[TuneOTD] Nero - CRUSH ON YOU

Artist: Nero
Genre: Club/Drum & Bass/Dubstep
Location: London, UK 
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: MTA Records
Website: http://www.thisisnero.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nerouk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nerouk
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nerouk

Today we have decided to give you all a little heads up on a brilliant tune to be released in 2 weeks’ time. Fans of Nero should already know the track as it's the fifth single off the recently released album ‘Welcome Reality’, with it's release date set for October 17th.

The track should also be familiar to fans of The Jets as it’s a rework of their 1986 single ‘Crush On You’. It’s a more upbeat, modern version of the song incorporating dubstep breakdowns. The vocals are a straight copy and paste from the 80’s classic yet they have such a fresher sound. However, the dubstep credentials aren’t as well executed as usual for Nero with a strangely timed drop and generic wobbles. Despite this, the production of the vocals, the funky bassline and the infectious switch up more than make up for this void.

Nero have become one of UK’s most successful acts since joining the ranks on Chase & Status’ record label MTA records, and especially so when incorporating female vocals. This usually comes in the form of Alana Watson, but with ready-made female vocals on this track, there’s no reason why it can’t also reach the upper echelons of the UK charts once again, even if the sound is completely different to the duo’s previous hits.

This track is certainly a grower with persistence being the key, so the only thing left to do is check out the song and video below. Perhaps this could be the first sign of disco-step/house-step?

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Unicorn Kid - BOYS OF PARADISE

Artist: Unicorn Kid

Genre: Dance/Pop

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland. UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Ultra Records

Website: http://www.unicornkidmusic.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/UNICORNKID

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unicornkidmusic

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/unicornkid 

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/unicornkid

Bouncing his way across the globe donning a magnificent lion hat, from Edinburgh, Scotland comes Unicorn Kid with his brand new single ‘Boys of Paradise’.

This track has the feeling of a summer holiday crossed with an underwater escapade. It is the second song off the appropriately and inventively titled Tidal Rave EP, and follow up to the highly acclaimed single 'Chrome Lion'; the first of the three-track offering.

As expected with Unicorn Kid, the basis revolves around a healthy dosage of high-octane synthesisers and keyboards to produce a wonderful exhibition of 8-bit dance pop music. The chip tune producer creates a real feel good factor on this one which oozes quality and a faraway sense of sunny sands, palm trees and tropical seas. This emphasis on the underwater is clearly evident on the whole EP and is even reflected in the blue-top-mop of 19-year-old Oliver Sabin.

With regards to the song itself, there is a pleasant sounding addition of a youthful choir towards the end of the track entering after the most uplifting of passages.

The track is bound to get Oli’s “seapunk” faithful smiling, dancing, raving and even swimming with approval. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the third and final instalment of the free-to-download Tidal Rave EP in the coming weeks, titled ‘True Love Fantasy’

Meanwhile, you can check out the wonderful video in the aquarium below:

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Feud - WATERDOG

Artist: Feud
Genre: Rock/Grunge

Location: High Wycombe, Buckinhamshire, UK

Label Type: Unsigned

Website: http://www.feudmusic.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/feud

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feudmusic

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/feudsluts

It has taken 6 long years, but finally alternative rockers Feud have a debut album to boast about following the release of EP Out From The Inside back in 2007. The album is a 12-track offering and is titled ‘Waterdog’.

This album most definitely takes you back 15/20 years or so; this is not a criticism, merely an observation. In fact, it is good to hear a good old fashioned grunge album again in a musical age dominated by computer effects. Feud seem to take the safety-first option with most of the songs though, as they follow the rigid rock song structure. Nevertheless, there is no faulting their passion or energy.

Throughout the album there are some decent riffs and catchy hooks, but the guitar solo in ‘Breathe’ sums the album up for me, it does it's job, but isn't particularly ground-breaking. The album as a whole though certainly possesses some positive nods to Nirvana and Foo Fighters with that punk-edged grungy progressive style.

Waterdog begins in a blistering blaze of glory knocking out the first two tracks in under four-and-a-half minutes, as ‘Dying To Meat You’  kicks off the album at a sonic pace with some real  driving guitars and crashing drums, followed by 'Don't Cry' and it's deep lyrics .

The main thing that stood out for me though was the track ‘Sick and Tired’, it sounds as if this is where Feud feel most at home, it gives off the vibe that this is the type of sound that they truly want to create and be associated with. It’s catchy and a little more creative than others on the record with subtle tempo variations. Furthermore, the word on the grapevine is that there is to be a video shot for this song sometime in the near future.

