Surfacing: Aviaries

Words: Jack Thomson

Leeds-based band Aviaries make incredibly exciting rock infused post-pop music, filled with plenty of angst and emotion. Having released their first EP 'Hydrology' back in January of this year, they returned with their new single 'Ribbons' at the end of May. Explore their music below.

Film Review: Headhunters [London Film Festival 2011]

'Headhunters'/'Hodejegerne' (UK Release: Spring 2012) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

Adapted from the 2008 Jo Nesbø novel of the same name, 'Headhunters' is a cleverly crafted thriller with plenty of gasp-inducing plot twists and a generous amount of dark humour. The film follows the shady dealings of thoroughly unlikeable, philandering recruitment executive/part time art thief Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie).

Album Review: Manic Street Preachers - National Treasures [The Complete Singles Collection]

Manic Street Preachers - 'National Treasures - The Complete Singles' (UK Release: 31 Oct '11) // Words: Emily Solan

As a band older than I am, I’ve grown up with the Manics. I’m never one to shy away from how much I love them, having been brought up in a household where it verged upon compulsory to adore the band. With all that history, it really is a bit of an occasion for the band to reach the incredible milestone of a second Greatest Hits album (and in my new capacity as a “journalist”, I have for once had the pleasure to beat my parents to owning this!)

Film Review: Anonymous [London Film Festival 2011]

'Anonymous' (UK Release: 28 Oct '11) // Words: Saam Das

German film director Roland Emmerich is well known for his penchant for blowing the world up in such disaster movies as 'Independence Day', The Day After Tomorrow' and '2012'. As a result, the Tudor period drama 'Anonymous' comes as something of a surprise. The film questions the true identity of William Shakespeare in melodramatic fashion, sadly taking itself far too seriously.

BFI London Film Festival 2011: Reviews Round-Up + Reflection

55th BFI London Film Festival (12th-27th Oct '11) // Words: Saam Das

The 55th BFI London Film Festival comes to its 2011 end today. It's been an odyssey. I've seen over 25 films at the festival. I've reviewed many fewer. Well, I say that - I've actually been reviewing almost all of them on Twitter in handy, bite-sized form. For all of those tweeted reviews, including my particular picks, as well as the winners of last night's LFF Awards 2011, read on.

Download: King Charles - Ivory Road [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Long live King Charles. He returned this month to begin the promo lead-up to his forthcoming debut album, and his headline UK tour which begins in the exotic town of Aldershot this Saturday. To celebrate his return, he is giving away 'Ivory Road', which I'm presuming will appear on the aforementioned album. Listen below.

Film Review: The Ides Of March [London Film Festival 2011]

'The Ides Of March' (UK Release: 28 Oct '11) // Words: Raman Kamboh

There are few films in modern times that so aptly balance elements of contemporary political history with the grip of a deft thriller. 'The Ides Of March' is slick and deserves the plaudits it is receiving. The film is a powerhouse of great acting and a decently compelling plot that leaves you wondering whether George Clooney has actually been directing a lot longer than his 4 films.

Surfacing: The Louche FC

Words: Saam Das

A few months back I reviewed the DVD release of 'Upside Down - The Creation Records Story'. Manchester trio The Louche FC wouldn't have been out of place on that label, having been compared to My Bloody Valentine and Swervedriver. Their wonderful melodic shoegaze blend perhaps best heard on the impeccable debut single, 'Back Bedroom Casualty', which you can download below.

Album Review: Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay - 'Mylo Xyloto' (24 Oct '11) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

It’s difficult to review a Coldplay record. You know their records will sell by the bucketload, irrespective of the quality of the material, making critical evaluation almost redundant. But here goes...

Film Review: Lawrence Of Belgravia [London Film Festival 2011]

'Lawrence Of Belgravia' (UK Release: TBC) // Words: Saam Das

Did you love Felt? Enjoy Denim? Then you may well be rather enamoured with Paul Kelly's documentary exploring the never-ending quest for fame of the lead singer of both those bands, Lawrence Hayward. Unfortunately, for newcomers, like myself, 'Lawrence Of Belgravia' can be more effort than it's worth. For everyone, it's a cautionary tale regarding hopes, dreams and self-worth.

