The Pale White
A New Breed (EP) - AWAL Records
Reviewed by Andi Bridges
EP released 20th Oct 23
Well, I wasn’t expecting that! Let me explain.
Given the new The Pale White release to review, the name suggested to me, an Indie shoegaze band. Online images of the band gave the same impression, although the photo accompanying the EP shows a band that have developed a fear of barbers. A bit of internet research told me they are a three-piece alt-rock band from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, comprising of brothers, Adam Hope (guitar, lead vocals), Jack Hope (drums) and Dave Barrow (bass).
This new music, a six song EP, self-produced by Adam Hope and John Martindale, clocking in at 22 and a half minutes is their first release since their 2021 album - Infinite Pleasure.
First track and according to the blurb, the lead single – Validate Me, which has the band describing it thus - “explores the mental tug of war between following your true purpose, and conforming to what society thinks you should be. It was born during the pandemic when we all lost our social identity and this heightened self-sabotaging paranoia was just as contagious.”. Musically it brings to mind The Pixies.
Dogs is up next and wouldn’t be out of place on the Nirvana album In Utero, there is a distinct down tuned vibe to it and the solo borrows heavily from the grunge playbook. How Far Can You Push A Man continues the Nirvana comparisons as Adam sounds very like Kurt on this one. I read somewhere that this was the lead single. If so, it didn’t trouble the world, which is a shame, and the band now state Validate Me is the lead single.
First track on Side 2, List Of Enemies walks the same Seattle sounding path. Time Bomb then gets dancey, in an angular Indie kind of way. Final track, Taste The Sun changes tack again and gets very psychedelic. It reminds me of Saigon Kick, who wanted to be a Heavy Rock Beatles. It is built on a hook very reminiscent of Are Friends Electric.
The EP comes in a very Limited pressing of 300, on Nucleus coloured vinyl (it looks yellow), available on the band’s website.
They also embark on a short six date UK tour in early December, so see you down the front.
I’ll give the final word to the band, “We want to prove that there are many layers to The Pale White and open up new dimensions as a band. We want to keep evolving and impressing people with each new project, continue moving forward and put out as much music as possible.”
Bex
Scum (EP) - Scruff of the Neck
Reviewed by Levi Tubman
EP released 27th Oct 23
SCUM is the debut EP by Nu-punk trailblazer BEX with tracks like ‘SPYD4 K1NG’, 'Trust No One' and ‘Don’t Date The Devil’ being spun on the likes of BBC Radio 1 Future Alternative, Rock Introducing and Kerrang! Radio Fresh Blood, citing influences including System of a Down, The Pretty Reckless, Rage Against The Machine & Paramore, as the 2020 lockdowns started to bite, BEX honed her creativity and vision from her student bedroom picking up a bass guitar and found that everything sounded better when you played it lower down.
Opening up is “chained into my brain” and almost straight away its lead with thick running fuzzy bass that wouldn’t sound out of place at the peak of the 90’s grunge movement, while over the top the lyrics are spoken, almost sweet with her accent coming through strong before descending into near shouting in the fast paced chorus, high energy from start to finish I found myself singing along from the very first listen.
“Don’t Date The Devil” comes in very similar, her unmistakable accent, bass heavy instruments distorted but it’s a very different beast, vocals going towards pop with a heavy distorted bubble-gum feel hook, against the less than bubble gum lyrics before breaking down in the middle, bass getting lower with an industrial tinge before coming back brighter like a shadow passing over.
“Filfy” the new single really lives up to its name its unclean angst rubbing up against the other tracks, distortion dialled up a few notches, creeping onto the vocals in parts, an angry 3 minutes about BEX breaking free from mundane everyday life she describes it as “about coming together with people who are like-minded, having spent your life not fitting in because of how you look, dress, act, the music you listen to, your sexuality, your ethnicity” Sometimes when you have something to say about the world around you. something youre passionate about, it needs to be loud and in your face!
“Misogynistic D---s” Follows on neatly from Filfy, as angry and dirty, reflecting on her experience of the misogynistic world where she calls for it to be crucified, a call to arms, singing “want to be out of danger now” and “fighting a battle that’s been fought before, every generation fighting the same cause” while parts are softly spoken others are almost spat out to backdrop of frantic guitars and bass, a lot of energy has been put into the message.
“SPYD4 K1NG” An electronic industrial start with whispered vocals giving way to militant drums louder spoken lyrics it feels a little more complex musically, while it works great on heard at home, it’s a song that cries out to be heard live to an audience rather than a couple of people at once.
Finishing of the EP is “Trust No One” Its back to an early grunge intro, with bass and drums that wouldn’t sound out of place on Nevermind, it bookends the album perfectly with the opening track, neatly containing songs between, "Do you feel ready for me? I swear im not the same Do you feel ready for me? Just don’t get in my way" sums up her attitude on the EP perfectly, sure you might be asked if youre ready but you cant stop either the music or BEX, a more musical outing on the record it’s a song catchy energetic and infectious
Can you put an EP forward for album of the year?
