2014 Round Up: Favourite EP's

Anavae

Parallel Dimensions

Favourite: Hang Man

Mesmerising re-workings of already beautiful songs is top of this list. There's no repetitiveness just pure creative imagination. Becca's vocals sound so delicate and assertive all at the same time and the quiet layers of synths and keys whirl with her stunning voice, a perfect complementary combination. A new side, new life is brought to these songs I wouldn't mind hearing a parallel version of everything if Becca and Jamie are in charge.

Versa

Neon

Favourite: Wanderlust

A short three songs long and i've spent the rest of the year just dying for more music from this cosmic duo. Sierra hits the nail on the head lyrically, her vocals are so lush and Blake is basically the king of synths. 

Echosmith

Acoustic Dreams

Favourite: Terminal

I am a sucker for anything acoustic. I can't help it. Plus a previously unheard track 'Terminal'  makes an appearance and its quite possibly the best song they've ever written.

Sinclair

Sweet Talk

Favourite: The World Is Ours

Sinclair has got to be my favourite find of the year so please, please go and check her out.

Four Year Strong

Go Down In History

Favourite: Living Proof Of A Stubborn Youth

Long time favourites of mine returned with a fiery pop-punk EP that made me wanna get up and take over the world... or something. New album soon please. This stuff is addicting. 

2014 Round Up: Favourite Albums

Lights

Little Machines

Favourites: Muscle Memory, How We Do It, Running With The Boys

Earning one of the top spots in my list is the beautiful synth-pop Little Machines. From start to finish it took me on a journey of the last year of my life in particular, sound tracking my trip around Europe for me to relive over and over when I got home. Lights' vocals are sweet and stunning as ever and the musical arrangements draw the very best from her previous albums whilst introducing new elements even on the equally as sublime bonus tracks. My original ramble described Little Machines as breathtaking and a masterpiece and honestly, I still stand by that. 

PVRIS

White Noise

Favourites: Holy, Ghosts, Let Them In

This album is what dreams are made of I swear to whatever higher entity there is up there. If I could write an album this would probably be it. If I could sing I would pick Lynn Gunn's voice. If I could pick someone to work on my album with it would be Blake Harnage. Honestly this has got to be the most impressive debut i've ever heard. PVRIS have found their sound and holy hell is it good. Everything about this album is so incredible I don't really have the right words for it, the only disappoint is that it ends. If you do just one more thing this year please, please, please make it listening to White Noise. 

We Are The In Crowd

Weird Kids

Favourites: Manners, Come Back Home, Reflections

After Best Intentions and seeing them live several times I was wondering whether the five piece would head into a more pop direction or if their second full length would be more punk and Weird Kids kind of does both. I don't think it's necessarily the music with We Are The In Crowd I think it is a lot to do with them. They've made an album which has honed in on their own unique sound that straddles both sides of the fence jumping back and forth for different songs and depending on the crowd. They sound better than ever and their future gets brighter looking every single day.

La Dispute

Rooms Of The House

Favourites: Woman (In Mirror), Stay Happy There, For Mayor In Splitsville
I can't think of any other band that sounds like La Dispute they're in their own league where they continue to make albums unaffected by what the rest of the music world is doing. Rooms Of The House continues to hit hard and beautifully and is verging into Deja Entendu worship worthy territory. 

The Pretty Reckless

Going To Hell

Favourites: Absolution, House On A Hill, Blame Me

Long awaited second offering from The Pretty Reckless exceeded my expectations. Light Me Up was brilliant but made a lot of people stick their noses in the air and I wasn't expecting Going To Hell to be able to change that but I think it did. Yes, in places there was crass immaturity but overall this album has something more to say than 'hey i'm high and underage but please have sex with me.' A couple of the songs are pretty hard hitting, musically they've changed it up a bit dabbling with different sounds and Taylor's vocals shine as ever. 

Moose Blood
I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time
Favourites: Cherry, Bukowski, Boston
ENGLAND HAVE THEIR VERY OWN BRAND NEW CIRCA YFW. There isn't much more to say about this really other than the album artwork is one of my favourite people shot by another one of my favourite people so there's that.

Transit

Joyride

Favourites: The Only One, Follow Me, Ignition & Friction
Transit have done it again. Joyride is yet another exceptional album that I will spin all summer long. I feel bad for people that don't understand their sound and the direction they're going in and can't see past their own ideas for the band because their sound is such a uniquely charming one.

You Me At Six

Cavalier Youth

Favourites: Forgive And Forget, Cold Night, Wild Ones

It took a long time for this album to grow on me. When I first heard it I thought all the songs sounded the same and they lacked any real feeling. Generic music with a generic emotion. Eventually though after listening to it so many times something about the way my brain perceived it changed. It's not Sinners Never Sleep and they were never going to write Sinners Never Sleep Part II because somewhere during that album cycle and the potential break up they grew up. And that's what Cavalier Youth is - a nostalgic, half terrified half hopeful collection of songs for darker summer days.

