Music Bloggery.

My Latest Obsession.....

2012-03-04T00:25:00.001-08:00

Recently I've had quite a few obsessions. I had decided to take a big 'ol nostalgia trip and get songs from when I first got into rock music. Music from The Wombats, Franz Ferdinand and even the first Friendly Fires album have been played constantly! However, there is one exception to this. I had always heard the band name 'Foals' thrown around quite a bit, but I had never got down to actually listening to them. So, I decided to break the trend and buy one of their albums - the 2008 release, 'Antidotes'.
I have to say, this album is one of my favourites now! Their music is the epitome of indie. It's just so catchy and the fact that it's not extremely upbeat is even better. I am now officially obsessed! Everyone should listen to two of their great singles - 'Cassius' and 'Olympic Airways'. I think 'Cassius' is just too cool for school and 'Olympic Airways' is just simply beautiful and heartfelt. I've also thrown in another single in there just for fun. Check it out and tell us what you think of Foals!

Twin Berlin - THERE GOES MY VIRTUE - EP Review! {☺}

2012-03-03T05:47:00.001-08:00

Twin Berlin, the Boston based indie, alternative rock band have hit the scenes once more with the release of their new EP, 'There Goes My Virtue'. With a band comprising of three members, Matt Lopez (vocals/guitar), Sean O’Neil (bass) and James Janocha (drums), their latest 2012 release sees the band not only gaining a whole lot more recognition, but also a more experimental, indie sound.
The band were lucky enough to get Travis Barker (drummer for the punk rock band Blink-182) to produce and record the EP as well as the late Mikey Welsh from alternative band Weezer creating the artwork for the band, which is quite amazing and will definitely help to get more recognition in the long run.
     I personally like the artwork as I feel it is colourful and quirky, which is completely different to the bands' previous albums, such as 'Youth Scenes', which were much more darker in both colour and sound. I actually like the way that the brightness of the artwork contrasts with the theme. For example, when listening to this album, I got the feeling that the theme is quite negative. Just reading the titles of the song gives the jig up. Songs like 'Don't Hang Around' and 'Give Up On Me' aren't necessarily about frolicking through the meadows on a bright summers day.
     When listening to the actual album,. I was surprised to find that the vocals of Lopez and the sound of the band sounded ridiculously similar to The Strokes. Then, when listening to it further, I thought that the vocals sounded similar to the vocals of Australian alternative rock band, Jet. There's nothing wrong with this, but perhaps the band need to develop more of their own individual sound, something that makes them set them apart from the other bands.
     Nevertheless, the fast-paced rhythms and repetitive hooks are very effective and it's not long until these songs have wormed their way into your head. While the first two songs on the EP are The Strokes meet Jet, the latter song has a slightly different sound. The intro has a slightly ambiguous feel to it as the guitar starts up and the bass joins in a few seconds later.
     Overall, I would award this EP 4/5 musicos! The music of the band itself is very good, however, like I've mentioned, the music does sound very similar to many other bands and I would suggest perhaps being a bit more experimental and try out different sounds and see which one works best.
     Check out their single from the EP and their thoughts on working with Travis Barker below!

Angeli Recommends; 'Can't Take, Take, Take', 'Don't Hang Around', 'Give Up On Me'

Two Door Cinema Club - TOURIST HISTORY - Album Review! {₪}

2012-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Tourist History, the debut studio album from the Northern Irish indie band, Two Door Cinema club, was released February 2010 and it was not without positive reviews. The indie band sky-rocketed to quick fame with the release of singles such as 'I Can Talk' and 'Undercover Martyn'.
When listening to this album, I thought that it was a vibrant, eclectic mix of fast-paced bass and guitar. Their music gives off quite a pop-punk, upbeat, techno sound. Especially when listening to the Deluxe Edition of the album. The normal edition of the album is comprised of 10 normal songs. However, the Deluxe Edition comprised of 11 remixes, more songs than on the actual album! I found this not only overwhelming, but slightly repetitive and pointless. Most bands usually feature a separate album for remixes, but I was a little surprised to find they would have all the remixes on the same album. That in mind, there's only one remix on there that I really loved. 'Come Back Home (Is Tropical Chilla Black Edit Remix)' has a real Dubstep style to it, and it instantly makes me want to get up and dance. Now I don't go clubbing a lot. In fact, I can't stand it. But if they played this song on repeat in a club, by golly I'd go there in a heartbeat. If you know what's good for you, check out the link below and give the remix a listen!

Two Door Cinema Club - Come Back Home (Is Tropical Remix)

The songs on the album are all really fast paced and there's no doubt about it, they're all pretty catchy too! However, when listening to all of the album, I found that it started to get a little repetitive. They used the same instruments in the same style and for some songs, you couldn't really tell them apart. Although, there were a few exceptions to this. Songs like 'Something Good Can Work' and 'Kids' sound slightly different from the rest of the album. 'Something Good Can Work' has a beach pop sound to it, and 'Kids' sounds much more powerful as opposed to the rest of the album.
So, because of the reasons given, I am awarding this album a 4/5 musicos! The sound of the band sounds very original and unique, however, given the fact that a lot of the songs sound the same slightly ruins the experience for me and it therefore becomes a little repetitive.

Angeli Recommends; 'Something Good Can Work', 'This Is The Life', 'Kids', 'I Can Talk', 'What You Know', 'Undercover Martyn', 'Come Back Home', 'Do You Want It All?'

Watch Out, It's Coming This Way! [Version Five]

2012-02-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

This week has been a great week for music. We've had the release of M.I.A.'s new music video, and now sees another one! That's right, if you hadn't guessed already, Coldplay released their video for the upcoming single 'Charlie Brown' from their 2011 release 'Mylo Xyloto'! The video features two young loves having fun and strolling the town. In the midst of all of this, Coldplay are playing in what seems to be a brightly coloured club. It's all a bit of old-fashioned fun, really. Accompanied by a peacefully beautiful song. Check it out!

Watch Out, It's Coming This Way! [Version Four]

2012-02-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

M.I.A. released her first single 'Bad Girls' from her untitled new album, to be released later this year. The artist, famously known for her 2008 hit 'Paper Planes' is planning on releasing her album in 2012. The video was officially released on the 3rd February 2012 and received popular ratings by the public, quickly gaining over one million views on YouTube. The song has influences from Asian instruments and has a middle eastern sound to it. With a great repeated hook ('Chain hits my chest when I'm banging on the dashboard'), it's hard for the song not to get in your head and with just one listen of the song, you're immediately hooked.

