Music Liberation

EP Review : The Yearbooks - Have A Great Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:38:00 +0000

This rock and stroll mini album by Chicago based The Yearbooks is reminiscent of the schmindie Brit pop brigade that infected the UK charts over a decade ago. Think The Boo Radleys or Teenage Fanclub. With passive vocals, plodding melodies and flaccid Stroke’s guitar lines ‘Have a Great Summer’ is a wishy-washy affair comprising of six melancholic pop numbers.

Too inconspicuous to anything other than acceptable this bland offering sits awkwardly in the no man’s land between New York rock and dated 90s melodies. The chorus on opener ‘She Did It With Her Eyes’ is repeated ad infinitum to hammer home that it’s a poppy hook. ‘Stranger of the Night’ is a out and out Stroke’s copy but toothless whilst single ‘Season of Love’ sounds like The Cardigans with a swirly chorus of doubled vocals but amounts to nothing more than a unremarkable duplicate.

Music doesn’t have to be loud or exciting, but it does need to be interesting. The Yearbooks miss this mark. Certainly, the last two tracks raise the bar, but not enough to warm me to the rest of the album nor does it stop the band sounding unoriginal, twee and somewhat catatonic. This mini album is pleasant enough but way routine to deserve commendation. And the question that I can’t answer is why listen to The Yearbooks when we can listen to those they’ve impersonated instead?

www.myspace.com/theyearbooks

MP3: The Yearbooks - Season Of Love

New Music : Fenech Soler - Lies

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:36:00 +0000

Out this week through Moda Music, "Lies" is the new single from UK band Fenech Soler. It's a wicked tune that effortlessly fuses electro with funky indie pop vibes. They have already enjoyed major support from BBC Radio 1, with the likes of Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, and somebody called Jo Wiley giving Lies a regular spin. As well as national press coverage the band have been delighting crowds up and down the country playing numerous venues, including supporting Groove Armada.

As if that's not enough to convince you of this bands clear talent, then take a look at the label that's putting out the single. Moda Music has quickly built a strong imprint for the cutting edge of electronic music, after starting out by developing a monthly club night in their hometown Lincoln, attracting big names out to the ‘provinces’ for their cutting edge parties. 3 years down the line, they are selling out 1600 capacity warehouses and their very own Jaymo and Andy George have a monthly Radio 1 show. Check out their brand spanking new website for all the latest releases and shows.

You can buy "Lies" from both Itunes and Beatport, so get on it!

In case you missed it we posted the video for the track a few weeks ago, check it out. And we also have a wicked remix from Phantoms Revenge for you to get your ears around!

MP3: Fenech Soler - Lies (Phantoms Revenge Remix)

New Music : The Subs / Crookers / Talen / Ali Love / Titiyo + More!

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0000

I've had a busy couple of weeks and so therefore the emails and music have been piling up. So to stop these awesome tunes from disappearing into my itunes library abyss, here's a monster post! You'll have to do your own research this time round, normal service will resume shortly :o) Enjoy!

The Subs - Mitsubitchi (Link removed by request)/ The Subs

MP3 : Crookers feat Wiley - Business Man (Black Noise remix) / Crookers

MP3 : Talen - The Vibes - A Sizzle Tale / Talen

MP3 : Ali Love - Diminishing / Ali Love

MP3 : The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Alan Wilkis Remix) / Alan Wilkis

MP3 : The Plastiscines - Barcelone (Rory Phillips Remix) / The Plastiscines

MP3 : The Prodigy - Take Me To The Hospital (King Cannibal remix) / King Cannibal

MP3 : EP's Trailer Park - Black Heart / EP's Trailer Park

MP3 : Titiyo - Crystal Clear Mud / Titiyo

MP3 : Sage Emeralds - A Little Love / Sage Emeralds

MP3 : Computer Perfection - Silence Is A Shadows Dream / Computer Perfection

MP3 : Turbowolf - Let's Die / Turbowolf

Event : Ash A to Z UK Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Crisscrossing the nation from A to Z, evergreen rock stars ASH promote their mould breaking A-Z Singles Collection with a 26-date UK tour. Visiting some of the country’s live music back waters…

Working alphabetically through the towns and cities of the British Isles from Aldershot to Zennor, Ash will be dropping in on the UK’s lesser-visited concert venues. Exotic locations like Ventnor (that’s on the Isle of Wight), The Havana Club (in Jersey), Upper Norwood (South London of course…) and the Devonshire seaside town of ‘eXmouth’, will be among those experiencing a rare visit from a major touring act; and who better to ‘bring the rock’ than the acclaimed live act and hit factory that is Ash?

