#303: Lower - Seek Warmer Climes

Post-punk – a literally named genre if ever there was one – pretty much epitomised alternative music in the 1980s, whilst mirroring the disaffection felt by the working class British public under Thatcherism. As such, it was a logical progression for those who saw through the punk’s gimmicky exterior and often laughable political ideologies, whilst bringing the music they spent their teens listening to in to a more contemporary (at the time) setting, channelling their angst and tired indifference in to a genre of music that’s ultimately far more introverted and much more claustrophobic than it’s safety-pinned predecessor.

This review was originally written for TheRealMusic.net. Click here to read in full.

#302: Catching Up With...The Hope Edition (U&I Music Magazine - June Edition)

Manchester is synonymous with bad weather; a perpetually grey city built on industry and with a wholly engrained history of the working class and unemployment. As such, with such limited prospects for the city's youth of the past, the musical output never really glittered with optimism. It may have been poetic, but never pretty, and only when flooded with pills in the late '80s, early '90s did the Happy Mondays dare to cheer up a little bit, followed by Oasis' laddish hope, both lyrically questionable bands. It seems now though that solid lyricism and an irresistible optimism have finally found a pairing in the form of the aptly named The Hope Edition.

Despite forthcoming single 'Tony Adams Vs the World' being their official debut, there's been a handful of recordings online for a year or so now; charming, heartfelt, and at times whimsical tracks that range between spoken word, post-punk and old fashioned indie-pop/twee. What sets the band apart from most however, aside from the inherently sunny disposition, is the intelligence that runs through the lyricism, allowing Manchester to painted in a far more romantic light than it's perhaps worthy of. There's an age old adage that suggests you can't polish a turd, in the case of The Hope Edition however, that isn't true and as images are conjured of kisses on the 192 and sick-stained hotel rooms, you can't help but smile.

Though the band have been described as being similar to both The Talking Heads, and Manchester's own Buzzcocks, it's not easy to pin a direct sound on the band, as each track seems to explore a different aspect of their influences. What is obvious though, is that their previous experience in other bands has allowed a maturity to emerge within their song writing, and though the lyricism might not always be as uplifting as their name suggests, hope seems to be a theme that runs throughout their music regardless, making each track as irresistible as the last. With the post-punky 'Tony Adams...' due for release in June, let's hope the latter half of the year sees The Hope Edition begin to get the recognition they deserve.  

This feature was originally written U&I Magazine. Click here to read the full piece and see what else this month's issue has to offer.

#301: Felt Tip - Simple Things (EP review)

Felt Tip

Simple Things

June 9 2014 (Fierce Panda)

7/10

As Brits go, angular, somewhat self-deprecating indie has always been a penchant of ours, right from the genre's inception in the '80s. Thirty years later, and it's still as strong as ever, with new bands proving time and time again that one of alternative music's main tributaries isn't likely to run dry soon. At least not if Felt Tip have anything to do with it.

This review was orignally written for Little Indie Blogs, Clock here to read in full.

#299: Acre Tarn - This Once (single review)

Ethereal and atmospheric, two adjectives which are very much ‘in’ at the moment, thanks in no small part to acts such as London Grammar, and more recently BIRD. However, whilst Acre Tarn‘s debut single ‘This Once’ might well appeal to fans of the aforementioned, the reality is that it feels more fleshed out than the former, and far more optimistic than the latter, leaving listeners clamouring for a further taste of what this recently-emerged two-piece has to offer.

This review was originally pitched to Hooting & Howling. Click here to read in full.

#296: Parquet Courts - Sunbathing Animal

When you think of punk, Brooklyn’s Parquet Courts might not be the first band to spring to mind. And indeed, why should they? They certainly don’t adhere to the leather, bristles studs and acne uniform that typical punk conforms to. Their sound isn’t inherently punk either, at least not in the British sense of the genre. Parquet Courts are in fact rooted far more deeply in the art-punk of their hometown in the ’70s and ’80s, more Black Francis than Black Flag. And with Sunbathing Animal, their third full-length, the band look set to further their already impressive reputation.

