[TuneOTD] Limp Bizkit - LIGHTZ

Artist: Limp Bizkit

Genre: Alternative/Rap Metal

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, US

Label Type: Major

Record Label: Cash Money Records

Website: http://limpbizkit.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/limpbizkit

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

The internet has proved once again how powerful it can be with the recent leakage of Limp Bizkit track ‘Lightz’. This premature exposure has prompted the US-based rap metal veterans to reveal that they had no intention for this to be their first video and single off the forthcoming album, ‘Stampede of the Disco Elephants’ set for release in 2013.

On the basis of this track, it is clear to see why the album has included the word ‘disco’ with this effort a far cry for the rock-infused classics which took the world by storm in the early 2000s. ‘Lightz’ has a more modern day pop feel to it, with an unquestionable influence from new label boss Lil Wayne. The hip-hop rapper now president of Cash Money Records signed up Fred Durst and the gang back in February, earlier this year. Like so many songs these days, auto-tuning plays a significant role on this track, and once again this inclusion has come in for widespread criticism from rock purists.

The track is far more skewed toward a pop-edged hip-hop power balled than a nu-metal classic you would normally associate with Limp Bizkit. There has always been a rap element to LB but the hip-hop influence is abundantly clear, and has resulted in a loss of that synonymous rock/metal energy and passion. The melody is aimed to instil feel good vibes, but in truth it isn't at all dynamic and simply lacks any real depth. A cry of ‘Lightz’ threatens to erupt into something special, but turns out to be just that – a threat. Nothing comes of this but a Wes Borland guitar solo offers a hint of hope with the only real attempt to reach out to the rock fanatics. Lyrically, it’s pretty poor with rhymes forced and syllables stretched, culminating in an unoriginal meaning and message. It seems as if they have decided to go down a similar route taken by Linkin Park following their similar success in the early naughties.

If this is a sign of things to come for the impending album, then it will prove to be nothing short of a disappointment. Although the track is unofficially titled as 'Lightz' it has also been labelled as 'Pain', 'City of Angels' and 'Beautiful'. For now you can check out the leaked video for what we're referring to as ‘Lightz’, 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] Tied To The Mast - PLAIN LAZY

Artist: Tied To The Mast

Genre: Alternative/Rock
Location: Sussex, England. UK
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Mostar Records 

Website: http://www.tiedtothemast.co.uk/

Twitter: http://twitter.com//tiedtothemast1

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

Today’s tune comes from a band with a ‘can-do’ attitude, another product of Mostar Records, they are Tied To The Mast.

Their single ‘Plain Lazy’ begins with a soft appealing guitar lick in which the sound can only be described as a portrayal of birds twittering in the beautiful morning sunshine. This is soon accompanied by an equally infectious and catchy drum beat producing a radio-friendly winner! Not to be overshadowed though, the simple but very effective easy-going vocals enter the fray. Lyrically, the song is based on a repetition of the following verse and nothing else:

"Am I just plain lazy? Or acting the fool?

 Am I too hot to handle? Or too cool for school?"

The track really comes into its own as the drums step up a gear seducing the listener into a dream-like state. This stylish performance maintains throughout creating a stunning summer song if ever there was one.

As a debut single on Mostar Records, this track represents some serious potential waiting to be unleashed on the world. ‘Tied To The Mast’ are a name to look out for! 

Here is the wonderful new video for 'Plain Lazy':

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] The Cape Race

Artist: The Cape Race
Genre: Rock
Location: Manchester, UK 
Label Type: Unsigned
Website: http://www.thecaperace.com/ 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thecaperace
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thecaperace

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

Today’s artist have been rocking from the streets of Manchester since September 2009. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the five-piece alternative indie-rock band, The Cape Race.

The band consists of David Moloney on vocals, Adam Lewis on bass and backing vocals, Matt Sayward and Scott Perkins on guitars, and Jonny Davys on the drums. These five talented musicians have one mini-album to date, for which recording began a little over a year after the bands formation. It’s titled ‘Now, Voyager’ and was produced by the magnificent Peter Miles in Earth Terminal Studios. The record is a six-track offering which can be attained for free on the band’s official website.

