The Sound Of Confusion

Edelweiss - Withering Heights

2013-05-20T14:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

First point: this is not a cover of the Ryan Adams song of the same name. Second point: it's nothing to do with the similarly-named novel or Kate Bush song. At least as far as we can tell, perhaps they're being mega cryptic somewhere here. 'Withering Heights' is the first single from the forthcoming 'Honduras' EP by Pennsylvanian guitar experimenters Edelweiss (whose name is probably nothing to do with anything else called Edelweiss either). It's often interesting to see people mess around with styles and combine them and play about with the boundaries.

On the surface, you'd probably say that 'Withering Heights' is a math-rock song; that's the overriding sense you get on first listen. Nothing too fancy or intense, but it has that sound. However, if you strip away the neat guitar work and the hectic rhythm section you're left with a song that would easily fit categorisation as either dreampop or chillwave. In fact, it could be ripe for a remix from some of you bedroom music noodlers out there. So were treated to a nice contrast of two seemingly opposite ends of the indie/alternative spectrum. And that's pretty good going in our book.

Edelweiss's website

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

JAN - Work For The City

2013-05-20T13:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

With a video that's best described as "a bit creepy" and probably represents the constant hassle of crowded city life and rush-hour commutes (do you realise just how many people you share your personal space with living that lifestyle?), JAN launches her debut solo single, 'Work For The City'. One half of Los Angeles duo Eagle & Talon, this solo work was recorded in Brooklyn and the album was initially given a limited release in the autumn, with a full scale release just recently in the UK and US. The video is an interesting concept, but the song is what steals the show.

For a quick idea of the ballpark we're in then we'll throw in names like Cat Power and PJ Harvey; 'Work For The City' is what could be called an indie-rock track, but it has a foot in the world of pop too, albeit far from the mainstream realm. It's more in the classic tradition of guitar bands who've made music with universal appeal like, for example, Blondie or maybe Belly. JAN has the potential to sell records is what we're getting to here, and she has the ability to do so while retaining every bit of credibility she's ever had. This is a wonderful single. Over to you, public.

JAN - Work For The City from Enclaves Music on Vimeo.

JAN's website

Buy the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Hunter Johnson - Angel Of Greatness

2013-05-20T12:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Hunter Johnson is a US artist, and you'd be hard-pushed to imagine this music coming from any other country (barring poor imitation of course). From South Dakota but now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Johnson makes alt-rock that shares the same blue-collar DNA with the likes of Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem and so on. The latter would be the closest comparison, as 'Angel Of Greatness' shares the punk bite that that band have used to become so highly regarded. We should know more come August when his album is released, but the single bodes well.

Cliches are only cliches if they're used out of context, and this track is about packing up and hitting the road to leave a failed relationship. Something which works in the expanses of the US, but probably not if you're from Luton. So despite the familiar storyline, Johnson makes this song work with the sheer passion and determination in his voice which is at full stretch, adding quite a force. The music doesn't hold back either. This is US alt-rock that falls apart if the passion and authenticity are lacking. Both are firmly intact here.

Hunter Johnson's website

Catch him live:

All shows are full band unless stated "solo"
MAY 24 2013
Hunter Johnson (solo), Copper Blues 5:30pm - 7:30pm
MAY 24 2013
Hunter Johnson w/Ghetto Cowgirl, Last Exit Live 9:30pm - 10:30pm
MAY 26 2013
Hunter Johnson w/Sour Diesel Train Wreck, Yucca Taproom (Valley Fever) 9:00pm - 10:00pm
MAY 27 2013 Hunter Johnson (solo), The Rogue Bar 9:00pm - 10:00pm
JUN 08 2013
Hunter Johnson w/American Longspurs, Sail Inn (Tempe Arizona) 9:00pm - 10:00pm
JUN 11 2013
Hunter Johnson w/truckstop Darlin, Yucca taproom 9:10pm - 10:10pm
JUN 13 2013
Hunter Johnson w/Decker and Water liars, Last Exit Live 9:00pm - 11:00pm
JUN 21 2013
Hunter Johnson, Rogue Bar 10:00pm - 11:00pm
JUN 25 2013
Hunter Johnson w/ Radar Bros, Crescent Ballroom 8:00pm - 11:00pm
JUL 23 2013
Hunter Johnson (solo), Spirit room Jerome Arizona 6:00pm - 7:00pm

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Wild Combination - Whole Lotta Truth

2013-05-20T11:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

We've waited a while for new material from Chelmsford's Wild Combination. Well, in truth it's only been since December and the single 'Great Expectations', but time goes slower when waiting to hear from a band you like. So here's the news then: the guys have a new EP out in July and in the lead-up to that they're putting out a single, 'Whole Lotta Truth', on June 10th. Without masses of material to compare it to, it may be less of a compliment than it may appear if we say this is probably the best song we've heard from them so far, but it is, so we'll say it anyway.

It is totally summer o'clock in the indie world at the moment and if you normally head for the various mediums that promote "alternative" or guitar music then you won't have been able to escape the lively jangle that's hitting us from around the globe. It's great to have some homegrown talent who are keeping pace with the leaders of the pack too (see also Big Wave) and this song is bounding with energy and joy. If you'll pardon the pun, we have great expectations for the rest of the EP when it arrives in a few weeks, just in time for that massive heatwave, yeah?

Wild Combination's website

Pre-order the EP

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

PJP Band - Ole! We Ain't Prey

2013-05-20T10:00:00.001+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

This is the second track we've heard from South-West psych-rockers PJP Band following 'Vicious Luck', a free download we featured a few weeks back. Their debut album is now upon us and is called '...And So It Goes'. Everything seems to be indicating that they've done a decent job of it too, and new track 'Ole! We Ain't Prey' is up to the standard we'd hoped for. It also comes with a decent psychedelic video, which is always a bonus, especially if you're a fan of hairy, bare-chested men (I'm not personally, but each to their own...).