It does more than most albums with twice as many songs, for me this has everything I want and need in a record and an upcoming musician, it’s a 10/10, skilled both lyrically and musically BEX uses her art to get forwards messages about life, the world around us and its issues.
From start to finish it doesn’t let up, at times sounding like an unholy FUSION of My Ruin and Lily Allen, the angst is both mixed and offset with the lighter part of the songs, I don’t remember the last time a new artist has left me with a burning desire to create, and this hungry for another 6 songs!
BEX is about to play several dates across the country, I suggest you go see her, I’m off to get myself tickets.
myrkvi
Early Warning - Baggabotn
Reviewed by Chris Morley
Album released 27th Oct 23
As autumn prepares to give way to winter, you might well find its soundtrack here if you've ever wondered what it would sound like should Bjork ever invite Ride to weave their shoegazey magic inside an Icelandic glacier.
And if you ever feel like going blank again nursing a hot chocolate dangling in the hinterland between awake & asleep , as seems to come easier with every passing year as the nights draw in, at least this should help enhance your woozy visuals.
Or if you struggle to generate your own, put something like a David Attenborough nature series on & marvel at the result, a touch of Biophilia added into the mix & something different for the great man's dulcet tones to be blurred into or obscured by depending on point of view on such alfresco remixing projects ( if you considered TKOL Remix 123456 a worthy companion to its parent album in the Radiohead canon, it just might work for you).
Brew up, tune in & drop out.
black water county
The Only Life Worth Living
Reviewed by Stuart Clarkson
Album released 3rd Nov 23
The third album from West Country combo, Black Water County is a beauty. Building on the success of their earlier releases this one adds to their existing Celtic punk Pogues/Dropkick Murphys/Rumjacks style with the addition of rockier guitars to producer a more expansive sound that really suits the band.
Their output is especially suited to live performances and the band are performing 7 gigs in the UK during November plus a local Bournemouth in December. I fully recommend getting some friends together , sinking a few beers and enjoying the joyous experience that one of their gigs provides.
Singalong anthemic songs are the order of the day although the band also have some more reflective folkier style songs in their locker to enable you to get your breath back in the mosh pit.
Special mention must be made of drummer Ollie Beaton who plays like Thor on speed and produces an infectious energy that really powers the songs.
Album opener The Only Life Worth Living comes straight out of traps with all guns blazing , great guitar work, frenetic drumming , singalong chorus , a superb opener.
Cruel State of Mind keeps up the pace with another big chorus.
Here We Are Again starts with some acoustic guitar whilst male and female vocals document the end of a relationship. The protagonists join for the infectious chorus and declare ‘I won’t call your number anymore and there will be no knocking at the door’. The track builds to a glorious piece of work which really suits the vocal talents on display.
Escape is a full on Celtic punk/ rock assault powered by superb drumming that maintains a real catchiness and is sure to be a live favourite.
Questions is a real stomper with a lead female vocal filled with confidence and attitude that fits the song beautifully.
Second Guessing is a lovely predominately acoustic number that provides a contrast to the high energy crowd pleasers elsewhere but still stands up as a great song in its own right.
This is a real tour de force of an album and is going to sound amazing live - grab yourself a ticket now.
jeremy dutcher
Motewolonuwok - Secret City Records
Reviewed by Chris Morley
Album released 10th Nov 23
It's often said that music is a universal language- but is it about the words themselves, or the sounds of them? In trying to understand a record sung in a language about which you knew little up to the point of some pre- review research.
The question takes on a new resonance & illustrates just why it's worth the asking, even if you're not always guaranteed a clear answer!
The main compositional tool- piano- is at least easy enough to discern & indeed appreciate, a handy brush which lends much to the overall canvas.
And of course, with the English- language songs there is a concession to the majority who may not have heard Dutcher's native Wolastoqey spoken, let alone sung.
Though the closing five songs could be said to form a moving narrative around the sort of historical struggle all too common for peoples such as his own, take off the instrumentation & you could almost be listening to a documentary across Ancestors Too Young/ The Land That Held Them/ There I Wander/ Together We Emerge/ Rise In Beauty, easily the most compelling chapters of the story, though the foregrounding in the mother tongue does at least provide some context & a showcase for the voice telling it.
auragraph
New Standard - Dais Records
Reviewed by Neil Milner
Album released 17th Nov 23
I feel a bit of a fraud reviewing this record as I know very little of the genre it represents.
It’s likely to be a fine exponent of that genre, but to my ears it sounds dull, repetitive, and unimaginative.