Download: BASTILLE - What Would You Do? [City High Cover]

Words: Saam Das

Since we first mentioned Dan Smith and his BASTILLE outfit back in December, he/they have steadily been building up a fanbase prior to their 2012 attempt at (pop) world domination. The debut single 'Flaws'/'Icarus' came out in summer and November sees the release of the 'Laura Palmer' EP. In the meantime, download BASTILLE's cover of the City High classic 'What Would You Do?' below.

Playlist: Talking About "Nu" Metal

Words: Simon Opie

No Korn here, I'm afraid – but irony, to introduce a roundup of what I think are the best Metal releases from recent weeks. We've got big guns in the form of Machine Head and Mastodon, the latter of whom appeared on Later With Jools Holland recently, as well as some lesser known. So let's begin with....

Watch: The Adventures Of Tintin Fan-Made Titles Sequence

Words: Saam Das

'The Adventures Of Tintin' comes out next week in the UK and despite some reservations that I outlined in our preview of the film, I'm looking forward to its arrival. Especially with this impressive (unofficial) animated titles sequence, featuring elements from each of Hergé's books, which you can watch below.

Surfacing: Double Muscle

Words: Saam Das

I'd normally leave Pavement-esque band write ups to FG writer Simon but listening to the quite brilliant recent single, 'Tommy', from Leeds band Double Muscle means I'll just have to save him the effort. They're a trio not afraid to mix and match influences, with garage rock, lo-fi, and punk aesthetics combined with inspiration from the likes of the aforementioned Pavement as well as Minutemen.

Small Screen: More On The Fades [TV Blog]

BBC iPlayer: 'The Fades' (UK Airdate: 2011) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

In my previous review of 'The Fades' I said I hoped the rest of the series would continue to be as entertaining as the first two episodes, and I’m pleased to report that, three episodes later, it is still very much nail-biting, stomach-churning, hide-behind-a-cushion television.

Listen: GIVERS - Ceiling Of Plankton [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Sometimes I get nice stuff in the post. The debut album from Louisana's GIVERS being one of such example. Well, I assume - I haven't actually had time to listen to it. I have heard a few tracks from 'In Light' however, and I'm particularly enamoured with the splendid indie-pop of 'Ceiling Of Plankton'. Listen to the track below.

DVD Review: Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2011)

'Cave Of Forgotten Dreams' (UK Release: 17 Oct '11) // Words: Saam Das

Werner Herzog is a filmmaker who somewhat encapsulates the popular phrase "from the sublime to the ridiculous". Last year's Nicolas Cage-starring, iguana-obsessed feature 'Bad Lieutenant' being a prime example. Herzog has returned to his documentary making roots however with 'Cave Of Forgotten Dreams', his exploration into the oldest cave paintings ever found.

Surfacing: Vela

Words: Saam Das

One of my friends recently made me sit through an episode of 'Made In Chelsea', the pseudo-reality tv show/window into the depths of hell. (She is giving me a free TV, mind you.) Liverpudlian electro-pop artist Vela featured on the soundtrack of a recent episode, which is either a blessing or a curse, I'm not quite certain. Download her newest track 'Warrior' for free below anyway.

Competition: Win Three Copies Of Cave Of Forgotten Dreams On DVD

To celebrate today's release of acclaimed filmmaker's Werner Herzog's documentary 'Cave Of Forgotten Dreams' on DVD and Blu-ray, we've teamed up with Revolver Entertainment to give away a DVD copy to three of our readers. Enter away below.

Listen: Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Shine [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has been putting out singles at an almost alarming rate lately. Not that he's putting out duds. Far from it. 'Box Of Stones' was our single of the month for June, while the recently re-released 'Atlas Hands' already won our hearts at the start of the year. 'Shine' is another gloriously heartfelt acoustic offering.

