Words: Saam Das
'Source Code', the second feature film from Duncan Jones ('Moon'), comes out in the UK and the US tomorrow - April 1st. Here's the first "five" minutes (actually 4 minutes 29 seconds, Yahoo, you big fat liars) of the film. The original trailer will fill you in on more, if you're unfamiliar with the film.
Glasvegas - 'EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\' (UK Release: 4 April '11)
Words: Emily Solan
Opening with an unexpected spoken word, almost art piece 'Pain Pain, Never Again', 'EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\' is full of surprises. In comparison to the band’s previous effort, this is a stadium monster in waiting, showcasing a stronger side to the band, both lyrically and musically.
Words: Emily Solan
Opening with an unexpected spoken word, almost art piece 'Pain Pain, Never Again', 'EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\' is full of surprises. In comparison to the band’s previous effort, this is a stadium monster in waiting, showcasing a stronger side to the band, both lyrically and musically.
on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Words: Saam Das
I'm not sure I've mentioned on the blog that I was invited to be one of the judges for this year's Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition. During February, I was sent along 160 songs from 160 bands to whittle down to three to send through to the next stage of the competition. Those three acts were part of the longlist published earlier in the month.
I'm not sure I've mentioned on the blog that I was invited to be one of the judges for this year's Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition. During February, I was sent along 160 songs from 160 bands to whittle down to three to send through to the next stage of the competition. Those three acts were part of the longlist published earlier in the month.
Words: Saam Das
I rather foolishly forgot to write this post at the start of the month before Seerauber Jenny headed out on their UK tour but it's too late for that now. Or perhaps you've kept up to date since I awarded them the single of the month about six months back before slotting said single in at #27 in my Festive Fifty of 2010.
I rather foolishly forgot to write this post at the start of the month before Seerauber Jenny headed out on their UK tour but it's too late for that now. Or perhaps you've kept up to date since I awarded them the single of the month about six months back before slotting said single in at #27 in my Festive Fifty of 2010.
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Words: Saam Das // 'The Arbor' (UK Release: 14 March '11)
Clio Barnard's gripping debut feature film 'The Arbor' was applauded upon its UK theatrical release last year, resulting in a BAFTA nomination and an award at the British Independent Film Awards. 'The Arbor' delivers an intimate portrayal of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar and her immediate family, in the time before and after her death at just 29 years old.
Clio Barnard's gripping debut feature film 'The Arbor' was applauded upon its UK theatrical release last year, resulting in a BAFTA nomination and an award at the British Independent Film Awards. 'The Arbor' delivers an intimate portrayal of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar and her immediate family, in the time before and after her death at just 29 years old.
Words: Saam Das
For some reason, I keep thinking Glyphs are Welsh. They're not. They are Mark Walsh and Matt Wilkie, originally from Liverpool but now residing at the Southerly end of the Victoria Line in London, aka Brixton. The duo produce an impressively unpredictable brand of electronic music, with everything from a folktronica influence to heavy dubstep seeping through.
For some reason, I keep thinking Glyphs are Welsh. They're not. They are Mark Walsh and Matt Wilkie, originally from Liverpool but now residing at the Southerly end of the Victoria Line in London, aka Brixton. The duo produce an impressively unpredictable brand of electronic music, with everything from a folktronica influence to heavy dubstep seeping through.
on Monday, March 28, 2011
Words: Saam Das
Today, new material from Justice and Death Cab For Cutie dropped. I prefer the new Death Cab For Cutie track so you can listen to that below. I believe it's the first official taste of their forthcoming 'Codes And Keys' albums, scheduled for release at the end of May.
Today, new material from Justice and Death Cab For Cutie dropped. I prefer the new Death Cab For Cutie track so you can listen to that below. I believe it's the first official taste of their forthcoming 'Codes And Keys' albums, scheduled for release at the end of May.
Words: Saam Das
I love me a good mashup/mash-up/cut-up/whatever you want to call it. I guess a lot of people do. I'm certainly not alone in this regard on FG - Simon wrote about Fuckintosh's albums last year. But mixing Justin Bieber and Slipknot is surely some sort of apocalyptic nightmare....yet it works.
