Rhythm and Booze : CD reviews

Night Noise Team-Slow Release

2011-05-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Night Noise Team are an Edinburgh based multinational four-piece who combine numerous influences such as electro-pop, indie and rock to create a unique eighties tinged infectious sound that is both instant and intriguing. To date the band have played the T-Break stage at T In The Park whilst wowing crowds wherever they've performed with their myriad of sounds.

Now I have to admit Night Noise Team are something of a new name to me and having read a press release that mentions Franz Ferdinand and Joy Division (to name but two bands name checked) I had already begun labeling the band as another run of the mill wannabe dark indie act, so when I got round to actually spinning the disc I was more than a little surprised just how wrong my perceptions actually were.

Firstly I have to say that Slow Release is not a massively dark album (ok the lyrics are a little dark and moody, but in places the music is almost euphoric and dare I say bouncy), in fact I found myself smiling from ear to ear as the eighties electro-pop influences washed over me, secondly the only real thing that Night Noise Team have in common with either of the aforementioned acts is the laconic vocals and even then Stuart Ormsby manages to give his deep drawl a unique twist.

Opening track The Gift sets the mood with a bouncy bass riff before synths, guitars and an infectious beat join the mix to create a delicious slab of electro-indie complete with a massive hook-laden chorus that had me hollering along whilst desperately trying to control my feet. From here on in Night Noise Team deliver a brilliant set of edgy electro-pop and future indie anthems.

Highlights come thick and fast from the 80's bass driven Won to the pounding edgy indie pop of Doors Are Close via the harmony infused piano led ballad All Brutal Common Sense and the stunning driven electro rocker Menolick. And then there is the closing track, Broken Kingdom, a track that adds a new almost ambient slant to the band, as they create a gorgeous bubbling guitar piece, whilst Stuart Ormsby adds spoken word vocals that brought to mind the late great Arab Strap. The album is full of killer hooks, twists and turns, addictive melodies and more sing-a-long choruses than most bands manage in a life time.

So despite my initial fears and apprehension I find myself returning to the wares of Night Noise Team over and 0ver again, completely hooked by their unique vision of indie, electro and pop. If you want something a little different yet still instantly accessible, I suggest you get your ears around Slow Release, reckon you might just be as surprised and impressed as I was.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.nightnoiseteam.com

The Brights-A Cameo Can't Last Forever

2011-05-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, the guitars are set to jangle and the mood is firmly tuned to joyful. Yes that's right those lovable indie types The Brights are back bringing us the sound of summer with a slice of upbeat indie pop.

A Cameo Can't Last Forever is the latest single to be lifted from the quartets forthcoming debut album (actually it's probably out now) A Trivial Pursuit. As ever with The Brights focus on delightful heartfelt melodies, infectious harmonies and a big upbeat chorus to sing-a-long.

A Cameo Can't Last Forever is a brilliant nod to a time when jangly guitars ruled the airwaves and Postcard Records was just about the most important label in the world. The Brights hark back to an era when a catchy song was all you needed to make an impact and to be honest in a world where style over substance has become the norm it's nice to see that there's still bands out there capable of recording a nice breezy indie pop tune.

If you can remember when you could whistle the top ten and not feel embarrassed then The Brights will be right up your alley, an infectious band with yet another perfect slice of summery guitar pop.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

www.thebrights.co.uk

Damn Vandals-Bayonet

2011-05-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many CDs sat here in this very room demanding my attention, crying out to be heard, to be embraced, to be loved, to be shared with you the reader. Now I do try to wax lyrical about each and every release send in my direction but sometimes it does take me time to actually sitting down and writing rather than just listening, so I must apologise if you get a few reviews a little behind the release date.

Right with that in mind here's Bayonet by the Damn Vandals a week late but once heard, never forgotten.

The Damn Vandals are a four-piece London based band who were flung together when they discovered a mutual interest in graffiti a year or so ago. Deciding that they could wield guitars a little better that they could spray paint they set about writing and recording a load of dirty swaggering indie rock that instantly found favour with the likes of Q Radio and Total Rock among others.

Bayonet is the foursomes latest release and I have to say it's a bit of a dandy, a dark moody affair that welds together an icy yet somewhat sexy croon to a barrage of serrated riffs, a touch of shoegaze, a dose of post punk and a dense edgy groove that'll have indie rock fans frothing at the mouth.

Sure their are similarities to the likes of The Editors and one Ian Curtis in the vocal department but when you have a song as catchy and as passionate as Bayonet it hardly matters a jot. If you like dark edgy indie rock (and personally I love it) you'll find a great deal to enjoy about those Damn Vandals.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

www.myspace.com/damnvandals

Black Circles-Final Straw

2011-05-03T05:25:00.000-07:00

Black Circles are a Kent based trio, who have only been together for about a year, however in that short time they've picked up loads of coverage across the UK and further afield such as Japan and the US.

Final Straw is their second single to date and is set to further enhance the band's reputation as one of the best up and coming rock bands around. The track opens with an intense serrated guitar riff and a vocal howl of intent, before the catchy rumbling bass and thunderous drums join the mix. The band lay down something of a tight and heavy groove that all leads up to a gigantic anthemic chorus that's full of primal passion and that has a hook more infectious than any known ailment.

