CONTENTS p2. What’s Hot? What’s Not? Audio Addict iPod. Tweets p3. Imperfect Silence Q&A
p4. The Hobbit p5. Adele Overtakes Pink Floyd. Stevie Wonder at Bestival
p6 - 9. Cardinals p10 - 13. Cancer Bats p14. Grouplove p16 - 19. Unsigned p20 - 27. Reviews
Editor’s Letter
Editorial Eloise Woodward - Editor Tom Hutchin - News Editor Mikaela Osborne - Designer Raven Lyness - Features Editor
Hello everyone and welcome to 12th edition of Audio Addict. This issue has a section dedicated to unsigned artists that we suggest you have a little gander at. After all, they are the stars of the future! We also have a great feature on Cardinals, a local upand-coming band, as well as a Q&A with Cancer Bats. Don’t forget to check out our reviews section too! The Audio Addict team hope you have an awesome Easter and over-indulge on chocolates and sweeties - as we will be. For now, sit back, relax and enjoy the magazine! Eloise
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not representative of the university and are the views of the individual contributors. Southampton Solent University cannot be held responsible for the views expressed in this magazine. 1 Audio Addict
What’s Hot? Johnny Depp and Marilyn Manson to record duet of ‘You’re So Vain’ for Manson’s new album.
What’s Not? Engelbert Humperdinck is to be our Eurovision entry this year.
Tweets of the week: Brendon Urie @brendonboydurie
I am trying to improve my real-time-update skills for twitter. Starting now: I just ate a sandwich and it was tasty.
Sean Smith @SeanSmithSucks
we got wristbands for sale now over at dirtylove.bigcartel.com get em quick cos we ain’t making anymore. [:D]
James McMahon @jamesjammcmahon
The new Doctor Who companion is announced today. I really hope the rumours are true and it is actually @SeanSmithSucks!
Eloise: The Overtones
THE AUDIO ADDICT
Tom: Them Crooked Vultures
IPOD
Mikaela: Burial Raven: Toploader
Here at Audio Addict we are all avid music fans. Here is what the editorial team has been listening to over the last few days...
2 Audio Addict
In Perfect Silence Q&A
In perfect Silence
You’ve played a few local gigs, how were they?
What has I.P.S been up to so far in 2012? We have secretly been tucked away in the studio recording a few new songs for people, we have a cover which will probably be out by the time this is published, a single called Separate which we are doing a music video for, and then a couple of other tracks too! You’ve been recording new material, what can fans expect? These songs are HEAVY, a lot heavier than our older stuff thats for sure! More breakdowns, more grooving riffs, more breakdowns ... it could almost be breakdown central with this new material Has your sound evolved since the band formed? Most definitely, the new songs we have recorded recently, are ones that have been written with our current lineup, so there are different influences compared to the older material which does seem very dated and not as heavy anymore.
Yes we have, we just played Soul Cellar for the battle for Takedown 2012 the other week. It was an awesome show, unfortunately we didn’t get through but the bands that did more than deserved it and we had a good time anyway! What’s in store for the band for the rest of the year? Releasing (may already be out by the time you read this) a cover of a very well known pop tune with guest vocals from Sean Scott from Doomed From Day One, releasing the new single with a music video, that’s coming around April time I believe, then we are hoping for our first UK tour, been scouting some venues we’d love to play so hopefully that comes together after the video! Then it’s just on to finishing our 2nd EP, which is gonna be music faster, heavier, more melodic than our first EP, and definitely gonna shock a few people 3
Audio Addict
HOPP- IT?
WWW.thehobbitpub.co.uk Stephen Fry and Sir Ian McKellen to visit The Hobbit. After confirmation from Stephen Fry’s business partner, Stephen Fry and Sir Ian McKellen will be visiting The Hobbit pub, Southampton. They intend to visit once the filming for the new movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is over. Saul Zaentz Company, who owns the copyright to all of Tolkien’s works, including the movies and merchandise, sent a letter to The Hobbit requesting the local pub to relinquish its name due to copyright laws.
express their opinion on the current lawsuit between Saul Zaentz Company and The Hobbit. Fry posted: “Honestly, @savethehobbit, sometimes I’m ashamed of the business I’m in. What pointless, self-defeating bullying.” McKellen later joined in by posting on his blog: “It’s clearly not a place to ill-treat hobbits, elves, dwarves and wizards, in any way. So what’s the problem?” and thought of the lawsuit as ‘unnecessary pettiness’.
A local campaign called ‘Save the Hobbit’ has been set up on social networking sites to save the pub from re branding or shutting down due to the lawsuit. The campaign has had immense support by over 57,500 people on Facebook alone.
Since the ‘Save The Hobbit’ campaign, Saul Zaentz Company has offered to settle the dispute amicably. They have offered that the pub pay a nominal annual licence fee of $100, approximately £63, to keep the name. Both Fry and McKellen have offered to pay this fee as well as visit the pub once filming is finished in July, according to Stephen Fry’s business partner.
