Is it weird that a fresh sound can be back to basics rock? Probably not. We’re all getting bored of electroindie. I certainly am. Well a little bit at least.
There are no synths to be seen around Dead Confederate. Just bloody great songs. Dead Confederate recently wowed many at SXSW (South by South West) in Austin, Texas. They opened for R.E.M. They’re going to be huge if they’re not careful.
Sadly, Dead Confederate are apparently best heard live. Sad because they’re not currently scheduled to tour the UK. I have to see this band. Otherwise I’ll end up a member of their confederation.
They’ve just been in the studio to record a debut album, but if you can’t wait, an EP is available on import. I don’t think I can get any more excited by this track from the EP:
Theres nothing like playing an impromptu gig. Especially after only one rehearsal. Last week I was drafted in by Alba Nova to add some cello love.
I heard of Alba Nova as they formed at Durham University (formerly the University of Durham which sounds much better) where I studied, but didn’t get the chance to watch them. In fact, thats a lie. I was just a lazy student bum.
I wish I hadn’t been such a sloth, as I’ve missed out on Alba Nova for the past 5 years. Who’d want to miss a band living in a ‘lost England full of chandeliers, fake fur coats, masquerades and mistresses’? Its nice to bring fantasy into music, without becoming a goth metal band. I respect Alba Nova for not being ashamed of their Englishness, which sadly so many bands from the green and pleasant land try to hide.
Their debut EP, The Beautiful Way to Fall generated quite a lot of industry interest. I’m sure you can hear why from this stunning track they’ve so kindly let me share with you:
The internet has smashed our attention spans to pieces. We spend less time focusing on one band and instead skim from one MySpace page to the next.
I picked up that habit, but still make sure to buy as many albums as Mr Mastercard can afford. They’re the only way for me to get under a band’s skin.
If you have something to say in popular music, you should do so with an album. Once you achieve that, then you’re sorted. And yes, I listened to OK Computer a lot!
Thats why I’m excited by the prospect of an upcoming concept album set during the Californian Gold Rush featuring money, love and murder by We Happy Few. I caught these guys a few months ago at the Half Moon Unplugged in Putney. Their old school Americana vibe has stuck with me ever since.
Its refreshing to find a band take on something so challenging. Especially when its so easy to screw a concept album up. Judging from the opening track, I hope we won’t be disappointed. In fact, We Happy Few were kind enough to give you a sneaky listen:
We Happy Few are playing at The Gallery near Turnham Green Tube this Thursday (29 May). I’ll be there, and you should come too. The new album is due for release in the next few months.
Can a passion for kit cars lead to assembling great music? Well it seemed to work with Leon Jean-Marie. The east Londoner, who’s family originate from St. Lucia is certainly starting to get a lot of attention. Island records plucked up the uber talented multi-instrumentalist and the world now waits in anticipation for his debut album Bent out of Shape to be released on 7 July.
For some reason Island are trying to genreise Leon Jean-Marie as Wonky Pop. He is better than that. Much better. Alphabeat is Wonky Pop, and they are awful.
His first single Scratchproves this man makes no ordinary music. I’m not sure how to define it, maybe Prince meets Skunk Anansie? Decide for yourself.
Bed of Nails, his latest single, produced by Mark Ronson, is completely different to Scratch, but also brilliant. Its more like the Beatles meet Blur. Check out the vid:
Everyone seems to love Barcelonan El Guincho, aka Pablo Díaz-Reixa, and his self-released album Alegranza!. If M.I.A. had some sun up her ass she might sound something like El Guincho. I love hearing musicians get their roots, pull them out, and make music with them.
I expect we’ll be hearing a lot of El Guincho this summer. Which is only a good thing.
@njhamer have you unfollowed me? if you have, shame on you. 11 hours ago
why does IE have to be so annoying! 11 hours ago
@TartyTart meatballs. hmmm. 13 hours ago
tesco pasta salad is not a good enough meal to last a whole day. my god i'm hungry. my macbook has never looked so much like a burger before 21 hours ago
Is it weird that a fresh sound can be back to basics rock? Probably not. We’re all getting bored of electroindie. I certainly am. Well a little bit at least.
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