Event Review: Descent [VAULT Festival 2012]

'Descent' live at VAULT (17 Feb '12, Waterloo) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn // Photos: viveashphotography.co.uk

Created by London-based theatre company OTB Productions, 'Descent' is an exciting showcase of new writing that aims to provide a platform for “young, undiscovered voices”. I went down to the VAULT Festival on 17th February at the Old Vic Tunnels to find out what these voices were saying, and discovered a few promising gems.

Listen: Regina Spektor - All The Rowboats [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

I'm a little worried that some youngsters may get confused between British indie band Spector and Russian-born solo artist extraordinaire Regina Spektor. Maybe not. Best known for her infectiously sublime 'Us', Spektor has returned with a new song that perhaps even exceeds the brilliance of her past efforts. Listen to the vivacious and unexpectedly different 'All The Rowboats', from the forthcoming 'What We Saw From The Cheap Seats' LP, below.

Oscars: 2012 Winners + Reaction

Words: Saam Das // Photo: deadline.com

As expected, the 84th Academy Awards was a bit of a non-event. Also as expected, silent film throwback 'The Artist' triumphed with five Oscars but more surprisingly, it was matched by Martin Scorcese's first foray into 3D, 'Hugo', which swept the technical categories leading it to five Oscars too. Full list of winners, and some general reaction to the ceremony, below.

Download: Anothers Blood - Through The Dark / Foreign Nights

Words: Saam Das

Following their previous free download antics with 'Lost Communication', today Anothers Blood yet again unleashed a new download for just 24 hours. 'Through The Dark' is backed by 'Foreign Nights' and a Jeweller's remix of the latter - buy none, get three free. Experience the melancholia-meets-dream-pop of the new tracks below, along with their glorious cover of New Order's 'Lonesome Tonight'.

Download: BASTILLE - Other People's Heartache [Free Mixtape]

Words: Saam Das

Fresh from their appearance in our bands to look out for during 2012, Dan Smith et al have dropped a film-inspired collaborative mixtape, featuring the likes of Maiday and To Kill A King. As in the spirit of mixtapes, it is free to share and download. Listen to it in full below and soak in the evocative "film credits" artwork.

Oscars: 2012 Predictions/Wish List

Words: Saam Das // Photo: deadline.com

I'm not especially fussed about any form of award in the subjective arena of the arts. Having said that, it's always pleasing when something you've supported is recognised. Tonight's 84th Academy Awards could do just that for more than a handful of films from the past year. Below, I'll run through the main categories - adding thoughts on who I think will win and who I'd rather win. Expect 'The Artist' to sweep the night.

Futuresounds: 2012 Tips / Ones To Watch [Full List]

Words: Saam Das

For the lazy/organised among us, you may wish to sample our list of twelve tips for 2012 all in one ago. In which case, you're actually in the right place for once. Honourable mentions appear after the jump. And if you wanted to check last year's for comparision, then here's our Futuresounds of 2011.

Part 1 - Alabama Shakes, Alt-J, BASTILLE
Part 2 - Charli XCX, Daughter, Friends
Part 3 - Michael Kiwanuka, Niki & The Dove, Oliver Tank
Part 4 - Spector, The Staves, Team Me

2012 Ones To Watch / Tips: Spector, The Staves + Team Me

Words: Saam Das (unless otherwise stated)

And so concludes our brief foray into "tastemaking" for the forthcoming months. Will any of the twelve bands/artists we've chosen actually manage to become commercially, or even critically, successful? We're not so sure. But the reason we've chosen them is that we want to support them. The idea is that perhaps you'd like (at least some of) them to do well too.

Tips / Ones To Watch 2012: Michael Kiwanuka, Niki & The Dove + Oliver Tank

Words: Saam Das (unless otherwise stated)

Part three of our four part series of bands to watch/tips for 2012. In this post, myself, Jack Thomson and Rajan Lakhani all offer a tip. The final part arrives in due course.

Ones To Watch / Tips 2012: Charli XCX, Daughter + Friends

Words: Saam Das (unless otherwise stated)

Part two of our bands to watch for the next ten months or so. Or longer? Part three to follow shortly. Part one comprised of Alabama Shakes, Alt-J, and BASTILLE - tipped by Emily Solan, Jack Thomson and myself respectively. Here, Emily Arc and Rajan Lakhani get some choices in. And me.