With the drum kit getting a good deal of use and some organ to add a bit more depth to the sound, 'Ole! We Ain't Prey' is largely about hitting an anthemic chorus, which they successfully manage to do on several occasions here without it becoming repetitive. As well as the mild psych sound, these guys also incorporate elements of punk, indie and alt-rock. So you can either take that as a sign that they're trying to cover as many bases as possible (and if so they've done it well), or that they still have an ultimate sound to develop for themselves. We're thinking it's the latter, and that PJP Band are just getting started. Expect them to go from strength to strength.

PJP Ban's website

Buy the album

Catch them live:

May
23rd - The Cavern EXETER w/HGJ, Great Cynics
24th - Rabbit PLYMOUTH w/HGJ
26th - Volksfest PLYMOUTH
JUNE
9th - Charles Causely Fest LAUNCESTON
29th June - EDEN SESSIONS w/ KAISER CHIEFS/THE COMPUTERS/TOM TOM CLUB/DEAP VALLEY/BROTHERS AND BONES - Eden Project, Cornwall
JULY
13th - Castle Rock LAUNCESTON
AUGUST
10th - Boardmasters NEWQUAY

For more news, reviews & downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Avital Raz - Infidelity

2013-05-20T09:00:00.001+01:00

Album review by jay@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Slow, hymnal opener 'If You Ask Me' entices you into 'Infidelity'. All mantra-like vocals, with eerie, haunting dashes of middle-eastern tabla. Like a young Patti Smith, Avital Raz lyrically lays out a picture of want and temptation with a deft hand. After 'If You Ask Me''s density, 'Till It's Time' is more traditional in its form. Again the lyrics are stark and visceral. Raz's deep tone more reminiscent of tortured torch singers Nico and Marianne Faithfull. Raz's command of the song's structure balances the mesmerizing, stark words with simplistic but powerful use of a bare acoustic and accordion, Raz pitches both sides of the song at the perfect equilibrium. Third song 'Oh, Isabel' is lighter in its tone and dances into a waltz-like, carny-esque track. The vocals are richer and brighter, though never betraying the broad descriptive tact of the lyrics. As 'Oh, Isabel' builds, you find yourself enjoying the carousel ride. Here Raz brings you into Isabel's world and you find yourself seeing Isabel and her laugh with a colourful intensity. With mentions of the everyday 21st century malaise such as the internet it brings to mind a young Victoria Williams.

After 'Oh ,Isabel', fleeting, sombre track 'The Sick Rose' washes by with no real impact; hard to focus on to after the previous song's journey. Title-track 'Infidelity' ushers in with heavily-fuzzed guitar, which leads into a strong track. Here Raz's plaintive vocals with the underlying distortion bring to mind a Kim Gordon lead Sonic Youth. The song hides in those dark corners, where very little light reaches in. As the song ebbs lyrically Raz concludes with lurching metallic echoes and a call to prayers across a stark land. A surprisingly playful track, 'Blues Of The Ugly Sister' is an enchanting jazz, scat trip. Showing a hand of Tom Waits eccentricity with a vocal crisp lightness that brings a more contemporary feel to the album, and places Raz alongside peers Martina Topley Bird and Cat Power. For the first time in the album the lyrical sharpness brings a wry smile to the face, and shows a stronger, richer heroine than previously described. 'Regarding Angels' sustains the lightness of touch and enables you to completely lift out of the darkness that shadowed the opening clutch of tracks. "I believe in love" is sung warmly over a rich folk vibe, shaking you out of any reverie and embracing all that is love; perhaps the most structurally normal track but that is not to diminish its touch. A highlight on the album.

'You Told Me' is the first misstep on 'Infidelity'. It wallows, and almost has a stodgy Sade feel. You can hear it soundtracking some lost grey walk along the Seine, in a bad Tom Cruise film. With a welcoming sparse blues vibe, like a more bitter Beth Orton, Raz dismisses the stodge of 'You Told Me' with 'Regarding Man'. A rich, colourful track, its deceptively simply rhythm brings your foot-tapping and you happily fall into the song's groove, and the heroine here is as strong and powerful as Raz's vocals. The song's groove rides out to a rich ending, taking you sweetly into closer 'Back Into The Promised Land'. More rich foot tapping, with again a Tom Waits kitchen sink groove. A twisted, glorious soul food tune. Those exacting lyrics dispensed with, instead "oh lord" is chanted, howled, to complement the dirty groove which the song inhibits. As 'Infidelity' finishes you realise you have a been on a journey that is at times stark, dark and harrowing, but lifts into a praise of love and redemption. It is a journey that you'd happily take again and again.

Regarding Angels by Avital Raz
Back in the Promised Land by Avital Raz
Avital Raz's website

Stream or buy the album

Catch her live:

Aug 13 The Peterloo Commemoration, Manchester, UK
Sep 07 Digger's Festival, Wigan, UK

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Out This Week - May 20th 2013

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Japanther - Stolen Flowers

Well over a decade into their career, if Brooklyn garage/noise-rock duo Japanther aren't going to grow up now then they probably never will. With new album 'Eat Like Lisa Act Like Bart' out this week it seems unlikely. The excellent single 'Stolen Flowers' is more of the whirlwind fuzz-punk that's become their trademark, and you can pick it up for free.