This review was originally written for Far Out Magazine. Click here to read in full.

#291: Catching Up With...Allusondrugs

With Leeds being a city on the up, the amount of exciting talent emerging from its industrial inners is on the rise too and whilst Allusondrugs aren't technically from Leeds, they're close enough to be considered part of the ever-growing wave of acts the city has to offer.

Playing what's quickly becoming a quintessential Leeds sound and essentially having an appreciation for all things heavy, the band, whilst describing themselves as the catch-all term - alternative rock, fuse together grunge and indie in an incendiary blend of both nostalgia and the contemporary.

We caught up with guitarist Drey for a chat about their most recent single, and their plans looking towards the end of the year.

This feature was originally written for Shout4Music. Click here to read in full.

#290: The Pixies - Indie Cindy

Album Review: The Pixies - Indie Cindy (2014)

This review was originally written for Muso's Guide. Click the link above to read in full.

#287: Manchester Orchestra, Club Academy, Manchester (11/4/14)

Gig review: Manchester Orchestra, Club Academy, Manchester (11/4/14)

This review was originally written for Muso's Guide. Click the link above to read in full.

#286: Introducing...U&I Top Ten (U&I Music Magazine - May Issue)

Somehow or another, a whole year has gone by since I started writing for U&I and a lot has happened in those 12 months; I graduated, got fatter, saw some amazing bands and got fatter still. One thing which hasn't changed however, is the constant outpouring of good, quality music that comes out of Manchester. Now given that I can only feature one band a month, there's been plenty of top acts that I've had to pass on, so it seems only fair that I take this opportunity to big up some of the bands which didn't quite make my column, but could have done quite easily.

Jeremiah Ferrari

With their foundations firmly set in the traditional roots/reggae movement fused together with elements of ska and calypso, Jeremiah Ferrari are a far cry from Manchester's assumed indie heritage. Soulful vocals and upstrokes make for an ultimate party band, but that shouldn't detract from the solid song-writing and genuinely catchy melodies that perpetuate the band's music. Their live shows too, are fantastic.

Check out: Jazz Cigarette

The Gramotones

Another end of the spectrum now, The Gramotones' sound is a rich and melodic pop affair flecked with moments of solid indie and occasional camp theatrics. Having recently earned themselves a support slot on Paul Weller's forthcoming European tour, it's obvious that the band are going in the right direction; their lavish vocal melodies are steeped the '60s, affording the band a timelessness not often seen in such a relatively young act.

Check out: M62

Feed the Kid

Feed the Kid uphold an undeniable sense of the bucolic, their emotionally-driven folk building on a same foundations as bands such as Bear's Den. Those anticipating the Mumford and Sons branded arena folk will be disappointed, however, as there's a definite and appealing roughness at play too, which one can assume is an aesthetic decision given the polish over the anthemic 'Fellaheen'.

Check out: Kerry

No Hot Ashes

Reasonably new to the Manchester scene, No Hot Ashes fuse together funk with infectious indie that's hard not to sit up and take notice of. Championed by the illusive promoter/podcaster Mr Peeps it won't be long before No Hot Ashes follow in a similar direction to the likes of Puppet Rebellion; their music more danceable than Pup Reb's but both equally as solid in execution. Expect big things over the next few months.

Check out: Skeleton

The Backhanders

The Backhanders first caught my attention towards the end of last year, as much for their haircuts as for their melodic fusion of both punk and mod sounds. Seemingly causing a bit of a stir on the unsigned scene around Manchester at the moment, it's easy to see why. As the band flit from Stone Roses/Oasis-esque heady brit-pop to two-tone tinged punk, it's not hard to imagine a rowdy Manc crowd thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Check out: Don't Let Your Man Know

Lucky T. Jackson

Cheating a bit with this one, but the band, in this iteration at least, haven't been together all that long. With some members formerly of Manc band The Quangos, Lucky T. Jackson are fortunate enough to have people with a vested interest in them almost right off the bat. Having seen their debut gig at The Whisky Jar, I felt almost obligated to include them; their infectious blend of contemporary indie and sugary '60s harmonies proving too much of a draw not to mention. Potential for a full column piece in the coming months for sure.