It’s rhythmically strong but rarely deviates from that, and so for me quickly becomes monotonous. Each track is devoid of melody, but that is probably intentional. I hear the odd noise or sample floating in and out, and formulaic electronic noodles here and there. But it’s not innovative, and there’s nothing to remember any of these tracks by once they finish.
There’s plenty to dance to, and I suspect US producer Carlos Ramirez, professionally known as AURAGRAPH, wants to bring that hardcore acid house, dance floor clubbing vibe live into your living room. So, if that’s what you want, then this is a record for you. But I struggle understanding anyone wanting to listen to this for pleasure.
I did try and give it a chance, but I all too quickly switched off before every track stopped. I confess that I’m no expert, but other than better production techniques available, this record could have easily existed in the late 1980s/early 1990s. But there would have been more interest and enthusiasm for it then than now because the genre was still relatively young and the culture surrounding it was evolving.
To me, it is background music. Borrowing Oscar Wilde’s, ‘There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about’, quote, it engenders a feeling within me of nonchalance.
It’s not terrible; I can at least say something positive in that it’s well constructed and competent. But it’s not brilliant. What it does sound to me is mechanical, boring, and safe.
Track listing:
1. New Standard
2. Dub City
3. 110 Cruisin
4. Coast 2 Coast
5. Acid 4 U
6. 666 Ambience
7. Heatwave
8. No Longer Here
Links:
spearmint
This Candle Is For You - WIAIWYA Records
Reviewed by Andi Bridges
Album released 17th Nov 23
London based Spearmint have been making independent music for more than two decades, still on their own label, still with the same line-up. Shirley Lee (vocals, guitar), Simon Calnan (vocals, keyboards), James Parsons (guitar, bass) and Ronan Larvor (drums).
This latest offering – This Candle Is For You, a follow up to 2021s Holland Park, deals with themes as wide ranging as the search for a missing sister, the ways we remember lost loved ones, Prince’s encounters with Joni Mitchell, the story of John Gavin, the James Bond star who never got to make a film, late-night drinking in Soho. The joys of B-movies & video nasties, changing attitudes to mental health, the plight and wonder of older cats, the reaction to the death of Sarah Everard, and the afterlife.
It will be released digitally, on CD, and on limited-edition vinyl with lyric book via WIAIWYA records. There have been three 7” singles with accompanying videos released so far from the album: Melody’s Mother’s Jam (on 28th July), Three More Songs On The Jukebox & Prince & Joni (15th September) and Older Cats 2 (3rd November). The album has again been produced by Rhodri Marsden (Scritti Politti).
It takes a brave band, in this digital, short attention span age to start the album with a 7 minute 9 second track – Tell Me About My Sister – especially as the vocals don’t come in until the 3-minute mark. It starts off with a funky rhythm with a very 70s disco vibe given a modern technological twist. When the guitar comes in it is reminiscent of Nile Rogers and will get you up and moving. The final 30 seconds are given over to a string section which works very well. Track two: Make You Beautiful, treads a classic pop song path. Indie sounding guitar, solid drums, think The LA’s.
Track three, Melody’s Mother’s Jam, has a jazzy feel. It is great the hear the drums being played with brushes. I can even forgive the vocalist paying tribute to Kenneth Williams by singing “Infamy, infamy, they’ve all got it in for me”. The Most Secret Agent In The World follows, and takes the pace down a notch. It shows the band aren’t afraid to experiment with structure or instrumentation as bongos make a brief appearance during the middle eight.
Prince And Joni is piano led and has a childlike quality to the lyrics. Even the solo has a similar charm. There are some lovely harmony vocals. There are some brave choices on this album, not least to have a song - Three More Songs On The Jukebox, where the last line is, “I don’t want this night to end” that clocks in at 1 minute 10 seconds.
On track seven – Never Far From Saturday Night, it struck me that singer, Shirley Lee, sounds a little like Davy Jones of The Monkees. This is a good thing. A Motown beat between drums and bass drives track 8 – Into The Darkness, a overdriven wah-wah guitar makes a marvellous cameo.
The next two tracks are different sides of the same coin. How I Became The Nutter On The Bus Older Cats Pt 1 and Older Cats Pt2. It deals with getting older and how you and your perspectives change.
This couldn’t be written by a teenager. At 3 mins and 45 seconds it becomes a monologue which works surprisingly well. Part 2 starts like a Blondie track, it then takes a massive musical detour before returning to what nowadays is called pop-punk
Sometimes when reviewing an album around track 10 or 11 everything gets a bit samey, and it becomes quite difficult to find more stuff to say about it. Thankfully in this instance it is not the case. Flowers On The Bandstand is possibly my favourite track of this set. A strummed acoustic guitar and plaintiff vocal make for a very moving moment, especially when he sings 125 more have lost their lives. The final minute and a half is given over to a guitar solo, where the tone matches the mood of the rest of the song. Lastly - Back In The Middle starts low key with acoustic guitar, before morphing into a celebration over the refrain of “Celebrate a life”.