Japanther's website

Stream the album in full

Buy the album

Catch them live:

06/29/13 Metro Theater - Oakland, CA
06/30/13 Growing Up Dumb Festival - Eagle Rock Highland Park, CA
07/01/13 Shubas's - Chicago, IL
07/02/13 Majestic Theater - Detroit, MI
07/06/13 North By Northport Festival - Northport, MI
07/07/13 Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH
07/09/13 Metro Gallery - Baltimore, MD
07/12/13 Washington Theater 165 E. Washington Ave - Washington, NJ
07/13/13 AS220 - Providence, RI

Rigas den Andre - Not Just People

The brilliant Flora & Fauna label are releasing a new EP by Swedes Rigas den Andre this week which is called 'Lilla Ukraina', and you may have guessed that it translates as "little Ukraine" which is the name of the area in Sweden where they live. Free track 'Not Just People' has influences that stretch much further than eastern Europe though, this sounds like a collage of global music.

Rigas den Andre's website

Buy the EP

The Baptist Generals - Dog That Bit You

Getting the Sub Pop stamp of approval is usually a good sign, and it is that label that releases the Texans album 'Jackleg Devotional To The Heart' this week. The Baptist Generals have only been around a couple of years but already have a good grasp of what makes a decent alt-rock tune, as evidenced by free album sample track 'Dog That Bit You'.

The Baptist Generals' website

Stream the album in full

Buy the album

Emma Louise - Freedom

Back home in Australia, Emma Louise has been releasing records since the age of 15. This year she's pushing her music further afield, having already played SXSW, and now releases her new album 'Vs Head Vs Heart' which shows a more poppy and experimental direction than some of her earlier, more acoustic work. Check out single 'Freedom'.

Emma Louise's website

Buy the album

OBLIGATORY RECORD OF THE WEEK

Pond - Giant Tortoise

What with all this talk of new psych-rock bands from the US and the UK who are lining up to try and win the acid-frazzled crown back off the Aussies, we knew it wouldn't be long before Kevin Parker and co., in one form or other, launched a new offensive. It comes in the form of a new track from his band Pond (who the press generally consider were just pipped to 2012's best psychedelia album title by his other band Tame Impala). 'Giant Tortoise' is one of the best that either outfit has made, it's a gargantuan, stomping tune that firmly lays it down to all the other bands out there: you've got to try a bit harder yet.

Download 'Giant Tortoise' for free from Pond's website

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

New Gods - Skipping Stone (Oblivion)

2013-05-19T14:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

It was only last month that we praised Australians New Gods for their genre-avoiding track 'Klipse' which is taken from their current eponymous EP. And now they've released a new video for 'Skipping Stone (Oblivion)', a track from the same release. The video deserves a mention for the otherworldly way in which it looks at our natural world and the force of nature. The real force of nature here though is the song. Having just been on tour supporting Local Natives, we'll bet a few quid that a plenty more people have been added to their list of fans, and tracks like this show exactly why, this has the potential to be enormous sounding live.

It's big enough on record, although from the tame opening bars you wouldn't necessarily expect what follows. So you're probably not braced for it, and that's probably a good thing as the surprise will be that much more rewarding. It's not long before the build begins, the drums start to pound and you begin to sense a climactic finale to the song that ends their EP. Soon we get a few heavenly backing vocals, a classy guitar solo... and then a pause. This is a clever trick as it allows the mighty build-up to happen all over again, and before you know it you're listening to one of the biggest songs of the year so far. 'Skipping Stone (Oblivion)' deserves all the superlatives we can throw at it.

New Gods' website

Buy the EP

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Frank's Daughter - Playground 71/Best Glow

2013-05-19T13:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Brooklyn-based Brits Frank's Daughter are getting themselves set for the release of their debut album 'The Sound Of A Heart Unravelling' on June 17th. With a title like that you'd be inclined not to expect a jaunty and fun set of songs, but let's not forget that some of the most amazing, powerful, emotional and downright best songs ever made have been about heartbreak. So what can we expect from this duo? Well, following debut single 'Fall Fully Backwards' they've announced another, the double A-side of 'Playground 71' and 'Best Glow' which is due the week before the album. The first single was good, and these two also impress.

It's almost unavoidable to listen to 'Playground 71' and not think of Radiohead. The vocals are similarly pained and similarly strong, and musically the track experiments in much the same way as that band have at various points. It's an alt-rock track which almost becomes electrified by the skittering beats and the willful innovation that they attempt. It's the strongest of the two, that's for sure. They change tack for 'Best Glow'. Again the vocals are strong but musically this is much more simple, consisting of acoustic guitar and the occasional buzz of an electric and a production desk. It's stark, but with it comes emotion. It's looking like the album could be a fairly mighty work.

Frank's Daughter's website

Pre-order the album

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Big Wave - Goldmine/GW Bridge

2013-05-19T12:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

We love it when one of our tips comes good. It wouldn't be so notable if it happened more often. Torquay band Big Wave made our Sound Of 2013 list with ease as they were one of the new acts we'd heard a reasonable amount by and, as we said at the time, there wasn't a bad tune to be found anywhere. Following the buzz that was generated (from many sources, but we like to think we played a small part) they're about to launch their summer offensive, and with the kind of sunny, guitar-pop gems that they seem to have in abundance it's the perfect time to enjoy their tunes.

New single 'Goldmine' is out this week, it's got a typically bonkers video and typically sunkissed vibe. The guitars add a little grit to the spangly sounds and the harmonies: this song seems so packed that it's a whisker away from being a mess, but like there's a fine line between genius and insanity, there's a fine line between a mess and a wondrous song. This is the latter. Further proof of their knack for lovable guitar-pop comes in B-side 'GW Bridge' which is free below. If a timely new single and free MP3 wasn't good enough, the band will be live streaming a gig from their front room (!) via this site at 8pm on Monday 20th May. You'd be a fool to miss it.

