Lovelife - El Regreso

After hardcore band Wolf Am I went down the gutter, the group was reincarnated as obnoxious Britpop (or Gritpop) quartet Viva Brother. Getting a various number of their songs played on ITV and scathing album reviews, you would've either have loved or hated them. After recording their second album, the group unexpectedly called it quits on April Fools day. However, former front man Leonard Newell has relocated to New York and has recruited synth hero Ally Young of Mirrors to form R&B synth group Lovelife. Shortly after forming, the duo have managed to release their debut six-track EP El Regreso ('The Return' in Spanish).

Written over a period of four months from April to August, it's been time well spent. Speaking about the treacherousness of relationships and love it echoes similar vibes from synth-duo Hurts. First track on the EP is I'm No More, an RnB influenced opener which gives us an idea of their new sound and what is to come. Newell speaking of his broken relationship with his assumed ex girlfriend singing "no amount of money will bring me back in to that house where you live with that other man" in an almost falsetto like chorus sung brilliantly, it's hard to think he once fronted a hardcore band. Second track on the record is She Makes It Looks So Easy where again he shows his loathe for his cheating ex-missus in a more upbeat groove compared to previous track I'm No More, stating "I've not even been gone that long, about a week, a little more." Suggesting her promiscuous ways in the chorus singing  "No, no, no don't try and explain. I saw you with him in the bedroom doing cocaine." on top of a brilliant RnB groove produced by Young.

Highlights of the record include Love Rush. Again reaching for the high notes, it's almost falsetto like chorus sung by Newell shows how he's turned a total 180 degrees from his previous work. Similarly, Young has also changed direction compared to his previous project Mirrors by allowing more genres to influence his production work in Lovelife. As the track is carried on by a great group of samples and 'wooshing' synth, it's chorus lyrics shed a more darker light as he sings "If this is suicide, then this is the best day of my life". As the track descends into it's second section, harmonising vocals echo over a dub influenced bass line finish off the track. Another highlight is Tonight (We're Taking Our Lives) with a catchy synth led riff with a four to the floor drum beat drawing influence from dance music, it managed to feature on a 7 for all mankind jeans advert. It's lyrics possibly influencing a suicide pact between his ex-girlfriend who he claims still loves him "If you love me then let's go to bed".

The album in itself is nothing new. As mentioned, it's sound similarity to Hurts is apparent from the offset. A recurring thing displayed with Viva Brother and Lovelife is Newell's ability to dwell on the already done, however he does it so well you just can't help but fall in love. 

7.5

Daniel Mburu

NEWS: Futures Break Up

After three years, Buckinghamshire quartet Futures have decided to call it a day.

The news was broken via a lengthy letter on Facebook directed to their fans. The letter starts off with:

"To our fans & friends, the time has come for us to make the incredibly hard decision to bring Futures to an end. We've been playing music together for over 3 years now and have had some amazing experiences that we never thought could happen to us as people and as musicians, working with and meeting some great people who have made us the band we are today. We remain great friends and nothing will change that."

The announcement comes only a few months after the release of their debut full length album 'The Karma Album' which they released independently after leaving Mercury Records in April this year.

The reason for the break up was explained as: "There comes a time for everyone  when truths have to be faced and new routes need to be taken to stay happy"

The band then conclude the letter by thanking their fans "Thank you for being as much a part of Futures as we have been, for a band is not a band without it's fans."

Head over to their Facebook page to view the whole letter.

The band have announced a farewell show to take place on Wednesday 12th December at the London Garage. Tickets for the show go on sale at 9am this Friday.

Alt-J (∆) - An Awesome Wave

From Leeds University's list of alumni, Alt-J are a quartet whirlwind of folk hooks, sub-bass synths and intricate percussion grooves you can only imagine. It's hard to call.

From the offset, the name doesn't do them any favours. Bleeding slight pretentiousness and falling into this sudden cultural fascination with triangles, it would've seen them as just another hipster clan trying to make it big. But given the chance, they do surprise.

