Death Cab for Cutie - 'Cath' (single review)

Whether he knows it or not, Death Cab singer Ben Gibbard is a modern-day poet. Unlike some artists, his lyrics give the listener a chance to interpret each song in their own may. Gibbard, the new Henry David Thoreau? Well, let’s not put Mr. Gibbard on such a high pedestal, but he most certainly can write thinking-man’s stories through his music. Interesting how he cites beat poet Jack Kerouac as a major influence. Road trip with Gibbard and you may feel the same, but until the day I get a chance to do that, I’m taking the beat out of his deep, lyrical poetry.
“Cath,” the latest record off the hugely successful studio album, Narrow Stairs, captures a woman (presumably named Catherine) who’s so unsure of herself that she, presumably, runs away from a relationship; the tension to fake happiness when she truly doesn’t want to continue this relationship gets the best of her. Then she disappears. As Gibbard sings, “Soon everybody will ask what became of you/Cos’ your heart was dying fast/And you didn’t know what to do.” But then Cath convinces herself to marry a lad who very few of her friends perceive as the love of her life.

“Cath” chillingly reminds me of a girl I had a crush on. She wanted to marry only because all of her friends were married and having children. She became Cath. She never knew about my crush (although she may now). The last verse captures the entire song when Gibbard subtly paints the entire picture with the lyrics: “The whispers that it won’t last roll up and down the pews/And if your heart’s were dying that fast/They would have done the same as you/And I would’ve done the same as you.”

Gibbard cannot change the past and neither can I, however, this is about Gibbard. His bandmates delicately melded the backing melodies with Gibbard’s poetry. And, Cath, if you ever change your mind … someone is there waiting for you.

By Ryan Wood

Release Date: 14/7/08
Label: Atlantic
www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie


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The Shallow Call – ‘Where We All Hang Around’ (single review)

‘Have you ever known a person more English than this one?’ asked The Shallow Call’s singer, Phil O'Driscoll, on the band’s debut single of 2007. ‘Frank Bruno’, while rough around the edges, more than hinted at the band’s ability to play to their strengths: Succinct, if a little simple, lyrical observations of everyday life against a playful backdrop of sumptuous guitar pop in the vein of The Smiths or The Undertones.
‘Where We All Hang Around’ doesn’t stray too far from that formula, except displaying an even catchier chorus and a much slicker production, courtesy of, among others, long time Charlatans producer James Spencer. The four lads from Northwich have produced an extremely likable pop song here, whose lyrics deal with suburban isolation and boredom (“Don’t be afraid to call it home/You flew the nest/You’re on your own/They’re still fighting in the streets/It’s just what they do here”).
The best moment must be at 2:45, when O’Driscoll’s vocals almost break down and the band kicks in with a bang. Despite their similarities being enough for The Enemy asking them on tour, they are no mere lad-rock rehash.
Instead, The Shallow Call are on the way towards taking up their own slot among all The Kooks and Pigeon Detectives out there.

The band have reached the final 14 of Road To V, the annual competition that gives bands a chance to open the V Festival at Stafford & Chelmsford. The programme airs 23rd July on Channel 4 at 23:55pm.

By Matthias Scherer

Release Date: Out Now
Label: SiZe
www.myspace.com/theshallowcall


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The Brute Chorus – 'Grow Fins' (single review)

The Brute Chorus may never be more aptly named than during the choral, almost Gospel like chorus of this stunning second single. Harmonious heaven-bound shouts of “let it rain oh let it rain” may not be the most advisable thing to sing along to at a British festival, but frankly, after a few bars of it's infectious glory you won't be able to stop yourself.
A vivid and simply told fairytale dotted with Biblical-esque references (not least with b-side 'Nebuchadnezzar' in tow) from the view of apocalyptic floods shines this twisted fate love story from the sixteenth floor of a block of flats. From our hero's hopeless start “all around me was desolation” via neighbourly choirs and white horses to a marriage proposal all in three minutes, now you can't ask for much more than that really, can you?