The vocals are reminiscent of Kurt Cobain with that raspy, whiney almost croaky style. This becomes particularly evident in the song ‘Don’t Care’ with the screams of “hey, hey” which sound like a cut and paste from ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, and an opening guitar riff more than resembling the one from ‘In Bloom’. Despite this borderline plagiarism, the song is actually a highlight of the album as the record picks up pace and the heaviness half way through after dragging through the early part. This forms the spine of the album along with ‘Blame Me’ which incorporates some innovative stochastic guitar riffs, and the aforementioned ‘Sick and Tired’.

From tracks 8-10, a more unique sound becomes more evident and it sounds a lot more impressive with some proper hard rock on show on the songs 'Alkaline', 'Caroline' and 'Tear Away'. Then the familiar Nirvana sound returns again on the final two songs, ‘Get Out’ and ‘The Desolate Man’ with the latter clearly reminiscent of ‘About A Girl’.

Hopefully the future will see Feud offer a touch more diversity away from rigid structures and create a more distinctive style as the foundations are clearly there. The album is so Nirvana it’s quite unbelievable, but I guess if you’re going to take such strong influences from someone,  you may as well take them from the best. A more than adequate attempt for a debut album nonetheless, good luck Feud boys!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - SSSNAKEPIT

Artist: Enter Shikari
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Rock

Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Ambush Reality

Website: http://www.entershikari.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/entershikari

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/entershikari

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/entershikari

Today shall forever be known as International Sssnakepit Day, for it today sees the release ‘Sssnakepit’, the latest track from one the best UK acts around right now, in Enter Shikari. It’s the follow up to 'Quelle Surprise' and 'Destabilise', and is a royal treat for the loyal lions. 

These 3 minutes of mayhem begin with an air of tension before gliding into some underground drum & bass and some wobbles with Rou acting as the lyrical MC. This is abruptly halted by the most eargasmic guitar riff and a build up to another bout of tension until a cry of ‘ah come on, just open the door’. Then BANG! It does exactly that, opens the door to a world of pure ecstasy developing into an eclectic noise of driving guitars and drums that even the screams of Rou can’t overpower. The sonic tempo is continued until the chorus subtly blends in followed by the return of that superb guitar riff. Then as if things couldn't get any heavier, the track suffers a hard drop to a heavy bass and the line, “yeah, yeah we’re nice guys…” followed by subsequent growls of “until we’re not!”. This brutal breakdown lasts until the switch-up to the chorus accompanied by an impressive hook and the ensuing switch-down to incorporate the group vocals, until climaxing just as it begun with some teasing drum and bass.

This is the first spoonful of the metaphorical trifle that is, the as of yet unnamed upcoming third studio album due for release in early 2012 via Hopeless Records. Full lyrics can be found here, and the official video below. Enjoy!

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Scroobius Pip - DISTRACTION PIECES

Artist: Scroobius Pip

Genre: A'cappella/Hip Hop
Location: Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. UK.
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Speech Development/Strange Famous 

Website: http://scroobiuspip.co.uk/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Scroobiuspipyo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/scroobiuspip

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/scroobiuspip

Today is the day that the wonderful Scroobius Pip begins his assault on the UK album chart with the release of ‘Distraction Pieces’. Though he has been releasing albums with fellow accomplice dan le sac, this is his first solo album since debut release ‘No Commercial Breaks’ in 2006. Yes, this album misses le sac’s beats and his ability to make the tracks that little bit more catchy, but I guess that’s what the collaboration is there for. This individual album however, has a different agenda with no real concern for traditional song structure. Scroob offers spoken-word, social and political commentary as an alternative to straight-up rap in the hip-hop scene.

The 9-track offering is short and sharp but still manages to incorporate a host of highly regarded individuals within the music industry. Take the introduction single, ‘Introdiction’, culminating a splendid mix of diction and a crafty beat, with Blink-182’s legendary Travis Barker stamping his mark on the track with some expert drumming.

Next up comes the stand-out track ‘Let em Come’ featuring P.O.S and long-time influence Sage Francis. This tune is somewhat influenced by Pip’s love in the football (soccer) world, Millwall FC. Firstly, the title is the same as the one associated with the football club. Secondly, the track includes the line ‘No one likes us but we don’t care’, a claim also chanted from the terraces at the Den (the Lion’s Den), where Millwall FC ply their trade. Furthermore, comparisons between the two also come from the inclusion in both Sage and P.O.S’s verses of the term 'lions'. This is a coincidence as it also the nickname for Millwall FC, however, Pip has admitted that this was not planned, and in fact was simply a canny coincidence.