Taking Back Sunday

Happiness Is
Favourites: Better Homes And Gardens, All The Way, Nothing At All
I have a lot of time for Taking Back Sunday. For me, despite their line-up being anything but, their music has always been consistently fantastic and whatever stage I am at in my life it is always relevant and there for me to go back to. They are a safe place. Happiness Is hits all the emotions with its' sound progressing forward but somehow being more reminiscent of earlier Taking Back Sunday albums.  

Taylor Swift

1989

Favourites: Out Of The Woods, Bad Blood, New Romantics
Ah, Taylor Swift who knew that 2014 would be the year the world watched you learn and grow and turn into a kick butt fairy princess feminist icon? And as for 1989, whilst a lot of the older die hard fans are gutted by the disappearance of the country sound, as a sucker for synths I am completely in love with the synth pop direction. There's straight up love songs, songs blasting the shitty media and songs for shitty friends that all come with excellent vocals and synth goodness. Scattered throughout is a fairy tale theme and on the bonus track 'Wonderland' tips over and, obviously, plays a lot on Alice In Wonderland which made me positively giddy with joy.

Honourable Mentions:

Neck Deep / Wishful Thinking

Real Friends / Maybe This Place Is The Same And We're Just Changing

Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties / We Don't Have Each Other

Charli XCX / Sucker

Tigers Jaw / Charmer

Modern Baseball / You're Gonna Miss It All

Yellowcard / Lift A Sail

New Found Glory / Resurrection

Natives / Indoor War

Bayside / Cult

Album Review: Sinclair - Sweet Talk

Every now and then a new artist appears, brandishing a seriously impressive debut and Julia Sinclair is one of them. At five tracks long Sweet Talk boasts diversity across the tracks that come together to create a pretty flawless first effort. There's a story being told here and with the groovy music accompanying it, its one you don't want to miss out on hearing.

Opening the EP is 'Holla' with a laid back pulsing intro Sinclair's vocals drip attitude. Male backing harmonies add another layer that compliment the higher tone Sinclair adopts on the funky track. It's a strong entrance and begins the warm up preparations necessary for the all out dance party 'The World Is Ours' becomes. Allowing the electronics and drum beats to lead the song musically it truly becomes an anthem with an unforgettable chorus claiming "the world is ours and we will have it." However, what really leads this song making it a bold, lively track are the different tones Sinclair accesses becoming both serious and light-hearted with seconds between, telling this story of love and adventure beautifully. Lyrics like 'nobody loves in a straight line' and 'nobody can tell you to love somebody you don't, if you don't' really hit the nail on the head and feel so important Sinclair needs to prepare herself for inspirational status.

Combining elements of the first two songs, title track 'Sweet Talk' is the epitome of attitude and as my sister would say: sass. It's groovy and will no doubt leave your feet aching on your makeshift dance floor (mines my attic room - disaster in terms of repeatedly smacking my head on the beams) but lyrically it makes a stand for all woman desperately clutching for independence and refusing to buy into other peoples' toxic games. Sinclair lets loose - "you don't really love me you just want someone you can control," "you move in close just to twist the knife," - with an absolutely venomous, empowering delivery. It's safe to say she won that battle.

The second half of the EP takes on a somber tone with 'This Too Shall Pass' showing Sinclair's vulnerability for the first time in a fragile manner. Simple guitaring accompanies Sinclair as she croons heartbreaking and totally relatable lines, 'these days its hard to get up, some doors are better left shut.' The chorus picks up, becoming not exactly lighter in tone but a sense of hope and her striking optimism creeps in attempting to knock out all doubts and convince her that 'this too shall pass.' 

A soft twinkle of piano keys forms an effortless transition into the final track 'Heaven On Earth' which, like the title says, sounds a little like heaven on earth. It's a stunning tale told with the maturity of adults twice her age- "I know we're not rolling in dough and what we had left has been blown on bills and cheap Merlot" - but also possesses a devastating childlike innocence - "we could build a castle right here with a couple blankets and chairs." There's a crescendo, an explosion of sheer passion musically and emotionally, drums kick in hard and various vocal layers come to a peak finally relenting to allow Sinclair to quietly sing her last lines "we can make this hell heaven on earth." 

Sweet Talk is a dazzling debut that'll leave you humming for days. The five songs expose different sides and the multitudes of talent of Sinclair. It's a charming little EP that leaves you rooting for her success and dying to hear more. Sounding like the work of an already accomplished artist it's going to be exciting to see what she does next.

