Top Tunes: March

The Pretty Reckless - Absolution

"Jump into the sun, dear boy, what are you running from? An answer you won't find in your grave"

Fall Out Boy - Save Rock And Roll
"I need more dreams and less life, I need that dark in a little more light"

The Wonder Years - Dismantling Summer
"I've been acting like i'm strong but the truth is i've been losing ground"

La Dispute - 35
"I pushed my palms against the table hard to see if it hurt, were it glass would I have shattered it? Could I battle every impulse to panic and then win"

Taking Back Sunday - Nothing At All
"You wait in the dark for the music to soothe you to sleep, swallow your fears become them eventually"

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

Album Review: Natives - Indoor War

It's been a long time coming but finally Natives' debut album Indoor War is officially out. The idea the five piece had in mind was of logic verses emotions based upon a character called Alvima who suffers a great loss. With the concept being one that is relatable to every listener they are already opening themselves up to expand The Tribe even further and with just one play through of the 11 track album its more than obvious that these guys are going to heading for amazing things.

'War Inside Of Me' is a piano led opener that builds into a signature Natives style anthem that is sure to become a staple to every future set list with plenty of opportunity for crowd participation. It's a strong start and an indicator as to where the rest of the album takes us. Tracks released on EP's in the build up to their debut, such as the infectiously catchy 'This Island' and the somewhat groovy 'Going In Alone,' make a reappearance amongst new tracks packed with big choruses, intricate guitars and explosive drumming.

One of the highlights to this solid pop-rock effort is 'Can't Say No' which boasts a hell of a guitar pattern that will remain permanently etched into your mind and no doubt it's one you'll catch yourself humming. Jim Thomas' vocals shine here with the bridge sung in a stunning high key rocketing into that unforgettable chorus. The uncertainty described in 'Let Go' is matched with slightly darker music before the decision to just, well, let go in the soaring chorus.There's a uniqueness to the way that they make even the sadder topics sound upbeat and hopeful.

Different yet to anything else on the album 'L.O.V.E.' is a slower heartfelt track with gorgeous backing harmonies on the second half of the song where it intensifies and turns into one of those astronomic anthems we've learnt to know and love. The very first Natives song we heard after the demise of Not Advised, 'Big Plans' fits right in with the rest of Indoor War with the charged drumming making this a lively number.

An interlude precedes 'The Horizon' which is fast becoming my favourite song on this first-class debut. The gang vocals and snappy drumming that open the song are impossible not to do a little dance to and inspire a new sense of effervescence on this already mostly spirited album. From the first riff on 'Ghost' you expect a slower song to emerge and wrongly so. After Jim's vocals kick in its all a go with a sassy note to the lyrics,"well how many times, do I have to tell you twice?" 'For Everything' closes the album fittingly with a knockout chorus and pulling all the alluring pop-rock goodness into their final blast.

Indoor War is a fun adventure perfect for a summers day with undeniable mass appeal, Transmission were certainly clever in adding the talented quintet to their roster. If this is only the beginning i'm intrigued and excited for the future of the UK's dark horse who have crashed onto the scene with a monumental bang.

Album Review: The Pretty Reckless - Going To Hell

Where debut Light Me Up is a solid effort, the departure from Taylor Momsen's on-screen character in Gossip Girl to the rebellious teenager seemed too much for some, who wrote the band off and pretended they didn't like them. Well, it's time to stop pretending. Second offering Going To Hell from The Pretty Reckless truly brings them into the rock 'n' roll game. 

If you ignore the orgasm intro, 'Follow Me Down' is an explosive start (oh dear lord I think there's an unintended pun there. Punches self) laying the music on heavy and Taylor's vocals clawing their way out. The feisty nature of the song is brought down a notch with an acoustic pre-chorus where the vocal layering is wickedly seductive. If the theme wasn't already clear enough title track 'Going To Hell' makes it more than obvious by being a total embodiment of the album's metaphor and makes way for one of the stand out tracks 'Heaven Knows' with it's gang vocals turning it into an epic anthem. Dual vocals on 'Sweet Things' turn this fiery track into a creepy horror film-esque performance. Chugging guitars drive the first minute and a half before a drop in the music and acoustics come in. Taylor goes from bad ass to damsel in distress vocal wise back to a screaming sorceress that is not to be trusted. Grungy, dark and with an epic guitar solo this song is not to be messed with. 

In a few places on the album you see new dimensions to The Pretty Reckless. We've seen them do rock and now we're seeing them slay at it but on 'Absolution' they fiddle with blues style music and really move towards an alt-rock sound. It's very different to anything else i've heard from them but it sounds cool. The same goes for 'Blame Me' where the music is walking the pop-rock sound and Taylor's relaxed kicked back vocals make this a windows down almost summer song. They're a welcome break from the heavy snarl of previously mentioned tracks.

Percussion driven 'Fucked Up World' pulls together the best of both their heavy rock sound as well something new altogether sounding like a signature Pretty Reckless track where another musical solo precedes a growly bridge. 'Why'd You Bring A Shotgun To The Party?' uses staggered music and vocals with a lot of split second silences building the atmosphere and gushing confidence and superiority. 