I love me a good mashup/mash-up/cut-up/whatever you want to call it. I guess a lot of people do. I'm certainly not alone in this regard on FG - Simon wrote about Fuckintosh's albums last year. But mixing Justin Bieber and Slipknot is surely some sort of apocalyptic nightmare....yet it works.
Words: Simon Opie
I got a text from a well-wisher at an Antlered Man gig saying that I should check them out. So I did and I really liked what I found. I think John Kennedy of XFM has championed their forthcoming debut single release and I certainly hope this self-declared hard rock band are going places.
I got a text from a well-wisher at an Antlered Man gig saying that I should check them out. So I did and I really liked what I found. I think John Kennedy of XFM has championed their forthcoming debut single release and I certainly hope this self-declared hard rock band are going places.
on Sunday, March 27, 2011
Words: Saam Das
It's coming upto six months since we first mentioned night-pop duo Alpines, who have gone onto sign with Polydor. Tomorrow sees the release of their debut EP, 'Night Drive' and you can listen to all four tracks below.
It's coming upto six months since we first mentioned night-pop duo Alpines, who have gone onto sign with Polydor. Tomorrow sees the release of their debut EP, 'Night Drive' and you can listen to all four tracks below.
on Saturday, March 26, 2011
Words: Simon Opie
Thurston Moore’s 2007 solo album 'Trees Outside The Academy' – besides being truly excellent – was a step away from the world of Sonic Youth to a less electric instrumental line up with the violin of Samara Lubelski prominent, and with the subject matter of the songs being intensely personal. Although it did retain some solidly rocking songs, mostly featuring J Mascis (in whose studio it was recorded) on electric guitar.
Thurston Moore’s 2007 solo album 'Trees Outside The Academy' – besides being truly excellent – was a step away from the world of Sonic Youth to a less electric instrumental line up with the violin of Samara Lubelski prominent, and with the subject matter of the songs being intensely personal. Although it did retain some solidly rocking songs, mostly featuring J Mascis (in whose studio it was recorded) on electric guitar.
Words: Saam Das // Photo: Slashfilm
Some of you may be aware that Quentin Tarantino is a master of homage. His films frequently reference several obscure (from an ethnocentric viewpoint anyway) films, beginning with his debut feature Reservoir Dogs, which is hugely indebted to a Hong Kong heist thriller, 'City On Fire', perhaps even to the point of plagiarism?
Some of you may be aware that Quentin Tarantino is a master of homage. His films frequently reference several obscure (from an ethnocentric viewpoint anyway) films, beginning with his debut feature Reservoir Dogs, which is hugely indebted to a Hong Kong heist thriller, 'City On Fire', perhaps even to the point of plagiarism?
Words: Saam Das
It doesn't feel like it's been five years since the demise of the slightly ridiculous Test-Icicles, whose brief flame essentially paved the way for "nu rave". One of the trio, Rory Attwell has been particularly busy in the past few years, culminating in his current solo project, Warm Brains.
It doesn't feel like it's been five years since the demise of the slightly ridiculous Test-Icicles, whose brief flame essentially paved the way for "nu rave". One of the trio, Rory Attwell has been particularly busy in the past few years, culminating in his current solo project, Warm Brains.
on Thursday, March 24, 2011
Words: Saam Das
This brilliant short kicks off in a placid classroom manner (unless the Linnaen classification system does it for you) before exploding in a stop motion animation of Michael Bay-esque proportions. Amazing stuff from Ornana films.
This brilliant short kicks off in a placid classroom manner (unless the Linnaen classification system does it for you) before exploding in a stop motion animation of Michael Bay-esque proportions. Amazing stuff from Ornana films.
Words: Saam Das
I studied a fair bit of psychology at university, traversing everything from the more health and clinically related aspects through to organisational/business psych. I never really fancied being a psychologist though. Unlike Iain Woods. Sort of anyway. His spine-tingling solo outfit Psychologist finally released its debut EP this coming Monday.
I studied a fair bit of psychology at university, traversing everything from the more health and clinically related aspects through to organisational/business psych. I never really fancied being a psychologist though. Unlike Iain Woods. Sort of anyway. His spine-tingling solo outfit Psychologist finally released its debut EP this coming Monday.
on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Words: Saam Das
We recently bigged up the Superbowl TV spot for Joe Johnston's forthcoming 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and a new full length trailer has just hit the interweb. It doesn't show a great deal more of the action but gives us a better idea of Chris Evans transformation.