Big Wave's website

Buy the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Pylo - Enemies

2013-05-19T11:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Bath is a city that often gets overlooked when it comes to music. You rarely hear about scenes or bands from there, yet in these last few months we've found ourselves mentioning an exciting new act from the area on several occasions. Does its proximity to Bristol (a far more hallowed musical area) mean that bands move the few extra miles to try and get a break? Has there simply not been a decent scene there until recently? That seems hard to believe; it's more than likely our fault for overlooking the city. If you want more proof of great sounds being made in Bath then have a listen to the new one from Pylo.

Formed only a year ago, they appear to have skipped the debut album phase and decided to begin their career with music more befitting of the traditional ambitious second outing. 'Enemies' is huge in many ways: the steady build of the intro suggests something bigger will follow; the vocals are strong, no shrinking violets here; then the guitar and chorus of voices kick in (ironically including the line "just take flight", which they duly do); the verses become more complex and the chorus seems to become even bigger as a result, especially after the brief break when it stomps back to clobber you round the face. Pylo manage to do this without sounding pompous or pretentious. This music deserves a big stage.

Pylo's website

Pre-order the single

Catch them live:

DOT TO DOT Festival, 24th May : MANCHESTER, Joshua Brooks - 21:30
25th May : BRISTOL Trinity - 17:00
26th May : NOTTINGHAM Bodega Bar - 18:30
31st May : KOKO Club NME
9th June LONDON: Hoxton sqr bar & kitchen
13th June : BATH Moles Club
20th July : OXFORD Truck Festival
3rd August : DERBYSHIRE Y Not Festival
24th August : YORKSHIRE Galtres Festival, Duke stage
31st August : SURREY Weyfest

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

The Young Sinclairs - Engineer Man/Problems

2013-05-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Let's face it, the world as a whole has been plagued with natural and man-made disasters, economic and military problems; it's been a trying time of late. What we need is another summer of love. There have been claims made that certain years have been another "summer of love", but really everyone seems to recognise that the first one did the job best, so a repeat of that would do just nicely. Virginia's The Young Sinclairs probably won't argue too much with that assessment, in fact they've even gone so far as to offer up a suitable soundtrack in the shape of their fourth single, the double-barrelled flower-power attack of 'Engineer Man' and 'Problems'.

Don't be thinking quaint hippy nonsense though, these are prime jangle-pop cuts that stand up to some of the best that 1967 had to throw at us. The sound is part Byrds, part Beatles, part Nuggets compilation and a dose of early The Who for added powerpop force. It's not namby-pamby pop, it's powerpop, and 'Engineer Man' leads the way with delicious harmonies, crisp guitars and octopus-armed drumming; dislike it at your peril, this is timeless stuff. On the flip, 'Problems' delivers another flash of sunkissed psych-pop along similar lines, although toned-down just a touch. It's impossible not to think of The Byrds debut album which was instrumental (no pun intended) in setting the scene for the bands that would follow a couple of years on. The Young Sinclairs have nailed it here.

The Young Sinclairs - Engineer Man b/w Problems by The Young Sinclairs
Problems by The Young Sinclairs
The Young Sinclairs' website

Pre-order the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

alansmithee - Surplus

2013-05-19T09:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

As promo CDs are often not tagged in iTunes, Apple seem intent on telling me that this CD is either 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' by Ronan Keeting or 'Mysterious Girl' by Peter Andre. It doesn't sound like the usual material we get from Glasgow's Flowers In The Dustbin label. But then their press release is unusual too: "After releasing 28 films, 9 TV episodes, 23 music videos and forming bands in the USA and Spain, Alan Smithee returns in his latest incarnation with 4 Livingston based musicians." Is this true? Is it confusing? Let us point out that Alan Smithee is a pseudonym used by film directors who wish to disown a particular work. Alan Smithee is a bit like Joe Bloggs or John Doe.

Buy what about alansmithee the band? Is this a disowned project by a famous musician? Is it heck. alansmithee are a band who've got spangly guitar tune on their hands, and one that nobody would disown; there should be no confusion about that. Inspired by The Velvet Underground, dEUS, Tame Impala and more, they take a piece of each and create a garage-psych track that's not quite like the bulk of the current garage scene. 'Surplus' is made of sharp, ringing guitars, shifting tempos, hazy effects and some neat lo-fi production. It sounds vintage and new at the same time, crossing the bridge from '60s garage, '90s alt-rock and current guitar bands. They can try their hand at as much myth-making as they like, but we're not pretending when we say that 'Surplus' is a top tune.

alansmithee's website

Pre-order the single

Catch them live:

Flowers In The Dustbin presents: alansmithee - Surplus single launch
Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 8:00pm
Official 13th Note, Glasgow, United Kingdom

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Life Partner - Dead Wrestlers

2013-05-19T08:00:00.001+01:00

Album review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

I wonder if the fact that everyone's releasing everything on cassette again will mean that electrical companies start remaking the actual equipment that you can play the things on? Mind you, it's buy the tape as a memento and download the tunes digitally isn't it? However you digest your music, it's ultimately whether or not it sounds any good that matters. When it comes to US band Life Partner, information is scarce and the press release doesn't even mention them. It just tells some odd tale about dead wrestlers, and that seems to be the only connection; Life Partner's latest album is called 'Dead Wrestlers', you can pick it up on tape if you like.

If we just concentrate on the whole "is it any good?" side of things we can give you a simple answer that, yes, if this is your type of thing then you'll get much enjoyment from Life Partner. And that type of thing is fuzzed-out, stoner-rock that sounds like it's from 1994. There's been a big revival in this genre recently as you well know, and 'Dead Wrestlers' won't be the best recreation you've heard, but it might just be one of the most authentic. There are no telltale signs that this is from 2013, they've captured the style, production and vibe perfectly. If you're in the UK it might remind you of The Evening Session when it was presented by Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley.

