MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Next Best Thing Predictions 2015

Our Next Best Thing section has had another exciting year highlighting some of the most dynamic and interesting emerging acts, including FKA Twigs, Lola Colt, and queen of bass herself Meghan Trainor, amongst others.

But what about the burgeoning year that is about to be 2015 – what hot new artists are beckoning? Here are some of our predictions for the artists we will all be talking about over the coming 12 months.

Years and Years

We have been excited about this London-based electronica trio since our coverage of them at this year’s In The Woods festival, and throughout the later half of 2014 they have continued to entice. The group have released a variety of singles on indie labels, but their recent EP Take Shelter on Polydor managed to reach the top of the i-tunes electronic singles charts this summer, leading to heighted excitement over a full length release, due in 2015.

Years and Years create catchy, soulful dance-pop with beauty, elation and melancholy. Their music is rinsed in turn of the century aesthetics, rhythms and timbres, yet is alive and fresh and now. The group themselves are adorably humble, photogenic, and offer a cover of Blu Cantrell’s “Breathe” so good you will not want to live without it.

https://soundcloud.com/yearsandyears

Slaves

Ah, a two-piece garage band, what is not to love about this most perfect of rock combinations? Slaves create heavy, gnarly rock that will make you feel dark and dirty (in a good way), with their scuzzy guitars, basic drums, despondent, vaguely humorous lyrics and punk nuances. Guitar driven music has been quiet for a while now, but these guys could be at the forefront of something new and exciting for the genre once again.

http://youtu.be/2XH91v_OVhw

Peluche

We only first wrote about Peluche a month ago, but they have already showed so much promise we are sure 2015 will be a good year for them. The London three-piece offer an enchanting style of upbeat indie pop, with inspirations as broad as Paul Simon and Stealing Sheep evident in the mix. These ladies have recently had their tasty single premiered on Radio 1, and are in the process of recording their debut.

https://soundcloud.com/pelucheband

Kwabs

This Ghanaian-born male solo artist has a rich music heritage, culminating with the study of jazz and the Royal Academy. His music has had growing hype for sometime, and it is easy to see why with Kwab’s soulful vocals, adorned with timbres that are emotional, visceral and cool.

https://soundcloud.com/kwabs

Young Fathers

This might seem like an odd choice, given that Young Fathers have already released their debut album (which won the Mercury prize in case you didn’t know), but we still feel that this incredibly group are not quite getting the hype that they deserve. This is building, however, and we feel that 2015 will be the year that Young Fathers finally get the recognition they deserve. They offer the most arresting performances, defy categorisation, and make surprisingly humorous music with a real world twist. Perfection.

https://soundcloud.com/youngfathers

See this at MTTM here: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/next-best-thing-predictions-2015

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Verite - Weekend (Video)

‘Weekend’ is the second single from talented New Yorker Verite. The single focuses on impressive topics such as concepts of nostalgia and perfection, expressed through Verite’s calm, sweet, melancholy vocal style. Musically she sits on the same shelf as Lorde and Ms Mr, with her stark sound and shoe-gaze aspect, but with Verite she already has her own commercially polished sound, which only two singles deep into her career is an impressive feat.

This is a lady with a very exciting future ahead of her – she has been heralded as a key rising star by everyone from Buzzfeed to The Line of Best Fit, and her debut show at POPSHOP NYC earlier this month was completely sold out. Check out the beautiful, sentimental and perfectly melodramatic video below for more: http://vevo.ly/5xXFbV

See this at MTTM here: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/new-video-verite-weekend

THE GIRLS ARE POST: Staves - Blood I Bled

The Staveley-Taylor sisters reappear with a new EP, and once again, these fresh-faced folk offerings exemplify to great effect the group’s perfect vocal harmonies, blessed as they are with balance, beauty and tenderness. The alluring yet pained ‘Blood I Bled’ is rich with poetic, tender lyrics that create a harsh, cold type of charm, as lingering, fragile and still as a dark winter’s day.

Seamlessly intertwined chorals are the symphonic sibling’s greatest strength, but each track is enhanced by a rich and quietly dynamic soundscape. A surprisingly simple instrumentation is enthralled by swelling orchestral accompaniments including muted brass quips, souring strings and supported with varied percussion, utilizing a multitude of styles and diverse yet unassuming timbres. These factors combine to create what might be The Staves’ most triumphant record yet, showcasing subtle artistry with an arresting presence.

