IC Radio Music Team

BRIXTON ACADEMY – WE THE KINGS, FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS, YOUMEATSIX

2010-03-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

[INBRED HAIRCUTS!!! - Lia]
Walking out into the circle in the Brixton Academy is a slightly daunting experience. The tiered seating with the ornate, slightly theatre looking architecture around the ceiling looks down on an open standing area which tonight was full within 15 minutes of the doors being opened. The queue circled the entire building, a sign that people were looking forward to this line up.

The first band on stage were the Floridian 4 piece “We The Kings”; an upbeat long haired poppy band whose music has never made the charts, but has made an impression teenage girls all across the land. Travis Clark, the lead singer, announced while on stage that this was the biggest gig they had ever played, and after this statement I had hoped that they were about to step up a gear from the last time I had seen them last year. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be the case. Some of their more well known songs, “Check Yes Juliet” and “Secret Valentine” were well received by the people in the crowd who had obviously taken a quick look at their music beforehand but when Clark held the microphone to the crowd, people didn’t know the lyrics well enough to sing back to him. They played a good gig for people who knew their catalogue back to front and could sing along all the way through; but in truth the most liked song of their set was a cover of “The Middle – Jimmy Eat World”.

Second came “Forever the Sickest Kids”. They played a lively, but short set which seemed to be well received by the mainly teenage crowd. By this time the place was completely full, with people wandering around aimlessly in the circle trying to find themselves anywhere to sit down. FTSK played through their repertoire of songs including “She’s a Lady” and “What do you want from me”; much to the delight of some of the audience who obviously were there to see them. They played a good but not memorable gig, and just enough to warm up the crowd in time for the headline.

Youmeatsix came out onto a nearly bare stage, with only a drumkit for company. After the long changeover time between acts, it was clear that something was going to happen. After the third song, the band ran offstage, to be replaced by red searchlights, sirens, and roadies. The sirens did go on for too long, but the crowd didn’t care. At this point they had already been treated to “Kiss and Tell” one of the bands biggest songs shown by the amount of crowd members parading around in their Kiss and Tell t-shirts. Once the sirens stopped, the curtain was dropped to reveal a setup which allowed to band to walk on ramps around the drumkit. The setup was good, even if slightly reminiscent of one used by the Jonas Brothers at some point last year; but the crowd seemed not to remember this and loved it, especially when the singer from the Blackout came on stage to help out with “The consequence”. The rest of the gig went well, with the crowd seeming to lose no energy throughout. The encore included their more well known “Save it for the Bedroom” and “Underdog”. They were joined onstage during the encore by We the Kings frontman Clark, and Youmeatsix frontman Josh’s sister Elissa.

All in all it was a good gig; the bands played well and the audience enjoyed it. There were a few mishaps, when the drummers from both We the Kings and FTSK tried to flip their sticks high in the air and catch them and carry on, but both dropping them; and also when Josh from Youmeatsix tried to spin the microphone but dropped it on the floor; but despite these, a good night for music lovers.

4/5

Joey Gibbs

BORDERLINE – BRIGADE, CANTERBURY & TWIN ATLANTIC 03/03/10

2010-03-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

[TWIN ATLANTIC - dude in the green nearly has Ally McBeal MOOBIES!-Lia]
Being an underground club near Soho, Borderline had an aura to it before even going inside. On entering this was confirmed with quirky pictures on the wall and a stage that just seemed to invite crowd-surfing. A chat with “Twin Atlantic” before the gig showed them to be a group of lads who enjoyed making music and having a laugh.

The first support band were a surprise for the night, even to Twin Atlantic who didn’t know that they were supporting until a few hours before the gig. It was obvious that “Brigade” were used to being a headline act, as when the 3 guitars came onstage so did 12 pedals. During the first song the lead singer decided not to sing or play guitar, but instead to moan about the fact that his pedal wasn’t working correctly, he then changed his guitar; twice. The band itself were okay once the pedal nonsense had finished, the drummer in particular who had extremely quick hands and obvious rhythm.

The next support act came in the form of “Canterbury”. The band were upbeat from the start, with a mixture of looks onstage ranging from the ‘preppy’ lead guitarist to the drummer with flowing ginger locks. They were an obvious hit with the crowd, including a number of young girls at the front who knew every word, much to the enjoyment of the lead singer. A definite to look out for in the future.

Then came Twin Atlantic. No setlists came onstage during the changeover, and when asked later they replied that they didn’t need them. They reeled off a number of hits from their latest release “Vivarium”, all of which were known by what seemed to be the entire audience. Some highlights included “Lightspeed” and “Audience and Audio”, both from the album. They have been compared to Biffy Clyro in the past; but someday it could be the other way around.

4 / 5
JOE GIBB-ster.

SCALA – HOT HOT HEAT & OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT 02/03/10

2010-03-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Walking into Scala the first thing to be seen in the main room is the large open space in front of a knee high stage; and from the sound checks the acoustics seem ready for a perfect gig. An interview with the supporting act “Official Secrets Act” revealed that the band was tired from travelling but eager to impress. And impress they did.

Energy and presence were obvious on stage, all that was lacking were some of the more well known tunes, including the new single “Believe Me”. But this was the only criticism that could be made, as the final song “So Tomorrow” had even newbies to OSA dancing around.

After OSA came the big haired and equally big voiced Steve Bays and Hot Hot Heat. Their setlist included obvious crowd favourites including the well known “Bandages” which had the whole crowd singing in unison. The band also included some songs from the new album “Future Breeds”. These were well received by the audience filled with obvious fans of the band.

Overall the gig was a definite success for both bands, showing their musical ability to all who were there.

4 and ½ / 5

JOE GIBBS. DA MAN.

Owl City - Ocean Eyes

2010-02-25T02:06:00.000-08:00

With arguably one of the most memorable songs of the last few months, Owl City’s Adam Young seems to have achieved the dream of every aspiring musician. Using his bedroom in his parents basement, and uploading songs on Myspace he gathered a large following. He then exploded onto the scene with the obvious single from this album ‘Fireflies’. The song is catchy. So catchy infact that whenever another song from the album comes on, his distinctive voice makes you want to sing the chorus from the albums obvious winner.

It’s not a bad album, there are some definite good points. The albums first track Cave in is a god upbeat tune, sticking to the formula used in the rest of the album. The lyrics on a couple of tracks seem well thought out, if not a bit like the narration of a childish dream; but it is let down by a few tracks, namely ‘Dental Care’; about going to the dentist.

Overall, if you are a fan of ‘Fireflies’ then give the album a listen on spotify or youtube; but don’t commit to buying before you know that he has definitely heard the saying, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. Let’s wait and see if the next single, ‘Vanilla Twilight’ will chart as high as the first single from the album.

Joe Gibbs

Bombay Bicycle Club

2010-02-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

I've always thought of Bombay Bicycle Club as belonging to the Futureheads/ Maximo Park era of music circa 2005. They exude a cooky innocence with odd heavy bass riffs and the typical jingle jangle guitar interludes. Evening/Morning harks back to a 90's grunge-esque sound, with the vocals of a Placebo and the heavyness you'd normally find in something like Alien Ant Farm (ok, so I'm thinking of that one particular AAF M.Jackson cover song, and relating it to only one bass part of this single, so really, they aren't anything like AAF). It's been a long day. I'm indifferent to the world. I AM THE LIZARD QUEEN! This song is good, alright, yes, I like it. I'd listen to it, 5 years ago I would've danced at Kute Klub in the Cooler down on Park Street to it. I would have thrown some bloody shapes and you would have thought it hot.