This is a well-crafted Pop album, if you dig The Beautiful South, you will absolutely love this album.
Finally an interesting fact I discovered about the band. In the film 500 Days of Summer, released in 2009, the main character Tom states “I don’t want to live in a world where no-one’s heard of Spearmint”. The film was inspired by their album – My Missing Days.
little man tate
Welcome To The Rest Of Your Life - Best Of Three
Reviewed by Dave Flerin
Album released 17th Nov 23
Making a comeback after a fifteen-year hiatus is no easy task, but by the sounds of this the omens are good for the return of Sheffield’s Little Man Tate. Once mid-noughties steel-city contemporaries of Reverend & the Makers and Arctic Monkeys, LMT released two albums, went on hiatus to do the regular stuff us normal folk do, and then picked up their guitars again to take a gamble on a second musical career.
To be honest, it’s taken four plays to make me come round to it, but it was worth it. “Welcome…” is so well written and recorded that it’s just charmed me into submission. Clearly, they’re not here to change the world, but if they said they’ve returned to spread joy and good vibes then it’s mission accomplished; and the joy and good vibes agenda is writ large throughout this record, gluing it all together perfectly. Each song is a quaint little vignette with hooks aplenty right the way through, almost defying you not to succumb to its charms.
Younger studenty indie-disco types will (probably) be mad for songs like the opener “Cheap Stolen Kisses”, and “Down in the Gutter”, which has melodies to burn, along with a naffly glorious ending.
“You Rub Me Up the Wrong Way” starts like the Yorkshire version of “Parklife”, changes into the “She Bangs the Drums”-era Stone Roses, and ends up channelling the sound of every other indie pop band from the 90s, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Their biog talks of success, marriages, kids, and divorces; and “Get Up Get Out” has a confessional reek about it when you peel back the thin, carefree top layer. He says he misses his younger self, bless him. “No responsibilities, no kids beneath my feet… get up, get out”. Bloody hell! Kids, Daddy didn’t mean it!
Is “We Can Be the Gossip” an ode to Beth Ditto? No, it’s an invitation to his better half to throw caution to the wind and carry on doing their thing as they negotiate the hazards of growing older together; aww.
LMT have an enviable knack of being able to squeeze the absolute best out of every song on here. Their understated songwriting and production skills lift the odd album filler into joyous pogoing territory; they’ve got dynamics, and they’re bloody well going to use them!
Even the obligatory slow album track exudes cute “This is How it Feels to Be Lonely” vibes in places, augmented by lots of cool and interesting musical bits like the military-style snare, and some gloriously peculiar moments in the backing vocals.
“Beautiful & Deadly” rounds off album number three with chunky 70s-style guitars all over the shop, and a guitar solo sounding not unlike a very musical wasp trapped in a jar trying to escape. And that’s your lot. A wham, bam thank-you, ma’am of a record. Welcome back, LMT!
richard Walters
Murmurate - Nettwerk
Reviewed by James Fortune-Clubb
Album released 17th Nov 23
Oxfordshire musician/singer-songwriter Richard Walters is nothing if not prolific.
Having recently been a member of 'LYR' (alongside poet laureate Simon Armitage) as well as 'Sun Lo' (with Canadian producer ATTLAS) - Walters is now back with his first solo album in three years. The album, which is enticingly titled 'Murmurate', is released on the Nettwerk label and comprises Walter's new collection of 12 songs.
On listening to 'Murmurate' - it's clear that Richard Walters is a competent multi-instrumentalist who can certainly hold a tune, but beyond that this is a disappointing and uninteresting album.
Considering the songs, they're all of a type - with no noticeable real light or shade, everything seems to coast along, meandering somewhere in-between the two on a subdued middle path. Walter's songs are I'm sure - heartfelt, earnest, personal, emotional and well enough sung, but really this amounts to little more than (dare I say it?) a downbeat Ed Sheeran.
In conclusion, ultimately there's nothing here to stir or move the listener and 'Murmurate' is disappointingly underwhelming. From what I've heard, both LYR and Sun Lo sound of more interest. Maybe Richard Walters strengths lie more in collaboration?
smoke fairies
Carried In Sound
Reviewed by Levi Tubman
Album released 17th Nov 23
Carried In Sound is the 6th album by the Smoke Fairies, formed in the late 1990’s, they’ve spent their time living in different parts of the world, absorbing local and world music, bringing ideas back home where they let them out into the world with critical acclaim.
They describe the album as “Blurring the lines between autobiography and storytelling, ‘Carried In Sound’ is enriched by their own experiences. Written with specific spaces – and a specific audience – in mind” Its time to find out if I’m one of those they have in mind.