Watch Out, It's Coming This Way! [Version Three]

2012-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Bombay Bicycle Club have just released the video for their upcoming release from their third, most recent 2011 album, 'A Different Kind of Fix'. The track is called 'How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep', and it is the first track on the album, with hits such as 'Shuffle' and 'Lights Out, Words Gone', soon following after.
The video is a short animation film, created by director Anna Ginsberg, the video follows a little clay animation boy and his journey onto the moon and back. The way it's constructed is really quite beautiful and it works really well with the song. When I actually watched the video, the animation reminded me of the video for the song 'Bedshaped' by the British indie band, Keane. Check them both out below and see the similarities! Anyhow before I go on one of my classic tangents, I definitely recommend giving it a watch and going out and buying the album.

Exclusive: New Red Hot Chili Peppers Video!

2012-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

That's right, earlier today, the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers released their long awaited music video for their great track from the new album, 'Look Around'. This song is a fast paced uplifting song, which is quite synonymous of the band. The song is a typical concert song. By that, I mean that it's a great song to get the audience pumped up - the clapping in the chorus really proves this.
In terms of the video, it's a really cool, artsy style video that really outlines each band member's individual personality. The video features each band member in their own room. For example, there's Flea doing his signature crazy dance moves with an equally crazy lady, in one room, Anthony with his actual son, Everly Bear in another, Chad drumming and boxing away in a different room, and finally, Josh, the latest addition to the band, simply sitting in a darkly lit room, reading with a lamp. I love how they've brought all of their personalities together, by Anthony running through each room (2:30).
If you didn't know already, I'm a hardcore RHCP fan, or as I call it, THE RHCP fan! Although I agree it's no 'By The Way', the video itself is very interesting and inspiring in it's own right and I definitely recommend giving it a watch. If you're really interested in how it was made, make sure you check out the official making of video below the official music video.

Where'd They Go?! [Version One.]

2012-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd add a new segment for the blog. This segment simply discusses various rock artists and their seclusion from the music industry. Hence the title - 'Where'd They Go?!'. The idea for this segment came to me while I was thinking of the New Zealand born indie musician, Ladyhawke. I was introduced to her quirky, odd style of music when I first began listening to rock music. Made famous by her hit song, 'My Delirium.' and other acclaimed songs such as 'Paris Is Burning', 'Dusk 'Till Dawn' and 'Magic', this Kiwi girl is just getting started.
Ladyhawke's been away from the music scene from quite some time. Ever since she released her debut 2008 album, she's been out of the limelight for a while. It got me to wondering where she went to, and don't you worry music fans, Ladyhawke's planning on making her comeback this year! That's right, Ladyhawke's is planning on releasing her follow-up album on the 19th of March, and us fans can't wait!
If you've been living in a cave all of your life and don't know who Ladyhawke is, you should start by listening to her self-titled, 2008 debut album. Every song on the album is a new burst of synthesiser quirkiness. Check out the video for 'My Delirium' below. A real female equivalent to MGMT, I would say.

Watch Out, It's Coming This Way! [Version Two.]

2012-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm going to be pretty busy this month because I've got tons of school work and exams coming up, so I have to at least try to revise, therefore I might not post as much as I have been recently.
So, before I go on my little break for a while, I'd like to show you a song has recently grown on me. Now, I remember hearing it when it first came out, and I did like it. However, when I heard it more and more on the radio, I fell in love with it. This song is by new British alternative soul artist, Michael Kiwanuka, and it was released this year in 2012, as his second release. It's a truly beautiful song, stripped of any falsities. It's really just an acoustic song with a simple melody and simple lyrics, but the way Kiwanuka has brought them all together is really amazing. I know it's been done before, but I don't think it's been done quite like this.
Kiwanuka is definitely an artist to look out for in 2012. I can just tell this year is the year for him - when he will rise to fame.

The Maccabees - GIVEN TO THE WILD - Album Review!

2012-01-19T02:34:00.000-08:00

'Given To The Wild' is the new 2012 release from British indie rock band, The Maccabees. This is the third studio album release from the London based band. Recently described as 'quintessentially Maccabeean', many critics have instantly fallen in love with the album and given it 9/10, which I initially found quite surprising, coming from a slightly obscure indie band.
The whole sound of the album I found, was quite a transcendental eerie sound. When listening to this album, I got the feeling that this album is just one of those perfect albums to listen to while going to sleep. (In a good way!)
The band's first single from the album, 'Pelican' is fast paced, repetitive and just too damn catchy! I personally like the meaning of the song. How I interpreted it as was that we grow older, holding more and more responsibilities on our shoulders until we die. What's your interpretation? Have a go in the comments box! (;
The album starts off with a two minute instrumental, entitled 'Given To The Wild'. This then immediately carries on into the second song, 'Child'. 'Child' is one of those songs that starts off really peacefully, and continues doing so until it reaches the last minute or so, where it becomes more louder and builds into a crescendo-style instrumental. There's quite a few songs in the album that use this same technique and it's becoming to be typical of the band.
The album itself is a much more refined version of the band. If you have a listen to their older stuff on their album 'Wall of Arms', you'll find that it's quite a mish-mash of different ideas and I find they don't work as well as 'Given To The Wild. With better piano melodies on songs such as 'Ayla' and much more experimental, emotional lyrics, it makes for a much more pristine album.
However, there are a few things that didn't really stand out for me. For example, the title of the album is 'Given To The Wild', and as the album artwork suggests (a picture of a bushfire in a deserted area), you would think the sound would be more similar to the sound of their first album 'Colour It In', a more 'wild' sound, yet it is more peaceful and toned down. How can you be given to the wild if the sound is completely the opposite?
If you know me well, you'll know that I hate when you can't hear the lyrics of a song properly. With such a good sound, the fact that vocalist Orlando Weeks doesn't make an effort in actually enunciating his words and making sure that they're clear to the listener ruins the experience for me. It's only when I actually research the lyrics that I understand what he is saying fully and therefore enjoy the song a whole lot more. I just don't understand why there is such a style in indie music of having distorted vocals and not singing like a normal person.
Another point is that a lot of the songs have a habit of sounding similar to one another. I know this is bad of me, but it usually takes me a while before I become completely used to an album, and can be trusted to remember the song fully when I haven't listened to it recently. With this album, it took me about 10 listens before I remembered most the album off by heart, which tells you something really. I found that songs like 'Glimmer' and 'Heave' (to name a few), were too similar to one another, and I just hoped that they would have more experimental songs on the album, with it being called 'Given To The Wild'.
So, for the following reasons, I am awarding The Maccabees 'Given To The Wild' album a 4/5 musicos! A very good effort, but for me, still needed a but more something. There's potential for more hits, but there are no actual hits there, apart from 'Pelican'.

