on Sunday, March 31, 2013
'Game Of Thrones' Season Three London premiere @ One Marylebone, London (26 March '13) // Words: Olivia Paolucci


Winter has well and truly visited London recently, but there couldn’t have been a better way to warm up than in a room full of 'Game Of Thrones' fans, with an early preview screening of the new series premiere. Here are some thoughts on the evening and 'Valar Dohaeris', minus spoilers.
Words: Saam Das


We're big fans of both Hiatus and Shura at FADED GLAMOUR, having written about them separately and in tandem. They've reunited on a new track, 'We Can Be Ghosts Now', the opener to 'Parklands' - the forthcoming new album from Hiatus. Listen to 'We Can Be Ghosts Now' below.
on Saturday, March 30, 2013
'Doctor Who' Series 7, Episode 7: 'The Bells Of Saint John' (UK Airdate: 30 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


Normally after a break, I'd be inclined to say that 'Doctor Who' has made a "welcome return". Not this time. The first half of series 7 (or series 33, depending on your chosen classification) was largely mediocre, although last year's Christmas special hinted at improvement. Indeed, it transpires that 'The Bells Of Saint John is a welcome return. Spoilers below.
on Friday, March 29, 2013
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' (UK Release: 27 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


2009's 'G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra' received mixed reviews, although I found its combination of comedy and action to be quite satisfying. Hence, I was one of the minority to actually be looking forward to 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'. Alarm bells began ringing however when the release date was pushed back by almost a year, even after the film's advertising campaign had begun. My fears have been realised with this tremendously disappointing sequel.
Words: Saam Das


It's weird to think that without listening to Feeder's 2001 album 'Echo Park', I probably wouldn't be writing this post today. It's certainly been a seminal part of my musical journey. I suspect that Antonio Elia Forte, the man behind Echopark, wasn't similarly inspired by the Feeder album. However, his experimental sounds are inspired in a different, enchanting manner.
on Thursday, March 28, 2013


'Game Of Thrones' has become one of the hottest properties on worldwide television over the last few years, and to celebrate the forthcoming new series, we're lucky enough to be giving away a set of 'Game Of Thrones' mugs. We're reliably informed that there's not many of these sets available right now, so that's an added incentive.
Words: Saam Das


Electro-pop trio The Good Natured are celebrating the naming of their debut album, 'Prism', with a free download of one of their finest songs, 'Lovers'. Download the (un)romantic/anthemic call-to-action below. "You and I can be lovers. But you and I will never be in love." Harsh words, good song.
on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
'Good Vibrations' (UK Release: 29 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


'Good Vibrations' celebrates the story of Terri Hooley, widely considered as the "Godfather of Belfast punk". His record store and label of the same name helped launch the careers of Rudi and The Undertones. This witty biopic successfully pits the inspiring activities of Hooley amid the decades of civil unrest in Northern Ireland, exemplifying the inherent nature of music to unite, rather than divide.
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


We know plenty about Alt-J now. But once upon a time, we didn't. Berlin's Marlais has/have picked up some tricks from the Leeds quartet's beginnings. I'm not even convinced that Marlais is from Berlin. I am convinced about the brilliance of this remix of 'Dissolve Me' however. Listen below.
on Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Words: Saam Das


The Yeah Yeah Yeahs returned triumphantly a few weeks ago with the gospel-infused 'Sacrilege' - previewing their new album 'Mosquito', a frontrunner for worst album artwork ever. Anyway, 'Sacrilege' now has a somewhat sacrilegious video, with Lily Cole strutting her stuff, thanks to French directors Megaforce. Soak it all in below.
Words: Simon Opie


Easter is almost here and our Resurrection Shuffle is the perfect soundtrack for any egg-hunting activities. So drop these tunes and start chasing after that giant furry bunny. I like to think of this as a Playlist of the Second Chance, so enjoy songs from the likes of Anathema, Cult Of Luna and The Jim Jones Revue.
The Strokes - 'Comedown Machine' (UK Release: 25 March '13) // Words: Emily Solan


2011's 'Angles' hardly feels like a distant memory, though some of us may wish it was, but new album 'Comedown Machine' is proof that The Strokes are back stronger than ever. Maybe even rounding things off to a fitting end if there’s anything to those split rumours? Enough of that though.
on Monday, March 25, 2013
'Nice Guy' (UK Release: March 2013) // Words: Saam Das