With the most stripped back of busker-perfect acoustic backdrops, 'Grow Fins' is one of those songs that proves how sometimes the simplest of ideas can be the best. It really is very hard to find anything not to like about this joyous little rockabilly infused gem of a pop song. So grab your brolly, pull on your wellies and let's all go singing in the rain!

By Martin Kendrick

Release Date: 14/7/08
Label: Bumpman
www.myspace.com/thebrutechorus


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James Yuill - ‘No Pins Allowed’ (single review)

If Yuill’s last single ‘No Surprise’ was anything to go by as to what he can offer, then ‘No Pins Allowed’ should be just as good or even better. This track showcases Yuill’s tender acoustic vocal ability against pumping, buzzing beats that create a nice mess in your head.
At some points the acoustic instrumentals and Yuill’s singing take you away on a complete chill out experience where you are met by a loud electronic buzz that sets the record off nicely. It really is a musical oxymoron.

'No Pins Allowed' is a completely unique sound that you definitely need to try once, you’ll be sorry if you don’t.

By Fiona Baxter

Release Date: 21/7/08
Label: Moshi Moshi
www.myspace.com/jamesyuill


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Kaki King - 'Pull Me Out Alive' (single review)

A khaki king, not so good. All I can picture is a cocky, 35-year-old model, leaning up against a freshly waxed car on the side of a vast desert, sand blowing everywhere except onto him. Then a stunning blonde drives up and stops, only to ask if he’s wearing a pair of pleated, khaki pants. She smiles. He half smiles. She drives off into the distance. He pretends to look like a badass. Umm, nope. Doesn’t quite work.
Thank the god of music this band isn’t called Khaki King. Leaving out the H makes a world of difference, and that’s without having listened to the record from this female-fronted five-member band. With the indie acoustic-driven Kaki King (birth name of Atlanta, Georgia’s Katherine King), you’ve got everything that defines experimental rock -- perfectly fluctuating vocal arrangements, well-timed shoegazing guitar riffs, and drumming that remains subtle but totally effective. This all can be heard on “Pull Me Out Alive,” the latest track off King’s fourth studio album, Dreaming of Revenge.

Not only can King lead a track with such vocal poise, her command of the guitar radiantly melds this record. What is it with female singers lately? They’re brilliant, and most times they manage to perfectly balance both their vocal and string arrangements all by themselves. Who needs a band? Kaki doesn’t, but you can’t discount her mates. They -- Dan Brantigan, Matt Hankle, Yuval Semo, and Mark Price -- emphasize the Kaki in King. And they manage to do so without leaning up against convertible cars sporting vomit-inducing pleated khaki pants.

By Ryan Wood

Release Date: Out Now
Label: Cooking Vinyl
www.myspace.com/kakiking


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Magic Arm - ‘Widths and Heights’ (single review)

Signed to The Ting Tings former label, Switchflicker, multi instrumentalist Manchester man Marc Rigelsford, AKA Magic Arm was last seen gracing the BBC introducing stage at Glastonbury. New single ‘Widths and Heights’ is a mish mash of sparkling melodies that are very well put together, yet sound so odd.
With a sound very similar to ‘Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah’ they manage to show their individuality with their unique instrumental sound and high pitched, catchy vocals. Although they may not be to every persons taste, there is an unmistakeable buzz that surrounds this track, it seem like the perfect accompaniment for the summer months, if we get any.

By Fiona Baxter

Release Date: 14/7/08
Label: Switchflicker
www.myspace.com/magicarm


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Primal Scream – 'Can't Go Back' (single review)

The Scream are back and long live the Scream! A band seemingly incapable of making a bad record or becoming any less relevant to modern music regardless of how long they carry on for, still refusing to be overshadowed by any of Bobby or Mani's past band greatness return yet again with the finest of rock & roll mantras.
Creeping in with anticipating verses that suit Mr. Gillespie's weathered vocal stylings down to the ground, only for them jump into one of those massive chanting choruses these blokes do spot on every time.

Closer to recent 'Country Girl' endeavours and even way back to 'Give Out But Don't Give Up' times than their more experimenting 'Swastika Eyes' years, some might say their playing safe, others would say their doing what they do best, and when they do it this well who would wish for anything else.