Check out: This Particular Girl

Stolen Haven

Having seen Stolen Haven live a couple of times now, I know for a fact that they're one of the most promising live bands coming up in Manchester at the moment; their solid no nonsense indie earning them support slots with the likes of Puppet Rebellion. While their overall sound is nothing new, the confidence they have in themselves makes for some solid song-writing that just can't be ignored. Quiet on the release front of late, we can presume new things will emerge later this year.

Check out: Decent Shoes

The Lottery Winners

'Born in Salford, raised on romance' proclaims the Facebook page of The Lottery Winners, and from the first moments of hearing their bubblegum indie-pop, it's obvious how true that is. This is a band who don't so much wear their heart on their sleeve as wave it on a flag above their heads. You can almost imagine that this is what Morrisey might have sounded like had someone introduced him to Prozac.

Check out: I Only Want to Be With You

The Bluntskins

Not quite the usual fare here, The Bluntskins are one of Manchester's best hip-hop outfits who make their appreciation of cannabis culture known. Made up of two rappers, Bill Sykes and Cheech, and completed by producer DJ Pro P, the trio use a mixture of beats, bars and samples, resulting in a heady combination that just begs to blaze to. The lyrical content might not be to everyone's tastes, as might not the fractured but expertly mixed backing tracks, but for those who appreciate a little indulgence from time to time, or just like some good old fashioned hip-hop, then they could do far worse then checking out The Bluntskins.

Check out: High As A Helicopter

Kult Country

Part of Sways Records, (whose roster once boasted MONEY), Kult Country are a band without boundaries. Their music, though hard to pin down, draws from the likes of My Bloody Valentine, but isn't completely indebted to them, fusing together shoegaze and noise with elements of sparse post-punk and futuristic techno. It's an odd combination, but it's an exciting one, and we can hope to see far more of them this year, as they aim to follow in the footsteps of their previous label mates.

Check out: Slowburn

This article was originally written for this month's edition of U&I Magazine - you can read the rest of the magazine by clicking here.

#285: Art Trip and the Static Sound - Nothing is Static

Art Trip & The Static Sound

Nothing Is Static

May 19 2014 (Fiasco Recordings)

7.5/10

Having first heard Art Trip & The Static Sound a little over a year ago and having thoroughly enjoyed their second release 'EP2', I approached their debut full length full of anticipation, and given the time in between my experiences of the band, I was expecting the few creases that marred my last experience to be ironed out by now. As it happens, I was half right. 'Nothing Is Static' feels like it has more direction than Art Trip's previous releases and benefits from it massively. However, there are times -mainly during the first half - when the production, though intentionally lacking in polish, is so lo-fi that it stops adding to the record's overall DIY aesthetic, and actually detracts from it instead.

This review was originally written for Little Indie Blogs. Click here to read in full.

#284: Morning Smoke - In Euphoria (EP review)

Morning Smoke

In Euphoria

May 4 2014 (Stray Cat Records)

9/10

Sometimes contrary to popular belief music journalists don't mind being wrong; in fact, we can actually quite enjoy it, especially if it means that a band followed from almost their outset have defied expectations and are slowly transforming into the band you knew they could be, despite a pretty negative first impression. For me, one such band is Brighton's Morning Smoke, a five-piece who blur the lines of contemporary indie and nu-gaze, and whilst they're not without their foibles, the way in which they've progressed over the course of the last 12 months really can't be sniffed at.

This review was originally written for Little Indie Blogs. Click here to read in full.