2012 Tips / Ones To Watch: Alabama Shakes, Alt-J + BASTILLE

Words: Saam Das (unless otherwise stated)

It's coming up to the end of February and I know what you're thinking - what's the point in doing your tips for 2012 now? Well, we'd like to think that this means that the hype has died down on certain bands while prominent others are emerging. We did much the same last year, although this time around, FG writers have chipped in too. To such an extent that I'll be splitting the tips up into four separate posts. Here be part one....

Album Review: Band Of Skulls - Sweet Sour

Band Of Skulls - 'Sweet Sour' (UK Release: 20 Feb '12) // Words: Simon Opie

You wait ages for a sophomore album that’s better than its predecessor and then three come along at once. After Pulled Apart by Horses and Last Witness, Southampton trio Band Of Skulls have produced a second album that eclipses their first album – the well received 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey' - in every way.

Surfacing: Mt. Wolf [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

Last year, I chatted about "night folk" artist Shura on BBC 6Music, now on Akira Records. Well, the guys behind that label, are also in a "dream folk" band. That band used to be called Solar State but they've started afresh name-wise, with Mt. Wolf. And unleashed one of the most hypnotic tracks of the year in 'Life Size Ghosts'.

Listen: STRANGERS - Shine On You [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Following last year's 'EP3' with its huge sounding opener 'Promises', [STRANGERS] are back with a new single released by our pals Killing Moon Limited. 'Shine On You' continues the anthemic synth-pop of 'Promises' - listen below.

Event Review: Videopia [VAULT Festival 2012]

Videopia at VAULT Festival, London (10 Feb '12) // Words: Raman K

The “Lates” programme of live music and concept clubs at VAULT Festival kicked off with Videopia on 10th February at the Old Vic Tunnels. I’ll do my best to explain Videopia, but I’m unlikely to do it justice. Imagine a montage of your favourite moments from cinema history - Gene Kelly swaggering down the street before ditching his brolly to sing in the rain, Sam and Frodo destroying the ring in Mordor, John Travolta and Uma Thurman twisting up a hurricane on the dancefloor in 'Pulp Fiction'.

Download: Vinyl Jacket - Lucky Soldier

Words: Saam Das

If you're like me then Valentine's Day is generally best avoided for a multitude of reasons - mostly related to girls. But I was far from the only one not to care much for the day, as Huw Stephens threw another one of his popular showcases at The Social in London. I popped into check in on FG faves Vinyl Jacket and their chirpy indie pop. Download 'Lucky Soldier' for free below.

Event Review: The Great Puppet Horn [VAULT Festival 2012]

'The Great Puppet Horn' live at VAULT, London (17 Feb '12) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

Biting political satire and shadow puppets may not seem like the most immediately successful combination, but after having the pleasure of seeing The Great Puppet Horn at the VAULT Festival I can confirm that it works – much like peanut butter and jam, brie and grape and other seemingly unlikely concoctions.

Album Review: Tennis - Young And Old

Tennis - 'Young And Old' (UK Release: 13 Feb '12) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Sophomore efforts following a successful debut tend to go one of two ways – either a bigger, louder and more ambitious record or more of the same, invariably with lesser results as it lacks the surprise of their debut. The lead track on 'Young And Old' is called 'It All Feels The Same', which would suggest the latter but this is misleading as the band have attempted to progress. However, there are clear limits to how much bolder a band as precious as Tennis can be.

Film Review: The Woman In Black (2012)

'The Woman In Black' (UK Release: 10 Feb '12) // Words: Saam Das

Hammer have been a firm staple of British horror on and off since the 1930s. Their recent revival continues with this adaptation of Susan Hill's 1983 novel 'The Woman In Black', already adapted tremendously successfully for the stage. The film adaptation has also begun successfully, topping the UK box office, despite mixed reviews.

Download: The Good Natured - Raindrops

Words: Saam Das

I'm not sure I believe in the Valentine's Day hoopla. Until the day someone brings me roses. And by that, I mean a tin of Roses chocolates. A plus side to the day is the generosity of bands and artists in giving away songs for free, as The Good Natured have. Their generosity is time-limited however so pick up the seeping melodrama of 'Raindrops' for free below.