The lyrical genius offers something different to anything or anyone else in the music industry today. The incomparable Pip looks at sentences in alternative angles to anyone else around. Though with too many examples to cite, I will simply just use the title of track three to demonstrate this: ‘Domestic Silence’. This is a dark, progressively heavy tune centred around loneliness. This is subsequently followed by a great portrayal of drums and guitars on the track ‘Try Dying’, produced by Worgie and Yila, who also have a major influence on the production of the album as a whole.

Another name-drop to include is Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, who has done a magnificent job of producing the track ‘Death Of The Journalist’. This song is a chronological portrayal of the demise of journalism beginning with a description of the 1930’s outlook in which they reported exactly how it is, not exaggerating news that isn’t there, just for the sake of it. This continues right the way through to his frank and honest rant of the present day development of internet bloggers. Yes, that includes the likes of us.

One other person to makes an appearance on the album is close friend, B Dolan. He performs on the track ‘Soulja Boy (kill em)’ with his fast rapping, complementing Pip’s wonderful exhibition of political poetry, and the title a piss-take of US rapper Soulja Boy. This is followed by ‘The Struggle’ which certainly a grower, and is rumoured to be the next track for which a video will be shot.

But the man with two watches knows the time to drop the heartfelt tracks, as ‘Broken Promise’ and the cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Feel It’ finish off the album with Natasha Fox providing her own soulful delivery over that of Pip’s recital on the latter of the two. Whilst the former is based around the wonderfully reflective line ‘Is a lie really a lie, if you mean it at the time?’.

Distraction Pieces is produced by Renholder (AKA Danny Lohner) of Nine Inch Nails and is released today in the UK via Pip's very own Speech Development records, and in the US on Sage Francis’ Strange Famous records. To serve purely as a teaser, here are the characteristically innovative videos for 'Introdiciton' and ‘Let ‘Em Come’:

Matthew Evans

[AlbumOTD] Miracle at St. Anna - SHADOW COUNTRY

Artist: Miracle at St. Anna
Genre: Metal/Hardcore
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana. US
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Tragic Hero Records 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MASAband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Miracleatstanna
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/miracleatstanna 

The album in question today is ‘Shadow Country’ the debut album from New Orleans-based band Miracle at St. Anna, another product of the increasingly impressive Tragic Hero Records label.

MASA are from the hardcore/metal scene and consist of members Cody (Vocals), Mitch (Guitar), Jesse (Guitar), Ryan (Bass), and Spanky (Drums). The band themselves claim to be somewhat angelic and loveable, and though this can’t be proved or disproved by simply listening to the album, though their claims of being knowledgeable and wise certainly seem to have some scope with some real creative song-writing skills on display, not to mention some inspiringly imaginative song titles like ‘Brokeback Fountain’. The brilliant thing about this album more than anything is the diversity, not one song is the same as the last, and rather than there being two or three stand-out tracks, every single track has the potential to be a favourite for someone out there.

A more than impressive start to the album comes in the form of ‘On The Reg’, straight from it’s drumstick tapping intro, through to the in-your-face guitars and hard screaming, growling vocals. The switching between these two vocals styles is a theme that continues throughout the album. Then there is the wonderfully titled ‘These Boots Were Made For Pimpin’’ which incorporates a wonderful exhibition of overlapping singing and screaming, coveting each other to give that desired effect. In addition there is ‘Moses in Agony’ which displays a real good rhyming flow, as the album picks up new tricks progressing with its unique and industrial sound. Although probably the catchiest line of the album comes on the track titled ‘Jake Pushed the Button’, which reads “I push it back, push it back, cause it’s calling in vain”. This is followed by the most heartfelt track on the album, ‘Drink a Beer, Kill a Deer’ with is deep meaningful lyrics, but it takes until the final song to utilise the keys at their very best. Their presence is a perfect complement to the surrounding eclectic noise of vocals, guitars drums and synths, a brilliant way to close off this 10-track treat. Other note-worthy mentions include the effects used at the beginning of ‘Shot at the Tiger’, the melodies portrayed in ‘The Hypnotizer’ and the numerous brutal breakdowns throughout the entire album.

Overall, MASA are at their most impressive when the screams are met with spine-chilling breakdowns into a more post-hardcore mode. Perhaps this could come to the fore a little more in the future like it tends to do towards the albums end, but a top drawer effort for a debut album nonetheless. 

