Weirdly, coincedently, just before I went to see General Fiasco, I got sent their CD to review. Which was pretty sweet. So I'll make this short and just say, this is my review for their album.
Since forming in early 2007, this trio of Northern Irish lads have provided support for some of indie’s most popular bands, including The Wombats and The Enemy, as well as playing their own slots at Reading and Leeds festivals, and Glastonbury. After recording numerous demos, releasing a scattering of singles, and receiving countless airtime from the likes of Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens, General Fiasco finally treat us to their first full-length album.
“Buildings” launches straight into 2009’s single, “We Are The Foolish,” with the irresistible verse refrain “you better wake up, wake up/ Hey.” The tinge of Irish accent in Owen’s vocals releases their charm, as you become caught up in the track which could well be the perfect soundtrack for reminiscing about the previous night’s antics. “Ever So Shy” creeps in with just bass and vocals, highlighting the soft edge in Owen’s voice, and the simplicity in that collaboration. Hit the chorus, and the effortlessly of their work shines through, giving proof that you don’t need studio effects to create an enthralling album. Things then slow down for title track “Buildings,” where their talent really glows, as the slow pulse of drums hypnotises you, and you can’t help but move around in some way. It’s also the first time we really see an impact of backing vocals from Enda. After the “woah oh oh” refrain hits, instruments slowly build up to an eruption of energy, as a short interlude of strings are eventually added to give a bigger orchestral feel.
“Sinking ships” provides another slow moment, as acoustic guitar is substituted in, and we see the range of styles that General Fiasco can produce. The Irish accent shows it’s colours most here, as the lyrics are spat out. Continuing into fan anthem “Rebel Get By,” this is a fine example of how their lyrics have been affected by their lives. Particularly nearing the end of the track, you can hear the emotions played out in their melodies and vocals. Heavy guitar starts off “Dancing With Girls,” where we see their ‘rockier’ side. Drums play the key part of this track, giving the beats that will no doubt encourage dancing at their gigs. This isn’t to say that all other instruments are understated, far from it. If this track doesn’t get you at least toe/finger-tapping, nothing will. There’s an abrupt end, before we are given a quick breather as we ease into album closer “First Impressions.” Here, things are signed off nicely, with a calm and easy finishing of just a few guitar notes.
General Fiasco have got their 2010 off to a great start, leaving no doubt that we’ll be hearing a lot more from them in the near future.
4/5
Again, this got published. I think I bought the amount of changes on myself, 'cos this was a pretty lame review if I'm honest...
http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/albums/article/general-fiasco-buildings
Thursday 25 March 2010
General Fiasco- Live Review
I haven't paid enough attention to this blog recently, so sorry about that. Anywaaay, I went to see a band called "General Fiasco" in Islington a couple of weeks ago, and consequently ended up writing a review of it for rocklouder. And here is said review...
The cosiness of tonight’s venue seems to suit General Fiasco perfectly. After the two support bands- Ray Dar Vees and Black Box Revelation- have played their final chords, Islington Academy2 begins to fill up, as people flood in to see what NME have named to be one of the “ten hopes for the near future.” With new single ‘Ever So Shy’ getting much-deserved radio play, along with other crowd favourites ‘We Are the Foolish’ and ‘Rebel Get By’ doing the rounds on YouTube, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to see them in a low-key venue whilst they still can.
Although their album “Buildings” hasn’t been released yet, it doesn’t seem to be hampering their ability to gain crowd favour. Beginning with “Dancing with Girls,” there’s the odd murmur of lyrics if you listen carefully enough, but most people are too busy being sucked in by their charm. Be it through their Irish accents, or the way they chuck every ounce of their energy into their performance, there’s no doubting their live ability. Running through the crowd pleasers- ‘We Are the Foolish’ and ‘Rebel Get By’ as previously mentioned-, they were clearly pleasantly surprised by the brilliant reception they achieved.
The crowd were also treated to a special acoustic performance of ‘Sinking Ships,’ a single which has been published on YouTube for sometime, and has become another of their fan favourites. This is where we see the real talent dripping out of Owen, through his guitar playing and his vocals. Having formed three years ago, this is yet another example of today’s [fairly] young people blasting away their “yobbish” media stereotyping. They end on ‘Ever So Shy,’ which expectedly receives the night’s best reaction.
From tonight’s gig, it’s clear to see that General Fiasco have the ability to be forever improving, which will inevitable see them filling venues more the size of Brixton Academy in the not too distant future. This is a band who will be blasting out your radios for some time to come.
4/5
Yes, it got published :)
http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/live/article/general-fiasco-islington-academy-2
The cosiness of tonight’s venue seems to suit General Fiasco perfectly. After the two support bands- Ray Dar Vees and Black Box Revelation- have played their final chords, Islington Academy2 begins to fill up, as people flood in to see what NME have named to be one of the “ten hopes for the near future.” With new single ‘Ever So Shy’ getting much-deserved radio play, along with other crowd favourites ‘We Are the Foolish’ and ‘Rebel Get By’ doing the rounds on YouTube, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to see them in a low-key venue whilst they still can.
Although their album “Buildings” hasn’t been released yet, it doesn’t seem to be hampering their ability to gain crowd favour. Beginning with “Dancing with Girls,” there’s the odd murmur of lyrics if you listen carefully enough, but most people are too busy being sucked in by their charm. Be it through their Irish accents, or the way they chuck every ounce of their energy into their performance, there’s no doubting their live ability. Running through the crowd pleasers- ‘We Are the Foolish’ and ‘Rebel Get By’ as previously mentioned-, they were clearly pleasantly surprised by the brilliant reception they achieved.