Fading away gracefully I doubt is on Primal Scream's to do list, chances are they'll still be at the forefront of things 15 years from now still making us get our rocks off, still making new fans and charming old ones and still defining cool with every move.

By Martin Kendrick

Release Date: 14/7/08
Label: B-Unique
www.primalscream.net
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Tripwires – 'Just So You Know' (single review)

According to the fountain of all modern knowledge/ incoherently put together pack of lies that is Wikipedia, Tripwires changed their name from ‘The Enigma Project to be ‘more marketable’ and added synth player Joe on suggestion from The Automatic. Usually these would be completely legitimate reasons to hate them. Fortunately for the Huw Stephens favourites ‘Just So You Know’ is a brooding slice of indie doom that the late Cooper Temple Clause would have been proud of.
Such sonically pleasing misery and anger from a bunch of fresh-faced youths deserves to be applauded. Clap Clap Clap. Boo you Internet and your silly silly facts.

By Sophie Thomsett

Release Date: 21/7/08
Label: Josaka / Alibi
www.myspace.com/tripwires


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Twisted Wheel – 'You Stole The Sun' EP (single review)

Doesn’t Manchester have all the luck when it comes to bands? The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Joy Division. Not that Twisted Wheel are strictly from Manchester, mind – they’re from Oldham. The Manc influence is obvious though. Singer Jonny Brown sounds like a larier Liam Fray (of Courteeners ‘fame’), and the band play with all the urgency of Buzzcocks. On Fire.
Single ‘You Stole The Sun’ (of which there is 3 versions on the E.P) is raging. Jonny may not be the world best lyricist (there are a few howlers…), but one thing he can do is work his band into a fury.

It’s a shame, then, that the rest of the tracks are standard lad-rock fare, especially ‘Racket’. Go and listen to The Jam, they do this kind of thing much better.

By James Edwards

Release Date: 28/7/08
Label: Columbia
www.myspace.com/thetwistedwheel


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Underworld - 'Ring Road' (single review)

Karl Hyde and Rick Smith are a genius pair, and so you’d expect nothing more than an epic anthem, and it is. It’s a massive beast of a track, and throughout, the lyrics cleverly conjour images that distort and disorientate.
A massive summer hit? It seems they misheard the forecasts “praying for rain but the next minute a scorched earth”, as soon as the sun comes out this will be pumped out at all the summer parties.

By Jessica Kempner

Release Date:07/07/08
Label: UnderworldLive
www.underworldlive.com



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Edgar Prais - 'Pop Song no.93 / Jaimie' (single review)

Sounding like they dress in tweed, wear vests and hang out far too much with Vampire Weekend so that their sound and character has seeped into their Aberdeen brains and just replicated onto this double A-side.
They slot into the slightly too alternative for the strand of mum-rock like Keane and Snow Patrol, but having such a similar sound to those cheeky Vampire chaps, one can’t help but compare them, and they aren’t a patch on them. They lack the lightness, the tightness and the talent. Poor form.

By Jessica Kempner

Release Date: 30/06/08
Label: Dixie Cups
www.myspace.com/edgarprais



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Blakfish – ‘See You In Another City’ EP (single review)

In a day and age where boybands reunite like rabbits procreate, and where indie music is becoming more and more navel-gazing and snobbish, the average music fan finds him/herself clutching at straws. This could, partly, explain the success of The Courteeners. Fortunately, however, there are still bands like Birmingham’s Blakfish.
‘See You In Another City’ is their first ‘proper’ release, bringing together the lessons learned from playing together for almost 10 years as well as releasing a number of EP’s independently. In five songs, Tom, Sam, Rich and Wiz display an impressive range of songwriting abilities, from the finger-tapping, melodic whirlwind that is opener ‘Preparing For Guests’ to the hypnotic shouts in “Make Your Bed And Lie In It” and the sinister, technical drumming in ‘My Stomach Feels Like My Throat's Been Cut”.