The tour provides the launch pad for the bands unique A-Z Series, kicking off with the electro-ballad True Love 1980 on October 12th. The A-Z series will see a collection of 26 limited edition 7” and digital download singles, released fortnightly over the coming year.

ED: I'll be checking them out next week so check back then for a gig review!

Album Review : The Pony Collaboration - If These Are The Good Times

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Little known The Pony Collaboration release their second album this November and at the moment, I feel like it’s a little gem that only I know about and I don’t want to share. It’s fantastic; a cosy security blanket of melancholic and understated pop that has a charm all of its own.

With the emotive depth of Tindersticks, the poppy sentiment of Camera Obscura and the modesty of Pavement, ‘If These Are The Good Times’ comprises of ten warming folk tunes that are instantly accessible without the need for try-hard hooks and repetitive choruses. In fact like all great artists, The Pony Collaboration sound effortless in their delivery, as if their music was the result of a fortuitous jam during one long and lethargic afternoon.

A hefty eight members make up this band but you wouldn’t know it; the music is delicate and unbloated, every instrument perfectly applied to tug at your emotions. As inconspicuous as this album might seem, it’s a heavyweight when it comes to connecting with the listener. Take opener ‘Until It’s Gone’; the idiosyncratic male-female vocals set the tone for the album, yearning as they sing whilst violins soar along in the choruses. Title track ‘If These Are The Good Times’ is full of regret and an impassioned plea to a loved is one carried through the song by a swell of strings, piano and guitar.

Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the upbeat ‘I Never Knew’ testifies and ‘Monopoly On Sound’ showcases the bands ability to craft perfect instrumentals. But whatever the feel, every song is bound together by a quiet bitter-sweet sentiment that runs through the recording.

It’s not often that quiet bands like this are able to evoke such strong feeling, but The Pony Collaboration do just this. The whole record is an introspective journey that is a sad as it is uplifting. It was once said that John Peel’s success was down to the fact that it sounded like he was talking to you alone, rather than an army of listeners and perhaps the same could be said for this very personal album. Let’s just hope the well deserved success comes with it.

MP3: The Pony Collaboration - Until It's Gone

www.myspace.com/theponycollaboration

Event : Gallows take CTRL over Topman + Win exclusive tshirt

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:39:00 +0000

To celebrate Gallows taking over the Topman myspace page, we are giving away an exclusive tshirt designed by Lags from the band. Only 50 of these super cool tshirts have been made so this is pretty specialas we have 1 to give away.

For those who don't know CTRL is a new venture whereby a different band each month takes over the Topman myspace, having license to do pretty much whatever they like from exclusive interviews, news, blogs, photo's and a rather special end of month gig. Gallows gig is taking place in Birmingham at the Flapper on October 29th, with support coming from their personal favourites Invasion, Shapes, and Soni-Quella. It's all rather exciting.

So go check out the website, and whilst you're there you can be pondering this question to win the exclusive tshirt.

What is the title of the debut album from Gallows?

Answers via email to musicliberation@hotmail.co.uk by midnight on Monday 26th October. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries. Good luck!

*EDIT - COMPETITION NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED, WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL.

New Music : Photomachine / Crash Overdrive / Pilotpriest

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Photomachine is back with a new track "Burn Up", which takes up where his previous material left off with bouncy, jerky, synths intertwined with a standard slow house beat. There is a clear rhythm to this track, with clear nods to artists such as Basement Jaxx and Buraka Som Siesta when it comes to beat making at slightly slower beats per minute. There are lots of weird samples thrown in for good measure such as sirens, bleeps, and vocal cuts, but they certainly don't distract from a feel good party tune. *DOWNLOAD - MP3: Photomachine - Burn Up / More Photomachine

Based out of California comes Vince Fierro, aka Crash Overdrive with his feel good house tunes. There's nothing fancy here, just a straightforward standard house beat with some euphoric synths, but I think its the simplicity that actually makes this track stand out. There are plenty of hands in the air moments which for me always signals a good house track. Look out for his forthcoming EP "Retake The Streets" out through Briefcase Rockers. *DOWNLOAD - MP3: Crash Overdrive - ArchitectureVI / More Crash Overdrive

