1. Blue Bloood
2. Miami
3. Total Life Forever
4. Black Gold
5. Spanish Sahara
6. This Orient
7. Fugue
8. After Glow
9. Alabaster
10. 2 Trees
11. What Remains
Weird or unique? It's taken me countless listens to this album to decide and I'm still none the wiser! Foals, the Oxford quintet who made as much a name for themselves for ditching their high profile US producer (TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek, in case you're interested) as for producing a stunning debut - Antidotes - are a quirky bunch. Perhaps that's what makes their music so gripping.
Follow up Total Life Forever is wonderfully chaotic. It will need a few outings for listeners to get their head around it, but it's worth being patient. Opening track 'Blue Blood' is a prime example of what Foals are all about. A simple chord is enough to reel you in, before the track bursts to life and you're hooked. Marvellous piece of music.
The rest is an eclectic melee of sounds and emotions ranging from the chirpy 'Miami' to the profoundly chilling 'Spanish Sahara' - and where tracks like swirling Bloc Party-esque 'Black Gold', complete with its ominous announcement that "the future is not what it used to be" or 'After Glow', which is volatile in crescendo, also play a major role.
With lead singer Yannis Philippakis also sounding a lot more assured, the only logical conclusion to reach is that Total Life Forever is a neither weird nor unique. Quite simply it's bloody brilliant!
NC
NME-Europe rating: 8.5/10 Top Track: 'Spanish Sahara'
Having recovered from the SOS4.8 hangover, NME-Europe gets back down to business with a special feature from an artist from across the pond. The son of an Englishman, Tristan Clopet is based in Miami, but the worldwide web is rapidly turning him into a global product. This one-man band, who produces music with the uumph of the Chili Peppers and the lyrically power and vitality of a certain Jeff Buckley has just released a six-track EP titled Purple, which is available for download á la radiohead at the following link.
Suitably impressed by what was on offer, we decided to find out a little more about the man himself and his album.
NME-Europe: Hi Tristan. You're known in over 50 countries, where do you hail from? Well, I was created by a chemical spillage on the brinks of Prince Edward Island. I sing and play a bunch of instruments too.
Another case of "blame Canada" perhaps...
NME-Europe: What do you sound like? Who has made you want to sound like that? TC: Sounds like if a bunch of carrier honey bees spilled all of their collective honey at once onto a gramophone and then went to the kitchen and added bits of Heath bar.
Erm.... Think I'll stick with my Pepper-Buckley crossover....
Yeah, when I first heard 'Sir Psycho Sexy' I felt something special. It changed my whole disposition.
Now that makes more sense. You get a good impression of where this young man is coming from if you watch some of his cover version videos available on his YouTubechannel. 'Cousins' (Vampire Weekend) is my pick of the bunch...
NME-Europe: You've just released Purple. Is this your debut? TC: No, I previously released another EP, Duende. Duende and Purple are brother and sister, though I can't tell which is which. I think Purple has the perfect balance of songs – from those that are ideal for sitting back and relaxing, to those that make you want to get up and dance.
NME-Europe: Apart from your internet coverage, have you got any promotional gigs lined up? TC: We're touring the east coast this July. Tour dates can be most accurately found on my website. We'd love to be supported by the Jonas Brothers. We heard they could bring a few people to the show in Savannah.
That must be the first time Jonas have been mentioned on NME-Europe!
NME-Europe: And what's on the agenda for the near future? TC: We'd like to be touring full-time (preferably with the Jonas Brothers, but not a deal breaker) and we'd love to release a full-length and perform it over and over for new people of every shape, color and creedence.
Thanks Tristan, what say we have a little glance at your latest EP, Purple? TC: Cool. I know time is scarce, but if you could give it a review, I’d love to read it. Even if it’s negative, I really respect your taste, and would be interested to hear what you think.
Tristan really knows how to sweet talk a man! How could I refuse him a review?!