Film Review: Chronicle (2012)

'Chronicle' (UK Release: 1 Feb '12) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

Witches, ghosts and – more recently – trolls have all been given the found-footage treatment, and with 'Chronicle' the superhero genre takes its turn, with shaky camera work and dubious CGI effects aplenty. I’m not sure the film is entirely as memorable and enduring as its title would suggest, however.

Listen: Alpines + Craze Hoax - Gold [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

A couple of nights ago, I was thinking about what had happened to the release of 'Saviour' by London night-pop duo Alpines. All we'd heard of the track was a short sample many months ago. Unfortunately, it looks like it's been shelved. But as one door closes, another opens and instead of 'Saviour', we have an excellent new single - 'Gold', in collaboration with Craze + Hoax.

Event Review: The Woman In Black [VAULT Festival 2012]

'The Woman In Black' (2012) screening at VAULT Festival, London // Words: Saam Das

Friday evening saw the release of the latest Hammer horror film, an adaptation of 'The Woman In Black' - based on Susan Hill's novel of the same name, which has also spawned a tremendously successful stage play. I had the fortune of seeing the film on its opening night at VAULT Festival in the iconic setting of The Old Vic tunnels by Waterloo station.

Simon Says: Try Homegrown Hardcore

Words: Simon Opie

This sporadic column will feature music from the outer edges and will try to find interesting stuff from beyond the range of comfortable listening. This time we feature three new releases by emerging bands from across the United Kingdom, each of which puts the case for a renewed vigor in the UK hardcore music scene. For more on Pulled Apart By Horses, Lantern For A Gale and Last Witness, keep reading.

Comment: BAFTA 2012 Film Awards

Words: Saam Das

Last night saw the 65th instalment of the BAFTA's film awards and consequently resulted in my Twitter feed lighting up with almost exactly the same tweets for several hours - "X has won Y #BAFTA". Riveting. I shall restrain myself before I launch further into a full blown tirade of the inane banality of constant live-tweeting. Instead, let's discuss the awards and its big winner, 'The Artist'.

Film Review: The Muppets (2011)

'The Muppets' (UK Release: 10 Feb '12) // Words: Saam Das

"It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet The Muppets..." After more than a decade out of the big screen game, it's difficult to do anything but embrace the re-appearance of these much loved puppets. For anyone who holds the warm nostalgia of seeing the 'The Muppets Show' or any of the several feature films, 'The Muppets' is a welcome return that should not disappoint.

Live Review: The Electric Soft Parade @ The Haunt

The Electric Soft Parade live at The Haunt, Brighton (4 Feb '12) // Words: Simon Opie

There’s something in the now customary live event of playing a classic album in its entirety. I’ve seen a few such gigs and they’ve always been good. But I can honestly say that this was a gig I’ll never forget. It was essentially to celebrate the 10th birthday of The Electric Soft Parade’s – at the time – quite remarkable 'Holes In The Wall' debut album, by playing it in its entirety.

Surfacing: Casablanca [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2007, when this blog was called Keep Hope Inside, I talked a bit about a barely-into-their-teens indie band called Lo-Fi Culture Scene on one of the few podcasts I ever got around to making. Turns out we weren't the only ones to evolve into different things as the LFCS boys are now Casablanca, partly named after the film and a member of The Strokes, with an appropriately mature sound.

Film Review: Shame (2011)

'Shame' (UK Release: 13 Jan '12) // Words: Saam Das

2008 saw Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen's debut feature film 'Hunger', establishing Michael Fassbender as an actor of considerable note. McQueen, too, received plaudits for his handling of the retelling of the IRA's 1981 hunger strike. The duo have once again come together in 'Shame', McQueen's second feature, a sex addiction melodrama. Unfortunately, much like 'Hunger', this latest effort is emotionally hollow.

Download: Leah Kardos - DFACE (Practice This Video)

Words: Saam Das

I'm one of those people that likes to check out support acts when they go to see gigs. And by that, I mean Googling the fuss out of them beforehand. Especially when the name is an unfamiliar one. So when I discovered Leah Kardos was supporting Rumour Cubes at the launch of their debut album, I decided to investigate further. In 'DFACE (Practice This Video)', I found a contemporary classical gem.

