Surfacing: Pengilly's

Words: Kieran Toms

Pengilly's have been going for a good few years, chiefly the product of a young man named Ric Hollingberry and a rotating bunch of extremely talented musicians, their base flitting between London and Leeds as members shuffled higher education and band business.

However, they are now a bit more settled – both personnel-wise, and also geographically, in Leeds. And things are starting to happen for them - current single 'Ode VIII' has been raved about on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6Music show, and they recently headlined the lovely Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.

How does their music sound? Well it’s got lots going on, there are harmonies and strings and complex basslines and wistful lyrics and more besides, and but it is clearly very carefully crafted so that all these wonderful and complex things fit together very naturally and simply. It manages to achieve the admirable feat of being both immediately striking, and also mysterious enough for further listens to grant further treasures.

DVD Review: Dare (2010)

Words: Ced Yuen

'Dare' (UK Release: 31 Jan '11)

Director: Adam Salky
Cast: Emmy Rossum, Ashley Springer, Zach Gilford, Alan Cumming

A pop-art animation shows a pair of hands, wrapped around an iPhone. On the screen, the thumbs tap out the opening credits. Occasionally, the hands reject incoming calls from Mom. They also accidentally type out things like “props!” and “OMG”. It is a rather embarrassing attempt to seem down with the kids (or is that kidz?) but thankfully, it is also misleading. The film itself has an entirely different tone. 'Dare' is not another typical teen-rom-rom about puberty and trying to get laid.

Alexa (Emmy Rossum) is an innocent, hard-working drama student. After failing to impress a big theatre star (Alan Cumming), she is advised to experience new things in order to improve her acting. She decides to seduce her drama partner, Johnny (Zach Gilford), who acts tough to hide his sensitivity. Ben (Ashley Springer), Alexa's gay best friend, is jealous of their relationship and decides to have a go at Johnny too. Their relationships soon become an uncomfortable and confusing love-triangle.

Album Review: Little Comets - 'In Search Of Elusive Little Comets'

Words: Saam Das

Little Comets - 'In Search Of Elusive Little Comets' (UK Release: 31 Jan '11)

This album may never have seen the light of day had Columbia (the record label, rather than the country) fought harder against Little Comets' desperate pleas. The band's difficulties with their former label have been well documented but thankfully, their debut album is now available for all to enjoy, via the Dirty Hit label.

The album kicks off emphatically with the blistering opening salvo of previous singles 'Adultery', 'One Night In October' and 'Joanna'. The singles have led to favourable comparisons with Vampire Weekend, combining afro-pop influences with a mastery of vocal hooks and melodies. The jangly guitar lines, quintessentially British lyrics and singalong choruses are unsurprisingly a winning combination. Most of the time, anyway.

Comment: Henry Cavill Cast As Superman

Words: Saam Das

So Andy Murray might not have quite pulled off winning his first Grand Slam but the source of British pride today can be the casting of Henry Cavill as Superman, in Zack Snyder's forthcoming adaptation.

Despite the castings/success of the likes of Christian Bale as Batman and Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass, certain Americans are still getting annoyed by the non-American casting. Here's some "ownage" from Scott E Weinberg though.

WORD.

Buried Treasures: Mary And Max (2009)

Buried Treasures is a column dedicated to things we feel have gone underappreciated, often both critically and commercially. We encourage you to seek these treasures out and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

We're extremely grateful to have this guest post from Vicki Isitt, who contributes to a number of blogs including our pals HeyUGuys, as well as running her own blog.

Words: Vicki Isitt

Director: Adam Elliot
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette, Eric Bana

Every time I put my 'Mary And Max' DVD in and the introducing theme music starts up I feel as though I’m being hugged. The music just envelopes you and the tone is warm, fun, simple and most importantly, has heart. A perfect fit for the film.

'Mary And Max' is a heartwarming animation about two people’s pen pal friendship and every-one’s desire to be accepted and loved. It follows the lives of two people of completely different ages, on different sides of the world, connecting in a strength of friendship most of us wish we could have.

Mary (Toni Collette) is an 8 year old girl from a small suburban town in Australia with eyes the colour of muddy puddles and a birthmark and colour of poo, while Max (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a 44 year old Jewish man with Asperger’s Syndrome living in New York City. One day in the post office Mary picks at random someone to write to in New York, so she can find out where babies come from in America, and a few days later, Max receives her letter.

Surfacing: Tribes

Words: Emily Solan
Photo: Martin Zahringer

North London’s Tribes consists are here to continue 2010’s grunge-pop revolution very much into 2011. Expect to see them at whichever festival you head to, with every man and his dog tipping them for the big time.

