These Are Sounds

Star Slinger - Dumbin' (feat. Reggie B)

2011-10-06T00:39:00.001+01:00

Star Slinger, real name Darren Williams hails from Manchester and has recently released his first single Dumbin' - available for free download from Green Label Sound.

Dumbin' is a track fresher than 99% of the music currently coming out of the UK. Star Slinger has an enviable ability to take a hook, some intriguing beats and create a track that is utter bliss and an experience to listen to. Dumbin' is a track that lets you zone out and get lost - in a good way. Star Slinger doesn't look like you would imagine and he has an air of complete genuineness, both these things make me want to know and hear more. Dumbin' is a debut to be proud of and it deserves to do well and elevate Star Slinger to a whole new level, he deserves to do well and I am sure he will, talent like his won't go unnoticed.

Wonderful remixes from Star Slinger have been popping up online for the last year or so and it's great to hear new material and see him release his debut, officially.

Here are a few of my favourite remixes...

Star Slinger - Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins Rework) by Star Slinger

Alex Winston - Sister Wife (Star Slinger Remix) by Star Slinger

Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life (Star Slinger Remix) by Star Slinger

Star Slinger - May I Walk With You? by Star Slinger

Find Star Slinger online...

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Lana Del Rey - Video Games

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

Lana Del Rey ( AKA Lizzy Grant) is NY born and now living in London. She's dubbed herself as a "ganster Nancy Sinatra", something that I think will come back to haunt her over the years. With comparisons to Nina Simone and Cat Power the 'net is a buzz with Lana Del Rey and her powerful, soulful, beautifully accented voice and jazz influences. If I were a betting type I'd put a fiver down to her doing incredibly well this year and throughout 2012. Her music is a refreshing change from a lot of what is on offer from new artists and I can see her appeal being wide.

Lana Del Rey - Video Games by PurplePR

Video Games is a wonderfully bittersweet sounding song that conjures powerful imagery and emotions. Lana Del Rey claims she is a writer first and a singer second and despite her stunning vocals, it is the way the song is written that makes this really special. The melody works well with her husky and slightly wallowing vocals and the steady piano throughout gives the entire song a solid structure allowing for the vocals to really show of the song. The harp is a beautiful touch and altogether it just makes me want to go to a smoky jazz club and drink the night away listening to real music...

Lana Del Rey will be releasing her debut single Video Games on the 10th October on Stranger Records.

Find Lana Del Rey online...

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Alpines - Cocoon

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

The beautiful and wonderful Alpines release "Cocoon" today and to go with it yet another mesmerising video.

Cocoon is quite a dark track, fitting the operatic vocals perfectly. The chorus just makes this song, the vocals haunting with a sense of urgency and the rhythm lifts this song to dizzy heights. And that video... it makes for a really fantastic experience. The 12" is available to buy from HMV... How gorgeous?!

(Photo taken from the Alpines Blog)

And for those who love a remix...

Alpines - Cocoon (xxxy Remix) by Alpines

Alpines - Cocoon (Nocturnal Sunshine Remix) by Alpines

Alpines - Cocoon (Troumaca Remix) by Alpines

Alpines are currently working on a debut album with Craig Silvey (Portishead, Arcade Fire, The Horrors).

Find Alpines online...
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Battlekat - Business

2011-08-21T16:36:00.001+01:00

Battlekat are Johnny, Matilde, Jeppe & Balder. They are signed to Good Tape Records and from what I can tell only have two songs available for listening online, Business and The Pain. Hailing from Denmark they delight me in ways that only the Scandinavians can. Their music is "pop" and "electronic" but tinged with a certain darkness that you hear in their contemporaries, The Knife.

BUSINESS by Battlekat

Business is a beautiful pop song with interesting and evocative boy/girl vocals and a gorgeous melody that twists itself around the strong and dirty drums and bass.

Find Battlekat online...