Director Pascal Bergamin and actor/writer Cavan Clerkin don't mess around. Rather than waiting for film funding that may never have materialised, the duo put together 'Nice Guy', a low-budget London crime drama. They even managed to persuade the cast and crew to work for free, and while the end result is far from groundbreaking, they should all be proud - 'Nice Guy' is a competent independent thriller.
Words: Saam Das


It's been something of a quiet start to the year for South coast duo CURXES but they've returned with an unexpected comeback today, in the form of free download 'Further Still'. Its style is similarly unexpected, taking a significantly less dark/bombastic approach that the band are otherwise known for. A compelling change-up.
Peace - 'In Love' (UK Release: 25 March '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani


Having heard Peace’s 'Delicious' EP, I was really looking forward to their debut album. It seemed the early hype was justified as follow-up single 'Wraith' also initially impressed with its spindly rhythms and exuberant chorus, leading me to consider them as one of the bands to watch in 2013. However, there was a nagging worry that the group’s songwriting was limited to facsimiles of other bands, in 'Wraith'’s case - early Foals. Unfortunately, this fear has been realised with 'In Love'.
on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Telly Text is a column dedicated to highlighting the TV shows we think you should we be watching. // Words: Jordan Andrew


'Can Eating Insects Save The World?'

on Friday, March 22, 2013
Words: Saam Das


I'm a bit partial to post-rock but I must admit to being surprised that Sigur Rós have decided to throw themselves into the genre with such zest on their new track, 'Brennisteinn'. It perhaps suggests that the new Sigur Rós album 'Kveikur' will be considerably heavier than its predecessors. Watch the video for 'Brennisteinn' and see what you think.
Words: Saam Das


Minimalist pop duo Lionhall seem to be steadily moving down geographically but moving up musically. Originally from Scotland, Lionhall are now based in Newcastle, and are slowly building a strong reputation ahead of an EP release in April. Their debut tracks appeared late last year to positive vibes from the likes of Amazing Radio and now we're here to throw our weight behind the twosome.
on Thursday, March 21, 2013
'Jiro Dreams Of Sushi' (2011) screening at Oval Space, London (19 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


Somewhere deep in the heart of East London lies Oval Space, a somewhat unique arts venue onlooking gas holders. They host a regular Cinema Club and we popped down to the latest edition, featuring the tremendously acclaimed documentary, 'Jiro Dreams Of Sushi'. The night didn't disappoint.
Words: Saam Das


I'm a bit confused as to why a label/artist is posting a radio rip of their own material but Ghostpoet's new single 'Meltdown' made its radio debut and he's now put up a ripped version of the track on YouTube and Soundcloud. From past experience, I thought labels hated that kind of thing? Anyway, listen to the excellent new track, with Zane Lowe chatting over it, below.
on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
'David Bowie is' exhibition at Victoria & Albert Museum, London (23 March - 11 Aug '13) // Words: Saam Das


At face value, it may appear that the V&A are attempting to cash-in on the recent David Bowie revival, which has culminated in a number one UK album. Yet this new David Bowie is exhibition has been the fruit of three years of hard work. Bowie's re-appearance has given the exhibition a deserved boost - an impressively comprehensive and immersive exploration into the career of David Bowie.
Words: Saam Das


I'm pretty excited to hear that The Good Natured are prepping arguably their finest work to date, 'Lovers', for a potential single release. In the meantime, the trio have been going a bit cover-mad, taking on everyone from New Order to One Direction. Their take on Two Door Cinema Club's 'Undercover Martyn' is probably my favourite effort, judge for yourselves below.
on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Words: Saam Das


If you're a regular consumer of new music, you're probably be wondering why we're claiming East India Youth is "new". But with East India Youth's official debut release not out till later this month, I think we can stand our ground. The 'Hostel' EP showcases the eclectic experimental sound of East India Youth, mixing electronica and prog in a surprisingly romantic manner.
on Monday, March 18, 2013
Daughter - 'If You Leave' (UK Release: 18 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


The stock of Daughter has risen considerably over the last couple of years, and their debut album, 'If You Leave', comes with considerable anticipation and expectation. Daughter have grown from simply being the musical moniker of Elena Tonra to a trio with a formidable reputation, both on record and live. 'If You Leave' is an assured debut, albeit one that is somewhat overbearing with its melancholy.
'Here Comes The Boom' (UK Release: 18 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


