AlunaGeorge - Attracting Flies

A little slow on the uptake of this I know, but I've become really addicted to it. It's really catchy, and has already hit the Radio 1 A-List, so I've no doubt big things are coming to this duo.

Paramore - Now

Uploading this is far more entertaining than my essay. This is another review I wrote months ago, which has been sitting as a draft on here for far too long. So here it finally is... Paramore are one band I haven't outgrown since their new material is still brilliant (in my eyes at least). I'm definitely looking forward to their new album.

Paramore have had a tough few years, with the departure of two members surrounded by controversy thanks to a questionable post-leaving statement. Not letting that deter them, Paramore are back as a trio, with new single Now.

Despite losing two members, it seems the band has lost none of its spirit nor energy. Hayley’s vocals are as powerful as ever, though this time having somewhat of a more ‘pop-y’ edge to them, fitting the direction this new track seems to go in. Instrumentally, Now has the rawness and determination that Paramore have perfected over the years, making it almost impossible to remember that there are only three members of this band now (aside from a studio drummer). 

Paramore have seemingly come back fighting to give us a track that shows us why they still deserve their place in the music industry. Clearly their sound has progressed, but this is certainly a good thing. Welcome back guys.

4/5

Bastille - Pompeii

It is a sickening amount of time since I last blogged, thanks to my good friend THE DISSERTATION. Since said friend has now been all submitted and deleted from my life (aside from today's finding of a mistake when looking for a quote... WEEP), I will try and get this blog back in action. Gonna start with a review of Bastille's Pompeii that I wrote months ago, but never found time to upload. Seems like a good time to whack it on here, since it's currently flying high in the charts, and deservedly so. I am in love with this song and this band.
[NB. I might try out some new layout-y font-y things on this. Bare with me].

In the three years they’ve been together, Bastille haven’t done too badly for themselves. Performing at various festivals, securing major tour support slots and having their songs featuring on Made in Chelsea and Dancing on Ice to name just a few achievements, it seems they’ve set themselves up for a pretty successful 2013.

Starting as a solo project and developing into a quartet, Bastille seem set to break the swarms of generic ‘alternative’ band we’ve had over the years. From the opening seconds of Pompeii, there’s a feeling of empowerment and optimism, needed for most at this miserable time of year. Aided by the lyrics “how am I gonna be an optimist about this,” and a simple yet intricate musical arrangement, particularly the drum solos, there’s nothing not to love about this.

There’s so many layers to this song that’s it’s almost impossible to fit them all into one review. 2013 is most definitely going to be the year for Bastille, and that’s fine by us. Now, anyone for summer?

5/5

Steps - Light Up The World

The second delight I got to review was Steps' Christmas album. Yep, I kid you not, Steps have decided to bring out a Christmas album in ANOTHER attempt for a comeback. I'll be honest, I was a massive Steps fan back in the day, and I am pretty gutted I didn't get to go to their comeback tour (yes, I am THAT sad. I was pretty jealous of my friends that went). Unfortunately though, I just didn't like this album. Sorry. It's 5,6,7,8 all the way for me.

Thought you’d rid yourself of cheesy 90s pop? Think again. Having already attempted one comeback, Steps are yet again trying to infiltrate the charts by entering the dreaded Christmas market. Yes, they are releasing their own Christmas album… sorry. As much as they are a guilty pleasure for me, being a fan of them however many years ago, I think a Christmas album may prove to just be a cheese overload.

This, their first studio album in twelve years, mixes their unapologetically cheesy pop sound with some Christmas classics, although I’m not sure how many are recognisable at first listen. The album opens with History is Made at Night, complete with seasonal saxophone and standard Christmas beat. Perhaps an attempt to secure a more mature audience, they have chosen an album opener that compares a romantic night scene with a school-based scenario. I’ll quickly gloss over the error over ruining a Stevie Wonder song, and talk about the one original song on the album, Light up the World, conveniently also the title track. Not exactly encompassing the Christmas theme, this is where the cheese really hits, and messages of encouragement are showered upon us. “Imagination will set you free/just gotta work it out” is the height of this, encouraging us, I assume, to be creative and achieve our dreams. Only at Christmas I suppose.