If you love the idea of frantic fuzzy guitars colliding and clashing with bombastic beats whilst a vocalist snarls and spits out lyrics like his life depends on it, you'll love Black Circles, if you like Rueben, Them Crooked Vultures, a heavier Biffy Clyro or even the Foo Fighters you'll love Black Circles, if you love a band rocking out at full tilt you'll love Black Circles. I guess what I'm trying to say is that Final Straw is one of the best pure rock anthems I've heard in bloody ages and I love it.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.myspace.com/blackcirclesband

Webb Sisters-Savages

2011-05-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Webb Sisters are as the name suggests are two sisters, Charley and Hattie Webb born to a musical family based in the heart of Kent, who to date have released a handful of critically acclaimed albums, had their music featured on a number of TV programs and performed with some of the biggest names in music. In recent times the duo have recently ben seen performing alongside one of their heroes Leonard Cohen, acting as both as a support band and providing backing vocals for the musical great.

Savages sees The Webb Sisters weld together a delightful mixture of folk and pop to create a bewitching album full of pretty harmonies, infectious melodies and evocative vocal hooks. Right from the opening Baroque Thoughts, Charley and Hattie weave a magical spell, their voices blend effortlessly over a backing of plucked acoustic guitar and harp. From there we're taken on a glorious journey of contagious pop tinged folky numbers and the occasional upbeat rocker.

The title track is a stunning pop rocker that in a just world would be heard blaring from the radio across the land, it contains a wonderful vocal hook that you can't help nodding along to, whilst the upbeat instrumentation will have you have grinning from ear to ear. In complete contrast, yet perhaps even more appealing, Dark Skies is all based around a simplistic vocal loop showcasing the duo at their sparse best with their entwined vocals seducing the listener almost akin to the siren call of the mermaid.

Amelie's Smile is another highlight, as patted percussion combines delightfully with twanging dusty country guitar, subtle strings and those ever present aching harmonies, forming a song that simply oozes with emotion and class.

No review of Savages would be complete without a mention of jaw dropping live version of Leonard Cohen's If It Be Your Will, that opens with the great man himself providing a spoken word introduction before the Webb Sisters take over with a simply beautiful and serene vocal performance that just has to be heard to be believed. An already gorgeous song enhanced by a spine tingling vocal performance that almost brought this reviewer to his knees.

Savages is a sensational album from start to finish, The Webb Sisters deliver a flawless collection of beautifully performed hook-laden folk anthems full of heartfelt emotion and a passion that's second to none.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.thewebbsisters.com

The Porn Issue-My Disguise

2011-04-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

My Disguise by The Porn Issue was thrust into my hands by a good friend of mine instructing me to take a listen and to write something up about the four-track EP.

I thought I should do a little research about the band before waxing lyrical about their wares, The Porn Issue are a Wiltshire based three-piece that first formed back in 2008, since consolidating their line-up the trio have been bust playing up and down the country building a strong fan base across the UK.

The band are said to take a number of influences everything from jazz to funk, via melodic rock and grunge to create their varied and unique sound. The My Disguise EP sees the band deliver a varied and intriguing mix and match of styles.

The opening number, Rauccous Groove is somewhat aptly named, the band deliver a stunning hard hitting funk-laden instrumental that's peppered by the occasional vocal sample and post punk outburst. In fact Rauccous Groove has perhaps more in common with the short lived No Wave scene, reminding me of perhaps a less frantic James Chance number (without the yelping), as opening statements it serves as an intriguing introduction to the band.

Track two, Paupers Melody is a clever mix of intricate jazzy post rock guitar, funky bass, heavier rock interludes and melodic almost drawled vocals, drawing the listener into their strange shapes and intoxicating brew. Use opens with a delicate strummed guitar before developing into another twisted jazz tinged rock opus complete with down-tuned metallic riffs, plodding bass, a massive vocal hook and more twists and turns than you can possibly imagine.

The EP is completed by the stunning title track, My Disguise, a song that opens with a down pour of rain and a wonderfully expressive guitar riff before swelling into a huge powerful chorus that's complimented by a barrage of drums and an orgy of fret manipulation. My Disguise is a stunning track full of peaks and dips ranging from the melodic to the frantic summing up what The Porn Issue are about, a force of nature that'll either confuse or bewitch.

The Porn Issue aren't for the faint hearted, they don't create nice sing-a-long pop, instead they equally confuse and compel, they twist and they turn, creating new shapes and sounds along the way, brilliant yet baffling EP for the open minded.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.thepornissue.com

Jeff Lowe-Suicide River

2011-04-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Jeff Lowe follows up his recent album release, Hitchcock Hotel with brand new single and one of the album's standout tracks, Suicide River.

The song in question is a spellbinding fairy tale type track, that manages to move between progressive rock, folk and pop during its duration. Suicide River begins as a laidback 60's tinged folky number complete with dreamy infectious vocals and simplistic yet affecting piano before it develops into an exotic rocker complete with ballsy guitar riffs, strings and female mantra-like backing vocals that provide an instant pop hook to Jeff's already potent mix.

Suicide River is no typical pop rocker, it's full of depth, cinematic instrumentation, imagination and just a little fairy dust to really help the single stand out from pretty much anything else around. If you like rock but want something a little different and challenging yet still completely contagious at the same time, then I urge you to track down this stunning single.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.jefflowemusic.com

(Never Mind The) Stars-Young Love (It's Like)

2011-04-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

In truth I can't tell you too much about electronic pop act (Never Mind The) Stars, all I do now is that it's the work of one Simon Little and apparently he currently resides in Holland where he writes, creates and produces infectious tongue in cheek wonky electro-pop complete that'll weld a smile onto your face and a happy soundtrack for the day.