Now we just have to wait until July to see whether it truly delivers. I'm definitely more hopeful than I was initially.
We recently bigged up the Superbowl TV spot for Joe Johnston's forthcoming 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and a new full length trailer has just hit the interweb. It doesn't show a great deal more of the action but gives us a better idea of Chris Evans transformation.
Now we just have to wait until July to see whether it truly delivers. I'm definitely more hopeful than I was initially.
Words: Simon Opie // The Rock Of Travolta - 'Fine Lines' (UK Release: 14 March '11)
If The Rock Of Travolta didn't exist I would certainly have to invent them to support my Radiohead vs. Mogwai rivalry theory. Protégés of Radiohead at the start of their career in 2001 and creators of Post-Rock instrumental soundscapes, The Rock Of Travolta gained a reputation as a fearsome live act and a leading light on the Oxford music scene.
If The Rock Of Travolta didn't exist I would certainly have to invent them to support my Radiohead vs. Mogwai rivalry theory. Protégés of Radiohead at the start of their career in 2001 and creators of Post-Rock instrumental soundscapes, The Rock Of Travolta gained a reputation as a fearsome live act and a leading light on the Oxford music scene.
on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Words: Saam Das
We last heard from London electro three piece Chew Lips after they released a free Christmas download - which promptly sneaked onto our 2010 Festive Fifty. Well, they've only gone and given away another free download, a demo of new track 'Eagle'.
We last heard from London electro three piece Chew Lips after they released a free Christmas download - which promptly sneaked onto our 2010 Festive Fifty. Well, they've only gone and given away another free download, a demo of new track 'Eagle'.
Film School 101 highlights overlooked aspects of film and television to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the screen arena. Well, that's the idea anyway.
Words: Saam Das
We recently ran a competition related to innocent's own competition to film a 30 second short and win a wheelbarrow of money (essentially, anyway) and some other snazzy prizes. To help people produce their short, we've been handily provided with a brief video guide to making your own films, delivered by writer-director-sfx guru Ben Wheatley.
Words: Saam Das
We recently ran a competition related to innocent's own competition to film a 30 second short and win a wheelbarrow of money (essentially, anyway) and some other snazzy prizes. To help people produce their short, we've been handily provided with a brief video guide to making your own films, delivered by writer-director-sfx guru Ben Wheatley.
Words: Saam Das
For the longest time, I've thought Akira The Don was a bit of a prat. I'm not really sure why. Although his promo photos, like the one above, are hardly enamouring. And he calls himself "The Don". Music-wise though, he has some impressive credits, such as producing two top forty singles for Lethal Bizzle and collaborating with Chilly Gonzales.
For the longest time, I've thought Akira The Don was a bit of a prat. I'm not really sure why. Although his promo photos, like the one above, are hardly enamouring. And he calls himself "The Don". Music-wise though, he has some impressive credits, such as producing two top forty singles for Lethal Bizzle and collaborating with Chilly Gonzales.
Words: Saam Das
Newcastle's Polarsets burst onto the UK blogosphere with their illegally catchy anthem 'Leave Argentina' at the back end of last year. Straddling indie and dance, they sound like a megamix of Two Door Cinema Club, Fenech Soler and Friendly Fires. They managed to impress the folks at Kitsuné enough to be having their debut single proper 'Sunshine Eyes' released on that label on April 18.
Newcastle's Polarsets burst onto the UK blogosphere with their illegally catchy anthem 'Leave Argentina' at the back end of last year. Straddling indie and dance, they sound like a megamix of Two Door Cinema Club, Fenech Soler and Friendly Fires. They managed to impress the folks at Kitsuné enough to be having their debut single proper 'Sunshine Eyes' released on that label on April 18.
on Monday, March 21, 2011
Words: Saam Das
I wrote about Hot Horizons back in November, giving them a Surfacing write up, after catching them live in London. They've been fairly quiet since then but are gearing up for an EP release, which follows their debut single 'October'. Indeed, they're giving away a cover of Roy Orbison's 'Crying' to preview that release.