Straight out of the Toronto tech scene comes Pilotpriest with his debut track "Zipper". This particular cut is his own "1994 Remix" which gives the track a darker and harder edge perfect for dirty, sweaty clubs. This is a strong debut track which bodes well for future releases for a man who is held in high esteem for the various remixes he has done across the board for the blogosphere. It is being released by Calamity Jane Recordings. *DOWNLOAD - MP3: Pilotpriest - Zipper / Buy on Beatport (High Quality) / More Pilotpriest

Video : Fenech Soler - Lies

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Seeing these guys next week at the Meze Festival in Newport, super excited!! "Lies" will be released November 2nd through Moda Music.

Single Review : Gospel Gossip - Sippy Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:49:00 +0000

Noisy, shoegaze garage rock is on offer here from Minnesota guitar-janglers Gospel Gossip. The excellently titled single ‘Sippy Cup’ bursts in with fuzzy guitars, wailing feedback and propulsive drums. The whole tune has a warm drunken slur to it and an emotional weight to boot. Mumbling vocalist Sarah Nienaber delivers a fantastic performance where you can identify with her struggles and hear her pain even if you can’t understand what she’s saying. The point is you don’t need to. This powerful song would be equally at home to the beer soaked indie club as it would to the party of one in a bedroom; it ingeniously upbeat and noisy but oddly comforting.

It’s no surprise that Gospel Gossip sound like they do; after all fellow Minnesotans Husker Du and The Replacements created the mould for this trademark shambolic garage rock that Sippy Cup sounds so much like. Too much like in fact. The intro sounds exactly like ‘Bastards of Young’ and the comparisons don’t stop there. This could be any number of Replacements’ songs and Nienaber’s vocals are near identical to Paul Westerberg’s inebriated howl – even if she is female.

This is a brilliant, exciting and chaotic song that effortlessly connects to its listeners, it’s just a shame the band haven’t put their own twist on Minnesota rock. They’ve obviously subscribed to the “if it ain’t broke don’t’ fix it” ideology which, on listening to Sippy Cup for the twentieth time, is more than fine by me.

www.myspace.com/gospelgossip

MP3: Gospel Gossip - Sippy Cup

Event : Meze Festival October 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:46:00 +0000

If you live anywhere near Newport in South Wales, then please check out and support the excellent Meze Festival. I'll be doing a review of the festival at the end of the month!

Here's the blurb -

"100+ Bands & DJ’s, 2 venues, 1 whole month (and we don’t like Mondays)

Newport’s Meze Lounge & The Joy Collective are proud to announce the inaugural Meze : Festival, a month-long celebration of new music and good times.

Initially conceived as a welcome party for Newport’s incoming student population, Meze : Festival has swelled to become a riot of noise, beats and invention, with acts plucked from all decent corners of the music making world. Every night in October, (except Mondays) a vast array of genres will colour & shape the sound of Market Street, courtesy of bands from the U.S, Canada, France, Japan, Australia plus a huge array of nationwide UK touring acts and some hand-picked local cherries. They will be bashing their way through dubstep, electro, hip-hop, math-rock, amongst others, in a quest for sleeplessness.

There are too many highlights to pin-point, so find out for yourself. Search through the line-up. Stream the music online or download the mp3 compilation zip! http://www.mezefestival.co.uk"

ED: I saw The Muscle Club on Friday - Brilliant! MP3: The Muscle Club - Damn Your Circumstances

New Music : Stagecoach / The Sweet Serenades [POP SPECIAL!]