It’s a vocal start to the album, Vague Ideas opens with wordless ooo’s and picked guitar before the warm intimate vocals start. A beautiful folk tale that feels like its walking through a Forest, a feeling that’s only amplified as it builds with vocal layers and strings, its beautiful, warm and inviting and a perfect start.
The title track, Carried In Sound starts to break away from the sparse instrumentation, bringing in drums and electric guitar, an alien sound against the vocals, but fused together so they stand out rather than grate against the darker harmonies.
Following on is There Was A Hope, moving back to a more vocal led theme, with piano underpinning the layered vocals, it’s still sombre, not sad or depressing, just toned down and reflective.
Sticks And Stones sees a shift in the vocals, crying out and getting desperate as the music builds until they almost break bringing back drums and electric guitars, its haunting allure glows in the centre of the album using all aspects of the other tracks like its core around which the other songs move.
Perseus is a much more upbeat and melodic number, with frangible voices it manages to be to tapping and catchy, with a simple melody. The backing vocals embrace the lead until it fades and joins and the voices slip away before the dying notes of the music, it’s gorgeously contracted.
Ending the album is Seek It with Me INST, against the opening songs rounded soft vocal sounds its ending counterpart begins with picked sharper acoustic guitar before the voices come in wordlessly echoing the opening track. There are no lyrics just vocalizing that’s been prominent throughout and is now front and centre, the voices have become pure instruments not held back by words.
You could sum up this album as beautifully haunting, it’s a little basic and cliché but it’s true, while music is art this album is heavy on the art side, with medieval folk tones throughout, you do feel like you’re being led through woods. A slow-paced walk not a dance it’s music that might not make you move around and dance much but will move you.
The pair use their voices wonderfully throughout, they often take the lead filling the space with atmospheric backing, they manage to fill the space with quite minimal production.
I’m not exactly sure who their specific target audience is, but I’m certain their audience know who they are, and I’m just as certain that you should try this out. It might not be what you usual put on but its worth it, especially at this time of year as the nights draw in.
Track Listing:
1. Vague Ideas
2. Vanishing Line
3. Carried In Sound
4. There Was A Hope
5. Seek It With Me
6. Sticks And Stones
7. Part Of It All
8. 2002
9. Perseus
10.Come To My Mind
11.Seek It With Me INST
the sleeping souls
Just Before The World Starts Burning - Xtra Mile Recordings
Reviewed by Chris Morley
Album released 24th Nov 23
Anyone looking for an answer to the question of just where the last vestige of optimism in music, let alone life, has gone could do worse than look beyond the title of the Sleeping Souls' first album without Frank Turner as nominal frontman.
If there's indeed such a thing as folk-punk exists then surely this is the nearest we have to a recent example.
The five of them bringing both together to craft the fighting Caught Up In The Scrape, sitting alongside the likes of Liar/Lover as comfortably up there with anything Turner has committed to record.
If you still miss the late Elliott Smith, you'll find plenty of soul & indeed soul- baring here.
Links:
allman brown
Second Son (EP) - Nettwerk
Reviewed by Neil Milner
EP released 1st Dec 23
I don’t enjoy reviewing records I don’t like or are indifferent to. It’s hard to be overly critical because I know songs can be intensely personal, and artists generally give everything into making them. It’s more my fault for not appreciating the artist and their genre, or liking what they do, not the fault of the artist who in are generally talented, accomplished, but for me seem sometimes unimaginative.
I’ve listened to Allman Brown’s new EP a few times. It’s pleasant enough, but to my ears it’s mostly wearisome.
There’s a lot of personal issues which Allman is dealing with and trying to resolve through this record. Bad Blood will resonate with some. It’s about character flaws he finds difficult to resolve, and the line, ‘I’ve got bad blood in my veins’, seems emblematic of his internal pain.
So, lyrically, it is mostly intense and personal, and I’m supportive of that. However, musically, it’s not original. This endless fashion for songs sung and played in minor keys through tried and tested ancient pop melodies, which I find aggravating, is very much alive here. To me, it sounds like five contemporary Eurovision entries all contesting seventh place. The various judges will give all of them at least one maximum score, but most will give them 2-5 points.
And that’s kind of the point with my review. I know some will love this record, and will identify with it, especially an earnest younger crowd, going through similar issues, all hoisting their lighted mobile phones high in sorrowful solidarity. The evidence for this exists on YouTube, with typical comments being, ‘beautiful, amazing, moving, awesome and wonderful’, and I’m not going to argue with them.
Someone pointed out how, ‘I’m just barely holding on // I feel so weak but act so strong’, in Bad Blood strongly resonates with them, which I totally get and understand. So, what does it matter that it mostly grates with me.
