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New music blog dedicated to bringing you quality music reviews of everything from unsigned bands to major label stars! Artist and Tune of the day, + more!!

Sunday 29 May 2011

[ArtistOTD] TrockenSaft

Artist: TrockenSaft
Genre: Techno/Tech-house
Location: Berlin, Germany
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: KDB Records


Trockensaft are a production duo consisting of Pasha Joint and Denis Dandy, two determined young individuals who came together to create music in 2010. Hailing from Berlin, the name Trockensaft is a German term which loosely translates to ‘Dry Juice’.


Dandy can also be found under the DJ name LetKolben in which his music has based mostly around techno beats since he started in 2005. Joint is also a DJ coming from a techno music background specialising in techno-house. He also owns his own record label, KDB Records as well as being one of the founders of Project Access Denied. TrockenSaft is a wonderful combination of the influences of these two guys who are motivated by the challenge of creating new and exciting compositions.

The duo has managed to produce some proper cool tracks with effective use of samples and techno beats. They also demonstrate a vast array of percussion in their tracks creating some real positive clubby summer vibes with euro/samba sounds. The funky grooves show the house side of the tech-house feel into which they incorporate some great effects and the occasional jazzy breakdown.

Though what probably what makes them stand out more than most is their terrific basslines which they use to build up suspense and then drop it releasing an ecstasy of energy. The drums and synths are also used to great effect keeping their music nice and fresh.

In addition to their music, TrockenSaft are really into their fashion and this creative side is reflected in their superb artwork. You can check out many of their latest releases and remixes at any of their sites listed at the top of the page.





Thursday 26 May 2011

[ArtistOTD] LoveHateHero

Artist: LoveHateHero
Genre: Rock
Location: Los Angeles, California
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Ferret Music




LA rockers LoveHateHero formed in 2005 are currently signed up to record label, Ferret Music. Only two of the founding members are still in the band, and they are lead vocalist Pierrick Berube and bassist Paris Bosserman. The role of lead guitarist is currently assigned to Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, while Justin Whitesel plays the rhythm guitarist as well as performing on keys, synths and pianos. All three are also capable of performing backing vocals. Many other members have come and gone since their formation six years ago, including the relatively recent departure of drummer Scott Gee. The band can be classed in many different types of genre ranging from punk rock through post-hardcore to emocore, depending on which album you listen to.


To date, IHH have released three studio albums, and the first of these came in 2005, titled ‘Just Breathe’. In the main, this is a heavy punk driven record from which the band have now diverted quite a bit. The best tracks on the record are probably ‘The Risk’ and ‘Second Chance’.

The follow-up to Just Breathe was ‘White Lies’, released in 2007. This particular album is consensually viewed as the best of the three with its wide range of guitar solos, and could be classed as more of a metalcore or even post-hardcore type album. The guitars provide plenty of shredding while the vocals incorporate melodic screaming and low pitch growls. Possibly the best song from this offering is ‘Red Dress’ which offers characteristic melodies and an ever so catchy chorus. However, ‘Goodbye My Love’ would rival this for best track with its awesome guitar solo and repeated riff as well as its heavy upbeat tempo. Another track that deserves a mention is ‘Amity’, one which is found highly appealing to certain quarters of the bands fans.

Two years later saw the release of ‘America Underwater’, taking the band in a surprising new direction. This release has a more pop-rock feel to it with significant improvements made on the melodic vocals and catchy hooks. The lyrics portray deeper meaning and understanding demonstrating the maturity the group have encountered both as musicians and as people. The first single released off this album was the title track ‘America Underwater’ which provides 3 minutes of pure unrivalled energy and has positive influences towards early Taking Back Sunday material. The other stand-out track of the record is undoubtedly ‘Saints and Sinners’ with its infectious and catchy chorus.

The bands fourth studio album is understood to be in the pipeline, but rumours of uncertainty surrounding the bands future have circulated due to the departure of drummer, Scott Gee.

Check out the respective videos for ‘Red Dress’ and ‘America Underwater’ below:








Sunday 22 May 2011

[TuneOTD] LickSpittle - LUSH HOUND

Artist: LickSpittle
Genre: Indie/Rock
Location: London, UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Mostar Records



Two friends Kid Kudos and Jimmy Suds make up the wonderful LickSpittle, and the boys are back with their new single, ‘Lush Hound’.