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Introducing... Alex Winston

2011-08-04T20:34:00.001+01:00

Detroit born Alex Winston has a unique sound and I think that's what makes her music so special, there are definitely comparisons to be made to CocoRosie, Joanna Newsom, Ellie Goulding and El Perro Del Mar though. She makes music that sounds retro but fresh at the same time, something that is not always easy to pull off. Alex is a classically trained opera singer and has been surrounded by music and into it all since a young age and this shows in what comes across in her music as raw talent.

Alex Winston - Sister Wife by Island Records UK

And how about this awesome remix from Starslinger?

Sister Wife (Starslinger Remix) by AlexWinstonOfficial

Not including a debut EP of covers in 2010, Alex Winston released her EP "Sister Wife" originally on Heavy Roc Music and later on Island Records. Her new EP "Velvet Elvis" here in the UK on the 5th of September and it deserves to do well.

Alex Winston - Velvet Elvis by AlexWinstonOfficial

Find Alex Winston online...

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Wireless Festival 2011:- Saturday 2nd July

2011-07-10T01:57:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday took me to Hyde Park for the second day of the Wireless festival. The sun was shining gloriously and spirits were high all round. As for the actual festival, it was my first time at Wireless and I have to say it was incredibly well organised. Queuing times were minimal all over the site (entrance, food & drink, cash machines, toilets) and the security were present but not over-baring, nothing worse than a burly, curmudgeonly faced guy making you feel that your very presence, no, your very existence is an inconvenience.

I managed to catch seven of the days acts, unfortunately I had to miss two I was really hoping to see (Aphex Twin & Battles) but you win some, you lose some I guess. And there were definitely some winners...

Alpines

Drive by Alpines

I have already expressed my utter adoration for these guys and they did not fail to impress. Alpines were first on the "Unwind" stage, not an easy slot but they pulled off perfectly and lead singer, Catherine performed with complete elegance and grace. She appeared on the stage in some flamboyant Grecian ensemble and from that moment on, the interest of passers by was caught. Despite having to battle with the sound of an exceptionally loud main stage, Alpines had no problem in captivating their audience and by the end of the set the tent had filled out nicely. The mixture of hauntingly beautiful vocals and raw music made for a really awesome set.

Highlights of the set:- Drive & Cocoon.

Katy B

Katy B was a bit of a last minute decision for me. I can't say I have been overwhelmed by her stuff and I sometimes question her authenticity of how she is portrayed as she is actually a Brit school graduate... One thing you cannot fault her on live is her vocal ability (probably attributed to the Brit school...) She put on a good show and although I won't go out of my way to see her again I am very pleased I did. She had a lot of energy and kept the crowd well entertained and personally I saw little need for the guy brought in to hype up the audience, she was doing a fantastic job and it was a bit unnecessary. Perhaps being a fellow female I have a lot of admiration for female acts, particularly in the early days of their career. In this day and age there were still plenty of guys in the audience who thought it acceptable to shout out sexist obscenities to her...

Highlights of the set:- Louder and Easy Please Me.

Modestep

Before seeing these guys I had only heard Feel Good which I liked. I had a bit of a gap as the people I was with decided to see Digitalism and I opted to see Modestep. I am so glad I did. One of the best acts of the day, hands down. Modestep are an interesting one, as they are a band they are equally fun to watch as they are to listen and dance to, I can imagine their DJ sets are just as good but seeing a live dubstep band is pretty awesome. They certainly got the crowd going and it was interesting to see such a variety of people all getting into it in their own way. There was drop after drop and personally I could have listened to them all night. They are playing a lot of dates this Summer so be sure to catch them, they will not disappoint.

Highlights of the set:- Sunlight and F U (Remix of Cee Lo Green.)

