NME-Europe Live: SOS 4.8 2010 - Primer día

read in English

Jueves, 4 de la tarde y un sol de justicia cae sobre Murcia. Empieza el SOS4.8 con el acto inaugural de ponernos la pulsera, una pulsera que será nuestro distintivo durante los próximos dos días y la que, al mirarla, establecerá ese aire de complicidad entre los "sosers" que llenamos Murcia por unas horas. Un vez iniciados en el rito, con la caña gratis incluída, ya empezamos a entablar esas conversaciones que enriquecen un festival y que, como dice la parte inglesa de este blog, hay que estar en la arena para poder disfrutar de los conciertos y de todo lo que hay alrededor, aunque algunos pierdan la perspectiva desde la zona VIP.

The Sunday Drivers. Image courtesy of SOS Festival/Equipo Helmet

El viernes llegamos temprano, demasiado si quieres aguantar hasta el final, pero disfrutamos de uno de los mejores conciertos, en cuanto a la calidad del sonido, del festival: The Sunday Drivers. Los manchegos, una de esas bandas que nunca falla, sonaron excepcionalmente bien, muy limpios, como dirían los entendidos. Canciones como 'Do it', 'On my mind' o 'My plan' hacen vibrar y saltar al público y a mí, aunque a veces su música es demasiado happy-happy. Esto empieza bien.

The Horrors. Image courtesy of SOS Festival/Equipo Helmet

A continuación, espera, hemos quedado y los móviles no funcionan, o es el mío. No, todo el mundo está igual, nos perdemos el comienzo de The Horrors, desde la distancia no aprecio bien su sonido, pero son contundentes y oscuros, muy oscuros. Me acerco y llenan el escenario, tienen presencia y mucha calidad. Las últimas canciones son una pasada, qué lástima no haber estado más tiempo.

Los Planetas. Image courtesy of SOS Festival/Equipo Helmet

Aunque en otros escenarios hay más conciertos decidimos quedarnos a ver a Los Planetas, su Ópera Egipcia es uno de los mejores discos del año (y mira que han salido buenos discos en el 2010), pero no suenan bien. A Jota se le entiende, pero hay acoples y el sonido no es el mejor. En la prensa, división de opiniones. Comienzan con la instrumental, y preciosa, Llave De Oro' y van alternando clásicos como 'Rey sombra', 'Santos Que Yo Te Pinté' o 'Pesadilla En El Parque De Atracciones' con algunos de sus mejores temas del último disco: 'Una Corona De Espinas', 'Señora De Las Alturas', 'Soy Un Pobre Granaíno' y 'Romance De Juan De Osuna'. Incluso sale La Bien Querida para compartir 'No Sé Como Te Atreves', bonita, aunque no es de lo que más me gusta. Me recuerdan a Pimpinela pero en plan indie. No serán los mejores del festival, pero se nos hace corto, nos faltan muchos temas de la banda sonora de nuesta vida.

Franz Ferdinand. Image courtesy of SOS Festival/Equipo Helmet

Y llegan los esperados Franz Ferdinand, suenan los primeros acordes de 'Aut Achse', y nos ponemos nerviosos, aparecen en el escenario, lo llenan, presencia y sonido, son la estrella del festival y se nota. A partir de aquí, bailamos, casi todo el público del SOS4.8 estaba allí y mereció la pena. Casi una hora y cuarenta minutos de pura explosión musical, con un sonido impecable y una fuerza descomunal. Me cuentan que su caché se llevó la mitad del presupuesto, pero se lo curraron. En este enlace tenéis el setlist del concierto, en el que fueron mezclando temas de sus tres discos casi sin descanso y en los que Alex Kapranos demostró que es un buen vocalista pero además un excepcional músico. Como premio, una batucada con los cuatro músicos escoceses percusionando sus baterías enérgicamente, energía que transmitieron a un público entregado.

Y después, con ganas de ver a Hot Chip, el cuerpo dijo basta, muchas horas de baile sin descanso, hacen mella en nuestras ganas de seguir y decidimos irnos a descansar que todavía queda... ¡el sábado!

JFH

Por cierto, Radio 3 grabó varios conciertos. Los puedes escuchar aquí.

Puedes ver más imágenes oficiales en la página Facebook de NME-Europe y para más artículos sobre el SOS4.8, pincha aquí.

NME-Europe Live: SOS 4.8 Festival 2010

Having recently confirmed the line-up for this year's festival, the organisers of the 2010 SOS 4.8 event in Murcia have added a further act to the bill, none other than Canadians Crystal Castles, whose self-titled debut album caused quite a stir back in 2008.