If you recognise When She Loved Me, it’s probably from Toy Story 2, as Sarah McLachlan performs it beautifully as Jessie (the cowgirl, if you can’t remember). Although Steps’ vocals aren’t tragic, they can’t match Sarah’s voice, and if you’re anything like me, you may fast forward the song pretty quickly so as not to ruin the film. From Christmas [Baby Please Come Home]¸ the idea of this being a Christmas album really starts, and it’s from here that you can really imagine this being on in the background on Christmas day. Ok, their vocals aren’t great, but they’re not the worst… and there’s always the option of minimal volume. The album ends on the classic Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, a relaxed, pleasant end with a lot of instrumental, to an album that you’re probably sick of by now.

I’m in two minds about this album. The child in me loves the cheese, which you can’t slate Steps for, as their bubblegum pop is still loved by many around the world. The vocals aren’t completely tragic (note: completely), but this album brings an amount of cheese and an element of boredom that doesn’t quite click. I’d love to love this, but for some reason, it just doesn’t work. Sorry Steps.

2/5

Little Mix - DNA

Long time, no blog. Hashtag third year problems. Anyway, I recently did some new reviews for Spark*, the first of which was Little Mix's new single, DNA. I loved this from my first listen, and I still love it now. They're the first successful girl group to come out of X Factor, and the first to actually get past the first few weeks of the show in the first place, and they're continuing to go from strength to strength. They've got great voices, and I think they've got a long, fantastic career ahead of them. 

Look at today’s charts and you’ll see an abundance of girl power, from the ever-present Rihanna to the return of Girls Aloud. Pretty convenient for X Factor winners Little Mix. Having broken the curse of the girl-bands on the show, Perrie, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Jade have consistently hit big in the charts and gained many a-fan along the way.  

DNA shows a darker and more mature side to Little Mix, far removed from the polished pop sound we’ve come to expect from them. This more grown-up style makes a bleeding good tune, and moves them away from the X Factor manufacturing that has perhaps befallen previous winners. All four girls also get a chance to show why they were chosen in the first place, with solo sections highlighting their fantastic vocal abilities.

Little Mix are definitely bringing back girl power, and we’re more than grateful for it. I’m pretty confident we can expect more pop gems from these four for many years. Dare I say the new Girls Aloud?

4/5 

Panama - It's Not Over

I was a bit dubious about this album, as when I googled the band, I was linked to a heavy metal band... not really my cup of tea. Turns out I was on the completely wrong band, and luckily this Panama is a lot better. Perhaps the album is a little repetitive in places, especially on some songs, but overall it's a fantastic chilled-out listen. I really enjoyed it, and I think they could go onto big things.

Put together the electronic sound of 80s pop and a modern summer anthem and you’ll probably have the sound of Australian five-piece Panama.  Creating a sound that sounds both retro and current simultaneously is a hard feat, but Panama seem to have it spot on, with songs that wouldn’t sound out of place in the coolest clubs then and now.

From the opening synths of Heartbeat, you’re taken to a place where the sun is shining and the alcohol is free flowing.  Though the melody seems simple on first listens, it’s actually packed with layers of synths, keys, drumbeats that mould perfectly together and complement the layered vocals.  Magic, the first single from the EP, sounds like something we might expect from the likes of Friendly Fires, and a song you might listen to the morning after the night before.  More synth focused than Heartbeat, the vocals, however good they are, seem to take a backseat for this track, the complex and hypnotising music speaking for itself.

One Piece brings up the tempo, this is the track that really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time – in a good way of course.  Listen once, and there’s no doubt you’ll be singing “It brings us back together/one piece at a time” for days.  Along with title track It’s Not Over, it’s one of the rare songs on the EP that brings variety with the melody, with small breaks in the main melody to break up the song.  Ending on a high, We Have Love is an upbeat, happy track that really sums up what Panama seem to be about – fun, dancing and 80s.

You can smell the cocktails and feel the sun with every song on this EP – perfect for forgetting those winter blues.  If you need to relieve the disco years or are bored with looking at the dreary November skies, whack this on.  You’ll be on the beach in no time. 