What is interesting to note about this mini-album is that the band are planning to make a video for each and every song on it. At this present moment there are three videos already available. The first of these is for the single, “They’re Young, They’re In Love” which was released on New Year’s Day of this year. Later on in the year on April 4^th, the second single “Little Whites” was released, and whilst a video has recently been made for third single, “The Reprieve”, the track itself won’t officially be released until August 19^th. "Bets", "Barcelona" and ‘Now, Voyager" are the other tracks on the record

A genuine theme that occurs across all six tracks on the record is that enormous strength and authority possessed by the vocals. This is something that sets them apart from bands of a similar ilk. In addition to this, the band clearly has a knack for the art of song-writing standing them in good stead.

These guys could well be one for the future so be sure to check ‘em out!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] The Riot Tapes – PHOTOGRAPH

Artist: The Riot Tapes

Genre: Indie/ Alternative/ Power Pop

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Mostar Records 

Website: http://www.mostarrecords.com/the-riot-tapes/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/theriottapes

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

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

'Photograph' is the debut single from Dublin based indie rockers The Riot Tapes. Formed in 2009 the band are currently in the process of recording their debut album. Photograph is a classic slice of indie pop rock pie, with positive nods to The Pretenders and Blondie. Opening with a steady drum beat and an contagious guitar riff, Photograph reaches a crescendo with an emotionally charged chorus. The music sparkles, but it is the luscious vocals of singer Elaine Doyle that sends Photograph into orbit. The Riot Tapes have received plenty of attention over in Ireland having been labelled as one of the “Irish Sounds of 2011” and are ready to launch an assault on the UK charts. Photograph is a perfect pop gem and there can be no doubt that The Riot Tapes have a bright future ahead of them.  

Photograph is out now on Mostar Records, and you can check out the video for the single below:

James Shingler

[ArtistOTD] I Haunt Wizards

Artist: I Haunt Wizards

Genre: Electro/Alternative/New Wave

Location: Brighton, England, UK

Label Type: Unsigned
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/IHAUNTWIZARDS

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Haunt-Wizards/38075542293

Souncloud:http://soundcloud.com/ihauntwizards

I Haunt Wizards are a two-piece band from Brighton in South England. The previously three-pronged group now consists of Helen Kirby and James Lavelle. Formed in 2007, they deliver a fantasy-like approach to music. There are no obvious bands that you could draw comparisons to, but they do produce beats similar to those of Partyshank. IHW are heavily influenced by their childhood and there seems to be an obsession with the supernatural, illustrated by such song titles as ‘Alien Mothership’ and ‘Vampire Aids’. Their sound is based predominantly on a combination of keyboards and synths as well as Kirby’s dreamy vocals. Her vocals produce a ‘’bunged-up’’ yet somewhat sexy sound to their music. IHW may be known to fans of UK metalcore group, Bring Me The Horizon for remixing the single ‘Diamond’s Aren’t Forever’. This was included in the Sheffield-based bands cut up version of their own 2008 album, Suicide Season.

IHW have written and recorded many different songs since their formation in 2007 but only released their first EP, ‘Fountain of Youth’ in September 2010 which was made available as a free download via soundcloud. The songs that stand out the most from the six-track offering are arguably the first two. Track one is the sparkly and electro-style ‘I Am Not So Evil’. Although relatively vague, the lyrics offer a seemingly existential explanation of life, questioning their own personality in which they struggle to dismiss the idea of them being a bad person. This is followed by the wonderful ‘Peter Pan Complex’, a far more bouncy and sharper tune, the meaning of which is pretty much summed up by the chorus line; ‘you’re much meaner than I thought’.

Prior to this release, the band had released the single, ‘Flowers Bloom’, on Ear Candy Music. The single also comes with a ‘Witty Boy Remix’ of the song as its B-side. The A-side is a love song showing a side of the band more in tune with reality. It has a more mainstream pop sound, but still retains the electro beats. 

Hopefully, in the near future the duo gets the recognition they deserve and reap their just rewards.