1. Proximity Bomb
2. So Alive
3. Etheral Evidence
4. Superficiality Is A Sin
5. Love And A Question
6. Black Panther Party
It's often difficult to assess an artist on the basis of an EP - they tend to be too short and rely too heavily on 'likeable' tunes - but you get the feeling that Tristan Clopet is a little different. With his second release, Purple, Clopet clearly lays his cards on the table and offers a well-crafted mix of catchy rock and captivating ballads. Tracks like 'Proximity Bomb', 'Superficiality Is A Sin' and the closing 'Black Panther Party' clearly support Clopet's claim that 'Sir Psycho Sexy'"changed his whole disposition" - the hint of the Chili Peppers is plain for all to hear. In between, Tristan has the opportunity to manifest his lyrical and vocal skills, an opportunity which he grasps with both hands, in particular on 'So Alive', my personal favourite.
Purple is a well-produced EP and Clopet shows he has the potential to take his prowess one stage further, should the opportunity to cut an album arise. NME-Europe looks forward to it.
NC
The EP is available on "a radiohead" athttp://tristanclopet.com/, so you can pay what you like for it. If you're feeling the financial pinch, NME-Europe is giving away 3 copies, along with a Tristan Clopet t-shirt. All you have to do is visit our Facebook page, become a fan and add a comment to the Tristan Clopet note. There'll be a t-shirt on the way to our favourite comments.
Before you do, have a listen to the EP on our player.
1. Dance Around The Fire
2. Hide Me
3. Look Me In The Eye
4. Moonlight Fantasy
5. Solid Gold
6. The Underdogs
7. Stardust
8. Frejya's Ghost
9. Kiss Her Goodbye
10. Nerida's Gone
11. Thunderbird
12. Here We Go Again
It would appear that 2010 is the year of electro-pop. It started with Delphic, continued with Two Door Cinema Club and Chew Lips and now The Golden Filter have gatecrashed the party. This New York duo have being playing hard to get ever since 'Solid Gold' first started drawing attention back in 2008, but there is no doubt that it has been worth the wait.
From the opening string chords on 'Dance Around The Fire', you are aware that this is not just another debut album. Penelope Trappes' delicate, captivating vocals - recalling Elizabeth Fraser - coupled with Stephen Hindman's gripping arrangements make for a quality piece of work - for once the hype is justified.
Whilst it is only natural for 'Solid Gold' to be focal point - and let's face it, it's hard not to get hooked on it - there are numerous other tracks on the album which are worthy of mention. The aforementioned 'Dance Around The Fire', together with the bouncy 'Hide Me' and the infectious 'Look Me In The Eye' form a cracking opening to the album. The tempo is lowered on the spacey 'Moonlight Fantasy' before the synths kick back in for 'Solid Gold'.
What an opening half to the album! And it's not all over there. 'Stardust' and 'Frejya's Ghost' still keep the engine ticking over, whilst the thunderous 'Thunderbird' will surely be a dancefloor hit this summer. In between, moments of intricate detail on 'The Underdogs' or 'Nerida's Gone' prove that this is duo aren't just a one-track band.
As someone who likes a guitar, I find myself blown away once more by an electronic sound. The synths are back in town and by God they sound good!
April was a busy month, but there was still time to listen to some real quality...
Cybiont: 'Angels And Demons' (rating 8.25/10)
Often, when a an album is classified as "intriguing" it usually means the same as when you classify a girl as "friendly". However, in the case of Cybiont's 'Angels and Demons' such euphemisms go flying out of the window. In fact this album goes beyond intriguing, it is fabulously fascinating. Read more.
Los Planetas: 'Una Opera Egipcia' (rating 9/10)
15 years on, lead singer J and Co. have once again managed to surpass that expectation and produce another album, their eighth, which can only serve to convince their legion of unconditional fans that they are from another dimension. Read more.
Caribou: 'Swim' (rating 7/10)
Hypnotic rhythms combine with thumping bassline grooves (check out 'Leave House') on Canadian Dan Snaith's third release.
Klaus & Kinski: 'Tierra Trágalos' (rating 7/10)
Quirky pop from this Murcian combo, who are making quite a name for themselves across Spain. Needs a couple of listens to get used to it.
Kyte: 'Dead Waves' (rating 7.5/10)
Delicate lyrics with emotive melodiesresult in a more than acceptable album, especially if you're feeling poignant.
