Monday 18 January 2010

Heights is published!

My Heights review got published :) Majorly cut down, but it's fine. Thankfully, only one or two words changed/added/cut out so yeah. Here's the link:


http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/singles/article/heights-the-land-the-ocean-the-distance%22

Sunday 17 January 2010

Popjustice : Lady Gaga- Bad Romance

This is the single review I wrote to the Editor of Popjustice, in hopes of writing for them. So far it's been unsuccessful [although I have just corrected a load of mistakes which could be why], but I'll keep trying.


Gaga’s back and she’s bigger than ever. The 23-year-old from New York is ready to show-off exactly why she deserves all the hype. With public favourites “Just Dance” and “Pokerface” having already topped charts across the world, she has already certified herself as an international superstar.
Re-releasing her 2008 album “The Fame” as “The Fame Monster,” RedOne produced “Bad Romance” has been chosen as the lead single. The track begins with a recognisable Gaga hook- “ra ra ah-ah-ah, roma romama, gaga ooh la la,” as it instantly sets itself up to be a hit. As the single continues, we are hit with the usual array of quirky lyrics, darting between being completely insane, increasingly creepy but incredibly catchy. And catchy is the one element that seems to emulate from Lady Gaga without effort. Add the synth-heavy background- and the usual crazy video- and you have successfully created a delightful pop nugget that is guaranteed to liven up even the dullest of parties.
“Bad Romance” has already begun to dominate the charts internationally, not only giving her the first UK number one of 2010, but also her third number one in 2009. This gave her the record of being the first female in British chart history to have three number one singles in one year. Stand back and be warned. You never know where she’ll go next.

Heights Review- "The Land, The Ocean, The Distance" EP

After a long Christmas break, I'm back writing reviews :) Hopefully I might be putting up an interview I did as well, just need to talk to the girl I did it with.
So this is my latest review. It's from a band called Heights, they're alright really. I've got outta the habit of writing them so it took me a bit longer! Enjoy...


Emerging from Hertfordshire only last year, Heights have already proved themselves to be hard-workers. Playing gig after sweaty gig, it’s fair to say that their passion for raw performance has shone through. Between all the travelling, they’ve managed to produce this fine three-track offering. It is, however, unfortunate that the first track from “The Land, The Ocean, The Distance” gets off to a shaky start. Whilst the beginning of “Empire” is strong, with a heavily melodic mix of guitars, bass and drums, once the vocals kick in, things seem to take a downward turn. Overkill rules over, as Thomas Debeare’s low-pitch inaudible vocals drown out the rest of the band’s talents. Thankfully, as we near the end of the track, more vocals from other band members are added, and balance is restored. As the track ends, we are treated to some superb guitar playing, thanks to Dean Richardson and Tom Green.
As we edge into track two, “Paint the Sky,” things look to be going in the same direction as “Empire.” Luckily, rapid improvement is made, as more audible, excitable vocals are chosen. Again, the combination of Tom Hutton’s drums with various guitars and bass is tight, making a perfect nugget to mosh along too. With chanting refrains such as “we were fallen” guaranteed to not only unite the band, but the audience too, this is a sure fire anthem. The surprise is given as the track makes a punching end after a quick breather. Moving into final track, “World’s Apart,” the guitar-heavy base is crunching, with the drums taking an unusual backseat. This finale is enjoyably slow-paced, adding a slightly calmer offering to their efforts. Another prominent hook is introduced, this time “this is what you wanted, now we’re world’s apart,” being the anthemic chant. Add that to the mesmerising beats combo and we’re onto a winner. The guitar-echo lingers long after the track has ended, as we are reminded of what Heights have achieved.
Overall, the EP gives us a snippet into what is to come from Heights. Perhaps their strength lies in their live performance, but there’s no doubt as to what recorded achievements this band will make


3/5