With whispers of a sophomore album circulating, Blood I Bled makes the perfect taster of what is to come from the angelic three-piece. If a triplet of tracks are not enough to sate your acoustic appetites, The Staves are about to partake in a European tour supporting Angus and Julia Stone, and will return to the UK for a string of dates in December.

THE GIRLS ARE: Love Ink - Exi

Minimalist noir-pop maestros Love Inks are back with their third album which shows the Austin TX trio returning to the stark, stripped back sound fans fell in love with in their debut, only this time a more sleek, precise vibe is present.

Where E.S.P. was an intensely lo-fi enterprise (recorded using an analogue 8-track), Exi sounds crisp and clean, with all components rich, close-mic’d and perfect. The removal of their previous DIY aesthetic has lead to a more mature, sophisticated sound. Yes, previous influences of The XX are evident, but flashes of Roxy Music and lord of avant-garde rock, Brian Eno are distinct. The evocative and beguiling vocals from lead songstress Sherry Le Blanc draw the ear with their wistfulness and ever so slight punch. The musical components work around Blanc’s notes as well as the melody and lyrical narrative. Guitars take a back seat to present pleasant licks, steady riffs and evocative flourishes, but simple synths and samples also have their part to play. The most significant of the instruments is the classic 808-style drum machine which proliferates throughout every track.

There is a warmth present throughout this album with its major keys and soft mellow timbres. The Texan’s sophomore record is chill out music to its core, perfect for whenever, wherever. The silences and instrumental sparseness leads to just a subtle hint of tension, making this an interesting noir-pop album filled with elusiveness and subtleties.

See this at TGA here: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2014/09/26/review-love-inks-4/

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: In The Woods Festival Review 2014

Now in its ninth year, the taciturn experience that is In The Woods is back, housed once again in a secret location known only to festival goers, completely hidden away from the outside world.

We enter the festival via an intriguing path that leads us deep into the woods, lit subtly by evocative strings of lights. Every now and then art installations reveal themselves from the trees, including ready-made flower gardens, multicoloured glades filled with mirrors and sculptures, curious hidden doors and ribbon and felt tied to every tree. The reverberating natural amphitheatre that is the quarry stage emerges to the left, with the smaller Laurel Lounge, and new third stage The Den a little way off. Further on, through more interactive artworks, immersive theatre and flowers is a clearing, complete with cinema tent, silent disco, and an array of food, such as a sumptuous hog roast, a tasty tea and cake tent perfect for our Bake Off nation, freshly blended alci-smoothies and locally produced cider.

Getting stuck right into the music, an even wider range of styles than previous years are on offer, but the key thread tying each performance together, as always, is that every act here is creating clever, interesting, dynamic and accomplished music. Maintaining its reputation as a total hotbed of new, emerging talent, there is a fantastic array of musicians here, including the gorgeous Nao, whose super-cool, smooth soul inspired sounds are a real highlight. Unbelievably this was only Nao’s second live gig, but she offered excellent stage presence, confidence and attitude, alongside complex vocal harmonies and inspired timbres (including charismatic analogue synth sounds). Francobollo delight with hazy, funny slacker rock, with catchy hooks, adventurous guitars and a stupidly joyful yet dynamic performance, where the band were literally having as much fun as the audience. A personal favourite on the line-up however were Years and Years; beautifully young and cute boys who, despite their cool sounds, were visibly warmed and overwhelmed by the welcoming crowd and the joy that is In The Woods. Other notable acts of the weekend include the out and out rock and roll styling’s of Temple Songs, the high velocity punk of Shopping, the charming bizarreness of dynamic one-man-band Ichi, and the perfection that is Laura Marling on Friday night.

In The Woods 2014 has continued with their true small festival ethos, with a complete lack of commerciality or bureaucracy typical in larger music festival. There are no shops or merch stands, no sponsorship plastered about – the only thing you have to pay for is food and drink, or even tastier music from the new store, fresh to this year’s event. Camping and parking is free, and if you want to bring your own booze, that’s ok. This cooperative and relaxed approach by the organisers is reflected by audience and artists alike, to the point where there is a decidedly mellow, happy vibe to the place. There are plenty of teenagers and students, yes, but there are also retired couples, a few dogs dotted about, and even more families than previous years.

