[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

[AlbumOTD] Eyes Like Diamonds - FREQUENCIES

Artist: Eyes Like Diamonds

Genre: Rock/Post-Hardcore/Experimental
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada. US
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: Tragic Hero Records  

Twitter: http://twitter.com/eyeslike

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

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

Falling into the post-hardcore genre, from across the pond come Eyes Like Diamonds. This is a review of their debut album 'Frequencies' released on Tragic Hero Records last month.

ELD demonstrate their knack of combining a perfect blend of singing and gnarly screams portraying a masterful array of vocal technique. The heavy driving guitars are a force that can really be felt on this record. In addition the drums are made to sound like the thudding powerful beasts that they are!

ELD begin with a classic ‘Intro’ which in essence, is the calm before the storm. This flows into ‘Satellites’ which acts as a warning for the faint-hearted. Diego Perez's stunning vocals are mostly clean and harmonic on this track with an optimal dose of scream and a masterful mix up of tempos.

The guitars on ‘This Sinful City’ give off a nice bouncy stochastic up-beat feel which was a welcome surprise as the band demonstrate their diversity. This trait progresses with wonderful subtlety into a killer chorus.

The next track is ‘Left For Dead’ possessing a pacey hard-hitting tempo again with outstanding lead vocals, broken down to allow for equally spectacular growls, with Tony Pell showcasing his talent. A head-banger's dream! ‘You’re So Hollywood & IDGAF’ follows on in a similar realm in what I can only describe as a real hard-hitting frustration-venter.

The interlude ‘Law Of Attraction’ performs as a breakdown of the breath-taking first-half to the album, offering time for much need breather where Danielle Schrudder and her keys are the main attraction.

‘Set This Place Aflame’ eases the listener back into the swing of things before the screams and singing vocals again work in tandem on ‘3…2…1…’, however they are overshadowed by some classy riffs on this track.

‘Waves’ is slightly slower and less penetrating but the inclusion of dual vocals is a welcome addition. And just in case the last couple of songs made you too comfortable, ‘It’s Not Easy Being King’ smashes you with a blistering showcase of high-pitch scream as the main element. It also includes a wonderful breakdown allowing an the song to fade away into the night sky.

The climax of the album comes in the form of ‘Years in the Making’. This puts together all the weapons to ELD’s arsenal rounding off a top effort for a debut album. A soft and delicate piano, soulful clean vocals, screeches, screams, breakdowns and a bundle of passion and energy!

Here are a the respective videos for 'Left For Dead' and '3...2...1...' from the album to whet your appetite:

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 Future Shape of Sound - THINKING BAD THOUGHTS

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

According to this band, The Future Shape of Sound is to be up-beat jazzy 12 bar blues…or as they self-proclaim “Space Age Gangster Soul”. Yeah, you read that right, can’t do anything else but give it a listen now!

This groovy number begins with a striking guitar riff, quickly introducing a lovely blend of organs and brass. Adding to this mix is the vocals of Big Daddy Kai combining positive influences from the genres of blues, soul and hip-hop. Then as if it couldn’t take on another dimension, the mellifluous female vocals of Nomtai Mabo enter the fray. The track remains funky throughout, with the organs leaving a lasting impression alongside the infectious bass provided by The Vaccines very own Arni Hjorvar. Arni isn’t the only special guest to appear on the record however as Jack Cowens of Dub Pistols also makes an appearance on drums. Perhaps an ending to the song could have been reached better, but hey, not every part of every song can be to everyone’s satisfaction right?

I presume the name of the band is meant ironically as their music is retro and heavily influenced by 60’s music, specifically blues. If not meant ironically, well then this is the way I believe they should market themselves. As for the single itself, it’s sexy, it’s got swagger and it will make you swing those hips!

‘Thinking Bad Thoughts’ will be on TFSOS’s EP titled ‘Eleven 59’ to be released on Mostar Records later this year. 

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Nero - PROMISES

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

‘Promises’ is the new song from UK act Nero, labelled by Zane Lowe as the Hottest Record in the World. It’s a more than adequate follow up to previous hit singles ‘Innocence’, ‘Me & You’ and ‘Guilt’. All four songs are to feature on the duo’s first studio album, Welcome Reality set for release on August 15^th on MTA Records. Vocals for the track are provided by Alana Watson, who is now essentially part of the furniture at Nero HQ, featuring heavily as a vocalist on much of the new material.

The song itself follows on very much from earlier releases producing a similar sound of fusion between drum & bass and their own unique blend of dubstep. As expected with Nero, the song possesses a magnificent breakdown from pounding drum beats and effective use of synths and bass. The powerful vocals compliment the sound of DJ’s Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray wonderfully, suiting each other down to the ground. As for the chorus, saying that it’s catchy is a cliché used all too often, but it’s a cliché that is all too true in this case.