Film Review: Dreams Of A Life (London Film Festival 2011)

'Dreams Of A Life' (UK Release: 16 Dec '11) // Words: Saam Das

In 2006, a woman named Joyce Carol Vincent was found dead in her North London bedsit surrounded by Christmas presents and with the television still on. She had in fact died three years earlier, in mysterious circumstance, still only in her late thirties. Documentary filmmaker Carol Morley chose to investigate the story and 'Dreams Of A Life' is her fascinating, moving story on Joyce's life and death.

Album Review: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Tape Club

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - 'Tape Club' (UK Release: 17 Oct '11) // Words: Simon Opie

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin come from Springfield (Missouri), and yes there are 22 towns named Springfield in the USA but the band’s name alone surely qualifies them for a residency at Moe’s Tavern. They’ve been making music since the turn of the century, which puts them near the beginning of the indie pop fashion for simple song-making with sparse instrumentation and alt-folk melodies. 'Tape Club' which follows 2010’s well-received 'Let It Sway' is a kind of taking stock.

Film Review: We Have A Pope [London Film Festival 2011]

'Habemus Papam'/'We Have A Pope' (UK Release: 2 Dec '11) // Words: Saam Das

The election of a new Pope is generally seen as a celebratory occasion. 'We Have A Pope' suggests for the cardinals awaiting election that this probably isn't the case and derives a great deal of humour from the subsequent misfortune of the Pope elect.

Download: Urusen - A Once Was Tramp And Tree [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Folk has made a big comeback in the last few years with new artists such as Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Noah & The Whale each firmly establishing themselves in the mainstream. Perhaps London-based Urusen will follow in their footsteps. Download their recent double A-side single below for free.

Competition: Win A Pair Of Tickets To Dreams Of A Life [London Film Festival 2011]

We've teamed up with American Express, headline sponsor of the 55th BFI London Film Festival, to offer one lucky reader and a guest entry to the sold out screening of the excellent documentary 'Dreams Of A Life' at 9pm on Sunday 16th October at the BFI Southbank.

Album Review: Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire

Ryan Adams - 'Ashes & Fire' (UK Release: 10 Oct '11) // Words: Emily Solan

A regularly occuring discussion between me and friends is how certain artists suit seasons. And at the forefront of the argument is often Ryan Adams, whose newest release 'Ashes & Fire' is a god send for the forthcoming season of cold nights, rainy days and hot chocolate. Opening with 'Dirty Rain', the raw power of Adams' voice alone is the first thing to catch you, yet its his honest lyrics coupled with that delivery that sends shivers down the spine. And thankfully, the same can be said for the rest of the album.

Film Review: 360 [London Film Festival]

'360' (UK Release: TBC) // Words: Saam Das

I'm not quite sure what has happened in Fernando Meirelles' life/mind that he has moved away from such stunning filmmaking in the form of 'City Of God' to the bland, ensemble relationship drama of '360'. Not that '360' is without merit - a cast featuring the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Rachel Weisz would never have been assembled otherwise - but all it eventually transpires to be is an arthouse version of 'Love Actually'.

Buried Treasures: Stephen Malkmus - Stephen Malkmus

Buried Treasures is a column dedicated to things we feel have gone underappreciated, often both critically and commercially. // Words: Simon Opie

Released 10 years ago, this fine album launched Stephen Malkmus’ solo career and signalled the end of Pavement who were officially on hiatus. In fact, it was the first album by The Jicks, Malkmus’s new band, but the record label, Matador, insisted it went out under his name. It’s packed with great songs about whimsical subjects like Yul Brenner, being recruited by Turkish Pirates, the Trojan War and various tales of a hippie lifestyle.

Film Review: Nobody Else But You [London Film Festival]

'Poupoupidou'/'Nobody Else But You' (UK Release: TBC) // Words: Saam Das

For better or worse, the French release of 'Poupoupidou' is now the more straight forward, English-subtitled 'Nobody Else But You'. I assume the reasoning behind this wasn't artistic. What matters most is that this Marilyn Monroe-obsessed, James Ellroy-inspired noir is surprisingly comedic and entertaining.

