Singles Roundup 12
The WithGuitars writing crew has been working overtime to bring you offerings and we are still working away. For the moment find single and EP reviews of Lana Del Ray, Devilish Presley, Garbage, Grimes, otherjoe, Violet, Keep Shelly In Athens, Talk In Colour, Kraak & Smaak, Dot Hacker, My Ma, Girls, The Penelopes,Karl Philips, Beth Jeans Houghton, Bloodwrath, The Jezabels, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, Agnostic Front and Electric Guest. More should be added soon, hope this keeps you busy for five minutes or so.
Violet
‘Y.O.U’
Released May 7th
Sharing the same management as Florence & The Machine and named after the Hole track, Violet aka Pixie Geldof’s band have their credentials intact. Let’s not focus on her tabloid inheritance or Boom Town Twat father (let’s face it her mother was way more rock n roll and Pixie is far less irritating than her media manipulating sibling Peaches) and instead listen to the music.
Y.O.U is plinky but ploddy, vocally Pixie is more than adequate but this is not what great singles sound like. For a band that comes with this baggage – and they really do, this is not a great place to start. Courtney Love may well be endorsing them but Violet need to deliver a full on adrenalin blast before the majority of people will listen. That said Violet haven’t delivered an awful debut but they do need to raise the bar to straddle the obvious celebrity barrier, I’m hoping they can live up to the hype on future releases otherwise this could be all Celebrity Skin. 6.75/10
Jamie Gambino
The Penelopes
‘Sally In The Galaxy’
Pour le Monde records
Their food and wine may be massively over-rated but French indie right now is on fire, Yeti Lane, Team Ghost, M83, John & Jehn, Anoraak, all amazing. The Penelopes fit in with that bunch with their jaunty electronic 80’s pop. Apparently influenced by Cocteau Twins and New Order , this is in no way apparent, if you like the early Kitsune releases and when electro became a by-word for indie with keyboards though, here you go, game on. 6/10
Chris Todd
Lana Del Ray
‘Blue Jeans’ – Kris Menace mix
Polydor
As the hype machine goes wild for this vapid fish lipped wonder, the backlash begins almost at the same time, this is unfortunately the way with everything being at the click of a mouse all of the time. Personally, I’ve managed to avoid Del Ray, the fact I was reading her name at least ten times a day meant that I didn’t need to listen to her, maybe I‘m missing out, she‘s too over-exposed for me to bother though.
German house producer Kris Menace on the other hand is adept to chucking out kicking tracks and this is yet another one. His forthcoming sophomore album ‘Electric Horizon’ has him changing his sound from banging house to emotional electro-trance and Del Ray’s voice is perfectly suited to it. I don’t know the original nor will I ever willingly hear it, the remix on the other hand shows Kris Menace at his masterful best. 9/10
Chris Todd
Devilish Presley
‘The Devil Rock and Roll’
November 10th
A bizarre and unique more of goth/glam/punk and horror Devilish comprise just two members, the demonic looking Jacqui Vixen and the more genial Johnny Navarro, oh and let’s not forget the drum machine.
They’re a hard working band who are still well under the radar, probably because their music is so hard to pigeon-hole, but they’ve built a reputation as a great live band and achieved a deserved respectable cult status.
This new single does not appear on their excellent last album ‘The Dark Triad’ and despite the ‘horror’ title would certainly fall into their more ‘glam-rock’ sound with sung rather than the screaming vocals that Devilish Presley can be guilty of. Why there’s even some “ooohs” in the backing vocals which gives the track a slightly more commercial sound.
If there’s one small complaint, then it’s the video. It’s perfectly good, but with their ‘Beast Must Die’ and ‘I Created A Monster’ videos that showed how creative bands can be with a small budget, they’ve raised the bar so high that they’ve created a rod for their own back, so much so that all future videos of theirs will be judged against those two. 8/10
Paul Wright
Grimes
‘Genesis’
4ad
Grimes AKA Claire Boucher is part of the new generation of 4AD artists. As 4AD reinvents itself and shifts into a new era signing acts like Joker and SpaceGhostPurrp, Grimes are a good indication of the legendary labels ethics whilst maintaining a close link to what was celebratory about it’s past.