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Stagecoach are a UK based indie pop act from the Surrey area, who are currently on a UK tour, and have an EP available titled "We Got Tazers!". Pop music for me is all about the melodies, you can have rock music or dance music behind it, but if the vocals are uplifting and there is a high percentage of rhyming lyrics, then i'd call Pop. Stagecoach have their feet in the rock camp, with Weezer being a clear comparison. Basically I like their tunes because they are fun and with no strings. The EP is out now on Alcopop Records. MP3: Stagecoach - Break / Stagecoach

We had The Sweet Serenades in one of our early podcasts, way back in April 2008. Well since then the Swedish duo have now released their album "Balcony Cigarettes", which I'm reliably informed received 5 out 6 in Nöjesguiden (Big music magazine in Sweden). We have "On My Way" which has a harder driving sound to their previous material , but still maintains their pop sensibilities with memorable harmonies and guitar licks. The album is set to be released here and stateside in 2010. MP3: The Sweet Serenades - On My Way / The Sweet Serenades

New Music : Red Cortez / Penfold Gate / Bang Bang Eche

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:15:00 +0000

It is quite remarkable that Los Angeles rockers Red Cortez are unsigned, in fact it makes me want to start a record label and sign them up, I think they are really that good. The band are currently supporting The Airborne Toxic Event on their US tour, so if they don't get signed from that things are seriously wrong. They have a digital EP currently available titled "Hands To The Wall", which showcases their high energy but melodic rock tunes. I expect rather large things from this band in 2010. MP3: Red Cortez - Fell On The Floor / Red Cortez

Hailing from Loughborough in the UK, Penfold Gate are set to release their debut single "Pirates" on November 30th. The easiest way for me to describe this band is to imagine a less dancey but more folky Late Of The Pier. "Pirates" changes tempo constantly, meaning you are never quite sure where the band are going to take you next, which is quite exciting for any discerning music fan. They played an impromptu gig at this years Glastonbury, well they could well have an invite in 2010. MP3 Penfold Gate - Pirates / Penfold Gate

Checking in from New Zealand come Bang Bang Eche, who will be releasing their delightfully named "Sonic Death C**TTTT" EP on November 2nd. With all members under the age of 21 and having been together for just over a year, you'd expect the band to sound somewhat chaotic. Except Bang Bang Eche have created a sound that they want to be chaotic, that's the point. Fusing dance beats with punk rock guitars and vocals, they are not just an Enter Shikari rip off, they mean serious business! MP3: Bang Bang Eche - Fist Full Of Dollars / Bang Bang Eche

New Music : Everything Everything / Simian Mobile Disco (Dada Life Remix / El Paso Hot Button (John Bourke Remix)

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Everything Everything are one of those bands that emerge out of nowhere and take centre stage across the board without you realising it. The true test of course is whether they can remain around long enough for people to take major notice. "My Keys, Your Boyfriend" their latest single has been remixed here by Portmanteau into a floaty piece of electronica that takes your mind away. MP3: Everything Everything - My Keys Your Boyfriend (Portmanteau Remix) / Everything Everything

This is a wicked remix from Dada Life of Simian Mobile Disco's "Audacity Of Huge". Dada Life in their own words say "Destroy dance music and have fun. Don’t look back in the past. Always go forward. Don’t think too much. Always follow the money. Do the Dada. The result? Big tunes, no frills". Basically they remix everything! This track stands out for the huge synth half way through the track which really cuts through you, but in a brilliant way. MP3 Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity Of Huge (Dada Life Remix) / Dada Life

We've featured Oklahoma favourites Trash Yourself a few times on this blog, well this time we're highlighting just one half of the group, John Bourke. He recently remixed "Karli K" by El Paso Hot Button. Now I'm not in the know about beats per minute and all that jazz, but I can tell you that this track is super chilled out, with a really slow beat that oozes power and attitude. Trash Yourself have recently gone out on a European tour so make sure you try and catch them! MP3: El Paso Hot Button - Karli K (John Bourke Remix) / Trash Yourself

Single Review : Turbowolf - Ancient Snakes

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Any band calling themselves Turbowolf have a lot to live up to - it’s certainly a name that pulls no punches. Much like say, Raging Speedhorn, it’s the kind of moniker that pigeonholes a group before they’ve even picked up an instrument.

Yet by some lucky coincidences, it turns out that Bristol based Turbowolf are indeed exactly what you might suspect: an unremitting sonic onslaught of electric death. Or close enough. Their single ‘Ancient Snakes’ is a claustrophobic, blistering, intense ball of punk rock with screeching vocals and coarse production. This just-under-three-minute-storm of craziness positively bursts with energy from beginning to end. It may as well be the posterboy for rocking out as the band do it perfectly. It’s loud, fast, and most of all it’s fun.