Riding very much on the wave of this year’s American rock revival sitting alongside Yuck, Smith Westerns and Girls. With influences including REM, Pixies and Pavement, Tribes are well and truly on their way to dominating the UK indie scene. With an upcoming support slot at Mystery Jets’ NME Awards show, and dates soon to be announced for a headline tour, catch the band as soon as you can.

Film Review: The Dilemma (2011)

Words: Saam Das

'The Dilemma' (UK Release: 21 Jan '11)

Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Jennifer Connelly, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder, Kevin James

Directed by Ron Howard. Starring Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder. Music by Hans Zimmer (....and his pal). There's some pedigree in that line-up. Sure, the rest of the cast hardly inspired a great deal of confidence and writer Allan Loeb's career has been more steady than spectacular but there was hope that 'The Dilemma' might be a passable comedy drama conflab. And despite the wave of critical derision, I think it could just about be described as such. But with some controversy along the way.

The film focusses on two couples: Ronny (Vaughn) and Beth (Connelly), and Geneva (Ryder) and Nick (James). Ronny and Nick and best pals and business partners, working together on a big deal with a car manufacturer. Things are looking good. Until Ronny spots Geneva smooching with Channing Tatum's tattoed rocker Zip. Yep, you read that right.

So herein lies "the dilemma": should Ronny tell his best pal Nick about his wife's playing away? Or should he keep quiet in the interests of maintaining Nick's focus on their crucial business deal?

Surfacing: Love Inks

Words: Saam Das

Love Inks are a three-piece from Austin in Texas. You know, the "live musical capital of the world", a badge earned through its housing of the SXSW festival. They're prepping a record deal too but that's pretty much all the info there is about them. Have I mentioned I hate this trend toward mystery? Only about a billion times. Even I'm starting to get bored whinging about it.

Luckily, Love Inks are also a very promising new band with a touch of Best Coast about them - there's a fuzzy feel and soft female vocals encapsulated in songs of such short length that we're always left yearning for more. Much to look forward to. Enjoy a download of 'Blackeye' after the jump.

BBC iPlayer: Episodes (2011) Episode 3

Words: Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn

'Episodes' (2011) 'Episode 3'

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy. Beverly (Tamsin Greig) can't stand Matt LeBlanc and the feeling is mutual, but after leaving Sean (Stephen Mangan) to look after him, she begins to feel excluded by her husband's new bromance." (bbc.co.uk)

We’re now three episodes into 'Episodes' and, after having established the ground rules, I’m beginning to wonder if we can really expect much more from the show. Matt LeBlanc continues to deftly manipulate British writers Sean and Bev by pitching them against one another, Merc the network exec continues to be incredibly two-faced and tactless, Sean and Bev continue to argue about whether they should stick it out or pack it all in and go home... so far so predictable.

Album Review: Deerhoof - 'Deerhoof vs. Evil'

Words: Simon Opie

Deerhoof - 'Deerhoof vs. Evil' (UK Release: 24 Jan '11)

"Overnight sensation" is not a description that applies to Deerhoof. They date from 1995 and have regularly changed personnel around the core of Greg Saunier and Satoni Matsuzaki. They also share history and content likenesses with the bands Enon and Blonde Redhead, beyond the obvious female Japanese vocalist congruence. Proving that bands, like buses, actually do come in threes.

Deerhoof hit their stride in 2003 with the cult hit 'Apple O’' and followed up rapidly with the excellent 'Milk Man' album. 'The Runners Four' (2005) and 'Friend Opportunity' (2007) followed and took the band in a divergent – less garage, more electronica - but equally well-received direction. They toured extensively and have opened for a veritable who’s who of alternative music, even Radiohead.

'Deerhoof vs. Evil' is their first album in a while and for those, like me, who prefer their more unfettered output, represents a really positive evolution. It’s packed with marvellous songs and feels like a greatest hits album composed entirely of new songs.

Behind The Scenes: Jon Spira (Director Of 'Anyone Can Play Guitar')

Behind The Scenes is a series of interviews and guest blogs, where artists give us insight about their work in a specific industry. Here, documentary film-maker Jon Spira discusses his project 'Anyone Can Play Guitar' and the quest for funding its release. A quest which needs your help.

Poster: Joseph Wilkins

I'd always had the idea to somehow document Oxford's music scene. Although I didn't know the depth of the story before I started, I knew that any 30-year-strong community that had given the world Radiohead, Supergrass, Swervedriver, Ride and Foals (along with the incredible bands who didn't get famous – The Candyskins, Dustball, The Nubiles, The Mystics and so many more) was deserving of a documentary.

Technically, a project like this would need at least £30k to get going, the obvious choice was to pitch it as a concept to a broadcaster or distributor... but I knew that wouldn't work. The industry is a mess and an unknown filmmaker is unlikely to raise a budget and even less likely to come out of the experience the other end having made the film they intended.