Album Review: PVRIS - White Noise

Seemingly from nowhere Rise Records' PVRIS have come crashing onto just about everyone's radar with their synth rock perfection. The trio teeming up with Blake Harnage was a damn good move on their part as he's king of the otherworldly synth sound that they've honed in on for their impressive debut and I for one cannot stop listening/talking/tweeting/blogging about it.

From the get go 'Smoke' shows off layer upon layer of instruments and well placed electronics with Lynn Gunn's unbelievably stunning vocals smoothly working their way around the music with her ethereal lyrics adding to the eerie atmosphere. The heavenly combination works throughout the ten track album where no two songs sound the same but where they all have an impact and part to play in maintaining the magic created. 'St. Patrick' is one of the most upbeat tracks which is so infectious it'll take a lot of Taylor Swift to erase it from your brain. Lynn sings "you're a glimpse of bliss, a little taste of heaven" and honestly that is how I feel about PVRIS right now... and most likely for a long time. The bridge crashes, exposing fragility, "I need a miracle to bring me back to you, I know you're gone now but I still wait for you," but when the synth line kicks back in with added vigour jumping around the room is vital.

This is a band who have not held back in giving their all, clearly determined to leave you pining for White Noise in the rare moments you'll listen to something else. The determination is particularly present on 'My House' where every drum beat, strum of the guitars and every word packs an almighty punch. One of my initial favourites was 'Holy' with its laid back vibes and cutting lyrics with an addicting vocal pattern. It's much more subtle musically than most of the other tracks and you have to listen carefully to hear the different elements, but should you take one away it just wouldn't sound half as brilliant. Four tracks in and if you haven't learnt never to mess with Lynn yet then you're a fool - she holds no bars.

Title track 'White Noise' sounds like what the lyrics describes, "all that comes out is white noise and incomprehensible sounds." The synths are fuzzy and distorted, all so loud its hard to pick out particular lines, the vocals sound as though they're coming from behind a wall quite the opposite to 'Fire' where the picture PVRIS paints is quite clear. Opening with a quiet shake and pulse Lynn speaks her nastiest lyrics with precision before bandmates Alex Babinski and Brian MacDonald join her in the assault with heavy guitaring. Jesse Lacey will likely forever be god of lyrics but Lynn is almost as genius with a hard, unforgiving edge:

"You were a walking talking corpse at best,

and I swear I couldn't wait to get you off my chest.

And when you asked us why we couldn't look you in your eyes

It's hard to find life in something that's already died."

Ouch. Without her delivery they hurt but when you factor in her snarl its downright terrifying. Heart wrenching 'Eyelids' depicts the loneliness and distance with faraway synths and runaway guitars. The piano twinkles, dreamlike, adding to the ironic lullaby sound. Another instant favourite, 'Mirrors' has an absolutely addictive pulsing synth leading the song - another example of where Blake's hands have made a brilliant song incredible by truly understanding the vision here and layering the sounds expertly. Second to last track, 'Ghosts', is equal amounts enchanting and tragic. Intricate guitars and drums open the song with a light brush of keyboards. It sounds hopeful and hopeless all at once. Lynn's vocals and lyrics confirm the heart breaking nature of this beautiful sounding song which explodes on the chorus with Lynn wailing "Why can't you stay?" It's also on this song that Sierra's (Would totally be down for a Versa/PVRIS formation to create one killer band) backing vocals are most present adding to the melancholic beauty. Closing out the album is killer 'Let Them In'. Straight from space synths and a kick drum building, raring to go you know this song is going places. And it sure does. 'Let Them In' ends the emotional journey of White Noise with a sonic blast. The chorus ignites, no one here is holding back. Lynn sings "You can't be tamed for me" and so PVRIS do not tame themselves in the slightest with Lynn roaring the last lines "I let you win, I let you in."

Gathering my thoughts about this album is difficult. It's everything I want in an album and so much more than I think anyone could ever have expected from a debut. There is so much talent evident its overwhelming, thinking about the fact these guys are the same age as me and they've only been together for two years makes me feel remarkably insignificant and infinitely proud. The chemistry between not just the three of them but between them and Blake made this one hell of an album that is not only one of my favourite debuts of all time but currently one of my favourite albums ever. Cliche as it might be to describe an album as haunting but White Noise really is. The synths don't leave your mind, you half expect the guitar riffs to jump out from a closet and yell boo and as for Lynn her vocals and lyrics are mesmerising. A world without PVRIS would be a world missing out.