Fading in with feedback, the song leaps straight into a humping stoner-esk riff that manages to sound twenty times heavier than it should. Vocals screech, drums clatter and bass pounds, and not much changes for 180 seconds; there’s no drop in intensity, no let up for the listener. You’re either in or you’re out.

Turbowolf sound like Wolfmother’s mental cousin or Zeke’s off the rails twin brother, they’re exhausting just to listen to but at the same time create a total buzz for the listener. The more cynical might question how original this band are, which is a fair question, but punk rock has never been about originality, it’s about heart. And Turbowolf have it in spades. Just don’t forget your earplugs if you’re near the front.

www.myspace.com/turbowolfband

MP3: Turbowolf - Ancient Snakes

New Music : Shambles Miller

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Folk music can go one of two ways with me. I either find it totally self indulgent and inanely boring, or it can be something which makes me sit up, take notice, and bust out that dusty guitar in the corner of my room. Thankfully for Shambles Miller, and my ears, his music falls into the latter category.

Shambles Miller (aka Campbell Miller) who describes himself as a "folky music shambler man from Glasgow", recently released his debut EP titled "Shambles Vs The Dragon Wizard". The four track record begins with "Pssst!" which for me is the weakest track on the album. Unfortunately one of my least favourite instruments is used - the harmonica, which just makes me think of smelly homeless men dancing round burning oil drums. Not that I'm suggesting Miller is homeless smelly drunk man, i'm sure he smells great...urrrr I think I'd better move on!

From the weakest track to the strongest track, "Robots" demonstrates a real maturity not only from a song writing perspective but also from the arrangement and tempo used. You can really sense the passion through Millers voice, the Scottish accent seems perfect for pulling at those heart strings. The final two songs "Nothing Unfolding" and "My Best Friend Is An Outsider" suggest a darker side to his work, with the tone becoming bleaker through both the delivery of the vocals as well as the content.

This is an impressive EP which shows plenty of promise, however whether Shambles Miller can crack a saturated Folk scene remains to be seen.

You can buy the EP over at big cartel or check out his myspace or check out his blog.

New Music : Gejius

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +0000

It's been a while since we last heard from Gejius, a producer from Portland, Oregon who is currently working out of Tokyo, Japan. So it was with much anticipation when we discovered he has recently released his third album titled "The Last 46:08 Minutes Of Your Life".

If you like your electronic music to be experimental and pushing several boundaries all at once, then Gejius is your man. He seems to effortlessly transform between styles, whether that's hip hop, break beat, disco, indie-pop, whatever this guy will put it in the pot and churn out some real interesting tunes.

My favourite track from the album is "Take This, Lie Down, and Become Anew" which has a really chilled out almost drum and bass like beat, over which Gejius chops down some weird and wonderful samples with some floating vocals. It's music that you can get really lost listening to, which sometimes can be a really beautiful thing.

www.myspace.com/gejius

MP3: Gejius - In Your Eyes

MP3: Gejius - Take This, Lie Down, And Become Anew

EP Review : Last Tide - The Broken Places

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Late last year we discovered Nate Frey, a solo artist with a healthy appetite for folk rock hailing from Washington DC in America. Well since we last caught up with Nate in our interview, he has since gone on to form a band called Last Tide, who have recently recorded their debut EP "The Broken Places".

The record begins with "A Traitor In My Mind", which eases you in gently for the first 30 seconds before the band launch into a tirade of high energy shoe gaze rock. Special mentions must go to drummer Misha Alexander who must have arms of steel for the constant and brutal bashing he performs on this track.

Probably my favourite track on this EP is "Shapeshifter" which demonstrates the diversity this band have in their locker. The tempo is switched up entirely from the opening track and we are also introduced to Libby Dorot. As well as playing some interesting synths Libby takes on vocal duties for this track which works really well, combining her soft delicate voice with the slow but dark atmospheric music behind her.

Final track "Shadows In The Rain" is a remarkable piece of music. Lasting over 8 and half minutes in length, it gives the band a real opportunity to explore their ideas and in particular for Frey to display his clear talents. Nate has an interesting voice which somehow makes me think of monks and medieval abbeys, such is the ambience he gives off. This track has a dark and heavy melodic feel to it, and you can't help but get drawn in, especially near the end when there is some excellent guitar soloing going on.

Make sure you show Last Tide some love over at their myspace and keep an eye on them for future releases and tour dates.