#283: Ring Ring Rouge - Head Full of Fog

Ring Ring Rouge

Head Full of Fog

April 28 2014 (Jack To Phono)

6.5/10

Upon first listen, Ring Ring Rouge seemed to me to be the pop equivalent of methadone; a substitute tailor-made to appease anyone who thinks it's been too long since the last Keane record. Scratch below the surface, however, beneath the stadium-sized choruses that go hand in hand with the stadium-sized clichés, and 'Head Full of Fog' proves to be a fairly accomplished album that's shaped around a variety of influences. As a result it's nothing original, but that doesn't mean to say it isn't without merit.

This review was originally written for Little Indie Blogs. Click here to read in full.

#281: The Hope Edition - Tony Adams Vs The World

Bands that hale from Stockport can often be found baying to the black and white confines that their town offers them; their music an almost direct comparison, never mind metaphor, of the Brutalist architecture, the rampant unemployment and the almost-perpetually grey skies that Stockport is synonymous with. Not so the case with The Hope Edition however. Indeed the clue is in the name, and the optimism that runs thematically (if not lyrically) through the core of their latest offering ‘Tony Adams vs the World’, is infectious. 

 
This review was originally written for Louder Than War. Click here to read in full.

#280: Apollo Junction - If I Fell (single review)

Born in the '80s, influenced by the '90s and bored by the '00s, Leeds-based electro-indie outfit Apollo Junction have found their popularity rising over recent months, and it's easy to why. Their infectious blend of anthemic song-writing and polished pop musicality has already won over fans at both XFM and the BBC, the latter of which debuting the band's first single 'Begin' on the Graham Norton show. As such, it seems unquestionable that the band are going anywhere but up, and if their recent release 'If I Fell' is anything to go by, it won't be long before they're a household name.

As far as Apollo Junction go, 'If I Fell' is them not straying, but waltzing into true ballad territory. Gone are the pulsing disco beats of previous releases such as 'Daylight', in their stead, stadium-sized production on the drums, occasional string trills and a brilliantly effective piano line. Lyricism has never been the band's strong point; never bad but hardly poetic. It seems here, however, that there's been a distinct maturing between singles and 'If I Fell' comes off all the better for it. Having eschewed the traditional 'party' vibe of their past output, Apollo Junction exhibit here a never before seen Everyman candour. Like the best song The Twang never wrote it's also easily the band's strongest to date.

In terms of slow and heartfelt indie anthems, it's hardly a barren wasteland should one choose to indulge themselves. But more often than not it seems, at least these days, that said anthems are more the bands ticking boxes on the Make-An-Album worksheet as opposed to wanting to create something special. Indeed it's easier to envision a polo-nosed Fray, Turner or Gallagher counting out cash rather than pining over a relationship. Not so the case with Apollo Junction. They're singing about personal situations and making them universal to the listener, but it could quite easily be the other way round, making universal situations personal. Either way the band have come on leaps and bounds over the year or so they've been on my radar, with each single more impressive than the last. With 'If I Fell' however, it seems these five lads from Leeds have cracked it, and it could very well go to be their breakthrough.

#279: Elastic Sleep - Leave You (EP review)

Elastic Sleep

Leave You

April 28 2014 (Big Tea Records)

8.5/10

When I first heard Cork-based dream-poppers Elastic Sleep last year, they only had one song - 'Anywhere' - uploaded online at the time, but it was one that left me clamouring to hear more. Thankfully, forthcoming EP 'Leave You' not only sees Elastic Sleep having built upon their sound somewhat, but also having managed to pique the interest of the likes of BBC 6 Music it suggests that 'Leave You' might very well be the release that the lifts the band up a league.

This review was originally written for Little Indie Blogs. Click here to read in full.

