Wet Paint- Woe

Album review this time. The songs were good, but the album sounded a bit...meh. Sorry about the lack of spacing between paragraphs, can't get blogger to do it!

After the success of their first album ‘It Rots,’ four-piece ‘Wet Paint’ return with new album ‘Woe.’ Formed after the demise of ‘Absentee’ in 2008, Wet Paint have openly shown their love for Sonic Youth, Pavement and the like, using their influences in their work. Considering their recent bad luck, including a robbery of their royalties from singer Babak Ganjei’s flat, the title seems particularly fitting.Album opener ‘Gone so Long’ brings us back to Wet Paint’s roots and influences as the lyrics talk about the way music used to be appreciated, from standing at the front of gigs for hours or buying every band t-shirt possible. This is tied into their recent experiences, as the lyrics talk of money loss, and how ‘back then, it was part of the fun.’ With atmospheric guitar lines, yet a simplistic melody, this track is a triumph.  A slightly, but unashamedly heavier side of the them is shown in following track ‘Uptight Casuals,’ as there is space for a cracking guitar solo, just before well-placed overlapping vocals, keeping the listener on their toes.

There are subtle references to their experiences throughout, most notably on ‘Distant Memory’ in the line ‘take the money and run.’  The album highlights perhaps lie in the more upbeat offerings, such as ‘Dead Night,’ with its focus on the mismatch chords that strangely come together perfectly.  However, that’s not to say that the more laid-back tracks, like album closer ‘Lynchstrumental’ aren’t worth a listen. ‘Lynchstrumental’ for example, give listeners the chance to really appreciate ‘Wet Paint’s’ message, whilst still appreciating the real musical talent of the band. The guitar solo remains, this time at its more atmospheric, offering something that completely brings together all their elements in a stunning album climax.

The downside about this album is how it all fits together. Although the majority of the tracks are stormers and could stand on their own, there’s something missing in the album construction which takes part of this away from them. In this way, part of the magic of the album is lost, which is a real disappointment.

3/5 

Tall Ships get published

Does what it says on the tin...


http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/singles/article/tall-ships-plate-tectonics

Tall Ships- Plate Tectonics

Back writing for Rocklouder, and again I've found myself a new artist that I enjoy. Definitely worth a listen.

‘Plate tectonics’ is the second single to be released from ‘Tall Ships’’ second EP, ‘There is nothing but chemistry here.” Formed in Brighton, the three-piece have gained much praise from the likes of NME and Huw Stephens, already awarding them a Maida Vale back in October last year.  The follow-up to ‘Chemistry’ doesn’t disappoint.

The track immediately starts with an upbeat melody accompanied by smooth vocals, setting up a feel for the rest of the track. The melody is the real focus, as everything works together to create something which is practically flawless, yet still feels raw. That said, the lyrics shouldn’t be ignored. Relationships are compared to Geography- “we collide into each other like tectonic plates-” and the idea of being “in love and lost” is vocalised. Halfway through the track, things hit a climax and turn slightly darker, though the main melody is still kept, highlighting their versatility. It’s here that their true talent is seen, as their instrumental skills are laid bare with little vocal interference. It becomes apparent why they are a crowd favourite, as the melody is obviously big enough to unite an entire audience.

Tall Ships are clearly on the right path to success. Expect big things.

4/5

All Time Low

On Sunday, I had the privilege of going to see American pop-punk band 'All Time Low' at Brixton Academy (not to be confused with The Wanted who had a hit of the same name. I lost count of the number of times people were disgusted I was going to see The Wanted). After waiting in a queue the length of the Nile- honestly, it went all the way round the venue...and then back on itself. Insane- we finally got inside, to be greeted by first support band Young Guns. I personally haven't heard much by them, but their energy on stage was exhausting, which is in no way a bad thing, and I enjoyed the part of their set I managed to catch. The same however could not be said for second support band Yellowcard. Credit where credit's due, their live energy was also really good, and it was interesting to see how they incorporated violin into their music. Unfortunately, I didn't really get a chance to properly enjoy this, as I spent the first few songs battling to keep my shoes on and not end up on the floor, something which is surprisingly hard. The second half was spent being frustrated. We'd worked out way to a brilliant space right in the middle, but due to some inconsiderate fans, were forced to leave. I'm normally extremely tolerant of violent gig-goers, spending most of my gig time either at the front or in the bustle of the crowd, but this was something else. Whilst most fans normally look after each other, making sure noone falls down or hurts themselves, the fans here didn't give a monkeys. We had people laughing as we wriggled our way to the edges, for example. Our problem definitely wasn't unique, as we witnessed pretty much every girl standing by us escaping the chaos song by song, many even fainting. I know this Yellowcard gig was a rare occasion, being only their second London show in 5 years, and it's apparent they are well loved. However, thanks to the actions of some twats, I wasn’t lucky enough to appreciate it fully.

All Time Low saved the night. I may not have known all the words, but I didn’t care. Their live set was pretty much faultless, and their banter and interaction with not only the crowd but with themselves was hilarious. It can be a rare occasion to see a band interact so well with their crowd, having only witnessed it a few times myself, most famously with We Are Scientists. Playing through all the hits, including crowd favourites ‘Weightless’ ‘Remembering Sunday’- sung beautifully acoustically- and ‘Dear Maria, Count Me In,’ and a special cover of Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream,’ ATL didn’t disappoint. Something that really struck me during the evening is how much music can really bring a crowd together. Aside from the Yellowcard incident, the crowd were united in their singing, perhaps re-iterating the idea that music can bring people together. Excluding the meet and great afterwards, where some fans got pushy, no one got aggressive, and everyone was just there to enjoy ATL playing in the UK. A much shorted review than the support bands, there’s no other way to describe the gig other than truly special.