[TuneOTD] Rudimental - NOT GIVING IN (ft. John Newman & Alex Clare)

Artist: Rudimental

Genre: Drum & Bass
Location: Hackney, London, UK
Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Asylum Records/Black Butter Records

Website: http://rudimental.co.uk/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RudimentalUk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RudimentalUK

Today’s tune is a big one! ‘Not Giving In’ is the brand new single from Rudimental released just a couple of days ago (November 18^th) on Asylum Records (US) and Black Butter Records (UK).

Following up the UK’s second ever Drum and Bass number one is a massive challenge. Naturally, Rudimental have stepped up with something equally refreshing; John Newman’s vocals are even more powerful than before, and the string/horn combo sends major shivers. They have continued where they left off with a rumbling bass accompanied by twinkling piano keys and lashing jazzy brass. The smooth, soulful vocals simply add to the already impressive amalgamation of brass, keys and bass. The meaning of the track given by the lyrics is simple. It aims to promote a message of standing tall, remaining strong throughout the tough times and ultimately, not giving in!

The Hackney quartet have once again decided to make full use of Newman’s infectious talent as they did on ‘Feel The Love’, a track which went platinum down under earlier this year. Furthermore, the latest release also features Alex Clare; the man responsible for bringing us the outstanding track, ‘Too Close’, which itself went platinum across the pond and in Germany.

‘Not Giving In’ comes with speaker-splicing remixes from Loadstar and Ed Rush, as well as a powerful, complementing video which you can check out below:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Chase & Status - BIG MAN (ft. Liam Bailey)

Artist: Chase & Status

Genre: Drum & Bass/Dubstep/Breakbeat

Location: London, UK

Label Type: Major 

Record Label: Mercury Records / Universal Music

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/chaseandstatus

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

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

Following on from their highly successful single, ‘Blind Faith’, drum and bass heavyweights Chase and Status have once again collaborated with Liam Bailey to bring us ‘Big Man’. However, the auto-tuning on Bailey’s voice makes his inclusion completely unrecognisable to that on ‘Blind Faith’. Some may see it as a waste of his talent, taking away the passion and integrity, but on the other hand it could be seen as simply exploring another dimension of the musical resources in order to provide an alternative sound.

This effort is certainly more rock influenced than the sound Chase & Status have become synonymous with since the release of ‘No More Idols’ in 2011. This is evident in the guitars and drums, coinciding with less emphasis on the bass triggering the question of its genre. It suggests a slight switch of direction from good old fashioned D&B to a more drumstep approach. The heavy drum beats enable it to remain anarchistic in nature; a song that you can head-bang, mosh out and release energy to. In terms of the mood and atmosphere generated by the lyrics and meaning it reveals a darker sound, a trait which is rumoured to be more of a fixture on the upcoming third album. The general consensus however will undoubtedly look to issues surrounding the inclusion of the autotune on Liam Bailey’s vocals, possibly sparking a move away from clean vocals in the near future for the duo.

The song is now available for free download on the Chase & Status website. Below is the ‘Smack My Bitch Up’-esque video for the new single ‘Big Man’ (ft. Liam Bailey): 

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

[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

[ArtistOTD] Pris

Artist: Pris

Genre: Pop/Post Punk

Location: London, England, UK

Label Type: Unsigned

Website: http://www.prisoff.co.uk/ 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PRIS_OFF 

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/i-love-pris

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/I-Love-Pris/

In the days when indie pop has become increasingly boring and sterile, Pris are ready to give the music industry a proverbial (and perhaps physical) kick up the arse. Hailing from London, Pris have the gobby rhetoric of early Manic Street Preachers, the sexiness of Debbie Harry and the trashy pop punk sounds of the Buzzocks. Having already taking pot shots at the Klaxons and Mumford & Fuckin’ Sons, the band caused a minor twitter fury last weekend by calling Ellie Goulding ‘a massive wang’, Brilliant!

Pris consist of Kat (Vocals), Agatha (Guitar), Mary (Bass) and Sam (Drums).  Despite claiming that “Songwriting is for losers”, Pris have produced an impressive array of infectiously catchy tunes including the bittersweet True Romance and fabulous Guessed You Would Be Depressed. Pris are the ultimate DIY band, a melting pot of cigarettes, lipstick, energy, passion and cockiness. Pris will no doubt divide the masses between believers and non- believes. Whose side are you on?

Pris are set to release their debut single The Better You Look, The More You See in the near future. 

James Shingler

[TuneOTD] LickSpittle - LUSH HOUND

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

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, 23^rd May on Mostar Records so be sure to check it out!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - QUELLE SURPRISE

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

“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 19^th, you can check out the video for it below:

Matthew Evans

[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