Angeli Recommends; 'Pelican', 'Child', 'Feel To Follow', 'Glimmer', 'Go', 'Slowly One', 'Grew Up At Midnight'

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Seven - Sunday!]

2012-01-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the final day of our '7 Days of Blink-182' segment. I've been saving this song for the last day as it is one of my favourite Blink-182 songs. It's simple, emotional (as always!) and it's sombre tone just leaves you in a morbidly pondering state.
The bass riff in the intro sways with your soul, and when I first listened to it, I became captivated by the song. The thing I love about it, is that it's not a quintessentially Blink-182 song and the fact that on the same album, you've got upbeat songs like 'All The Small Things' and 'What's My Age Again?' contrasts really well with this song.
The song marks the first step in Blink's road to maturity, later achieved on their 2003 self-titled album on songs like 'I Miss You' and 'Always'. With Hoppus' dark vocals and the strings on the guitar turned a step down, it's a song that delves much deeper into the thoughts of the band. With the rest of the album (Enema of The State) being quite upbeat and in quite a toilet humour style, this song runs away from that idea.
Once again, the lyrics are synonymous of Blink-182. You've got your simple yet effective lyrics which are poetic in their own way. (They should be, considering Mark Hoppus is an English Literature major!) The reason why I emphasise on the band's lyrics is because usually with a punk-rock band, they're more on the fun side (as Blink-182 are most of the time), however, they rarely delve into the more emotional side. The great thing about this band is that they're not scared of doing it, and they do it, is the main point I'm making here!
Anyhow, before I end up on a tangent, this song is definitely a song you've got to listen to. It's 'Adam's Song', if you non-Blinkers out there didn't guess already. Check it out below.

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Six - Saturday!]

2012-01-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

The penultimate day and yet another amazing great Blink-182 song. This song, 'Down' is released from the band's self titled 2003 album, which some people regard their best album (including me). I find the song quite similar to 'Feeling This'. Nevertheless, it is still a great song.
The repetitive singing of the word 'down' as the hook works really well, and doesn't fail to get into the listener's head straight away. According to guitarist Tom DeLonge, the song came from a picture he had in his head about a girl and a boy in a car with it raining outside (hence the repetition of the word 'down' in the chorus). The song is on the same album as 'I Miss You', but I find that it's still a great song and it's too underrated. It did feature on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, but quickly fell off, therefore the song received mixed success. The song begins with a great punk rock riff that is consistent throughout the song.
The video features the actor Terry Crews who you may recognise as playing the father in the TV sitcom 'Everybody Hates Chris' as a policeman entering a backyard party (in which the band are attending), in search of a gang member, resulting in a chase. It's another one for the books, so make sure you give it a watch!

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Five - Friday!]

2012-01-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

The video for today's song, I find hilarious. The video is like 'All The Small Things' part two, seriously. Today's song is 'First Date', from the 2001 release 'Take Off Your Pants And Jacket' and it features a parody-style video with the three band members.
It's got an awesome guitar hook which makes the song completely memorable. Once again, it's a song completely synonymous of Blink-182, and I believe it works so well. I personally like the contrast between the meaning of the song and the video itself. The song is quite a sweet song talking about new love. 'When you smile, I just can't wait, to take you out on our very first date.', yet the video is completely the opposite, and it's a nonsense video really, which is expected of this fun band. The video itself is hilarious and I love how the band just have fun without the need to make money. Anyhow, I won't bore you any longer, it's a great song, so listen to it! (That's an order, not a request!)

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Four - Thursday!]

2012-01-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

So we've had two of Blink-182's biggest hits, and now it's time to feature an equally good, but less known single. It's taken from the album 'Take Off Your Pants and Shirt' and it's a great rock classic. The video itself is really well done. Although the concept's been done before, it hasn't been done quite like this. It's your typical punk rock skater music video with a twist. Blink-182 get some cash from the record company, and the video is following them around showing us what they do with it.
The chorus, yet again, is catchy and the lyrics are simple yet effective, which is quite synonymous of the band. The fast paced, upbeat tempo will leave you jumping for more (even if you are jumping in your imagination).If you hadn't been on the ball, the song is 'The Rock Show'!
Yet another great Blink song that's well worth listening to!

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Three - Wednesday!]

2012-01-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

This is the third instalment of our '7 Days of Blink-182' segment and we've already featured one massive hit - time for another one! Today's song is one of the band's biggest hits, selling more singles than 'All The Small Things'. Although 'All The Small Things' gained more radio play, this song had more sells through singles. The song was a top ten hit single in the UK, peaking at number eight in the charts in 2004.
This song defines the new-found maturity of the band and it is the first of many heartfelt romantic Blink-182 songs to come. With a catchy chorus and beautifully simplistic lyrics which still manage to capture the raw yearning of love, this song is most definitely one of the band's most iconic songs and will be remembered for a very long time. If you hadn't guessed already, today's Blink-182 track is, 'I Miss You', and even if you think you haven't heard of it before, trust me, after listening to the chorus, you know that you've heard it before.

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day Two - Tuesday!]

2012-01-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

For day two of our '7 Days of Blink-182' segment, we're featuring one of the most popular Blink-182 hits which gave them more credibility, gaining popularity for their irrelevant sense of humour and catchy songs. That's right, if you hadn't guessed already, it's the 2000 release, 'All The Small Things'! This song is a great punk-rock classic, and the video is a great parody style which highlights the band's great sense of humour. Released from the band's 2000 album release 'Enema of the State', it is the band's highest-charting song of their career to date, teaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Make sure you check it out!