This was MTTM’s third year at In The Woods, and the event has metamorphosed palpably over the last three years. Growing from a very small boutique festival of approximately 600 people to over 1200 today, the festival seemed like it was undergoing growing pains last year, with a larger crowd and slightly altered vibe that wasn’t altogether sweet. This year, however, feels like the festival has come into its own a little. The crowd size may now be twice that of what it was three years ago, but the festival has now grown, with more facilities, more food, a new stage and more to do. The newly added craft tent, filled with quirky activities such as headdress making and lino printing, is a welcome addition, especially for those with children. The Friday night and Saturday morning has also expanded, to include quality headline acts, as well as activity such as a barn dance, silent karaoke and yoga on the Saturday morning. All these additions make the whole vibe less stretched, comfortable and pleasant.

Once again, In The Woods have provided a beautiful, considered, and positive festival, and the organisers have offered their audience with a host of well curated, quality artists that are clearly destined for great things. Indeed, every act witnessed offered consummate, talented performances throughout. It has, as always, been a privilege to be involved in this truly unique and bewitching event.

See this at MTTM here: www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/focus-on-festivals/review-in-the-woods-2014

THE GIRLS ARE POST: Murder For Girls EP Review

Made up of veterans from the Pittsburgh scene, Murder for Girls are a new four piece offering a consummate selection of lo-fi lure in their eponymous debut EP.

With this exciting collection of tracks, Murder for Girls feed their listeners with music soaked in Riot Grrrl and grunge. Guitars are fuzzy and distorted. Levels are muddy and low. Drums are tinny and awash with cymbals, and vocals are detached and paper-thin. In other words, this is music that is perfectly DIY. Think early Hole, Sleater-Kinney and Bratmobile, but with a slightly more guitar-driven edge.

This is a West-Coast sound through and through, though certainly more based in Seattle than So-Cal. Undoubtedly, this is a retrogressive album, adding to a genre very much of a time that is now old enough to buy its own booze. But while this EP (and the group’s sound generally) is not overtly innovative, it is still refreshing to hear the DIY ethos, crunchy guitars and droney, heavy female vocals. This is still a genre that has something legitimate to say and Murder For Girls have immersed themselves in this sound and what it represents, both effectively and whole-heartedly.

This ferocious foursome are manically gigging in the US as we speak, but hopefully they will be approaching our shores soon.

See this at TGA here: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2014/09/10/review-murder-for-girls/

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Lola Colt - Vacent Hearts (Video)

Lola Colt are an exciting new sextet from London, offering rich, 60s style soundscapes, saturated in muddy mixes, heavy reverb and lo-fi vocals. Offering fuzzy, guitar driven indie rock that is brooding and dark, Lola Colt are highly reminiscent of Nico, Marianne Faithful and Francoise Hardy, whilst retaining and developing their own sound. This is music that is psychedelic and cinematic, intensely vintage and utterly spell-binding.

Lola Colt have their debut album scheduled for release in October, along with a nationwide tour. This band really are a treat to see live, but for the meantime, check out the video below for more: http://youtu.be/oD28ArpL3BY

See this at MTTM here: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/new-video-lola-colt-vacant-hearts

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Video - Megha Trainor

Fresh from the hot heat of Nashville is 20 year old Meghan Trainor, the latest pop-princess to reach our shores from the US of A. ‘All About That Bass’ is Meghan’s infectious debut single, set for release here on 5th October on Epic. The single has already had a huge amount of attention in the States, (check the 12 million YouTube views), and it’s easy to see why with its charismatic sugar-plum coloured video, glitter pop outlook and feisty lyrics.

This unashamed anthem for the more voluptuous girl cheekily pokes fun at standard beauty ideals with humour and aplomb. Combine this with music that takes influence from the likes of Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, with vague hip-hop hints and a dash of 60s girl group glamour and this track is sure to be a hot hit. Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/7PCkvCPvDXk

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Track - Table Scraps

Meet Table Scraps, an exciting young boy/girl duo from the Black Country. This pairing are rapidly gain attention from critics for their frenetic, visceral live shows, and have already supported the likes of Fat White Family and Temple Songs with their own brand of scuzzy, dirty garage rock. Filled with a fuzz ridden guitar (reported fed through three amps), and an unfiltered stand-up drum kit, this is a sound and a band to be reckoned with.