Chew Lips: 'Unicorn' (rating 7/10)
Promising debut from London-based electro-pop trio. Some of the singles are destined to be dancefloor favourites this summer.
1. La Llave De Oro
2. Una Corona De Estrellas
3. Soy Un Pobre Granaino (Colombiana)
4. Siete Faroles
5. No Sé Como Te Atreves
6. Señora De Las Alturas
7. La Veleta
8. Romance De Juan Osuna
9. Atravesando Los Montes
10. Virgen De La Soledad
11. La Pastora Divina
12. Los Poetas
If you don't live in Spain, there's a good chance you're wondering "Who?" Don't stop reading.
Hailing from Granada, Los Planetas have long since been considered the kings of the Spanish indie scene (on a personal level, they rank in my top 10 bands of all time) and the expectation generated by their releases parallels that of any top British or US act.
15 years on, lead singer J and Co. have once again managed to surpass that expectation and produce another album, their eighth, which can only serve to convince their legion of unconditional fans that they are from another dimension.
A sign of a truly great band is their ability to develop their sound each album, exploring new sounds and this is what Los Planetas are masters of. Their Manchester-sound, mixed with the Andalucian sun had always produced stunning results (try debut album Super 8 or Una Semana En El Motor De Un Autobus) but that wasn't enough, they needed to try something new.
There were clear signs of the shift on previous album La Leyenda Del Espacio (2007) when the flamenco influence - only natural for a band from Granada - started to 'invade' the characteristic sound of distorted guitars, psychodelic samples and intricate, often twisted lyrics. The more recent EP Cuatro Palos (taking its name from the four main styles of flamenco) was a clear declaration that this was not a whim and Una Opera Egipcia has developed that idea even further, signalling the culmination of the Planeta-flamenco fusion.
Any doubts (if there were any), however, that Los Planetas were going to go all 'Gypsy Kings' are dramatically dispelled on the opening track 'La Llave De Oro', a lyric-free intro to get you in the right frame of mind. 'Una Corona De Estrellas' and, in particular, 'Soy Un Pobre Granaino' complete with classic Planetesque keyboard introduction are clear signs that J and crew haven't forgotten their roots, while 'Siete Farolas' shows the first real signs of the flamenco influence.
The tempo is reduced and things get a little more introspective with 'No Sé Como Te Atreves' (aided by a more than notable collaboration from rising star La Bien Querida) followed by the exquisite 'Señora De Las Alturas', one of the highlights of the album and destined to become another crowd favourite - a sublime 'shoegazing' moment.
"si te quedas conmigo
para que pueda contarte
lo mucho que te necesito
aunque creo que ya lo sabes
voy a volver a decirlo
que te quiero mas que nadie
que te sigo queriendo lo mismo
para que alivies mis males
señora de mis abismos"
The pseudo-poetic 'La Veleta' (again with La Bien Querida') is dwarfed by 'Romance De Juan Osuna', possibly Los Planetas' clearest example of their newly created sound. Thundering guitars, with the distorsion pedal doing overtime again and Jotas' obsession with poppies is clearly evident once more.
Content, and with the freedom to do whatever they feel like, without really worrying what anyone thinks, Los Planetas indulge themselves in some deeper Flamenco experimentation during the run-in, with the hypnotic 'Virgen De La Soledad' and the extravagant 'La Pastora Divina' (accompanied by the 'authentic' Flamenco legend, Enrique Morente) testing the listeners' mettle, but ultimately coming up trumps. Closing track 'Los Poetas' typically brings the album to an agonising close on what, quite clearly is a masterpiece.
In flamenco circles, the term "Opera Egipcia" ("Egyptian Opera") is used to suggest that an artist has reached the pinnacle, so the question begs "will they continue?" My partner (compañera "de viaje" throughout Los Planetas' career) suggests this will be their finale and she could be right (she usually is!). I still have my doubts, but for now I'm not going to worry about it too much - I'm too busy enjoying the moment.
