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.
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.
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.