As a lot of people are wondering who's playing when, NME-Europe has been fishing around cyberspace and has put together a provisional calendar of events based on what the bands' official sites are announcing. If their data is correct, the following would be confirmed:

Friday 30th April
Franz Ferdinand
Crystal Castles
The Horrors
Tindersticks (Auditorium)
Dorian

Saturday 1st May
Madness
Orbital
Nada Surf
We Are Standard
Anni B Sweet / La Bien Querida (if Tindersticks play the auditorium on the Friday, they must be on the Saturday)

The likes of Fatboy Slim, The Magic Numbers or Spaniards Love Of Lesbian or Los Planetas still haven't official confirmed which day they'll be playing (and the last.fm page claims everyone is scheduled for the 30th which isn't much use - either that or Saturday is going to be pretty dull!).

Hopefully this information is correct, if so, you know where you read it first! Meanwhile, if anyone has any inside information on possible further confirmations, please feel free to share your news here! And if you want to see what's on the bill check out the playlist on the NME-Europe official YouTube channel (which, unlike the official SOS 4.8 page knows its UK from its US Horrors).

NME-Europe Live: SOS 4.8 Festival 2010

The organisers of the SOS4.8 Festival, the third edition of which will be held in Murcia over the May day bank holiday weekend, have confirmed a further batch of acts for the two day event. Having previously announced the likes of Franz Ferdinand, The Horrors or Madness, we know know that they will be joined by the likes of Tindersticks, Orbital, The Magic Numbers and Los Planetas.

This second announcement certainly sparked a fierce debate amongst 'the punters' and the festival's official Facebook profile was rife with comments yesterday. There was pretty much a  50:50 split between the "what a load of crap" and the "wow, what a line-up and all that for just €35".

Will Franz Ferdinand guarantee a sell out?                                                

NME-Europe can understand point sides of the argument; if you look at the line-up on paper, indeed there is a wealth of top acts on show for a very economical price (you'd probably pay the same just to see Franz Ferdinand on their own if they toured).  

However, if you compare it to last year's list (which boasted The Prodigy, Underworld, Maxïmo Park, Keane, The Wombats, Babyshambles, PJ Harvey, Ladyhawke, Those Dancing Days, TwoManyDjs et al), then you get the feeling that overall things have gone backward a little.

This would be a shame, as in just two years SOS4.8 was started to be talked about in the same vain as other top festivals in Spain, namely Primavera Sound and FIB. This year was the opportunity to get even closer to the big boys, but it would appear that the gap will not be bridged.... for now.

Last year both days sold out, so it'll be interesting to see how advance ticket sales progress after this announcement. Perhaps one or two 'rabbits' need to be pulled from hats for the 2010 edition to be as successful. If you're planning on going, you can get a specially priced two day pass for 34,99€ until 31 January at the usual sites. Click here to see more.

If you're still undecided here's the complete list to help you make your mind up:

Internationals                                             Nationals

Franz Ferdinand                                          Los Planetas

The Horrors                                                 Love Of Lesbian

Fatboy Slim                                                 We Are Standard

Madness                                                      Dorian

Nada Surf                                                    Delorean

Orbital                                                          Anni B Sweet (auditorium)

The Magic Numbers                                    La Bien Querida (auditorium)

TIndersticks (auditorium)                             Alondra Bentley

Uffie                                                             Lidia Damunt

                                                                    Taboo

                                                                    Joe Crepúsculo

                                                                    Amable

The price will go up to 39,99€ from February onwards and it's highly likely that there will be no tickets available on the day (30 Abril and 1 May).

NME-Europe will keep you posted on stage times nearer the event.

NME-Europe Live: SOS 4.8 Festival - The Countdown Begins....

Having announced the release of a specially priced two-day pass a little over a month ago (you can read about that in a previous NME-Europe post), the organisers of the SOS 4.8 Festival in Murcia, now in its third year, have finally let the punters know what they'll be getting for their money.

The 'big one' is Franz Ferdinand and they will be accompanied by The Horrors, Madness, Fatboy Slim and a host of top Spanish national bands including Love Of Lesbian and We Are Standard.

The organisers have stressed thay this is only the beginning, which is just as well because, with the utmost respect for the 2010 recruits,  most would agree that the current line-up doesn't compare too favourably to last year's edition, which included the likes of The Prodigy, Keane, PJ Harvey, Babyshambles, Too Many DJs, The Wombats, Maxïmo Park or Underworld, amongst others).

It's a question of watch this space for now. Meanwhile, the full initial listing for you to cast your eyes on:

Franz Ferdinand
The Horrors
Madness
Fatboy Slim
Nada Surf
Joe Crepusculo
Love Of Lesbian
We Are Standard
Delorean
Anni B Sweet
Lidia Damunt
Alondra Bentley
Taboo

NME-Europe will keep you posted. Meanwhile, let us know who you'd like to see at this year's festival.