MP3: Last Tide - Shapeshifter

MP3: Last Tide - Shadows In The Rain

New Music : King Cannibal

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:33:00 +0000

King Cannibal (moniker for Dylan Richards) drops his album "Let The Night Roar" through Ninja Tune Records on 12th October. One listen to this exclusive mini mix of the album will surely convince you, as it has me, that this fella has created one of the darkest journeys of a grimey dubstep album this year has seen. It's not even all about dub, there's jungle and drum and bass all thrown into the mix too. The fact that the album title is taken from a quote from Jim Jones (he of the Jonestown Massacre) just shows you how deep and ugly this album is. Hell the record has even been touted for next years Mercurys, that's how vital it will be. Check this out!!

MP3: King Cannibal - Let The Night Roar (album mini mix)

www.myspace.com/kingcannibal

www.ninjatune.net/home

New Music : Tom Staar - The Console EP

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Our favourite Electronic label, Moda Music, have recently released details on their forthcoming new release from Tom Staar and his EP "The Console". Here's the spiel...

"Deep within the solar system, past the rocky contours of the moon & beyond the fizzing gases of Jupiter, a lone space traveller named Tom Staar searches for his long lost colony of intergalactic compadres.

Not knowing if he is the last of his kind means his search is never ending & his methods of communication unauthordox. It's a long time since he's seen another member of his species, but one thing he still remembers is how much they liked to dance! So in a bid to make contact, Tom likes to send interstellar messages... in the form of songs!

Luckily for you, the clever people at Moda Music intercepted his signals and have been in contact with him for sometime. As well as helping develop the mighty Moda, Tom has now gathered 4 of his favourite creations on a rather epic EP.

Combining a quasar of sounds, with retro synths, a sprinkling of stardust & even his own vocals, means that Tom Staar makes music that is truly his own.

So prepare yourself for the second installment from what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new labels of 2009 - Moda Music!

The EP is out on Sept 21st from Beatport and iTunes!"

MP3: Tom Staar - Best Friends Girl

MP3: Tom Staar - EP Minimix

Tom Staar Myspace / Moda Music Myspace

New Music : Father Abraham / George Lenton / Apteka / teenagersintokyo

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:06:00 +0000

MP3: Father Abraham - HIAFC
I'm always on the look out for fresh hip hop, so it was a delight to check out the sounds of Boston based producer and rapper, Father Abraham. This particular tune is taken from his latest LP "I Am Not A Sailor I Am The Captain" which is out now. What i'm feeling with his tracks is that although the beat is heavy, his vocals maintain chilled out and in total control. Father Abraham Myspace

MP3: George Lenton - Troll
We were just thinking the other day that one of our fav new dubstep producers, Mr George Lenton, has been a little quiet of late. But after hearing his new track and discovering he's broken his collar bone we'll let him off. "Troll" has one of the sickest basslines i've heard this year, and fits perfectly around the vocals cut from the film "Network", which topically is all about the recession. Expect big things! George Lenton Myspace

MP3: Apteka - Traitors

Based out of Chicago, Apteka are one of the most exciting rock bands i've discovered so far this year. This track "Traitors" instantly oozes coolness and attitude, with big chugging guitars and frenetic distortion, intertwinned with melodic yet edgy vocals. This is music you can imagine would really set off a venue particularly with a suitable lighting, creating an intense atmospheric environment. Apteka Myspace

MP3: teenagersintokyo - Isabella

We've long been fans of Australian upstarts teenagersintokyo since we played their track "Very Vampyr" back in February of last year on a podcast. Since then they've toured with the likes of The Gossip, CSS, and Damn Arms, as well as releasing their critically acclaimed self titled EP. Next year see's the release of their debut album which is being producer by David Kosten (Bat For Lashes), and the first single is "Isabella" is out October 5th. It's a dark affair which is far detached from the energetic punkpop offered on the EP, but it's certainly an interesting direction. teenagersintokyo Myspace

Single Review : Dreaming In Stereo - Steal This Song

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:35:00 +0000

There are currently two bands called Dreaming in Stereo that exist. One is a tacky, emo-by-numbers band from Chicago and thank God the other is this lot, who have just realised 2 minutes and 18 seconds of utter blissful madness. John Peel famously said “I just want to hear something I’ve never heard before”. Well this might be it.