Album Review: Lights - Little Machines

Oh Lights, where do I begin with your latest masterpiece? When the first single 'Up We Go' was released it was just before my trip around Europe which i'd spent the entire year slaving away at work for. The lyrics struck me and I wondered whether you'd picked up the art of mind-reading and chosen to devour mine. I held a dance party in my mind to the delicious tune and screamed along as loud as my inner voice could possibly manage... I probably looked like i'd lost my marbles.
Fast forward to a tiny hostel room tucked away in a corner of Ljubljana where I was almost at the end of my trip. It was an incredible journey I went on but not the easiest. On a tough day I holed up under the sheets and discovered you'd put out 'Portal.' The simple yet stunning tune circled my mind and made my excitement for the full album tenfold. Again, it was like you'd strung together a series of beautiful words and made sense of this mess in my mind. Just a couple of weeks later I was home and listening to the two very different but equally fantastic songs on repeat when I stumbled across a live version of 'Running With The Boys.' The audio wasn't great but I could hear the general sound of the song well enough to know it was another perfect example of your synthy brilliance. I felt sick with nostalgia for all the summers past that disappeared as fast as the leaves fell off the trees, 'we were half this heavy and twice this loud,' lodged itself in my brain.

When Little Machines streamed all the way through I don't think I moved for days, only to hit the play button over and over when the album came to end. 'Same Sea' made me want to straight up dance with the funky vocal pattern and infectious chorus all 'ooohs' and stomping drums. Picturing myself driving in my beat up little car, windows down as 'Speeding' crooned through my speakers all laid back, carefree vibes. I was already 100% sure this was going to be one of my favourite albums this year, perhaps even ever, when 'Muscle Memory' got its turn to dazzle me. The groove on that song is unbe-bloody-lievable! My brain yelled 'I quit!' and my heart burst with pride and excitement for you. Your vocals are utter perfection even the harmonies have a special place in my heart. And don't even get me started on the lyrics... 'I grew used to being back here.' You've definitely been reading my mind.

The heaviness of the music matches the somber subject of 'Oil and Water' where your contrasting delicate to strong vocals risk outshining the sun. I don't know whether it was on purpose either but I love how there is contrast in your vocals like oil and water and, I'm guessing, the people the song is about. One minute we're speeding then we 'Slow Down' but by no means does my eagerness to blast this album at full volume all day, every day. The moody, steady pace initially reminded me of Siberia but then the lively chorus hit and I was thinking how tired my feet are going to get dancing away to this album. The bleeping synths and layered 'ooohs' on the bridge, whilst simple, emphasises the spirited chorus and makes it hit that bit harder on the final round. Twinkling, spiky synths and a thumping beat introduce 'Meteorites' that will no doubt be winding its way around everyone's heads long after listening with its groove almost as epic as on 'Muscle Memory.' 

Your vocals lead 'How We Do It' with such charm I found myself grinning at my computer screen and wishing I had this song to blast on the endless train journey's through Europe when we had 'nowhere to be.' In a lot of places Little Machines felt like the perfect soundtrack to my brief adventure - from the moment I decided to go right until now where I'm at home suffocating under my wanderlust - but 'How We Do It' tracks the time I was actually abroad. 'Don't Go Home Without Me' is effortlessly gorgeous, the emotion in your vocals could have hardened men choking on their tears.

The bonus tracks are just as bewitching as the main album starting with the fragility of 'Child' and the darker, restrained sound of 'Lucky Ones' both sharing lyrics that are once more so on point it's spooky. For a moment, when I first heard 'From All Sides,' I thought I was in a western film with the twanging guitars that soon led into a song unlike any other on this album. The synths beep, bop and jump; the vocals soar and it ends with all the electronics cutting off into acoustic loveliness that I didn't want to end.

From start to finish Little Machines is breathtaking. Technically, it's a fantastic electro-pop effort that should make it's mark in the world of synths and capture the attention of a whole new wave of fans drawn in by the undeniable spark of it. Personally this album - which fittingly was officially released on my birthday - has carved out a special place in my own 'petrified heart' that's rebelling against leaving my teen years behind and trying to find a way to be okay with being stuck back in a valley and not running free. With every listen it gets a little easier so Lights, thank you.

Album Review: Cold Summer - Self-Titled

FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE

Feast choosing to focus more on his clean vocals in “Ships” is a decision that sits well with the gentler tone of the song. A further foray into their ever expanding experiments, the melody of the song is catchier than a winter cold and the muffled bridge goes down with as much love as several packets of Soothers would. The cliched ‘1, 2 3 go’ at the beginning of “Processed lives” could be done without, but, y’know what? Go, they do. This song makes you want to jump as high as you bloody well can. The captivating pace changing throughout makes it the kind of song that’ll leave you breathless and desperate for water at a gig. It’s a sure-fire display of a band making headway in an overcrowded genre.

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. 

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.

Album Review: We Are The In Crowd - WEIRDkids

On February 18th We Are The In Crowd's second full length will officially be released but until then there's a stream over on MTV. Over the past few weeks they've put out a few tracks from WEIRDkids and each one has been completely brilliant. With each new song I was thinking they've put out the best from the album but it just kept getting better. The second this stream went up I was all over it and let me tell you - this album is 100% their best work yet.