So, I borrowed cameras and lights from the non-profit film workshop where I teach and just started interviewing people. Long interviews. Getting their whole stories. I knew that if I approached the bigger bands at the start of the process, they'd say no – a no-budget film by an unknown filmmaker. Instead, I worked my way up to them.

Surfacing: Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Words: Saam Das
Photo: Pip

Pretty much the only time I've ever been blown away by an "acoustic singer-songwriter" is when I was in my first year (and possibly first week) of uni and my coursemate George asked/dragged a few of us to come see him play a song for a showcase. He was really rather good. Then we went and had toasties at his student halls. Same halls where Coldplay formed. More on this one day.

So it's understandable that I gave Benjamin Francis Leftwich a pass initially. But he's won me over now with his charming folky offerings. A glimpse of his forthcoming EP (out March 7th) has appeared in the form of the beautiful 'Pictures'. I've also warmed to 'Atlas Hands', the lead track of his debut EP, with its Death Cab For Cutie leanings. Will Benjamin take off in a similar manner to Bon Iver? It wouldn't surprise me one bit.

STREAM:

STREAM:

Facebook // Twitter // Website

Oscars: 2011 Nominations/Snubs/Surprises

Words: Saam Das

So the most important film awards of the year announced their nominations this week.....the Razzies. I jest, I jest.

The nominations for the 89th Academy Awards were announced just yesterday, with 'The King's Speech' leading the way with twelve nom noms. The nominations have been fairly predictable but I thought it might be worth discussing some of the surprises and "snubs".

The biggest snub appears to be Christopher Nolan's lack of a nod in the Best Director category, which really is quite astonishing, and I say that even though I'm not really a massive 'Inception' fanboy. To have created a Hollywood blockbuster that had even the slightest hint of intellectual sophistication was a triumph that deserved more recognition than simply a Best Original Screenplay nod for Nolan.

BBC iPlayer: Point Break (1991)

Words: Saam Das

Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Cast: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey, Lori Petty

SYNOPSIS: "Undercover cop Johnny Utah pursues a gang of bank robbers known as the Ex-Presidents, leading him to the Los Angeles surfing scene and enigmatic adrenaline junkie Bodhi, who lives for thrills. The cop is soon seduced by the fast-paced lifestyle of his new mentor, and the lines defining his covert role become blurred" (bbc.co.uk)

Album Review: Iron And Wine - 'Kiss Each Other Clean'

Words: Simon Opie

Iron And Wine - 'Kiss Each Other Clean' (UK Release: 24 Jan '11)

How to follow up a really good album? There seem to be two options – either go straight back into the studio and try to make another one while you’re still hot or wait for inspiration to rebuild itself, and take a gap year or two.

So Iron And Wine chose the latter course and 'Kiss Each Other Clean' follows 2007’s quite outstanding 'The Shepherd’s Dog' at a respectable distance. In the intervening time, 'Around The Well', a double CD of B-sides and rarities was released in 2009 and it’s a pretty great collection of songs in its own right.

I guess it’s worth mentioning that Iron And Wine is the recording name of Sam Beam, a singer-songwriter whom I suppose you could compare to Elliott Smith - although I rather think he may become the Randy Newman of his generation, so look out for his music on 'Toy Story 15'.

Film Review: Black Swan (2010)

Words: Ced Yuen

'Black Swan' (UK Release: 21 Jan '11)

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Vincent Cassel

Darren Aronofsky originally intended to make a single film about a love affair between a wrestler and a ballerina. That didn't work out as planned, and so 'The Wrestler' (2008) was made first, with 'Black Swan' following two years later.

Despite being divided into separate stories, the films remain as companion pieces. The ring and the stage are entirely different worlds, but the films examine a common theme: the destruction of oneself for the sake of performance. Aronofsky tackles the idea with a more edgy approach this time round, but there is no doubt that the two films are opposite sides of the same coin.

Competition: Win 'The Town' Swag Bag And DVD

Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck ('Good Will Hunting', 'Gone Baby Gone') directs and stars in 'The Town', available to own on DVD and an action-packed Blu-ray Triple Play (loaded with extended cut and extra features), on Jan 31st.

We enjoyed 'The Town' during its theatrical release, giving it a favourable review here. So we’re happily giving you the chance to win a bumper stash of merchandise and a DVD - the winner will receive a DVD along with a jacket, bag, t-shirt and coaster and 3 runners-up will receive a t-shirt and coaster each.

As he plans a job that could result in his gang’s biggest score ever, a long-time thief plans a way out of the life and the town while dodging the FBI agent looking to bring him and his bank-robbing crew down.

Album Review: The Dirtbombs - Party Store

Words: Simon Opie

The Dirtbombs - 'Party Store' (Digital Release: 11 Jan '11)

Surely one of the most idiosyncratically talented bands around, The Dirtbombs are a Detroit based project of singer/guitarist Mick Collins, combining funk, soul, punk, garage, rock and now, techno influences. All this whilst staying true to a unique vision and an instantly recognisable sound. It's bands like this that make music worth paying attention to.