‘Bug’ is the group’s first release, out on the 11th August as a digital download and 7″ vinyl. The tasty track (rounding off at tidy 1:38) is feverish and catchy, a little reminiscent of 80s Matchbox B-Line Disaster. Check it out below: https://soundcloud.com/table-scraps-1/bug

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: New Track - Princess

Hailing from the Emerald Isle are Princess, an exciting two piece creating scuzzy dream pop, rich with 90s references, rampant drums and jangly guitars. Perfect instrumentation blends with charming timbres to create upbeat, catchy melodies, none more so than in this new track with its beautifully shot and thought-provoking video (below). Think Deerhunter and Surfer Blood with just a hint of The Cure and you’re along the right lines with this duo’s vibrant sound.

‘Neverlook’ is available now as a single for digital download, with the group’s debut album no doubt waiting in the wings. Check out the video here: http://youtu.be/ElK6VWTIi1I

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Video - Mozart's Sister

Montreal’s hottest new ticket is solo femme Mozart’s Sister (aka Caila Thompson-Hannant). Her immediately engaging, subtle and complex style of pared down sample-lead electronic pop is making serious waves across the pond, with the likes of Pitchfork, Fader and Dummy Magazine raging about the musician’s curious yet charismatic sound. Probably closest to Grimes in term of contemporaries, Mozart’s Sister also draws from Bjork and early Daft Punk to create a bewitchingly  fractured sound full of intrigue and a few classy hooks to boot.
 
Mozart’s Sister has her debut album scheduled for release on 25th August on Asthmatic Kitty here in the UK. ‘Enjoy’ is the first single released from that debut LP, and it is safe to say we are very excited by the track’s sonic curiosity and its subtly engaging video. Check it out below: http://youtu.be/bQpv5fTKD2M

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Track - White Reaper

Originating from the exciting emerging DIY scene of Kentucky comes White Reaper – a a vibrant all-male trio offering listeners jangly guitars, lo-fi drums and phaser-induced sonic mess aplenty. Known already for their raucous live shows and cool Southern style, the psychedelic musing of White Reaper are perfect for summer and beyond.

The group’s debut eponymous EP is set for release on 24th June and is filled with hot, dirty garage rock such as this little ‘Cool’ ditty. Think of the MC5 and Johnny Thunders, mixed with newer upstarts such as Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs and you are on the right lines. Observe: https://soundcloud.com/polyvinyl-records/white-reaper-cool-1

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Video - Many Things (MT)

Over the past year MT have been stirring up a groundswell of hype, being championed by the likes of NME, Clash and This is Fake DIY. After a successful debut single release, alongside a residency at the KOKO in Camden, the group are now set to support The Polyphonic Spree on a number of dates in June ahead of the release of their debut EP What We Are in July.

This new video from the charismatic indie pop four piece follows the group on tour with a charmingly the retro fisheye lense, and is awash with reverb, kooky organs and cute percussion. Check it out: http://youtu.be/9uZ0yfouyeg

MORE THAN THE MUSIC: New Video - Jetta

Jetta is breaking British singer-songwriter talent newly signed to Polydor. Already hyped by the likes of Pharrell Williams and Cee-Lo Green, Jetta has been tipped as one to watch for 2014 by Rolling Stone Magazine, and she was reportedly one of the most talked about performers at this year’s SXSW.

Hailing from Liverpool, Jetta creates charismatic, soul inflected pop, exampled perfectly here were her second release, the upbeat and dynamic ‘Crescendo’. The track is released ahead of her debut EP due out in June (produced by no less than Pharrell himself), and is accompanied by this charming and very British video: http://youtu.be/KTIc_wC0y1w

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: New Track - Happyness

Ahead of the release of their debut album Weird Little Birthday is this tasty little ditty that fully exemplifies the wonder that is burgeoning new band Happyness. The band have enjoyed excellent press from the likes of The Fly, NME, Clash and many, many more besides, and it is easy to see why, with their charming melodies and relaxed vibe.

Filled with rough edges and charismatic naivety, this quirky track has a 90s college rock vibe, recalling the likes of Pavement, Pixies, and even further back to Lou Reed circa Transformer. Take a listen: https://soundcloud.com/happyness-4/great-minds-think-alike-all-1

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: New Track - Bastard Mountain

Bastard Mountain are the new folk super-group on the block, consisting of Pete Harvey & Neil Pennycook from Meursault, Jill O’Sullivan from Sparrow & the Workshop, Rob St. John from Eagleowl & Meursault, Rory Sutherland from Broken Records & Reuben Taylor from James Yorkston & the Athletes.