Opener 'Long Live The Kids' starts with a melodic simple piano beat and Tay Jardine's lowered vocals. Strings and drums build momentum in the background before the song kicks off and turns into something of an anthem. Delicious growly vocals come from Tay as she sings 'I wanna scream, I wanna live' but perhaps the most important part of this song is the message 'You can't tell us no' which is iterated with fist pumping gang vocals.

Moving into fast paced 'The Best Thing (That Never Happened)' the level of sass that comes from this song could give Honey Boo Boo a run for her money. Quite possibly the best break up song to ever exist with insults flying everywhere - 'so toxic you ain't nothing but a prick' and 'you'll crack just like the rest when I break your fucking jaw' being my personal favourites - the catchy beat held up by Rob Chianelli on the drums will have you pressing repeat for a long time to come.

'Manners' is the first song on the album where Jordan Eckes' vocals take a main role in the song. We're used to the vocals going back and forth between the two, arguing, well - both sides of the story. Instead Jordan is supporting Tay, the chorus has her bellowing 'we tried oh we tried' whilst Jordan sings 'I earned my wings teaching guys like you to keep you mouth shut, so keep your mouth shut' it's a different dynamic between the two and it works. Musically it's tame, with speed and sound picking up for the chorus until the last time round where you'd have to be Usain Bolt to keep up.

Currently my favourite song from the album, 'Come Back Home' is softer than what we're used to by the five piece and carries a slight country vibe. Acoustic guitars and kick drums start the songs with Jordan opening it which seems surprising when you first listen. The harmonies between Jordan and Tay on the verses are some of the most stunning i've heard and the chorus is a kick in the gut - 'and your brand new friends they won't care about you when the party ends.' This song gets it. 

 'Attention' feels like a bridge between Best Intentions and their newer material. With heavier drums and bossy vocals from Tay the song sums up the album and in a way the band themselves. Without a doubt the most punk song on the album 'Dreaming Out Loud' is a huge step from their older music. They've always been walking the pop line of pop-punk but on this track they've thrown that out the window and wrote their punkiest song yet with rough choppy chords being the highlight. Flipping the coin 'Remember (To Forget You)' opens with electronic synthesized music and becomes a pop tune with an excellent bridge 'we're drowning in jealousy of people we wanna be'  where Jordan exercises his own growls.

Showing their development from the last couple of years 'Don't Worry' is another side to WATIC previously unseen. String arrangements and almost folksy 'uh e uh oh's' lead the song into a chorus that explodes with 'don't you worry about a thing' and a quick trip down the punk road before returning to the strings. The bridge is another cracker with fantastic lyrics and vocals from Tay ending in those much loved gang vocals which also appear at the end of 'Windows In Heaven' where Tay's stunning vocals boast just how much her range has grown. Going from gorgeous low vocals to breathy spine tingling highs her emotion in the song pours out into the most mature song they've written yet.

Closing the album is another punky effort where each member stands out in what they do. 'Reflections' is the perfect closing to a refreshing album about growing up and learning to be you. 'Destiny is overrated so I think i'll write my own' is the ultimate summary to what We Are The In Crowd stand for and i'm guessing with this incredible versatile effort from the quintet they're writing their way to musical stardom.

Album Review: VERSA - Neon

VersaEmerge duo Sierra Kusterbeck and Blake Harnage essentially disappeared off the radar for quite a while becoming forgotten about by some and a cause for lost hope for many die hard fans. Then seemingly out of nowhere we finally had news - the 'emerge' was dropped and the duo became VERSA. As well as dropping the emerge they dropped a new song Neon from their upcoming EP of the same name. Slick synth work creates a pulsing background for Sierra's lush vocals to dance over with her moody lyrics about the darker side to infatuation.

With a sharper beat Illusion mixes things up a bit with Blake taking on some of the main vocal work instead of just harmonies. Eerie backing synths create a mysterious base for the song, working perfectly with the subject matter being that of illusions and the difference between what people let you see and their reality. The 2:45 mark signals the start of an instrumental that builds and builds - an audible signifier of the illusion and how it can become out of control.

Cutting things short the EP closes with Wanderlust which clocks up at a sizable six minutes on the clock. However, the allure of the song doesn't make it feel as though it's dragging on. Sierra sings 'like a dream' and that's the best possible way to describe the atmosphere of the song. It's upbeat and shows off some clever instrumentals with tinkling keyboards and bouncy synths.
On first listen I liked the EP but I felt like something was missing. I kept it on repeat and it continued to grow on me and now my only complaint is that I want more of it but then again after such a long wait i'm glad to have any new music from this ridiculously talented duo.