At the beginning of the 21st century, 'Ultraglide In Black' their album of "covers" of 60’s/70’s soul songs broke both them and the Detroit scene and the follow up, 'Dangerous Magical Noise' is a supreme garage rock record. Now they have turned their attention to the Techno music of the 80’s/90’s, and with a vengeance.

Public Service Announcement: Saam On Mud Hut Digital Podcast

Words: Saam Das

The lovely chaps over at Mud Hut Digital asked me to "take over" their podcast recently so I had a chat with Nathan Mud Hut on the phone and sent him a playlist of tracks. It's something of a "tips for 2011" spesh.

You can hear me talk about BASTILLE and The Good Natured in passing but the focus is on King Charles, Clock Opera, Dog Is Dead, Sound Of Arrows, Spark and Esben & The Witch.


STREAM: Mud Hut Music Podcast 14 - FADED GLAMOUR Take-over Talk & Tips

Plus, I randomly mention Eiffel 65 and moan about Florence & The Machine. My juicier rants were (thankfully) edited out. Rampant professionalism, as ever. Although I did mention the other writers on here so that's at least something. It's not going to be up forever so if you're even mildly interested, listen as soon as you can.

BBC iPlayer: Episodes (2011) Episode 2

Words: Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn

SYNOPSIS: "Sean and Beverly (Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig) are still reeling from the network's decision to cast Matt LeBlanc as the star of their show. However, when they meet him at a swanky LA dinner party at Merc's house, Matt couldn't be more charming or flattering about their show." (bbc.co.uk)

'Episode 2' of 'Episodes' picks up straight where we left off last week, with the bombshell of Matt LeBlanc’s involvement in the American version of their show being dropped on British writers Bev and Sean. They grudgingly agree to meet him over lunch, and it turns out that he doesn’t know who they are and what the show is about, much to Bev’s relief and Sean’s poorly-hidden disappointment. However, due to machinations by LeBlanc’s agent and the network he gets signed up anyway.

Download: MNDR - Cut Me Out [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

You might remember MNDR/Amanda Warner from Mark Ronson's brilliant pop smash 'Bang Bang Bang', which came in at #2 in my 2010 Festive Fifty. Anyway, she looks like she's very much going to make a big impact in 2011. Even though her stupid glasses ANNOY ME SO MUCH.

In conjunction with the soft drink sponsored Green Label Sound, she's giving away 'Cut Me Out', a free download single. It's an enjoyable electro-pop romp, and is downloadable below.

Listen: Johnny Foreigner - 'Harriet, By Proxy' [New Video]

Words: Saam Das

I wrote about Johnny Foreigner way back in 2007 or something. I'm pretty sure I compared their anthemic nature to early Bloc Party. I imagine they had a good lol about that. I meant well though.

Anyway, fast-forward a few years and they have a new EP (well, released in November) out on the stupendous Alcopop! label. And a talented bloke called J Matthew Nix has put together a rather brilliant video for one of the songs on the EP, 'Harriet, By Proxy'. But what's really interesting about this is that instead of making it an "exclusive" (I dislike this term) on a popular website, they've put the video up for download here and told everyone to spread the love. So I went and uploaded it to UToob and you can watch the embed below.

DVD Review: Dinner For Schmucks (2010)

Words: Josh Blacker

'Dinner For Schmucks' (UK Release: 17 Jan '11)

Director: Jay Roach
Cast: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, Jermaine Clement

If you’d never seen the original 'The Italian Job' (1969), would watching 'The Italian Job' (2003) make you want to?

'Dinner For Schmucks' isn’t a terrible film. It has promising talent - Steve Carell, Jermaine Clement from 'Flight Of The Conchords', Paul Rudd and David Walliams. It has a promising premise - a monthly dinner hosted by Tim’s (Rudd) colleagues at his private equity firm, where each guest must bring an idiot. The guest who brings the ‘best’ idiot wins; Tim must impress to secure a promotion.

Tim meets Barry (Carell) by chance - and so ensues, of course, a farcical comedy. All the usual tricks are there: mistaken identities, physical comedy, funny accents and a deranged ex-girlfriend.

BBC iPlayer: Le Diner de Cons (1998)

Words: Saam Das

Director: Francis Veber
Cast: Thierry Lhermitte, Jacques Villeret, Alexandra Vandernoot, Francis Huster

SYNOPSIS: "Screwball French comedy. Each week, successful Parisian editor Pierre Brochant (Lhermitte) enlivens his comfortable but boring life by organising an 'idiots dinner', to which every attendee must come in the company of an entertainingly stupid guest." (bbc.co.uk)

In an impressive feat of foresight, the BBC are showing 'Le Diner de Cons', the original French version of 'Dinner For Schmucks', which is out on DVD this week. You might have seen our competition to win three of those DVDs.

