def, who are bringing back this raw talent to the mainstream. Jack White has always been at the centre of such a movement, through hus bands such as The White Stripes, the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather. The Black Keys are arguably the most popular and "mainstream" of current guitar-based riff-footed rock bands around, with the likes of Gary Clark Jnr emerging in recent times. 

Emerging Artist: Sivu

Sivu

I first came across Sivu when I was fortunate enough to catch his set as he supported the ever-superb The Staves in Cardiff back in April of this year. Afterwards I purchased the new E.P. 'Bodies'. A superb collection of four songs, 'Bodies' perfectly demonstrates the great ability that lies within Sivu, named James Page by birth. 

Sivu, singer-songwriter, often performs with a cello and violin accompaniment, adding extra verve to his delicate voice and softly-strummed guitar. To draw comparisons is not too easy; think Jeff Buckley with an indie-pop fusion, then add a bit of the solemn colours of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and backed by a string-duet, and you have Sivu.  

The E.P. 'Bodies', sophomore to the two-tracked E.P. 'Better Man Than He', is truly excellent. Both E.P's have been released since the start of 2013, and Sivu now has a well-rounded collection of music, all album-worthy by my account. The track 'Better Man Than He', from the E.P of the same title, pushed Sivu's name onto the scene somewhat, securing a support spot for The Staves. This excellent track, which is more upbeat than that of the E.P to follow, is one of soothing and warming  vibes. The entirety of the 'Bodies' E.P. is truly beautiful, and is worthy of a lot more attention. A personal favourite, 'Sleep', wrenches the heart and pains the soul. A line from the chorus "I'm a cruel, cold-hearted waste of space, now let me sleep me sleep so I can slip away' would be perfectly at home in even the most melancholic of Thom Yorke's musical repertoire.


Sivu appears to have a promising future in the music scene, providing the quirky indie-pop conglomerate stay strong and current. His appearance at this year's Glastonbury festival on the Crow's Nest Stage is a small but promising start on the path to Sivu's deserved recognition.

E.P Release: The Lay-Lows

The Lay-Lows: - 'Pick Up and Go'

Track listing:

1. Fools
2. All For Fun
3. Locked Up
4. Amsterdam

The Cardiff-based rocking-quartet are back with their third E.P. 'Pick Up and Go'. Released in May 2013, a somewhat delayed response on my part, they have been receiving great feedback from their already-established localised fanbase, as well as those new ears lucky enough to fall upon these sounds.  This time around, there is a new, younger bassist Daniel at the helm, but underestimate this change you should not. Upon hearing these new tracks, it was evident to me that the drumming, in particular, was superb. This tight, and now much more prominent, drumming from Dafydd Davies offer a solid bass to the engaging, often dual lead-guitar sound in a Thin Lizzy/Allman Brothers-like 70s sound.

'Fools' opens up the album with a clean bassline, similar to that of 'Camaro' by Kings of Leon, before the guitar and drums kick-in hard, A melody of love, or more broken love, "Who's the fool for falling?" the chorus rings out. An anthemic opening to the new E.P will be greatly received live.

Track two, 'All For Fun', this time opening with drums and then a simple strum of lead guitar, is a somewhat slowed-up down track. The chorus slips-in seamlessly from the verse, a short two-lined structure, featuring the track-titling phrase "The girls stole the thunder from the boys who were blinded by the sun, all for fun".

'Locked Up' kicks in with a dual lead guitar riff, a classic Thin Lizzy-'Jailbreak' sound emanating. This track is my personal favourite off 'Pick Up and Go'. The dual-lead sound combined with well-written lyrics create a superb vibe. A favourite line of mine "I've never seen a size 16 move like you move when you came out on top" has multiple connotations. This superb track slows down to walking pace two minutes in, and finishes off the melody nice. "Lock up your daughters, I don't want to be alone tonight"...

To close the four-track E.P., 'Amsterdam' has a wonderfully melodic sound to it. With a simple chord structure and harmonised vocals, the band really have tightened the screws and perfected their vibe. The track lifts up after three minutes, with a lead guitar solo breaking through the song's repetition and offers a memorable sound to finish-off this great E.P.

Since the release of this E.P, the Lay-Lows have had a superb month. Supporting Dog is Dead at local venue The Globe was an obvious highlight, and is a great step in the direction to which these boys deserve. Futhermore, they got themselves on the bill for the Welsh festival 'Gwyl Pili Pala' in Swansea. This band continues to impress, and I can't see a next step which isn't onwards and upwards.