Track listing:
1. Bewildered
2. Breathe In, Breathe Out
3. Bad Blood
4. Your Nature
5. Call Me On
beans on toast
The Toothpaste and the Tube - Bot Music
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 1st Dec 23
The supreme master of storytelling returns with his latest album The Toothpaste and the Tube. Jay McAllister better known by his stage name Beans on Toast delivers another stunning album rich in story telling in his own unique folk style.
Beans on Toast kicks his latest album off with Back Out on The Road. Telling the story of going out on tour and its clear from the start the love Beans has for his craft from lyrics that include “I’m just glad to be back out on the road”.
Throughout this release he shows his supreme talent as a storyteller, whether it’s the problems with the environment in Work to Do, or the struggles of modern-day life through the cost of living crisis in Hope and Glory.
The standout track from the album however for me is the The Golden Lion, which tells the tale of the classic English pub. With a fantastic country folk sound, it documents the stories and urban legends that are shared when at the pub, and revels in the joy of this simple pleasure.
With this album, he has once again shown just how talented a musician he is. Crafting incredibly rich stories to beautifully delicate folk melodies.
The Toothpaste and the Tube will take you on a journey, and it’s one you should definitely take!
Track List:
1. Back out on The Road
2. Work To Do
3. Hope & Glory
4. The Three Stooges
5. The Dragicorn
6. The Golden Lion
7. Send Me a Bird
8. Sunny Sunny Scotland
9. AI
10. The Greenwash
11. Against The War
12. Swimming in The Sea
13. Who’ll Try To Be.
Links:
alex nicol
Been A Long Year Vol. 1 & 2
Reviewed by Dave Flerin
EP released 1st Dec 23
Folk-rock is rubbish, isn’t it!? So, it’s going to take something special to change this over-aged indie-kid’s mind and pull off a positive review of this Montreal resident’s latest work.
This album is, in effect, a collection of two EPs from 2023, which follow on from his 2020 debut album, “All For Nada”. It’s not the kind of album you put on to get the party started, either; it’s more of a feet up and glass of wine type of record. On first listen, you’re immediately struck by his gossamer-like voice, which isn’t unlike Damien Jurado, to whom he bears a close musical resemblance.
The first part (Vol.1) is personal and introspective, but has a fragile beauty about it. His vocals are bathed in carefully considered instrumentation which compliments and enhances the emotional subject matter, which has Alex looking inward and trying to figure out how he feels about himself and the hand he’s been recently dealt.
The EPs were created against a backdrop of death, internal confusion, and how the world expects you to deal with your feelings after you’ve been dealt a relentless dose of personal trauma, after personal trauma. Surprisingly, that mix doesn’tmake for a depressing listen. In fact, it all feels very positive, like wondering what the day will bring whilst witnessing the most beautiful of sunrises.
The second half of the collection (Vol.2) sees Alex shifting his gaze from himself to the state of things outside his front door. “Simple Fires” is the standout track with the most delicate of melodies backed by equally graceful strings while he muses about nature and the environment, which sounds exceptionally po-faced on paper, but – trust me – it isn’t. I have been guilty of criticising albums for lacking humour, and I can’t find any on this record, but humour’s not really necessary here, as it’s near flawless at what it’s trying to express.
“Colour My World” is next, which is as perfect a double-whammy of songs you’ll ever see following each other on a record. The album floats to a close with “Song For Franz”, in which he explores (through his own uncle’s suicide) how men are traditionally meant to suppress their feelings and emotions, and how unhealthy it is. And with that, Alex Nicol has left us with a record which is confessional, questioning, but always forward-looking and optimistic.
My surprise album of the year, so far.
When melancholy is as beautiful as this, you’re left hoping that he finds a way to create something equally as lush in the near future, without needing another dose of personal sadness to prompt its creation.
Links:
Felicette
Go To Hell EP - Everything Sucks Music
Reviewed by Levi Tubman
EP released 5th Dec 23
Felicette are a 90s-inspired alt rock band based in London and named after the first cat in space!
The EP from the 4 piece is described as capturing the essence of the '90s with Felicette’s raw, energetic sound, punchy guitars and bright melodic hooks and harmonies shining throughout, it certainly sounds like it should be exciting!
Opening with “Small Man Big Ideas” a single guitar panned hard left is punctuated with burst of drums and bass, before the second guitar fills out the sound on the right, with the bass carrying on the sporadic theme. The vocals come in softer and sweeter than the music around them, a very strong 90’s feel it grabs your feet and head from the start and gets them moving with its infectious catchy energy.
Palpitations follows right behind it with familiar production of the 2 guitars panned wide but this time with added vocals filling out the track, backed with dual lead guitars slipping smoothly to an open chorded chorus, the writing feels different, but just as good and catchy, a band clearly settled into their groove.