4/5
LIA MENTAL

Mumford and Sons - The Cave

2010-02-18T02:40:00.000-08:00

The Cave is another great release from folk band Mumford and Sons although it appeals to me in the same vein as when I’m on the rag and suddenly feel like Coldplay aren’t such a crap band afterall. I’m not saying The Cave is crap, but it’s likable like a puppy; there’s a piano hammering out awesome power chords, there’s the added choir (with reverb) on the word ‘I’ (ala Take That signature move) in the chorus and the video is shot on a beach with retro vespas and some weird big band wearing converse. I do like this song but I can’t help also ripping it to shreds. It’ll be used at the end of a reality show when the pregnant 12 year old gets her GCSE’s. Bless.

3/5
LIA

Lady Gaga avex Beyonce - Telephone

2010-02-05T00:45:00.000-08:00

[OMG. Flesh coloured bra, check, sexksy lab goggles, check, weird FACE MEN?!!! PLUS!!! AWESOME crinkle hair, you cracked out ho!]

Despite Lady GaGa having the world at her heels, her latest single Telephone, seems to confirm my fears. It appears GaGa is rapidly becoming less and less of a music icon and more and more of a mere business model. Her videos are laced with countless product placements, from online betting sites (see Poker Face), to Ukranian vodka (Bad Romance) and her record label has just spat out The Fame Monster.

Telephone is the second single to be released from this mini-album and includes guest vocals from the unstoppable Beyoncé Knowles. Now if you put these two stars together for a song, you would think it would be the song to end all songs right? Wrong. It turns out putting two of the hottest ladies in pop has only lead to a major anti-climax in every sense. Telephone is bland, generic and frankly a poor effort by GaGa/Beyonce, lacking any of the uniqueness that made both girls so successful in the first place. It is clear that the collaboration was in the name of money and not in the name of music. As filming for the video starts this week, my mind wonders not how sexy it will be, but which mobile phone GaGa will be shamelessly promoting.

Ok, I lie. I do wonder a little bit how sexy it will be.

Oliver Wilkie

from The Happy Hour

Groove Armada - Paper Romance

2010-01-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

The sound is not new; if you like MGMT and Justice then you'll probably like this new single from Groove Armada off their upcoming album Black Light. It's a slightly depressing dance track, but one where you will still fling your arms out into some brilliant shapes anyway. Also the music video is basically like Red Riding with glitter spandex. There's some great elements in Paper Romance; catchly chorus, that awesome tubular bells sound effect, and it's a lot less 'tampered' with compared with some other electro-dance outfits. But overall, bluh.

3/5

Lia

Owl City - Fireflies

2010-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

[Cheer up son, at least your fringe can double up as a hairband.]

>Having found a strong fan base on MySpace (we’ve heard that before) Owl City’s debut Fireflies is proving to be a major hit having topped the Billboard Hot 100 in America at #1 and reached #2 in the UK. Clearly Adam Young (the man behind Owl City) has a lot of future potential. Having until now balanced making music in his parent’s basement with working in a Coke factory, Young was shortlisted in the top 15 list of the BBC Sound of 2010 which, in the past, has correctly predicted the success of the likes of Lady GaGa, Adele and Little Boots.

Fireflies is a perfect example of the second wave of synthpop that is said to be creeping back into society having gone out of fashion in the 90’s.

I’ll be honest and say that this is not an especially original song. The backing vocals are supplied by the lead singer of Relient K (a rock band that Christians go ga-ga for) and indeed, on listening, I found little that can be distinguished between the music of Owl City and that of Relient K.

Fireflies IS a good egg, but I predict the best is yet to come so watch this space.

Further Listening : Relient K - Be My Escape

By MISTER Oli Wilkie

Editors - You don't know love

2010-01-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

[If Coventry was a band, it'll be the Editors]

Oh Lord. So it starts like Joy Divison and then goes synth-tastic mixed with goth-science-fiction awe....and works its way around some funky 80's sounds. I'm not sure if this is genius or some 16yr old rocking out in his room with a Casio keyboard wearing a sparkly cape like Gary Numan. It's not exactly displeasing to the ears but there's something unnerving about it...I wouldn't say it's a 'hit' but its different enough to warrant some muso-shoe-gazing compliments. The lyrics are a bit lacklustre: 'you were the truth when you lied' but out of all the things I've listened to this week, it's the least ear-bleed inducing.

3/5

Lia Han

Codeine Velvet Club - Hollywood

2010-01-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

Codeine Velvet Club offer something kitsch and nostalgic but unfortunately delivered unwell in this single. Although the Beach Boys harmonys are wonderful, the melody isn't strong enough to maintain interest. Amy Winehouse brought back the blues and jazztasticular beats to extreme popularity, (as well as spawning Pixie Lott and that ginge Paloma) but we just can't see CDV doing the same with big band music. The music video seems to reflect this; the band appear to be playing in front of an audience of 1.
2/5
Lia Han

Jason Derulo – Whatcha Say

2009-12-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

-'Jason Drulo tries out being a large man's chair for one day'

Man of the moment, Jason Derulo’s debut single tops both the US and UK charts. This tune has taken over the radio waves. The infectious sample from Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek helped add another hit to now SUPER producer J J J J.R’s discography. As R&B and pop seem to be merging with time and the autotune being unavoidable it seems the only option for artists and producers is to embrace the change and still make hot music. I don't usually give a flying buck singers rely on autotune (D.O.A all the way) but Derulo and J.R manage to create an original sound with creative mixing of the sample and Derulo’s smooth ryhmes. Likely to be another Bobby Valentino (anyone remember him? I thought not), but with a multi-platinum selling single he's definitely got himself one foot on the next level. The songs simple lyrics are used to convey a simple message which we can all relate to – I made a mistake but give me another chance. Luvin dis tuuuuneee!
4/5
Nabbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllll

Kid Sister – Right Hand Hi

2009-12-10T10:17:00.001-08:00

(Lia - Surely the worst promo pic EVER. Unless you are working for Scope...ok, it was a joke! Don't make the P.C. cops beat me up!!!)

Making herself known in 2008 with ‘Pro Nails’, Kid Sister is back with a added spice to her flava. Switching her style from urban to an electro/dance feeling and staying away from songs about painting her nails, Kid Sister reinvented herself on this tune. The fresh beat combined with stand out hook makes Right Hand Hi an obvious club banger, you can also tell by the 7 mixes you get with the single! The song has been getting a lil' airplay and could potentially to blow up if given the right exposure.
3.5/5

Nabeel

Jamie T – The Mans Machine

2009-12-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

- (Lia - 'ok, so Jamie T always reminds me of big sandwiches.')