Chromeo

I've had a thing for Chromeo back when Needy Girl came out and was being played in lots of clubs and littered the music blogosphere. I have followed their progress on and off ever since and they never fail to put me in a good mood. Going to see them at Wireless was a no brainer. The crowd were a real mix of those who knew pretty much every track (lots who knew Fancy Footwork, which I have since discovered was used on Step Up 3D - that would explain it) and those that thought they were "boring" and just didn't get their Chromeo's "thing". They were incredibly tight live and coolness come with every sound wave. I would urge anyone to see these guys, their stage presence is good and despite it being just the two of them and a load of equipment (and the keyboard stand legs, of course!) they managed to pull of a festival performance like total pros.

Highlights of the set:- Needy Girl and Night by Night

Nero

Nero was the act I was most looking forward to and there was no disappointment. It was a DJ set (the lighter haired fella, which ever one he is!) and there was just drop after drop and an creative blend of remixes and their own tracks. The tent was crammed,literally bursting at the seams as plenty stood outside and around the edges of the entrances. I am not usually one to dance (unless I've had a few in which case out come the moves!), I am the one that usually stands there nonchalant, some may even say aloof! But Nero brought the sober moves out (my sober moves are nowhere near as impressive as the intoxicated ones!) To be honest the mosh pit was so big that there was little choice but to just go with the flow. The set was incredibly tight and the sounds just kept coming and coming. I could have stayed, listened and danced all night, alas after an hour or so it all came to an end and we all had to find our feet and try and make our way out. Nero have become a complete new addiction for me and I am itching to see them again - I could not recommend these guys enough!

Highlights of the set:- Guilt and Crush On You (Remix of The Jets.)

Chase & Status

Chase & Status 'Hypest Hype' Ft. Tempa T by Chase & Status

I was really quite excited about seeing Chase & Status, they may be as commercial this sort of stuff comes but you can't deny they have a skill and there is nothing wrong with bringing a often underground genre of music to the masses. I love the geekiness of Chase & Status, they are uber geeks. Live Chase & Status have a drummer and an MC to get the crowd going, it's easy to forget that those dweebs behind the screen are the brains. Most the album was played (opening with No Problem and closing with End Credits as per the album) and it was nice to have quite a few of the guest vocalists appear on stage for their songs and all the tracks were as polished and tight live as they are on the album. Perfect festival act, but if I am honest I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again, but you can guarantee that one of their tracks come on in a club and I'll be up.

Highlights of the set:- Time and Fire In Your Eyes

The Chemical Brothers

I have always liked The Chemical Brothers, definitely one of my favourite dance acts. I had no doubt they would be able to pull off a fantastic festival set (which they did, of course) and it was great to see the audience of all ages really getting into it. Much of the crowd reminded me of the crowd when I saw Prodigy play T in the Park some years ago; people who were there when it all began for these acts. Their days of loud beats and pills every weekend far behind them. With a band like The Chemical Brothers it's easy to forget how long they have been around and just how much material they have written - it's pretty phenomenal. The set varied between old to new music and included all the favourites. The second half was definitely better than the first half. It felt it took a while for them to warm up, as the set progressed the transition between tracks got tidier and the energy lifted tenfold. The visuals for the set were incredible, the video in the background was creative and perfect for each track, the lightening was spot on too (apart from the dick with a laser) and made for the entire set being a real sensory treat.

Highlights of the set:- Saturate and Block Rockin' Beats

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Please note all images were taken from the Wireless website. If there are any issues the please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cher Lloyd - Swagger Jagger

2011-06-21T14:26:00.001+01:00

Although I would call myself an indie girl at heart I love my pop music. I love the industry surrounding pop music and how it effects our culture on a grand scale. Love it or loathe it, programme like X Factor have a big influence on our music industry. I can't say I often care for any of the acts on there and it is nothing more than an entertainment show but it's always interesting to see how they take an act that hasn't won and how they chose to market them and in some cases make them bigger than the winner.

Cher Lloyd came fourth in the seventh series of X Factor (2010) and her next move has probably been one of the most anticipated of all the contestants of that series.