The title track Go To Hell is a different beast, opening with picked bass you can just hear the sound of the plectrum on the strings it feels a little raw and dirty with beautifully layered vocals building to what I can only describe as a sleazy build up. Then it breaks into melodic vocals and guitar switching between the 2 on the verse and chorus. It’s a song of 2 parts like a question and answer, and when the band describe it as “ a song about needing to tell someone how badly they have hurt you, but simultaneously never wanting anything to do with them again for the same reason” you can really hear the two thoughts at work here.
Ending the EP with Helen the band lean heavily on light melodic themes nestled around the sections of heavy guitars and heavy drums. You find yourself waiting for the second shoe to drop for the heavy sections and then relaxing back between them. While there’s no weakness across any of the 4 tracks, this must be my personal favourite. I caught myself a few times walking around going oooh ooo oooh ooo unable to get it out of my head, and sorry for how I probably butchered the spelling of the oooh ooo!
I think Felicette have really hit this on the head, addressing hurt, relationships and disgraced average white men in power who claim to be victimised and cancelled. The band use their talents to get a message, across while making some fantastic music along the way.
It’s fresh with heavy waves of nostalgia for me, harking back to bands like Sleeper and Elastica. It’s 10/10 and just what I want from a band with the only criticisms being I want more, a whole album to finish the year with a bang!
But with the members of this band having also played in various bands such as Supermilk, Cheerbleederz, Matagot, Doe and Painter, there’s much more to get your teeth into from these musicians while we wait for their next release!
Track listing:
1. Small Man Big Ideas
2. Palpitations
3. Go To Hell
4. Helen
Links:
the killers
Rebel Diamonds
Reviewed by Liam McEvoy
Album released 8th Dec 23
It’s hard to believe but The Killers, the global superstars hailing from Las Vegas have been around for 20 years and the release of Diamonds, a compilation album consisting of 19 of their biggest hits plus one new track celebrates this anniversary.
This release chronicles the Bands career opening with tracks taken from The Killers sensational debut album Hot Fuss including ‘Jenny Was a Friend of Mine’, Somebody Told Me’, ‘When You Were Young’ and the all-time classic ‘Mr Brightside’.
Following the foray into the debut album Rebel Diamonds spans the entirety of The Killers Career including tracks such as ‘Human’, ‘Runaways’, ‘Pressure Machine’ and ‘Your Side of Town’.
The new track ‘Spirit’ closes out the album, and this truly feels like a celebration, and is hopefully a sign that even after 20 years The Killers are still going strong.
Rebel Diamonds is a timely reminder of just how good they can be. Taking the very best tracks from every one of their seven studio albums and putting them on display.
This is a release that will be a real nostalgia trip for all Killers fans, and the inclusion of the new track also provides an intriguing glimpse of the band’s potential for years to come.
Track list
1. Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
2. Mr. Brightside
3. All These Things That I’ve Done
4. Somebody Told Me
5. When You Were Young
6. Read My Mind
7. Human
8. Spaceman
9. A Dustland Fairytale
10. Runaways
11. Be Still
12. The Man
13. Caution
14. My Own Soul’s Warning
15. Dying Breed
16. Pressure Machine
17. Quiet Town
18. boy
19. Your Side of Town
20. Spirit
Links:
hazlett
Goodbye To The Valley Low EP - Nettwerk
Reviewed by Andi Bridges
EP released 8th Dec 23
This was a weird one to review in so many ways. Not just because Hazlett is an Australian born, resident of Sweden.
Not because it was recorded in an off-grid cabin on the west coast of Sweden with long term collaborator Freddy Alexander. Not because it only has six tracks that clock in at a total of 20 mins. Not even the fact it is described as “Indie Ballroom Folk”. What made it difficult is the fact it is one man and a guitar, with a stripped back and raw sound and no matter how you dress it up that is, in essence, what it boils down to.
The songs themselves don’t outstay their welcome, the longest sticks around for 4.22, the shortest is gone in the blink of a 2.52 eye. What is to be admired is the lyricism throughout the songs.
In opener - Blame The Moon, there is a nice rhyming couplet in the first verse, “Daddy asks you if you’ll stay, Doesn’t know he’s the one who made you feel this way.” The chorus continues in the same vein, “Lately I don’t feel inspired, Wish I was a better liar, Maybe that’s why I blame the moon, It’s too late to be this early, Heaven knows you tried to hurt me, Maybe that’s why you blame the moon”. It was released as a single with a video you can watch on YouTube. Mama’s Boy, deals with vulnerability and although not exactly rocking is more joyful than the previous track.
Again, this was released as a single also with a video on YouTube.
Missionary Feelings, deals with feelings of dissatisfaction and longing. Hazlett’s plaintive falsetto sings, “So what’s the point of trusting, You’re gonna leave me here with nothing”. In Slow Running, another single and video, the final two lines are, “Not because I like you, Cause of things I’ve gone through, I’m leaving”. Next up is Cemetery, not as downbeat as you may expect. Rounding off the EP is Stolen Seasons, which definitely dips it toe unashamedly in Americana territory.