Jamie T is one of those artists who’s been around for a while and just needs that 1 big break to get him on his way. Likened to the mighty Mike Skinner, Jamie T brings his relaxed rap to the game. The minimal music provided by the Pacemakers, although unimaginative when combined with Jamie’s effortless flow, makes for an easy listening track. Lyrics are inventive and interesting but still don't really get what the song is about. Something about a break up???

2/5

- Nabeel

Biffy Clyro - The Captain

2009-12-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Cue the brass, Biffy Clyro are back in town with a new album and a slightly new direction. I say slightly only because they’ve been hinting at Simon’s lust for all things orchestral for a while now. “The Captain” is the third single off their fifth effort “Only Revolutions” and follows a similar trend set by the previous singles. Namely the inclusion of orchestral elements, you absolutely cannot miss the brass arrangements in “The Captain” they are as integral to the song as the guitars and drums are. The jutting and swaying play of the brass and guitars give the song a certain sea shanty like feel which only adds to the whole theatrical-ness of the song.

Lyrically Biffy Clyro were never anything to write home about and this is not proven wrong in “The Captain” (or in any of the previous single, lines like “I am a mountain” come to mind) but what they lack in lyrical endeavour they make up for in pure delivery of melody. And boy do they pack the melodies into this track, to the point where you don’t notice how cringe-worthy lines like “I’m not the son of god” and “I can’t climb up your ladder” actually are.

All the trademark Biffy Clyro turns in melody and tempo are here, and they certainly still do sound like Biffy Clyro. But I can’t help but feel like all this addition of orchestral instruments to songs to transform your music is a little artificial or maybe I just miss the Biffy Clyro of old. One thing’s for sure this new direction is winning over some new fans as is (sort of) shown by the #1 spot in last week’s Felix and probably an upcoming jump in record sales.

CHENG 'the gift' Lao
-3.5/5 (everyone is rocking the half points today, yo.)

Mumford & Sons – Winter Winds

2009-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

- THEY LOOK LIKE THE COUSIN/BROTHER/GRANDFATHER (ALL THE SAME IN THE SOUTH) OF MILEY CYRUS

Winter Winds comes to you from Mumford & Sons' debut album Sigh No More and follows the successful single (especially in Belgium apparently) Little Lion Man.

Mumford et al have made another good stab at bringing folk to the people but with fewer swears and bit less fun than Little Lion Man. This track does however, have more depth of sound and emotion; it's lyrically more interesting. An especially striking image being 'The flesh that lived and loved will be eaten by plague '.

The slow pondering pace has a tender wintery feel as you'd expect but builds to a strong climax with an almost military beat to it. If you want another Little Lion Man then maybe it's not for you but this is a grower.

Overall, a compelling song and all the mainstream airplay Mumford & Sons are getting, can only be a good thing for intelligently crafted music.

BEN KOLB-STER!

3.5/5

Yeasayer – Ambling Alp

2009-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

[Lia's comment- 'look at them ^, arty trendy shoreditch magician fuckers! i kid, i kid]

If I could read phonetics then I would have known the band are YAYsayer not YEAHsayer. Now we have that out of the way you can't embarrass yourselves like I did.

Ambling Alp is the first single from Brooklyn-based Yeasayer's second full album: Odd Blood and for the moment is available for free via their Myspace.

If you're an Animal Collective fan, definitely give this a listen. Despite the range of electronic blips, chirps and other random sounds this isn't a cacophony. Although at times you might wonder if they hired Michael Winslow from the Police Academy movies. Don't expect the harmonious beauty of 2080 (from 2007's All Hour Cymbals), this is entirely different. Ambling Alp is musically experimental but never alienating thanks to the catchy melody. After a couple of listens it will be a bit of an earworm you can't get rid of but you'll want to hang onto this worm. It really is quite charming.

4/5

Ben Kolb

Snow patrol – Just Say Yes

2009-11-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

Traipsing into the unfamiliar territory of electronic/synthesised music Snow Patrol’s flagship song Just Say Yes, from their new Up to Now album, hit the UK charts at 29. Although coming in below the top 20 mark I can see this track climbing the ladder. The subdued sound of Mr Lightbody (the lead singer) accompanied by the mellow beat manages to create a warm gripping sensation, well, atleast till you get bored (bout halfway through) as it becomes repetitive and almost sickening. The uninteresting lyrics fall straight into the love pop bin, the lads should have took the hint when the song got rejected by Gwen Stefani and given to Nicole Scherzinger (it didn’t even make HER album). After their peak on the Final Straw album the Patrol seem to be slowly melting away into another puddle to avoid in the rainy street we call the music industry right now. Don’t worry there is sunshine forecast soon!

2/5

Nabeel

Fall Out Boy - Alpha Dog

2009-11-24T10:34:00.001-08:00

- because you like them wet

To be featured as one of the two new tracks on their Greatest Hits album ‘Believers Never Die’ Alpha Dog was tested in the water on the ‘Welcome to the New Administration’ mixtape and gained the most hype around it. Already one Zane Lowe's Hottest Records Alpha Dog is gaining more and more playlist momentum. The Boys manage to pull off the flips in pace and voice to keep you listening from start to finish. Not a bad track by any means, but the fact that they're bringing out a Greatest Hits album when I can't think of more than a handful of decent tracks is a massive turn off. If you're a fan then I'm sure you'll love this track, if you're anyone and eveyone else then it might be a grower if you're lucky, otherwise it’s the same old generic whiny ish we've come to expect from these ageing Boys.
2.5/5

- By Nabeel

Random News and Chat

2009-11-20T02:12:00.000-08:00

Hey, I'm back.

I'm sorry I know you missed me, I have just been recovering from Hospitality at matter... Which was errrrrrr like 3 weeks ago? Oops, bare shoulda reviewed it for you. In fact I will do it now;
TOO GOOD FOR WORDS TO DESCRIBE!!!

I wanted to quickly share 2 things with you.

One: Pendulums first remix since timeeeeee ago, who do they remix... Plan B. It is such an immense choon, a complete journey as the track unfolds, check it out please Plan B stay too long Pendulum remix.

Two: Web techy shizzle... UK Radioplayer to give web users access to every station in Britain
HOORAYYYYY FOR RADIO LAND
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6924280.ece

Enjoy

Peace and Love I will be back with more soon No doubt.

Michele Angelo

COMPETITION! Win 4 Warehouse Project tix for NYE

2009-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

harrow..nice place.

IC Radio has 4 tickets to give away for the Warehouse Project's NYE event! Listen to Roushan's show on Sunday at 2pm till 4pm (THIS SUNDAY!) to enter - it's a real piss easy competition too, so get in there, you and three mates can go get hammered.

The line-up is dope too:

Alex Metric

Cassette Jam

Delphic [ DJ Set ]

Doorly [ Radio 1 ]

Krysko

Greg Lord

Now Wave DJs

Prostitutes & Policemen

Head over to:

http://thewarehouseproject.com/home.php for more info

Review: Alice in Chains - HMV Forum - 17/11/09

2009-11-19T04:31:00.000-08:00

On the back of their first album for 15 years Black Gives Way to Blue Alice in Chains played two sold out shows at Kentish Town's Forum; their first in London since somewhat of a comeback gig at the Astoria in 2006. Support came in the form of Oxford based 2 piece Little Fish, who warmed up a crowd full of anticipation fairly well. Their wifebeater clad front woman led them through a set of fairly solid pop-rock tinged with some interesting breakdown sections, adding a good amount of depth to the setlist. Perhaps one to watch if they can pen a few more catchy numbers and gain a foothold on the playlists of some of the bigger radio stations.