7 Days of Blink-182! [Day One - Monday]

2012-01-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, so to pay tribute to one of my favourite punk-rock bands who have been consistantly good throughout the years, we're feauring one outstanding song everyday this week by the wonderful, Blink-182! TNext week, who will it be, no-one (apart from me, really) knows! If you would like to request a band, feel free to comment below.

Today we're featuring the new Blink-182 track off the new 2011 release 'Neighborhoods', entitled 'After Midnight'. The reason this song is featured is because it's simple Blink-182 at it's best. The lyrics are similar to that of 'I Miss You'. Travis Barker (drummer) has actually stated how this song is his favourite of the new album and the band have agreed that it's like 'I Miss You' part 2. The song shows a much more mature Blink-182, as does the video. If you look at the band's older stuff, such as the video for 'Dammit', one of the band's first singles, you'll see the complete transformation from boys to men. The video features a boy and girl, both in a Youth Psychiatric Ward, both clearly have feelings for each other and they're just letting loose and having some fun, even if it is for a short while. It's quite sweet really. A very good song too, make sure you check it out in our first installment!

Orange Juice - RIP IT UP - Album Review - {◉}

2012-01-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

Orange Juice was a Scottish post-punk, new wave band, first formed in Glasgow, Scotland. 'Rip It Up' is the second studio album by the band, and it was first released in November 1982. This album features the self-titled song 'Rip It Up', which was the first and only song to feature in the UK Top 40 (It featured at no. 8).
     When you first listen to the album, you'll be confused yet intrigued as I was, simply because of the collaboration of odd, slightly dark vocals with upbeat synthesisers and extended saxophone solos. The modulated vocals of frontman Edwyn Collins work really well with the fast-paced guitar and rhythmic drums. Part of the reason I believe this album works really well, is because of the mash-up of upbeat, constantly changing melodies and almost unrealistic vocals with the poetry of the lyrics. The sound of the band is quite a nonsensical one, however, if you take a look at the lyrics, they are quite poetical in their own way. 'When I first saw you, Something stirred within me, You were standing sultry in the rain'. Yes, it's no Shelley or Poe, but they are beautifully simple in their own way.
      The album is a giant boiling pot of completely different songs, yet they all go together perfectly. For example, songs such as 'Breakfast Time', (a perfect nostalgia song by-the-by) is incredibly slow paced, and literally on the next track, it's the polar opposite and the pace is much faster on 'I Can't Help Myself' and 'Flesh of My Flesh'.
   'Rip It Up', is not a quintessentially indie album, so I came to discover. When listening to it fully, it reminded me of the African sounds of the modern American band, 'Fool's Gold'. It seems to me there is some sort of African language being spoken on 'A Million Pleading Faces' and 'Hokoyo' (correct me if I'm wrong), which made the tracks much more interesting and I think it's great how the band are so in tune with other cultures.
   In terms of themes, the album is very consistent. The title, derived from the self-titled first track on the album summarises the whole album and what it is inevitably all about, and the title for the track is taken from the lyric in the song 'Rip it up and start again'. Rip what up exactly, I don't know. It could be ripping up the time vortex to start again, or ripping up anything, really. It's all open for interpretation. (So make sure you share your interpretation in the comments section!). But initially, the album is about love and the loss of it. To be honest, I'm quite bored of the topic of love. I understand why people choose to write about it, because it is raw, human emotion, and because of various experiences, but to be honest, I'm tired of artists singing about love. It's a matter of opinion, but I'd like to see more artists talk about death and a completely opposite theme. It's very rare that music artists choose to do so, which is why it would be interesting to see.
     However, I did get the feeling that the band were trying too hard to come across odd and quirky when they're not at all. Collins' vocals seemed too staged and slightly melodramatic to me. For example, on the track 'Turn Away', Collins' vocals sound completely different to his vocals on songs such as 'Breakfast Time', and to be honest, I much prefer his vocals on 'Turn Away' - they sound much more natural.
   So, for the reasons given, I am awarding 'Rip It Up, a 4/5 musicos! Don't get me wrong, Orange Juice is a very good band and this album is very good. It simply boils down to a a matter of taste, and although I did enjoy the album, there were a few negative things that stood out in my mind. The great thing about this album and the band in itself is that there's no one genre that you can define them as. The frequent use of synthesisers on 'Hokoyo' would make you think 'Electronica', yet the extended saxophone solos on songs like 'I Can't Help Myself' make you think 'Jazz'.
Share your views in the comment box below!

Angeli Recommends; 'Rip It Up', 'A Million Pleading Faces', 'Turn Away', 'I Can't Help Myself' and 'Hokoyo'

Music Bloggery's Song of The Week - Week One!

2012-01-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

We've introduced a new feature here at Music Bloggery, and it's our song of the week! A song that pushes all the boundaries and is outstanding in our minds will be featured on the blog every week! This week it is 'Pelican' by the British indie rock band, 'The Maccabees'. This song is the first single off the band's new January 2012 release 'Given To The Wild', which will be released this Monday (9th January)! (I will be getting my hands on their new album and will be reviewing it soon, so watch this space!)
Pelican is a great song, with such a quintessentially indie chorus that it will leave you singing for more. The video itself is pretty odd, but it is pretty cool, if you do ask me. The Maccabees are definately a band to watch out for in 2012, so make sure you check out this great indie song!

Watch Out, It's Coming This Way! [Version One.]

2011-12-31T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hello to all you rock fans out there, wherever you are! You may be wondering where the album reviews are, but do not worry, need thou not be afraid. Instead of just supplying everyone with some stellar music reviews (if I do say so myself), I thought I'd do what I call 'chopping it up', and provide you with some brand new music recommended by me and that's set to come on your radios and TV sets pretty sharpish. So, here it is!