2013 Round Up: Favourite Albums

Anavae

Dimensions

Favourites: Anti-Faith, Dream Catcher, Bring Me Down

Favourite people + favourite band = favourite album. It's simple as really. I think i've harped on about these guys enough the past two years so it's probably no surprise that they're at the top of this list. And just in case you feel like you haven't read enough I reviewed the EP here as well.

Paramore

Paramore
Favourites: Last Hope, Ain't It Fun, Anklebiters

I stand by everything I ever said about how amazing this album is. From start to finish is pure perfection that boasts the most exceptional talent. There really is a song for everyone on this album and it's content made their shows 1000 times better, taking you on a 10 twist upside down emotional roller-coaster.  

Fall Out Boy

Save Rock And Roll
Favourites: Young Volcanoes, Save Rock And Roll, Where Did The Party Go

Every now and then I get this realisation that they're actually back and it never stops feeling like the best thing to ever happen. Save Rock And Roll opens with theatrical stomping music and finishes with the lyric 'oh no we won't go, we don't know when to quit' and I accompanied it with my own personal backing track of tears, lots and lots of tears... well, sobbing, really. 

A Day To Remember 

Common Courtesy
Favourites: Life @ 11, End Of Me, Sometimes You're The Hammer...

Battling with their former record label to release this album - and winning - is turning out to be a fantastic decision on their part as most have called it their best album to date and I can't help but agree. Everything about this album is more. The heavy songs are heavier, the soft songs and softer and the pop-punk is, well, pop-punkier. They're a band who have perfected the art of writing songs that are bound to become cherished by their fans and gain them new ones too. 

Tonight Alive

The Other Side
Favourites: Hell And Back, The Fire, You Don't Owe Me Anything

The amount this band has grown from their debut What Are You So Scared Of? to their phenomenal second album The Other Side is incredibly impressive. Darker and dripping with emotion it's gripping right the way through. Previously seen as perhaps just another pop band, the people doubting the Aussies might just start taking them for serious contenders in the industry with this stunning album. 

The Wonder Years

The Greatest Generation
Favourites: The Devil In My Bloodstream, Madelyn, Dismantling Summer
Pop-punk's finest once again presented us an amazing album that packs a punch to the 'ole emotions and would make my English teacher giddy with the clever song writing brimming with metaphors. 

Transit
Young New England
Favourites: Lake Q, Thanks For Nothing,  Hang It Up
Opinions are incredibly divided about the bands fourth full length but I stand by my original review and am still completely in love with this album. It's melodies remind me of summer and I forced the album upon my brother who found himself re-obsessed with Transit and has been green with envy ever since I saw them live and he didn't.

Bastille
Bad Blood
Favourites: Icarus, Bad Blood, Weight Of Living Pt. II
I see this album as a work of art and for a debut it's pretty impressive. Every song tells a story, one that can be seen in your mind like a film playing out behind your eyelids. Lots of clever vocal work and added touches here and there like orchestra arrangements or subtle piano to the more gigantic beating of drums turned every song into something special and soon managed to secure itself a position as one of my favourite albums of the year... or perhaps even ever.

Lorde
Pure Heroine
Favourites: A World Alone, Ribs, Team
You're all probably sick of hearing Royals or are scoffing at my choice here because you believe all the rubbish publications like to print about the seventeen year old singer but I wonder how many people have actually given this album a chance. After finding it impossible to get Royals out of my mind I checked out more music by Ella Yelich-O'Connor and discovered a gorgeous voice with a flawless range and songs that seem to completely describe being a teenager. With a poet mother her lyrics are carefully chosen and make her seem wise beyond her years whilst at the same time depicting being young and destroying this false image of teenagers at the same time.

Panic! At The Disco
Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!
Favourites: This Is Gospel, Girls/Girls/Boys, Nicotine
Fourth effort was once again something completely different and equally intriguing. Using the darker side to their hometown, Las Vegas, as his muse Brendon Urie once again told a simple story with a lot of long words and unforgettable melodies.

Honourable Mentions:
City And Colour - The Hurry And The Harm
Man Overboard - Heart Attack
Mayday Parade - Monsters In The Closet
Jimmy Eat World - Damage
Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

Album Review: Anavae - Dimensions

Two years ago almost to the date of this post I stumbled across a little band called Anavae. Immediately falling in love and downloading every song possible - I think there were no more than three at the time - i've watched them grow, being continually impressed along the way. Unafraid it seems, or at least determined, to try and put into the music their deep rooted questions and ideas about our existence has made for intriguing listening over the last couple of years that's stood out amongst break up song after break up song and Dimensions, the bands' second EP/mini album, is no exception to this.

Opening the EP is Anti-Faith making it quite clear from the get-go that it's going to knock you off your feet. With a big sound and drums that make your floor vibrate it takes all of 30 seconds to forget that other music actually exists so by the time second track Storm Chaser and it's brutally relatable content hits, you find yourself well and truly lost to the masterpiece Dimensions is shaping up to be.