NC
NME-Europe rating: 9/10 Top Track: 'Señora De Las Alturas'
1. Take Me To The Moon
2. Hold On
3. Demon On My Shoulder
4. Angel In The Closet
5. Butterflies
6. American Cowboy
7. Pig
8. Doubt
9. Die Tomorrow
10. Motion Sickness
11. Spare Roots
12. The Inner Child
13. What Happened To The Time?
14. Maybe Tomorrow
15. Thanks...
16. Passing By
Often, when a an album is classified as "intriguing" it usually means the same as when you classify a girl as "friendly". However, in the case of Cybiont's 'Angels and Demons' such euphemisms go flying out of the window. In fact this album goes beyond intriguing, it is fabulously fascinating.
Having released a debut album 'A Trilogy Of Random Thoughts And Considerations' so recently as October 2009, Cybiont's prolific song-writing has enabled a second helping just 6 months later. More importantly, the quality is on a par with quantity - 'Angels and Demons' is a clear improvement on the original trilogy, especially in musical terms, where the collaborations have certainly produced the desired effect. The result is an album which is atmospheric, dramatic and well-balanced from start to finish.
Lyrically, Cybiont still has a lot to say. There are no hollow melodies here, so you will need a few listens to fully appreciate the songs' value. Given the intricate nature of the album you find yourself drawn deeper into Cybiont's Angels and Demons which each listen and tracks like 'Hold On', 'Angel In The Closet' and 'Die Tomorrow' will all stand out. However, it is 'Butterflies' which probably sums the general feel of the album up the best, a haunting track which gives you a sense of what is going on in 'cybiontville'.
In an age where 'music by numbers' is the order of the day, it's refreshing to hear something like Angels And Demons.
NC
NME-Europe rating: 8.25/10 Top Track: 'Butterflies'
Plenty going on in March. Here's what was top of NME-Europe's pops:
Hot Chip: 'One Life Stand' (rating 7.5/10)
Opening track 'Thieves In The Night' seriously suggests this is going to be the one, a rampaging combination of deadly drums and sizzling samples ensures that 'Thieves' is the sort of track to hang about the eardrums for a while. Read more.
The Courteeners: 'Falcon' (rating 8.5/10)
Those of you expecting more 'Cavorting', 'What Took You So Long?' or 'Not Nineteen Forever'-type tracks are not going to find them here, but don't be mistaken, Falcon is a terrific album in it's own right and one Fray and the gang can be extremely satisfied with. Read more.
Los Punsetes: 'LP2' (rating 7.5/10)
Probablemente, dentro de unos años, no los escuche, sus canciones pierdan fuerza y no aguanten el paso del tiempo, pero ahora me divierte su música, y me lo paso bien escuchando sus letras llenas de ironía y acidez, que indagan en el “lado oscuro” del ser humano. Read more.
The Soft Pack: 'The Soft Pack' (rating 7/10)
An engaging combination of punk, garage and even grunge are in order for anyone who decides to give this four-piece an opportunity. Ten tracks in a little more than 30 minutes (with the first eight in just 20) give you a pretty good indication of the tempo on display. Read more.
Two Door Cinema Club: 'Tourist History' (rating 8.5/10)
A blistering combination of enticing electro and captivating guitar riffs are on display throughout the little more than 30 minute visit to this particular movie theatre. The pace is relentless as a series of catchy, easily enjoyable hits ensure the listener's attention is not allowed to wane at any time. Read more.
We also had a little time for....
Good Shoes: 'No Hope, No Future' (rating 7/10)
More intricate, indeed introspective follow up album from this London band. Not quite as engaging as their wonderful debut, but worth a listen.
Efterklang: 'Magic Chairs' (rating 7.5/10)
These 'Great Danes' are capable of some wonderful harmonies and Casper Clausen's lead vocals are sublime.
Midlake: The Courage Of Others' (rating 7/10)
More blissful crooning from this lo-fi Texan quintet.
Two Door Cinema Club: Tourist History (Glass Note)
1. Cigarettes In The Theatre
2. Come Back Home
3. Do You Want It All?
4. This Is The Life
5. Something Good Can Work
6. I Can Talk
7. Undercover Martyn
8. What You Know
9. Eat That Up, It's Good For You
10. You Are Not Stubborn
Spring is upon us and having steadily built up a reputation during 2009 with an EP, a single and a couple of remixes, this trio from Northern Ireland have put together a debut release, 'Tourist History', which is guaranteed to put a spring in our step and destined to be one of the 'feel good' albums of 2010.