This post-grunge, college-rock sound is one they stick rigidly to, and there's no reason why they shouldn't, it is after all, the whole point. Consistency is something that seems to come easily and we can't pick a bad track on the album; it has a default setting of "above average", however this does come at the expense of diversity, something which won't matter at all if this is the sound you're seeking, in fact it could be seen as a bonus. A few tracks to look out for? The title-track is a winner, the chugging buzz of 'Things Will Get Weird' is another. Opening track 'Stupid Kids' or 'Big Gulp' could almost have been classics had they been released 20 years ago. So basically you know what you're getting with Life Partner's latest album, and whether it be for nostalgia or for those who don't remember this sound the first time round, it's worth giving spin.

Dead Wrestlers by Life Partner
Kill Yourself by Life Partner
Life Partner's website

Buy the album

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Reservations - Reservations EP

2013-05-18T14:00:00.000+01:00

EP review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

What began as the solo project of Texan Jana Horn soon became something more, you could even call it a supergroup of sorts. In the summer of 2012 she began working on tracks with Paul Price (of Good Field amongst other bands) and Reservations was born. They were soon joined by Jason Baczynski and Alán Uribe, both of whom are members of the band Tacks, The Boy Disaster, and the quartet was complete. Their self-titled debut EP is an understated affair that's led by Jana's vocals with a backing of dreamlike Americana; there are even points here that recall some of the female-fronted Belle & Sebastian tracks.

Surely one of the most subtle introductions to a record this year, 'That Road We Travelled Down' barely announces itself for the first minute, simply being made of extremely gentle vocals and spacious and equally delicate guitar. It does add drums and some slide-guitar towards the end but is still a tender affair. Little changes on the alt-country by way of B&S 'Endless Winding Grey', a quite beautiful track, as is 'Hewitt Park' that immediately follows it in a similar manner, although it allows the pace to pick up just a touch. They revert back to little more than that sweet voice and slide-guitar for 'The Porch' and, naturally, there's no big, balls-out finale, as the EP ends with the pensive 'We Both Know', and it would be wrong if it was any different. Reservations are best just as they are; a thing of understated beauty.

Endless Winding Grey by reservations
Hewlitt Park by reservations
Reservations' website

Stream or buy the EP

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Goodman - Use Me/Dawdling

2013-05-18T13:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

We know it must be damn near impossible for bands jostling for elbow room on New York's overflowing music scene right now, but it must be that little bit more tricky for a solo artist. 22 year-old Michael Goodman is giving it a good go though. He released his debut album late last year and has recently followed it with this double A-side single. There is a small "studio team" at hand to help with the recording process, but Goodman does the majority of the work himself. We missed the album so are solely judging him on the two songs here, both of which are made to a decent standard.

It's probably 'Use Me' that's the most obvious shot at a pop hit of the two, with a catchy melody and plenty of "la la las", although it's good rather than anything exceptional. Second track 'Dawdling' probably pips it in terms of quality yet some commercial appeal may be lost in the process as the pace is dropped and the whole cheerfulness factor isn't quite as high, but it feels more timeless and more accomplished all round. Considering his age and the fact that much of the hard work is done by himself, we suspect this won't be the last we hear from Goodman, and it won't be the best material he produces either.

Use Me by Goodman
Dawdling by Goodman
Goodman's website

Buy the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Mount Fabric - Heuristic Fits

2013-05-18T12:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Given that this song seems to be a relatively serious, arty, slightly math-rock track that sounds for all the world like it's the work of a band who take what they do seriously, it's refreshing to read that the first line on their website is "Mount Fabric are nothing to do with fabric, or how to mount it." Looks like they have a sense of humour after all. Formed in 2010, the Manchester band have a handful of singles and EPs available, the most recent of which is 'Heuristic Fits'. Feel free to call us thick, but we had to look "heuristic" up in the dictionary. It means "Enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves." In which case there's a certain irony in us looking it up...

Anyway, there's a song we're meant to be talking about, and it's a very good one at that. Beginning with cascading guitars that are then taken over by some robust drumming and the kind of vocals you'd expect from a band who take themselves very seriously, it's actually lighter than it first appears. What Mount Fabric seem to want to do is to show that they are skilled musicians, but to do so without sounding like egotistical knobheads, and they manage it by keeping the song sharp and delivered with precision, but never allowing it to become indulgent. The sound is one that will be appreciated by the rock crowd and the indie kids alike. Are we being stupid by not quite getting what a "heuristic fit" is?

Mount Fabric's website

Buy the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Charlie Straight - I Slept Alone

2013-05-18T11:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Charlie Straight are another one of those bands who've managed to pass us by somehow. They formed in 2006 and released their debut album in 2009, so we're way behind on this one. So thanks very much to The Playground PR for winging us an email about them. In our defense, they're not overly well known in the UK just yet, and don't appear to have physical releases available here other than on import, but you'll find plenty on the usual download sites (Amazon, iTunes). That could all be about to change though, as it seems the band, now that they're firmly established back home in the Czech Republic, are heading for the UK, having set up a base in London.

Recent single 'I Sleep Alone' is easily accessible guitar-pop that lends itself well to heavy rotation on the alternative music radio stations and isn't unlike many British indie bands of the past. The only stumbling block is the current disinterest the British public at large seem to have with sounds of this kind, but surely this won't go on forever. It could be that Charlie Straight have picked an opportune moment to try and establish themselves here. They have the experience, they have plenty of tunes and they must know the business well. All this could potentially add up to a breakthrough. Here's hoping.