Young Love (It's Like) is a wonderfully contagious track that comes complete with a massive vocal hook, a catchy beat and a whole school playground chanting and cheering along. Imagine Kids era MGMT, The Go Team, Daft Punk and Hit Chip combining to create ready made consumer friendly electro-pop and you're in the right area for the uplifting and dare I say it euphoric sounds of Simon Little.

The Single is backed by countless remixes of the main track, which for me is always a little disappointing, I'd rather hear another original rather than a re-hash. Having said that the the Unplugged piano version is well worth hearing as Simon delivers a gorgeous stripped down ballad like version that could easily have been a stand alone single itself.

The strangely bracketed (Never Mind The) Stars is a brilliant concept and if the rest of the recently released album, Aeroplane is as addictive as Young Love (It's LIke) then it should be available on the NHS as a cure for the sometime blues, it's catchier than the common cold and way more fun.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.nevermindthestars.com

Das Sexy Clap-So So Sick

2011-04-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

Das Sexy Clap are a duo hailing from my hometown of Worcester, comprising of Chris Wemyss and musical partner Katy Birch.

Now If you're from around these parts you will have no doubt seen powerhouse Chris bashing the living daylights out of his drum kit for the likes of local faves And What Will Be Left Of Them, EvilWitch and Joe Patroni to name but three, however his latest project, Das Sexy Clap sees Chris storm the stage throttle the singer and take over as the frontman and guitarist, whilst Katy takes up the vacant drum stool helping create one of the most potent sound in the Midlands right now.

Massive raw rock riffs collide with pummeled beats as Das Sexy Clap create a gigantic wall of filthy primal rock, a feral yet infectious sound that'll have the weak minded scamper for cover whilst the creatures of the night take to the dance floor and twist new shapes to the duo's frantic garage rock.

The EP opens with the nigh on three minute statement of intent, Push It In Break It Off, a delicious slab of molten rock that begins with a wall of feedback adds a nasty surf like riff before twisting into a huge holler along chorus and barrage of beats, that'll have you rutting along before the end of the very first spin. Put It Out Yeah follows and proves that Das Sexy Clap are no one trick pony as Chris howls and growls as Das Sexy Clap deliver a groove-laden monster anthem complete with a sudden stop-start, a killer vocal hook and more attitude than most bands can muster in a life time.

The three-track EP closes with the meaty and metallic 12 Year Itch and with it the band manage to deliver their rawest and dirtiest cut to date with Chris and Katy whipping up a storm with a flood of pulsating beats and an orgy of riffs, whilst the vocals are delivered with an intensity that would shame the entire hardcore scene.

So So Sick is more than just a debut, it's a call to arms, we will no longer be satisfied with wishy washy landfill indie, we demand cranked up amps, battered beats and howling primal vocals, we demand contagious rock, we demand Das Sexy Clap.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

The Pattern Theory-The Pattern Theory

2011-04-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Pattern Theory are a trio originally hailing from Leeds but now residing in the musical melting pot of Berlin. The three-piece have been recording this, their debut album for a couple of years, due to constant gigging and honing of their sound.

During 2009 and 2010, the band performed across the world taking in the likes of the Czech Republic, Germany, The UK and Holland to name a few countries that the band touched upon. The band performed with a variety of bands ranging from Russian Circles to The Drift via Icy Demons to name but three. The band also performed a completely improvised set with legendary Can frontman Damo Suzuki during this period.

The Pattern Theory play instrumental post rock, only their self titled debut shows the band to be a little different from the usual bands of this ilk, the group don't rely on the quiet-loud-quiet dynamic that has helped the likes of Mogwai and similiar like minded bands gain their attention. Instead The Pattern Theory create prettier, mellow pattern like structures full of intricate melodies, subtle time changes and clever instrumentation to create an almost dreamy sound that bewitches the listener.

The eight tracks on offer are simply mesmeric, the use of chiming guitars, jazzy beats, xylophone, synth and vibraphone create a stunning vibe, almost like a laid back lullaby that sends the listener into a trance like state enthralled with every note and shuffling beat played.

There's not any standout tracks as such, as The Pattern Theory is an album to be listened to as a whole either on headphones or with the lights on low and no interruptions, it's an album to immerse yourself in completely, allowing the various different phases to take you on a wonderful journey of discovery as your mind conjours up all manner of visuals to compliment the rich soundscapes on offer. I could try to describe the likes of Framed Fields or Adaptive Expectations, but no words would really do the tracks or indeed the album justice, you have to really listen to it, to truly appreciate the musicianship and structures on offer.

If you want your music to challenge you, to compel you, or to simply entrance then The Pattern Theory, both the band and the album is the music for you, this is a stunning debut that deserves your (full) attention.

Rhythm & booze Rating 10

www.thepatterntheory.com

Chris Barber-Memories Of My Trip

2011-04-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

If you're into jazz, blues or even gospel the chances are you've heard the stunning sound of Chris Barber and his band, however you may not know it. Chris Barber in his lengthy (60 years) career has performed with just everybody in the blues and jazz scene, from Clapton to Jools Holland via Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Lonnie Dnnegan, Rory Gallagher and Brownie McGhee to name but a few, adding his unique trombone blowing and bass guitar to a variety of releases since his first outing way back in 1949.

Memories Of My Trip is a two disc anthology featuring some of his most memorable collaborations along with a number of his own choice releases. Just reading the expressive and extensive inlay that accompanies this release, whets the appetite for this stunning compilation of best in blues, jazz and gospel as Chris explains the cuts on offer.

