Stay+ – Arem EP

Stay+ - Arem EP

By Rosie Duffield

Imagine this as the soundtrack to Skins.  It’s a journey through an epic night out, taking you up and chilling you out.  That’s the first impression that Arem presents, at least, which is probably more straightforward than the band itself.

Stay+ are a duo shrouded in mystery; allegedly from Manchester, Matt Farthing and Christopher Poole are rarely seen (they once sent a balloon artist to do a Radio 1 interview on their behalf) – but, it seems, are always heard. … Continue Reading

The Futureheads, Nottingham, Glee Club

The Futureheads

By Rosie Duffield

April 12, 2012

The Andrew Sisters, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and Papas; vocal harmonies done well have always been impressive. Doing them well a cappella is even tougher, but The Futureheads don’t seem to be worried about that. Their latest album Rant sees the band do just that – rearranging their older songs, putting their own stamp on some interesting covers and showcasing traditional folk songs and sea shanties – and all of them unaccompanied. … Continue Reading

The Shins – Port Of Morrow

The Shins - Port of Morrow

By Rosie Duffield

It’s been a while since we last heard from The Shins – five years, to be exact.  In that time James Mercer took on his Broken Bells side project, leaving Shins fans wondering whether there would ever be another Shins album, and if so, would it be any good?

Thankfully there’s no need to panic.  Port Of Morrow has that unmistakable Shins feel to it; jangly, sometimes ethereal music set against whimsical lyrics that we’ve seen on previous offerings like their debut Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow. … Continue Reading

Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again

Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again

By Rosie Duffield

In recent years, being named the BBC Sound of 2012 winner has had mixed results; Adele,  Jessie J and Ellie Goulding finding success while The Bravery and Mika’s rise to fame fizzled out soon afterwards.  With that in mind, Michael Kiwanuka must be wondering which side of the coin his career will fall on. … Continue Reading

Emeli Sandé – Our Version Of Events

Emeli Sandé - Our Version Of Events

By Rosie Duffield

Arguably the new voice of 2011, Emeli Sandé burst on to the music scene at full force with her hit single ‘Heaven’ in August of last year.  A few singles on and the release of Our Version Of Events has been highly anticipated by music critics and fans alike – so is it any good?

Her debut ‘Heaven’ is the album opener.  It’s a strong, momentous song; simple, elegant strings allow Sandé’s effortless vocals shine through as the relaxed drumbeat gives the track some pace. … Continue Reading

We Have Band – Ternion

We Have Band - Ternion

By Rosie Duffield

In 2009 We Have Band played a small, non-descript bar on the Lower East Side of New York; a warm up gig for their forthcoming visit to SXSW. Second on the bill, their brash electro-pop blew the headliners out of the water and gained them new fans across the pond.

Their music was exciting, energetic and really well put together.  The songs they showcased that night went on to become their debut album, WHB, a collection of percussion heavy songs with intricate rhythms and catchy melodies like ‘OH!’ and ‘Divisive’.

… Continue Reading

Various Artists – The First Rock And Roll Record

VA - The First Rock And Roll Record

By Rosie Duffield

The origins of rock and roll are somewhat murky, and are the cause of many discussions amongst musos the world over.  Though not a definitive answer to the question “where did rock and roll begin?” The First Rock And Roll Record certainly takes in a cross-section of genres to help fuel the fire on that age-old question.

This isn’t a rock and roll record, despite its name – but don’t let that put you off.  What it is is an extensive collection of songs that might have had some influence on the rock and roll genre all those years ago.  The three CD collection opens with a song that is believed to be the start of it all; a barely audible, scratchy recording taken at a religious camp meeting in 1916.  It continues on with later tracks that were the first to mention the words “rock” and “roll” – and the results might surprise you. … Continue Reading

She And Him – A Very She And Him Christmas

She And Him - A Very She And Him Christmas

By Rosie Duffield

The lights are up in town, the shops are fully stocked and the ads have started on TV:  Christmas is well and truly on its way. Before you start getting annoyed with the same old festive songs being played out on the radio, She And Him have helpfully released their very own Christmas album to get you through the yuletide period.

And they don’t disappoint. Yes, ok, they have covered lots of those ‘same old festive songs’ – but of course they’ve put their own stamp of cool all over them. … Continue Reading

Summer Camp – Welcome To Condale

Summer Camp - Welcome To Condale

By Rosie Duffield

The majority of people who are familiar with Summer Camp have been waiting for Welcome To Condale with eager anticipation.  After several singles and an EP, their appetites are finally sated by a full-length album from the London based duo.

On first listen, Welcome To Condale seems like it could be the soundtrack to Footloose or The Breakfast Club (or any similar ‘80s teen flick), with its outpouring of romantic elation and disappointment against an electro indie-pop backdrop.  Apt then, that the press release describes the album in a very similar fashion. … Continue Reading

Noah And The Whale, Lincoln, Engine Shed

Noah And The Whale

By Rosie Duffield

October 21, 2011

Lincoln seems to be having a musical renaissance at the moment, with Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Katy B and Friendly Fires all having just, or just about to, hit the city’s music venues.  But though there are a wealth of acts visiting a place most people have never heard of, it didn’t stop the crowds venturing out to see Noah And The Whale last Friday.  Far from it, in fact, with Lincoln’s Engine Shed at capacity. … Continue Reading