Deservedly or not, Kevin James has been a considerably maligned actor. However, appearing in a string of critical duds like 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry' and 'Zookeeper' has been offset by the fact that his films generally tend to at least recoup their costs. And so it seems is the case with his latest effort, the action comedy 'Here Comes The Boom', which sees James forge a mixed martial arts career to raise money for the school where he teaches.
Suede - 'Bloodsports' (UK Release: 18 March '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani


I remember the moment Suede announced their decision to split up in 2003 vividly. I wasn’t particularly disappointed as their last album 'A New Morning' was, by some distance, their worst record - a band that had made such a colossal impact on British music with their debut album had gone out with a whimper. 'Bloodsports' is Suede’s opportunity to remind people what the fuss was all about in the first place.
on Sunday, March 17, 2013
'Mile High - The Musical' (The LOST Theatre, 5-24 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


The success of 'Les Misérables' on the big screen suggests that the public appetite for musicals remains as strong as ever. Well away from 19th century France, 'Mile High' is a contemporary musical set in the Mediterrean - a camp but enjoyable offering, which follows the cabin crew of two rival airlines as they fight for love and supremacy.
on Friday, March 15, 2013
Words: Saam Das


It's surprisingly rare to find a song title that actually matches its content but London dream-folk quartet Mt. Wolf have produced one such effort. The pulsating 'Shapeshift' previews their forthcoming 'Hypolight' EP, scheduled for release on April 8th.
Words: Saam Das


One of my favourite films of 2013 will undoubtedly be 'Robot & Frank', a warm-hearted romantic comedy-drama that beautifully explores notions of humanity, friendship and old age. It's out now in UK cinemas and, although this is an overused term, is quite frankly a must-see. It's well worth sticking around for the end credits too, mainly because of the excellent 'Fell On Your Head' by Francis And The Lights, which plays the film out.


It's a brilliant time for film fans - we now have access to more films than ever to watch, and technology has improved to such an extent that watching them at the home now often compares to the cinematic experience. Of course, watching one of your favourite films on the big screen still remains the zenith but we have a top selection of deals so you can enjoy a film wherever you are.
on Thursday, March 14, 2013
'Shell' (UK Release: 15 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


Born from a 2007 short, 'Shell' is the debut feature film from writer-director Scott Graham. An isolated drama set in the Scottish highlands, the film explores the relationship between a father (Joseph Mawle) and daughter (Chloe Pirrie), bound by their bleak yet magnificent setting.
Words: Saam Das


Stumbling onto Mancunian quartet Châteaux was a bit like finding yourself in the 'weird part of YouTube' - you're not quite sure how you got there but you're going to stick around for the rest of the ride. Their Christmas EP impressed, and with their UK tour dates supporting Theme Park beginning today, we figured we should probably actually get round to writing about their majestic dream-pop tinged indie.
on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
'Derek' Series 1, Episode 6 (UK Airdate: 6 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


And so endeth the latest series from Ricky Gervais. A rather curious ending in fact, as this was by far the weakest episode of the series - overly ponderous and resembling an elongated advert for Coldplay. But it proved a fairly neat conclusion regardless, and with 'Derek' set to return for a second series - a good foundation to continue from.
Words: Saam Das


Kaleidoscopic experimental pop merchants Emperor Yes return with the follow-up to their debut single this week, with 'Cosmos'. They've roped in friend and Summer Camp man, Jeremy Warmsley, as producer and backing vocalist - developing a sound that veers between prog and stadium pop. Listen to the new single below.
on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Words: Saam Das


Last Autumn, I heard about one of the latest anonymous acts to crop up - KHUSHI. As usual, my reticence with mystery acts stopped me from writing about KHUSHI at the time but the name resonated, as did the music. The name (meaning "happy" in several languages/dialects on the Indian subcontinent) reflects the feeling evoked from listening to the wide-eyed experimental folk.
on Monday, March 11, 2013
David Bowie - 'The Next Day' (UK Release: 8 March '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani


David Bowie has nothing to prove to anyone - having not just mastered but arguably delivered definitive albums across many genres, from glam rock to funk, soul to ambient. Not only has his music been a constant in my life since I discovered it, but he has been a gateway to so many other brilliant musicians for me. Yet he has returned with new music, which has been met with the warmest of receptions. So can the 'The Next Day' live up not only to the hype but also his classic albums from the 70s?
on Friday, March 08, 2013
'Robot & Frank' (UK Release: 8th March '13) // Words: Saam Das