I wrote about Hot Horizons back in November, giving them a Surfacing write up, after catching them live in London. They've been fairly quiet since then but are gearing up for an EP release, which follows their debut single 'October'. Indeed, they're giving away a cover of Roy Orbison's 'Crying' to preview that release.
on Friday, March 18, 2011
Source: Popchartlab.com
Full size image available at Pop Chart Lab where you can also buy it in poster form.
Full size image available at Pop Chart Lab where you can also buy it in poster form.
on Thursday, March 17, 2011
Words: Saam Das
If you're a hardcore fan of The Strokes, you're almost definitely going to already know that they're streaming their forthcoming album, 'Angles' in full on their website. But I'm posting about it now anyway, as you can also listen below.
If you're a hardcore fan of The Strokes, you're almost definitely going to already know that they're streaming their forthcoming album, 'Angles' in full on their website. But I'm posting about it now anyway, as you can also listen below.
on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Words: Saam Das
I remember some murmurings upon the recent reformation of Death From Above 1979 that Jesse Keeler's other outfit MSTRKRFT would subsequently suffer. The free download of pounding new track, 'Beards Again' suggests that any negative thoughts should be thrust aside. For the time being, at least.
I remember some murmurings upon the recent reformation of Death From Above 1979 that Jesse Keeler's other outfit MSTRKRFT would subsequently suffer. The free download of pounding new track, 'Beards Again' suggests that any negative thoughts should be thrust aside. For the time being, at least.
Words: Emily Solan // Alex Turner - 'Submarine' EP (UK Release: 14 March '11)
After last week’s ridiculous Arctic Monkeys announcement, this solo EP from the main man is a wondrous surprise. More reminiscent of his Last Shadow Puppets work than anything the Monkeys have done, this is the perfect platform for him to demonstrate a newfound maturity to his voice.
After last week’s ridiculous Arctic Monkeys announcement, this solo EP from the main man is a wondrous surprise. More reminiscent of his Last Shadow Puppets work than anything the Monkeys have done, this is the perfect platform for him to demonstrate a newfound maturity to his voice.
on Monday, March 14, 2011
Words: Emily Solan // The Chapman Family – 'Burn Your Town' (UK Release: 7 March '11)
Throwing all expectations for such a loud and brash band, 'Burn Your Town' opens at a very slow pace with first track 'A Certain Degree'. Purposefully this displays the band’s full talent before you get sucked into all the noise, the spine-chilling harmonies (and whispers) and the pleas from lead singer Kingsley Chapman throughout, definitely easing the listener in.
Throwing all expectations for such a loud and brash band, 'Burn Your Town' opens at a very slow pace with first track 'A Certain Degree'. Purposefully this displays the band’s full talent before you get sucked into all the noise, the spine-chilling harmonies (and whispers) and the pleas from lead singer Kingsley Chapman throughout, definitely easing the listener in.
Words: Ced Yuen // 'Rango' (UK Release: 4 March '11)
Director: Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy, Alfred Molina
Over the years, Pixar has pretty much dominated the field of CG animated films. Sure, there have been plenty of competitors, such as Dreamworks ('Shrek') and Blue Sky ('Ice Age') but nobody has really been able to knock Pixar off its pixelated throne. Enter ILM, a company known primarily for its strength in special effects. If 'Rango' is anything to go by, Pixar may finally have a serious adversary.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy, Alfred Molina
Over the years, Pixar has pretty much dominated the field of CG animated films. Sure, there have been plenty of competitors, such as Dreamworks ('Shrek') and Blue Sky ('Ice Age') but nobody has really been able to knock Pixar off its pixelated throne. Enter ILM, a company known primarily for its strength in special effects. If 'Rango' is anything to go by, Pixar may finally have a serious adversary.
Words: Saam Das
Norwegians Team Me have been supporting some big hitting UK bands lately - British Sea Power and The Wombats, two very different bands. But it makes a bit of sense as Team Me bridge the gap in some respects with their grandiose pop, of which 'Dear Sister' is a massive highlight - particularly handy as we have it for free download below.
