#307: dressmaker - Glass (EP review)

dressmaker

Glass

June 23 2014 (self-release)

9.5/10

A running-time of seven minutes is ambitious for any single, let alone for a band's debut release, but with 'Skeleton Girl' that is exactly what London's dressmaker did last year. For lesser bands that might have been fatal, for these four from Hackney, however, it was a stroke of genius.

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

#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.

#185: Future of the Left - How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident

Future of the Left

How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident

October 21 2013 (Prescriptions)

9/10

Formed after the dissolution of seminal post-hardcore band mcklusky (and the lesser known Jarcrew), Cardiff's Future of the Left have been nothing less than prolific in their musical output, releasing on average an album every 18 months since their 2007 début, not counting the plethora of EPs and singles. Now, coming just over six years since their inception the band, in what can only be described as yet another fan-funded success, are set to release their fourth studio album How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident.

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