The crowd were also treated to a special acoustic performance of ‘Sinking Ships,’ a single which has been published on YouTube for sometime, and has become another of their fan favourites. This is where we see the real talent dripping out of Owen, through his guitar playing and his vocals. Having formed three years ago, this is yet another example of today’s [fairly] young people blasting away their “yobbish” media stereotyping. They end on ‘Ever So Shy,’ which expectedly receives the night’s best reaction.
From tonight’s gig, it’s clear to see that General Fiasco have the ability to be forever improving, which will inevitable see them filling venues more the size of Brixton Academy in the not too distant future. This is a band who will be blasting out your radios for some time to come.
4/5
Yes, it got published :)
http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/live/article/general-fiasco-islington-academy-2
Monday 1 March 2010
Dag for Dag- Boo
A bit of a rushed one this! Completely forgot about it so panic wrote it in about... an hour? Maybe less. Anywho, here is my review for Dag for Dag's first full-length album, "Boo."
Formed of American-Swedish siblings Sarah Pathemore Snavely and Jacob Donald Snavely, Dag för Dag bring us their second offering after the hugely successful “Shooting from the Shadows EP.” Having thrived on the live circuit, supporting the likes of The Kills and Lykke Li, Dag för Dag worked hard to ensure their live spirit was captured on record. It seems the hard work paid off, as they offer this gem of a record.
‘Boo’ begins with the title track, a short and entrancing opening to the album, which puts us in the right frame of mind for what’s to come. As the album continues effortlessly into “I Am The Assassin,” we’re instantly put under the hypnotic vibes that emulate from the record. The instantly melodic fusion of piano, guitar and Chuck Bukowski’s drumming is contagious, which makes it easy to see why they are such a popular live band. Going through to “Boxed Up In Pine,” and we start to see the impact the echoing vocals have on not only the track, but the listener too. The lyrics may seem simple –“box me in pine...all boxed up in pine,” but add some studio effects and instrumentals and you’re transported to another world. Be it the piercing strings or the sneaky chimes to end the track, you’re always kept on your toes, wondering what they’re going to produce next.
The true beauty of Dag för Dag is laid bare on “Wouldn’t You,” where the record takes a short breather. This is not to say this track is lazy though, far from it. Bukowski produces a beat which sucks you in and doesn’t let go, whilst the Snavely siblings bring eerie and beautifully harmonising vocals to the forefront. This is perhaps the standout track on the album. “Traffic Jam” bring an unseen mood to “Boo,” as a slightly more fast-tempoed melody with the hint of an angry edge. This is where the guitar skills truly shine through. This attitude continues into “The Leather Of Your Boots,” where the studio effects applied to the vocals take on a less eerie and more demanding image. It’s both interesting and brilliant to see how these siblings can stretch themselves and their voices to create some completely contrasting tracks. The tempo is again increased for “Animal,” before we eventually hit the finale track, “Ring Me, Elise.” Things remain at an all time high, as the energy pours out of every note played.
So there we have it. Dag för Dag have truly proved themselves not only live, but now on record too. Get ready to be entranced by the beauty that is “Boo.”
4/5
Also, just found it put up on the website... link:http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/albums/article/dag-for-dag-boo
x
Formed of American-Swedish siblings Sarah Pathemore Snavely and Jacob Donald Snavely, Dag för Dag bring us their second offering after the hugely successful “Shooting from the Shadows EP.” Having thrived on the live circuit, supporting the likes of The Kills and Lykke Li, Dag för Dag worked hard to ensure their live spirit was captured on record. It seems the hard work paid off, as they offer this gem of a record.
‘Boo’ begins with the title track, a short and entrancing opening to the album, which puts us in the right frame of mind for what’s to come. As the album continues effortlessly into “I Am The Assassin,” we’re instantly put under the hypnotic vibes that emulate from the record. The instantly melodic fusion of piano, guitar and Chuck Bukowski’s drumming is contagious, which makes it easy to see why they are such a popular live band. Going through to “Boxed Up In Pine,” and we start to see the impact the echoing vocals have on not only the track, but the listener too. The lyrics may seem simple –“box me in pine...all boxed up in pine,” but add some studio effects and instrumentals and you’re transported to another world. Be it the piercing strings or the sneaky chimes to end the track, you’re always kept on your toes, wondering what they’re going to produce next.
The true beauty of Dag för Dag is laid bare on “Wouldn’t You,” where the record takes a short breather. This is not to say this track is lazy though, far from it. Bukowski produces a beat which sucks you in and doesn’t let go, whilst the Snavely siblings bring eerie and beautifully harmonising vocals to the forefront. This is perhaps the standout track on the album. “Traffic Jam” bring an unseen mood to “Boo,” as a slightly more fast-tempoed melody with the hint of an angry edge. This is where the guitar skills truly shine through. This attitude continues into “The Leather Of Your Boots,” where the studio effects applied to the vocals take on a less eerie and more demanding image. It’s both interesting and brilliant to see how these siblings can stretch themselves and their voices to create some completely contrasting tracks. The tempo is again increased for “Animal,” before we eventually hit the finale track, “Ring Me, Elise.” Things remain at an all time high, as the energy pours out of every note played.
So there we have it. Dag för Dag have truly proved themselves not only live, but now on record too. Get ready to be entranced by the beauty that is “Boo.”
4/5
Also, just found it put up on the website... link:http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/albums/article/dag-for-dag-boo
x
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