This French original is widely regarded as superior to the American remake, and having seen it myself many years ago, when I wasn't even that into films - let alone foreign language ones - I can affirm that it is a most enjoyable farce.

Listen: The Chapman Family - 'Anxiety' [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

It's been a while since The Chapman Family came into view (their debut single was released in 2007) but lately they've probably been more (in)famous for their outspoken views. That could all change with the release of their debut album, 'Burn Your Town', out in March.

The band's lead singer Kingsley Chapman seems to be a man happy to court controversy - see this article railing against just about everyone, albeit with some quite poignant comments. There's more here too, if you're interested. However, in a similar manner to how I don't worry too much about image when assessing bands, I'll let the music do the talking. And new single, 'Anxiety', talks the good talk.

Comment: 2011 Golden Globe Award Winners

Words: Saam Das

I'm not one of those people who stay up until the middle of the night to watch awards shows. I'm one of those people who stay up until the middle of the night ROFL-ing my way through Damn You Auto Correct. But seeing as I did a little write up about the nominations for the 2011 Golden Globes, I might as well discuss the winners. And losers.

But first, a note about Ricky Gervais hosting. Having not seen the awards, I can only go by the courageously humourous clip below but it seems that he really went for it so I applaud him for trying to inject some excitement into an otherwise banal environment. Maybe it was a bit "mean-spirited" but it's refreshing to see someone not playing it safe and take on the adored elite. Respect, Mr Gervais, respect.

'The Social Network' was the big "winner" at the Globes, coming away with four awards, while 'The Fighter' and 'The Kids Are All Right' both came away with a brace.

Competition: Win Tickets To MTV's Brand New For 2011 Gig

MTV and Blackberry have teamed up to present their Brand New tips for 2011. They've also expertly organised a couple of showcase gigs for some of those tipped artists at London's Koko. Nashville rockers Mona and Brummie siren Clare Maguire will be supporting Chase & Status on January 26th, and we're lucky enough to be giving away 2 pairs of tickets to that gig.

MTV are asking all of us to vote in their "Brand New For 2011" poll, which closes at the end of the month, so feel free to do so via the widget below. The competition's tough with acts ranging from the BBC's Sound Of 2011, Jessie J, to pint-sized pop sensation Willow Smith, as well as bigging up the urban side of UK music with Labrinth and Wretch32. Both Mona and Clare Maguire also appear in the poll, and following the latter's success in the BBC Sound Of poll, she may well bag the place as winner of the Brand New For 2011 poll.

To vote for Clare or any of the other nine bands/artists, including a couple of our more favoured choices in The Vaccines and Jamie Woon, simply use the widget after the jump. Similarly, details to enter the competition to win tickets to the gig are below.

Album Review: British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall

Words: Rajan Lakhani

British Sea Power - 'Valhalla Dancehall' (Release: 10 Jan '11)

After their breakthrough and more accessible album 'Do You Like Rock Music?', British Sea Power have decided to indulge themselves with their latest long player, unfortunately to lesser effect. It feels like a missed opportunity from a band that is capable of more than this fairly decent return.

'Valhalla Dancehall' starts well with opening track 'Who’s In Control', which is among the hardest rock songs British Sea Power has produced, capturing the zeitgeist with its nods to protesting and the lyrics "Did you not know?/Were you not told?/Everything around you is being sold." You can imagine the power of this song live, where BSP are a formidable proposition.

BBC iPlayer: The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)

Words: Saam Das

Director: Grant Heslov
Cast: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy. Reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) thinks he may have a scoop when he learns about the New Earth Army, an experimental US military unit with unparalleled psychic powers." (bbc.co.uk)

Competition: Win Dinner For Schmucks DVDs

To celebrate Paramount Home Entertainment's release of the Steve Carell and Paul Rudd comedy 'Dinner For Schmucks' on DVD on January 17th, we have THREE copies of the DVD to give away.

Directed by Jay Roach, who was awarded Comedy Director of the Decade at ShoWest in 2010, 'Dinner For Schmucks' is the funny and heartwarming story of a rising executive (Rudd) who inadvertently finds a way to fast-track his career by participating in his boss’s exclusive dinner party, at which the winning executive brings the biggest buffoon. Enter Barry (Carell), an IRS employee with a penchant for creating historical dioramas with mice, and you have a recipe for one outrageous dinner and a fun filled movie for all to enjoy.

Download: Those Dancing Days - I'll Be Yours [Album Teaser]

Words: Saam Das
Photo: Gavin Watson

I think there was a certain novelty to all-girl teenage Swedish act These Dancing Days which made me somewhat overlook their initial rise to prominence, culminating in their debut album, 2008's 'In Our Space Hero Suits'. They recently came back with a bang with a teaser track for their new album, 'Daydreams & Nightmares', and have unleashed another teaser this week.