Feel free to check out their MySpace or Facebook, and download the EP for free on their Soundcloud!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] The Joy Formidable - WHIRRING

Artist: The Joy Formidable

Genre: Rock/Indie/Alternative

Location: London, England, UK

Label Type: Major

Record Label: Atlantic Records

Website: http://www.thejoyformidable.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/joyformidable

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thejoyformidable

Whirring is the second single from The Big Roar, the debut album from North Wales’ finest, The Joy Formidable. Originally released as a one off single back in 2009, this new version comes complete with extended, accelerated and ultimately brilliant coda. In a time when most indie bands are made up of gap year students (usually with band members called Rupert or Henry or some other upper class twatish name) The Joy Formidable are a breath of fresh air in an increasingly stagnant scene. The all out assault of the music collides perfectly with the enchanting vocals of front women Ritzy Bryan. Whirring manages to be fabulously catchy and hard hit at the same time. Whirring follows the quiet/LOUD formula of The Pixies, while at the same time infusing the sonic audacity of My Bloody Valentine. The Joy Formidable have lived up to the promise of early singles such as Cradle and Austere, and have produced by far their finest single release to date.  The Joy Formidable are also a ferocious live band and can be seen supporting Manic Street Preachers on their arena tour in May.

Tue 10 - London Koko

Thur 12 - The Great Escape Festival

Fri 13 - Hamburg Markthale with Manic Street Preachers

Mon 16 - Dublin Olympia with Manic Street Preachers

Wed 18 - Llandudno Cymru Arena with Manic Street Preachers

Thurs 19 - Wolverhampton Civic Hall with Manic Street Preachers

Sat 21 - Cardiff CIA with Manic Street Preachers

The album The Big Roar is out now

Whirring is released on the 4^th of April

James Shingler

[TuneOTD] The Vaccines - IF YOU WANNA

Artist: The Vaccines

Genre: Rock/Indie/Alternative

Location: London, England, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Colombia
Website: http://www.thevaccines.co.uk

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thevaccines

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

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

The Vaccines were voted third in BBC Sound’s 2011, and on current form it is unlikely that they could overtake Jessie J as she continues her assault on the Top 40 album and single charts (yet let’s be honest she did it for the MONEY MONEY MONEY!). Yet their release of 'If You Wanna' will add fuel to the fire for the indie faithful, it will only disappoint genuine new music fans. Compared to Post Break up sex and Wreckin Bar it struggles to hit the high notes, and compared to the rest of the Top 40 it is a breath of fresh air. Whether an attack on the charts is their ambition, and a shout out from Fearne ‘the devil women’ Cotton I hope not, yet compared to the promise, this single struggles to live up to previous attempts and hopeful fruits of the recently released album.

This week saw the release of debut album What did you expect from the Vaccines?, well to be honest we expected better. The constant repetition of the chorus in the single is pleasant up to a point, but the drones of the pre-chorus and bridge make me think of what Radio 1 used to be. Zane Lowe, I’m sure will rate it highly, but who cares for him anymore. The Vaccines can go in one of two directions from their present position. They can fall into the background of indie hype/promise like The Courteeners or come out of 2011 shining. Pleasant listening to Radio 2 indie or geography teachers it is. It may be re-vamped and updated from old demos and according to guitarist Freddie Cowan and singer Justin Young ‘thinking they’ve nailed it’, I disagree. The Vaccines played at Cardiff Students Union this year as part of the NME UK Tour, and stole the show. If you want your summer to be full of hopeful promise then check out The Vaccines at all major summer festivals, and supporting Arcade Fire at Hyde Park this summer.

Check out the video below:

Patrick Allinson

[ArtistOTD] The Skints

Artist: The Skints

Genre: Reggae/Dub/Alternative 

Location: East London, England ,UK

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/theskints

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

The Skints are a four-piece reggae band from East London and can also be described as ska, punk, dub, alternative, rock etc. The East Londoners showcase a wealth of talent, incorporating a vast array of instruments. As well as being a terrific singer, the multi-talented front woman Marcia Richards is equally comfortable playing a saxophone, a flute, a keyboard, an organ or even a melodica amongst other things. Complimenting Richards are the rock-steady reggae vocals of guitarist Josh Waters Rudge working in tandem with that of the sublime and soulful vocals of drummer Jamie Kyriakides and the tangy bass of Jonathan Doyle. 