Charlie Straight's website

Buy the single

Catch them live:

BATH, UK, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY, MAY 22, 9:00 PM
LONDON, UK, PROUD GALLERY CAMDEN, MAY 23, 7:00 PM
LONDON, UK, 333 MOTHER BAR, MAY 25, 9:00 PM
HAVÍŘOV, CZ, NÁMĚSTÍ REPUBLIKY JUNE 1, 4:30 PM
FRENŠTÁT POD RADHOŠTĚM, CZ, JUNE 1, 8:00 PM
CHOMUTOV, CZ, FESTIVAL OTEVŘENO, JUNE 7, 8:30 PM
KARLOVY VARY, CZ, JUNE 8, 1:00 PM
TŘEBÍČ, CZ, FESTIVAL ZÁMOSTÍ, JUNE 8, 8:30 PM
PLZEŇ, CZ, ZACH’S PUB, JUNE 11, 8:30 PM

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Wonder Villains - Blonde

2013-05-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

There couldn't possibly have been a better time for Northern Ireland's Wonder Villains to arrive on the scene. Their home city of Derry/Londonderry (we're neutral!) is the UK's capital of culture for 2013 so a few extra eyes and ears will be diverted to see just what the place has to offer. Although they've been together since 2009, the quartet (brother and sister Kieran and Elmear Coyle, Cheylene Murphy and Ryan McGroarty) will be releasing their debut album this summer, and single 'Blonde' suggests it's an appropriate time of year for them to do so.

Having had the time to develop their sound has paid off, this isn't the type of music we often hear from newly formed bands; Wonder Villains haven't settled for knocking together a few chords on a guitar and chucking some vocals over the top. 'Blonde' is a fully-formed experimental pop track that's filled to the brim with synths and keys and crashing drums and loads of overlaid vocals. It sounds fresh, modern and colourful; everything you'd expect from a band who live in a cultural capital. These guys could really take off.

Wonder Villains' website

Buy the single

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Flipron - Firework Shoes

2013-05-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Album review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Where to start with this one? It's the fourth album by Flipron, but should you be new to them, here's a brief rundown: they formed in 2003 in Glastonbury and currently consist of four members. In the past their eclectic and often psychedelic pop has drawn comparisons to The Kinks, Sparks and Syd Barrett, and much of their work (including 'Firework Shoes') has been produced Rat Scabies, formerly of The Damned. With music that mostly recalls British eccentrics of the past (particularly the '60s and early '70s) it seems unusual that the lead-single from this album features Neville Staple from The Specials, but it seems this bunch are willing to give anything a go.

This they duly do on 'Firework Shoes', an album that best tackled by simply talking you through the quirky and unusual areas of music that they reach for on the record. With first track, 'Back Where We Started Again', you're not sure if they're about to launch into something by Sparks or ELO, but once the intro is over it's nearer to the output of the Harvest label circa 1971; the late Kevin Ayres would probably have approved. On 'Round And Round The Sun' it's almost as if they're playing along to a barrel organ; there's all the fun of the fair about this one, and 'The Big Red Button Must Never Ever Be Pressed' is similar and you're beginning to thing that these guys belong on the left-field side of Britpop but arrived a few years late. They're like The Boo Radleys in a parallel universe.

Organs swirl, lyrics are off-kilter, guitars are never far away and skewed-pop is the order of the day. 'Big Fat Blackberries' could be their 'Penny Lane' or, ironically, 'Blackberry Way'; it's unequivocally British. They even take us for what could be an old-fashioned pub singalong on 'The King Of All Our Crimes' (has anyone compared them to Chas & Dave yet?). Cheery '70s-style piano pop turns into a psychedelic track about strange unknown beings on 'Until It Gets Light'; perhaps they shouldn't have eaten those funny looking mushrooms. It's then that we get to the Neville Staple-featuring 'The Comet Returns' which sticks out a mile. It's quite unlike anything else on the album, but using the "sore thumb" analogy would be wrong as it's a definite highlight, somehow mixing two-tone, cinematic sounds from a Western movie and even what sounds like a sitar. It's a weird one alright.

They're not done yet though, and switch straight back into that unusual '60s pop sound on 'Superstition Has Its Uses', a song that plods along in an strange manner; 'Rose Petal Blues' starts with the line "Wake up you mangy young pigeons", which isn't the kind of lyrics you'd get from many bands, the rest of the song follows suit and shows that there's a lot of imagination at play here; they have a go at glam-rock on 'Low-Life Seeking Elevation' before changing their mind and mixing about another four genres in there too. Finally they end with 'The Lost Mountain Lake', taking folk music and updating it to at least, ooh, 1969 or so? It's a fitting finale. At first 'Firework Shoes' was slightly annoying, but once you get tuned-in properly to the dimension it exists in, you might just find a wondrous world awaits.

Flipron's website

Buy the album

Catch them live:

Sat 25 May 7:30 PM, The Boars Head, Kidderminster
Fri 31 May 8:00 PM , Glastonbury FM Fundraiser, King Arthur, Glastonbury
Sat 1 Jun 8:30 PM, Dublin Castle, London
Fri 7 Jun 8:30 PM, Telford’s Warehouse, Chester, FREE before 9/ £4 after
Sun 9 Jun 12:00 PM, Llama Festival, Lynton & Lynmouth, Devon
Sat 13 Jul 7:30 PM, The Prince Albert, Stroud
Sun 14 Jul 7:30 PM, Sunset Ridge Summer Party, Ham Hill, Somerset
Sat 7 Sep 12:00 PM, Clairefest, Ashwell
Fri 20 Sep 8:00 PM, The Cellars, Portsmouth
Sun 20 Oct 7:30 PM, Skamouth Festival, Great Yartmouth

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Five For Free #182

2013-05-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

The Archetypes - Steady Heart

London band The Archetypes have reason to be cheerful at the moment. They've just got themselves a gig at London's famous 100 Club, so if you're in the capital you can check them out on May 24th when they'll hopefully be playing, amongst other things, this free track, 'Steady Heart, which is a thumping alt-rock tune that has the potential to sound huge in the live arena.