In December, the irrepressibly punky 'Fuckarias' appeared. Maybe a return to form for some but for me, this was the bright neon sign announcing their arrival. Although I don't know why anyone would want to "fuck arias" as I am a fan of expressive melodies. Anyway, the track that's emerged in the last day or so is called 'I'll Be Yours', which they're happily giving to us all for free.

Download: Disappearers - Justify Me + Steppenwolf [New Demos]

Words: Saam Das

I pretty much love Disappearers even with all their arty pretensions - Exhibit A: their blog. I don't care much for that but I do care a lot for a good pop melody. And Disappearers have a wonderful ear for a good pop melody.

I wrote about them back in March and also elevated the "infectiously rich teaser" 'Everything Straight Lies' to #38 in my 2010 Festive Fifty. Which isn't bad going at all. They pointed me in the direction of a couple of new demos in the summer (one of which you can listen to here) but those have "disappeared", only to be replaced by two new offerings.

BBC iPlayer: Episodes (2011) Episode 1

(Ed's note: Gabriella joins Team FG to take on this new comedy series. Do say hello to her via the comments or on Twitter.

Words: Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn

'Episodes' (2011) 'Episode 1'

SYNOPSIS: Sean and Beverly Lincoln are the creators of an a BAFTA award winning British sitcom, and move to Los Angeles to remake their series for an American audience, with disastrous results.

A co-production with the American network Showtime, this seven-part series was written by the highly acclaimed writing duo David Crane ('Friends') and Jeffrey Klarik ('The Class'), so it naturally arrived on our screens with some expectation behind it. As well as the star power of Matt LeBlanc (playing a heightened version of himself), there is British interest in the form of Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig, playing Sean and Beverly respectively - a partnership familiar to fans of surreal Channel 4 comedy 'Green Wing'.

Mangan and Greig’s previous history goes some way to explain the easy chemistry they have together on screen, and their characters’ marriage feels very real from the off, which is a good thing as this is basically what sustains this introductory episode and saves it from becoming too much of a formulaic establishment of characters and situation.

Listen: BASTILLE - Flaws [New Demo]

Words: Saam Das

So BASTILLE are getting a bit of attention now, which is great. You may remember I was one of the first people to write about Dan, in a Surfacing feature at the end of last year. Well, he's back with a new demo, 'Flaws'.

Back then I said: "Classical leanings contrast the overwhelming pop hooks, which in combination with the rich vocals deliver a beguiling sense of majesty that places BASTILLE somewhere between Patrick Wolf and Hurts." 'Flaws' is slightly different, offering something of a soaring electro-choral mash up. But every bit as majestic as his previous two tracks, which you can listen to here.

Short: Ben Craig's Modern Times

Words: Saam Das
Photo: CHUD

Where are we going to watch films in the future? Ben Craig (who's apparently from "Scottland", lolz) has the answer. And as a result, he's got "all the studios buzzing". Maybe.

This wonderful little sci-fi clip was made at the end of last year, and has been making the rounds this week. What's even better about 'Modern Times' is that it was made for next to no money - just a lot of favours and an immense time contribution from Craig, who spent two months learning then implementing the effects work himself. Whatever happens, hopefully Ben will produce something else as inspired as this in the future.

Buried Treasures: Jarcrew - Jarcrew

Buried Treasures is a column dedicated to things we feel have gone underappreciated, often both critically and commercially. We encourage you to seek these treasures out and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Words: Simon Opie

Jarcrew - 'Jarcrew' (2003)

"Who dares wins" is true only to the extent that it does not say everyone who dares wins. In a similar way, the oft-quoted Vince Lombardi, famed NFL coach, once said that "if winning isn’t everything, why do they keep the score?" But perhaps it would be more interesting to ask why those who get the highest score don’t always turn out to be the winners. The road is long...so it seems about time to reassess the achievements of a band from a small Welsh town who could by now be rich and famous, but for the fact that they fell apart before they could deliver on the promise of their self-titled debut album***.

Film Review: Abel (2011)

Words: Saam Das

'Abel' (UK Release: 7 Jan '11)

Director: Diego Luna
Cast: Christopher Ruiz Esparza, Karina Gidi, Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, Geraldine Alejandra

You never quite know what you're getting with a low-budget foreign language film but seeing the names "Gael Garcia-Bernal" and "John Malkovich" listed as executive producers at the start of 'Abel' reassured me, particularly after I'd intentionally avoided any of the film's marketing. I would suggest doing the same, although with the likes of '127 Hours' and 'The King's Speech' also out this week, you may need more convincing to part with your hard-earned monies. Rest assured, 'Abel' is a refreshingly surreal alternative to those films.