Surfacing: Foxes [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

Louisa Rose Allen first came into prominence via her Loui Rose persona, which made waves across the blogosphere during 2011. We'd been holding back posting about her but today, in her new guise as Foxes, she's signed a major label record deal with Sony. So I figure now's probably as good a time as any to talk about her synth-pop anthems.

Preview: Vault Festival 2012

VAULT Festival (9-26 Feb '12, The Old Vic Tunnels) // Words: Saam Das

VAULT is a three week long festival, combining performing arts, music and film, set in London's Old Vic Tunnels. "From theatrical gigs of elemental fury to immersive operatic worlds, and from late night themed parties to a horror-exclusive cinema, VAULT will thrill everyone who comes through our Leake Street door." We're delighted to be attending some of the events - read on for some of our highlights of the upcoming festival.

Listen: iAm1 - Watching [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

A few sites have wrote about the debut EP from iAm1, a genre-mashing duo formed of MC Jamie Williams and acoustic songwriter Oli Rose. Unfortunately, the ones I've come across have either copied the press release verbatim or neglected to write anything more than a sole paragraph. That's depressing for everyone involved. Seeing as I went to a bit more effort, hopefully you'll read on and listen to their dulcet folk-hop tunes.

Small Screen: New Girl, Same Old Tricks?

Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

Channel 4 has invested a great deal in hyping up its new sitcom, 'New Girl', which – after an initially promising start ratings-wise, has reportedly dipped significantly since the series opener. In spite of viewers apparently jumping ship in their droves, I think it’s worth sticking with – provided you enjoy quirkiness, spontaneous bursts of song and, perhaps most importantly, the comedy stylings of Zooey Deschanel.

Film Review: Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

'Martha Marcy May Marlene' (UK Release: 3 Feb '12) // Words: Saam Das

The fact that Elizabeth Olsen isn't in the nominations for Best Actress at this year's Academy Awards is a travesty. Indeed, perhaps another year would have seen much greater recognition for the film itself and Sean Durkin, whose directorial efforts here are astonishingly his first in the feature film arena. Intense, haunting, and above all, excellent, 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' deserves better.

Competition: Win 5x Sets Of Stickers From The Muppets

The latest feature film extravaganza from our favourite puppets, The Muppets, arrives next week. Before that though, The Muppets are coming to your breakfast table! We've teamed up with the folks at Cravendale who joined forces with The Muppets to provide limited edition stickers that are specially designed to turn a Cravendale milk bottle into some of your favourite characters from The Muppets. Enter below for your chance to win one of FIVE full sets of stickers, with vouchers.

Listen: Anothers Blood - Lonesome Tonight [New Order Cover]

Words: Saam Das

Last month's MOJO magazine came with a free New Order tribute CD comprising of covers from the likes of Destroyer, Errors and Walls. Alas, I missed out but I did have the pleasure of listening to a rather splendid cover of 'Lonesome Tonight' by FG faves Anothers Blood. Listen to the ethereal, wide-eyed journey through the clouds below.

Film Review: The Artist (2011)

'The Artist' (UK Release: 6 Jan '12) // Words: Saam Das

'The Artist' is a film almost entirely devoid of dialogue - a throwback to the silent era of cinema. Film critics have fallen over themselves in their praise of the latest offering from French writer-director Michel Hazanavicius. The film has received a dizzying twelve BAFTA nominations and ten Academy Award nominations, as well winning three Golden Globes. But is it quite the triumph that is has been portrayed as? I'm not so certain.

DVD Review: A Separation (2011)

'A Separation' (UK Release: 6 Dec '11) // Words: Raman K

Exactly a week has passed since I watched the Golden Globe winning 'A Separation' and I cannot shake it from my thoughts. Tense from the immediate opening divorce court scene, shot from the judge’s perspective, the film masterfully rakes you into its tragedy. Its screenplay compels you to respond throughout as parent, lover, child, citizen and law enforcer. The signature of director Asghar Farhadi’s creation is that every character’s position is both justifiable and yet may equally be objectionable by our gut-feeling of what is inherently correct.

Surfacing: Fox The Cat [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

I don't normally feature new American bands. Mainly because the few that interest me have already been discussed at length on the hundreds of excellent blogs across the pond. But Chicago's Fox The Cat seem rather devoid of such attention. Or any attention really. So here's where I step in and tell you a little more about their compellingly solemn sound.