First single(s) Matilda/Fitzpleasure displays their sounds from both ends of the spectrum. Matilda's sombre guitar ballad is mile's away from Fitzpleasure's synth like vortex introduced by an acapella build up, carried out by Joe Newman's slurred almost unintelligible trance like vocals add a whole new take to the norm.

Breezeblocks brought them to attention, granting them their first taste of chart success. Also becoming a festival favourite as they played across the UK during the summer, it's folk influenced rhythm eventually getting lost in the mass layers of vocals as they finish off the song.

Interludes I, II and III do that exactly, allowing the listener a break from the complex drum grooves and booming synths. Interlude I is a poetic acapella of group vocals singing in alternate octaves. The second is a sole calming guitar melody that bleeds with the sounds of a busy street in the background. Finally, the third is an eerie mix of vocals worked behind a piano synth.

Taro is the last track on the album. It's Eastern influenced riff rings well among the works of string instruments. Referring to the death of photojournalist Robert Capa and his re-union with war photographer Gerda Taro, the song shuns those who believe that the album has no meaning.

At-J have failed to stick to the rules. By not submitting to a genre, they have managed to fall into their own, branding them pioneers in a way. Managing to break from the norm, not everyone will find it appealing. It's taken the group five years to make this record and it's fair to say - it's been five years well spent.

8.1
Daniel Mburu

Futures - The Karma Album

So more than two years after the release of their debut EP 'The Holiday', completing it over a year ago and dropping their record deal with Mercury records, the quartet from Bucks have finally graced us with their first full length album. What are you saying?

The Karma Album in a whole, heads in a completely different direction in comparison to their old material. Leaving behind the infectious hooks, amazing breakdowns and under produced simplicity that made you double take when listening to them. After heading into the studio with big time producer Gil Norton (Jimmy Eat World, Feeder) although is a once in a lifetime opportunity, could be a decision unwise.

Opening track Start A Fire is the band's first single and is somewhat reminiscent of 2008 Snow Patrol. It's predictable and humdrum structure hinders the impact of the song and the odd guitar hit during the verse can become tiring as it rings on throughout the track. What's so disheartening is that the chorus has so much potential yet it's over production makes it so confined and restricts it from reaching it's pinnacle. Eighth track in the album is a new version of 'The Holiday's' first single'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'. Chucking out all the brilliant aspects of the original out of the window such as the bouncy rhythm, tom filled intro and four chord verse makes this quite a downer of the album.

However all is not doom and gloom as the album has it's highs. Tracks such as single 'Karma Satellite's sentimental piano melody and vocals and it's Coldplay like "Oh-ohhhh" driven sixteen bar bridge just echoes brilliance. 'Indigo' is another highlight in the album. It's tranquil finger plucked rhythm and choir sung backing vocals which then crescendo into an uplifting chorus makes this a definite keeper. Similar serene track is most anticipated 'Million Lights'. It's stripped back production technique replacing what would be guitar
melodies with backing vocals sung like a chorale is definitely a breath of fresh air.

The Karma Album is a good record, don't get me wrong. However, it's not what we all heard when Rocksound released their first EP. Over production doesn't work well for the band and that lies down to Mr Norton's production tekkers. Singing to a major label has seemed to change all that made us fall in love with them. Hopefully from now on, after leaving Mercury, they'll go back to releasing material similar to what we first heard.

6.1

Daniel Mburu

Hugo Meredith-Hardy - Gamble With The Upper Hand

After wading through videos of 'Hey Ya' covers, I stumbled across Hugo Meredith-Hardy's page. Rather impressed, I took interest and delved deeper into his youtube account which subsequently led me to this Cambridge A2 college student's independently recorded EP. Best thing I've done in a while. Not knowing barely anything about him, I felt just a sudden NEED to write this review on his six track EP.

Drawing influence from Laura Marling among other acoustic musicians Meredith-Hardy's artist stimulus is evident. Even without 'big band production' the atmosphere created is of similar calibre. Tracks such as 'Tedium (In my bones)' resonate something from The Zutons' earlier work with haunting yet brilliant distant backing vocals, quick shuffle drums along with a funk like bassline ring nostalgic vibes. 