When listening to this track I was immediately taken aback by the pleasant sound of ‘lush hound’. In terms of genre, this falls on the jazzy side of indie rock ‘n’ roll integrating a number of different sounds superbly, but to bracket this into a single specific genre wouldn’t do the song justice. The infectious chorus is catchy and cheerful, while the song as whole maintains a decent tempo containing constant clicks. Generally the feeling surrounding this song is one of suave and sophistication in which the tune maintains a high octane sound with a funky bass line, remaining stochastic and bouncy throughout. The duo possesses a certain amount of guile and endeavour while the clever inclusion of brass brings about another dimension to the already impressive arsenal of sounds leaving you want to sway your hips to the sweet, sweet sound.

All in all, the track is soaked in swagger and the groovy beats provide the necessary basis on which to build, making this a very promising follow-up to debut single ‘Steve McQueen’.

The single is to be released tomorrow, 23rd May on Mostar Records so be sure to check it out!






Saturday 21 May 2011

[ArtistOTD] Everybody Looks Famous

Artist: Everybody Looks Famous
Genre: Powerpop/Rock
Location: Birmingham, Midlands, UK
Label Type: Major
Record Label: Go Faster Music Management





Everybody Looks Famous are a young enthusiastic powerpop rock band with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Hailing from Tamworth in the Midlands, the quintet seems to possess a lovely blend with all members bringing their own influence to the party. ELF consists of Lex (lead vocals), Tom (guitar), Neil (bass), Grace (keys/synths) and Phil (drums). The band has been going since early 2008, with Lex the latest member to join, and they have recently released debut EP ‘Save Me’. Furthermore, the band has just been signed up to record label, ‘Go Faster Music Management’.

The three-track offering begins with ‘No Tomorrow’; this is your classic pop-rock style song. Following this is the EP title track ‘Save Me’ which comes across as more of a slow tempo ballad. ‘A Better Way’ is the final track on the record and is certainly one to get your feet tapping and you head nodding.

These guys portray a vast array of talent highlighted by some splendid acoustic versions, piano versions and cover versions. Whether they make an appearance on the new album remains to be seen. ‘Fingerprints’ is the one to look out for, and is sure to be on the bands forthcoming debut album. It’s slow in tempo and is packed full of energy and passion. Another track rumoured to be making an appearance on the track listing is ‘The Game’; this has a more of a clubby dance feel to it, once again showing that they are not afraid to mix it up with different styles. If you’re a fan of jumpy up-beat tempo powerpop rock songs then check out ‘Waiting For The Weekend’, one which certainly make an appearance on the band’s debut album.  
  
ELF look set to begin production on the 12-track full length studio album sometime this year, provisionally pencilled in for the summer, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for that one! 


Friday 20 May 2011

[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - QUELLE SURPRISE

Artist: Enter Shikari
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Rock
Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Ambush Reality



Quelle Surprise”, a French translation of “What a Surprise”. In truth, there is no surprise, Enter Shikari have once again lived up to their very high expectations and returned with something completely unsurprising, an absolute banger!

It portrays everything that makes Shikari the successful band they are today. They execute clever breaks and loops, as well as a superb manipulation of synthesisers and keyboards, in what is another truly classic amalgamation of rock and electro. As with most of their other tracks, this doesn’t follow the generic song structure as the boys mash up with characteristic old-school Shikari breakdowns keeping you captivated throughout. This tune provides hardcore passion and power in abundance! Although the song is arguably not as innovative and creative musically as previous efforts, this is something they have sacrificed in order to give the lyrical content a deeper meaning and understanding.  

It follows the direction of things to come set by the one-off hit 'Destabilise released back in late 2010 and is Zane Lowe’s hottest record in the UK right now. 'Quelle Surprise' is the first single of the forthcoming album set for release early next year, the bands third studio album following on from 2009’s smash hit ‘Common Dreads’.

Rou’s hairstyle in the video leaves much to be desired, but that aside this tune is one which will undoubtedly be greatly received by the lions and if allowed time to grow, will become absolutely huge in the summer of 2011 AD.

‘Quelle Surprise’ was released on May 19th, you can check out the video for it below: