Tuesday 29 September 2015

Chase Huglin


The other week I decided I was going to use Instagram alongside this site. I thought at the very least it would be a good tool for sharing some of my posts and hopefully get talking to others about similar music. I know I have just outlined the concept of social media, but its surprising how fame hungry people are on there, everything is about gaining more followers regardless of the random content posted.

However, if you take the time you could find yourself on the page of someone like Chase Huglin. Chase is a singer songwriter from Fort Wayne, Indiana and he plays some really nice stripped back acoustic music. As I write this I have been listening to his latest release (April 15) called Glow. a 4 track EP. I have included it at the bottom of this post and highly recommend you take a listen. Unafraid to stray from conventional song formats, the tracks on Chases bandcamp vary in structure and length which makes for a nice listening experience.

What I've heard of his discography so far, I cant get enough of 'Anyone but Me' off the Glow EP. With just his vocals, a guitar and I think a tambourine? Chase has made a song that carries as much power and passion as say, 'Soco Amaretto Lime' did for Brand New.

I will be following, and sharing and future releases here again.

The Weekend : The Hills


Today's BBC R1 track of the day was 'The Hills' by The Weekend. Its a really cool track that has a feel of VVITCH House / Dark Wave / Dark Pop, taking all the cool features of that genre (dawn synths, low bass, screams, high keys, strong kick drum) and spins them into a track that works on the radio, in the car, the club, your office; everywhere.

Monday 28 September 2015

Hinds & The Parrots : Double Video


Spanish bands 'Hinds' and 'The Parrots' have shared a joint video today, covering 'Davey Crockett' & 'All My Loving'. The video is basically the two bands having a good time skating, drinking, smoking and playing music; which makes for a really cool video. In the change over between The Parrots and Hinds I found myself watching a small feature film. It ended leaving me wanting to know the rest of the story; what did they do next? Where did they go? I guess the only resolution would be to continue listening to their music and enjoying each new release!


This is not the first joint venture the two Madrid bands have worked on. For the last Record Store day the two bands put out a split 7", limited to 750 copies and only available from some stores on the day. 

Monday 21 September 2015

Swim Deep : Fueiho Boogie


From the first glimpse of Swim Deeps new material, we knew they were moving away from the surf pop, lo-fi sounds of 'Where The Heaven Are We', but there was always the question of how far?

'Fueiho Boogie' is their latest offering and at 8:10, its also their longest. Before I take too long in revealing my opinion, I love it and think its genius! It is 8:10 of new, creative, exploratory music that pushes typical genre boundaries to new and exciting areas. This track, in short, is fucking awesome.


Not long until the full album 'Mothers' is released!!

Modern Baseball : Rock Bottom Video & a FREE download


Modern Baseball have shared the video to 'Rock Bottom' from their second album release 'You're Gonna Miss It All'. The video shows Bendan Lucens spin through a montage of awkward high school scenes while performing to the song. Its a really cool video and is shot great, seemingly in one take. I love the song too, its short but perfectly formed with all the right notes and rhythms. Lyrically its a triumph over adversity "To hell with the spins I'm stayin" which I think most can relate to when genuinely recounting their highs school years.


If that wasn't good enough, Modern Baseball have also uploaded 'Revenge Of The Nameless Ranger' to their bandcamp page, and its kindly available for free download.
That's always nice. 

Sunday 20 September 2015

Kodiak Blue : Zapusk


Kodiak Blue a.k.a Cargill Harrison, is a new act from London, and 'Zapusk' (translating to Launch) is the first glimpse of what we can expect from his debut EP Sputnik. The EP will feature six tracks, all focusing on the satellites space mission.

'Zapusk' bounces along from the start, filled with pops, snaps and whirs that take you to the launch control and up into the earth's atmosphere. Its an easy track to get into and it definitely leaves you wanting more. The EP is due for release this October, so thankfully we wont have to wait too long.

ALEXISONFIRE : "We promise to never leave you again"


Last night was the final date of the Alexisonfire reunion tour, and while on stage in Toronto, Wade MacNeil announced that the band were back for good. 

At this early stage, we don't know what this means for the future of Alexisonfire, but hopefully it means new material, tour dates and continuation of their already successful career.

I am beyond excited for what can come next.


Saturday 19 September 2015

Black Honey : Corrine


Music is big business, and as you read this there are thousands of people writing generic songs about love and heartbreak, ready to be released by the next generic boy/girl band/artist. Thankfully we also live in a world where there are people writing their own music to perform themselves. Music about their own love, friends, family, falls and triumphs.

'Corrine' by Black Honey is the latter. Penned after Izzy (from the band) was missing a friend she lost after a drunken argument, the song is a melodic grunge serenade to win her back; which thankfully worked. 

'Corrine' is released ahead of their UK tour, where you can see Black Honey at the following dates and venues:

3rd Oct : Southsea The Edge
8th Oct: Bristol Start The Bus
9th Oct : Norwich Sound & Vision Festival
10th Oct : Middlesbrough Twisterella Festival
11th Oct : Glasgow Broadcast
13th Oct :  Manchester Soup Kitchen
14th Oct : Liverpool Studio 2
15th Oct : Leeds Headrow House
17th Oct :  Dartford Bar Mondo
18th Oct :  Birmingham Sunflower Lounge
19th Oct :  Leicester Cookie
20th Oct : London Sebright Arms
5th Nov :  Brighton The Hope & Ruin


Wednesday 16 September 2015

WAVVES : 'Way Too Much' Video


Wavves have shared the video for 'Way Too Much' from their album 'V' which will be released on 2nd October. 

Its a cool video showing wrestlers fighting, cut wit1h shots of the band performing. It works great with the songs punchy pace and unrefined sound.


See the band tour this November at the following venues:

13th : Leeds : Belgrave Music Hall 
14th : Edinburgh: Bongo Club
15th : Glasgow : Stereo
16th : Manchester : Sound Control
17th : Birmingham : Birmingham Libary
18th : London : Electric Ballroom

NME Goes Free


NME (The New Musical Express) will be free to read as of Friday the 18th September, available from selected train stations, universities and stores throughout the UK. 

Speculation surfaced earlier this year, followed by confirmation in June. The move comes after a steady decline in sales, as audiences use other platforms to find out about new bands, and at the same time can hear the music instantly.  In the last six months of 2014 NME sold just over 15,000 copies, which also included digital sales. A change was needed and this could just be it. 

From Friday around 300,000 copies will be available for free. This will give NME the reach it used to enjoy in the 60's & 70's, provided the new format is well received. Going forward the magazine will also include more articles on TV, film, fashion, gaming and politics. This is a complete overhaul.

Personally I hope the new NME will be well received and will be successful in its new journey. It has been a part of our culture as long as there has been great popular music. Pages torn from issues have lined the walls of bedrooms across the country and its articles passed between friends, waiting to read the latest on their favourite bands. It would be a shame to lose what NME has given us, our parents and our grandparents; the chance to explore music and all it has to offer.

All the best to NME, I will be collecting my copy on Friday.

http://www.nme.com/map

Sunday 13 September 2015

Raury : Friends


While driving away for a few days by the beach I heard 'Friends' by Raury playing on the radio. 

Opening with some big drums, harmonised vocals and soft synths, it immediately sounds... niiiicccee. You get a chilled out, unified, good vibe and it instantly puts you in a good place. Given the songs subject and video narrative, this is the desired effect Raury was hoping for. It's an anthem for coming together and helping someone out, which I am all for (who isnt?).

'Friends' comes ahead of Raurys much anticipated album release.

A track I will be enjoying for a long time.



Swim Deep : Tour footage


Swim Deep have released a video showing the bands experience of playing this years Reading and Leeds Festival. Its a VHS styled affair, capturing the band on and off stage, all to the sound of 'Grand Affection', a track off their upcoming album due for release September 19th.

'Grand Affection' is a great track that has a strong Vince Clarke feel about it, which is only a good thing. The bouncy upbeat synth that flows though out the song, catches you instantly and brings you up to the even catchier chorus.

I love to see this kind of footage and its nice to see that the band are enjoying the success. 



Saturday 12 September 2015

Day Wave


Its September and here in the UK that means we may get the odd occasional hour, day or weekend of nice weather, but on the whole summer is on its way out. But there is hope yet. If you have the summer blues then have a listen to Day Wave, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a sun soaked beach, blue skies above and the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

Day Wave aka Jackson Phillips, has been creating music for around a year now, having previously been part of Carousel beforehand. Each track is written and recorded soley by Jackson which only works to make the music more impressive and inspiring. 

Take a listen to the EP below and be sure to follow this act closely, as I can see a lot more to follow in the future.

Chvrches : Clearest Blue

As the release of their follow up album 'Every Open Eye' approaches, Chvrches have been slowly feeding us a stream of tracks to make us closely acquainted for its arrival. 

The latest track is 'Clearest Blue'. It has a lovely early Depeche Mode-esque bouncy synth that carries the song through, coming into full force and providing a growing crescendo of euphoria to the last note. 


Wolf Alice : Baby Ain't Made Of China


Wolf Alice are a force that shows no sign of stopping. Amongst the constant touring, interviews, festivals and releases, the band have managed to write and record a new track for their ever growing fan base. 

'Baby Ain't Made of China' was recorded at the Bad Robot studios of hollywood legend JJ Abrams while touring across America and will be the B-side for the upcoming vinyl release of single ' You're a Germ'. The 7 inch will be a limited run with four possible sleeves, released on October 30th.

As usual the track is gold and fits right in with the existing material. It's a sound of a band who are growing more comfortable with their success and are now able to play around and have some fun with their music.

'Baby Ain't Made of China' is avaliable to download for free.
Cos they're nice like that.