Ahead of the release of their debut album Farewell, Bastard Mountain in May is this track ‘Meadow Ghosts’, a beautifully haunting, textured track worthy of your ears. Check it out in full here: https://soundcloud.com/songbytoad/meadow-ghosts

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Goldfrapp - The Hexagon, Reading

We are greeted by beautifully stark, monochromatic visuals – the band are dressed entirely in black, the set drop is simple, textured noir brushstrokes, and then the stage drops into darkness, lit only by single brilliant white spotlights on individual performers. Such striking visuals are exact metaphors for this initial section of Goldfrapp’s set – where the band offer enchanting sounds that are an education in subdued, calm simplicity. Pure vocals are accompanied by delicate acoustic guitars and ethereal ambient sounds, percolating in a way that is utterly captivating.

As the show progresses, more diverse timbres enter the play – violins, Spanish and electric guitars, a handsome double bass and mandolin, along with a modest collection of drums and a whole host of synths. With these added elements, further tracks become rich tapestries of sound, interwoven and perfectly balanced, with each timbre complementing each other seamlessly to create an enchanted and incredibly sophisticate wall of sound.

From here the performance develops in waves, dipping between quieter, more sombre tracks to those that whack considerable power and dynamism. This fiercer edge swells as we progress through the bowels of the set, moving from the darker, cooler, more brooding sounds more closely associated with Goldfrapp’s later work toward the glam-rock synth pop inspired back catalogue. This is a good move – the set develops perfectly, a crescendo of noise and visuals, with the simple pared down lighting being gradually replaced with an ever more complex light show filled with colour and movement. The shift in atmosphere is also a crowd pleaser – encompassing your full body of work in a performance is always a positive, non-conceited action, and as a result the set feels balanced and whole. Mixing the wafer thin softness of new tracks such as Annabel with the electronic drama of Ride a White Horse and Strict Machine shouldn’t work, but with this expertly execute set list the performance not only works, but utterly excels.

Aside from the perfectly orchestrated set list, the clear focus of the show is that voice, perfect as it is in its idiosyncrasy. Alison Goldfrapp’s rasping, refined voice penetrates the very soul, sounding so rich and womanly, yet gorgeously girlish in the same breath is in a word charismatic.

The rest of the band is majestically good, however. Beautiful, heart-wrenchingly perfect violins combine with some of the most sophisticated synth work I have ever seen – intelligently selected and masterfully layers as they are. Dynamic yet delicate drums are skilfully complex or sparse as needed, but it is the bass that has won my heart this evening – being as it is stupendously rich, as deep and thrilling as thunder.

This critically acclaimed show in support of Goldfrapp’s sixth studio album ‘Tales of Us’ is an education in professional stagemanship. Every track, every break, every visual is devised and considered to create an untouchable achievement in sonic beauty. My eyes and ears greedily absorbed every second these masters of synth-pop had to offer.

See this via MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/reviews/live-reviews/020414-goldfrapp-hexagon-reading

WHEN THE GRAMOPHONE RINGS POST: Honours - 'Blue Light'

It’s safe to say we’re a little bit excited about up-and-coming London trio Honours. After the release of teaser track ‘Ready to Run’, filled with pulsating energy, ‘Blue Light’ stumbles forth – quiet, sedate, and dramatically different to the group’s first offering.

‘Blue Light’ is a track filled with subtlety and character. Deep, brooding, padded bass mingle with a handsome piano part. This delicate, all-encompassing piano offers perfectly constructed chord progressions that compliment the track’s fragile, introverted vocals, that develop together quietly for an impassioned yet palpably pained performance.

These vocals, rich with reverb and melancholy are the star of the track, with their smooth timbres and saddened lyrics. This is the first time we have heard such a modest vocal style from this group, and needless to say, we like a lot.

Clearly masters of subtlety, Honours have here released a slow-burning gem, which really develops in musical and emotional intensity, as calm and cold as the blue light of the track’s title.