Genesis starts with gentle Electro strumming, but it’s the vocal that provides the closest link to the labels classic history. All Liz Frazer swoonsome vocal delights this is Miki Berenyi Lush without the snakebite, otherworldly and sweetness & light with beats that Bjork would bludgeon a journalist for Genesis has a chilled out vibe that will appeal to clubbers as much as it will seduce indie kids. Vital, euphoric & beautiful this track serves as a great intro to both Grimes and the whole of 4ad’s back catalogue 8/10
Jamie Gambino
Keep Shelley in Athens
‘Our Own Dream’
Forest Family
This Greek duo seem intent on showing there’s much more to their country than Nana Mouskouri and old rebitika rebel songs. This track takes the drama of dubstep, the vibe of Skream at his more chilled and layers it with gorgeous synths.
For those who like their music slightly aggrieved but beautiful, look here, this is a song that keeps on giving. 8/10
Chris Todd
Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny
‘Atlas’
Released 23 April
Mute Records
With the dazzling debut album ‘Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose’ galloping its way to the nation’s hearts, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny are set to release ‘Atlas’ as their next single on Mute on 23 April 2012, with a special Record Store Day release on 21 April.
‘Atlas’ is a beautiful and intelligent song that will effortlessly get you hooked and have you tapping your feet and hands without knowing it. Described by Houghton as being a song “about change,” the hyperactive track tells of two people comparing their globetrotting stories: “Dissecting the atlas for places for we’ve been/Your list is longer but you’ve got more years on me,” it says. This is one of those songs that is perfect for the approaching summer and I have no doubt it will be the soundtrack to a lot of peoples days in the sun.
With an extensive UK tour including a sold out Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London behind them, Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny will be back on the road in the summer, with a host of one-off gigs and festival fixtures. If you’ve never seen Houghton and her Hooves before, expect the unexpected: her performances are always different, always unpredictable and always wildly entertaining, her between-song chat giving an eye into the slanted world explored further in her inspired lyrics. 8/10
Chris Brown
Talk in Colour
‘Rocking Horse’
Night Cabin
Last year’s stunning debut from post-dubstep artist SBTRK nodded towards using the template of house music and the skipping beats of speed garage as an influence to make a new contemporary sound.
London five piece Talk in Colour have obviously been keeping an eye on that cross fertilisation and uses the same template for their second single. Using skippy beats and doom filled atmospherics, this track comes from the same place as The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble’s live take on electronica and Radiohead’s mainly misfiring ‘King of Limbs’ album, ‘Rocking Horse’ however, does not misfire.
The yearning vocals blend perfectly with the music, a mash of Boards of Canada, bass lines borrowed from Hyderdub 12”s, the smoky intensity topped off beautifully with orchestration straight out of the book of David Arnold. The EP is backed with a couple of impressive reinterpretations by Milo Portico who supplies a krautonica mix and a post 2-step mix by Microburst being the two of note.
The original however is the stand-out, they are a band who seem to be dripping with wide-screened ideas and know how to realise them. More of this, please. 9/10
Chris Todd
onlyjoe
‘Revolution’ EP
onlyjoe are a talented energetic and multi-faceted nine-piece reggae outfit from London. Having established themselves at underground parties, clubs and major festivals throughout the UK, they are in no way ‘wet behind the ears’.
The band have a vibrant stage history that has seen them rub shoulders with the likes of Tippa Irie, Mad Professor, Aba Shanti-I, Solo Banton, Zion Train, Demolition Man, Congo Natty and many more. The influence of these pioneers has allowed onlyjoe to create their unique and powerful dub influenced reggae sound.
‘Revolution’ comprises of onlyjoe’s original, as well as remixes from UK hip-hop legend Skitz in collaboration with The Sea, and Bristol based dubstep don, RSD. Alongside these two is a jungle version from Unit 137 family member Sleepy Time Ghost (STG).
Got to say it’s the onlyjoe original I prefer, although I rate the remixes, out of them it is RSD’s remix, which works best. It is an interesting year so far this is the second single on repeat at withguitars along with The Skints ‘Ratatat’ a few weeks ago, that’s just what we have picked up so far – things are shaping up well.