Not knowing the name of The Wanderer when I first heard it months and months ago during Anavae's first StageIt performance and then again back in May on one of their mini tours I had dubbed it I Won't Return due to the soaring chorus bound to be stuck in your head for days. Disguising itself as one of the more tame songs on the album it's the 2:40 mark that sets the song off with Anavae's signature dubstep breakdown.

With a frenzied guitar pattern opening Hang-Man the word psychedelic is brought to mind until it slows down when the verse kicks in. Drawn out, lazy day vocals lead the song towards another of those larger than life choruses just dying to be played live to a room of sweaty kids. Aeon pulses it's way into your mind and finds you questioning the universe with this other worldly track showcasing Becca's flawless high notes and Anavae's ability to incorporate electronics into the music with purpose and not just because they could - a trap many bands seem to fall down. If you're acquainted with the bands' first EP Into The Aether - if you're not what are you doing - you'll probably be reminded of Invaesion and it's withdrawn pace which escalates into a perfect breakdown courtesy of that clever dubstep injection.

Melody wise Dream Catcher is brilliant with a chorus to end all choruses it's bound to become a firm favourite to a lot of fans. The vocal control shown is impressive and in areas shows off a grittier vocal that adds a fierceness to the delivery of the lyrics much like the bridge on Anti-Faith. However one of the true highlights of the album is Bring Me Down which is gorgeous start to finish. The opener lyric 'I sometimes see the shadow on my back, I don't know his name but he sometimes loses his way' made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when I first heard it - and it has done ever since. Sung with such beautiful desperation and accompanied by weighted music that matches the tone perfectly I challenge anyone not to like it. By now I feel Anavae deserve some kind of award for writing some of the best bridges ever, as just like every song before it, the bridge is yet another fantastic one that builds on itself and offers a striking climax to a hell of a powerful song. Dropping the bold drums from full band Anti-Faith the acoustic version holds an eerie calmness. Where the album opens strong and fighting it closes with an unsettling fragility. The arrangement is possibly one of the most stunning i've ever heard and has found me hitting repeat over and over.

Overall Dimensions is a fantastic example of pure creativity unhindered by the bands' ever growing talent and obvious vision. With all eight tracks being above and beyond the exceptionally high expectations I had it's truly impossible to pick a favourite and put it this way, if you don't know who Anavae are yet, you soon will. Forget taking over the world these guys are headed for unknown galaxies.

Reminder: Jolt Magazine's First Issue

Album Review: Fall Out Boy- Save Rock And Roll

Album Review: Natives - Stand For Something

Live Review: Tonight Alive, Transit And Gavin Butler (The Fleece, Bristol)

Introducing: Cold Summer

Album Review: Cold Summer's Debut Self-Titled

Introducing: Undervienna Skies

Our first ever issue... (includes my Paramore review) 

The Most Anticipated Music (Part Two)

You Me At Six

It was no surprise to a lot of people when it was revealed the band were planning on ending their career after the most epic gig at Wembley Arena last December. I remember actually being at The Final Night Of Sin and waiting with dread for them to announce a hiatus but the news never came. They were fairly quiet for the majority of 2013 - apart from a tour in America - until the summer when they headed out to LA to record what will be their fourth studio album. A summer full of photo's followed for You Me At Six fans and on the 2nd of September they premiered  new song "Lived A Lie" which subsequently blew up the fandom. Now we all sit and wait for Cavalier Youth to make it's may to our eager ears.

We Are The In Crowd
Dual vocal bubblegum pop-punk outfit We Are The In Crowd teased with new song "Attention" over the summer which at the moment sounds as though it could be the bridge between their debut Best Intentions and their second album. Playing the song at gigs and festivals since has stirred up interest and the five recently finished recording that much awaited second album.

Taking Back Sunday
Recently signing to Hopeless Records long time favourites of mine Taking Back Sunday have been playing a couple of new tracks on their current tour. With line up changes a frequent thing in the bands' past each of their albums have sounded very different, but with the last couple releases it's definitely seemed as though they've found their own signature sound to come back to and experiment with. Spring 2014 is what we're being told in terms of their new album so Spring 2014... if you'd kindly hurry up please.

Arthur Walwin
The ever lovely Arthur Walwin has a voice so smooth it'd give Galaxy chocolate a run for it's money and when you combine this with his song writing skills he's a force to be reckoned with. We've heard his newest song "Someone Who Knows" and seen his chitchat about the new album and I for one cannot wait until he charms everyone's socks off all over again.

PART ONE 

Album Review: Panic! At The Disco - Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!

What astounds me the most when I read reactions to Panic! At The Disco's new album is the amount of people complaining that they've changed. I'm sorry... what? Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! is the bands' fourth album and every single one of them has been quite a bit different to the last. Frontman Brendon Urie is somewhat of a genius when it comes to music, combine this with his fearlessness and ta da you have a new Panic! album. And it is always different, Panic! are always changing.