A blistering combination of enticing electro and captivating guitar riffs are on display throughout the little more than 30 minute visit to this particular movie theatre. The pace is relentless as a series of catchy, easily enjoyable hits ensure the listener's attention is not allowed to wane at any time.
From the opening beat of 'Cigarettes In The Theatre' you get the idea of what is on the agenda here and, whilst it is true to say that there isn't a great deal of variety in the style of the tracks, it's difficult not to get hooked to the beat.
If uncomplicated, unassuming, downright fun music takes your fancy then you will not be disappointed by 'Tourist History'. You'll be hard pressed to find a weakness at all on the album, in fact the only difficulty you'll have is picking out your favourite track. The aforementioned 'Cigarettes In The Theatre', 'Do You Want It All?', 'I Can Talk' or 'Undercover Martyn' all vie for pole position, but it has to be 'Eat That Up, It's Good For You' which earns the honour of NME-Europe favourite for its sensational guitar solo mid-track.
As they croon on 'This Is The Life', "If this is the life then who'd argue?" Who indeed.
NC.
NME-Europe rating: 8.5/10 Top Track: 'Eat That Up, It's Good For You'
1. C'mon
2. Down On Loving
3. Answer To Yourself
4. Move Along
5. Pull Out
6. More Or Less
7. Tides Of Time
8. Flammable
9. Mexico
10. Parasites
Hailing from San Diego, California, The Soft Pack, a band who decided on a change of names before getting on with the production of their debut release (and let's face it, 'The Muslims' was destined to have people talking more about the name than the sound, especially stateside), have produced a more than palatable debut.
An engaging combination of punk, garage and even grunge are in order for anyone who decides to give this four-piece an opportunity. Ten tracks in a little more than 30 minutes (with the first eight in just 20) give you a pretty good indication of the tempo on display. The riffs come at you thick and fast, no more so than on the infectiously catchy opener 'Come On', although perhaps the best track award has to go to 'More Or Less'.
Unfortunately, it's also true to say that lyrically The Soft Pack are not about to blow your mind. If you like your garage guitars, a bit of manic drumming and aren't too interested in the vocals then you're bound to enjoy The Soft Pack. Lyricists abstain!
1. Los Cervatillos
2. De Moda
3. Tus Amigos
4. Por El Vicio
5. Dinero
6. El Artista
7. Estilo
8. Yo Creo Que Creo En Satanás
9. Hospital Alchemilla
10. Mono y Galgo
11. La Manera De Acertar
12. Cien Metros Para El Cementerio
Sí, lo reconozco, me gustan Los Punsetes. Probablemente, dentro de unos años, no los escuche, sus canciones pierdan fuerza y no aguanten el paso del tiempo, pero ahora me divierte su música, y me lo paso bien escuchando sus letras llenas de ironía y acidez, que indagan en el “lado oscuro” del ser humano.
Acaban de publicar su segundo disco, LP2 (Everlasting) y, aunque han perdido algo de “punch”, me gustaban más cómo sonaban las guitarras en su primer disco, nos lo seguimos pasando bien escuchando sus letras punkis encerradas en melodías poppies.
El disco comienza con una de mis canciones preferidas, 'Los Cervatillos', poco más de dos minutos de canción, que te deja con ganas de más y te da ya alguna pista sobre lo que te viene encima, “… lo importante siempre está en el exterior”.
A continuación, dos temas que van a ser muy coreadas en sus conciertos, 'De Moda' y el primer single del álbum 'Tus Amigos', comenzando con estrofas que lucen así:
“No te preocupes, vas a ponerte de moda, haciendo exactamente eso que haces tú…”
“Que le den por culo a tus amigos, pasa de ellos y ven conmigo. Tu trabajo me toca las pelotas, conmigo ya tienes de sobra…”
'Por El Vicio', en la que no me terminan de convencer los graves de la voz de la cantante, 'Dinero', una canción pop con mayúsculas, y 'El Artista' nos llevan al mejor tema del disco, en mi opinión, 'Estilo', en la que tengo que destacar varias estrofas que me entusiasman: “Sin duda alguna la belleza está en el interior, pero a algunos les asoma y a otros no…” o el fantástico estribillo: “Las formas y colores de esas camisetas, a las chicas Los Ramones se les pegan a las tetas”.