After a short gap new frontman William Duvall lead Alice in Chains onto the stage and into a threefold barrage of pure awesome in the form of Them Bones, Damn that River and Rain When I Die, the first 3 songs from '92's seminal Dirt. Executed with towering precision they started as they meant to go on, sounding at least as massive as in their 90's heyday, to the delight of a somewhat vintage crowd.

The band charged energetically through 2 hours of old and new songs alike without a hiccough, except for a problem with the projector system crashing and spitting up a Windows error and a slight loss of clarity in the sound at some of the louder moments of the show. Highlights included a sit down acoustic interlude complete with performances of Heaven Beside You and the stand out title track from the eponymous new album, as well as a triumphant encore finish to old favourites Would? and Rooster.

Most importantly the band seemed to be truly at home on stage. Duvall strutted around magnificently, reaching out towards the crowd as if his utter salvation depended upon it. After all these years guitarist Jerry Cantrell seemed to be enjoying himself more than ever which was very much echoed by the crowd. The world of heavy metal music is a much better one with Alice in Chains back in it, they return to London for another show at Brixton Academy in December, I already have my ticket and shall be counting the down the days!

Tori Amos and Flip Review Double Whammy!

2009-11-19T04:14:00.000-08:00

Flip Extremely Sorry Soundtrack - Various

Most skateboarding movies feature a load of rad clips of gnarly dudes popping flip tricks down 20-sets set to a seemingly arbitrary collection of cool songs. For their latest vid Extremely Sorry skate pioneers Flip have decided to buck the trend and create a bespoke set of songs to

go with it. Rowley and co. have amassed an impressive collection of artists including Lemmy, Dave Lombardo and Snoop Dogg which does make forsome interesting songs. Highlights include a cover of Stand By Me with Lemmy on vocals and Swagger Rich, a rock-come-rap track featuring the D-O-double-G and Warren G. The album suffers in parts from producer Baron treading into unfamiliar areas, making for some filler, but what it looses here it makes up for in creating a much more cohesive collection of music to than the usual collection of somewhat disjointed tracks.

You can pick up Flip - Extremely Sorry and Soundtrack now from all good skate stores (buy local kids), whet your appetite here.

Tori Amos - Midwinter Graces Sampler

Billed as he first 'seasonal album' Midwinter Graces contains reworked Christmas carols along with original music, A Silent Night With You and Star of Wonder feature on this sampler. Backing is provided by Orchestra and Bag Band, harking back to Amos's more classically inspired work of the mid-nineties. Pleasantly left of centre, Midwinter Graces offers a nice easy listen that should appeal to most musical palettes.

Midwinter Graces is available now from record shops across the land!

Deadmau5 - Ghosts and stuff

2009-11-17T02:34:00.000-08:00

What started out as one of Deadmau5's first great tracks is released to the masses with the additional vocals of Rob Swire from Pendulum.

Ghost's and Stuff was a truly brilliant track on it's own. It stood out from the rest of the electro and house scene due to it's striking synths and pounding beat. The vocals on top simply aren't needed. If it was absolutely necessary to do so for general release then Rob Swire was certainly the wrong person for the job. The vocal's remove the originality from the record and replace it with a commercial, possibly even manufactured sound. The original track was a resounding 9 maybe even 10 out of 10. This new version with Rob Swire is sadly nothing more than a 6.

6/10
Chris Haggart

La Roux - Quicksand remixes

2009-11-17T02:30:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest breakthrough acts in 2009, La Roux, is going from strength to strength. No small thanks to the prolific remixes that have made her music even more accessible from the likes of Zinc and Skream.
Quicksand receives the remix treatment from Boy 8-bit and Mad Decent.
Boy 8-Bit's offering provides a stripped back version with the steel pan taking a far more prominent role. It's a club friendly, faster version of the original but still retains La Roux's unique vocals. 7/10

I'm a big fan of Diplo and all things Mad Decent (Diplo's label). He still retains the title of best DJ set I've seen (WHP last year). The Mad Decent remix 1 is a relaxed, chilled take on Quicksilver. Very easy to listen to and perhaps more a night-closer rather than a peak time belter, though that's never a bad thing. 8/10

I'm a little confused about remix 2. It's got some of the hallmarks of a dub step version but the bass line isn't that heavy and there is no bass drop even though the tempo is that of a dub step track. Could have been much better 5/10

Chris Haggart

Music Team Sessions no.1

2009-11-09T04:28:00.000-08:00

IC RADIO MUSIC TEAM SESSIONS no. 1

Look how much fun we had.

Yes

Funds was had.

Come join us for our next session...deets coming up soon

Passion Pit - Little secrets

2009-11-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

- They look like Imperial grads, except they can still smile.

Another gem from this electro-dance outfit. The synth into gets you from the word go, and the vocals are sublime, almost Jackson 5 brilliant. Much like Justice and Simian, when these guys do dance, they do it amazingly. A little more ‘conservative’ than some of their other stuff (try Sleepyhead) but this will easily slither into the clubs as well as the indie nights. The production is slick – great beep beep noises from all directions and a nice hearty texture of sound. Overall, brills.

5/5

Lia Han

Codeine Velvet Club - Vanity Kills

2009-11-09T04:23:00.000-08:00

Big band start! Win! Yes, big band is coming back (from the ass of Amy Winehouse and now the Noisettes etc). Codeine Velvet club truly surprise me...I was expecting an indie band, maybe some cute girl vocals and howls. But no, this is pure pop and brass. Not the best song I’ve heard but it’s different enough to stand out. It’s the kind of song you’d expect to be picked for James Bond film.

3/5
Lia Han

MUSIC SESSIONS PLAYLIST

2009-11-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

Gary Numan - Cars
Radiohead - Stupid Car
Toto - Hold the Line
Faith no more - Jizz lobber
Stone roses - I wanna be adored
Wagamama - Wagamama

IS THIS WAGAMAMA? TELL US!!!!
Answers on a postcard pulesase. We want to sell you to Wagamama (yum yum noodle places) and make you lots of monies.

Anyway, carrying on with the playlist...

Echo and the bunnymen - Ocean Rain
Tears for Fears - Head over heels

AND THATS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 FINITO! GOODBYE. LOVE YOU ALL. MISS YOU ALREADY.

THE FIRST EVER MUSIC TEAM SESSIONS!!

2009-11-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

We are on air now, playing throwback music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Overdose on sweet sweet vinyl and enjoy!

So far we've played

New Order - Blue Monday
Duran Duran - Rio

But we are STILL ON, till 11pm!!!!!