Surfacing: Caan

Words: Saam Das

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool tragically and abruptly came to an end last year, following frontman Charles Haddon's suicide. Aside from the smashing single 'Dance The Way I Feel', I never quite got into their brand of synth-pop. Caan is the new project of former Ou Est Le Swimming Pool member Caan Copan, unveiling a more serene synth-pop sound. Listen to the gloriously hypnotic new single 'Now Hear This My Friends' below.

Film Preview: The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)

'The Adventures Of Tintin' (UK Release: 2011) // Words: Saam Das

Tintin holds a special place in the heart of many Europeans - mine included. And apparently an American and a New Zealander are also pretty fond of the Hergé graphic novel/comic book series. Steven Spielberg (director) and Peter Jackson (producer) have made the first feature film version of the Tintin adventures, taking on 'The Crab With The Golden Claws', 'The Secret Of The Unicorn' and 'Red Rackham's Treasure' all in one go.

Listen: College ft Electric Youth - A Real Hero

Words: Saam Das

Nicolas Winding Refn's stylistic drama 'Drive' unexpectedly emerged as one of this year's most popular films, both commercially and critically. I wasn't quite as taken with its contemplative nature as others were but I did love its evocative eighties soundtrack. Listen to my pick from the soundtrack below, 'A Real Hero' by College featuring Electric Youth.

Film Review: Warrior (2011)

'Warrior' (UK Release: 23 Sept '11) // Words: Saam Das

A trailer proudly proclaimed mixed martial arts as "the fastest growing sport on Earth" prior to 'Warrior'. Considering 'Warrior' itself is basically a feature film length advert for MMA, I'm not sure it was all that necessary. But to portray the film as simply a run-of-the-mill sports drama would be doing it a great disservice. 'Warrior' is as emotionally powerful as it is primal - perhaps the closest thing to this generation's 'Rocky'.

Short: Everything Is A Remix - The Matrix

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Slashfilm

Kirby Ferguson's Everything Is A Remix series has demonstrated the fact that all art is derivative. The outstanding 1999 film 'The Matrix' is no different - borrowing and referencing from all kinds of material, as we can see in the six and a half minute video below.

TV Preview: Boardwalk Empire [Season Two]

'Boardwalk Empire' Season Two (UK Airdate: 2011) // Words: Jake Tobin

This Saturday sees the return of HBO’s 'Boardwalk Empire' on Sky Atlantic and I was one of the lucky few invited along to a preview screening of the brand new episode. The screening took place during a prohibition speakeasy inspired night at The Candlelight Club in London, with plenty of cocktails, most people dressed up in '20s garb, a free roulette table, as well as jazz and burlesque performances throughout the night. All of these couldn’t help but set the mood for an exciting return to 1920s Atlantic City.

Surfacing: Oliver Tank

Words: Saam Das

Sometimes you hear a track that stops you. In your tracks. 'Last Night I Heard Everything In Slow Motion', the first track from the debut EP of Sydney-based producer Oliver Tank, was the revelation in question. Moreover, I'm extremely pleased to say that Mr Tank's thought-provoking electronica isn't just a one off.

Watch: LMFAO - One Day [Tuborg Music Video]

Words: Saam Das

Alcoholic beverage manufacturers Tuborg recently teamed up with popular electro-poppers LMFAO to find a director for their new video. The "Liquid Soundtrack" campaign saw thousands of entries for the chance to direct the video in Las Vegas with a $50,000 budget. To see what winner Josh Wroe managed to accomplish, watch the video to 'One Day' below.

Singles: September 2011

Words: Saam Das

We've been busybusy over September, as you can see from our numerous reviews over the past month, but I've (eventually) found the time to collect my top ten singles of the month. If you know who the duo below are then you win a prize for guessing single of the month. Otherwise, read on for more singles that you can shake a stick at. Whatever that means.