Norwegians Team Me have been supporting some big hitting UK bands lately - British Sea Power and The Wombats, two very different bands. But it makes a bit of sense as Team Me bridge the gap in some respects with their grandiose pop, of which 'Dear Sister' is a massive highlight - particularly handy as we have it for free download below.
on Sunday, March 13, 2011
Words: Simon Opie // Rival Schools - 'Pedals' (UK Release: 7 March '11)
I'll come clean - Rival Schools' guitarist Ian Love stayed at my house back in the day, with the rest of his band called Cardia (sadly neglected and surely a buried treasure). That was back when Rival Schools had flared brightly and burnt out faster than a cheap roman candle, with just their debut album, 2001's 'United By Fate' to show for it.
I'll come clean - Rival Schools' guitarist Ian Love stayed at my house back in the day, with the rest of his band called Cardia (sadly neglected and surely a buried treasure). That was back when Rival Schools had flared brightly and burnt out faster than a cheap roman candle, with just their debut album, 2001's 'United By Fate' to show for it.
Words: Saam Das
I was looking through the pictures of the aurora borealis from Scotland last night, thinking how I should go see them in person next year and how beautiful they looked. Well, this animation/highlight reel of Gareth Bale's performances against Inter Milan late last year is beautiful in a different way. Well worthy of a watch even if you're not a football fan. I promise.
I was looking through the pictures of the aurora borealis from Scotland last night, thinking how I should go see them in person next year and how beautiful they looked. Well, this animation/highlight reel of Gareth Bale's performances against Inter Milan late last year is beautiful in a different way. Well worthy of a watch even if you're not a football fan. I promise.
on Friday, March 11, 2011
Words: Saam Das
I was up late late late last night reminiscing about 'E.T.' - Wikipedia tells me that it may well be somewhat plagiarised from Satyajit Ray's script for the unproduced 'The Alien'. I did not know that. Apparently, I'm related to Ray through my mum's side. I'll get round to suing Steven Spielberg later. For now, enjoy the trailer to the film he's producing, the JJ Abrams-directed 'Super 8'.
I was up late late late last night reminiscing about 'E.T.' - Wikipedia tells me that it may well be somewhat plagiarised from Satyajit Ray's script for the unproduced 'The Alien'. I did not know that. Apparently, I'm related to Ray through my mum's side. I'll get round to suing Steven Spielberg later. For now, enjoy the trailer to the film he's producing, the JJ Abrams-directed 'Super 8'.
Remixed is a column that will highlight remixes we actually think are worthy of praise, be they old or new. Because most remixes are rubbish.
Words: Saam Das
Once upon a time, Jack Armitage was in a band called Jack & The Free Trees. He also moonlighted as a remixer, especially when his band split. For some reason, he elected to send me some of those remixes back in the day, possibly because we both used to post on the Forward, Russia! forum (along with Matthew PigeonPost and probably a clutch of other "internet" people I still know today).
Words: Saam Das
Once upon a time, Jack Armitage was in a band called Jack & The Free Trees. He also moonlighted as a remixer, especially when his band split. For some reason, he elected to send me some of those remixes back in the day, possibly because we both used to post on the Forward, Russia! forum (along with Matthew PigeonPost and probably a clutch of other "internet" people I still know today).
on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Words: Saam Das
Back in November, Duologue got the Surfacing treatment for their experimental industrial meets orchestral sound, evoking comparisons to Thom Yorke and Patrick Wolf. Now Duologue are back, and have also thankfully lifted the curtain slightly on their outfit.
Back in November, Duologue got the Surfacing treatment for their experimental industrial meets orchestral sound, evoking comparisons to Thom Yorke and Patrick Wolf. Now Duologue are back, and have also thankfully lifted the curtain slightly on their outfit.
Words: Saam Das
CollegeHumor seem to have got their mojo back with the biting Charlie And The Apple Factory' and now this Wes Anderson-and-'Star Fox'-inspired mash up. 'Star Fox' being that Nintendo video game starring Fox McCloud (amazing name) and the Wes Anderson connection being 2009's 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'.
Hat tip: Slashfilm
CollegeHumor seem to have got their mojo back with the biting Charlie And The Apple Factory' and now this Wes Anderson-and-'Star Fox'-inspired mash up. 'Star Fox' being that Nintendo video game starring Fox McCloud (amazing name) and the Wes Anderson connection being 2009's 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'.