For me, her audition was probably one of the best I've seen. Yes, she's pretty full of herself (but better than the shrinking violet I was when I was 16!) and she's not pitch perfect but she had something. It wasn't another bloody ballad and sob story.

Last week her forthcoming debut single Swagger Jagger leaked online. I was disappointed to say the least. This is the debut from a young artist who could potentially have a long career ahead of them, they are signed to Syco, one of the biggest earners in the industry (this article suggests 70% of Sony's earnings are from Syco), had her debut produced by Diplo and will have the top people in the industry working with her. If this is all so, why is it such a poor debut single.

A chorus that fits with "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling, Clementine", lyrics about the internetz and social networking sites, awful lyrics like " Kiss kiss, I'll see you later, It was very, very, very nice to meet ya" and "Swagger jagger, Swagger jagger, You should get some of your own" - it's like a near retirement age writer has been asked to write a "hip" and "trendy" song and plucked random "cool" words and websites and jumbled them together in near-rhyming fashion. It's full of naff lyrics and sounds and on the whole is pretty cringeworthy.

I am very interested in watching how her career progresses, her interview on Scott Mills show yesterday was a great listen, and I do look forward to hearing the album just when I think Britain lacks a cool and edgy pop star I had really hoped Cher Lloyd would be able to step up and fill the role.

Alpines - Drive

2011-06-20T21:48:00.001+01:00

A beautifully intriguing video to match an equally mesmerising song. Thoughts flicker between the odd but slightly whimsical likes of Fever Ray/The Knife and Cocteau Twins with the atmosphere and beats that an artist like Burial would bring to the table.

Skream has also worked his dub-magic on the above single producing this dance worthy remix...

Drive (Skream's I Ain't Got A License Remix) by Alpines

Find Alpines online...
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Introducing... Amanda Mair

2011-06-17T20:33:00.001+01:00

I won't lie, I have a real penchant for all things Scandinavian. I don't know why, I have never visited any of the countries there and I have no reason other than there being something about the people, the culture and the music that lures me in.

Amanda Mair is only 16 and recently released her debut single "House" a beautifully sung pop song that ticks all the right boxes. With comparisons to Kate Bush and Dusty Springfield (Dusty's voice and Kate's musical style - at least that's how I hear it!) there are a lot of expectations resting on this young 16 year old's shoulders.

Amanda was picked up by Labrador after she recorded a few songs with a friend of Labrador records. Prior to the release of House, Amanda had no online presence and she hadn't done any live shows. Labrador Records (one of my favourite labels, just so you know...) have taken her under their wing and I for one really hope she does well, she will easily appeal to fans of other Swedish female singers such as Lykke Li and El Perro Del Mar. Her debut album is expected to be out Winter 2011/2012.

Download MP3: House (Labrador Records)

Review: WhiteMoor - WhiteMoor

2011-06-12T23:37:00.001+01:00

WhiteMoor are a four-piece hailing from Derby, UK. Barrington, Benny, Luke and Tom are WhiteMoor and have released their self-titled debut...

Three Words is an immense opening to WhiteMoor's self-titled debut, an excellent catchy indie pop anthem. Full of powerful hooks, rasping vocals, a catchy guitar and a great pace that just makes you want to dance. The stand out track on the album by far. I really think this track will do well - it certainly deserves to.

As The Element of Surprise begins I found my mind race from Kings of Leon to Razorlight and then settle on WhiteMoor. They may have the sound of a million other bands but ultimately they do sound like only themselves. The Element of Surprise is definitely the second best track on the album and again deserves to do well and would work perfectly as a single and as a great introduction to WhiteMoor and the variety of styles that they can create for you.