Personally, 'House On A Hill' could be the only track on the album and I would still buy it. Dropping the unruly rockers facade the four piece have produced a spine chilling number that is honestly all round perfection. Acoustic choruses and fragile vocals become stronger and self-assured when the chorus hits. Further foray into stunning ballads include 'Dear Sister' and 'Burn' where Taylor's vocals are the centre piece. A slight husk and a simple chorus, 'You want me to burn, want me to burn, want me to hurt then maybe i'll finally learn,' belted out is all the latter needs to be impressive. The final track 'Waiting For A Friend' features a harmonica giving this power rock album a folk twist. It's on this song that Taylor is seen at her most open, as though she's singing to herself in her bedroom. She sings 'the night is when the ghosts all come out, playing with my head' instantly making the song relatable but singing it in such a way that your heart can't help but break for her.

Going To Hell will draw in mixed reviews from music snobs who refuse to accept that The Pretty Reckless have genuine talent. Phrases such as 'guilty pleasure' will be attached to their name but wrongly so. They've more than exceeded expectations here with growth evident in the music and vocals, bringing something new and re-energising the sound that initially made people fall in love with them in the first place. Old fans will go crazy for this album and new ones will be wondering what took them so long to see that there is a credible, fantastic band underneath the initial gimmicks they can be liable for throwing at us. 

Take Me Back: Fall Out Boy (15/03/14)

On a luscious sunny Saturday, after wading our way through Rugby goers and Richard Madden (!!!), feasting on copious amounts of Italian food and crashing my brother's work to "sample" the new Blackcurrant sorbet we made our way to the Motorpoint arena for one of the best nights of our lives.

By the time we got in the venue first support act New Politics were just starting what was to be their last song and from what I heard of it I was kinda disappointed I had missed the rest of their set. The crowd seemed impressed and I would say it's a fair bet that their energetic performance gained them new fans.

Second up was The Pretty Reckless opening with the initially explosive 'Follow Me Down' which tapers off into beautiful acoustic parts truly showing off Taylor Momsen's extensive range. Their set was mostly songs from their fantastic new album Going To Hell but included their bigger hits from debut Light Me Up. 'Heaven Knows' had the crowd belting 'Oh Lord, Heaven knows we belong way down below' just as enthusiastically has the widely popular 'Make Me Wanna Die.' Whilst Taylor's performance is a shy one her vocals are flawless and as for the rest of the band their talent appeared to be endless with solo's here and there that raised the hairs on my arms. There's no question as to whether these guys can play. 

The fact I was about to see Fall Out Boy again hit me. Barely breathing and shaking all over the lights dropped and the music to 'The Phoenix' came on. 5000 people screamed 'put on your warpaint' as Fall Out Boy tore up and down the stage in balaclavas. The chorus kicked in and the room was a wild tangle of bodies and shrieking voices that didn't let up at any point in the night. Mosh pits opened for 'I slept with someone...' and 'This Ain't A Scene...' before Pete gave his speech before 'Alone Together.' 
They opened with 'Thriller' at Reading but this time it was in the middle of their set and just like the festival crowd, Cardiff belted the opening whilst I tried my hardest not to break down sobbing. Somehow the band managed to make 'Young Volcanoes' seem as though you were just jamming in your room with them despite being in an arena. The dance party from 'Death Valley' returned except this time with inflatable balls flying about the room and everyone's grin audible in their singing. Distracting us with one of their video's playing on the big screen Patrick, Pete and Joe ran round the back to play an acoustic set that felt as intimate as 'Young Volcanoes.' 'I'm Like A Lawyer...' and 'Grand Theft Autumn' sounded amazing with the hush of acoustic guitars. Andy let rip an almighty drum solo whilst the others returned to the stage to play 'Dance, Dance,' mellow us back out with 'Just One Yesterday' before yells of 'I Don't Care' filled the room. No song was written better for a live show than that of 'My Songs Know...' with the oh whoa's so loud i'm surprised I didn't lose my hearing.
A roar of 'FALL OUT BOY! FALL OUT BOY!' and they were back with a piano set up on the platform. I don't think anyone was prepared to experience 'Save Rock And Roll' live. Everything about it was perfection and the level of emotion swallowing the room it was impossible not to cry, particularly during the 'oh no we won't go' parts. 'Thnks Fr Th Mmrs' and a golden oldie but extremely relevant 'Saturday' finished off what was a stunning night.

Fall Out Boy were gone for nearly four years and more than ever i'm questioning how we managed to survive that. From their raw talent to the exceptional production it was an outstanding show that I wish more than anything didn't have to end.

Reading Festival 2014

Reading Festival is always the highlight to my summer to the point where I get my ticket before the line-up is even announced. This summer i'm off travelling Europe for six weeks to return for a mere ten or so hours before I hop on another train to musical heaven. These are my initial favourites so far from the line-up...

PARAMORE

Their last Reading appearance was in 2012 before the release of their incredible self-titled album. Since then the trio have somehow managed to grow and grow and i've seen them three times since. They never fail to disappoint and this years' set is sure to be crammed full of their newer songs to get the whole crowd dancing/jumping away. A co-headline spot is more than well deserved I just wish it was a full headline position as at this point they're more than capable of handling it.

