I'm back from the dead! Well, kinda. I've decided to change it up a little! Rather than JUST suggesting a variety of bands, I am going to start talking about festivals and specific albums. I hope that is ok... obviously i'll still recommend bands!
Anyway, as you can probably guess from the title of the post- I am going to talk about Kasabians new album "48:13" it was released today! (09/06/14, UK) and in the fifteen hours it has been on spotify, I have listened to it four times! So... it's... tolerable? Yeh, you could say that. I'd say its flipping FANTASTIC! I genuinely didn't think anything could surpass "AM" by the Arctic Monkeys, but "48:13" is other worldly.
If you hadn't guessed already, the reason it is called "48:13" is because that is how long the album takes to listen to... pretty simple stuff, similarly, the album art work is simple too- it merely depicts a list of track times on a luminous pink background, yes- so far it is very simple... AS SOON as you hit play however, a electronic-bassy introduction ((shiva)) hits the ears, really sets you up for the rest of the album. It's kinda cliche, but you do the roaring electronic sound does seem to lull you into a euphoric paradise. The band have only released one single off of the album as of late, 'EEZ-EH', its a completely different and unique sound- superb track! Definite party tune. My favourite song on the album is track 7, 'Glass', yes- its up there with my favourite Kasabians songs of all time, it's that good- but then again, this could be my favourite Kasabian album. The intro of Glass sounds like it has been produced by a world class DJ, on first listen, it gave me goosebumps- just drew me in. It's also my favourite song lyrically. The last minute or so of the song- is just a spoken word piece that really opens up your eyes.
The album was produced and written by Serj (the guitarist), Yes, it can be said that some songs are flawed lyrically, the album consists of a lot of repetition- it's not the Kasabian we all know and love, big shout here, its a new Kasabian- a better Kasabian.
If youre going to Glastonbury, you're in for a treat.
Listen to the album on Spotify and buy it! Let me know what you guys think!
Monday 9 June 2014
Friday 24 January 2014
Pixies
Decided to do a post on one of the most influential Alt-Rock bands of all time, merely because I've decided to attend a festival know as "Field Day", which takes place in London, UK and these guys are headlining. If you haven't heard of these guys but you are a fan Alt-Rock, I have one very simple question for you; Have you been living in a cave? I jest, I hadn't heard of them until a few years ago and I've always enjoyed the genre.
The band originate from Boston, Massachusetts and formed in 1986. The band had a huge hiatus from 1993-2004 people were even questioning if the band would get back together because of a astronomical fall out between the lead singer and the bassist (If you're interested in the demise of the band and the reunion, there is a great documentary called: "loudQUIETloud", its a great watch; I thoroughly enjoyed it) and have been together since 2004 and have even released a couple of new EP's (I won't lie, there appears to be a lot of filler on the EP's to say they're each four tracks long. This really effects the overall quality of the EP's in a negative way)
The current band line-up is: Francis Black (lead Singer, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (Lead guitar), David Lovering (Drums) and Paz Lenchantin (Bass). The latter has joined the band for their 2014 world tour. The original bassist was a quintessential member of the band, her name was Kim Deal she left the band in 2013 and was replaced by Kim Shattuck; who was thrown out of the band for crowd-surfing during a gig, -_- because "It's not something the Pixies do"
Despite all the negativity in the previous paragraphs, Pixies are know one of my all time favourite bands; I will now list a few reasons that provide reason for this opinion: Black Francis' voice is so elegant and unique I just immediately fell in love with the band. Once I surpassed the Vocals I broke the band down musically, Kim(Deal) is a phenomenal talent, she is well known for producing moving basslines and silky backing vocals,( I was aware of this before I heard the band's music ) but I really didn't expect her to be as good as she is. The bassline on a track called 'Debaser' is other-worldly- so heavy so perfect. The song in fact is an actual masterpiece.