Their sound is a refreshing hybrid of the uncompromising attitude of hardcore ala At The Drive-In and the intelligent, detail-obsessed approach of, yes, pop. Behind all the throat-ripping screams and the disorientating syncopations, Blakfish always manage to come up with a few good hooks. Taking their cue from the sorely missed Meet Me In St Louis, the Brum foursome don’t content themselves with producing accessible indie or alternative rock hits, oh no. “Carnival or Carnivores”, for example, is a thrilling joyride of a song, encompassing vocal harmonies, waggly riffs and more time changes than you could throw a drumstick at.

‘See You In Another City’ is a short but fantastic effort, showcasing the band’s abilities brilliantly without being overindulgent in musical tricks or gimmicks. Every complicated drum beat or guitar lick comes with the impression that, above all, this band just want to rock out. Mission accomplished, we say.

By Matthias Scherer

Release date: 28/7/08
Label: Big Scary Monsters
www.myspace.com/blakfish

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Kick Superb - 'Quit the Ordinary' (single review)

If the boys of Kick Superb are trying to carve out a life beyond Newport, South Wales, beyond indie, they’re on the right track. In 'Quit The Ordinary' they’re encouraging you to break out, as well.

It’s hooks are appealing in a mainstream way, which should equate to pounds and euros and dollars, etcetera. Alex Nash encourages you to 'Stand up and be what others envy.'
It’s a positive message among more insidious tunes out there debauching the public mind. This is a solid track from a determined act. With the topsy-turvy nature of today’s music biz, Kick Superb appears to be crafting a formula to weather the wind. '

By Scott Petty

Release Date: 28/7/08
Label: Unsigned
www.myspace.com/kicksuperb



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Noah And The Whale – '5 Years Time' (single review)

This is probably the most twee song I’ve heard in a long time. Lead singer using the word love 38 times? (I counted) Check. Ukulele? Check. Recorder solo? Check.

Sounding like a cross between I’m From Barcelona and Johnny Flynn, lead singer Charlie Fink tells a story of hanging around zoos with a girlfriend while pretending to be James Dean.
Whistling in pop songs is never a good idea (Fratellis, take note….), but ‘5 Years Time’ is such a lovely slice of poppy jauntiness that I might have to let them off.

By James Edwards

Release Date: 11/8/08
Label: Young & Lost Club
www.myspace.com/noahandthewhale



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A Is For Ape – 'Once More Over The 617' EP (single review)

“A Is For Ape” I thought, “Irony perhaps..?” Unfortunately not, it seems as though this band is lacking some serious things, common sense is probably something that instantly stands out apart from an awkwardly stupid name. Whoever told these boys that Ska and Emo were the best of friends did them no favours, title track and new single demonstrates some painfully strained vocals and rushed brass work, surely a formula for disaster and it is.
Sadly, the first song isn’t A is for Ape’s best foot forward, last track “End of an Era (Don’t Go)” stands out as a credible track against the other two with its clear reggae beats, this final track is less of the boyish pop punk ska and more of the beats and rhythm that make up a good song. The vocals are undoubtedly the bands point of weakness, it is the cheeky but on key vocals which spur on the Offspring’s ska punk style and A is for Ape is lacking the important credentials which make a band of their genre viable to the public. Ska rock is not yet set to make any kind of comeback; perhaps A is for Ape should learn a few more letters of the alphabet song before releasing anything more.

By Charlotte Austin

Release Date: Out Now
Label: Unsigned
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Rose Kemp - 'Nanny’s World' (single review)

My initial reaction to this song was, “ No way! Ross Kemp has released a single! This is going to be epic!” Then I realised this song was in fact by Rose Kemp, who is female, has hair and as far as I can ascertain has never appeared on Eastenders.
Never the less this is a likeable effort that begins with a thumping guitar riff, shortly followed by Kemp’s soaring vocals from where the song breaks down into a Black Sabbath like crash of drums and distortion, almost like a gothed up Kate Bush jamming with The White Stripes.

The song refrains between the pounding rhythm and the heavier interludes with touches of electric organ, haunting and unsettling lyrics about a confused upbringing, before descending into a tortured and beautiful conclusion of swirling organs and wavering vocals.