‘Steal This Song’ is a genre hopping, high energy track with its tongue firmly in its cheek: the lyrics imploring the listener to, well, steal the song. “Steal this song, sing along, I don’t care my money’s gone, music is for you and me so steal this song” insists lead singer and guitarist Fernando Perdomo. “Steal this song, peer to peer, I don’t care if I’m broke this year” he continues in an in an overly twee manner. This would almost seem sickly sweet if it wasn’t for the fact that each short, snappy verse is surrounded by crazy guitar frettery akin to some kind of 70s prog-rock monster such as Journey with booming drums and soaring reverb soaked solos to boot. Even though it’s a mere two minutes, this track has a massively overblown, epic feel to it.

Dreaming in Stereo call themselves “power-pop” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s the closest pigeon-hole they can be suitably shoved into. This quirky three piece are genuinely different and moreover, enjoyable to listen to. It’s an instant hit of poppy hooks, distortion and melodic vocals in one easily digestible 130 second format. In an act of support, I’d implore you to ignore Perdomo’s lyrics and make the effort to actually buy this fantastic single instead.

MP3: Dreaming In Stereo - Steal This Song

Dreaming In Stereo Myspace

New Music : 2020 Soundsystem / Juice Aleem / KiD COLA / Wheedle's Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:45:00 +0000

MP3: 2020 Soundsystem - Satellite

2020 Soundsystem are best known for their live performances, effectively showcasing their powerful electronic music on a mass scale in front of live audiences, which in todays laptop loving DJ world gives them an edge. This year see's the release of their 2nd album "Falling" through their 2020 Vision label. Taken from that album is "Satellite" which is a typically dark, brooding track which drives along with much vigour and power, thanks in part to a strong bassline, spacey guitars and vocals, and almost 80's drumbeat. 2020 Soundsystem

MP3: Juice Aleem - First Lesson (Rude Kid Remix)

His reputation preceeds him, having worked with Adam Freeland, Evil 9, and countless others, so the pressure is on MC Juice Aleem for his debut release. Fortunatley from what i've heard so far he's not let us down. Opening single "First Lesson" is a hard hitting track, with Juice Aleem laying down or more like smashing down his vocals over a sick dubstep beat. The album titled "Jerusalaam Come" is out now on Big Dada records. Juice Aleem

MP3: The Cataracs - Club Love (KiD COLA Remix)

We were one of the first blogs to get behind UK DJ and producer KiD COLA late last year when he burst onto the scene with his Secret Machines remix. Since then he's had major radio play from Jaymo and Andy George, as well as Kissy Sellout, supporting that with some big time gigs in London town. This new remix showcases what he does best, a big bouncy bassline, but this time he gives us a different angle with a slightly more melodic feel which is in keeping with the current crop of disco tunes being released. KiD COLA

MP3: Wheedle's Groove - H.O.E

If your in need of some slick funky cool as fuck soul music, brought to you by a band whose members mostly exceed 60 years of age, then you've got to check out Wheedle's Groove. "H.O.E" has such a laid back beat, its very much old school hip hop, with James Brown esq vocals which is really refreshing. The band have a new album out through Light In The Attic on September 8th called "Kearney Barton". Wheedle's Groove

Finally i'd like to say sorry for the lack of updates this Summer on Music Liberation. This has in part been due to me basically being a bit lazy, the cricket being on, football season starting again, and my new found passion for cycling. I've actually been in training for a charity cycle trip i'm doing from Reading to Chepstow in September in support of Motor Neurone Disease. (You can find out more here and follow my progress on twitter). Anyway as the Summer draws to a close i'm going to make sure i'm more active and update the blog more often.

Single Review : The Units - High Pressure Days (Rory Phillips Remix)

noreply@blogger.com (Moker) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:48:00 +0000

The Units, like most punk bands of the late 70s to early 80s, were very much focused on what they want to achieve with their music. Unlike the candy-coated bands that masquerade as alternative music today, one could never accuse the punk (and post-punk) scene of being anything less than impassioned. Political meaning and artistic sentiment were the driving force behind punk bands and The Units were no different. This is shown aptly by the rant on their myspace about hating guitar clichés. Well if, “Fuck the guitars, why couldn’t music change” is anything to go by. I don’t know if The Units wrote this themselves or someone else did it on their behalf but it’s still a mantra for the innovative musician. So The Units were born and went on to become a seminal Synth Punk band that rode on the first wave of the post-punk movement, along side their more obvious contemporaries such as Devo.