This week saw the release of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds new single 'If I Had a Gun...'. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds is Gallagher's new project after the definate break up of Oasis. Personally, the fact that you've got your own name in your band's title is a little pretentious and self-centered. Frankly, if he had just left the band title as High Flying Birds, it would have remained more poetic and mysterious.
The song itself is a beautiful melody perfect for a love song such as this. The intro itself has a 'Wonderwall' style riff, but when delving deeper into the song, the peaceful harmonies provide a subtle difference to the Oasis that we're all familiar with. Oddly, one thing did catch my attention when listening to this song. Whenever I listen to a specific song, it tends to remind me of another song because of the striking similarities. When listening to this cirtain song, I was reminded of the Fool's Gold track 'Lantern'. These two songs both have a ridiculously similar sound, and both have a swaying, sombre melody that leaves the listener morbidly singing along towards the end (If you haven't heard of Fool's Gold, you should definitely do so now. We've reviewed their album, so give that a read and check it out.).
One distinctive aspect of the song is the lyrics. At times beautifully heartfelt and poetic, the lyrics marry well with the simple, slow riffs of the acoustic guitar. 'Cause you're the only God I'd ever need.' It's a raw, emotional song, stripped of any convoluted meaning. However, the song doesn't achieve complete poetic genius. One of the lyrics states 'If I had a gun I'd shoot a hole into the sun, leave a burning city down for you'. Now I don't know what your opinion is on that, but giving the one you love a burning city isn't the loveliest of things. Yes, the meaning's there, but I was just hoping that perhaps there would be more of a romantic metaphor.
So in summary, this is a song you better watch out for! It's a song that you know will end up in some romantic comedy eventually, nevertheless, it's a very good song, and you'll most likely be hearing of it a lot more in the coming days.

Cruel Young Heart - EP - Album Review! {◆}

2011-12-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

Cruel Young Heart are an unsigned indie rock band, originating from Vancouver B.C. Formed in 2010, they've recently released a self-titled EP earlier this year (September 2011) which can be streamed free on their website (http://cruelyoungheart.bandcamp.com/).
Now I was actually requested to conduct this review, so I wasn't really sure what to expect from the band. However, once I listened to the complete album, I instantly loved it. You'll be immediately intrigued with the catchy choruses and simple experimentation of synthesisers.
The song that really stood out for me was 'Don't Come Any Closer', simply because I love how the raw emotion portrayed in the lyrics contrasts with the upbeat tempo of the drums and synthesisers.
The EP only has 5 tracks, which is expected from a EP, especially if that EP is a debut release. However, I did find that the songs are vaguely similar to one another and I did find myself listening to the album quite a few times until it stuck in my head. Perhaps this is just because the band are getting their sound out to the public, but I do think they should try a more varied mix of musical styles. From listening to the album, I felt that their musical style was completely the same in every song, except for a slight difference here and there.
Once you listen to songs like 'Nighttime Glow', you'll be pleasantly surprised by the excellent fusion of guitar riffs and synthesisers. The band have adapted a simple yet effective style that works really well for them. Repeat the hook enough times, and there you go, you've got a catchy song. (;
The vocals of frontman James Blackmon reminded me slightly of Simple Plan vocalist Pierre Bouvier. I do admire the vocals, the slightly edgy-punk vocals on songs like 'Don't Come Any Closer' mixed with the more softer notes on songs like 'The Hardest Way' fuse together nicely. I did feel however, there wasn't much vocal range achieved on the album. It seemed like the vocals stayed at one level and didn't offer much to the listener.
One thing I really like about the band are the lyrics. Unlike some other modern bands, they have meaning and delve deep into the theme of the album - love. I also appreciate the consistency in terms of theme in this album. As the band name suggests, it's all about the darker side of love and all the songs in this EP follow through that theme, rather than becoming contradictory like many other bands.
Moreover, the album art is really eye-catching. From my personal photographer/webpage designer's point of view, I believe it to be very eye catching and edgy. The photograph itself has great meaning and I love how it can be interpreted in many different ways. I agree with the colour choice of the album title, yet I don't quite agree with it's placement. If it was smaller and more centered perhaps, it wouldn't detract attention from the actual photograph which in itself is quite beautiful.
So in conclusion, for the reasons provided, I am awarding Cruel Young Heart a great 4/5 musicos! It's a good album, but there are improvements to be made which is purely because of the fact that it is a debut EP. However, for a debut release, it's a brilliant effort! But, (and there is a giant but), I think that if the band don't experiment more with different beats that they have a danger of becoming an average band that sounds like the dozens of other bands out there. That's part of the reason most bands don't get signed - there's a carbon copy of them that are already famous and selling millions of records. Record companies need a strong reason to sign a band; they need the confidence to know that a band will make them money. Which is why I strongly advise the band to try a variation of different sounds.
That this band need to hurry up and get signed, because I can see great things in their future! (or so my psychic powers tell me).

Angeli Recommends; 'Don't Come Any Closer', 'Nighttime Glow', 'The Hardest Way', 'All The Stars'

The Strokes - ANGLES - Album Review! {¬}

2011-12-11T02:19:00.001-08:00

'Angles' was released earlier this year (March 2011). The fourth studio album to be released by American indie rock band, The Strokes, it is the first since their previous release 'First Impressions of Earth' in 2006. 'Angles' was the longest gap The Strokes have had in between albums. However, I believe 'Angles' was worth the wait. No doubt it is more of an experimental album in terms of instruments, but it's a positive cacophony of various beats and synthesisers which combine to make one great mixed up album. There are more overdubbed guitars and lead vocalist Julian Casablancas can be heard experimenting with various vocal layers which adds more of a depth and makes for an interesting sound. Casablancas said in relation to the new album: "Sonically, I feel it's the album which should have been made between 'Room on Fire' and 'First Impressions of Earth'" and I completely agree. The band have not necessarily developed a new, refined sound (although this album does sound quite refined), they've stuck to their roots and followed the style of their 2001 release, 'Is This It'.
     When you first listen to the album, you'll be taken aback by the interesting guitar melodies, synthesisers and Farfisa keyboards broken up by a few sombre, melancholy songs such as 'Life Is Simple In The Moonlight' and 'Call Me Back', while maintaining a small element of rock.
     The album cover as well as the album art suggests a element of perplexity. Personally, I think this concept is a little pretentious. I got the feeling it's a little attention seeking, almost as if they were trying to say 'Hey, look at us, we're weird and cool. Like us!'. While the theme itself is coming across quite odd and disjointed, the music in the album is quite the opposite. The structure of the songs is quite basic and has your basic rock elements which I found was quite contradictory to the album art and theme. (Comment if you disagree!)
   One of my personal favourite songs on this album is 'Two Kinds of Happiness'. The introduction of those eerie harmonies sets a tingle down your spine and the calming yet sceptic vocals of Casablancas reassure the listener.
     While I believe this album to be a great collaboration of experimenting with instruments while keeping it simple, I do have one little niggling criticism. Now if you don't know already, I cannot stand vocalists who don't pronounce words properly! I know it sounds stupid, and some would say this is the attraction to indie music in the first place, but if I can't hear the words of a song, I can't enjoy it as much and it just ruins most of the experience for me. Casablancas isn't too bad, however, on a few songs such as 'Games', I find the words just impossible to understand in parts. Yet, in other sections, I can hear the lyrics completely. You may disagree, but it's just something that drives me up the wall! ;D
   So, for the reasons provided, I've decided to rate 'Angles' a mid/high 4/5 musicos! I love the whole sound of the album, but I do wish it didn't contradict with the album theme and I wish Casablancas would develop a new style of delivery, as I'm not too fond of his current one. If you're new to The Strokes, you should definitely listen to 'Under Cover of Darkness', their first single from the album.