This time around Urie's inspiration was Vegas and the not so lovely side of it. Opening with second single 'This Is Gospel' a bridge is made between previous album Vices & Virtues with a big chorus and dramatic vocals followed on by 'Miss Jackson' which really starts to show off their new direction. R+B influences are distinct with yet another big chorus and a well placed feature from Lolo. It's not until third track 'Vegas Lights' kicks in that the departure from Vices & Virtues is well and truly clear. The electronic, 80's disco vibe of the album starts here and Spencer Smith's pulsing drum beat carries the track through to the dark 'Girl That You Love.' Lyrically, it's quite simple - 'girl that you love, know you don't' - but here it's the moody synth line and again the drumming that picks it up.

Back and ready to party 'Nicotine' and it's opening guitar riff is one of the best on the album. Musically it's up-beat and dancy but listen closer to the lyrics and you'll discover not only brilliant songwriting but something that's actually quite gloomy, 'cross my heart and hope to die, burn my lungs and curse my eyes.' The same goes for 'Girls/Girls/Boys' which made me go fucking yes Brendon when I heard perhaps the most important lyric i've heard in a long time, 'love is not a choice.' The only word I can think to describe the song is mellow but not even that is right. The opening is like something you'd hear on a Gameboy, the bass line thrums, the drums are steady and Urie's vocals are contained and put it like that it makes it sound terrible and boring but it's far from the truth - 'Girls/Girls/Boys' is a fantastic song. It's not upbeat and it doesn't make you want to dance but I think it's still one of the strongest on the album.

'Casual Affair' sounds like a song that's been plucked from space, fitting the lyrics that talk about, well, a casual affair that 'could go anywhere' and laying 'in the atmosphere.' Creepy and foreboding the synth line layered underneath Urie's faraway vocals extends the other-world vibe. 'Far Too Young To Die' wants to be a disco-esque song but actually remains in the corner with 'Nicotine' and co. And that's how it should be. Ominous keys open the song before poppy, but not too poppy, electrics join in. The chorus is faster but not too fast, the vocals are dark, but not too dark and the last thirty seconds sound like they're taking place underwater.

Second to last track 'Collar Full' is a fun, dancey song with no disguise. Despite a lot of the album having a cheery synth line the majority have been far from sunny, choosing actually to be more like three in the morning, but with this song it is sun through and through. Bouncy foot tapping music and a chorus of 'show me your love' makes this infectious. Last but not least 'The End Of All Things' is a ballad with weight and emotional ache. Distorted vocals, strings and a simple piano line is all it has and it's all it needs.

Overall, Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! is yet another solid effort from Panic! At The Disco. The influence and the theme works well for musicians so keen on the weird and wonderful. Experimenting with more synth on the album has laden it with disco dance vibes but with Urie's lyrics providing the darkened edge. The first listen might leave you questioning what just happened but I promise the second time around you'll see this album as the masterpiece it is.

The Most Anticipated Music (Part One)

So far 2013 has been an incredible year for music with a lot of big name bands releasing new albums that have blown their predecessors out of the water. However, there are always those bands that you are just dying to hear new material from or perhaps they've been teasing us for a few months now but there's still no definite release date. Here's just a few of those that are guilty of the accused...

VersaEmerge

The success of their debut full length Fixed At Zero saw the band touring their hearts out for a couple of years before starting the writing process for album number two. July 2012 brought us the much awaited 'Another Atmosphere' preview EP which had three fantastic synth-heavy tracks and a StageIt performance with a further two tracks from the album. Now, in October 2013, the news that the duo are no longer on Fueled By Ramen and the uncertainty of when exactly we can expect the second album is beginning to die down but for the fans the wait is one of pure torture. 

Anavae

The UK's much needed alternative rock outfit have blown everyone's expectations out of the water the last couple of years. With every release so carefully thought out and the level of attention put into all they do it's safe to say that the bands second EP 'Dimensions' will grow their already large aermy even more. Roll on November 10th. 

Natives

Unless I missed something i'm 100% sure the pop-rock quintet were supposed to release their debut album back in September, but for reasons unknown it hasn't made an appearance. Their last two EP's have been popular and made for great gigs but we're all getting pretty desperate to hear a full album of Natives goodness.

Brand New

To me, and to a lot of other people, this band are absolute legends. When I saw them live last year it was like a religious experience. They truly are incredible. The intensity, the angst, the talent and oh, yeah their really annoying habit of being inconsistent just keeps me coming back for more. Tour announcements - actually, ANY announcement - is hard to come by from these guys and yet all us die-hards sit and wait with tears in our eyes, our tattooists on the line and watercolours in hand just waiting for another new album.