#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.

#295: The Nankeens - Gorilla, Manchester (17/05/14)

Whilst it almost goes without saying that there's a plethora of quality music on offer in Manchester on a daily basis, there are some gigs that bring together those in the city, that are supposedly in the know - promoters, critics, labels and perhaps most importantly of all, other bands. Tonight is one such night. Hosted by local label Scruff of the Neck Records, the bill features some of Greater Manchester's most promising talent in the form of Salford boys The Nankeens, with The High Nines, Skinny Roller and David Liversedge in support.

This review was originally pitched to Shout4Music. Click here to read in full.

The gents at Scruff of the Neck Records have a free mixtape available featuring both The High Nines and Skinny Roller, click here to download it.

All photos courtesy of Trust A Fox Photography.

#294: BIRD - My Fear and Me

BIRD

My Fear and Me

May 26 2014 (Baltic Records)

9/10

As the brooding first notes of opening track 'Ghost' begin to wash over you, it's immediately obvious what kind of album this is going to be: Dark, ominous, poetic, beautiful, the sombre imagery a stark contrast to much of the other bands on offer at the moment. Think London Grammar by way of Savages and with little in the way of either band's often overt intensity, and you'll be fairly close to Merseyside's BIRD.

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

#293: TEEN - The Way and the Colour

When Brooklyn’s TEEN released their debut full-length in 2012, it was met with mixed reviews. Many praised its psychedelic, lo-fi nature, whilst others noted that its lack of direction and overly long songs detracted from its overall quality. Fast forward two years, and TEEN are back with their second album The Way and Colour, and instead of building on the foundations laid by their debut, the band have opted to shatter any preconceptions you may have had prior to the record’s release, instead filling its 45 minute run time with ten tracks of both contemporary indie and contemporary R&B, the rich layers of instrumentation and synth and vocal melodies having far more in common with the likes of Haim than any of the names TEEN’s debut conjured as influences.

This review was originally written for The Real Music. Click here to read in full.

#292: Catching Up With...NARCS

First brought to my attention last summer, Leeds-based four-piece NARCS are a band that have gone from strength to strength over recent months. Part of the ever-brilliant Clue Records roster and, along with current Yorkshire darlings Allusondrugs and relative newcomers Forever Cult make up West Yorkshire's trinity of '90s inspired fuzz-mongery.

NARCS own personal disposition might not be the sunniest (and having personally lived in Leeds for three years, I can't blame them) but their blend of punk, indie and straightforward rock holds enough universal appeal to appease even the pickiest of music fans in one way or another.

We caught up with lead singer Wilko to discuss new single 'Coast to Coast', the pros and cons of being a band in the perpetually grey North of England and what the future holds in store for NARCS.

This feature was originally written for Shout4Music. 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.