Here's the audio for 'These Boots...' from the album to whet your appetite:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] The Future Shape of Sound - TFSOS POEM

Artist: The Future Shape of Sound

Genre: Space Age Gangster Soul
Location: London, UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Mostar Records
Website: http://www.mostarrecords.com/the-future-shape-of-sound/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFutureShapeOfSound
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thefutureshapeofsound

Yesterday we brought you the wonderful ‘Superhero’ by LickSpittle, and today we bring you the other half of the intra-label ‘song off’ within the realms of Mostar Records. This quirky number comes in the form of the ‘TFSOS Poem’ by The Future Shape of Sound, in what basically is an ode to their vision of the future direction of music. Just in case, you’re not quite switched on yet, TFSOS is an abbreviation of the band’s name. Whilst the single was only officially released yesterday, it’s actually the first-track off their 2004 debut album titled Mad DNA Mud.

Now that’s out the way, let’s get on to the actual song. Again, the main thing that really stands out with this band is the unique mix of opposing vocal styles, which ultimately serve as perfect complements to each other. On the one hand you have the raw energy of the hustling and bustling Big Daddy Kai, and then on the other hand you have the soulful aura of the funky Nomtai Mabo.

The opening to the song is introduced by the wonderful 60’s organ-style keyboards which continue splendidly throughout whilst incorporating the funky hip-hop vocals and various other instruments producing a real sassy and catchy tune. Furthermore, you can clearly identify influences from the field of psychedelic rhythm and blues as well as that old and gritty sound you get with northern soul. Aside from this, the theme that is continuous with all Future Shape songs is the influence of 60’s gangster films, and if you mix all these together into a melting pot of uncertainty, the end result is a wonderful exhibition of "Space Age Gangster Soul".

Now the only thing left to do is to kick back and relax to the wonderful ‘TFSOS Poem’:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] LickSpittle - SUPERHERO

Artist: LickSpittle

Genre: Indie/Rock

Location: London, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Mostar Records

Website: http://www.mostarrecords.com/lickspittle/ 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LickSpittleBand

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LickSpittle

Today sees the release of the new single from LickSpittle on Mostar Records. 'Superhero' is the third single from London-based duo, comprising of Jimmy Suds and Kid Kudos. It’s the follow up to the highly popular ‘Steve McQueen’ and ‘Lush Hound’. 

‘Superhero’ begins with a deep funky bass and low-slung finger clicks. This erupts into an eclectic chorus based on the foundations of hard-hitting drums and exquisite guitars. The exit from the chorus is just as smooth and subtle as the entrance, maintaining cool unfazed vocals and bass. As per usual with LickSpittle, the lyrics are different and experimental, littered with clever alliterations and rhymes. Furthermore, they deliver these wise words with ease as they simply roll off the tongue for this multi-talented duo.

The chorus contains a sound not too dissimilar to that of The White Stripes with the inclusion of the distorted vocals and crashing drums. A successful step forward in direction for Suds and Kudos, highlighting their diversity to adapt their musical sounds drawn from a vast array of influences.

Lyrically speaking, the meaning behind this tune is a description of a dark area in the verses flowing into the chorus crying out of that superhero to come to the rescue and save the day.

Overall, the tune is different yet simple, and the catchiness of the song clearly makes LickSpittle’s presence felt. Hats off to the boys on this one!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Blink-182 - AFTER MIDNIGHT

Artist: Blink-182

Genre: Punk/Rock/Progressive
Location: San Diego, CA.
Label Type: Major/Indie
Record Label: Geffen/Interscope Records 

Website: http://www.blink182.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/blink182

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blink182

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blink182

Blink-182 are back having recently released their third single since their much publicised comeback into the music industry. Their new single, ‘After Midnight’ follows recent releases ‘Up All Night’ and ‘Heart’s All Gone’. The latter of the three, (and possibly the pick of the three) will only be on the 13-track expanded edition of the eagerly anticipated new album, ‘Neighborhoods’, whereas the other two will make an appearance along with 8 others on the standard edition scheduled for release on September 27^th. It will be the first alubm since the self-titled album in 2003. Furthermore, the track-listing has already been pencilled in for the band’s sixth full-length studio album, which you can see here. The album was originally expected to be released in the summer of 2010 but they failed to meet the deadlines in order for this to happen, which subsequently resulted in a postponement of the 2011 European Tour. In fact it was revealed by Mark Hoppus that this postponement was what sparked the inspiration for writing today’s ‘Tune of the Day’.

