[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] 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 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

--------------------------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------------------------

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!

-----------------------------------------------

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.

-------------------------------------------------

Matthew Evans