Lyrically, the meaning behind the song is simply about a girl being told by her partner that they won’t leave her so long as she doesn’t break her promises. Not particularly genius or original, but then again, this is the case for most dance songs.

With Nero’s last two tracks peaking 8 and 15 on the official UK singles chart, this latest release is bound to mean another appearance in the higher echelons of the chart when it’s released on August 7^th.

You can pre-order the album here and check out the brand new official video for Promises below:

Matthew Evans

Glastonbury 2011 Review - Part 2

In our second part review of the ‘Greatest Party’ on earth, James Shingler looks back at his highlights.

 

The Joy Formidable

 

TJF were the band that I was most looking forward to seeing this year and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite some technical gremlins that delayed the start by half an hour and meant that the band had to cut their setlist short the band blasted through a breath taking set. Beginning with the forth coming single ‘A Heavy Abacus’, before giving the John Peel crowd selective highlights from their magnificent debut album ‘The Big Roar’, The Joy Formidable showed why they are one of the most thunderous live acts around.  The set culminated in a chaotic version of ‘Whirring’ which saw front women Ritzy Bryan flinging her guitar into a massive gong! Forget about headliners on the pyramid stage, this was what Glasto should always be about - energy and passion.

 

Anna Calvi

 

I must admit prior to her performance on the John Peel Stage I knew very little about Miss Calvi, only that she had a reputation as a fantastic live act and that she was someone that I would probably like. However, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away just as much I was by her seductive performance. Calvi and her backing band produced a set that will live long in the collective memory of those who witnessed it. Highlights included the brilliant ‘Blackout’ and a cover Edith Piaf’s ‘Jezebel’.

 

Eels

 

The hairiest band on planet wowed the Other Stage early on Sunday evening with their blend of lush pop and heavy rock. E and the rest of the band were on great form as rip roar through a greatest hits sets that included a frantic version of ‘I Like Birds’, the perfect Sunday anthem 'Novocaine For The Soul'  and a Beyoncé Trumpet cover!  

 

 

     

 

Glastonbury 2011 Review - Part 1

It is now a week since the end of the greatest festival on the planet, and so it seems appropriate to release our review of the extravaganza that is Glastonbury.

Matthew Evans - Top 3

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Chemical Brothers

 Without a doubt they stole the show for me. They delivered everything expected and more. The visual effects and light show were out of this world and were a perfect way to close the other stage on the Saturday night. The Manchester boys produced a masterclass in live electro dance music, a truly spine-tingling experience. After previously headlining the pyramid stage, Tom and Ed returned to the other stage performing to a massive crowd all stuck in the mud as a result of the pouring rain. This didn’t dampen the mood however; if anything it enhanced it with the crowd embracing the conditions!

As far as the individual songs go, “Star Guitar” was a real winner, as was their hybrid version of “Out of Control” and “Setting Sun”.  

You can check out the 30 minute BBC edited version of this magnificent set here.

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Chase & Status

 Light sky, night sky, special guest appearances, dancing, raving, skanking, moshing, and lots of mud and rain; this set had everything. The collaboration kings played to a packed crowd at the West Holt’s Stage on the Friday evening at the festival.

The field was filled with excitement as the London-based group opened with the single “No Problem”. This had a brilliant backdrop which was chemical brothers-esque as well as a wonderful lights show. It was a superb way to begin, it really got the crowd jumping and singing-along. Guest stars such as Tempa T, Milo, Liam Bailey came and went but the highlight was the single “Time” featuring Delilah which sent the crowd into pure ecstasy. Raving it up, splashing in the mud with the rain lashing down watching top quality music live right in front of you, it doesn’t get much better than that.

You can also re-live this set here, but this half hour showing doesn’t do the set justice censoring out the two stand-out songs mentioned previously. Chase and Status epitomised everything that’s good about Glastonbury, dedicating to good music and good people!

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Nero

 Nero are a drum and bass/dubstep duo who are actually signed up to Chase & Status’ record label MTA Records. I seen these guys a couple of years ago in a tiny venue when they were relatively unknown, and it’s amazing to see how far they have come since then. Their live set at Glasto confirmed this. They headlined the Wow! Stage at 2am Saturday night/Sunday morning in front of a packed crowd. The tent was nowhere near big enough to contain the rowdy ravers. Their set ended with the appearance of Alana Watson, vocalist for many of the duo’s tracks. It was a perfect way to end with such hits as “Me & You” and “Innocence” proving favourable with the lively crowd. However the stand-out song was undoubtedly “Guilt”. The song sent out a magnificent vibe circulating its way around the tent building on the already electric atmosphere. I look forward to seeing these guys again sometime soon!

I must point that none of these three acts were in my “Top 5 to watch” highlighting the vast array of music on offer at the the festival. Other note-worthy mentions go to The Joy Formidable, Pendulum, Biffy Clyro and Foster the People for some wonderful performances.

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Matthew Evans