So what’s all this got to do with now? Well, Germanic record label Relish has released one of their singles, ‘High Pressure Days’ as a collection of remixes, this one in particular by the dab hand of Rory Phillips a rather excellent London based DJ.

And it is good. Great in fact. It’s more phat, warp style dance, yet still remains faithful enough to the original to sound like Talking Heads with its David Bynre-esk vocals or Public Image Limited with its blatant quirkiness. As a stand-alone tune it’s fantastic.

The thing is, remixes are a funny business. There is a small section of music purists who will always view them with disdain. To them, remixes are an unnecessary butchering, removing a song from its rightful context only to shove it through a dance-o-matic machine and spit it out onto a dance floor full of jaw-wobbling, uncaring clubbers all covered in big beats and shining production. This wouldn’t matter so much if it weren’t from such a heartfelt band, which oddly, has obviously agreed to these remixes. It’s taking an uncommercial, alternative punk tune and smoothing off the edges to make it more listenable. It’s about as far from the punk ethic as you can get. And, damn you Rory Phillips, it would be easier to dislike this record if it wasn’t so bloody good.

MP3: The Units - High Pressure Days (Rory Phillips Remix)

New Music (Dubstep Special) : Kitch 'n Sync / Joker / King Cannibal

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:13:00 +0000

MP3: Kitch n' Sync - All Bless

Kitch n' Sync are a duo based in London, who have recently started turning heads with several big tunes across various genres. "All Bless" is a dubstep monster with a dirty bassline and wicked MC-ish vocals. Their debut EP "Shack Out/Pink" is now out on Electric Sushi Records. Kitch n' Sync

MP3: The Heavy - How Do You Like Me Now? (Joker Remix)

This original track from The Heavy is taken from their forthcoming album "The House That Dirt Built", which is released through Counter Records on 5th October. Hailing from Bristol, Joker has been at the forefront of the Dubstep movement, and has turned this track into a stormer, effectively chopping the vocals with a huge bassline and samples. The Heavy / Joker

MP3: King Cannibal - So...Embrace The Minimum

This is a slightly mellower and chilled out take on Dub, and I think it really works well. King Cannibal (Dylan Richards) has been propped by Radio 1 Dubstep queen Mary-Anne Hobbs, so i'm sure big things will happen for him when his album "Let The Night Roar" drops on Ninja Tune on 12th October. King Cannibal

New Music : Ross D / Lou Barlow / Kids At The Bar / Photomachine

noreply@blogger.com (Sid) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:13:00 +0000

MP3: Ross D - 215

From Philadelphia but now based out of New York comes Drum and Bass producer Ross D, who in September will release his debut album "Musical D-Lite" through Playloop Records. "215" is an uplifting piece of D+B that is hard to ignore especially when kicking back in the sun with some brews (what sun you say!?). I expect big things from the full length album which comes out physically on September 8th, but is already available digitally through the usual outlets. Ross D Myspace

MP3: Lou Barlow - Gravitate

Previously with Dinosaur Jr and Sebadoh, Lou Barlow returns after a four year break from his last album "Emoh" with his new one "Goodnight Unknown". There is great power in his work, not only coming from his vocals but also from the clever arrangement used particularly between the drums and guitars. The album will be released on October 5th through Domino Records. Lou Barlow website

MP3: Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream (Kids At The Bar Remix) [ALT LINK]

"Walking On A Dream" seems to have been remixed by everyone and their Gran in the last year, but when its done to the quality that Kids At The Bar have produced its hard to ignore. Straight away the tempo is high, and yet it's a more chilled out affair than most remixes. KATB have done this remix right I reckon, utilising the best of the original and not changed things too much. What's left is a chilled out Summer banger that will have you raving. Kids At The Bar Myspace

MP3: Santogold - Creator (Photomachine Remix) (ALT LINK)

Santogold made one of my favourite albums last year with her self titled debut, so its a risky business when the material gets reworked. Thankfully Brixton based producer Photomachine has done a fine job, turning "Creator" into a carnival anthem, with plenty of steel drums and a rather large bassline which take the song to a different level, but still utilizes her wicked vocals. Photomachine Myspace