Other tracks include 'Pickpocket' It's down tempo muted acoustic riffs ring well in the track along with the incorporation of Noel Gallagher like guitar solos. Lyrics referring to a 'pickpocket living under your feet' who 'holds no sympathy // just does what must be done."

I went through a stage of frustration when I first heard this EP wondering why he hadn't received as much as attention as he deserved and without sounding like a 52 year old talent show judge, this is brilliant. A very refreshing out look on acoustic music as he strays away from the normal and mundane acoustic vibe and it damn well works.

Daniel Mburu - June 2012

Futures - The Holiday (2010) - Re-issue

After the sudden crash and burn of Buckinghamshire's own 'Tonight is Goodbye', three members out of the quintet carried on with thier passion for music. Ant West kept the position of vocals and took on rhythm six-stringer, the band took on new-comer Christian Ward on bass and Casey Roarty and George Lindsay resumed their previous posts from TIG as lead guitarist and drummer. Thus, 'Futures' was born. A hard rocking, alternative pop-rock four -piece, with the similar banging riffs and breakdowns as Tonight is Goodbye but with a more "mature" sound to it.

Within less than eight months of the band's formation, we saw the release of their debut album: "The Holiday". With some tracks intended to be released in TIG's upcoming album.

The seven track album opens with the great, melodic riff of "16", which was originally set on being released on the TIG album. Catchy hooks and lyrics about growing up already gives off a nostalgic vibe. "It's not where I've been, it's where i'm going to go" shouted by the band like an orchestral choir sends chills down spines. Carrying on with the catchy hook phase, second single "Sal Paradise" shows that feel good music is what these guys are about. Best played roof down in a half broken Chevy, speeding down a U.S highway. Failing that, in your back garden during a BBQ would suffice. "If you just take me by the hand and talk about our souls" isn't always interpreted as such. Maybe a more mindful selection of lyrics wouldn't go a miss.

Other tracks include album-titled "The Holiday" which screams summer with a belter of a chorus and album finishing track: "Thank You" It's lyrics thanking the band's family, friends and fans signifies how far the band have come, and will go.

All in all, this is a brilliant debut and sets high hopes for the band. This should definitely be part of everyone's summer soundtrack collection, just goes to show good music isn't that hard to find. The future looks very auspicious for Futures...see what I did there?

8/10

Daniel Mburu - March 2010

Max Raptor - Portraits (April 2011)

From the Midlands hail Max Raptor and no, it's not a new toy. Bringing back energy filled performances, in your face attitude and ballsy riffs - these guys prove that punk isn't dead.


Opening track 'The King is Dead' is packed with a driven bass line and that just want to make you kick things. It's fast paced lyrics cried out by front man Wil Ray really sets the tone of what's to come from these boys.
'The Great and the Good' gives you all you need to know about Max Raptor. It's energetic attitude makes this one of the favourites. The rallying cry "I pin this badge upon my chest" shows the band's defiant attitude which is an occurring theme throughout the album. Similar to the "Carolina-na-na!" chant in their fourth single 'Carolina' The 'Woah-oh' sung backing gang vocals finish off the belter of a track.
Other tracks include 'Beasts' which is like the kid who still carries a packed lunch, as opposed to the other tracks who head over to Maccy D's for lunch time. A more melodic track which cuts back on the shout vocals and energetic lyrics and points in quite an obscure direction compared to the rest of the album. It's overlaying lyrics and alternative yet still heavy riffs show that the band aren't just stuck down one path. Although, maybe a few more tracks of that variety would've ensured packed lunch kid wouldn't have been so secluded.


All in all, this is a lively and energetic punk debut. They execute the album with brilliance live, spending half the time touching the roof, and spurring on everyone to just go mental. This album is definitely worth a buy for all you punk lovers, even for those not.