Burning Flowers reminds me of Stereophonics and there have been a few occasions I have heard a likeness to both Stereophonics and the more recent Feeder stuff. There is a whiff of Scouting For Girls/The Feeling/'that kinda pop act' about WhiteMoor on occasions, but I think that is more in the catchy hooks of tracks like Remember Remember, in which "Did anyone kiss me last night?" is being wailed throughout, but with these bursts being few and far between, they just about work. WhiteMoor bring a little more edge to it than the aforementioned acts, thankfully. Pieces is an awesome, dark track that twists is way through with some of the best vocals on the album and leads into the equally excellent Fingerprints.

Overall, a really pleasing and exciting debut album and I look forward to hearing how this band develop. There are no weak points on the album and in my opinion not a single filler track in sight. Always a good thing. Benny (vocals) shows his ability to sing in a variety of styles on this album and that there is not a need to drown his voice with the guitar, something that I think is all too common. They are indie pop, with an edge. Just what we are need of.

The Element Of Surprise by WhiteMoor

Tracklisting:
1. Three Words
2. Artefacts
3. The Element of Surprise
4. Burning Flowers
5. Lay Me Down
6. Remember Remember
7. Pieces
8. Fingerprints
9. With Landscapes
10. At The Crescendo
11. Chapters

Stand out tracks: Three Words, The Element Of Surprise, Pieces & Fingerprints.

Rating: 8/10

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Interview: You Animals

2011-06-06T12:10:00.001+01:00

You Animals are (from left to right) Ryan, Liza, Mark, Matt, Martin and Stuart.

Comprising of six members of indeterminate relationship (Brothers? Sisters? Lovers?), You Animals mash guitars into keyboards to make scrappy pop anthems that manage to at first lift you up and then pull you back down with their heartfelt honesty.

Which festivals are You Animals playing in 2011?
We’ve just played The Great Escape in Brighton which was unbelievably good fun and we’ll also be at YNot festival in August. It’s quite close to where we live so really looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces in the crowd.

Which You Animals track(s) always goes down well at gigs?
Any of the ones that we don’t fuck up! The singles are usually well received, it’s great when people know the words better than Ryan does. Which isn’t that hard really.

What are the best and worst things about touring and playing live?
The best things are meeting tons of people and seeing loads of great bands that you might not normally get to see. We toured with The Xcerts and Brontide recently and we got on ridiculously well, it was a bit embarrassing really. We even bought each other end of tour presents.

Playing our songs to people who have never heard us before is something we enjoy too, almost as much as playing to a room of people who have been fans since the start. We see it as a bit of a challenge I guess, trying to win them over.

The worst thing is definitely being stuck in a broken down van in the middle of the night when your almost home. So near, yet so far...

What 3 things are essential to take to a festival?
Hmm... I’m a very practical person so a plastic bag would have to be top of my list, so many uses! Carry your beers, water proof ‘boots’, stylish rain hat, sick bag, emergency underwear, the list goes on...

Number 2 would have to be a tent. That may sound ridiculously obvious but I tried doing it without one once. Never again. It was the last day of the festival and I thought I could just sleep in one of the big tents where the bands had been playing, I didn’t realise they took them down the same night. I woke up with some big builder stood over me shouting “You can’t sleep there!” I ended up sneaking into the camp site and ‘sleeping’ in my sleeping bag in torrential rain. I was too young and nervous to ask anyone if I could squeeze in their tent with them.

Finally I’ll have to say your ticket. Pretty important.

What was the first festival you went to (as a festival goer)?
It was Leeds festival when they used to have the signing tent. I spent pretty much the entire day in the queue to meet one of my musical heroes and missed almost every band. I’m not naming any names cos I’m now friends with him and I don’t want to blow my cover! It was the same festival as the one I thought it’d be a good idea to leave my tent at home. Not a great introduction to festival going as it goes!

Any tips for first time festival goers?
Drink as much as humanly possible.

What 3 bands would you chose to headline a 3 day festival?
Oh good question. If I could chose anyone from history it would be:

The Smiths, Radiohead, At the Drive In.