The collection opens with the title track, Memories Of my Trip by the aforementioned Brownie McGhee and it's a wonderful introduction to the evocative sounds of the Chris Barber band as they provide the backing to the fantastic vocal stylings and blues guitar of Brownie. From there on in we're taking on a stunning trip through the blues, taking in the likes of a rowdy live version of Kansas City by Muddy Waters, Can't Be Satisfied by Rory Gallagher and the fantastic skiffle blues of Diggin' My Potatoes by The Chris Barber Band featuring king of skiffle Lonnie Donegan before the late great (and underrated) Jeff Healy slows it down for a beautiful jazzy blues rendition of Goin' Up The River that has to be heard to be believed.

The next trio of tracks feature one the greatest voices of all time, in the form of Van Morrison and as you can imagine the likes of How Long Blues, Goin' Home and the marching Oh Didn't He Ramble are simply incredible jazz blues (and in the latter tracks case funk) standards performed by a killer band topped with the added knockout punch of the vocals of a top form Van The Man. If those stunning cuts weren't enough the first disc also features the wonderful horns and vocals duet of Lonesome Road featuring the soulful tones of Ottilie Paterson, the country tinged jazz gospel of I'll Be Rested with Paul Jones and the uplifting and spiritual, Precious Lord, Take My Hand with Andy Fairweather Low.

The second CD is more of a traditional jazz album, featuring a number of lovely mellow instrumentals, but it still features a number of truly inspired collaborations that should find favour with jazz lovers the world over. There's another stunning Ottilie Paterson track in the shape of a St Louis Blues/Missouri Special/St Louis Blues medley, a couple of tracks featuring the boogie woogie piano brilliance of Jools Holland, a couple of numbers with the passionate guitar and jazzy country vocals of Mark Knopfler (especially on the 'Til The Next Time I'm In Town) and a breathtaking swinging rendition of Georgia On Mind featuring the vocals and trumpet of one Trummy Young to mention just but a few of the glorious tracks on here.

So if you know the musical of Chris Barber I'm sure you'll find this overview of the magical music he's been involved with a must have, if however, you're something of a novice or newcomer to all things jazz and blues you could use this collection as something as an education. Memories Of my Trip is a delightful trip from start to finish

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

The Musgraves-Lost In Familiarity

2011-04-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, just sometimes you hear a band that are so instant, so likable that you want to climb up the nearest mountain and holler down to ever passer by about your latest new found love, Midlands based four-piece, folk-pop band The Musgraves are one such band.

The Musgraves to date have already been championed by the likes of 6Music's Tom Robinson and have been courted by gigantic music publishers Imagem Music (home to everyone from Vampire Weekend to Britney Spears) and on the evidence of Lost In Familiarity, they're latest four-track EP it's easy to hear why the foursome are receiving so much attention. Basically The Musgraves write and create huge upbeat sing-a-long folk-pop anthems that, in a just world, will become ever music lovers soundtrack to the summer.

The EP opens with the delightful and instantly infectious So Sofia, a wonderful, bright and breezy track full of handclaps, piano, banjo, guitar and a massive contagious chorus that'll have you smiling from ear to ear. As statements of intent go, So Sofia is flawless, it's a brilliant hook-laden pop track complete with glorious, addictive harmonies, that lighten even the dreariest of days. Back To Me, proves that the opening track is no mere one-off, opening with stabbing jazzy piano before developing into a sun-drenched soulful pop belter complete with 50's style harmonies and a beautiful vocal/handclap breakdown that'll have you singing into your nearest hairbrush. Discover Me shows a more laidback reflective side to the band featuring frontman, Matthew Bennett delivering a beautiful and aching croon accompanied by a delicious combination of banjo and strings as the band show off their heartfelt sensitive side to dazzling effect. The Musgraves complete the EP with Fortune Teller, a song that's so catchy that's in been in heavy rotation in my head since the very first spin, it's a classic rowdy pop tune with another killer hook and holler along chorus that's just perfect for those fast approaching summer festivals.

Lost In Familiarity is fun, bouncy, infectious fun that can be loved by the whole family, The Musgraves have a brilliant radio-friendly yet slightly quirky sound that should find favour with music fans everywhere. Grab a hold of a copy of this little gem and join me in spreading the gospel.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.themusgravesband.com

Rockburn-Runnin' Wild

2011-04-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

Rockburn are a Scottish four-piece band that have already started creating something of a name for themselves both home and abroad. The groups former single, Red Dress made something of an impact in the US, being picked up to feature on the soundtrack to cult US hit Burn Notice, whilst here in the UK the band have been wowing audiences with their constant gigging and general commitment to all things ROCK.

With a monicker such as Rockburn, you can pretty much guess what to expect, the band play straight up rock in the same style as current Classic Rock faves Answering Machine and Rattlesnake Remedy, the sort of music that harks back to the late eighties glory years of balls out rock without managing to hit those dizzy peaks. There's nothing massively wrong with the sound of Rockburn, the frontman has a decent enough voice and the band are adept musicians, however the problem with Runnin' Wild and recent bands of a similar ilk is that it's all been done before only with more attitude and bigger balls. Whilst the track is a decent enough rocker it doesn't contain either a killer hook or a shout along chorus, instead it just chugs and meanders along nicely without ever grabbing you by the scruff of the neck and forcing you to take notice.

Rockburn may well have better songs in their artillery but on this evidence of this single, they come across as just another small fish rock band in a large overflowing pond, they're not bad but they're certainly not worth any hero worship just yet.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 6

www.myspace.com/rockburn06

Conquering Animal Sound-Kammerspiel

2011-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Conquering Animal Sound are a duo, Anneke Kampman and James Scott, originally hailing from Edinburgh but now residing in Glasgow, the duo formed back in 2009 and since then have released a split single alongside Debutant through Gerry Loves Records back in May 2010 ti critical acclaim. Following on from that single the band released a further single, Bear back in December of last year as something of an introduction to their debut album, Kammerspiel.