Make sure to comment if you agree/disagree on anything I've said, and to share your views either here or on the chat box in the sidebar!

'Angles' In One Sentence: An exuberant, odd cacophony of interesting riffs and memorable hooks.

Angeli Recommends: 'Machu Picchu', 'Under Cover of Darkness', 'Two Kinds of Happiness', 'Taken For a Fool', 'Gratisfaction' and 'Life Is Simple In The Moonlight'

Paramore - BRAND NEW EYES - Album Review! {♠}

2011-12-03T11:57:00.001-08:00

Paramore, the Tennessee based pop punk band released their album 'Brand New Eyes' in 2009, and it was not without great success. Of course, Paramore was already used to success, as their 2007 release 'Riot!' got them to where they are today and it is the album when they received recognition and skyrocketed to fame.
     It's because of this fame that I believe this album isn't as good as their previous ones. Paramore used to make music because they enjoyed it, and now on 'Brand New Eyes', it just feels like they're trying to re-create all their old hits to try and make some money (I mean, singing songs like 'Decode' for Twilight?!). It also seems like it's too much about Hayley Williams (vocals) and not enough about the rest of the band. If you take a look at the video for 'Brick by Boring Brick', you'll see how much footage there is of Williams as opposed to the rest of the band.
     Initially, I felt there's the Paramore 'edge' that's lacking on this album. Whereas the previous two albums, 'Riot!' and 'All We Know Is Falling', didn't have Williams' extremely high range of vocals on songs such as 'All I Wanted', they were still much better musically and with meaning. I find that they delved deeper within the morbid aspect of love, and on this new album, it just seems to be a mish-mash of different emotions that don't work together very well. Songs like 'Looking Up' and 'All I Wanted' act as an oxymoron. You can't say that you're happy with life, and then literally yell out 'All I wanted was you'. Personally, it just doesn't work.
     No doubt that as a standalone album, it is very good and has many different aesthetics and sounds which sound well together - but when comparing it with their older albums, 'Brand New Eyes' is nothing. Like many bands, they seem to be repeating themselves in terms of themes. It seems to be all about lost love with this band. Yes, this is an interesting concept to write about, I just wish they would learn to experiment with different themes more.
     However, I do believe it is a good album as it is more of a refined Paramore. I do love their first single from the album, 'Ignorance', as it's a complete teenage angst song, and who doesn't love that?! (Apart from grumpy old men, of course.) Also, I believe that the lyrics for this song are really effective. Lyrics such as 'Where's your gavel? Your Jury? What's my offence this time? You're not a Judge, but if you're gonna judge me, well sentence me to another life'. They're really catchy and have some sort substance. The hook is repeated about a dozen times, it's hard not to get it in your head! I must admit, in all honesty, Williams' song writing is much more better on this album than on their older material.
      In terms of the music, it is pretty decent, but nothing special. Like I said previously, it's been done before. By themselves!
     So, for the above reasons, I believe the album to get a 4/5 musicos. Paramore do have a very addictive sound, but they just need to broaden their horizons more and just get a little knock back down to Earth. I recently heard a story from a close friend of mine - her brother had the chance to meet Williams' and apparantly she came across as quite rude and uppity, which I didn't seem to like at all. Looks to me as if the fame really has gone to their heads. Comment if you disagree, or just let me know your thoughts!

Angeli Recommends: 'Ignorance', 'Brick By Boring Brick', 'Where The Lines Overlap', 'All I Wanted', 'The Only Exception', 'Misguided Ghosts' and 'Where The Lines Overlap'

Fool's Gold - LEAVE NO TRACE - Album Review! {☼}

2011-12-03T03:48:00.001-08:00

Fool's Gold are a fairly new Los Angeles based indie band emerging to the music scene in 2009, with the release of their debut album 'Fool's Gold'. Then earlier this year saw the release of 'Leave No Trace', one of their stellar achievements to date. Although I have not had a chance to listen to their previous album and therefore cannot compare the two, I believe this album is an amazing array of different musical sounds.
     What Fool's Gold are best at doing is creating a great fusion of Western 80's pop styles and African melodies and rhythms. I was lucky enough to see them back in November when they were warming up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and they were brilliant! Their interaction with the audience and clap-forcing beats made every aspect of the concert phenomenal. Also, it surprised me how humble and modest they are, because they acknowledged my constant screaming by waving at me! (;
When you first listen to this album, you'll be blown away by the amazing variation of their music. From memorable guitar riffs in songs like 'Leave No Trace', to sharp harmonies in songs like 'Street Clothes', it all works so well. The mesmerising riffs of Lewis Pesacov (guitarist) and intoxicating vocals of Luke Top are a force not to be reckoned with. The swerving range of vocals and guitar melodies float away with the listener and as cliche as it sounds, makes you feel at one with the music. Each song is a new melody and rhythm and doesn't sound like it's predecessor.
     One of the songs, 'Tel Aviv', is spoken in Hebrew and constantly alternates to English. Personally, I love the fact that Top chose to do this, it just shows how proud he is about his roots and is not afraid to hide it! It offers something new and interesting to the listener and this almost epitomises the meaning of Fool's Gold.
     The theme of this album is quite an upbeat, lively one. All the songs make you want to get up and dance without even trying. I personally like how there is one exception to the theme. The song 'Lantern' is a peaceful, arms-in-the-air, ballad type song, without going over the top. I think it's a really beautiful song that shows another side of this mysterious band.
      From an indie band, you would expect the lyrics to be somewhat inconsistent and of a simple style. However, Fool's Gold create a feeling of meaning that other bands lack. My personal favourite lyric is from the song 'Wild Window', that says: 'No, you have not ruined me yet, despite all your best efforts.' It's a complete 'you won't knock me down' song.
      Therefore, for the reasons given, this is why I'm giving Leave No Trace 5/5 musicos. This is only their second album, and you can tell that they have got so much more to give, and I can't wait! I'm definitely not psychic, but I can tell that this band are going to achieve fame pretty soon.