How important do you think festivals are for up-and-coming bands like yourselves?
They’re absolutely crucial. Where else would you get the chance to play to so many people that are open to and actively looking for new bands to get in to? You don’t usually get a soundcheck at a festival so bands can’t rely on a smooth, superslick stage production to win over the crowd. You have to rely on your energy and ability to write a good song to capture the audience because there’s nothing to hide behind. It’s scary as hell but the best feeling in the world when it goes right.

Over the last few years, music festivals have become more and more popular with there being many up and down the country of varying size and genres, where do you see music festivals in the future of music?
They seem to be playing a bigger and bigger role each year. As you say there are more springing up every summer and that can only be a positive thing as far as I can see. If you can’t afford to go to Glastonbury and Pimavera and Download or wherever, chances are there’ll be a small festival not too far from where you live. OK you might not get the same bands playing but you can still get a piece of the atmosphere that makes festivals so great.

Finally, if you could play a festival in any country in the world, where would it be?
Japan, without a doubt.

You can find more about You Animals below...

Interview: Thrill Collins

2011-06-04T23:27:00.001+01:00

In 2010 Thrill Collins played over 100 shows in 11 countries in a bid to promote the genre the world seemingly forgot: skiffle. Anyone can play an instrument and the boys are confident that the band is proof positive they can do just that. Thrill Collins are a ska/skiffle/lounge/jazz trio that specialise in 80s & 90s songs. They have played for friends and strangers all around the UK, Europe and the US and are available for gigs/festivals/weddings/barbecues/parties/ hootenannys/shindigs and just love to play. ‘Collins can count several locals and Andrew’s Mum amongst their fans and everyone from Frank Turner to members of the England football and cricket squads (and even members of the royal family) have dared to remain in the same room when they’ve played…

Which Thrill Collins track(s) always goes down well at festivals?
It changes every time. There are some that we think people might recognise if they’ve seen us before – like Backstreet or the MJ tune – that go down well, but it really depends on the audience. You can normally tell about three or four songs in what people are going for so we usually just go with what’s working there and then – we rarely write a set list.

What's been your most fun festival to date?
A difficult question indeed. Our set at 2000 Trees really stood out as a highlight last year, as did Eden Festival up in Scotland. They have the “Furry Chillum” stage which has massive old sound system and that was such a cool place to play. Wychwood is always a great laugh and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival was a big moment as that was quite early on for us as a band and was quite a daunting experience at the time for the slot we were given.

How many festivals are Thrill Collins playing in 2011?
We’re playing about a dozen music festivals in total, although we’re doing quite a few more if you start including one day festivals or festivals “that also have music” We’re also playing the Rabbit Hole at uber-awesome electro festival “Glade” in June, which we reckon is pretty good going for an acoustic skiffle trio.

2010 saw you do a European tour, 2011 you are doing another one. How do they compare to gigs in the UK?
We were quite apprehensive when we first went out because the humour and care behind what we do comes across quite easily in the UK – we weren’t sure the same would be true of a foreign audience. The first few dates were at more cosmopolitan/western type venues with an international audience (like Belushi’s in Paris or Le Jackyll in Chamonix) so it wasn’t until we got out to eastern Europe that we really felt the language barrier. That said, a highlight of the tour for us was watching a packed club of Hungarian metallers singing along to “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. That kind of image never leaves you...

How does playing a festival differ from your normal gig?
We’re not sure there is a ‘normal’ gig for Thrill. We’ve done all kinds from festivals and promo to straight-out gigs and weddings. There isn’t an archetypal person that we think would watch us but we find we get used as a kind of “house-band” at festivals so we might end up playing a number of slots over a weekend. People are perhaps a bit more surprised as they aren’t at festival just to see us, generally haven’t heard of us before and don’t know what we do – they just end up staying out of curiosity more than anything at a skiffle group playing Chris De Burgh and the Backstreet Boys.