The film's titular character is a young boy, who having resided in a mental heath institute for the past two years, has been granted a week's release to return home to live with his single mother, elder sister and younger brother. Initially finding it difficult to settle in, Abel (Christopher Ruiz Esparza) remarkably begins to take on his absent father's role as head of household.

BBC iPlayer: The Sinking Of The Laconia

Words: Josh Blacker

SYNOPSIS: Presented in two 90-minute parts, this British-German co-production tells the remarkable true story of the sinking of the troopship RMS Laconia by German U-Boat U-156, and the rescue of Laconia survivors by the U-Boat that sank it.

Written by Alan Bleasdale, 'The Sinking Of The Laconia features some magnificent actors on both British and German sides, including Brian Cox, who plays a fantastically cynical Captain Sharp of the Laconia.

The story of the Laconia incident was a defining moment in the war at sea. Confusion over whether the Germans really had saved hundreds of civilians, Allied soldiers and Italian prisoners of war, or whether this was simply a ruse du guerre designed to attract Allied ships to sink, led to the Americans to reveal a secret Air Force base, and consequently to bomb the Red Cross-displaying U-156 in an attempt to prevent knowledge of this base reaching Axis commanders.

Film Review: The King's Speech (2011)

Words: Saam Das

'The King's Speech' (UK Release: 7 Jan '11)

Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce

In director Tom Hooper's last feature, 'The Damned United', we witnessed Michael Sheen's Brian Clough prance around as if he was the King of England. In 'The King's Speech', we find Colin Firth's Prince Albert thrust into that very role, despite an afflicting vocal condition. The significant difference being that while Clough would have relished a chance to cement his self-acknowledged superiority over the masses, Prince Albert never sought the throne.

'The King's Speech' follows the ascension of "Bertie" as he becomes King George VI and bids to overcome his stammer, with the help of a speech therapist as well as his supportive wife, the future Queen Mother (Helena Bonham-Carter). Perhaps surprisingly, the film is based on the actual events surrounding the Prince's elevation, scripted magnificently by David Seidler.

Surfacing: Paper Crows

Words: Saam Das

I wrote about Paper Crows in November, after seeing them support Clock Opera but they haven't had the Surfacing treatment so as a reward for unleashing an ace new song, here we go.

Debut single 'Stand Alight' is available to listen to in that post where I reviewed them live. I felt it was them "bringing Kate Bush into the 21st century with some style" and also compared the duo to something approaching a "dubstep version of Bat For Lashes".

Film Review: 127 Hours (2011)

Words: Alicia McBride

'127 Hours' (UK Release: 5 Jan '11)

Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: James Franco, Clemence Poesy, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn

After the incredible success of 'Slumdog Millionaire' all eyes were on Danny Boyle to see what he would do next. Always one to take a turn into the unexpected, Boyle chose to adapt Aron Ralston’s fantastically titled biography 'Between A Rock And A Hard Place' for the big screen. For the uninitiated, this is a tale about a man (James Franco) who falls into a canyon, trapping his arm between the canyon wall and a boulder. The film brings to life the 127 hours Ralston spent down there and the gory lengths he went to to survive and finally escape.

Unfortunately, the film does not trust Ralston’s time in the canyon to make an engaging enough story on its own. Instead, Boyle has employed gimmicky camerawork - reminiscent of amateur surf or skate videos - and some very questionable flashbacks/premonitions to try and pique the audience’s interest. Ultimately, these break the tension and detract from Ralston’s experience.

Comment: (In Defence Of) The BBC Sound Of 2011 Poll

Words: Saam Das

Today saw the announcement of Jessie J as the BBC Sound Of 2011. I rarely engage in the debates that rage regarding these type of polls but having been kindly offered to take part in last year's edition, I feel a bit more qualified to talk about the BBC poll so I thought I'd throw some of my thoughts into the mix.

Firstly though, some brief notes on the process seeing as it might illuminate certain things. In November, the BBC contacts over a hundred people they deem as "tastemakers" in the music industry. Or apparently "pundits" this year. These chosen few are sent to a special form where they must enter their three choices for the Sound Of poll. Now, there are strict rules - the artists must not have had a UK top 20 single or album, been involved in another popular group/reality TV shows, and you can't vote for an artist you've worked with or intend to work with.

I chose The Joy Formidable, Two Door Cinema Club and The Drums for the 2010 poll. The latter two actually managed to make it onto the 15-strong longlist. The Drums even made the top 5 shortlist. Considering 218 acts were voted for, I was quite pleased. Alternatively, I guess you could see me as being a bit of a "sheep" in the industry.