The two actors have also taken to the internet to
By Raven Lyness
4
Audio Addict
Adele over takes Pink Floyd in all time best selling album’s list NME.com According to the Official Charts Company, Adele’s second ‘21’ has over taken Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of The Moon” and is now comfortably nestled in the number seven in the UK’s Biggest selling albums of all time list. ’21’ has sold 4.14 million copies since it’s release on January 24th 2011. Tom Hutchin
Stevie Wonder at Bestival The soul legend that is Stevie Wonder is set to headline Bestival this year. It will be a rare appearance for the 25 Grammy Award winner and will give his many fans the opportunity to see him perform live without travelling thousands of miles. Although he could be considered an unusual artist to add to a festival line up, he will appeal to the masses and many people, young and old, have listened to his music. NME.com
Also on the bill are New Order, The XX and Friendly Fires.
Audio Addict
5
On one of the hottest days in Southampton, since winter, I met up with Southampton Solent Uni band Cardinals – well, three quarters of them! As limited studios were available that day, we congregated in a pokey studio (on campus) that had no air conditioning or window. It has been a year since Cardinals released their self-titled debut EP and with talks of a new single, could there be another EP on the way? Cardinals began life in 2010, playing their first show together in the November of that year. Since then they have gone a couple of line-up changes and vocalist, Pattrik, has graduated from Solent. Neil explains how the original members came together, “The two original guys jammed together. Me and Patt replied to an ad. in the music block and it went from there.” Matt and Jake replaced the previous “I think you’d be bassist and drummer respectively at the end of last year. They quite zesty Neil” each explained how they got involved in the band. Matt: “Me and Neil met in first year (at Solent Uni) and I’d always liked the band. They needed a replacement bassist for one gig so I filled in and I worked my way into the band like that.” Jake: “I found an advert for a drummer and emailed the band.” The band plays music which has been described by some as being similar to Bloc Party; others liken it to early Snow Patrol. Cardinals call in Progressive Indie. When asked about their individual music tastes, it appears that it differs per band member. As Matt says: “It spices it up a little bit I guess.” As well as gigging, the guys try to meet up at least once a week to practise, which, for the time being, is simple enough as three of them are students and Patt works, but lives pretty-much locally. Although, it is only a few months until Neil and Matt also graduate. Although, it is only a few months until Neil and Matt also graduate. Talking about changes between their debut EP and the prospective single, Cardinals explain that they have now found the sound that they had been looking for and have really pushed themselves to work hard at their music. Neil says how they are a lot more active and enjoy performing at gigs, of which several are coming up in the near future at venues in the South of England. They all agree that they try not to perform in Southampton too often; Jake says:”We don’t want to keep over-playing places. We want to keep people interested and keep spreading the word”.
Audio Addict
7
Cardinals At the moment the band aren’t keen on making an album, mostly due to the effort and finances. Which is understandable, being a student myself I know we have little money and spend a lot of time studying hard... Of course one day they hope to produce an album, when it is viable to do so. Until then, they are intending to delight us with a new single and possibly even an accompanying music video in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled! As many Solent students are aware, it was SMILE week recently. Naturally Cardinals were top of the bill at the ‘Smile in the Square’ mini-festival event, which the guys thoroughly enjoyed playing at. However they felt it a bit bizarre taking to the stage after Fly, Frankie, Fly – another great Solent Uni band. For those of you who wish to know the answer to more obscure questions, I discovered that if Neil was a type 8
of food he would be a marshmallow and Matt would be celery. Although my top quote is Matt saying “I think you’d be quite zesty, Neil”. I also found out that if Cardinals was a soup it would most probably chicken, as traditionally people would eat it to make themselves feel better. How lovely and poetic. If you would like to watch a filmed interview with Cardinals, I would highly recommend ‘In Da Tub’ with Cardinals, especially if you’re looking to inject some humour into your day. The video is on Youtube and also the band’s blog, along with videos of live performances cardinalsband.tumblr.com. For further information on these lovely chaps and to keep up to date with their latest news, you can find them on Facebook facebook.com/cardinalsband and Twitter twitter.com/cardinalsband. Eloise Woodward
Audio Addict
CANCER BATS
5