4/5

M83 - Steve McQueen

I fell in love with Midnight City last year

( just in case you've been living under a rock for the past year)


and luckily for me, their new single is even better. Can't fault it, so I'll let the review do the talking. Get listening.

M83 has quickly established himself as someone who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries to create music that is inspiring and daring, but has undeniably gained critical success.  Steve McQueen is no exception, initially sounding like part two of former massive hit Midnight City (if you haven’t heard it, I’m guessing you’ve been sleeping for the past year).  Laden with mesmerising synths and big drumbeats, building into a massive track with so much to give, it’s hard to take it all in with just one listen.  Not that this is a bad thing, since it leaves you wanting more with every listen.  The vocals are layered to perfection, and are enhanced by the instrumentals, rather than being lost in them.

Overall, M83 has done it again.  Steve McQueen is a gloriously uplifting track, screaming of creativity and ambition.  As everyone seems to be saying, their time in the spotlight is coming.

5/5

Leona Lewis - Glassheart

I was all ready to attack this album, really not being a Leona Lewis fan myself - Bleeding Love is one of my least favourite songs of the last few years. However, I was pleasantly surprised by her latest album. I didn't like it QUITE as much as Mumford & Sons' album, but it was still much better than I thought. 

These days, it’s rare that someone can actually develop a long-lasting successful career from winning the X Factor – think Steve Brookstein  and Matt Cardle. Luckily for London-born Leona Lewis, she seems to have overcome this ‘X Factor Curse’ and has managed to create a outstanding music career for herself. Since winning in 2006, she has gone on to win an Ivor Novello, two MOBOs, an MTV Video Music Award, three World Music Awards to name but a few. The list really is endless, especially if you add in all the award nominations she also received. With her ever-powerful voice continuing to grow, Leona Lewis is going from strength to strength.

Leona seems to take a new turn for this album, evident from opening track Trouble, a completely different sound to previous hits. Faster paced and a more complex and dark beat, clearly Leona’s sound has progressed for the better, while still showing off her mezzo-soprano voice brilliantly. The lyrics seem to be personal too, as she sings “I’m a whole lot of trouble/We’re in a whole lot of trouble”. This album opener sets the theme for the majority of the album, with Come Alive and Shake You Up, a particularly old-school pop nugget, following suit and showing a more upbeat, dance-y and perhaps darker side to Leona’s music. It’s refreshing to see this new direction, as not only are they good tracks, but it shows how much variety she is capable of. Glassheart brings perhaps the biggest shock of the album, as it unlike anything we’ve ever heard from the usually down-tempo singer, with elements of dubstep as well as dance, a hook of “and I love you with my glassheart,” and an infectious beat that draws you in.

Of course the album incorporates the classic Leona Lewis songs we’ve come to know and love. From Stop the Clocks to Un Love Me to the beautiful and serene album closer Fingerprint, these tracks are the ones that really showcase how good her voice really is. Fireflies is a particularly highlight, as it’s completely calming and one of those ‘feel-good’ tracks that can always put a smile on your face. From the piano opening, to the addictive “Fire/It’s only fire” through what sounds like an amazing gospel choir, this track fits the album like a glove.

Leona Lewis has outdone herself with this new offering, challenging herself to try new styles and succeeding. Perhaps not an outstanding album of 2012, but a triumph for Lewis none the less. Most definitely worth a listen, at least.

3/5

Everything Everything - Cough Cough

I've always been a bit on/off about Everything Everything, although I've definitely been a fan for the most part. I had to listen to this new offering a couple of times, but now I constantly have it on repeat. I can almost guarantee it will be stuck in your head for days to come.

Nominated for two Ivor Novello awards and shortlisted for Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize, Everything Everything have made a name for themselves in the music world. Not wanting to follow any specific genre, and with one of the most eclectic influences lists ever seen, ranging from Nirvana to R. Kelly, the band simply make the music they want to make.
Cough Cough follows a string of successful hits, including MY KZ,UR BF and Photoshop Handsome. Characterised by an infectious drumbeat and fast vocals, cough cough is the recipe for the perfect fun indie hit. The track keeps you on your toes, switching between fast-paced and the slightly more chilled sections,  giving you a breather from all the dancing that you’ll no doubt be doing. As well as all this, the main hook of “I’m coming alive/I’m happening now,” is sure to turn into a chant at their live shows, which won’t be a bad thing.