Hat tip: Slashfilm
Words: Ced Yuen // 'Unknown' (UK Release: 4 March '11)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella
Since 'Unknown' was announced, the internet has been abuzz with talk of it being another 'Taken', a film responsible for rebranding Liam Neeson as an action-man of sorts. And why not? 'Taken' received a lot of positivity for its high-octane, no-bullshit action and gained Neeson a whole new following, begging for more.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella
Since 'Unknown' was announced, the internet has been abuzz with talk of it being another 'Taken', a film responsible for rebranding Liam Neeson as an action-man of sorts. And why not? 'Taken' received a lot of positivity for its high-octane, no-bullshit action and gained Neeson a whole new following, begging for more.
Words: Saam Das
Oupa used to be called Yu(c)k, the side project of Yuck frontman Daniel Blumberg, formerly of Cajun Dance Party. I assume you got all of that.
Blumberg's changed the name of his solo project and has also seemingly changed a lot since I saw him gallivanting around like a mad hatter during our collective secondary school days. Oupa delivers hauntingly melancholic ballads with a serenity that belies Blumberg's past. Maturity, it seems, comes at the cost of exuberance.
Oupa used to be called Yu(c)k, the side project of Yuck frontman Daniel Blumberg, formerly of Cajun Dance Party. I assume you got all of that.
Blumberg's changed the name of his solo project and has also seemingly changed a lot since I saw him gallivanting around like a mad hatter during our collective secondary school days. Oupa delivers hauntingly melancholic ballads with a serenity that belies Blumberg's past. Maturity, it seems, comes at the cost of exuberance.
on Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Words: Saam Das // Photo: Cinematical
Back in the mid-noughties, when Disney and Pixar weren't really getting along and things looked iffy for the continuation of their working relationship, a company called Circle 7 emerged. They worked on things like 'Toy Story 3' and 'Monsters Inc. 2' and although their work was later entirely scrapped, a trailer (of sorts) has turned up for the latter.
Words: Saam Das
Ana Lola Roman is an enigma. Moreover, she's a visionary who combines tribal rhythms, eighties dance beats, glitchy electronica, neo-classical piano and ethereal choruses to produce spellbinding music. For a limited time only, we're giving away an exclusive download of 'Klutch', from her forthcoming double A-side single, out on April 18th.
Words: Saam Das // Photo: marcisaacsfilms.com
It's kind of weird (but also kind of nice) that a 2001 documentary by Marc Isaacs has gone viral over the last week or so. That's the beauty of the internet. The documentary itself has a rare beauty, an increasingly compelling exploration of human behaviour in London a council block lift. I was sceptical that it'd retain my interest over 24 minutes but it sure did.
It's kind of weird (but also kind of nice) that a 2001 documentary by Marc Isaacs has gone viral over the last week or so. That's the beauty of the internet. The documentary itself has a rare beauty, an increasingly compelling exploration of human behaviour in London a council block lift. I was sceptical that it'd retain my interest over 24 minutes but it sure did.
Words: Simon Opie // Beady Eye - 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' (UK Release: 28 Feb '11)
So I have listened to all 15 tracks, and watched the 4 videos on the bonus version, several times, so that you don't have to. The most telling item is a twelve minute video entitled 'RAK Them Out' (no, I don't know what it stands for but maybe it flew by me) where the various band members of this phoenix from the flames of Oasis talk about being in "the best Rock and Roll band in the world", what an underrated genius Liam Gallagher is, how enormously they enjoyed themselves making the album and accompanying photo shoot, and how much they're looking forward already to the second Beady Eye album. Well, they must be the happy few.
So I have listened to all 15 tracks, and watched the 4 videos on the bonus version, several times, so that you don't have to. The most telling item is a twelve minute video entitled 'RAK Them Out' (no, I don't know what it stands for but maybe it flew by me) where the various band members of this phoenix from the flames of Oasis talk about being in "the best Rock and Roll band in the world", what an underrated genius Liam Gallagher is, how enormously they enjoyed themselves making the album and accompanying photo shoot, and how much they're looking forward already to the second Beady Eye album. Well, they must be the happy few.
on Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Words: Saam Das
Two bits of good news: firstly, The Good Natured have signed with Parlophone imprint Regal, and secondly, a new EP is on its way. You may remember that we recently featured Sarah McIntosh electro pop troupe in our 11 tips for 2011. There's a decent chance that this is one tip that might come good.