I could literally write about these guys all day, I have so much to say; the Pixies could be the first band I do a double post on! (If that's what my readers want, I shall deliver)
Anyway here is my favourite song... (Soundtrack off of a film called 'Fight Club')
Let me know what you think! :)
The band originate from Boston, Massachusetts and formed in 1986. The band had a huge hiatus from 1993-2004 people were even questioning if the band would get back together because of a astronomical fall out between the lead singer and the bassist (If you're interested in the demise of the band and the reunion, there is a great documentary called: "loudQUIETloud", its a great watch; I thoroughly enjoyed it) and have been together since 2004 and have even released a couple of new EP's (I won't lie, there appears to be a lot of filler on the EP's to say they're each four tracks long. This really effects the overall quality of the EP's in a negative way)
The current band line-up is: Francis Black (lead Singer, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (Lead guitar), David Lovering (Drums) and Paz Lenchantin (Bass). The latter has joined the band for their 2014 world tour. The original bassist was a quintessential member of the band, her name was Kim Deal she left the band in 2013 and was replaced by Kim Shattuck; who was thrown out of the band for crowd-surfing during a gig, -_- because "It's not something the Pixies do"
Despite all the negativity in the previous paragraphs, Pixies are know one of my all time favourite bands; I will now list a few reasons that provide reason for this opinion: Black Francis' voice is so elegant and unique I just immediately fell in love with the band. Once I surpassed the Vocals I broke the band down musically, Kim(Deal) is a phenomenal talent, she is well known for producing moving basslines and silky backing vocals,( I was aware of this before I heard the band's music ) but I really didn't expect her to be as good as she is. The bassline on a track called 'Debaser' is other-worldly- so heavy so perfect. The song in fact is an actual masterpiece.
I could literally write about these guys all day, I have so much to say; the Pixies could be the first band I do a double post on! (If that's what my readers want, I shall deliver)
Anyway here is my favourite song... (Soundtrack off of a film called 'Fight Club')
Let me know what you think! :)
Thursday 23 January 2014
Major Lazer
I figured I have not covered a dance artist in a while so here I go... Dance music is still a massive part of my music taste.I may even listen to more now than I ever have done before which is no east feat. What I really like about Dance music is the sheer enjoyment you get out of listening to it, It is impossible to be listening to dance music and feel depressed simultaneously.
Major Lazer is a dance group that consists of three djs, the most famous of which is Diplo. They could be defined as a Electronic/ dancehall/ trap act with a slight reggae twinge. What makes this band stand out? (You may or not be thinking) well you can tell a lot of time has been dedicated to ensuring the right vocals have been selected for each song, as every song you will listen to the beat has phenomenal rap/ reggae/ chilled vocals over the top. The beats themselves are out of this world and have been produced so well. Often enough the combination of these features results in another genre, this genre is known as 'Moombahton' (funny genre ayy?) in basic terms- it's a fusion of reggae and house music... (Yes, that is all) another feature of this genre is the tempo, the tempo is stripped back to 108-115 beats per minute (Which funnily enough is the same tempo as Reggaeton) and the music often features elements of Reggaeton percussion. Moombahton is more prominent in Major Lazer's second album, which was in fact the culmination of the genre.
Now, straying away from the technical side of it all... They have 2 albums both great. Could of seen them at Leeds Festival last year but didn't :( as the clashed with System Of A Down (Who are my second favourte band so I couldn't pass up on the opportunity of seeing them). Anyway, My favourite song is this...
Let me know what you think!
Major Lazer is a dance group that consists of three djs, the most famous of which is Diplo. They could be defined as a Electronic/ dancehall/ trap act with a slight reggae twinge. What makes this band stand out? (You may or not be thinking) well you can tell a lot of time has been dedicated to ensuring the right vocals have been selected for each song, as every song you will listen to the beat has phenomenal rap/ reggae/ chilled vocals over the top. The beats themselves are out of this world and have been produced so well. Often enough the combination of these features results in another genre, this genre is known as 'Moombahton' (funny genre ayy?) in basic terms- it's a fusion of reggae and house music... (Yes, that is all) another feature of this genre is the tempo, the tempo is stripped back to 108-115 beats per minute (Which funnily enough is the same tempo as Reggaeton) and the music often features elements of Reggaeton percussion. Moombahton is more prominent in Major Lazer's second album, which was in fact the culmination of the genre.
Now, straying away from the technical side of it all... They have 2 albums both great. Could of seen them at Leeds Festival last year but didn't :( as the clashed with System Of A Down (Who are my second favourte band so I couldn't pass up on the opportunity of seeing them). Anyway, My favourite song is this...
Let me know what you think!