The band have also already secured radio play with the likes of 6 Music whilst live the duo have performed with the likes of folktronica greats Tuung and new electro goth favourite Zola Jesus as well as performing at last years Wickerman Festival.

Kammerspiel (translated rather aptly to intimate play from it's original German, apprently it's also a film movement from the 1920's) is a stunning understated or intimate if you prefer pop album featuring Anneke's gorgeous light and airy vocals and a host of electronic beats, loops and samples creating a beautiful sound akin to the likes of Vespertine era Bjork, Fever Ray or Icelandic soundscape heroes mum.

The album opens with the delightful Maschine, a gorgeous slab of electronic pop featuring multi-layered vocals, hushed instrumentation, tinkering bells and subtle beats creating a magical soundscape that gently lulls and seduces the listener in equal measure. From here we're taken on a magical journey of electronic glitches, mesmeric vocals and bursts of instrumentation that serve to intoxicate the listener further.

The eleven track affair works delightfully as a whole and picking highlights is rather difficult as tracks wash over you but the likes of Flinch with it's Bjork like vocals and almost orchestral bursts and the bewitching Bear complete with the spellbinding vocal loops, bubbling electronics and guitar strums deserve a special mention. Elsewhere there are nods to the aforementioned folktronica movement on the likes of hushed beauty of Crawl, whilst the accordian looped Neanderthal provides an innovative and compelling sound to an already potent mix.

Kammerspiel is a stunning and mesmeric album of electronic manipulation and vocal beauty that deserves your full attention, it's one of those albums that works best with the lights down low allowing the exotic sounds to simply sweep you up and take you on an inner journey of discovery. Conquering Animal Sound have created a majestic and unique album that'll find favour with anyone with a love of introspective hushed electronica.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.conqueringanimalsound.co.uk

Bad Sign-Exit

2011-03-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Bad Sign are a Croydon based three-piece that formed back only 18 months ago but are already creating something of a storm both locally and further afield, having already made inroads in Europe and across the UK with their compelling melodic yet dense rock.

Exit is the band's debut five track affair, showcasing the band's tight and taunt sound, infectious soaring vocals and love of big riffs. The main overriding theme of the release is that of longing more whether that be from a relationship or life itself and the band manage to convey that with a real conviction that most bands seem to lack.

The EP opens with a stunning statement of intent in the shape of the stunning Unknown, a tight moody, infectious beast akin to the best of Biffy Clyro or The Foo Fighters more controlled moments, complete with a massive melodic hook and a big holler along vocal refrain. From here on in the band continue to unleash a stunning combination of loud uncompromising riffs, huge choruses, stop-starts and a collection of addictive melodies that get wedged in your head.

It's difficult to really pick stand out tracks from this impressive collection, but Inertia with it's melodic, aching verses and the power and conviction of the chorus is more than a little impressive and deserves special mention, whilst Eclipse changes time signatures and throws in a number of stop-starts to hook the listener into the bands glorious sound, whilst the closing number Exit, is perhaps the heaviest track on here and features a raucous outro that has to be heard to be believed.

If you like a big riff, a killer chorus and a dense, tight sound is your thing, I urge you to seek out the impressive tones of newcomers, Bad Sign now.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.myspace.com/badsignband

Dolphins/Backlisters/Castrovalva/Hawk Eyes-Brew/DTTR Split

2011-03-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

The local independent record shop is in decline, these days you're lucky if you live in a town with a decent indie emporium, here in Worcester we lost our last outlet, Phoenix a number of months ago and since that closure my music purchases have become few and far between.

A few years ago the various independent stores, record labels and bands came together to celebrate and promote the little man with a national Record Store Day, a special event that sees numerous limited edition releases (quite often on vinyl) are released to celebrate the last great indies. On this day there have been literally hundreds of worthy and collectable releases from the massive titans of music all the way down to the new up and comer.

This year Record Store Day is Saturday 16th April and as ever bands and labels the world over are preparing to unleash their wares. one such release is a wonderful four-way split 10 inch single by two of the best small labels around, Brew Records and Dance To The Radio. The single is a stunningly noisy affair featuring the best modern hardcore and noise-hop has to offer.

The single roars out of the blocks with the forceful, moody hardcore rock n roll stylings of the Dolphins with Escape, a short snappy neck breaking affair full of frantic beats, down tuned riffs and shout along vocals that sets the tone wonderfully for the rest of the four track affair. Next up is the Blacklisters with a gloriously feral rendition of Kasabian's Club Foot, turning the track into a raging spiky affair complete with howling vocals, shredded riffs and a somewhat delectable danceable bassline that'll have you hurling yourself around the room in total disregard to your own safety.