La segunda parte del disco no nos llega tan rápido como los siete primeros cortes, pero podemos encontrar en 'Mono Y Galgo' ¿segundas intenciones en su letra? Además, queda cubierta la parte lúgubre con 'Yo Creo En Satanás' y 'Cien Metros Para El Cementerio'.
Y por cierto, qué mejor que el chanante Joaquín Reyes para hacerles la portada. ¡Qué modernos!
Estamos deseando verles en directo, y el día 21 de mayo lo podremos hacer en la sala 12yMedio junto a los murcianos Klaus & Kinski.
1. The Opener
2. Take Over The World
3. Cross My Heart & Hope To Fly
4.You Overdid It Doll
5. Lullaby
6. Good Times Are Calling
7. The Rest Of The World Has Gone Home
8. Sycophant
9. Cameo Brooch
10. Scratch Your Name Upon My Lips
11. Last Of The Ladies
12. Will It Be This Way Forever?
Towards the end of the wonderful debut St. Jude - NME-Europe's top album of 2008 - The Courteeners, those likely lads from Manchester, warned that we were 'Not Nineteen Forever'. It would appear that they too have taken heed of that message during the writing of Falcon, released on the UME Import label and under the guidance of producer Ed Buller (White Lies, Pulp, Suede)
Where St. Jude oozed swagger, Falcon is suave, albeit in an undeniable northern fashion. Extro- often becomes introvert and the leery lads are closer to lullabies than they are to lager louts. Those of you expecting more 'Cavorting', 'What Took You So Long?' or 'Not Nineteen Forever'-type tracks are not going to find them here, but don't be mistaken, Falcon is a terrific album in it's own right and one Fray and the gang can be extremely satisfied with.
The opener, cunningly titled 'The Opener' sets the mood. A track where lead singer Fray does a bit of soul-searching and seeks to reassure himself that he is still loved. Presumably aimed at his sweetheart, the track could almost be directed at his fans - a case of look we've changed a little since our last release, I hope you still like us (deep down I think you will). Whatever the story, the track is sublime.
'Cross My Heart & Hope To Fly' is as clear an indicator there is as to The Courteeners' change in focus. Dark, with a piercing piano back beat Fray expresses a clear desire to get the hell out of wherever he is. 'Lullaby' maybe the reason escape is on the agenda, but in between the upbeat 'You Overdid It Doll' (the first single from the album) ensures manic depression doesn't set in. The album is taking great shape.
'The Good Times Are Calling' brings about another upturn, while 'Sycophant', possibly the album's catchiest track, appeals to our honesty. Despite a darker feel to the rest of the album, Falcon doesn't lose it's way. The harsh and distorted 'Scratch Your Name Upon My Lips' gives way to the melodious 'Last Of The Ladies', while the lyrically acute 'Will It Be This Way Forever?' fittingly calls time on proceedings.
The Courteeners have progressed. This Liam from Manchester is starting to understand that it's best to engage brain before opening your mouth. You might need a couple of listens to adjust yourself to the new Courteeners, but ultimately the only logical conclusion to reach is that Falcon is a well-balanced, quality album.
NC
NME-Europe rating: 8.5/10 Top Track: 'Cross My Heart & Hope To Fly'
It was back in November when NME-Europe first got a taste of Liverpool's The Temps, a group who make music for girls to fight to (their words not mine). Since then they have been hard at work in the recording studio and have recently added a new track, 'The Lesson' to their player.
At the time, NME-Europe made mention of the band's garage-punk approach and nothing appears to have altered much on this new song. Brash, almost aggressive, 'The Lesson' is a clear example of why I was beaten into submission first time round. Lead singer Joey Wainwright's vocals are as frantic as the riffs - subtlety is not their strong point!