Steady Heart by The Archetypes
The Archetypes' website

Camera Obscura - Fifth In Line To The Throne

In what is now a quite lengthy career, Scottish indiepop heroes Camera Obscura seem to have figured out how to go about making records without putting a foot wrong. Fifth album 'Desire Lines' is out on June 3rd and its first single 'Do It Again' bagged them an OROTW spot. Freebie 'Fifth In Line To The Throne' isn't about Princess Beatrice, its the kind of typically beautiful song they do so well.

Camera Obscura's website

Pre-order the album

Catch them live: (listed in reverse order, as on their website)

27/07/13 / Indietracks Festival

14/07/13 / Bunbury Music Festival , Cincinnati

13/07/13 / Variety Playhouse, Atlanta

12/07/13 / Haw River Ballroom, Saxapahaw

11/07/13 / Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna

10/07/13 / Bank Of America Pavillion, Boston

09/07/13 / Mann Center, Philadelphia

08/07/13 / Central Park Summer Stage, New York

08/07/13 / New York, NY / SummerStage - Central Park

06/07/13 / Central Park Summer Stage, New York

04/07/13 / Toronto Urban Roots Festival , Toronto

03/07/13 / Montreal Jazz Festival , Symphony Hall, Montreal

01/07/13 / Hill Auditorium , Michigan

29/06/13 / Aragon Ballroom, Chicago

28/06/13 / Kanrocksas, Kansas City

27/06/13 / Gothic Theatre, Denver

26/06/13 / Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City

23/06/13 / Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver

22/06/13 / Showbox at The Market, Seattle

21/06/13 / Crystal Ballroom, Portland

19/06/13 / Regency Ballroom, San Francisco

18/06/13 / Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles

16/06/13 / Soho, santa barbara

09/06/13 / Rockness Festival, Dores near Inverness

08/06/13 / Newcastle Northumbria University, Newcastle upon tyne

07/06/13 / Leeds Cockpit, Leeds

06/06/13 / Heaven, London

05/06/13 / Manchester Academy 2, Manchester

04/06/13 / The Liquid Room, Edinburgh

25/05/13 / Primavera, Barcelona

22/05/13 / The Brickyard, Carlisle

Astari Nite - Pyramids

This group from Florida have recently been lucky enough to hook-up with Grammy award-winning producer Steve Thompson (Blondie, Madonna, Metallica) to make their debut album. The first track that Astari Nite have taken from these sessions is free single 'Pyramids' which is generation spanning electro-pop that borrows from new-wave, '90s dance and current synth music.

Pyramids by Astari Nite

Astari Nite's website

Umlomo - #60

London-based artist Umlomo sounds like he's had an interesting life, and not all of it fun. He doesn't give his songs names, only numbers, as this way he can distance himself from their meaning; they're often written about loss, whether it be his band who split causing him to move from Africa, or the soulmate he lost along the way. Whichever, '#60' is a thoroughly decent lo-fi alt-rock song.

Umlomo's website

Stream or buy the EP

Me And Jane Doe - We'll Sway And Call It Dancing

In their own words, Me And Jane Doe are a "Vienna-based queer-feminist electronic/trip-hop/new-wave kind of band." They consist of a techno DJ, a burlesque dancer, an illustrator and a punk. So not your regular four-piece set-up then. Going on 'We'll Sway And Call It Dancing' they've described their sound pretty well perfectly. It would be interesting to see what their live shows are like though.

Me And Jane Doe's website

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Shellshag - Driving Song

2013-05-17T14:00:00.001+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

We're used pop bands releasing doll versions of themselves. Spice Girls dolls were all the rage for about a week in 1997. About the same time, US lo-fi alt-rock band Shellshag were getting together to make a fuzzed-up racket which they continue to make to this very day. Following the release of recent album 'Shellshag Forever', the band have announced that they'll be making available action figures of themselves. That's right, Christmas has come early this year. The dolls have been designed by John Shell himself and are available through Starcleaner. On the list of rock 'n' roll paraphernalia this is possibly up there with Joy Division oven gloves.

Anyway, aside from gimmicks that are unlikely to become this years must-have accessory, Shellshag have announced a new single and some live dates around their New York base. 'Driving Song' could have been one of their first recordings; the sound is pure '90s fuzz-rock with scant regard for studio gloss. Guitars are set to "slightly noisy" and a simple melody is employed to ensure that, even now they're so overly commercialised (yes, that is sarcasm) they've lost none of the slightly shambolic and ragged sound that fans will have come to know and love.

Shellshag's website

Buy the album

Catch them live:

5/18 Manhattan, NY - Mercury Lounge
5/23 Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio
5/25 Brooklyn, NY - Party Expo
6/5 Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio
6/7 Manhattan, NY - Mercury Lounge
6/8 Kingston, NY - BSP Lounge
6/21-23 Chattanooga, TN - Do Ya Hear We Fest

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Candy Says - Favourite Flavour

2013-05-17T13:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Well this isn't a bad way to prove your debut single wasn't a fluke. We first featured Oxford band Candy Says back in March when they gave away their first offering 'Melt Into The Sun' for free. At the time we had virtually no information on the band, but we can tell you a bit more now. Previously called Little Fish, the band were signed to Island records but are now on the roster of Cool For Cats Records. The quartet make reasonably lo-fi, alt-pop and are more than happy to indulge in a touch of experimentation when they see fit. Following the freebie, 'Favourite Flavour' will be their first "proper" single.