Still loud and spiky but on a different trip, Castrolvalva serve up perhaps the most impressive track in the shape of Senorita, a crazy hip-hop influenced thrash that begins with hook-laden female vocals and ends in a hardcore frenzy, whilst serving up a middle section of crazed rap that'll have both the hardcore and hip-hop fan in a crazed frenzy. Hawk Eye (formerly Chickenhawk) complete the split single with a wonderfully infectious and somewhat melodic (yet still rocking) track full of vocal hooks and contagious riffs that'll leave you panting for more.

let's be honest you shouldn't need an excuse to support the indies, but if you need one get your arses down to Record Store Day on Saturday 16th April and pick up a limited edition gem like this raging little beauty.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.brewrecords.net

www.dancetotheradio

The Undertones-True Confessions (Single=A's + B's)

2011-03-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Can you remember the first time you heard a so-called punk band? I can, I was something of a music junkie rifling through the various throw-away records at a car boot sale, hunting down anything that looked like a rock album stumbling across The Ramones Alive and The Undertones self-titled debut for I guess a couple of quid. I can remember racing home to spin my new purchases only to be nearly knocked flat on my ass by this "new" sound, punk, it was fast, it was catchy, it made me want to jump and down, holler along, learn three chords (never managed one) and form a band. Those initial spins of Jimmy Jimmy and True Confessions by the 'tones and Blitzkreig Bop by The Ramones opened my eyes to a whole new world.

Gone were the dreams of long hair, all I needed was a leather jacket and a pair of torn jeans to feel like I belonged. Of course I found punk about fifteen years too late, I was born in 77 but hey that didn't matter to me, my love of punk was as far as I was concerned the real deal man, I devoured albums by the likes of the Pistols, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Jayne County (even managed to catch her live), Sham 69 and the aforementioned Ramones and The Undertones. I reckon I probably had a year of listening to nothing but punk discovering loads of then current bands to continue my love of the simplistic yet potent power of punk.

Since then my music tastes have broadened to incorporate everything and anything but I've never lost any of that passion for the primitive pleasures of punk so reviewing a compilation of Undertones singles (both a's and b sides) is kind of like asking the pope if he believes in god, ok that might be an extreme comparison but any album that opens with the timeless Teenage Kicks is always going to find favour with me.

The album is set chronologically featuring all the Undertones singles and B-Sides from back in the day, so for every Jimmy Jimmy you get a delicious obscurity such as Mars Bar, for every Here Comes The Summer you get a catchy chant along anthem such as the T-Rex influenced Top Twenty.

There are 32 tracks on here including all my favourites from the aforementioned Teenage Kicks and Jimmy Jimmy to My Perfect Cousin and the frantic rock n roll of Let's Talk About Girls.

This compilation proves that The Undertones, probably more so than any other band of the era, were the perfect punk singles band, every track on here, b-sides included are fun, contagious sing-a-long anthems that have more spring in their step than your everyday olympic high jumper. Even the often derided, more soulful years of The Undertones (Love Parade, etc) are better than you'd expect, in fact disc two has loads of the softer output of the "tones and pretty much all of it is deserving of proper reappraisal, tracks such as Bye Bye Baby Blue and the harmonica driven Chains Of Love are excellent soulful rockers, that would be regarded as classics if they hadn't been penned by former punk rockers.

If you're feeling nostalgic or like me still enjoy bouncy around like a loon, hollering at the top of your voice to the punk of yesteryear you could do worse than grab a hold of True Confessions, if you're a wee youngster into your Green Day and want to know where they got their sound you should also invest in this compilation. If you still crave more punktastic action The Undertones are set to tread the boards in a venue near you any day now.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.theundertones.com

Nicole Atkins-You Come To Me

2011-03-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

photo by Lucia Holm

A few years back, 2007 to be precise, singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins released her debut album, Neptune City to an unsuspecting world, Nicole's evocative mix of dark chamber pop and moody rock found favour with the likes of David Letterman and Jools Holland, with Nicole appearing on both shows to great acclaim and it looked like Nicole could be on the cusp of big things.

Instead of Nicole going on to become a household name she went through a number of difficult times, firstly she parted ways with her major label, then she split from her band and ended a relationship that possibly should have ended a couple of years back. Whilst Nicole was dealing with these turbulent times she began working in a brand new album.

The end of this month (March) sees the release of Mondo Amore, an album that has already received plaudits from the majority of the mainstream magazines here in the UK, my first encounter with Nicole's new material is a two track CD containing You Come To Me and Vultures (I'm not sure if this is being released as a single or being used as a promotional tool) and I've got to say if the music on here is the result of heartache and pain, bring on the suffering.

You Come To Me is a stunning combination of rumbling (almost psychedelic surf) guitar, stabbing piano and shuffling drum beats topped off by a wonderfully bewitching yet almost primal vocal that both seduces and spooks in equal measure, imagine PJ Harvey or Nick Cave fronting a dark psychedelic rock combo, imagine the most intoxicating woman you know howling feral blues, imagine the most potent songstress for years. Vultures proves that You Come To Me is no one off, the track may not be so wild but it's no less invigorating, this time Nicole adds an almost orchestral feel to the track whilst backing vocals provide an infectious melody that you'll be humming for donkeys, once again Nicole's vocals leave you mesmerised and once again you'll be scrambling for the repeat button.

This is a mere two-track sampler of Mondo Amore, but already the anticipation for the full length album has reached fever point here at Rhythm & Booze. You Come To Me and Vultures are simply incredible, full of drama, passion, seduction and provocation.

Nicole Atkins has single handily reaffirmed my love for music and why I write reviews, next time someone asks me what kind of music I like think I'll just play this duo of tracks at full whack and wait for their jaws to hit the floor.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.nicoleatkins.com

Kate Armiger-Confessions Of A Nice Girl

2011-03-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

Kate Armiger is a Houston based 19 year old singer, who has begun to seduce her native America with a combination of good time, hook-laden rock, pop and country.

Kate began singing at the tender age of 14 by winning a singing competition in her hometown in Houston, by 15 Kate was on the road touring her first album seducing audiences everywhere she performed, in the next four years Kate released a further two albums to ever increasing attention across the US.