The Temps also have a busy schedule ahead, with no less than a dozen gigs lined up in the north-west over the next month and a half, perhaps the most notable being their appearance with Robots in Disguise at the O2 Academy in Liverpool on March 30. You can find out more on the MySpace page or on their official website.
Have a listen to their tracks while you're there - a word of warning, they're pretty addictive!
February saw Los Campesinos! smash all Valentine's Day celebrations to pieces, with 'Romance Is Boring'. After a slow start to the year, the releases are starting to flow. Here's what NME-Europe had to say...
Vampire Weekend: 'Contra' (rating 7/10)
It's hard to make up your mind on this one. Sometimes, it sounds great, yet others it's annoying. However, on the whole 'Contra' appears to be a step forward. Tracks like opener 'Horchata', the happy-go-lucky 'Holiday' or the frenetic 'Cousins' (see video below) are all decent ear candy and make good the self-proclaimed "Upper West Side Soweto" sound. (Read more).
Los Campesinos!: 'Romance Is Boring' (rating 7/10)
Don't expect finesse on this album, because it is devoid of any - "...feels like the build up takes forever, but you never touch my cock" on 'Straight In At 101' pretty much sums up the general sexually charged atmosphere. (Read more).
We also had a listen to...
Yeasayer: 'Odd Blood' (rating 6/10)
Second album from this Brooklyn four piece. A diverse album, although a little disjointed at times.
Massive Attack: 'Heligoland' (rating 7/10)
More classic trip-hop from Massive Attack on their first release since 2003 (Danny The Dog OST excluded). Prepare yourself for an exhilarating finale after a sluggish start.
1. Thieves In The Night
2. Hand Me Down Your Love
3. I Feel Better
4. One Life Stand
5. Brothers
6. Slush
7. Alley Cats
8. We Have Love
9. Keep Quiet
10. Take It In
Hot Chip, the London quintet with a reputation for churning out some of the catchiest electro-pop ditties of the recent era - remember 'Over And Over'? -, still have the challenge of producing a consistently great album. Would they achieve their goal on their fourth real studio album 'One Life Stand', released on EMI?
Opening track 'Thieves In The Night' seriously suggests this is going to be the one, a rampaging combination of deadly drums and sizzling samples ensures that 'Thieves' is the sort of track to hang about the eardrums for a while. Followed up by the piano-driven 'Hand Me Down Your Love' and indeed, during the first half of the album, epitomised by the wonderfully rhythmical, poignant almost, 'Brothers' the listener is effortlessly carried along on the crest of a beat and it feels good. You almost welcome the dour 'Slush' for a chance to contemplate the quality of the album up to that point.
However, it is the run-in from that prevents Hot Chip reaching the 'great album' status. 'We Have Love' aside, the closing tracks are weak in comparison to the rest. You get the feeling they should have stopped earlier or, at least, they should have redistributed the final tracks so that the listener doesn't notice the cracks in the ceiling so much.
A good, very good but not great album. NME-Europe will be hoping they cut out the dross when they take the stage at this year's SOS 4.8 Festival.
1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up The Gun
9. Diplomat's Son
10. I Think Ur A Contra
Here's a question for you? Does anyone 'get' Vampire Weekend?
While the critics raved about their eponymous debut album back in 2008, NME-Europe was a little bemused on two accounts; the general quality of the album itself and the media hype surrounding it. (Maybe being told this was a great album didn't suit me). Still, always prepared to give the benefit of the doubt, NME-Europe decided to give this quartet of New Yorkers another crack of the whip with 'Contra'.
The outcome? After a month of listening, it's still hard to tell!
It's hard to make up your mind on this one. Sometimes, it sounds great, yet others it's annoying. However, on the whole 'Contra' appears to be a step forward. Tracks like opener 'Horchata', the happy-go-lucky 'Holiday' or the frenetic 'Cousins' (see video below) are all decent ear candy and make good the self-proclaimed "Upper West Side Soweto" sound. Unfortunately, there are also one or two 'low points' where the band just seem to switch off or, at the very least, certain tracks don't seem to tie in well with the rest - 'Taxi Cab' and 'Diplomat's Son' spring to mind.