6.9


Daniel Mburu

Luke Leighfield - New Season

New Season is the fourth studio album from the 24 year old. With over 600 shows in numerous continents, intimate living room tours, live sessions recorded for BBC radio 1 and xfm AND have his music featured on mainstream TV shows such as; Made in Chelsea (Channel 4), Coming of Age (BBC3) and Football First (Sky Sports), this Southampton Uni graduate has got where others dream, and done so in so little time.


The album opens with the piano led Slow Down. A a mournful and profound track which crescendos with the inclusion of drums and distorted guitars. The playing is just as anguished as Leighfield's heartfelt lyrics. If you think this is just another woeful ballad filled album, you better read on boy! 
Upbeat and feel good New Season is the next track. Dissimilar to the opener, this track screams summer. It's progressive guitars and solos just scream brilliance and quality. Much more uplifting than other tracks, shows Leighfield isn't just a one genre man. 
It's You gives off vibes from Luke's previous single 'Have You Got Heart', where as Garde Ta Foy starts with the exhibition of sorrowful piano melodies juxtaposed to the uplifting lyrics. It's build up leads to something truly amazing. Imagine the breakdown to 'Fix You' by Coldplay, times that by 30 and you're still not that close. It's lurid drums, gang vocals and immense guitar playing definitely gives the listener something to know about Luke.
 Another track to watch out for is piano ballad Whispering. The constant repetition of 'You are quiet but You are there' displays Leighfield's rawest emotion. Singing in crescendo behind big band percussion definitely highlights his talent.


Luke is definitely one of the most amazing and underrated artists I've come across and 'New Season' is a prime example of such. The album in a whole is a blissful mix of sombre and upbeat tempos. It's heartfelt lyrics and piano-pop led riffs is just a breath of fresh air. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I hope 2012 see's Mr Leighfield get more recognition for his brilliant work.


Get the album now: http://lukeleighfield.tumblr.com/newseason


Daniel Mburu


7.4/10

Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

So three years after moderately well received 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends' we saw the release of Coldplay's fifth studio album 'Mylo Xyloto' pronounced "my-low zy-le-toe"and my goodness. What a fiasco.

The majority of the album sounds just like an over-hyped band  trying to be original (the album name helps justify that) Tracks like renowned 'Paradise' display Coldplay's alternate chosen route from their brilliant ballads and string arrangements to branching down the synth and pop focused alley. Could be a decision they'll live to regret.


Changing their sound and collaborating with today's mainstream artists i.e Rihanna in 'Princess of China' doesn't go well with their much more dedicated fan base. However, it seems they've managed to appeal to a much younger and more musically illiterate audience who seem more interested in Coldplay's new graffiti, illuminant and colourful live performances rather than knowing the band for their music.


The closest track on the album to the original Coldplay would be 'Charlie Brown'. It's 'Oooh-aaaahhh' driven melody, xylophone rhythm and acoustic riff gives off a nostalgic mix of their earlier records: such as 'Parachutes.' It's nice to see Chris picking up that acoustic guitar.


Despite experimentation and having the most fun making it,the album in all is very less noble of being declared as a Coldplay favourite. To be honest it's their worst and I mean that in the least derisive sense. It can never live up to previous albums such as Parachutes or A Rush Of Blood To The Head. It features few moments of classic Coldplay, however it focuses too hard on appealing to the main chart listening audience, rather than their fans.


4.3/10


Daniel Mburu

Up and Coming - Pariah

With 22 year old post-dubstep musician James Blake fresh on the scene, the search for underground electronic and dubstep-orientated music is at a high. Looking for the next big thing? R&S Records (James Blake) is the place to look. One of the up and coming artists on their current roster is producer Pariah (Arthur Cayzer) How to describe his sound? Maybe ambient, post-dubstep, techno, dub, hip-hop, garage...ish fits the bill?


Taking major influence from ambient dubstep artist Burial, the London producer has released his debut EP, Safehouses. An album filled soulful tempo changing bass lines and tracks with carefully selected vocal samples, that make you want to contort out of sheer brilliance. A year prior to that saw the release of his first single Detroit Falls. Extremely varied to anything on the current EP. How to describe it?..let's just say it's a heavily influenced J Dilla hip hop groove, sampled by a vintage R&B tune, swung into a tripping dub-step track with a Jay Orbison approach..more or less.