Hazlett has all the right things in place for his chosen genre, as evidenced by a YouTube comment from GoodTaste_32, who said - A heartfelt voice that makes one's ears prick up & makes you feel something. Rather lovely.
There is a melancholy running across the tracks, the artist has clearly known pain, however it isn’t all bleak, there is an underlaying warmth there. If I’m being lazy, then I could make a comparison with early Hozier.
Links:
brown horse
Reservoir - Via Loose
Reviewed by Morris Longfellow
Album released 19th Jan 24
This album, put simply, is really, really lovely and well worth a listen.
From the first play you can tell that the band have poured their heart and soul into the making of it. In my mind’s eye I can see the band and anyone else reading this rolling their eyes at the cliche, however, it really does feel that way.
Each track on Brown Horse’s debut album ‘Reservoir’ flows seamlessly into the next, never leaving you wanting or disappointed, but instead with a desire to search the deepest, darkest depths of your own soul, preferably while sipping a good dose of whiskey, straight, no ice.
There is a real melancholy to the album, not in a completely sad, hopeless sense but more a questioning, thought provoking way.
Each number is beautifully layered, easily recognisable as a country, folk affair, with a heady slug of rock and grungy guitar to really give it an edge that is more than pleasing to the ear.
The vocals tell a story in a sort of anguished way, she has a unique and interesting voice that is in no way affected as is so often the case these days. Guitars, keys & accordion all combine to create a sound that continues that unique theme. It’s, at the same time, a familiar sound which means it’s never overbearing or hard to listen to. Drums and bass do a great job of tying it all together and driving each number to its conclusion.
They peg themselves as a six-piece mix guitar-driven 90s alternative rock with the folk and country sounds of the 70s, which I’d say sums them up nicely.
They feel like a band that have been doing this forever, with plenty more in the tank and I really hope that’s true as they’re well and truly on my watch list and I would suggest they’re on yours too.
They’ll be playing live throughout the UK in 2024 at some great venues and I can’t wait to catch one of their shows.
Links:
Feral Family
Without Motion
Reviewed by Phil Wright
Album released 19th Jan 24
The East coast post punk band, Feral Family, release their debut Album `Without Motion’ on January 19th.
I have had the privilege to get a sneaky listen to it beforehand, and must say this is one hell of a debut album. I’ve been playing it all weekend! I must be honest, up to a few days ago, I had never heard of these guys but now I’m hooked with a sound I would describe as ‘The Smiths’ colliding with ‘The Arctic Monkeys’.
Just like ‘the monkeys’ you get that hard hitting raw sound from the drums and bass combined with awesome guitar riffs. This sets the base of the band.
Just like The Smiths, everyone can relate to the meaning behind the lyrics from wanting to leave school to been let down by the love of your life. (There’s even one about actor, Lee Van Cleef, been a local drug dealer).
All eleven tracks on this album are brilliantly written and performed by the Band but the stand out tracks for me are. `Cairo’ a `Someday’.
I could go on all night about this album but I don’t want to spoil it for you so my recommendation is to get pre booking it now guys have a good listen.
The lads will also be touring in February so you can go to the band’s website pre order the album and look at dates for the tour.
Tracks
Cairo
This side of me
Sold
It’s all us
Wee van bee
Spice king
Someday
Deep cuts
The Mercy
Fractured
Smother
Links:
Mark Vennis & different place
Small Town Empire
Reviewed by James Fortune-Clubb
'Mini' Album released 19th Jan 24
'Small Town Vampire' is the latest from Mark Vennis & Different Place - it's a mini album comprising seven songs and coming in at just under 24 minutes. I believe this is their fourth album following 2020's 'Fighting on All Fronts'.
Mark Vennis and band are described as a "rock band from south of London and North or Portsmouth" and whilst their previous releases are apparently more eclectic in styles than 'Small Town Vampire' - it's challenging to detect here their reported aim to intersect The Clash, Marley and BB King venn diagram of influences. Vennis and Co have apparently focussed more here on a tighter rock sound for this mini album.
And so to the music - on the one hand 'Small Town Vampire' is a very derivative collection, there's clear influences here of early REM, both in the guitar sound as well as some of the vocal arrangements, combined with very English/London sounding post punk DIY ethos lead vocals (occasionally reminiscent of Wire) - that being said, Mark Vennis and Different Place have I think, managed to pull it off.
All in all 'Small Town Vampire' is a rounded and satisfying collection of well written and well delivered songs - there's a definite air of nostalgia for those of us who were listening to this kind of music in the late 70s/early 80s and I'm interested to hear more from MV & DP.
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