Perhaps Vampire Weekend might have benefitted from a release later on in the year, as this is the sort of album one would enjoy more on a sunny afternoon, cold beer in hand. Surely tracks like the aforementioned 'Horchata' or 'Holiday' would sound better around mid-July. However, there's no doubting that they've managed to put together an entertaining, if not magnificent album.
The question still begs. Does anyone 'get' Vampire Weekend? The answer: It's too late, they 'got' us first!
NME-Europe rating: 7/10 Top Track: 'Giving Up The Gun'
Los Campesinos!: 'Romance Is Boring' (Arts & Crafts)
1. In Medias Res
2. There Are Listed Buildings
3. Romance Is Boring
4. We've Got Your Back (Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #2)
5. Plan A
6. 200 - 102
7. Straight In At 101
8. Who Fell Asleep In
9. I Warned You: Do Not Make An Enemy Of Me
10. Heart Swells/100-1
11. I Just Sighed. I Just Sighed, Just So You Know
12. A Heat Rash In The Shape Of The Show Me State; Or, Letters From Me To Charlotte
13. The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future
14. This Is A Flag. There Is No Wind
15. Coda: A Burn Scar In The Shape Of The Sooner State
Just in time for the annual Valentine's Day massacre, welsh 7 piece Los Campesinos! present their third LP in a little over 18 months, the anti-thesis to all things luvvy-duvvy. 'Romance Is Boring' is as frantic as the previous releases - 15 tracks spanning little more than 48 minutes - and confirms the group's panache for depicting everyday occurrences in the most entertaining of musical lights.
'There Are Listed Buildings' lulls us into a false sense of security. Don't expect finesse on this album, because it is devoid of any - "...feels like the build up takes forever, but you never touch my cock" on 'Straight In At 101' pretty much sums up the general sexually charged atmosphere. At times, it's a bit like listening to a musical version of "The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 and 3/4" (remember that?), but for all it's brashness, there's something bizarrely catchy, almost addictive to 'Romance Is Boring'.
There's not much else to add. The review as direct and blunt as many of Los Campesinos!' tracks. They show no signs of maturity on this album, but that would boring, wouldn't it?
NME-Europe rating: 7/10 Top Track: 'Straight In At 101'
NME-Europe spent most of January marvelling at Delphic's spectacular debut 'Acolyte', but also had time to listen to a couple of other albums...
Delphic: 'Acolyte' (rating 8/10)
You won't be stopping at 'Red Lights', nor coming up for air as you enter the 'Acolyte' state of Delphicville and from there on you bounce along for the rest of the album, which shows no signs of weakness during the second half, where the likes of 'Counterpoint' keeping the momentum going. (Read more)
That wasn't all though.
Spoon: 'Transference' (rating 8/10)
Seven albums and more than 15 years down the line, these Texans still keep producing the goods. 'Transference' is raunchier than previous outings. If you like your riffs, you're not going to be disappointed.
Ok Go: 'Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky' (rating 7/10)
Chicago boys third album. Eclectic? Maybe. Chaotic? Sometimes. Funky? Hell yeah! Where you might expect Pixies, you get Prince! Worth a listen.
Tindersticks: 'Falling Down A Mountain' (rating 6/10)
Business as usual for Stuart Staples and Co. No surprises here, 45 minutes of mood swings and exquisite harmonies. It's not going to wake you up on a Monday morning, but it might soothe you after a hard day at the office.
First Aid Kit: 'The Big Black And The Blue' (Rating 5/10)
Debut from the Swedish Söderberg sisters. Sorry, but it doesn't do anything for me, too 'folky' by half.
"The man's site is well worth adding to your 'Favourites' menu - if you want to keep up with music goings on, read impartial and honest album reviews and stay abreast of the cream of the Myspace crop, then get on it. You might be the next Myspace Magic band if you're half good :)" (Loveday Fools)
"Online Review Site - Excellent Liverpool Content." (Liverpool Bands Friends)
"Nick is very nice and we loved his article. So thanks to Nick and give it a read." (The Scholars)