2010: Top 10 Favourite Trailers Of The Year

Words: Saam Das

I really quite enjoy watching trailers and am always a bit gutted if I turn up to the cinema a bit late and end up missing most of them. Although nowadays that doesn't matter as much as trailers are all over the internet, often before they're even screened in cinemas. That makes visiting the cinema a little less special than before but also means I can gleefully point you to my ten favourite trailers from 2010.

Some of your favourites might be missing from my list (if you're a bit of an arthouse lover, the recent trailer to Terence Malick's 'The Tree Of Life' might be noticeably absent) so do mention them in the comments. Otherwise, I'll assume your wholehearted support of my undoubtedly stupendous list. Which comes complete with embedded trailers below the jump break.

Listen: Alpines - Drive [New Demo]

Words: Saam Das

I wrote about Alpines back in November as part of a surfacing feature. In the meantime, they've put out another slice of atmospheric electronica in 'Drive'. It's probably a little too early to tip them for success but if they continue to produce material of this quality, it can't be too long before more ears prick up.


STREAM: Drive (Demo) by Alpines

Facebook // MySpace

BBC iPlayer: WALL-E (2008)

Words: Saam Das

Director: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard

SYNOPSIS: "In the distant future Wall-E is a small waste collecting robot, the last remaining on a now abandoned, rubbish-soiled planet Earth. When a strange but beautiful robot visitor arrives from space, Wall-E wants to make friends and inadvertently finds himself going on the adventure of a lifetime." (bbc.co.uk)

Listen: New CYMBALS EP - Don't Forget To Smile

Words: Saam Das

I said some nice things about London band CYMBALS here last year and they've opened 2011 with a new EP that's free for download. It's more of a remix EP though, with four remixes of 'Good Luck' accompanying its original version and a 4-track demo.

Now you should know my stance on remixes by now (I basically hate 99% of them, and may prove this statistically one day) but the two other tracks on this 'Don't Forget To Smile' EP are pretty special. The 4 track demo of 'Good Luck' is a joyously understated acoustic track, while the Pavement influence makes more of an impression on the electrifying finished article.

Be sure to check out their brilliant cover of Pavement's 'Summer Job' below and all. And for more on the band, who've opened up since they first emailed me way back when, read this interview from Matthew Pigeon Post.

Film Review: Catfish (2010)

Words: Saam Das

'Catfish' received overwhelming plaudits during its US festival runs earlier in the year. Although I found much of the film absorbing, I was disappointed with the pay off. While some of that was undoubtedly due to the raised expectations/hype, the main reason I suspect for my disappointment was the marketing.

It really is true when people tell you that the less you know about 'Catfish', the better. As a result, this review will be extremely tight fisted with regards to any significant details about the film. I'm not even going to link to the full length trailer, which I had seen prior to viewing 'Catfish', and which I wish I hadn't in retrospect. The trailer frames the film as a suspenseful thriller, worthy of Hitchcock, which is somewhat misleading.

Live Review: Fight Like Apes @ The Bull And Gate

Words: Saam Das
Photo: sandycx

Fight Like Apes and Standard Fare live at The Bull And Gate, London (18 Nov '10)

The day before this Steve Lamacq gig/night, I was reminded why I stopped buying tickets to stuff in advance. The person who was meant to be joining me for the evening pulled out, which was a shame for many reason but mostly because I didn't have the chance to share such a brilliant night with one of my pals.

I gave Young British Artists a miss, instead electing to go for a couple of drinks with another friend before the gig so that at least I wasn't billy-no-mates for the whole evening. I arrived at The Bull And Gate with time to spare before Standard Fare came on.

BBC iPlayer: Gomorrah (2008)

Words: Saam Das

Director: Matteo Garrone
Cast: Toni Servillo, Gianfelice Imparato, Maria Nazionale, Salvatore Abruzzese

SYNOPSIS: "Power, money and blood are the values that the residents of the province of Naples and Caserta confront every day. They have practically no choice and are forced to obey the rules of the local Mafia. Only a lucky few can even think of leading a normal life. Five stories are woven together in this violent scenario, set in a cruel and ostensibly-invented world, but one that is deeply rooted in reality." (bbc.co.uk)

2010: Our Top 20 Albums Of The Year

Words: Saam Das // Photo: sonewfangled

Happy new year everyone! Thanks for sticking with us through 2010. It's been a year of ups and downs and my own personal motto for 2011 is to "whip it real good". I suggest you do the same. On the FG front, we've expanded greatly in terms of writers but I hope you consider them as part of one big family rather than simply mercenaries for hire. A few new faces may also emerge in 2011 contributing quality writing, which will help me and the other writers raise our games.

We're also prepping a redesign and may even be starting a record label in the near future. For real. In the meantime though, here's a collected list (in alphabetical order) of our favourite albums of 2010. If you're too lazy to read through them, then the FADED GLAMOUR album of the year is Jónsi's debut 'Go'. I hope you approve.