See this at When the Gramophone Rings here: http://whenthegramophonerings.com/2014/03/25/video-day-honours-blue-light/

THE GIRLS ARE POST: Lily Allen - 'Air Balloon'

‘Air Balloon’ is the second single to be taken from Lily Allen’s forthcoming record, Sheezus. Following on from her controversial comeback single ‘Hard Out Here’, ‘Air Balloon’ sees Allen offering a more light, bubble-gum style of pop, which although catchy demonstrates little of the purpose or clarity of intent that audiences have come to expect from the singer.

Allen’s return to pop at the end of last year saw more of her charismatic style of crass social commentary, offending seemingly everyone with her unapologetic jab at certain sexist spectrums of the music industry. With ‘Air Balloon’, however, Allen offers a nonsensical single filled with vacuous nursery rhyme lyrics of no discernable quality. This is accompanied by her classic light, sing-song style vocals. This vocal style is typically one of Allen’s fortes – the juxtaposition of pretty, sweet vocals with cutting acerbic lyrics is at times truly noteworthy. With this single, however, sweet vocals combine with empty lyrics to create an excessively saccharin concoction.

That is not to say ‘Air Balloon’ is devoid of any endearing qualities. The chorus is certainly catchy, and the presence of an interestingly deep saw-wave synth bass line lends the tracks a degree of curiosity and edge at times. The track is also well produced, which may seem like an obvious statement with such a major artist, but there is actually a surprising amount of lack lustre production in contemporary pop (see Miley Cyrus’ recent Bangerz).

‘Air Balloon’ is out now on CD and download. Lily Allen has no tour dates scheduled at present, although she has confirmed she will be playing at Glastonbury Festival this June. The release date for her third studio album is set for later this year.

See this at TGA here: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2014/03/04/review-lily-allen/

MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Temples - Sun Structures

Temples have received a significant amount of attention in the past year, with the group’s debut album Sun Structures one of the most hotly anticipated albums of 2014 thus far. Cited by the likes of Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher as one of the best new bands in the UK, the group have had a blessed existence since their inception in 2012.

Temples’ appeal to a Kasabian or Suede crowd is evident from the first breath of Sun Structures, and its single track predecessors. The group pedal a kind of suffused, dazed, psychedelic rock, awash with vintage instruments and equipment to create a retro, trippy sound. The collective effect is fairly authentic – the timbres that the band employ feel palpably physical and analogue, especially when combined with their musical techniques. Hints of Beat and Mod mix with Eastern influences, almost like Temples themselves were mentored by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the banks of the Ganges, enrobed in sunlight with the scent of patchouli on the air. All this is finished heavy-handedly with far too much reverb and fuzz, almost but not quite disguising the crisp and seamless modern day production.

With Sun Structures, Temples exhibit plenty of musical proficiency and clarity of intent, but this album is heavy with retro references and therefore utterly struggles to be in anyway innovative or interesting. Sure, there are plenty of catchy and even charismatic tracks – Mesmerise is particularly enjoyable, with its relentless melody line and solid vocal performance. There are plenty of interesting synth timbres too, pushing catchier hooks and more personality than the guitars ever manage. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that this album is ultimately rather uninspired.

Arguably Tame Impala and The Coral did the whole accessible psych thing far better, with a far more dynamic vision and scope. While Temples here sound like a band that could have been lost and unearthed from 1969, Tame Impala create true neo-psych, with their intoxicating bass lines being particularly notable. The Coral too, while more obviously retro were still incredibly dynamic in their range, with no two song sounding alike on their debut.

Taking Sun Structures fully into account, Temples are clearly a band who have been talked up too much, which is certainly not their fault. If you are seeking out Sun Structures purely on the basis of hype surrounding Temples then look elsewhere.

See this at MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/temples-sun-structures/

THE GIRLS ARE POST: Neon Jungle - ‘Braveheart’

‘Braveheart’ is the sophomore single release from up-coming all girl outfit Neon Jungle. Following on from the group’s debut single ‘Trouble’, this latest slice of street-style cool sees the girls experimenting with a more club-friendly sound, with plenty of commercial, pop-friendly character.

Heralded by many as the girl band to save girl bands, Neon Jungle on first impressions appear like a fairly stereotypical urban girl band, with TLC comparisons easily drawn at first sight of the glam sportswear and attitude-laden faces. In actuality, however, Neon Jungle’s sound is more pop than their aforementioned counterparts, with catchy hooks and synth-lead timbres.