#276: Mac DeMarco - Salad Days

Born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV, it's easy to see why Canadian singer/songwriter Mac DeMarco has eschewed his birth name in favour of something far more in keeping with the singer's slacker image. It's difficult these days to find mention of DeMarco's name without the S-word being banded about so readily, thanks in no small part to his 2012 debut 2. Now it seems however, that DeMarco is eager to, not quite shake off any of the slacker ambivalence of his debut, but to build on it, bringing to the fore the luscious melodies of '60s pop and interspersing it with moments of lite-psychedelia and the college rock of more contemporary acts such as Beulah. 

This review was originally written for Far Out Magazine. Click here to read in full.

#275: Catching Up With...The Nankeens (U&I Music Magazine - April Issue)

Raised in Salford but with a swagger to rival any band on the other side of the River Irwell, The Nankeens are one of the more diverse bands gracing the stages across Greater Manchester. Similar to Puppet Rebellion in that they aren't afraid to crank their amps up or dial down and showing their softer side, The Nankeens have been gathering both fans and momentum over the course of the last eighteen months or so, with their most recent shows “leaving the crowd screaming for more”. Furthermore, local label Scruff of the Neck have also caught wind of the buzz surrounding the band, suggesting that 2014 might very well be the year everything comes up Nankeen.

With label interest behind, the band show no signs of slowing down. Having just come out of the studio after recording their second EP, The Nankeens look set to build on an already solid catalogue of tracks. The most recent of which, 'Scenester' featuring an Arctic Monkey's-inspired drawl draped lazily across a chunky bassline and frenetic guitars. A far cry from softer, more candid tracks such as 'I'm Not Playing', a track from their first EP, Autonomy, a fitting name for a record which set them apart from many of their contemporaries, and featured the stripped down and simply titled 'Ukelele Song'. Whilst it could easily have given itself over in to somewhat of a parody, it maintains a complete degree of sincerity and as such is a stand out track in the band's catalogue, despite it's potential flippancy. Another track worth mentioning is 'Reaper' a track which brings to mind Aha Shake Heartbreak-era Kings of Leon before veering into some almost-shoegaze style guitars.

While the overall sound of The Nankeens isn't ground-breaking, both the energy and conviction, and at times the emotional candour, that the band possess makes them stand head and shoulders above some of the very bands they share stages with. It's music for the every-man, there are no added pretensions, no unwarranted ego. Sure their SoundCloud page might well purport that they already deserve the attention they get, but to put it bluntly, they're right. And whilst Manchester already has it's fair share of indie bands, very few stand out the way The Nankeens do, and though they might already have predicted it themselves, they certainly have a bright future ahead them.

U&I: Hi guys, thanks for taking the time out to have a chat with us. U&I: First of all, what's the story behind your name? A quick Google search tells me nankeens are in fact a type of trousers, care to elaborate?

Adam Darby: Well nankeen is a type of Cotton, we did a little research on the mill the we have our rehearsal room in and that is one of the things it used to make back in the day.

U&I: Being from Salford, do you find that people expect your sound to be more in fitting with a certain other band, and are they surprised when they find out how different you are from said band?

AD: I wouldn't say people expect it but I do think they're surprised when they hear us. We don't tow the typical Salford/Manchester line when it comes to our music but I think there is just enough in there.

U&I: You've been in the studio recently recording a new EP, what can we expect from those sessions?

AD: Yeah we've just finished recording a six track EP in The Motor Museum studio. It went really well and is by far our best work to date. It's got two tracks that we don't play live so it's something new for the regulars that come to our gigs, too.

U&I: I've seen talk online surrounding you and local label Scruff of the Neck, include the hashtag #newproject. What's happening there then?

AD: Well at present we haven't got any plans in place with Scruff of the Neck. We've finished recording the EP and once it's been mastered we're going to be looking to see if we can get someone to release it for us. So if there's anyone out there interested reading this, give us a shout!

U&I: A recent gig for SOTN at Manchester's Night & Day Cafe “left the crowd screaming for more”. How was the gig question? What do you think about the recent noise complaint the venue was faced with?

AD: Yeah we had a really good night, we were out all day with a gang of mates and just carried it on straight to the gig. The crowd were ace and it was good to feed off their energy. The gig was being filmed/documented too, so hopefully that will come across on the video.