The Great Vinyl Hunt: Frankie Valli & The Great Seasons - Greatest Hits

Words: Geraint Ellis (guest contributor from Midweek Mixtape)

In 1066 some Norman guy called William The Conqueror landed in England, decided he liked it, had a quick battle, then put his feet up with a cuppa. Obviously this is a rather simplified version of events, but as every British schoolboy knows, this was to be the last great invasion of Britain.

Album Review: Brett Anderson - Black Rainbows

Brett Anderson - 'Black Rainbows' // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Framed as Brett Anderson’s return to the rock format, 'Black Rainbows' is his fourth solo album release in as many years. It is his best effort yet, displaying a confidence in his songcraft not heard since his time in The Tears, the short-lived reunion with songwriting partner Bernard Butler.

Announcement: Saam On BBC 6Music [Now Playing x2]

Words: Saam Das

You might have tuned in to my BBC 6Music radio appearance back in May, where I talked about some of my favourite acts of The Great Escape festival - namely BASTILLE, Lanterns On The Lake and Oh Land. Either way, I was invited back by producer Will and made appearance number two on last Friday's Now Playing show with Tom Robinson.

TV Review: Doctor Who - The Wedding Of River Song [BBC iPlayer]

'Doctor Who' Series Six: 'The Wedding Of River Song' // Words: Saam Das

SYNOPSIS: "Sci-fi drama. By the shores of Lake Silencio in Utah, all of time and space hang in the balance - for this is the day the Doctor dies." (bbc.co.uk)

5.02pm. 22 April 2011. The Doctor's death. Or was it? Time and space find themselves as muddled as the viewer in the opening sequence of 'The Wedding Of River Song'. While the situation is clarified as the episode continues, the quality doesn't particularly improve. But there's plenty to discuss as I reflect on the rest of the series as well as this disappointing series finale.

Album Review: Joss Stone - Best Of Joss Stone 2003-2009

Joss Stone - 'Best Of Joss Stone 2003-2009' (UK Release: 3 Oct '11) // Words: Emily Arc

How old do you have to be to release a ‘Greatest Hits’ album? 24? Yeah, thought not. Though Joss Stone recently released a new album in July on her own label, previous label Virgin/EMI are releasing this Best Of. “Including hits and standout album tracks” - she doesn’t have enough hits to create a full album’s worth so that, along with being 24 and with so much time ahead of her, leads me to say what everyone else is thinking. Money.

Film Preview: The Ides Of March (2011)

'The Ides Of March' (UK Release: 2011) // Words: Raman Kamboh

The US presidential race is a fanfare of big budget communications and PR - orchestrated televised debates, celebrity endorsed rallies, and sweeping rhetoric that plasters the front page news. It is, to all purposes and ends, a Hollywood screenplay steeped in valour, triumph and clichés.

Surfacing: Anothers Blood

Words: Saam Das

Maybe you remember Red Light Company, maybe you don't. I do though - they were one of my tips for 2009 and actually ended up appearing in my top 20 albums of 2009. So I'm glad to hear that Richard from the (now defunct) band has emerged with a brilliant new project, Anothers Blood. And until midnight tonight, you can download some tracks of theirs for free below.

Month In Reviews: September 2011

We've had reviews coming out of ears over September on FG. As well as appearing on BBC 6Music again. So it's been a busy month. We've had some fine albums from the likes of Girls, WATERS and Big Deal and we've particularly enjoyed 'Drive' and 'Troll Hunter' in the cinema. For all those reviews and more, keep reading.

EP Review: PJ Harvey - iTunes Session

PJ Harvey - 'iTunes Session' (UK Release: 9 Sept '11) // Words: Kieran Toms

This set of PJ Harvey songs is mainly just PJ Harvey doing what she does best which is make lovely, atmospheric, slightly mysterious music. Perhaps there’s a little bit more swagger, with the live spontaneity, but these are pretty faithful interpretations. The differences are subtle, and perhaps most appeal to the loyal PJ Harvey fan rather than a casual listener. Though PJ Harvey is good, so perhaps most casual listeners will soon become fans.