Two bits of good news: firstly, The Good Natured have signed with Parlophone imprint Regal, and secondly, a new EP is on its way. You may remember that we recently featured Sarah McIntosh electro pop troupe in our 11 tips for 2011. There's a decent chance that this is one tip that might come good.
innocent recently made a short film about a superhero smoothie who is out to save the peckish. Now they’re asking film fans and budding movie makers across to shoot a 30-second innocent mini superhero sequel to be in with a chance of winning some brilliant prizes.
We've teamed up with innocent to give away ten innocent Mini Movies kits, decked out with props and a bottle of innocent, to help you film your own 30-second short.
Words: Saam Das
Back in early February, I trudged over to The Old Blue Last, in London's hipster haven (Shoreditch, for the uninitiated) to see †Hymns†. This was one of the "atheist rock" duo's first shows, ahead of their single release on the perpetually brilliant Big Scary Monsters label - with Function Records also helping out with the release.
Back in early February, I trudged over to The Old Blue Last, in London's hipster haven (Shoreditch, for the uninitiated) to see †Hymns†. This was one of the "atheist rock" duo's first shows, ahead of their single release on the perpetually brilliant Big Scary Monsters label - with Function Records also helping out with the release.
on Monday, March 07, 2011
Words: Saam Das
'Animal Kingdom' (UK Release: 25 Feb '11)
Director: David Michôd
Cast: James Frecheville, Jacki Weaver, Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn
If Australian crime drama 'Animal Kingdom' was a boxer, it would be one which chooses its punches carefully. Not a film that disgusted me with showy flashes of gore or gratuitous sex scenes but instead a film whose thought provoking subtlety and unique darkness left me reeling for quite some time.
'Animal Kingdom' (UK Release: 25 Feb '11)
Director: David Michôd
Cast: James Frecheville, Jacki Weaver, Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn
If Australian crime drama 'Animal Kingdom' was a boxer, it would be one which chooses its punches carefully. Not a film that disgusted me with showy flashes of gore or gratuitous sex scenes but instead a film whose thought provoking subtlety and unique darkness left me reeling for quite some time.
Words: Saam Das
I had been saving Letters for my February singles round up, after they gave away a two-track single for free in the middle of the month. But I don't really count that as a single, more two free downloads (embedded below), so they get an extended feature here instead.
I've heard the band are building up a head of steam in their native Scotland, sporting a style of music they consider "dark cello pop-noise". In terms of comparisons to other bands, these ears think they sound a bit like an enthralling mix of Frightened Rabbit and Idlewild.
I had been saving Letters for my February singles round up, after they gave away a two-track single for free in the middle of the month. But I don't really count that as a single, more two free downloads (embedded below), so they get an extended feature here instead.
I've heard the band are building up a head of steam in their native Scotland, sporting a style of music they consider "dark cello pop-noise". In terms of comparisons to other bands, these ears think they sound a bit like an enthralling mix of Frightened Rabbit and Idlewild.
on Sunday, March 06, 2011
Words: Saam Das
From the depths of Croydon come Auction, who produce infectious pop tunes with dulcet vocals, somewhere between Friendly Fires and the Mystery Jets. They're giving away their debut single 'Statues' for free download, prior to its April release.
The band also thankfully put another track up on their Soundcloud, 'Slow', which doesn't quite match the dazzling synth-pop of 'Statues' but suggests that they could well have a few more earworms up their collective sleeves. Considering the five-piece also suggest Foals, Wild Beasts and The Police(?!) as influences, it'll be interesting to hear more from them.
From the depths of Croydon come Auction, who produce infectious pop tunes with dulcet vocals, somewhere between Friendly Fires and the Mystery Jets. They're giving away their debut single 'Statues' for free download, prior to its April release.
The band also thankfully put another track up on their Soundcloud, 'Slow', which doesn't quite match the dazzling synth-pop of 'Statues' but suggests that they could well have a few more earworms up their collective sleeves. Considering the five-piece also suggest Foals, Wild Beasts and The Police(?!) as influences, it'll be interesting to hear more from them.
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