The Dead Weather - It Cuts like a Buffalo

2009-11-03T04:43:00.001-08:00

Jack White’s most recent supergroup “The Dead Weather” releases it’s latest single, “It Cut’s Like A Buffalo” from the debut album Horehound. It’s not as aggressive as their previous single, Treat Me Like Your Mother. Instead, there’s a mellower, almost plodding, approach with dark organ backing throughout. The sinister bass guitar driven introduction creates a dark atmosphere that will be very familiar to Jack White fans. Scratchy guitar riff’s appear towards the middle of the track but die away almost instantly as the organ takes hold of the track once more. While there isn’t too much new ground here for fans of the group’s respective previous bands it is still a good track. The Dead Weather do have a second album in the pipeline, although it remains to be seen how far into the long term the group will continue to tour and record music together with rumours of a seventh White Stripes album on the way.

By Chris Haggart

Language, Glitches, THR and Straight Laces

2009-11-03T02:49:00.000-08:00

(Picture: Language)

It’s a Tuesday night at the Buffalo bar in Islington and having just paid £5 entry we find ourselves reeled in by the complimentary (or so we thought) pinball machine. It just so happens that someone has kindly left four credits in the tank, a precursor for the performances to come maybe?

Well it didn’t take long for us to find out. As we mulled over our failures with the pinball machine, Strait Laces took to the stage. The ‘Belfastian’ trio play punchy-rock-pop and they play it with gusto. I found the energy put into the performance quite admirable considering the stock still audience of about 10. All in all it was a decent set with a few filler tracks but included some quite catchy little gems such as “Clap” and “Romantic Issues”. “Romantic Issues” being the standout track with its infectious riff and energetic punch courtesy of the lead singer.

Next up were The Half Rabbits hailing from Oxford. This heralded a distinct change in pace and energy. The four piece played more laid back atmospheric rock a-la Interpol, except without being anywhere near as good as Interpol. They never really escaped the realms of mediocrity for me and ended up finishing a passable set with their new “single” which actually was the only decent track.

To end the night we would be treated with two bands from London. Glitches were first up, with their skinny jeans, worn out footwear and trendy haircuts they could have been mistaken as yet another generic Indie band. Comprising of a drummer on a drum machine, a guitarist, a bassist (very tall) and a singer on keyboards Glitches play a delicous mix of electro, rock and dance (think the Klaxons). Combining fast paced drumming with synth punch and an excellent guitarist (probably the best thing about Glitches) they played a storming set, a welcome change in pace from the previous act. The highlight of the set “Caliguila: The Monster” employed chip tune-esque synth, high pitched chanting and soaring guitar riffs to good effect. from a promising new band, with a free demo CD to boot.

Last to take to the stage and the ‘Headline’ band of sorts, were “Language”. The three-piece are helmed by Mark (with the topknot) who guides the audience through Language’s snare driven drumming and synth driven melodies (initiated by the drummer) with bundles of charisma. Although starting off a little weak Language soon hit their stride prompting the audience to respond with shouts of “I love you mark” and outbursts of unintelligible spanish. Highlight’s of the set include the strangely named “The future of woody allen” and “The devil is me”. The latter being particularly interesting as Mark simply ‘talksings’ through most of the song, a nice touch considering the song’s subject matter. It was an enjoyable set and a great way to end the night of performances.

My personal highlight of the night was Glitches and I will be looking out for future material coming from them with some interest.

Cheng Lao

Alabama 3 - Jacqueline (release: Nov 23rd)

2009-11-03T02:42:00.000-08:00

Yet another fun fusion of styles by Alabama 3. ‘Jaqueline’ is a cool blend of rock, pop, blues, with a hint of country. ‘Wild west’ guitar riffs sway you and the hoarse, bass vocals have that jazzy sauciness that again gets you on your feet. Good track; holds up their reputation as a modern, talented band with a good sense of humour; should be popular on the playlists.

Kate Agathos

(Lia - OH MY GOD they look like Cowboy Priests...AMAZEMONT)

Anyway, they are playing a gig on Nov 10th (TUES) at The HMV Forum
9-17 Highgate Road
Kentish Town
London
NW5 1JY
www.kentishtownforum.com

BOOK TICKETS:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

SUB FOCUS - could be real

2009-11-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

You know what music is about adapting. Diversity, flexibility, showing how skilled you are in as many ways as possible.

All I have to say is waiting for the beat is well worth it... The drop is intense!

At the begining of this track, pianos and all that jazz; you will be saying 'sub focus is this fo' real?!' By the end its

'YES, I'm feeling like this could be REAL!!'

Peace out

Michele angelo

“Taking Woodstock” and the Spirit of Love 40 years later…

2009-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

Contrary to hopes and expectations, the summer of 2009 passed without the anniversary resurgence of the legendary Woodstock Festival of August ’69. After a few not-so-successful attempts (apart from maybe ‘Mudstock’ in ‘94) and the disastrous 30-year celebration still fresh -which ended in riots, arrests and injury- there’s been a lot of apprehension to any further endeavour to revive the ‘3 days of peace & music’. Lack of motivation from sponsors and producers concerned with the major dilemmas marking our time (free entry, old or new bands, before or after the crisis etc.) lead to withering of the reviving tradition.

However, on the penultimate day of the London Film Festival I did get a chance to ‘relive the love’.

“Taking Woodstock” (by Ang Lee) depicts the true story of how a young man suddenly got the festival back on track after it had been turned down by locals in the original site and effectively changes the lives of his family, neighbours and practically the entire American generation who experienced it. It is a beautiful film; funny, touching and inspirational with gorgeous scenes of the ‘flower children’ and the lifestyle they followed. Although the actual concert is never shown (the closest you get is a mud slope some 500m out), the music and art are always present, underlying the culture and mentality of the ‘60s in the US.

And 40 years later you can still relate to this hope and journey to self-awareness through philanthropy (sometimes drugs too) and of course through the love of music and all it represents.

So is all the love and altruism and inspiration and vision drowned by cynicism and the consuming nature of the modern ‘achiever’?

Our world is fucked up, this is certain and the future is scary and uncertain but there are some things that can still fight against the dystopias we might be heading towards.

I did not come out of the theatre thinking ‘what a shame it’s all changed’, I actually was loving everything too –though am usually a bit pessimistic.

Music and art are still very much alive, especially in London – well I know about the music at least. They keep the world turning, evolving in a beautiful and productive way and they keep this city vibrant. Through our student radio alone you’ll get to live it first hand, meet and listen to talented artists on their way up or even ones you already admire.

So go out and seek these treasures you’re offered!

When going through London you’ll come across the drunks, the homeless, the trash spread everywhere but, like me today, you might also get to go to a film festival, stumble into a free art gallery, walk past the love-preaching artwork on the pavement of Trafalgar Square and witness over 100 people giving money –not walking away- from a street performer. Yes, sometimes life is nice, and music and art keep it going.

Photo taken in front of National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

Btw, I should mention the annual ‘Woodstock Festival’ in Poland which is a musical and social success, bringing forward up-and-coming bands; if you’re ever around there in the summer, do check it out!

Alex metric

2009-10-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Alex Metric made his debut live appearance last night at The Flowerpot just north of Camden Town. Alex has been releasing music, both original and also producing an astonishing number of fantastic remixes, for a few years now and is currently on the Marine Parade roster.