Kate's latest album, Confessions Of A Nice Girl has been already released in the US hitting the top twenty Itunes album chart, helping to land Kate a slot on the prestigious Morning Show on CBS. Confessions.....is also the first of Kate's albums to be released over here in the UK and it wouldn't be to0 much of a stretch of the imagination to expect the UK debut to match the stateside success.

The 13 track affair, is an addictive combination of upbeat pop rockers and stripped down ballads, if you want comparisons think Kelly Clarkson, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift or Avril Lavigne for starters, sure there's massively original about Kate's sound, but the songs are catchier than the common cold and her delivery is equally as contagious. The opening number, Best Song Ever sets the scene well, it's an upbeat hard hitting pop rocker complete with a massive sing-a-long chorus that could have been taken straight out of Miss Clarkson's songbook.

From here on in we're treated to a masterclass of infectious melodies, hook-laden riffs, hollering vocal refrains and more irresistible choruses than most performers can manage in a lifetime. On the one hand you have upbeat feisty rockers such as the brilliantly addictive Can You Handle It and the ballsy near title track Nice Girl, whereas on the other, you have the heartfelt sensitivity of the piano led Leaving Home, a powerful ballad that builds into an wonderful near orchestral number complete with a powerful and soulful vocal delivered beautifully by a passionate Kate.

Elsewhere you've got twanging country guitars, radio stompers and sensitive laments proving that Kate has a real zest for life and an impressive ear for a pretty tune.

If you like strong female pop performers with a real x-factor (not talking about the bullshit show here) then you're going to love Confessions Of A Nice Girl by Kate Armiger.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

Tom Moriarty-Smile (If You Wanna Get High)

2011-03-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Tom Moriarty is a London based singer-songwriter who turned his back on a lucrative job in the city to concentrate on his real passion, music.

Smile (If You Want To Get High) is Tom's debut single, taken from his forthcoming album fire In The Doll's House and as opening statements go, this is pretty nigh on perfect. Smile is a massive soulful rock song with a massive chorus, an addictive melody and lush instrumentation that has you coming back for more. Tom's vocals are a wonderfully warm gravelly croon that simply seduces the listener, whilst the backing vocals and guitar/piano/brass accompaniment will have lovers of mature radio friendly rock drawling with excitement.

The B-side to Smile is completely different yet no less impressive, Every Trick In The Book is a stripped down aching ballad featuring just Tom's gorgeous mournful croon and a sparse piano accompaniment that sends shivers down the spine and leaves you totally spellbound on hte very first spin.

The two sides to this single showcase Tom to be a rare talent, he manages to harness both a big upbeat sound and a sparse stripped song with ease, whilst his vocals simply drip with heartfelt passion and class. If the album manages to reach the same dizzy heights as the two tracks on offer here, we could be hearing a great deal more from Tom Moriarty in the future.

Rhythm & booze Rating 9

www.tommoriarty.co.uk

The Lights-No Match For Genevieve

2011-03-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Lights are a Birmingham based five-piece who are the cusp of big things, to date they've received airplay from the likes of Radio Two through Janice Long and various Midlands based radio shows, whilst last year saw the band perform a number of high profile shows icluding Birmingham Artfest and the Nelson Mandela Festival among others.

No Match For Genevieve is the latest by the Birmingham based quintet, taken from their forthcoming debut album, following on from last years acclaimed single Low Hundred's. If the single is anything to judge the full-length release by, The Lights could be set to release a minor classic, the track is a wonderfully bright and breezy indie pop number complete with glorious infectious male/female vocal harmonies, drum stick clicks and a hugely addictive hook-laden, foot tapping chorus that'll have indie lovers the world over grinning from ear to ear.

The flip-side of the single, Sunday Best, showcases a completely different but no less impressive side to the band's sound with Liz Shiels taking over on lead vocals for a gorgeous, warm folky lament showcasing the band's impressive songwriting abilities by stripping down to acoustic guitars and tapped rhythms.

If you like well crafted indie with plenty of hooks and effortless melodies your going to love The Lights, catch them now whilst you have the chance.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

www.thelights.co.uk

Various Artists-Paul Soundtrack

2011-03-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

Now I haven't been to the cinema in what seems like bloody ages, in fact I can't even tell you the last film I went to see, sure there have been a few movies that have come and gone that I wanted to catch but there never seems to be enough time to do anything in the Rhythm & Booze household. So I rely a little on my sky plus box to catch up on all those releases that I'm missing on the big screen.

Alot of the films I'm interested in are off-kilter (or off the radar in some instances) small releases that I've read about or caught a trailer, it's not often I'm interested in a mainstream release but the latest Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz/Shawn Of The Dead) is an exception to the rule. The Film looks like pure stupid fun, a film that you can lose your worries to whilst laughing out loud. So I'll be waiting for the Sky Premiere in a few months times with baited breath but until then I can contend myself with the brilliant and varied soundtrack.

Unlike most comedy movies Paul has a soundtrack that doesn't merely plunder the charts for whatever happens to be popular at this minute, instead it's a fun-filled soundtrack bonafided classics, quirky cult favourites and inspired instrumentals by the ever impressive David Arnold.

The soundtrack opens with a short introductory piece by the aforementioned David Arnold before the evergreen pop punk classic Another Girl, Another Planet by The Only Ones crashes into view, now if you've not heard this addictive blast you must be another girl from another planet, it's a stunning bouncy tongue in cheek number that throws me to my feet every time I hear it.