An enjoyable, quality reggae song for 2012, keep checking my watch, but there it is and Revolution works oh so well. 8/10
Steve Janes
Kraak and Smaak featuring Romanthony
‘Built For Love’
Jalapeno Records
Netherlands house trio Kraak and Smaak are pretty heavy handed in getting their retro vibe on this silky smooth house four tracker, not only featuring house vocalist Romanthony; for those who don’t like house – him who sings Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ and the lead mix is by Roach Motel, otherwise known as Terry Farley and Pete Heller, so far, so 1993.
Both Roach Motel mixes uses subtle 303 squelches and warm synth lines on a late night dream house rendition whereas Psychemagik goes for a French electro kind of approach which works just as well. The original track goes for that current retro house flavour, again, it sounds like it could have come from Detroit over a decade ago. Not a bad thing, obviously. 7/10
Chris Todd
Karl Phillips
’Faithful Stanley’
Released April 30th
For a while now Karl Phillips has been impressing on stage via shows with the likes of Example and Skepta, headline slots at the O2 and sell out dates in Camden, he has developed a very respectable fan base and It’s safe to say that Phillips and his band The Midnight Ramblers or on the edge of some good times and the new single ‘Faithful Stanley’ which marks the final work to be taken from the critically acclaimed Dangerous EP could bring them that good time.
The track cuts with a blade as sharp as the frontman’s wit, think heavy, lackadaisical drums and guttural guitar chords combined in a huge riff, and liquid lyricism, gradually building into a crescendo of melody and snares; a head nodder to say the least, to a tale of an over-trusting boyfriend and ever-ready predators. Stabby Joe, on the B-side, ups the pace a touch, taking seconds to drop into its powerful riffs, remaining unrelenting through to the final throws of its layered chorus. In skewering the violent culture of modern Britain and its (sub)urban denizens, Phillips continues to overturn the easy view of him as an artist. These songs more closely echo the vibe from the 5 star rated debut album – razor-sharp wit targeted at the UK’s chav culture, with music that’s both impossible to pigeon-hole and as addictive as heroin.
While I doubt the single is gonna be a huge hit for Phillips I think it’s a solid effort that I have no doubt will take Phillips to new heights, and with a full UK tour ongoing and a few festival spots it would be no surprise if by the end of summer he has a lot more fans ready to champion him onto even bigger and better things. 6.5/10
Chris Browm
Agnostic Front
‘A Mi Manera’
Time for some international hardcore in the form of Agnostic Front. Some here at WG towers, think the band’s ‘best’ days were all done by 1992. But after viewing ‘A Mi Manera’ there is life in the band yet. Some well received and reviewed shows, including a special night, if that is the right tern at the legendary CBGBs.
The new Agnostic Front offering, to balance the books, does have its supporters. The video duties are handled well by Dale Resteghini. Although here at withguitars most eyes were on special guest vocalist Freddy Madball, who after some reflection, comes across well in these surroundings, as do the reaming band members. It’s hardcore, it’s Agnostic Front, you decide, but we here give this single the thumbs up, hope the new ‘My Life My Way’ album is as intriguing. 7/10
Steve Janes & co.
Garbage:
Blood For Poppies’
Out Now free download
Album ‘Not Your Kind Of People
Regular readers of withguitars will know that I rate Garbage very highly; indeed Ms Shirley Manson made the Top Ten Alt Rock Female list I compiled for a feature last year. So it’s safe to say I was somewhat interested when they announced their return from a 7 year hiatus, a break that saw Shirley running around killing people in a TV series while Butch Vig twiddled his knob and reminisced about producing some record called ‘Nevermind’.
So what does this newly reformed band sound like, have they returned all guns blazing with a searing hot slice of industrial electro rock? Unfortunately not instead we are served up a luke warm wah wah guitar, cod reggae shambles that at best resembles a Gwen Stefani B side and at worst a song even Pink would refuse to perform.