Gig Review: Bastille

Gig Review: Bastille.










After a series of successful E.P releases, Bastille finally headlined their own full-length tour, previously they had served as support acts for the likes of Two Door Cinema Club and Emeli Sande. They toured on the back of their hugely popular debut album 'Bad Blood', which was released on 4th March 2013. This album seemed a long time coming, given that two of the tracks on this album, 'Flaws' and 'Icarus', were released on their first E.P back in 2010. 

The gig took place in the smaller venue within Cardiff University Students's Union, Solus. This intimate venue offered an exclusive opportunity to those who were fortunate enough to get a ticket for this sold-out show. The small, dark room, filled wall to wall with fans, was idyllic for the vibe that emanates from the band's album tracks. It could have been easy to play a slightly bigger venue, and sell more tickets, but clearly executing the perfect show is what Bastille are aiming for.

Opening with the album title track, 'Bad Blood', proved a real crowd favourite. Every member of the audience is captivated by frontman Dan Smith's superb vocal range and indie-wildman hairstyle. The infectious rhythms had the adoring fans clapping their hands and bouncing to the beat. Later tracks, including the likes of 'Laura Palmer' and 'Things We Lost in the Fire', kept the crowd bouncing, dancing and clapping the night away. The show mainly featured debut- album material, however the band did play additional tracks that didn't make the "final cut" of the record. 'The Silence', 'Poet' and 'Sleepsong' were popular and well-known, despite their current status of E.P B-Side or Extended Album tracks. A particular set highlight is their cover of 90s pop band Corona's 'Rhythm of the Night' and eurodance act Snap! 'Rhythm is a Dancer'. 

In the concluding moment of the show, Bastille finished off with arguably their most well-known, and most loved, track 'Flaws'. The stage darkened, the recognisably synth-riff began, and suddenly Dan Smith appeared halfway through the on-watching Cardiff audience, who were mostly mutually confused by what had just occurred. Smith seamlessly continued singing as the made his way back through the excited crowd towards the stage, not before shaking my hand however...

Album Review: 'Dead & Born & Grown'

Album Review

'Dead & Born & Grown' - The Staves

Harmonious beauty. 

The three Staveley-Taylor sisters, with three amazing voices,combine to create spine-tingling, delicate folk melodies. Often on this record, the sisters sing just pure A Capella, or with a sole acoustic guitar to produce completely alluring sound. Th entire album, start to finish, embodies bliss. The album, released in November 2012, is the debut album for this very promising folk trio. If this album does, somehow, fail to break The Staves into the mainstream, then a sophomore record could definitely see these sisters follow in the footsteps of Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Ben Howard, who are all now regarded as household names on the folk music scene.

The Staveley-Taylor's hail from Watford, and have been tipped as 'ones to watch' for the near future of English music. The English folk scene, truly revived in the 1990's and 00's, is in full swing and is captivating the interest of the mainstream market. 'Dead & Born & Grown' is an record worthy of significant recognition, a truly superb full album in my personal opinion. All too often, an album can fall into a lull in the middle tracks, but that does not apply here. The Staves have not opted for the recently-formed stereotype that is the modern folk artist; tweed waistcoats and a compulsory banjo. When the tracks do instrumentally 'kick-in', the folk-rock vibe is flowing as drums are beat and cymbals crash.

The opening track, 'Wisely & Slow', is beautifully harmonised, and is purely a Capella for the majority of the track. I find this track to evoke references to the Sirens' song, 'Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby', in the soundtrack to 'Oh' Brother Where Art Thou', performed by Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. This opening track, the angelic voices and crashing cymbals, is one of brilliance and a perfect beginning to a truly excellent record. 

The Staves do appear to be offering a different folk sound than what is currently established int today's musical climate. Although, one still must draw from their influences, and it appears that the  sisters have set a benchmark against the brilliance of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as an idyllic vocal performance. Track four, 'Pay Us No Mind', and Track eleven 'Snow' are reminiscent are Laura Marling's earlier work, which is no comparison to be undervalued. 

The stand-out song, personally, is Track Nine 'Tongue Behind My Teeth'. One of the more upbeat tracks on this record, but just as beautiful. Perfect harmonies, acoustic guitars and a varied pace have all created a truly superb track, which was released as a single in September 2012. This is The Staves at the the pinnacle their brilliance, a perfect example of just how good their are. 