From here we're treated to further Arnold interludes, the gorgeous soul of Bill Withers and Grover Washington's Just The Two Of Us, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye, a slice of prime time (the criminally underrated) Todd Rundgren. A classic by the B52's in the shape of Planet Clare, a couple of obscure rock n roll numbers such as the balmy yet brilliant Flyin' Saucer Rock N Roll by Bill Lee Riley and all topped off with ELO with the timeless All The World Over.

As you can see the soundtrack is varied but it's all brilliant fun, in fact I dare say it'll leave you a smile as big as when you see the film, if you only buy one soundtrack this year thebn do yourself a favour and make it the soundtrack to Paul.

Rhythm & booze Rating 9

Right Said Fred-Stop The World

2011-03-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

When I first started writing reviews all those many years ago for Local Vocal And Verse, I spent a every waking minute listening to music, predominately rock and metal, dismissing anything that could be described as pop without a second thought, so it seems more than a little surreal to be reviewing yesteryears pop heroes Right Said Fred fifteen or more years later.

In those many years of writing and listening my tastes in music have become very broad and I'd never dismiss anything without a fair spin, but I have to be honest I wasn't holding up much hope for a brand new album by the Fairbrass brothers after all this is a duo that inflicted the Euro-cheese of I'm Too Sexy and Deeply Dippy on an unsuspecting world way back in the early 90's.

Right if you're already a fan of Right Said Fred (and I'm not convinced any of the readers of Rhythm & Booze are) I'm sure you'll find a great deal to love about Stop The World, there are a number of beat friendly pop numbers, a handful of sing-a-long choruses and enough cheese to stock Tesco the world over, but that's not all. As surprised as I am to be writing this there are a few tracks on here that the non-Fred fan may enjoy, for starters the opening track Stop The World is an infectious Madness meets Ian Dury like romp complete with a delicious semi-sung/spoken vocal and a massive hook that'll leave a smile on even the most cynical of faces.

Elsewhere Raining In England is a nice little piano led ballad complete with delicately cooed vocals and hushed harmonies that you have to admire. We're All Criminals is another infectious little pop rocker in the aforementioned Madness meets the Kinks manner, whilst both Come Dancing and Feels Like Love are contagious and hook-laden tracks complete with memorable hum along choruses that you'll be humming after the first spin.

The album seems to be something of two halves you have the likes of the aforementioned Stop The World on the one hand and then the Fred's manage to undo all their good work with a horrific sub-dance track such as Waiting For A Train or the equally deplorable Two White Boys.

I have to say I was left surprised by Stop The World, I was expecting words of bile to bounce from my fingers but instead I have to begrudgingly admit that some of this is pretty darn good, the brothers do know how to pen a catchy chorus and nice tune but they still resort to unadulterated crap from time to time, it's almost as if they don't have enough faith in their happy go lucky soft pop tunes and feel the need to hark back to the cheese that made them in the first place.

Hey Richard if you ever read this cut the Euro-pop and concentrate on the cheeky chappy pop you're obviously capable of penning and I might forgive you for all those past offences.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 6

www.rightsaidfred.com

Ideals-Significant Other

2011-03-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

When I come to review a band I generally want to hear more than one track, I want to get a feel for what a band are al about by listening to a few different numbers before really making up my mind about how I feel about them. But with anything there are exceptions to the rules and the one-track CD by London based Ideals, is one such exception.

After just one spin of the dark moody indie rock of Significant Other has me hooked on the Ideals tense yet infectious sound, the dark brooding croon of frontman Andrew Major had me scrambling for the repeat button over and over again, leaving me smitten with the contagious chorus, serrated riffs and pulsating rhythm section.

Significant Other is slightly unsettling, yet it's also addictive and thrilling, it's both edgy and compelling leaving the listener drained yet still begging for more.

Ideals are their way up, they've already been courted by Pete Doherty and The Automatic for gigs, Ideals are going to be the must hear indie band of the year. I suggest you check them out now before they hit the stadiums.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

www.myspace.com/idealstheband

Shibuya Crossings-At Eight In A Spanish Bar

2011-02-22T11:57:00.000-08:00

Shibuya Crossings (apparently Shibuya is literally translated to bitter valley fact fans) are an exotically named indie three-piece hailing from London, the band mix up laid back indie and alternative rock with big pop hooks to create a delightfully catchy sound akin to the likes of (the brilliantly underrated) Hefner, Sparklehose, The Posies and Teenage Fanclub among others.

At Eight In A Spanish Bar is the second single to be lifted from the trio's forthcoming sophomore album DOYA (Depend On Your Alter-Ego) following on from Take It Out On Me released late last year. Like the aforementioned predecessor, At Eight In A Spanish Bar is another clever narrative tale all about the typical boy meets girl scenario and the other habitants of the bar. Ok so you've heard tracks of this nature before I hear you cry, but bear with me for a minute here.

Now the subject matter of the track (boy meets girl) may sound a little atypical but let me assure you the glorious sound of Shibuya Crossing is anything but ordinary. You see firstly the band know how to write a hook, secondly they now how to pen a interesting and infectious lyric and finally they know how to wrap all of that up in a contagious melody that'll have fans of alternative indie pop frothing at the mouth. At Eight In A Spanish Bar is a real addictive track that'll leave you humming the closing refrain of "everybody's watching all the time, what a time, what a time" for what seems like eternity.

Shibuya Crossings do what every good band should do, deliver a simplistic tale with a monstrous hook and leave you baying for more, if the full-length album hits the same peak as At Eight In A Spanish Bar, we could be seeing the start of something really big.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9