I approached the gig with a fair amount of anticipation and I have to admit, slight trepidation. It can be very difficult to transform DJ produced tracks into a live performance. When done well, however, it can produce a spectacular show. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the masters, Soulwax, play live several times and their show is unrivalled in the realm of dance acts playing truly live. (The likes of the Chemical Brothers, Justice and Daft Punk don’t count because disappointingly they don’t use live instruments) Consequently, when I arrived to see a full band setup on stage my excitement grew. Not only that but as I left the bar to take my viewing position I nearly walked into the man himself, Mr Metric, who was mingling with the crowd pre-set, incredible!

Alex and the band took to the stage soon after and began with a track that I have to admit I haven’t heard before, I hope that isn’t a huge faux-pas! The track featured a lot of vocal’s from Alex proving that he’s not “just a DJ”. The band then merged into the next track, “Head Straight” which incidentally has an audience of millions as it features on the recently released FIFA 10 video game. Head Straight as a single is very easy to listen to and I did wonder how this would be transformed into a live band performance. The live version was amazing with what I can only describe as a brilliant mini-jam halfway through. (I hope he retains that in the set) Following on from head straight was my favourite track of the night, Alex’s remix of the Splitr track, “All Alone”. It was an inspired decision to include this in the set and on a bigger soundsystem the crowd will go crazy. I’m a big advocate of act’s playing covers, bootlegs and remixes during their live sets so this ticked another box. Another solid performance from the band with “In your machine”, reinforced their credentials that they really can make it work playing live. The throbbing basslines, rapid pace and distorted vocals of “What Now” added a further dimension to the set. The set ended with another track that I wasn’t familiar with that I believe will feature on his soon to be released album.
Alex Metric’s live show may have only just started out but it will certainly become one to watch out for in the future.

You can catch Alex doing his monthly residency on Thursday’s at 9pm Radio 1.
His live set gets it’s first big outing tomorrow at Brixton Academy supporting Phoenix before he tours the country from mid-November.
http://www.myspace.com/alexmetric

By Chris Haggart

Weezer- (If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

2009-10-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

- Rivers looks like R2D2!

Cutest title for a track, but then, it is Rivers so you wouldn't expect anything less. There's hints of white-boy-rapping in this, which shouldn't work, but the strength of the rest of the song makes it slot in. The beat is great, clapping (always a win), and plenty of percussion. The chorus sounds like old Jimmy Eat World, but the refrain is so so Weezer you can spot it a mile away. It's happy, upbeat, a real dance-like you're having a spazz track.

5/5

Lia

GEBUS I'M BEING NICE TODAY, MAYBE THATS BECAUSE MY FRIGGIN CEILING IS GOING 'DRIP DRIP DRIP' ALL NIGHT. The only thing I want dripping is......................................... (fill the space for personal amusement)

Gliss - Beauty

2009-10-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

- Cor they look a bit like Placebo...even Brian Molko

What a caramel-ly track...it's so smooth and well kept. Vocals definately reflect the title of the track - beauty. Yes, lead singer Victoria does sound like she's a chain-smoking jazz singer who could pass off as a man, but I think this adds to the complexity and mystery of this track. 'you save my soul, it's still any empty hole' should be a lyric that makes you cringe, but in this track it works perfectly. The perfect bridge between old skool (My Bloddy Valentine) to the recent influx of Swedish instrumental acts (Sigor Ros, Surrounded). Highly recommended.
5/5

Lia

Atlas Sound - Walkabout

2009-10-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

Atlas Sound definately tick the boxes for the new age of digital folk music. I sense intense pangs of Bright Eyes, Of Montreal and Arcade Fire. It's melodic, as kooky as Zoey Daschenel, and one of those songs that will make you remember that Summer three years ago when that boy took you to the funfair and won you a nice big teddy. Although, nowadays it'll be more like when that boy took you to the park, got you smashed on Ace Lightning and felt you up behind the bushes. Lets not kid though, this song is beautiful - it's light, the instrumentation is perfect - crispy electric piano tonks and carefully placed vocal harmonies.

5/5

Lia

Newham Generals - Hard (Caspa & The Others Remix)

2009-10-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Right so you will soon realize I am an absolute raving mad BEAT junky.

and I will go on non stop about dubstep dubstep disco disco dubstep.

literally I am obsessed. I was just listening to the radio and I got a hint off a wobble, and I remember the absolute tune I heard that is the caspa remix of the newham general- hard.

If you are new to dubstep hit up some of the stuff caspa and co. and churning out on the dub police label. some real gems I tell ya'

but anyway this is a fat tune. I know I shouldn't whack a youtube video in, but listen and love!

lets hope that works.

the mix of genre with underlying dub. ahhh

as you can tell this just makes no sense now, I'm rambling. I love it.

I just thought I would share a tune.

also check out towniship funk, that is so anthemic!

peace and love blog readers.

Michele Angelo

End Credits - Chase&Status ft. Plan B

2009-10-23T07:44:00.001-07:00

Dubstep has been around for some time. Really it has.

Thankfully in my opinion it is hitting the mainsteam.

Chase and Status one of the most well know dubstep artists have now taken the growing genre to the movies, with the aptly named 'end credits' made for the soon to be screened 'Harry Brown' which I might add boasts Michael Caine.

I fell in love with this track when I first heard it aired on radio, and when given the promo CD by kitty, to listen to again and again and write a review, I was nothing less than "buzzin' blad" mainly because I am a big Plan B fan, and it's wonderful to hear another side to his heartfelt rap-screams, where he sings in this song.

Simply the beats are heavy, the dubstep wobble is present and its out there, on the big screen. Dubstep has landed people, in it's lightest form, but boyyyyyy does it make me feel good!

Oh one last thing it has been championed by the genre man from Radio 1; Zane Lowe. Nuf' said people.

Image taken from: http://remix.vg/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chase-and-status.%20jpg

Safe!

Michele

Nerina Pallot - Real Late Starter

2009-10-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

An answer to the joining of folk music and the electronic age. Nerina Pallot manages to keep a kookiness to Real Late Starter with the use of strings and what sounds like a honky-tonk piano. It's an uplifting song, and above the usual standard from the influx of female solo artists like Pixie Lott.

Look out for the Interview with Nerina Pallot as she performs tonight in London!

image from: http://the-rocker.freeservers.com/Oct2006/nerina.jpg

Lia and Kate

The Kut - Doesn't matter anyway/Closure

2009-10-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Kut show hints of The Gossip; woman fronted 'don't care about anything' vocals and a driving backing riff. Doesn't matter anyway is an energetic song, although we would prefer a different vocal line; you think you're geting The Offspring but it comes out more Katy Perry. Closure suits Maha's voice more, and there is an awesome bass line. Overall, a mix of opinions but not bad.
Lia + Kate

Matt Alinson's Songs of the Week

2009-10-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Booka Shade - In white rooms

Biffy Clyro - The Golden Rule

White Lies - Death (Crystal Castle remix)

Symbolone - Love juice (Danger remix)

La Roux - Not Your Toy (data remix) (see pic!)