Leave a comment to share your views or if you disagree on anything I've said.

Angeli Recommends: 'Wild Window', 'Leave No Trace', 'Narrow Sun', 'Tel Aviv', 'Mammal', 'Lantern' and 'Balmy'

Foster The People - TORCHES - Album Review! {♥}

2011-11-26T05:21:00.001-08:00

'Torches' is the debut album from American indie band, Foster The People. First founded by Mark Foster (vocals), Foster The People found success virally, through the release of their hip-popping, body-jiving single 'Pumped Up Kicks'. The song achieved great success in 2010, and they were eventually signed on to Columbia Records.
It's hard to define a genre when listening to Foster The People - you could call them pop, but then again, you can call them indie, or even dance! Whatever genre they are, their tracks on every song featured on this album makes you want to get up and dance frantically.
   Initially, this album does seem like an experimental album, but who's to say that's a bad thing? Yes, it's experimental, but it's the result of good experimenting! The various different weaving tunes obviously created by programmed synthesizers are modern, yet adrenaline-racing.
     If you're a beginner to Foster The People and have only really heard them through 'Pumped Up Kicks', when you get their album, you'll think 'Pumped Up Kicks' is nothing compared to songs such as 'Waste', 'Call It What You Want' and 'Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)'!
   What I believe Foster The People are best at doing is creating catchy, rhythmic hooks with positively dreary verses. Songs such as 'Helena Beat' achieve this. The drums of the band are instantly memorizing when you listen to songs like 'Houdini' and have you fist pumping almost immediately. This can especially be heard in songs such as 'Life on The Nickel' - it's beat is so unbelievably catchy!
     However, I do advise you, if you're one for meaningful lyrics that can be heard most of the time, Foster is not a band that can achieve that 100%. Although I am awarding this album 5/5 musicos, it is a low 5/5. (If that's possible!). What slightly deterred me from the band is the delivery of lyrics by [Mark] Foster, sometimes so incomprehensible that it stops you from enjoying the song completely. I also seemed to notice a little similarity in between songs which is never a good sign. The band could be in serious danger of repitition in the near future. However, we still need to bear in mind this is Foster's first album, and they've got so much more to give, so we'll have to wait and see!
     The only critism I would give to this album is that 10 tracks is way too stingy! So, if I were you and hadn't listened to this band yet, I would definately go out, buy this album, and fall in love!

Angeli Recommends: 'Helena Beat' (The vocals may shock you at first!), 'Pumped Up Kicks', 'Call It What You Want', 'Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)', 'Waste', 'Life on The Nickel'

Check out the newly released music video for 'Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)' below!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'M WITH YOU - Album Review!

2011-11-25T03:09:00.001-08:00

Red Hot Chili Peppers are a psychedelic, funk rock band, first formed in 1983 in California, Los Angeles when attending Fairfax High School. They were originally formed by Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Michael ‘Flea’ Bulzary (bass), Jack Irons (drummer), and Hillel Slovak (guitar), who was a close, long-term friend of Kiedis and Flea. He later died of Heroin overdose which sparked a new found sense of reformation in Kiedis. The band has had a lot of struggles in terms of battling drug addictions and fame, however, with the release of ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ (1991), the world had realised what they had been missing and finally wanted in on the world of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
     Over the years, guitarists have come and gone. One of the most memorable and most possibly influential guitarists who has recently left the band (it was made official in 2009), was John Frusciante. Recently made No. 72 in the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarist list, it could be argued that he gave the Chili’s their definitive sound. However, although Frusciante left the band in previous years for negative reasons, this time, he left on a positive note of developing his solo career, and the band respected that. Frusciante’s replacement, Josh Klinghoffer was introduced to the public in January of 2010 when the band performed for the first time with the new line up at the MusiCares event in the same year. After taking a hiatus of about three years, the Chili’s finally announced their comeback to the world, and after hitting the studio and creating up to 70 songs (though most were just experimental and were not actually featured on the album), they released their brand new album – I’m With You in August 2011.
     The album artwork for this album was created by Damien Hurst and as you can see to your right, the cover is of a fly on a pill saying ‘I’m With You’. The artwork itself can be interpreted in many ways, and I believe that the meaning of this artwork is that that pill, which symbolises the disgust of drugs and drug abuse, is highlighted by the fact that an insect that is considered disgusting (the fly) is sat on this pill and the message itself is quite a positive one – just don’t take drugs, it’s not nice! Kiedis himself stated that this album has more of a positive theme, as opposed to their previous albums.
     Anyhow, moving on to the main subject, the album is the first to feature Klinghoffer, and it is when we see his true skills as a guitarist - songs such as ‘Monarchy of Roses’ and ‘Dance, Dance, Dance’ feature great guitar riffs, both memorable and catchy in their own way. Earlier this year, Flea studied music at University level, and developed his passion for the piano – this new found talent and passion can be heard immediately. ‘Happiness Loves Company’ is an example of Flea’s great skills as a pianist and musician and it gives the Chili’s a style that they’ve never had before. Even Kiedis is on form in this album; his lyrics have a level of meaning and emotion that left me shocked how he had never wrote like this before. ‘Police Station’ is a great example of Kiedis’ new lyricism and yes, I am saying this, but it just might be the new ‘Under the Bridge’. I personally love this album; it is full of great melodies and riffs that cannot instantly be identified as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
     They have proven to be on form once again, and with Klinghoffer, they have much more of a refined and somewhat mellow tone. Could it be that the Chili’s have toned down the funk? Maybe, but it could mean that their music is now better than ever? (Comment if you disagree!)
     However, and there is one big however - The album seems to be lacking something; there’s some sort of void. Frusciante was the driving force that gave the Red Hot Chili Peppers their amazing sound and some of their biggest hits, and since that force is gone, it doesn’t really seem the same. There is no potential hit song in this album, they all seem to be songs that have potential, but are not quite there yet. As much as I love this album, I don’t believe that it was worth fans waiting almost five years for. For that reason, I am giving this album, 4/5 musicos!