Album Rating: 9/10

Top 10 Alternative Love Songs

In an attempt to stay clear of the cliché mixtape of classic love ballads that will undeniable soundtrack Valentine's Day celebrations this again year, this playlist has been created to offer an alternate sound to the traditional Bublé and Celine Dion.

Track 10. The Wombats - 'Little Miss Pipedream'

Track 9. Seasick Steve - 'Walking Man'

Track 8. The Maccabees - 'First Love'

Track 7. Foo Fighters - 'Everlong'

Track 6.  The Cure - 'Lovesong'

Track 5. Joy Division - 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'

Track 4. The Darkness - 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love'

Track 3. Beach Boys - 'God Only Knows'

Track 2. Kiss - 'I Was Made For Loving You'

Track 1. The Smiths - 'There is a Light That Never Goes Out' 

Album Review: 'Lonerism'

Album Review


'Lonerism' - Tame Impala





File this album somewhere between the Beatles and Pink Floyd.

The vagueness of that statement should not be misconceived. The vibe that can be felt throughout the entirety of this album can be drawn on previous iconic sounds such as that of the Beatles or Pink Floyd and Genesis. A mixed sound of prog-rock and hypnotic ambience creates a truly superb record, start to finish. 'Lonerism' is a follow-up album to 'Innerspeaker', released in 2010 and similarly won the J Award for Australian Album of the Year. 

The band claim that Todd Rundgren's album 'A Wizard, A True Star' released in 1973 acted as a major influence over the production of this album. The character of this album appears to be quite a step-away from the previous album 'Innerspeaker', with more prog-pop feel mixed with the band experimenting with synth and samples, as seen in the opening track 'Be Above It'.

The Beatles-come-Pink Floyd influences truly emanate in Track 4 entitled 'Mind Mischief', an amalgamation of hypnotic vocals, entrancing riffs and soft percussion. On the other hand, Track 5 entitled 'Music To Walk Home By', appears to step back in time towards Tame Impala's past music, with a sound reminiscent of the popular single 'Solitude is Bliss'. A personal stand-out track would have to be Track 9, 'Elephant'. Whilst the rest of the album gives out a hypnotic-dream pop vibe, 'Elephant' appears to occupy a similar airspace to the likes of the Black Keys. Heavy riffs and crashing cymbals combine to create a truly brilliant rock 'n' roll anthem. 

Tame Impala - 'Elephant'

E.P Launch: The Lay-Lows

The Lay-Lows: 'Happy Family'.


Track 1: 'Chino Amigo'
Track 2: 'Ride'
Track 3: 'Curse'
Track 4: 'Keeper'

The new E.P from the Cardiff-based rock/indie/alternative band, released on the 2nd January 2013, is further cementing their status as one of the hottest new acts to be emerging from the vibrant music scene of South Wales. Inspired by the likes of Kings of Leon and Thin Lizzy, of whom can be heard within these tracks, the Lay-Lows have returned again to produce another E.P of the highest quality.

A personal highlight from within this E.P is the track 'Keeper'. The influence of Kings of Leon can be found fruitful throughout this tune, coupled with the brilliance of the band's own songwriting abilities, creates a track of distinction. 

On the back of recent shows outside of their hometown of Cardiff, notably at the historic Water Rats in London in December, the Lay-Lows continue to grow as a band and expand their strong support base. Already listed as one of the brightest emerging talents within South Wales, and tipped to enter the spotlight in 2013, the near future appears to be glistening.

Emerging Artist: Lewis Watson

Lewis Watson

To make a judgement regarding Lewis Watson, purely on his youthful appearance and messy 
'boy-band' hair, would be one of great naivety.

Armed with just an acoustic guitar, Watson defies the stereotyped youthful exuberance and creates music of love and passion through his melancholic tunes. On a career seemingly based on his already-achieved internet success, this young artist appears to have a golden future ahead of him. Comparisons can be drawn with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Francis Leftwich due to their mutual soft voices and simple acoustic tracks. Watson has also been known to share the stage with other singer-songwriters all hailing from Oxfordshire, England. Watson recently headlined a BBC Introducing Oxford show for the first time, having previously performed further down the pecking order. Furthermore, Watson's popularity and already-impressive fanbase is set to grow yet again, as he is scheduled to support Birdy on her tour of Australia in April 2013. 

A personal favourite track to be released by Lewis Watson is titled 'Sink or Swim'. His strong voice, acoustic guitar and melodic backing vocals all combine to create a truly beautiful and charming song. Watson's early tracks provide strong evidence of the talent that lays within, and of the bright spotlight that might just be around the corner.