Still around the 2.30 mark you get a brief flash of a more traditional Garbage sound so I wouldn’t write off the album just yet, although a safer bet would be to start the petition to get Curve out of retirement. 6/10
Jamie Gambino
Dot Hacker
‘Inhibition’
ORG Music
Dot Hacker; serve up another tasty single offering of alternative music. No not spikey guitars or vocals, something different but equally noteworthy. Describes as an experimental rock band, their sound is way more laid back, dripping darkness, warm brooding moods and deliciously other worldly. The Los Angeles band are, in my well-thumbed book, going from strength to strength. Only on rare occasions, has the single drumstick, striking a closed Hi-Hat cymbals sounded so powerful, either that, or they could not be bother to muck around with the drum machine; I dearly hope it’s the former,
‘Inhibition’ is also the name of the bands soon to be released debut album. But the single represents exhibit B, in the case for the defence for Dot Hacker, furthermore, I claim the fast rising band will attract even more attention, including, I hope, even yours. 8/10
Steve Janes
Girls
My Ma
Album: Father, Son, Holy Ghost
‘My Ma’ is Girls third release to be taken from last years ‘Father, Son, Holy Ghost’ album following the singles ‘Vomit’ and ‘Honey Bunny’.
On this swoonsome lilt the band are in full on Elliot Smith tribute mode, all wistful slide guitar and lush dreamy backing vocals.
My Ma is rather beautiful. A hearts broken lament that will see many an indie kid weeping onto their Converse boots but although ‘Girls’ do this sound very well it lacks the vitality required for a single release. Album track ‘Die’ a full blooded frenzy of feedback and genuine crushing loveliness will be the song to catapult them to the next level. 7/10
Jamie Gambino
Bloodwrath
‘The Hate Effect’ EP
The Hate Effect is the most recent offering from north east based metal heads Bloodwrath. With a name likes Bloodwrath it isn’t difficult to guess what genre of music these guys are.
Currently in the north east scene there all several bands that are getting far too much exposure for the little talent they possess and several bands who aren’t getting enough exposure for the gallons of talent they possess. Bloodwrath fall into the latter category.
This northern five piece take the doom and gloom of their local surroundings and transfer it into fast paced metal at its finest. These guys are not about hair cuts, skinny jeans or trying to look the part, their music speaks louder than a cliché image ever could.
Title track, ‘The Hate Effect’ is the stand out track. From beginning to end the track consists of breakdowns that are heavier than a sledgehammer and ferocious growls that would give Satan himself chills.
Bloodwrath are defiantly a band to keep your eye on in 2012. 7.25/10
Chris Storey
The Jezabels
‘Rosebud’
Play It Again Sam Recordings
Rosebud follows up from the album release (which went straight into the Aussie charts at no.2) future looks good for The Jezabels. After a couple of well received and sold out London shows, the focus, I guess, is even more focused on The Jezabels than three months ago.
‘Rosebud’ is a good choice, it’s musically adept, accessible, and radio friendly, but in no way is that a crass description, far from it, ‘Rosebud’ will deliver.
I would just like to get someone like Steve Frisk or Butch Vig, just to add a couple more colours and textures – I say this, not as a criticism but more of a future hope. Not that ‘Rosebud’ needs any kind of major tweak; it already stands well placed against the plastic pop march of the programmers. 7/10
Steve Janes
The Jezabels Live in the UK May 2012 Thursday 17th May London Brixton Electric; Friday 18th May Liverpool Zanzibar; Saturday 19th May Dublin Button Factory
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo
The Rains’
Everyone Sang / Linn
‘The Rains’ was written to accompany a “beautiful” super-8 short film by Patti Gaal-Holmes. The song originally inspired by Robert Greeley’s poem, The Rain. What sounds like a plucked banjo, with Emily’s bright vocal leads you through a classical minimal backing violins and piano swell and recess. Although anyone familiar with either of the band’s two album to date, already know …the Red Clay Halo’s identikit sound. As I trust from now I, along with the multitude will also come to know. But the lyrics are beautifully delivered by Emily Baker that win me over with lines as glorious as “What I am to myself. That must remain?” early in proceedings, only draws you further in, as does talk of forests, and doves flown away.
The second and final song from this cd single, ‘Nostalgia’ from the 3nd album, ‘Despite The Snow’ the track, may also be familiar to some, as it was adapted for the BBC drama series Wallander.
Must also credit the production of these two tracks, the songs, in less capable hands may not shine so bright. Comes as no surprise then than the man behind The Blue Nile, one Calum Malcolm was at the controls of the Gorbals Studios in Glasgow and better off we all are for it. For me, this is what folk is, deeper than the usual, detailed, descriptive and beguiling. 7.5/10
Sophie Talbot