As for the noise complaint, I think everyone in Manchester thinks the same - why move into somewhere above a music venue and then complain about the noise? It's ridiculous and hopefully will get laughed out of court, if it gets that far.

U&I: Local band The Ninth Watch were also on the bill that night, and have previously been featured in this very column, but what other local bands are on the up at the moment? Anyone you feel our listeners should be hearing and that you want to big up?

AD: Well I think everyone should check out our mates Skinny Roller who are just starting to make a name for themselves. We have got a headline show at Gorilla in Manchester on the 17th May and we have got them in supporting us along with The High Nines. We also recently got The Fallows on with us at our first gig of the year who were really good, were hoping to do some more gig's with them this year so keep your eyes out for that. Also we have done a few gig's with Jordan Allen recently who is definitely on the up at the moment, you will be hearing more and more of him soon.

U&I: Obviously you've played your fair share of gigs over the last couple of years, but what's your favourite venue to play at? Is it different than your preferred venue to watch a gig at?

AD: Well we don't have a particular favourite, as they have have there own individual feel. A few of our faves recently have been The Castle Hotel and The Eagle Inn for smaller venues, and The Deaf Institute and Night and Day have the best vibe for the middle size venues.

U&I: Your gigs have been fantastically well received of late (and even before that). What have you got lined up over the next couple of months in terms of live stuff? Any festivals planned?

AD: We are hoping to get on to some of the smaller festivals and we're playing a few events at media city again this year once summer arrives. Like I mentioned before, we have our biggest headline show to date on the 17th at Gorilla which will be one you don't want to miss.

U&I: (Whilst you're from Salford and I'm bending the rules a little bit this month, I still think this question is pertinent) Manchester is obviously a city full of up-coming talent across a multitude of genres, but what do you think it is about the city that makes it such a fertile place for a young band to find their roots in?

AD: I think it's just down to the sheer amount of live music venues, there is such a massive unsigned scene in Manchester I mean you could gig 7 nights a week if you really wanted to and the talent is better than most of the signed bands out there. Also the endless list of massive bands that have come out of Manchester and Salford play a big part in inspiring and influencing people to have a go them self, that's how i got started anyway

U&I: Finally any news or exclusives we haven't covered that you'd like to leave our readers with?

AD: Well our newly recorded EP is going to be called Blisters, and we're hoping to have a limited release on vinyl so keep your ears and eyes open.

U&I: Thanks guys, it's been a pleasure.

Photos: Trust A Fox Photography

This interview was originally conducted for U&I Music Magazine. Click here to check out this April's issue in full.

#274: NARCS - Coast to Coast (single review)

Having impressed tastemakers last year with their debut album ‘Two Birds, One Stone Later’ and its resulting launch show, Leeds-based four-piece NARCS have just released ‘Coast To Coast’, the final single to be taken from ‘Two Birds…’. Described as “the swansong of an old couple who refuse to face  modern reality”, ‘Coast To Coast’ is one of the band’s strongest singles to date, the crisp production complimenting the candour of the lyricism fantastically.

This review was originally written for Hooting & Howling. Click here to read in full.

#272: The Darlingtons - Rotations (single review)

“Build me up, break me down. And pray for the rain again” laments Kiran Roy, lead singer of The Darlingtons on forthcoming single 'Rotations'. If there was ever a line that summarised a band almost completely, then that is it. Desolate, but not without a certain degree of optimism, Sheffield's The Darlingtons are one of the most exciting bands on the up at the moment; their blend of post-rock melancholia and shimmering shoegaze guitars setting them apart from some of their more upbeat contemporaries.

This review was originally written for Hooting & Howling. Click here to read the full review.

#268: Cloud Nothings - Here And Nowhere Else

Album Review: Cloud Nothings - Here and Nowhere Else (2014)

This review was originally for Muso's Guide. Click the link above to read in full.