The National
Hello, missed me? I'm sure you have... Now carrying on with the 'depressing' vibe, I present The National. For years I disliked this band; I even (regrettably) passed up the opportunity to see these guys at Leeds Festival in 2011 (but instead saw Bombay Bicycle Club soo...) My opinion has 100% changed and I now REALLY enjoy listening to these guys (Especially at this time)
The thing that really strikes me about the band is the superbly mellow melodies the band create and the lovely, solemn voice of Matt Berninger is exquisite. The lyrics are also so powerful, I literally have never listened to such beautiful sounding music before (Ok, yes; Hyperbole may have been employed there)
The band have created 6 albums, I haven't had chance to listen to them all yet but the ones I have listened to are brilliant. I was told by a close friend of mine to check out both 'Alligator' and 'High Violet' so that's what my day consisted of today. Both very beautiful pieces of work, the lyrics are amazing- so chilled. Songs off of these albums I recommend are: Terrible Love, Sorrow and All The Wine. However, my favourite songs features on their latest album, which is called "Trouble Will Find Me" again, a masterpiece.
This is my favourite song, I hope you enjoy it...
Let me know what you think! :)
The thing that really strikes me about the band is the superbly mellow melodies the band create and the lovely, solemn voice of Matt Berninger is exquisite. The lyrics are also so powerful, I literally have never listened to such beautiful sounding music before (Ok, yes; Hyperbole may have been employed there)
The band have created 6 albums, I haven't had chance to listen to them all yet but the ones I have listened to are brilliant. I was told by a close friend of mine to check out both 'Alligator' and 'High Violet' so that's what my day consisted of today. Both very beautiful pieces of work, the lyrics are amazing- so chilled. Songs off of these albums I recommend are: Terrible Love, Sorrow and All The Wine. However, my favourite songs features on their latest album, which is called "Trouble Will Find Me" again, a masterpiece.
This is my favourite song, I hope you enjoy it...
Let me know what you think! :)
Sunday 19 January 2014
Death Cab For Cutie
Well... here I am again. I don't want to bludgeon your brain (metaphorically of course) with any kind of sob story but yes- most nights I struggle to sleep. A lot of the time when this happens, I listen to what some people may call 'Emo' music... No, I don't listen to it to achieve an emotional equilibrium; I'm not emotionally challenged- (I'm generally a big ball of fun and laughter...)- The main reason I listen to this music is: I find it very relaxing and soothing and 'makes sense to me'- like the lyrics jump out of the speakers at me.
Anyway the first 'Emo' band I'm going to talk about is 'Death Cab For Cutie' (DCFC). DCFC are actually an alternative-rock band from Washington in the USofA! The band formed in 1997 and are still performing to this day with three of their original members (they have had three different drummers)
Like I stated in the first chunk of text- the music is just mellow and soothing. If you imagine the opposite of the loud heavy riffs Kerry King produces- then you are kinda imagining the music of DCFC. The Vocalist (Ben Gibbard) has a great voice for this genre, effortless sounding almost in some of the slower songs- ; in fact, if I could get anyone to sing me a lullaby, it would be Ben from DCFC. In the more upbeat songs, he really shows off the quality and versatility of his vocals- which I adore.
The band are currently working on a new album (I hope/ think) which will be their 8th. There isn't one album I can fault. My top two albums are: Transatlanticism(2003) and Plans(2005), both albums are beautiful. My favourite song features on Plans and this is it... (Last post of the night actually got lectures in 4 hours. Need Sleep)
Give it a listen anyway- tell me what you think...
Anyway the first 'Emo' band I'm going to talk about is 'Death Cab For Cutie' (DCFC). DCFC are actually an alternative-rock band from Washington in the USofA! The band formed in 1997 and are still performing to this day with three of their original members (they have had three different drummers)
Like I stated in the first chunk of text- the music is just mellow and soothing. If you imagine the opposite of the loud heavy riffs Kerry King produces- then you are kinda imagining the music of DCFC. The Vocalist (Ben Gibbard) has a great voice for this genre, effortless sounding almost in some of the slower songs- ; in fact, if I could get anyone to sing me a lullaby, it would be Ben from DCFC. In the more upbeat songs, he really shows off the quality and versatility of his vocals- which I adore.
The band are currently working on a new album (I hope/ think) which will be their 8th. There isn't one album I can fault. My top two albums are: Transatlanticism(2003) and Plans(2005), both albums are beautiful. My favourite song features on Plans and this is it... (Last post of the night actually got lectures in 4 hours. Need Sleep)
Give it a listen anyway- tell me what you think...
Kodaline
Drifting away from 'THE METAL' now... to another preferred genre of mine, Folk-rock. Well strictly speaking they're more indie but... ya know... they're borderline.
Anyway! A bit of context- the band were established in Dublin. They were originally known as '21 Demands' but in 2011 they recruited more members and renamed themselves 'Kodaline'. Another factoid related to the band is: The Singer and guitarist grew up together in Dublin and childhood friends.