Robots often get hard done by on film. Barring the odd WALL-E and Johnny Five, they generally spend most of their cinematic life trying to murder us good old humans. Not so in the terrific 'Robot & Frank' though. Set in the near future, Frank Langella stars as Frank, an elderly man whose forgetfulness causes his son to invest in a robot "butler" - much to the chagrin of Frank. Until he realises that his new robot could actually be quite handy.
on Thursday, March 07, 2013
Words: Saam Das


We like a bit of Talking Heads. So do Leeds indie-poppers This Many Boyfriends. They've put together a cover of the iconic single 'This Must Be The Place', and made it free for download. What a lovely bunch. Listen and download their cover below.
on Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Fights And Fires - 'We Could All Be Dead Tomorrow' (UK Release: 4 March '13) // Words: Simon Opie


I’m not sure when the current vogue for retro rock and roll with a punk sensibility first started – or who started it. But let’s say it was The Hives with 1997’s 'Barely Legal'. Certainly a Hives gig at the Astoria was the closest I’ve ever come to recapturing the spirit of the punk era.
Words: Saam Das


Seeing 'Wreck-It Ralph' in the cinema recently was worthwhile not only for its excellent use of 3D in action sequences but also its preceding animated short film, 'Paperman'. It made its way online, thanks to the good people at Disney, before disappearing again. But having won the Oscar for Best Animated Short last month, it has thankfully returned - watch below.
on Tuesday, March 05, 2013
BASTILLE - 'Bad Blood' (UK Release: 4 March '13) // Words: Saam Das


It feels like many moons ago that I first stumbled upon the hitherto unknown BASTILLE on Soundcloud. Back then, the guise was solely occupied by Dan Smith but soon after, BASTILLE had become a quartet - an outfit to match Smith's grandiose pop vision. His vision has been realised with the triumphant debut album 'Bad Blood'.
'Derek' Series 1, Episode 5 (UK Airdate: 27 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das


As much as I have really enjoyed the first series of 'Derek', each episode's opening scene has been considerably painful to get through. Mainly because of David Earls' grotesque character Kev, who's at it again here. His usual patter of sexually disorientating chat is superceded by casual racism in this cabaret themed episode, featuring a quite dire Duran Duran musical and a similarly terrible ventriloquism act.
on Monday, March 04, 2013
Fiction - 'The Big Other' (UK Release: 4 March '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani


Like many, my first introduction to Fiction came via a Ford advertisement, soundtracked by the single 'Big Things'. It was so stunning I immediately had to find out the name of the track – it sounded like something from the halcyon days of New York Punk so my instinct was to look at the bands from the ‘CBGB scene’. After much Googling, to my pleasant surprise it was not only a recent track but also from a new British band.


It might be March but we are still going forward with our tips for the year. Letting the dust settle after the glut of "ones to watch" lists to have already appeared gives us more time to reflect and consider our choices. For example, Palma Violets were celebrated in certain corners as the best thing to happen to guitar music since guitars. But they're not in our list. Find out who is below.
on Sunday, March 03, 2013
To Kill A King - 'Cannibals With Cutlery' (UK Release: 24 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das

Joining the likes of Daughter and Michael Kiwanuka as graduates from the Communion Records ranks, To Kill A King have finally released their debut album on EMI. 'Cannibals With Cutlery' comes a good three and a half years after they formed in Leeds - moving to London since to tread the golden paved roads, befitting the rich orchestration and vocals of the band.
on Saturday, March 02, 2013

We've marched into March and the Hollywood awards season is over for another year - we have reviews of some of the Oscar nominees including Chilean political drama 'No' and Tarantino's latest 'Django Unchained'. The music world also had its own awards in February, with the Grammys and the Brits, neither of which particularly interested us. Instead, read on to find links to things that did interest us in February 2013.
on Friday, March 01, 2013
Words: Raman K


This one has been bubbling since his first EP back in late 2007 but remains largely unheard of, even in the blogging world. Inkliing, a young visionary from the recesses of London’s W12, has just released his free-to-download 'Generals' long player. His debut album is a palette of crispy trip-hop and jazzed-up soundscapes to ease the mind while winter overstays its welcome.

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