So, on to the single itself. Well, on ‘After Midnight’ you can clearly identify the influences that each member has taken from previous bands Angels & Airwaves, +44 and Box Car Racer. The song is a far cry away from the fast-paced ferocious punk rock that one would associate with the name, Blink-182. Rather it is slower, more mellow, and in all honesty, a bit bland. Perhaps age is catching up with the trio, or maybe this is signs of maturity. It is now more an exhibition of progressive rock incorporating traits of an anthemic tune, one not too dissimilar to the likes of 2004’s ‘Always’. The track integrates the romantic verses of Tom DeLonge and the carefree chorus of Mark Hoppus, whilst Travis Barker is faultless on the drums as ever. However, with the chorus being so carefree it spills over into being lazy and lackadaisical at times, resulting in quite a weak effort. 

The meaning behind the track is difficult to distinguish given the timing of the writing of the track and the lyrics for it. However, one thing you can conclude is that there has been no passion lost in their song-writing over the last 8 years. With each song they release, they illustrate alternate angles and different versions of each of their lives, as well as an additional perspective of their lives as a single unit. 

In terms of distribution for this track, the band have decided to make a game of it offering a free download of the song as a reward for completion of the mini-game. This is a nice creative touch of innovation which you can see for yourself here.

Below is the official video for the song. Enjoy!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Matt Nash - CAN'T GET MY HEAD

Artist: Matt Nash

Genre: House/Pop/Electro
Location: London, England. UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Super Massive Records 

Website: http://mattnashofficial.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mattnashmusic

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mattnashofficial

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/mattnashmusic

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mattnashmusic

Today sees the latest release from Matt Nash with his brand new song, ‘Can’t Get My Head’. This is the follow-up to last month's ‘Invincible’.

Nash has gone for a more dubstep vibe on this one appealing to the opposite side of the spectrum of the dance-floor audience. The pace of the song is slower than usual allowing for the dubstep to be exploited to its full effect, whilst also possessing some slick beats. This record demonstrates the diversity of the youngster who continues to show promise and potential. The track is short and sharp at under 3mins in length, with the first 45secs almost serving as an introduction with simply vocals and effects. This then transforms into a cool, calm, dubstep ambiance until the tempo is picked up slightly before reaching an abrupt climax. There is no doubt this track is current and there is a definite market audience for a song of this breed, but whilst it is heartfelt and passionate, it possibly lacks a catchy, killer chorus. Despite this, there is positive potential there and the dubstep vibe shows a sound basis to build upon.

You can check the song out here.

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] Dirty Revolution

Artist: Dirty Revolution

Genre: Punk/Reggae/Ska

Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Dirty World Records

Website: http://dirtyrevolution.com/  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dirtyrevolution  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Dirty.Revolution  

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/dirtyrevolution 

Today’s band are seen as the little sister in the UK ska and punk scene to such heavyweights as The King Blues, Sonic Boom Six, The Skints and Random Hand. Dirty Revolution now have the capability to step up to the mark and become one of the scene’s main leaders. However, this may progression might be put on temporary hold for now as two members of the band, front woman, Reb and lead guitarist, Stu are expecting the birth of their child in about 6 months’ time. Therefore their tour over the next couple of months will be the last live performances until the summer of 2012.

Roots rock and reggae is the blend of music the band pride themselves, though you could be forgiven for bracketing them into dub, punk or original ska. The keys issues that the DR discuss in their songs seem to centre around politics and anti-authority. The vocals of Reb are distinctive and appealing, whilst the inclusion of the melodica adds an extra dimension. The tangy bass is exactly what you would want to hear from a ska band, and throw into the mix roaring guitars, a vast array of drum beats, and straight-up reggae backing vocals, you have yourself a top notch band.

It’s Gonna Get Dirty was the debut EP from ‘The Rev’ released on Do The dog Records back in 2008 with ‘Dirty Revolution’ the title of the stand-out track. Then 2010 seen the quartet release their debut album Before The Fire on Rebel Alliance Records. The album comes across as charming and laid back in nature, yet filled with passionate lyrics delivered with zealous. There are so many stand out pieces on this 10-track offering, from the wonderful piss take of gangsta music and culture on ‘50p’ (including outlandish accusations relating to 50 Cent's mum and Britney Spears' arse) to the heartfelt anti-Nazi classic ‘I Love Reggae’. Then there is majestic ‘Failure To Communicate’ where the melodica really comes to the forefront. In addition there’s the one for all the rudeboys and girls out there, ‘Sometimes You’re Too Rude’ as well as the blissfully beautiful ‘Firing Line’ which is soulful and mellow in nature.

The band are  due to be heading into Jamtown Recording Studios to work on the next CD hopefully due for early next year.

Below we have the video for ‘Failure To Communicate’, shot in their home city of Cardiff (or Ska-diff as it’s known to the purists), and I will leave you with some words of wisdom from the band themselves: Peace, love and unity’s a better way to go…

Matthew Evans