A Tribute to Stephen Gately and My Boyzone Experience

2009-10-19T09:49:00.001-07:00

Image from http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/Mark-Feehily-Reveals-Homosexuality-Stephen-Gately-Supports-Him-2.gif

Stephen Gately was my first crush. When I was 7 I met a girl named Aisha who introduced Boyzone to me. They were a concoction of pre-pubescent dreaminess, tied together with harmony and sporting white t-shirts and denim overalls. Before N-sync strutted in with their dirrrty bubblegum pop and poor-grade CGI futuredome videos, there was Boyzone. Before Simon Cowell decided to show his potato-sculpted face on screen, revealing, like some fantastic magician, the audition process for merry-band-making which was previously hidden behind pages of The Stage, 5 Irish lads were selected to be Boyzone. Before the Internet there was Boyzone. Before Barack Obama there was Boyzone. And they rocked my little world.

The first ever live show I ever didst see was a Boyzone one. It was in Cardiff Arena. Aisha, me and her mum took a train from Bristol to the welcoming arms of a sold out 2000 capacity dream-sanctuary where I was to come face to face, separated by 100meters or so, with my hero. He was almost angelic, perhaps due to the overwhelming use of white polyester, or the overkill of 100W bulb usage (oh the good old days when it was legal to mimic the almighty power of the sun). I look back and realise how wrong it was, for me, as a child, to count how old Stephen would be when I turned 18, just to make sure he could have his wild marriage way with me yet still not be old-man-creepy and get sent to prison. Ok, so what if I didn’t know the legal age for ‘love’ was 16, in those days sex was still the icky with the finger going into the hoop made out of the other hands’ fingers. But at least I was willing to wait; young girls these days would scratch each other’s eyes out with a good size cactus, or hedgehog, to get the 2-finger-deal with Robert Pattinson, of Twilight (lets spend 2 hrs gazing into eyes intensely) fame, or one of the Jonas brothers (not the one who is now married although well done him..with that face...). In my day, it was a little bit more innocent. As we sat on that train to Cardiff, painting our nails, although in hindsight, what a retarded idea that was; strong fumes in a confined space, we literally counted down the seconds until we would see our beloved Boyzone. There was a moment when I swear Stephen caught my eye and yes, hear these words and laugh; it...was...like...he...was...singing...only...to...me. Golly. I don’t remember much else, not even my favourite song or how long the set was. Only that me and Aisha brought matching Boyzone dogtags and thought this was awesome-gee-wiz-cool.

I also remember that the only copy of a Boyzone album I had was a tape, with two sides and everything; they were called side A and side B dontchaknow and it was totally pirated and sold to my Dad at Easton market. I always did feel the shame of my non-legit copy. The printing was a fail on both paper gsm and ink and there wasn’t even any lyrics printed, lyrics as classic as ‘love me for a reason, let that reason be love’.

I grew up and at the age of 13 rejected all my Boyzone love to turn grunge... then slightly goth, then a bit new-age 80’s finally ending my teenage years as very much 50’s. I denounced ever liking pop music; the trout of the fish-aisle, and never did the story of my first gig escape my lips. It was only after the last dreads of Fresher-mentality escaped my being that I truly appreciated my childhood and all the god-awful music that came with it; N-sync, Britney Spears, the Spice Girls (although for some reason Steps will always lurk below appreciation, much like everything that ‘H’ stood for...seriously, it’s like Cluedo with the card in the middle stuck on your opponent’s head, gaping at you...H...H...H...stands for...??? During the time it took me to grow up, Boyzone split up, Ronan declared that life is a rollercoaster and Stephen became Prince Charming in musical theatre. He also came out of closest, shocking girls everywhere and making me question how much tail he got in his Boyzone years, if any, before he decided to bat for the other team. People named him as a hero for gay rights although in my opinion being smoked out of the closest makes you more a hero for battling career-blackmail; an epidemic in our times. Since then, Stephen kept to himself, only releasing singles in sporadic periods of his life, but faithfully did not parade himself in celebrity big brother-stuck-in-a-jungle-cootie-love-island . Ok, so he did go on Celebrity Ice Skating, but that travesty was on ITV which is practically like broadcasting in a desert.

It was only until last week when his name even crossed my mind, and for all the wrong reasons. As I did my daily breakfast routine of a cigarette and reading Sky news on my mobile phone it was announced that Stephen Gately had tragically died on holiday. There were no suspicious causes and an underlying heart condition was suspected. Even though his death has shocked and saddened me, I firmly believe that it was accidental. However I cannot believe that Jan Moir of the Daily Mail managed to squeeze out of her column (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1220756/A-strange-lonely-troubling-death--.html) a large turd of conspiracy theory about drugs, sexual deviance and full on gay-bashing. I shan’t say anymore than what Charlie Brooker has very eloquently put in his comment (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/16/stephen-gately-jan-moir ) except Jan, get back into the kitchen. And I don’t mean that in an anti-feminist way, but in a ‘you’re a friggin cookery writer’ way (for example here is an excerpt of her faboosh writing; ‘incidentally, a Scottish muffin is very different from an English muffin, while the one Americans call and English muffin is what the Scots call a crumpet....Perhaps this baked goods confusion is what lady Gaga is referring to in her song Poker Face, when she sings about ‘bluffin with my muffin’)...well done Jan, well done. (To read the whole of that riveting article about different muff’s – head to Jan’s page in the link above).

Lia

Underground Railroad

2009-10-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

IC Radio’s Lia Han and Kate Agathos catch up with Underground Railroad after their show in Camden and talk serious music. Originally formed in France, this trio of Marion Andrau, Raphael Mura and JB Ganviet have relocated to London to follow the Indie-dream; wear black, hang out in the East and eat salt beef bagels. Oh, and making some sweet sweet music along the way. And perhaps opening for Dinosaur Jr., wasn’t so bad either.

Underground Railroad are supporting some Australian band tonight. I forget the name because I was late to the gig but did manage to secure the all important 2 song rule (give any band two songs and that’s enough to make up your mind about how ear-rapingly shite they are). The place is full of very jolly south of the equator Australians much like a Friday night at Walkabout in Fulham and it’s hard to guess why Underground Railroad are supporting a band which sounds like Bon Jovi had a tongue-jacuzzi with ZZ Top (with the non-bearded one with the beard in his name sat on the side, juzzing himself out). Me and Kate make our way backstage, uttering the classic ‘OOOOOH GIGGLE GIGGLE backstage!’ like we are about to chug some Motley Crue spunk, and thrust our laminated backstage passes at any passer-by. Ha, two pass words in one sentence, whatdyathunkit.

Underground Railroad certainly play a spectacular show; not afraid to put themselves literally on the stage, they exude energy and an old skool punk attitude. Playing in London is hardly daunting for these guys anymore, they claim to be practically Londoners after re-locating 3 years ago, and have firmly embraced the classic Londoner compass-divide; declaring their love for the East because it’s too expensive to go anywhere on the tube and they love hanging out in Shoreditch and Brick Lane. The subject of Brick Lane Salt Beef Bagels comes up, most likely instigated by me because it literally is the perfect sandwich with meat:carbohydrate ratio (fyi: 2:1), and we have a mini-circle-time-bonding-sess by agreeing that out of the two bagel shops, it’s the first one as you turn into Brick Lane that totally pwns over the other. They’ve had a wealth of shows in London too, all over the shop; Koko, White Heat, Luminare, Cargo and Buffalo bar, just to name a few (these venues sound like Wicca Anime characters… except Cargo, maybe he can be the Mr T of the group, non?). But do they miss France? It’s very different Marion remarks, but there are more bands in London. ‘It’s boiling here, with so much activity; everyone seems to be in a band. There’s competition in France too but we know everyone so you can build a scene really quickly. In London there are still lots of bands we like but we haven’t met yet’.