What 3 things are essential to take to a festival?
For a band? Clean socks & T-shirt for after show, instruments & spare instruments.
For a punter? Tent, booze and friends (tent optional)

What was the first festival you went to?
As a band it was either the Cheltenham Jazz Festival or Wychwood, depending on how you class ‘festival’.

Any tips for first time festival goers?
Only pack a tent and some booze – maybe not even the tent. You’ll probably care the second time around about hygiene and hangovers but if it’s your first festival – focus on the party and see as much music with your friends as possible.

What 3 bands would you chose to headline a 3 day festival?
Ben Folds, Skrillex & Madness

Over the last few years, music festivals have become more and more popular with there being many up and down the country of varying size and genres, where do you see music festivals in the future of music?
We think it’s a good thing as the country is seeing a diversity of festivals. Years ago you could pretty much choose from 10 or so, like Glasto, Reading, Phoenix etc Now it seems like promoters are taking the festival format back and putting on much more niche style events. We’ve seen the rise of the “Boutique” festival for the middle-classes that have grown up on festivals and now want to take the family back as well as the propagation of new music/tastemaker festivals where it’s all about finding a new band or listening to something you’ve never heard before. It’s good to see this happening and the grass roots effort that goes into these (or at least the ones we know) is about love of music, not profit – the more this happens the more it will put pressure on the larger promotion companies to try and diversify their line ups and stop rotating the same old tired US acts year in year out...

You can find out more about Thrill Collins below...

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Oh, and yes, they really do cover Backstreet Boys...

Introducing... Alex Clare

2011-05-20T23:15:00.001+01:00

Alex Clare is one of those artists that will never be pigeonholed. Not because he tries hard not to conform to stereotypes, but his music and style, quite genuinely is so eclectic and diverse that from track to track you would be hard pushed to genre name this 25 year old Londoner - soul, funk, dubstep, reggae, electro, rock, grunge - the list of genres that others have used is extensive. Ultimately, Alex Clare cannot be defined by genre alone. The tracks that are currently floating around the digital world are some of the most interesting and exciting stuff released my a new artist for quite a while, it is definitely worth any hype. Clare's debut album is due out this Summer and if his first few singles are anything to go by (and the fact it has been produced by Diplo and Switch), it is one to look forward to.

Finally, anyone who can do a decent cover of one of my favourite songs, gets a thumbs up from me.

Alex Clare - When Doves Cry by AlexClareOfficial

Alex Clare's debut album, Lateness of the Hour is out on the 11th July 2011 on Island Records. Pre-order here.

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Review: W H O K I L L - tUnE-yArDs

2011-05-11T12:27:00.001+01:00

18th April 2011 saw the release of tUnE-yArDs' second album, W H O K I L L on the rather awesome 4AD. It would be quite easy to dismiss Merrill Garbus's noises as just that, noise. However, all these noises merged together seem to make for a rather enjoyable listen. The effects are in full flow making for tracks that scream originality and carry a unique sound. Rhythm drives this album with inspiration clearly being taken from African beats, with much of it creating a lovely uplifting album.

Tracklisting:
1. My Country
2. Es-So
3. Gangsta
4. Powa
5. Riotriot
6. Bizness
7. Doorstep
8. You Yes You
9. Wolly Wolly Gong
10. Killa

Stand out tracks: Gangsta and Bizness

Rating: 7/10

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Review: Crimes, Creeps & Thrills – You Animals

2011-05-08T14:04:00.001+01:00

Britain have been missing a decent indie band for quite some time. You Animals are a 6-piece hailing from Derby and just might be the sextet to do it.

Opener Theme From You Animals sets the tone of the album perfectly, a fun, fast paced album full of big guitar riffs and vocals that manage to set the mood of the song each time. Communicate is an fast paced song, sung with passion and a sense of urgency, it's full of emotion one of You Animals darker offerings in the same vein as Everyday Is Like Friday Night. That is the key to why this album is such an enjoyable listen from start to finish, the balance between the darker track and fun "indie pop anthems" is perfect.