Myspace Magic: The Does

This week's Myspace Magic feature takes us to an unexpected destination - Malta of all places! However, one listen to the tracks on offer on The Does' myspace profile is enough to clear any doubts; this is music we all want to hear. Such was my delight at this discovery that I decided to find out more about this mediterranean quartet. Here's what they had to say....

NME-E: So, who are you?
TD: The Does are an Indie band from Malta. Formed in June 2008 the band currently consists of Lello on vocals, Dirk on bass guitar, Mauro on drums and Owen on guitar. Having lived in the UK for a few years, Dirk was influenced by the UK indie music scene and on returning to Malta he started working on a few ideas. In June 2008, Dirk then caught up with former guitarist/band-mate Owen, who was working on various solo projects. Together they formed The Does and continued to develop their unique sound.

They have finished their first catchy and upbeat track Too Far which was recorded and produced by Dirk in The Does own studio room. Too Far was an instant hit with local radio DJ's and entered the Top 10 radio charts straight away. Too Far is included in the Tour De Force compilation (matchbox recordings) and is currently being aired on various international radio stations. The Does are currently working on various other tracks and will be compiling an album in the near future. They aim to continue their musical ambition in the UK, home of their favorite genre.

NME-E: Have you had any releases to date?
TD: The aforementioned 'Too Far' with more singles to follow in the coming weeks..
A new track, 'My Better Side' has recently been uploaded to their profile.

NME-E: If you could choose a band/artist to support you, who would it be and why?
TD: We..d rather support them ... Franz Ferdinand/The Sunshine Underground/The Kooks/Kaiser Chiefs.

This list gives you a good idea of what you're in for.

NME-E: What's your favourite album at the moment?
TD: Our Favourite album at the moment is Tonight:Franz Ferdinand

NME-E: Finally, tell us about your objectives/prospects for next 12 months?
TD: We aim to release an album and tour the U.K.

With a sound like theirs, they must stand a good chance of getting what they want.


Thanks, obviously to The Does for taking the time to answer my questions. I sincerely recommend you visit their profile - you won't get many chances to experience a British sound from Malta and these guys don't disappoint.


Last 5 NME-E interviews:
The Breaks (Sheffield, UK)
So Shush (Salford, UK)
Strawhouses (Liverpool, UK)
Loveday Fools (Scarborough, UK)
The Scholars (Midlands, UK)

Read all NME-E interviews

Album Review: The Rakes

The Rakes: Klang (V2)

1. You're In It
2. That's The Reason
3. The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker
4. Bitchin' In The Kitchen
5. The Woes Of The Working Women
6. 1989
7. Shackleton
8. The Light Of Your Mac
9. Mullers Rachet
10. The Final Hill

The third installment in this London band's 5 year career (to date) is another case of quick-fire, pop-punk in a Franz Ferdinand type of fashion (at times too similar).

Ten tracks in little more than 30 minutes, means 'Klang' is almost over before you've got into it and, whilst it's no classic, it does its best to keep you entertained.

The opening tracks, 'You're In It', 'That's The Reason' and 'The Loneliness Of The Outdoor Smoker' are brimming with gritty basslines and rampant riffs, but the rest of the album, '1989' excepted, is full of the best intentions but never gets beyond the sort of material you'd expect to find on a Franz Ferdinand b-sides release.

Having burst onto the scene with '22 Grand Job', an ode to the sufferers of crap entrance wage office jobs in The City, three albums in it appears that 'Klang' is the ideal mp3 soundtrack for those very same commuters. However, while office gaffers, The Rakes, trundle into town on the Northern Line, Mr. Kapranos and co., the chief executive, will be cruising in the Jag.

Top track: '1989'
Album Rating: 6/10





Last 5 NME-E reviews:
Starsailor: 'All The Plans'
U2: 'No Line On The Horizon'
Its A Buffalo: 'Don't Be Scared'
The Trestles: 'Hard Faced Town EP'
The Prodigy: 'Invaders Must Die'

Read all NME-E reviews

Album Review: Top Of The Pops (Feb 2009)

NME-E offers a summary of the albums reviewed during the month of February and suggests a few other releases which are worth a listen.