Angeli Recommends: 'Factory of Faith', 'Dance Dance Dance', 'Happiness Loves Company', 'Annie Wants A Baby', 'Did I Let You Know?', 'Look Around', 'Police Station'

Coldplay - MYLO XYLOTO - Album Review! {♰}

2011-11-20T03:49:00.001-08:00

Coldplay are a Grammy award winning British indie band, forming in University College London by lead guitarist Jonny Buckland and frontman Chris Martin in 1996. The band introduced themselves to the world with the release of their debut album 'Parachutes' (2000). It was in this album that they then released the song that would make them one of the most popular bands in the world - 'Yellow'.
   Their new album however, Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-low zye-low-toe) is anything far from yellow. Its colourful album art summarises the whole theme and tone of the album itself. Songs like 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart' and 'Hurts Like Heaven' feature beautiful melodies and hooks that are synonymous of Coldplay. Part of the reason I personally love this album is because a new story is unraveled for each new song. Chris Martin explained how he and the band wanted a more cheerful theme on this album, and despite a few exceptions, this is completely true. 'Up In Flames' is the only exception to this, and I believe that it just might be the new 'The Scientist'. The song has an extremely simplistic harmony yet it works ever so well, especially when combined with Martin's reassuring, calming voice.
    My undeniable favourite song on this album HAS to be 'Paradise'. After listening to it just once, you're hooked and you want more. The chorus is incredibly catchy, and the background harmonies have you reaching for the play button once again. Another reason why this song is my personal favourite is because of the deep meaning - it can be interpreted in so many ways, and it's such a beautiful meaning. 'When she was just a girl, she expected the world, but it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep, and dreamed of para-para-paradise.' Like I said before, a new story is unraveled, and it's done in such a beautiful way. Mat Whitecross, the director of the 'Paradise' music video has created such a great concept and idea and constructed it so well. It is definitely a must watch! (See link below)
Now I know some of you may dislike Coldplay because they're TOO 'middle class' (by the term middle class, I mean they can come across quite posh, rich and snobby to some) and uppity since Martin married Paltrow, but haven't they always been middle class? If you watch the music video for 'Yellow' you'll see they are quite middle class, although they don't show it immediately. Many people hate Martin for his donations to society and helping the less fortunate as they see it as his way of being pretentious, but if you look deeper, you'll realise that Martin is so humble and genuinely helping the less fortunate. If a person is doing a good deed, why should they be judged for it?
    Coming back from my tangent, although I may seem as if I worship this album, I do not. The reason I have awarded this album only 4/5 musicos is because it lacks something for me. There is some sort of void that is not being filled. Their previous 2008 release, 'Viva La Vida and Death To All His Friends' was a truly amazing album, which seemed to have perfected and mastered all aspects of music. Mylo Xyloto however, seems to lack the Coldplay touch whatever 'it' is. It seems somewhat of an experimental album. Of course, that is no crime, but if you're leaving your fans waiting for the best part of 3 years, you should give them a little more worth waiting for. Songs such as 'Princess of China' are good, but the fact that they've featured Rhianna in the song speaks for itself. They're not content with having their worldwide indie fanbase and being one of the most popular bands in the world, they want to get even more of a mainstream fanbase. Yes, Coldplay have always been mainstream, but they weren't trying to be - the masses just loved their music! Now, it seems almost as if they know they are and don't really care. Correct me if I'm wrong - feel free to leave a comment.
   If you're a new Coldplay-er I recommend listening to 'The Scientist', 'Viva La Vida', 'Yellow' and 'Fix You'.

Angeli recommends: 'Paradise', 'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall', 'Hurts Like Heaven', 'Up In Flames', 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart'

The Drums - PORTAMENTO - Album Review! {⋆}

2011-11-13T04:06:00.001-08:00

Portamento is The Drums' first studio album after the release of self-titled debut album 'The Drums' (2010). No doubt that Portamento is completely different to that of their first release. The album begins with the catchy song, 'Book of Revelations' and the rhythmic bass and the background harmonies are toe-tappingly addictive. As you delve deeper within the album, the theme seems to be one of self-loathing and cynicism. Other critics seem to despise the fact that The Drums have such a downbeat theme when they were expecting 60's style peace and love in this album. Personally, I think these critics are completely wrong. Some artists find contentment in morbidity and they find inspiration in it, so what's wrong in doing so?

The album itself is filled with a lot more memorable hooks and choruses, especially 'Money', one of the first singles released from the album. And what a good decision it was! Although the rest of the album becomes dreary and repetitive, 'Money' stands out from the crowd. It's great guitar and bass melody re-enforce the Morrissey-like vocals of frontman Jonathan Pierce. Another great breakthrough song from the album is 'I Need a Doctor'. The great uplifting, bouncy melody and lyrics give a great sense of a decent into madness and simply re-enforces once again the meaning of the whole song.

However, The Drums' major downfall on this album was the lack of meaning in lyrics. Lyrics such as 'You hit me yesterday, and you made me cry', lack poetic structure and underlying meaning that all the great songs have. Part of the reason The Drums will never be as successful as Grammy award winning bands such as Coldplay is because of their very simple choice of words. Yes, this is part of the attraction to the band, but if they want to gain a wider audience, better lyrics are the way to go. Come to think of it, most of the songs on this album are filled with extended oohs and aahs as opposed to actual lyrics.

Overall, this album is a very good album, but when listening to it, I feel as if there is a void that can only be filled with the joyous merriment of the band's previous album. This, and various other reasons provided, is why I have awarded it 4/5 Musicos (my very inventive word for music notes!).

If you are new to the world of The Drums, I would highly recommend listening to their first album,'The Drums', and then move on to 'Portamento' once you have become used to their style. (;

Angeli Recommends: The songs I recommend from the album are 'Days', 'Money', 'Hard To Love', 'I Need a Doctor' and 'How It Ended'.