BLINK-182

Taking one of the headline spots Blink are sure to bring a lot of fun to the final night. The last time I saw them they played a set full of the cheeky classics as well as their slightly more grown up tracks. Drunken dancing - or flailing would be more accurate - is bound to happen. And after the crowd they pulled in the last time they headlined I can't imagine i'm going to be the only one flailing wildly.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Last month Jeremy was struck with illness hours before their Cardiff show where I was to see them for the second time. With that show now re-scheduled for the Tuesday after Reading it means i'll be seeing them twice in not much more than 24 hours. And I am buzzing. Common Courtesy is a cracker of an album and will set this show on fire.

JIMMY EAT WORLD

Long time favourites of mine are returning to Reading where their back catalogue of fantastic albums will give them plenty of choice in what to grace our ears with. In November I finally managed to see them for the first time and Bleed American tracks went down a riot so i'm hoping there's plenty of them.

YOU ME AT SIX

It's got to the point where it would feel weird if a year went by where I didn't see them. Regulars on the Reading scene I already know that they're going to bring a brilliant performance and hopefully we'll hear some tracks from their fourth rock effort Cavalier Youth. 

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS

More regulars Lower Than Atlantis have been working on their new album and i'm hoping that they decide to play some of these new tracks. 

NECK DEEP

Fast risers on the pop-punk scene Neck Deep give a charged and passionate performance that in a festival setting can only get better. I'm thinking their set could be their best to date.

IMAGINE DRAGONS

Last year they played the NME tent which was overflowing with people. There were people everywhere and all were saying they should have been on the main stage. This year we got our wish. 

READING 2012

Thursday/Friday

Saturday

Sunday/Monday

READING 2013

Wednesday/Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Take Me Back: Tonight Alive (29/05/13)

FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE

All the way from Sydney, Tonight Alive defeat everyone's inner demons with their charged blend of pop-punk. The years spent touring have certainly taught them how to put together a monster of a set list with hardened punk tracks like "Breaking And Entering" leaving the crowd breathless in time for poppy "To Die For" before they deliver"Thank You & Goodnight" - the perfect mix of pop-punk.

Album Review: Fall Out Boy - Save Rock And Roll

FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE

Oh Fall Out Boy, where does one even begin with you? Providing the soundtrack to many of our lives with their first album (does An Evening Out With Your Girlfriend count if they didn't want it released?) pop-punk greatness Take This To Your Grave, angsty From Under The Cork Tree and wildly popular Infinity On High they appeared to be an unstoppable force. However, it seemed that despite its matured excellence, people didn't quite adopt Folie a Deux with the same kind of passion, and along with a stream of internal issues led to the four calling it quits for an indefinite hiatus. A period of almost four years - and rumours every other week of a comeback - that fans don't like talking about ensued before they came blasting back on what was to be just another Monday. Of course Fall Out Boy being Fall Out Boy didn't just do this with a simple "hey we're gonna start touring again" tweet but the promise of shows for that same day, an album in a couple of months and a new song with a video for the world to sob over. Everyone seemed to rejoice. How the band managed to keep this a secret is insane as a long list of people were involved with this, the album itself has four guests, but alas the boys are back, and as the first single "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)" says, and are on fire.

Album Review: Lorde - Pure Heroine

Seemingly from nowhere this seventeen year old kiwi gained a fast track to super stardom when her song 'Royals' hit the airwaves. Immediately people made their opinions on the singer ranging from one song wonder to all out super fan. Unable to get the song out of my head I waited eagerly for her debut album to drop and when it did... well I still have it on repeat now.

Standing at ten tracks long the steady electro-pop beats pulse in the background of Ella Yelich-O'Connor's mature vocals as she croons about what it's really like being a young adult in today's society - rather than that of the life painted by the addicting, yet false image that shows such as Gossip Girl paint to the public. Clever metaphors turn songs about parties gone wrong and the struggle of finding your way - and being comfortable with that way - into hard hitting truths when deciphered.

The album's opening line "Don't you think it's boring how people talk?" on 'Tennis Court'  sets the way for the rest of the album and straight away informs the listener that she's not scared to tell it how it truly is with the final line "let 'em talk" on 'A World Alone' being a daring exit to her debut. The vocal range and gorgeous layering flawlessly boasted on Pure Heroine is perhaps at it's best on 'Ribs' where Ella sings"I've never felt more alone, it feels so scary getting old" whilst simultaneously flashing every teenager on the planet back to a party they've had the misfortune of attending - or hosting. With it's harsh imagery 'Glory And Gore'  oozes an invincible vibe with deliciously low vocals. 'Team' captures the need for the feeling of freedom and change in her own story-like world that calls out popular culture. Closing song 'A World Alone' is the largest jewel on this necklace bursting with precious stones. Guitars make their first appearance and hook you in to this last delve into the diary of a self-aware teenager with a mesmerising voice.

Pure Heroine is a captivating, moody entirely un-formulaic pop debut that doesn't shout and scream for your attention but earns (and deserves!) it and one thing is for sure this pop princess is fast becoming my queen.