Lily Allen: 'It's Not Me, It's You' (Rating:1/10)
I'll be brief. Lily has gone from being a refreshing breath of fresh air to being frustratingly annoying in the time it has taken to release the follow up to 'Alright, Still'. Read more


Morrissey: 'Years Of Refusal' (Rating:9/10)
If, as he declares, he really has only five years left, we must treasure every offering until D-day arrives and there's no better way to start your personal homage than by getting your hands on a copy of 'Years Of Refusal'. Read more


The View: 'Which Bitch' (Rating:8/10)
If you're expecting a follow on from 'Hats Off To The Buskers', you're in for a big surprise. However, that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. Read more



The Rifles: 'The Great Escape' (Rating:8/10)
With 'The Great Escape', The Rifles have stuck to the winning formula and who can really blame them when they keep churning out quality tunes. Read more



Franz Ferdinand: 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand' (Rating:7/10)
he release of the third album by this quartet of Scottish indie rockers was always going to be highly anticipated, so, does it live up to expectations? Read more


I also had a go at these, but not enough time for a full write-up:

Antony & The Johnsons: 'The Crying Light' (Rating:7/10)
More crooning from Mr. Hegarty and co. Love or hate him, you've gotta respect their sound.


Sky Larkin: 'The Golden Spike' (Rating 8/10)
Calling all indie freaks; get listening to this. If you like Los Campesinos! give them a try.

Album Review: Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand - 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand' (Domino)

1. Ulysses
2. Turn It On
3. No You Girls
4. Send Him Away
5. Twilight Omens
6. Bite Hard
7. What She Came For
8. Live Alone
9. Can't Stop Feeling
10. Lucid Dreams
11. Dream Again
12. Katherine Kiss Me

Just one review this week, but nonetheless an important one. The release of the third album by this quartet of Scottish indie rockers was always going to be highly anticipated, so, does it live up to expectations?

On first listening, my answer was a definitive "No". Then I thought "Come on, lad, give 'em a chance" and, as is often the case, the album has started to grow on me over the last few listens. The opening track, 'Ulysees' is typically Franz and things appear to start off on the right foot, but then the album kind of falls asleep for a couple of tracks - a little too early for a rest I think. Just as you're beginning to think you've wasted your ipod battery on this one, up pops a middle set of songs which remind you why you bothered to get excited to begin with. From 'Twilight Omens' through to 'Can't Stop Feeling' you are trapped in the FF groove, so the best thing to do is enjoy it and forget about the rather weak end to the LP (the over-indulgent 'Lucid Dreams' just doesn't do it for me).

If you're expecting a classic in the same vein as their debut album, this isn't it. However, in my opinion it IS an improvement on 'You Could Have It So Much Better' and clearly indicates why Kapranos & Co. are still one of the highlights of the Britpop scene.

Top Track: 'What She Came For'
Album Rating: 7/10

Weekly Round Up (02 Feb 2009)

Hi everybody. Things have been a bit slack this week, but have plenty of things to be going on with. To start with, a round up of the week's news.

Reviews
This week's major release has been Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. A full review will appear in the next couple of days.

Myspace Magic
It's been a relatively quiet week for me on myspace. Scouse power trio We Make Models have added further tracks "Fishing For Ice", "The Girl That Got Away" and a new mix of "So Much" ahead of their next gig at the Liverpool O2 Academy on 18 February (where they'll be supporting Metropolitans).

Would also like to thank Murcian gents, Second, for their kind words of appreciation following my review of their new release 'Fracciones De Un Segundo' (just keeps on getting better the more I listen to it) and US boys, The Rocks, for doing their bit to promote this blog - thanks!

Festival Fever
Line-ups for Spain's top festivals are now starting to be confirmed, at least in terms of headline bands. THE festival par excellence FIB (Benicassim, 16-19 July) has announced that Oasis, Kings Of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers and Paul Weller will all be gracing the stage this summer.

On hearing this I started to wonder why Murcia's SOS 4.8 was taking so long tell us what they had to offer (given that the festival is in May). They must have read my mind as they started to announce their confirmed acts this week. I use the term 'announce' in the broadest sense of the word, as the organisers had the totally frustrating (or brilliantly creative, if you're a masochist) idea of posting a series of riddles on the official web page and inviting surfers to work out the bands for themselves. Oh what fun! Christ, gives us the list and let us know whether to get our tickets now or head for the beach during the May bank holiday weekend!

Fortunately for me, my mate JuanFra (bless him) told me of a link (hipersonica.com), which had the answers all worked out for us. Much to my surprise, the festival is going to live up to expectations and build on last year's debut success. Spiritualized, Babyshambles, PJ Harvey, Those Dancing Days, Los Planetas, Russian Red and El Guincho (no idea!) is a very promising start and infinitely better than my rumour (Pet Shop Boys), although perhaps the most exciting band is still to be confirmed. If our riddle solving skills are up to scratch, it would appear the The Wombats will be in town. Now THAT is exciting. We will watch this space!

More news next week!