The quartet had been a band, touring and writing for a couple of years before releasing the simply majestic debut album, Live.Breathe.Build.Believe. Short and sweet, the 10-track record (plus a hidden track) portrays a wonderful exhibition of classic reggae and ska-style riffs. Right the way from the phenomenal vibe given by Mindless via the outstanding Complications Of The Modern Rudeboy to the wonderfully poetic Roanna’s Song, this record is flawless! The hardcore mash-up integrating the saxophone in Complications Of The Modern Rudeboy is nothing short of spectacular, a real highlight of the record. Roanna’s Song is a really meaningful and emotional tune, and Mindless is the real curtain raiser, preparing the listener for a sign of things to come. The spine of the album comes in the form of the astutely named Culture Vulture as well as Murderer and Bright Girl. These three songs in particular show off the bands springy ska side where they feel most at home. Culture Vulture is all about sticking it to the ska purists who ignore the existence of the punk-ska fusion, and where Bright Girl is happy and upbeat, Murderer is quite the opposite, but just as graceful in its own way. Get Me presents a passionate challenge to the youth of British society and Change The Channel illustrates the bands diversity, integrating heavy dub beats as well as a flute! The band have progressed immensely from their initial EP from 2008 and this is illustrated by the masterful rework of Sociopath. This album can be described as a ska-punk or punk-ska album, but whatever the genre, it is supreme! After just one album, The Skints have already established themselves as one of the big-hitters in the UK reggae-punk scene.

After much anticipation following the first album, The Skints returned in late 2010 with a new single titled Up Against The Wall. This is not dissimilar to the material of the debut album in that when you listen you can’t help but want to move your feet and skank to the brilliant beats. You can check out this track below.

Up to this present day, The Skints continue to tour and write new stuff, and I’m sure there is a second album brewing on the horizon. Keep an eye out, they are definitely one to watch!

Matthew Evans

[ArtistOTD] PJ Harvey

Artist: PJ Harvey

Genre: Alternative, Indie, Folk, Experimental Rock  

Location:Dorset, England ,UK

Label Type: Major

Record Label: Island
Website: http://www.pjharvey.net

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PJHarveyUK

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

Since coming to the forefront of British Alternative Rock in the early 1990s, PJ Harvey has taken on a number of different guises, ranging from screaming banshee of her early work to the Rock 'n' Roll queen that appeared on the Mercury Prize winning album 'Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.' Her latest release 'Let England Shake' finds Harvey at the hight of her song writing, as she tackles the subject of the blood, mess and waste of war.

PJ Harvey first came to prominence in 1992 with her raw and powerful début album 'Dry'. The album is still see as a cornerstone of the 1990's "women in rock" movement. Dry is the sound of bluesy riffs played with punk-rock energy suddenly crash to a hush, while Harvey's desperate wails become fatigued moans. Harvey followed 'Dry' with the awkward harshness of 'Rid Of Me'. Produced by Steve Albini, 'Rid Of Me' is Harvey most hard-hitting record to date, with songs such as 50ft Queenie and the title track providing angst ridden rawness.

1995 saw the release of the more commercial sounding 'To Bring You My Love', an album that saw Harvey strip away the angst of her first two albums. 'To Bring You My Love' filled with dirty blues riffs is a far more confident album then its predecessors. Harvey's next album the under-rated 'Is This Desire?', saw Harvey experiment with her sound, using elements of electronica and spoken word vocals.

PJ Harvey's commercial breakthrough came in 2000 with the release of 'Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.' With its Hi-Fi, glossy production and massive choruses the album went on to sell over a million copies. Its follow up 'Uh Huh Her' saw Harvey return to her blues rock roots. while 2007's 'White Chalk' saw Harvey put down her guitar,and reaching for her piano and autoharp, as Harvey reconnected with the traditional folk of her Dorset childhood. 

After two decades PJ Harvey remains Britain's most consistently brilliant songwriter.




James Shingler


What To Buy? 

1993 - Dry

1998 - Is This Desire?

2000 - Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea

2007 - White Chalk

2011 - Let England Shake