Get ready to have this on repeat all day and all night. You have been warned.


4/5

Mumford & Sons - Babel

First review for Spark* this year was Mumford & Sons new album, 'Babel.' Although it sounds a lot like the last album, you can hear how they have progressed their sound and I really liked it. The album's out now if you wish to buy it.

There will always be the myth of the ‘difficult second album’ for any band, regardless of any first album success.  Mumford & Sons can’t escape this, needing a show-stopping second album to follow a debut album that went 4 times Platinum in the UK and achieved the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2011.  No pressure then.

From the opening notes of Babel, the powerful and bold opening track as well as the album title, it’s pleasing to hear they haven’t lost their folk charm.  That’s not to say their music hasn’t progressed, as their time in Tennessee seems to have influenced them and given a different edge to their well-recognised folk style.  I Will Wait, the first single to come from Babel, has already proved to be a hit, with the infectious “I will wait, I will wait for you” hook that begs to be sung by the festival crowds.  Broken Crown echoes the theatrical and dark point in Sigh No More, giving Babel the variety it needs to match the success of their debut.

But it’s not all fast, live-inspired tracks.  There are moments where the album slows right down, and an offering of peace is given.  Ghosts That We Knew is a chance to sit back and reflect for five minutes, and admire how good Mumford & Sons really are as both musicians and songwriters, as Marcus Mumford pleas “just promise me we’ll be alright.”  Babel hits an even better note, when these slower tracks are combined with the energy of I Will Wait to create something like Lover’s Eyes, that builds to a triumphant and riling climax.  

More ambitious and transatlantic writing and recording sessions, as well as the introduction of the 10 song game during recording, where each band member has to write 10 songs in a certain time period, has led to Babel.  The result is a bigger album, with more instruments and a slightly less polished sound.  Although Babel doesn’t offer anything particularly new or outrageously different than we’d expect, there’s no denying the band have progressed, and that this is a great album, from the opening energy Babel down to the closing calmness of Not With Haste.

4/5

Nicki Minaj - Pound the Alarm

I've been back from Japan (which was AMAZING, just FYI) for a while now, but I am FINALLY getting my butt in gear and getting back into this blog, so sorry for the long break. I'm back with a banger too, as Nicki Minaj released the video for Pound The Alarm just a few hours ago. Featuring lots of boobs and bums, à la Starships, I actually prefer this video, because it has a lot more in it. Really like the carnival theme, and I think it fits the song well. Like it or not, I think we can all agree that the video will yet again please the majority of the male population. If not all of them.

Conor Maynard - Vegas Girl

I'm going away for two weeks, so I'll leave you with Conor Maynard's new song, 'Vegas Girl.' Just like Can't Say No, it's ridiculous catchy, and I can't not like it. The video is here:



Also, I'm really addicted to Rita Ora's How We Do (Party), and I'm currently regretting not putting it on my iPod for my stupid long flight. Hmph.

Video of the Day - Lana Del Rey - National Anthem

Decided to make a 'Video of the Day' thing, since Lana Del Rey has released a 7 minute video for latest single 'National Anthem.' This is one of my favourite songs off the album, so I'm glad it's being released. The video features A$AP Rocky, as they play the roles of John F. Kennedy and his wife. I won't spoil any more of it for you, so have a watch, and feel free to let me know what you think.

Katy Perry and The Killers

Finally got myself a spare moment to do a brief update here. Firstly, here is Katy Perry's video for new single 'Wide Awake.' Bit strange, and I'm not quite sure what's going on, but what else did we really expect?

Secondly, The Killers have released an album trailer for 'Battle Born.' They're not giving much away, but it sounds like it's going to be very good as per usual. I personally can't wait.

A longer update is due, and I'll try to do it in amongst packing up my uni room and panicking about packing for Japan next week.

Usher - Scream

Yesterday, Usher released the much-anticipated video for his latest single, 'Scream.' The video is filmed at a New York show of Fuerza Bruta ( http://fuerzabruta.net/). I first saw this on America's Next Top Model, and it is pretty cool. Youtube it or look on that link and you'll see for yourself.

Anyway, here's the song. I feel a bit wrong when I sing along to it, but it's just too catchy.

Coldplay - Princess of China

I went to see Coldplay last night, and they were absolutely amazing, as usual. If I've got a chance these next few days, I'll do a quick review, but in short, everything was so perfectly planned to make more than just a concert - it was a show. From the flashing wristbands to Coldplay and the songs/performance themselves, I couldn't fault it. Yes, I did almost cry at one point. I think it was even better than the Wembley show, and they never disappoint.

Anyway, yesterday they released the video for 'Princess of China,' featuring Rihanna. And here it is:

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly - Daylight Robbery

REVIEW TWO. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Yeah, it was alright. Not as good as The Subways one, but still good. Was gonna give it 3.5 but thought that sounded a bit like I couldn't make up my mind, so 3/5 it is.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, otherwise known as Sam Duckworth, has come a long way since being signed in 2006. Now on his fifth LP, Duckworth has even grown to include a live band behind him, far removed from the days of just him and his computer.  Latest single Daylight Robbery is taken from recent album Maps.

On first listen, the thing that is probably most noticeable about this track is the use of “woo.” Listen deeper, and you find the arrangement is light and upbeat, and the lyrics are honest but charming, as has come to be a feature of Duckworth’s music. There’s no doubting how much this track will grow with a live band behind it on stage.

The only danger with this bigger sound is the fear that Duckworth may begin to sound like any generic ‘indie’ band. For the time being however, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly are safe in the knowledge that they’re still unique, and still on form.

3/5

The Subways - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

There has been a severe lack of updates on here, so apologies. It's been a mix of exam hell, extreme relaxation after exams, and then being thrown back into dissertation prep and group presentations. FUN. Anyway, since I haven't done a review for AGES, I finally managed to make it to a meeting and picked up a couple of CDs. First one is The Subways (I know this was released a while ago but I really wanted to hear it), and I really like it. So this is my review. I promise I will try and get back to my regular updates as soon as possible.

It would be an understatement to simply say you’ve been ‘missing out’ if you haven’t heard of The Subways by now.  I would also wonder where you’ve been hiding. YouTube My Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen and I guarantee you’ll know who I’m talking about.  Now on their third album, Money and Celebrity, The Subways are ready to release latest single Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Despite being old hands in the music business, The Subways are always evolving and improving, never in fear of boring their fans.  Latest single continues in the same vein, mixing the vocals of Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper with another impeccable and contagious melody.  Written by singer Billy Lunn about a ‘fiery relationship,’ the track holds a chorus full of energy, and a hook of “kiss kiss bang bang,” that is nigh on impossible to sing-along to.

The Subways never fail to impress, with their lyrics and musical abilities getting better and better with every track and every album.  I defy you not to dance along to this. 

4/5

Ed Sheeran - Small Bump

Ed Sheeran has just released the video for 'Small Bump,' the fifth single to be released from his debut, and stunning, album '+.' The video is beautifully simplistic, and fits the song like a glove. I'll be honest, I found the video quite emotional (yes, I am a soppy git, but I didn't cry don't worry), which I guess fits the song to a tee - that's not saying the video is action packed and full of people crying, because it's not. It's simply a typical hospital scene I guess, but I'll let the video speak for itself, instead of me babbling on. Sheeran's done good again.

Ben Howard - Only Love

Ben Howard has just (and I mean literally just. I think it was only about half an hour or so ago when he tweeted it) released the long-anticipated video for next single 'Only Love.' I cannot fault him or his music, with nothing I don't love on his album. I'll post the link to his live lounge when it's up too, because it was brilliant. And I absolutely LOVED his cover of Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe.



EDIT: As promised, here is the video for Ben Howard's cover of Call Me Maybe. ENJOY