Specifics! Two of the main features of the band are, the soft-toned vocals and the melodic rhythm.. The delicate lyrics and the voice of Steven Garrigan go hand in hand and you end up finding yourself listening to some of the best easy-listening music that's ever been created, in my opinion.
The bands debut and only album is called 'In a Perfect World' is a masterpiece if you ask me... such a good album despite a few negative reviews... You should definitely check it out! (It got to number one in the UK)
This is my favourite song!
Check it out! Let me know what you think!
Anyway! A bit of context- the band were established in Dublin. They were originally known as '21 Demands' but in 2011 they recruited more members and renamed themselves 'Kodaline'. Another factoid related to the band is: The Singer and guitarist grew up together in Dublin and childhood friends.
Specifics! Two of the main features of the band are, the soft-toned vocals and the melodic rhythm.. The delicate lyrics and the voice of Steven Garrigan go hand in hand and you end up finding yourself listening to some of the best easy-listening music that's ever been created, in my opinion.
The bands debut and only album is called 'In a Perfect World' is a masterpiece if you ask me... such a good album despite a few negative reviews... You should definitely check it out! (It got to number one in the UK)
This is my favourite song!
Check it out! Let me know what you think!
Crossfaith
Last post for now! You guys must've heard of Crossfaith! If you have you already know how brilliant they are, but just in case you haven't... To sum them up- they're a Japanese Metalcore band that have an electrifying twist. Literally.
Before I get into specifics, I will tell you about my experience with Crossfaith. Leeds Festival 2013 I was stood right in the middle of the rock-stage tent. Ready, for whatever Crossfaith threw at me. I was not expecting what did happen... Crossfaith arrived onto the staged as hyper as a child after drinking two litres of fizzy pop, except these guys weren't drinking fizzy pop; they have a fascination with Jagermeister. In fact, it was the drummer's (Tatsu) birthday, he practically downed a full bottle of Jack Daniels on stage!
The programmer hit the stage first, jumping around the stage- dropped a beat, the crowd erupted. Before I knew it I was trapped in a vortex of people, elbows flying everywhere, heads banging. I was loving it. A few songs in they dropped their version of "Omen- The Prodigy" ... I could say, the intensity stepped up a few gears...
Now, the bad. If you combine the electronic style and the metalcore aspect I suppose you could call them electronicore.. Despite them being Japanese, the lead singer (Ken) sings in English and, he's pretty good at it too. Scratch that, he's awesome. The entire band really know how to put on a show; they are literally one of my highlights of Leeds Festival last year. I get the pleasure of seeing them in February (on the Kerrang Tour) and in June (Download Festival) and I already know they're going to blow me away again.
The band have a few albums, and a couple of EPs. Their latest album is called 'APOCOLYZE' and features a lot off good tracks, for example: We are the future and Eclipse. However, my favourite piece of their work is an EP they released in 2011 called 'Zion EP' My favourite track features on this EP, and here it is...
Let me know what you think!
Before I get into specifics, I will tell you about my experience with Crossfaith. Leeds Festival 2013 I was stood right in the middle of the rock-stage tent. Ready, for whatever Crossfaith threw at me. I was not expecting what did happen... Crossfaith arrived onto the staged as hyper as a child after drinking two litres of fizzy pop, except these guys weren't drinking fizzy pop; they have a fascination with Jagermeister. In fact, it was the drummer's (Tatsu) birthday, he practically downed a full bottle of Jack Daniels on stage!
The programmer hit the stage first, jumping around the stage- dropped a beat, the crowd erupted. Before I knew it I was trapped in a vortex of people, elbows flying everywhere, heads banging. I was loving it. A few songs in they dropped their version of "Omen- The Prodigy" ... I could say, the intensity stepped up a few gears...
Now, the bad. If you combine the electronic style and the metalcore aspect I suppose you could call them electronicore.. Despite them being Japanese, the lead singer (Ken) sings in English and, he's pretty good at it too. Scratch that, he's awesome. The entire band really know how to put on a show; they are literally one of my highlights of Leeds Festival last year. I get the pleasure of seeing them in February (on the Kerrang Tour) and in June (Download Festival) and I already know they're going to blow me away again.
The band have a few albums, and a couple of EPs. Their latest album is called 'APOCOLYZE' and features a lot off good tracks, for example: We are the future and Eclipse. However, my favourite piece of their work is an EP they released in 2011 called 'Zion EP' My favourite track features on this EP, and here it is...
Let me know what you think!
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