Halfway to Heartbreak, You Animal's debut single really shines on the album and does stand out as an obvious single choice. This is You Animals at their "indie pop anthem" finest. You Left Your Heart In The City has had a bit of a polish and tidy since appearing as the B-side to Halfway to Heartbreak and sounds better for it. Own Worst Enemy is another fast paced track (the shortest on the album) and the vocals punch their way through the song before All The Rage comes and offers what is probably the best song, vocally, on the album and is a real show of the quality of songs You Animals can offer and it is tracks like this that set them apart from other monotonous indie fodder.

Shotgun Valentine, a track that originated from the Komakino days (You Animals rose from the ashes of Komakino and in fact, a few tracks on this album are from the 'kino days) and for anyone that has heard the Komakino version, you will realise that although the song may sound similar it is quite clear You Animals are a band in their own right and have matured. That was then and this is now.

Although nothing in this album is particularly ground-breaking, it doesn't have to be. The songs are well written, the vocals sound genuine and the riffs and hooks are catchy, You Animals have just got it right and as far as debuts go, this is pretty damn awesome.

Tracklisting:
1. Theme From You Animals
2. What You Want/What You Need
3. What A Shame Lorraine
4. Communicate
5. Halfway To Heartbreak
6. Western Bridge
7. You Left Your Heart In The City
8. Everyday Is Like Friday Night
9. Run Of This Town
10. Own Worst Enemy
11. All The Rage
12. Shotgun Valentine

Stand out tracks: What You Want/What You Need, Communicate, You Left Your Heart In The City and All The Rage.

Rating: 9/10

Official Site
Twitter

Lykke Li – Sadness Is A Blessing

2011-05-05T15:36:00.001+01:00

What a beautiful, beautiful video – a short film in it's own right. Sadness Is A Blessing is from Lykke Li's second album, Wounded Rhymes and although probably not one of the stronger tracks on the album, with a video like this it just doesn't matter. Directed by Tarik Saleh who also directed the video for "I Follow Rivers."

Official Site

Introducing… Lunch

2011-04-22T23:55:00.001+01:00

Lunch are a trio originally from Lincoln and currently living in London. They will be playing their first gig on the 19th May at the Garage, Islington.

My Prince by lunchband

Lunch's sound is quite hard to encapsulate in a few words. My Prince is probably my favourite track offered on the band's SoundCloud. My Prince is quite a dark track, guitar twisting around a lovely trippy beat, creating a lush wall of electronic sound. This has been recorded in the singers flat, not bad at all. Just imagine how immense it would sound recording it in a fully kitted studio... I think the vocals would benefit greatly. With that said the vocals are perfect for this style of song and what is sang is believable. and fits the mood completely. Good luck to Lunch on their first gig on the 19th May at the Garage in Islington.

Find Lunch on SoundCloud and Twitter

tUnE-yArD – Bizness

2011-04-20T15:17:00.001+01:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, a video that makes no sense makes the best video.

And for those who didn't find that quite weird and wonderful enough, check out this live version…

tUnE-yArD are touring (more info) and their album W H O K I L L is out now. W H O K I L L review coming shortly…

The First Post

2011-04-12T23:09:00.001+01:00

Don't worry consequent posts won't be named in this manner. I can see that one getting tedious.

Welcome to These Are Sounds. TAS is my little area on the big wide web to talk about music, the music industry and all related shenanigans. TAS originally began in October 2009 over on Wordpress, its remains can still be found. Within a few months content had shrivelled up and my life as a student got in the way. A year and a half later and TAS is back. This time on Blogger and this time, ready to share some of the most awesome music with you - in my humble opinion anyway. This blog will bring to you my interests and thoughts on music related issues and on music artists, old and new.

Rebecca