The girl’s first track ‘Trouble’ (which took them to number 12 in the UK Singles Chart), was particularly pop-driven, sounding young and accessible – almost like a Girls Aloud for 2014 at times. With ‘Braveheart’, however, Neon Jungle have developed a more mature sound that is contemporary, edgy, cool and fun. The track is ruled by a deeply dropped, thick bass line, alongside a rich beat that is utterly danceable. The girls have good voices too, with Asami mastering a particularly sweet voice that works pleasantly well amongst the harsh saw waves and dark synths that flood this track.

‘Braveheart’ is set for release next week on CD and download. The girls have just finished a string of tour dates (including a number supporting Jessie J), but are sure to have more scheduled imminently in 2014. Their debut album is also set for release later this year.

See this is at TGA here: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2014/01/14/review-neon-jungle/

HERE COMES EVERYONE POST: Albums of the Year 2013

Best Album of the Year:

The Electric Lady – Janelle Monae

Once again, Janelle Monae has wowed listeners with a complex, fully formed, and musically stunning conceptual album. Following on from her ravishing (and grossly underrated) 2010 debut The ArchAndroid, Monae’s sophomore album continues with more adventures of Cindi Mayweather in her Metropolis series, focusing on an alternative universe of machinery, cyborgs and technology. This album is once again ideologically complex, with the alternate universe being a metaphorical palette for issues including race, gender, religion and “the other” in a way that is trail blazing not only in the modern R&B milieu but in popular music generally. This is all completed seamlessly within a kicking sound track, with musical ambition, rich production, humour, instrumental diversity and a host of impressive guests (Prince being a personal favourite). This album is dirtier, looser, and more danceable, with less variance and mood changes than her first record, but this almost makes for a more consummate body of work, filled with drive, purpose and success.

Also Worth a Mention:

Sing to the Moon – Laura Mvula

This stunning album works more like a musical tapestry, interweaving a multitude of timbres to outstanding effect. Each of Sing to the Moon’s twelve tracks are utterly sophisticated compositions, with beautiful and unusual sounds weaving around Mvula’s softly soulful vocals in genuinely unique and innovative ways. A demure, delicately melancholic and musically dynamic debut.

Tally All the Things that You Broke - Parquet Courts

Tally… is a messy, roughly cut EP filled with joyful moments of whimsy and curiosity amongst the knarly guitars and knotted, throaty vocals. This upbeat body of work from Brooklyn miscreants Parquet Courts easily slots into the sexy/crude blues-punk vibe currently so popular in indie/hipster circles, but this is so successful and fun in its endeavours, with it’s tightly wound rhythm section, careless attitude and perfectly placed timbres, including an inspired usage of the recorder (oh yes!), it is hard not to love it.

Worst Album of the Year:

Bangerz – Miley Cyrus

An obvious choice, perhaps, but I really have found every single utterance, action and musical incident that Miley Cyrus has been involved with this year pretty abhorrent. This is not just a criticism of her music – effectively under-developed, R&B infused pop – it is a criticism of her whole conduct as a human being. And aside from the cover, which I kind of dig, this album is the justification – the vehicle for this problematic and offensive “star”. Miley has been so desperate to reinvent herself this year as an adult that she has indulged in incredibly crass and embarrassing behaviour, effectively becoming an international skidmark on the reputation of both women and the music industry in the process. Furthermore, the production of Bangerz is obscenely dull for a modern pop record, and every track is effectively filler. No Miley, go away and just rethink everything please.

Also Worth a Mention:

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 – Eminem

Remember when Eminem’s work was funny, irreverent, controversial and, well, good? No, me neither. Released 13 years after the famously excellent Marshall Mathers LP version 1, this sequel album could not be further in quality and ethos from its predecessor. Filled with showboating, harsh vocal acrobatics, and far more gratuitous, humourless anger that is fair for any successful multi-millionaire rapper to justify, this album is a complete disappointment.

AM – Arctic Monkeys

Oooh, controversial. Listed as NME’s best album of the year (for what that’s worth), for me the Arctic Monkeys continue to under-deliver. Both critics and audiences alike still seem to fawn over this band, who, aside from a handful of standout tracks are perhaps the most derivative act in present day popular music. Each supposedly innovative incarnation is yet another obvious rehash of another band, another genre, another time. Sorry, but they just aren’t that good.

See this at HCE at: http://herecomeseveryone.org/post/73618470598/2013-albums-of-the-year