Their new album Sticks and Stones was produced by John Goodmanson, of Death Cab and Cutie fame, and delivers on some noisey impact. Obvious bumming of Jesus Mary Chain and Velvet Underground, although anything with a bit of avant-garde noise will normally invoke those references like a sharte gone right. But I am pleased to report some pop! Yes! Pop! Jingly jangly catchy swiftly monkey verses! Good fashioned good music.
On why the lyrics are in English, the band delve into the ins and outs of the French dialect, commenting on the fact that the ‘hu-urgh’ sound one makes is not as suited to rock music than say, rap. There is a brief spell of the teaching of French culture as they tell us that they call what I assume we know as scat singing, ‘yoghurt’. Creamy and full of wonderful and full of bifidis regularis? Hmm. But English or French, the sound of the album does little to offend the ears, which explains why they gelled so nicely into the European Nada Surf tour. As they recall, despite the differences between the bands, the fans just ‘got it’. They aspire to support bands in different genres, with the names Goldfrapp, The Liars and Deerhoof mentioned in passing.

For a band who have been together 5 years, growing up in a small suburb in Paris, and meeting in what they seem to describe as the only studio in town (because it was cheap at 100 Euros a year), they all seem so fresh and not at all living the stagnant band life so many fall into. Yes, the beginning was hard and they certainly took moving to London, ‘we didn’t know anyone in London and were living in Whitechapel and took the 1st room we could get, sending demos to clubs, promoters, anyone’ but they’ve done well for themselves, and as they describe it, London is a platform which has brought them immense opportunities here and abroad.

Lia

Sweet sweet music

2009-10-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

This little gem was written when I was a Fresher - you can tell because of the over-use of genitalia slang and the fact that I actually sound like Imperial hasn't raped me of all my time

It’s a well known fact that music can be sexy (Genie in a Bottle), romantic (I am Beeeeeeeeeeautiful), and down right dirty (DiRRRty). Oh Xtina, music goddess of the vag. However, choose the wrong music for your nookie session, and it suddenly has the unbelievable power to make even Lexington Steele get the beerpussy. No one likes silence, and most people don’t want to listen to the smacking, popping or chuffing sounds of the ‘intercourse’, so reaching for the CD player/Ipod station/Tape (wat ist das?!) or even live orchestra is a natural thing to do. And I know for a fact that everyone has had an awkward experience trying to squirt the spooge whilst simultaneously ignoring the ugly sounds filling the room. So after much deliberation (and the decision to horribly embarrass my own boyfriend) I’ve come up with a nice little list of good and bad ambience music for whatever tat des geschlechtes takes you.

Lets start with the least painful recollections; the music that made that moment a bit more special; even if he did give you a dirty sanchez afterwards:

A friend once told me that Damien Rice ‘O’ (like the whole album, stamina or what) was a sweet little ditty to play, and if your biatch don’t start crying half way, I say that’s a hit for you relationship types. Personally, there are songs which I’d stay away from; Woman like a man starts off with ‘I need a piss, wanna hate, fuck it up, calm’. NICE.
Then there’s classical music. My boyo once put on Chopin’s nocturnes, and that makes any biscuit crumbed bed seem like a four poster. However, careful with the pretentious arty persona; rules still apply: most piano music yes, some string quartets (bar Debussy) still work; but orchestral works, leave that to the pros. You don’t want to be struggling with some Nazi Wagner or Steve Reich. Or even worse, Schoenberg. God no.
Weezer (Green Album) is damn cute, and you’ll find that most girls adore Rivers anyway. It’s the math-rock-geek-emo thing that came before scenester-hair-gelled-asymmetrical-hair cut-studded belt types spawned the earth. Sexy as.
And to bring the rock to your cock. Its gotta be a bit of the heavy stuff, ya know, the drum beats for the tush push, guitar licks and flicks. All that is awesomo. Motley Crue, I will admit, ranks thigh high (bring on the trailer trash insults) and anything during the mad-crazy-your-parents-conceived-you period of the 70-80’s still rules! ZZ Top, INXS, Deep Purple, Dinosaur Jr…take me up to the 90’s for us young uns and it’s the likes of Smashing Pumpkins (just too many songs to mention, oh, go on then; today, perfect, tonight tonight, thirty three, cupid de locke) and Pearl Jam (because we all watched Clarissa and totally fell for ladder Sam).

Ho ho ho. Santa here bringing you the goodies. Bad bad bad encounters. The worst; gotta be Zappa (we didn’t have time to change the CD)…not the easiest thing to ignore when you hear ‘I’M IN YOU!’ on the surround sound. The cringe gradient slowly decreases to PWEI (get me a big mac, get me fries to go, watchman!) then something lame from a few years ago like the James Blunter. I’d like think any girl sounds I heard were from me and not some army tosser with a guitar. Oh and even though it hasn’t happened to me yet, (despite being referred to as liking cuntcore music), stay well away from Peaches! ‘Sucking on titties like you wanted me’ and ‘I keep my self respect hidden in my cervix’ are not for the approachable modern lady.

So my little raccoons, may you procreate like bunnies! Be safe by wrapping the piggy in his blanket! Listen to the soundtrack of your life! Steel clear of J pop! Avoid the Westlife for it is all LIES (the ugly one with the huge spam went and knobbed Delta Goodrem)! And never never never ever go ass to mouth.

Love you long time,
Lia

F.Y.I: Go on lads, put on Smack my Bitch Up and watch her transform into a right little minxy freak. I wanna freak in the morning, freak in the evening. Sugababes had it down.

The Baddies - Open one eye

2009-10-15T08:47:00.001-07:00

This sure sounds like Madness! And that my friend, is damn good. With hints of Maximo Park, the vocals are definately reminescent of Indie music circa 2 years ago, but this still feels fresh. There is a great mix of sounds, and is bursting with fullness, it almost feels like it's done in the underground, although that could be my crappy speakers. I can't say that it's revolutionary, but at least it stands out from the crowd.

Paramore - Ignorance

2009-10-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Paramore are gained extreme popularity since their chart breaker Hallelujah, and have comfortably stood in the front of the new resurgence of the rock genre. With the likes of Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco paving the way for electro-rock, Paramore have found a sound that stays quite raw amongst the beep beep synth sounds of their compatriots. Hayley Williams delivers strong vocals with the the rest of the band driving some very rifftastic rhythms. The chorus lacks the same impact as the verses; it just doesn't hold the same momentum and melodic interest. The catchyness of the hook 'ignorance is your new best friend' makes up for this although when the song finishes you somehow feel an emptiness, but maybe this is because I no longer hold that teenage angst which gels so well with lyrics like 'yeah I've got friends who stuck together, we wrote our names in blood'.