With only a top EP to class his brilliance on, 2012 hopes to see more releases from this London Uni undergraduate.




Buy 'Safehouses' EP - http://randsrecords.greedbag.com/buy/safehouses-ep-1/
Buy 'Detroit Falls' - http://randsrecords.greedbag.com/buy/detroit-falls-0/

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

FINALLY! After a five year wait, the Chili Pepper’s have blessed us with their tenth studio album and I can tell you it’s a banger. It’s the first album to feature Frusciante’s replacement Josh Klinghoffer. To most RHCP fans the absence of Frusciante’s complex guitar talents and lengthy solos is noticeable, but despite that the core element that is the Red Hot Chili Peppers hasn’t died out. The funk ridden bass lines and the mouth full lyrics is something that will never disappear. Anthems such as “Factory of Faith” make you want to shout out the chorus at the top of your lungs, more mellow songs that you can just get baked on like “Meet me at the corner” or the fast pace and upbeat “Goodbye Hooray” make you want to roundhouse kick your mother in the face! 


However, despite the album's brilliance, it's no Blood Sugar Sex Magik or Californication. There couldn't have been a better replacement, however Klinghoffer isn't no Frusciante. But as Chad Smith states "this is a new band. Same name, but it's a new band" Regardless of that, it's still a really good record. Can't wait to see what the 'new' Chili Peppers bring out in the future.


7/10


Daniel Mburu - 12/01/2012

Luke Leighfield - Have You Got Heart (2009)

2009 saw the third full album release from Southampton keys mastermind and heartthrob Luke Leighfield. 'Have You Got Heart' is a pop-filled, feel good, piano riffing album.

'Have You Got Heart' is the album you'd play, volume full on in your car, speeding down the M1 with the roof down on a sunny August afternoon on the way home after visiting your beloved Nan. Tracks like 'By My Side' and 'Have You Got Heart' are the kind of songs you'd sing along to when no one's looking, whereas tracks like 'Every Day' are the more sombre anthems, which lyrically are more profound.

Leighfield gets better with every release and this personally, is his best so far. It's mix of upbeat and optimistic melodies with the mix of distorted guitars, rock filled bass lines and double pedal drum kits sets high expectations for the under-rated Southampton piano man. Hopefully, 2012 will be his year, I of all people sure hope so.

7.1/10

Daniel Mburu - 9/01/2012

Deaf Havana - Fools and Worthless Liars

After the sudden and unexpected departure of the band's main vocalist Ryan Mellor, the now quartet decided to carry on with their love of music and in Nov 2011 saw the release of their new full album 'Fools and Worthless Liars' after nearly three years after 'Meet Me Halfway At least' was the talk of the town.


The album opens up with 'The past six years' which may come as somewhat of a surprise to previous Deaf Havana metal fans. It's narrative and heartfelt lyrics sung by vocalist James Veck-Gilodi, talks about how his friends have grown up whilst he's still unemployable, the band is still grafting away trying to achieve more recognition and his perpetual bitterness and jealousy towards friends Mike (Lower Than Atlantis) and John (Young Guns) in terms of what they've achieved compared to himself.


The whole album is a collection of stories from part of James' life and growing up which is a massive change of direction from their earlier work. Other tracks in the album such as 'I'm A Bore, Mostly' talks about James' humdrum daily routine whilst living in London, 'Hunstanton Pier' references his close friend who sadly passed away and also how all of his friends and family have all accepted the fact that they're now adults whilst he (James) still tries to bring out his childhood for as long as he can. 


Since we first laid our ears on 'Smiles All Around', we knew these weren't the same boys who once sung that song about friends. Over the past three years they've matured greatly and have produced a belter of an album with meaning and such sensitivity. It's good to know that with maturity, writing a great rock album hasn't escaped Deaf Havana and Fools and Worthless Liars is a prime example of that.


7.3/10


Daniel Mburu - 8/01/12