By Dann Gaymer

Release Date: 30/6/08
Label: One Little Indian
www.myspace.com/rosekemp

'Nanny’s World' Live:

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Innerpartysystem - 'Don’t Stop' (single review)

Mohnton, Pennsylvania. Innerpartysystem may very well be the first band to come out of the tiny town, population roughly 3,000.
If you travel through its county and neighboring towns, you very well may run into the Amish, making their way through the area on horse and buggies, sporting tall, brimmed hats and donning traditional Amish garb. They more than likely have never heard of Innerpartysystem; they may not even be allowed to listen to them so says their lifestyle and practices. But if you’re in Amish land, slide them this record on the down low. They’ll smile, then rebel and become the coolest kids in the county.

For those who can and do listen to InnerPartySystem, consider yourself fortunate. This foursome of Patrick Nissley (vocals), Jared Piccone (drums and vocals), Kris Barman (guitar, synth, and vocals), and Jesse Cronan (synth, vocals, and sampling) have trekked through one genre to the next over the past seven years. A couple of them dabbled into emo before shifting to a more electronic direction. Thank whatever god you believe in they remained true to electronic music.

“Don’t Stop” combines a rolled-up ball of the sound of Shiny Toy Guns’ singer Gregori Chad Petree (you’d swear Nissley and Petree were twins, vocally), a morsel of ace Nine Inch Nails synthesizer abuse, and bits of Atari-game effects scattered about.

By the way, the video for “Don’t Stop” is boss. News anchors, blood, a strikingly gorgeous blonde, and strobe-effect glimpses of the band. What more can you ask for? A boss video, an ace single. Does that mean the states have finally created an electronic music buzz? Yes, lads. And they’re infiltrating the UK. To those in England, Scotland, and beyond, be very grateful they have.

By Ryan Wood

Release Date: 30/6/08
Label: Stolen Transmission
www.myspace.com/innerpartysystem



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Eliza Doolittle – 'Piano Song' (single review)

With a collection of over 50 songs already under her belt, a handful of summer tour dates including prestigious festivals and a support slot for Sam Sparro and a management company which is home to the likes of Radiohead and Kate Nash, things are looking promising for Eliza Doolittle. And she’s only 19 years old.
Music has always come naturally to Doolittle, which is clearly apparent in Piano Song, the first record to be taken from her forthcoming album. Spanning a variety of musical genres including pop, soul and folk, it allows her vocal ability and talent for songwriting to shine through. With eclectic influences ranging from Timbalandto Burt Bacharach via Prince and Madonna, it is clear that Doolittle will not simply fall into the category of ‘pop music.’ Melodic, amiable and heartfelt, Piano Song is set to be a little ray of sunshine amongst music fans everywhere.

By Devon Bianchi

Release Date: 29/6/08
Label: Doolittle Music / ATC
www.myspace.com/elizadoolittlemusic


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The Dodos – 'Red and Purple' (single review)

The Dodos are Meric Long and Logan Kroeber; two men who know more than enough about the importance of rhythm and its unique ability to drive a song and simultaneously, like in Red and Purple, carry it away to somewhere deep and mystical.
Opening with clanking acoustic guitar and a repetitive drum pattern that is at once booming and tinny, the song transforms into something resembling a track off of The Annuals’ Be He Me album; both forlorn and sorrowful and yet joyous and uplifting. Dynamically it works wonders, the layers add faint touches that excite the senses; The Dodos seem to be able to engineer understatement perfectly, it doesn’t shout or scream but it definitely makes you listen. Red and Purple is a strangely affecting song and creates a lovely harmony of precision and liberation, The Dodos should be proud of their fine work and it will no doubt help them expand their fan base in the UK.

Yet although I have gushed on and on about how the astounding dynamic offerings permeate the very soul of this record, or how subtly lined the layers appear, or indeed how they contrive to appeal to the earthy nature of man, I can’t help but feel that Red and Purple isn’t that moving, sure it’s a rich tapestry of folky indie and sure it has its moments but all I can think is hasn’t this been done before? For something more harmonious why not check out Yeasayer or Grizzly Bear, at least you get that feeling that it means something more.

By Stephen Smith

Release Date: 30/6/08
Label: Wichita
www.myspace.com/thedodos


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