It's a good choice too. If we take a look at what the song is made up of we find very few parts. There's organ, that's for certain, but most of the rest comprises of different layers of vocals and percussion. It's almost as if the song could be performed a capella, well, so long as we include handclaps too. It's a complex piece and must have taken a while to put together, but for so few instruments it's a remarkably full-sounding track. You don't just rustle up a song like this in half an hour, there's been effort and attention to detail put into this to make it just right, something which they most definitely succeed in.

Candy Says' website

Buy the single

Catch them live:

May 21 - St Barnabas Church, Oxford
May 22 - Servant Jazz Quaters, London
May 24 - Dot To Dot Festival, Manchester
May 25 - Dot To Dot Festival, Bristol
May 26 - Dot To Dot Festival, Nottingham
June 22 - Big brill Camp, Oxfordshire
Sept 01 - Lodestar Festival, Cambridgeshire

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

The 1975 - fallingforyou/Haunt // Bed

2013-05-17T12:00:00.000+01:00

Singles reviewed by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

We may have underestimated Manchester's The 1975 when we said in a recent review for EP track 'The City' that they had commercial appeal, but given current trends were unlikely to be troubling the top 10 just yet. We did email them something of an apology when we found out a couple of days later that previous single 'Chocolate' had crept into the bottom half of the top 40 (and remains there), although the band agreed Bruno Mars probably didn't have much to worry about just yet. Now we're wondering just how well new EP 'IV' will do when it gets released on May 20th.

It contains the hit-in-waiting 'The City' and the band have since put a couple more of the record's songs online. 'fallingforyou' isn't a highly produced indie-rock powerhouse like we heard before. In fact it's a relatively minimalist electro-rock/pop track and very down tempo. So basically, it's not the sort of track Bruno Mars should be worried about. On 'Haunt // The Bed' they follow a similar path, upping the pace just a bit. Both of these tracks are very good and neither are targeting the Radio 1 A-list, which is kind of reassuring. By the looks of things, The 1975 are the kind of band who can knock out a hit when needed, but are just as happy doing their own thing, and long may that continue.

The 1975's website

Pre-order the EP

Catch them live:

MAY 17 Brighton, United Kingdom, The Great Escape
MAY 18 Brighton, United Kingdom,The Great Escape
MAY 21 Carlisle, United Kingdom, The Brickyard
MAY 22 Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, University of Northumbria
MAY 23 Sheffield, United Kingdom,Queen's Social Club
MAY 24 Manchester, United Kingdom, Dot To Dot
MAY 25 Bristol, United Kingdom, Dot to Dot
MAY 26 London, United Kingdom, Emirates Stadium
MAY 27 Glasgow, United Kingdom, Oran Mor
MAY 28 Birmingham, United Kingdom, Library, The Institute
MAY 29 London, United Kingdom, Heaven
MAY 31 Portsmouth, United Kingdom,Wedgewood Rooms
JUN 04 Tulsa, OK,The Vanguard
JUN 05 Dallas, TX, Trees
JUN 07 Houston, TX, Fitzgerald's
JUN 08 Austin, TX, Antone's
JUN 11 Orlando, FL, The Social
JUN 12 St Petersburg, FL, The Local 662
JUN 14 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Culture Room
JUN 11 Orlando, FL, The Social
JUN 12 St Petersburg, FL, The Local 662
JUN 14 Fort Lauderdale, FL, Culture Room
JUN 15 Jacksonville, FL, Jack Rabbits
JUN 17 Atlanta, GA, Vinyl
JUN 18 Charlotte, NC, Amos Southend
JUN 19 Norfolk, VA, The Norva
JUN 20 Washington, DC, U Street Music Hall
JUN 22 Rochester, NY, Main Street Armory
JUN 23 South Burlington, VT, Higher Ground Showcase
JUN 25 Philadelphia, PA, Johnny Brenda's
JUN 26 Brooklyn, NY, Music Hall Of Williamsburg
JUL 05 Cluses, France, Festival Musiques en Stock
JUL 06 Utrecht, Netherlands, Festival deBeschaving
JUL 12 Penrhos, United Kingdom,Pen y Berth
JUL 12 Abersoch, United Kingdom, Wakestock
JUL 13 London, United Kingdom, Hyde Park
JUL 18 Dour, Belgium, Dour Festival
JUL 19 Gräfenhainichen, Germany, MELT FESTIVAL
JUL 24 Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour
JUL 25 San Francisco, CA, Rickshaw Stop
AUG 02 Pikehall, United Kingdom, Y Not Festival
AUG 07 Newquay, United Kingdom, Boardmasters
AUG 23 Wetherby, United Kingdom

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

Lumin Bells - Hold You Inside

2013-05-17T11:00:00.000+01:00

Single review by kev@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk

'Somehow The Same', a track from Merseyside band Lumin Bells, was mightily impressive and received a glowing review from us a couple of weeks back. It was good to find that, even though they don't appear to have been together for very long, there's more material available. 'Hold You Inside' is a close cousin to the splendid 'Somehow The Same' and conjures up a similar atmosphere; an otherworldly glow where everything is understated yet radiates warmth. And once again the artwork is a magical looking image that suits the sound brilliantly.

The sextet seem to have an understanding that, although there are a lot of them, they needn't all jostle for space; essentially that sometimes less is more. Again the guitars and percussion are barely there and the voices are toned down, but when they operate in unison a choral effect is achieved. It's another spellbinding tune that feels mysterious, simply because it's so delicately put together. Little bit of a hunch here: Lumin Bells probably aren't heading for a string of number one singles, but wider media praise is well within their grasp and a cult following should come with it.

Lumin Bells' website

For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter

contact@thesoundofconfusion.co.uk