were trying to get that for R.A.T.S and Old Blood but I didn’t work.” Audio Addict talks to Cancer Bats’ Liam Cormier on Luckily Audio Addict has received a copy of Dead Set On their eagerly anticipated fourth studio album Dead Set Living and we can confirm that it is a great progression On Living and the monster upcoming Pentagram tour, from 2010’s Bears, Mayors, Scraps and Bones. The record including six shows in London in 24 Hours. sounds raw and brash and above all extremely honest. It’s set to be an incredibly busy spring for the Canadian Themes of the record stretch a great breadth from the hardcore quartet, as frontman Liam Cormier has travelled strains of constant touring, to the pain and suffering the over to our shores to give us an insight into what to band have felt, since a close friend of theirs fell into a expect in 2012 as Cancer Bats try to make it their year. serious condition in hospital during the writing process of the album. As anyone who has had the privilege to witness a live Cormier describes how this trauma effected the band, performance of Cancer Bats will understand that they are “[The effect was] Huge, that’s why I went with the title chaotic, frenzied and full of raw energy. As of yet however of Dead Set On Living because that really set the vibe the band has struggled to truly capture the essence of for the whole album and the whole writing experience this within a record or in the studio. at the time and that is literally all Harnessing this experience is we are thinking of when we are of utmost importance to the going from the practice space to band as Cormier explains, “The the hospital, all the songs that biggest thing for us was trying to came out of that from being in capture the live vibe of the band. that experience. When I wrote I think it’s what any hardcore R.A.T.S, D.S.O.L, The Void and band or punk band tries to do, to Old Blood, all of it was almost get rid of the static and the stiff reactionary to what was going vibe of the studio.You can only on. Then taking it further and figure that out from experience thinking about other things, and the more records you make it’s almost like with Breath the better at it you get.” Armageddon and New World Alliance were almost again To pair a live performance with a studio environment is further reactions, I don’t want to say something corny much harder than it seems and the band is ready to carry like the ripple effect but when you think about this one out desperate measures in the quest for this perfect thing that happens and then everything else your thinking sound. “I think we need to find some kind of loophole about from it, it was just me trying to be as honest as where we can put Scott’s guitar in the middle of a field possible. Where I was thinking like ‘this is fucked’ and or something.” Wishes Cormier, “To look at how bands then you start thinking ‘the whole world is fucked’ so just like Black Sabbath would do a record in eight hours and being honest in that.” how it had so much of that amazing vibe to it. We are dissecting that and looking at it, or like how Led Zeppelin The turmoil experienced by the Cancer Bats has certainly set the tone for the record, but has allowed the band to have that amazing feel on those older records, oh yeah take a fuller perspective into life and has greatly expanded it’s just because they showed up in a room and ripped together, okay we don’t have millions of pounds so how the depth of the song writing. Dead Set On Living is well set on being the most honest and heartfelt record from can we do that?” How indeed can Cancer Bats work their hardcore punk the band to date. This honesty is not only refreshing for the band but is also due for great excitement for Cancer into an old school, ‘Led Sabbath’ vibe? No matter how Bats fans. hard the band try there will always be a separation between the live performance and the record but what is Cormier reminisces on previous feedback, “I’ve gotten it that the band really wises they could capture? Cormier the most feedback from kids and people who have been states, “The toughest one, and we even tried to do this, like ‘man this has totally helped me through this thing in was just getting the crowd in it. If you could get that vibe my life’ which I would have never thought when I was of what 200 people in a room sound like shouting at you writing the song at the time that there would be people and sweating and partying together, if you could somehow going through that. Like tones of people who were in the war told me that they listen to Lucifer’s Rocking Chair capture that. We tried to record it at a small basement all the time when they are like driving in a tank and I’m show that we played in Toronto but the room was too like ‘that’s fucking insane’. Like I never thought about intense and it just kept shutting the computer off. We 11 Audio Addict
“The Whole World is f****d”
It seems that an array of people hold something close and personal to Cancer Bats but whether you are touring the world or Helmand Province, it’s the strains back home that take the biggest blows. Cormier explains “It’s definitely a super tough thing to keep up with full time touring and even have a social life and try to be a good boyfriend and having best friends like back home. It’s gotten easier now we’ve been touring for as long as we have and I think that like all of our friends kind of understand that and they have stuck around all of us that are still hanging out it’s like those are your real friends.” One of the greatest tests of Cancer Bats touring ability will be that of the upcoming Pentagram tour. We will see the band dive into our capital to play six shows, in five different venues, in 24 hours. Scarily enough the aptly named ‘Pentagram’ tour is coined from the evil shape the venues create when plotted out on a map. “Just looking at a map our agent managed to put it together pretty easy, they were already there, we just had to join up the lines. It was like ‘Wait a minute… Satan’s been here all along’.” Cormier explains why the band are carrying out this tour, “We are always up for whatever kind of madness is thrown at us so this is like the perfect example of like, nothings to gnarly for a bunch on Canadian dudes. We are going out of our way to do the gnarliest thing. I was super stoked from the beginning when I first heard about it and I just liked it, it’s different. It’s also not exclusive, there is still like a ton of kids that can come out and be a part of this where it’s not just us playing one small little show, it’s a whole bunch of little shows that everyone can come and be a part of. That was the main part of it that I really liked.”
12
There are an extreme amount of shows to carryout in the day, which in most cases would amount to any bands monthly tour. Cormier divulges onto how the band will cope “I don’t think it’s going to be too hard, the toughest part whenever you play more than one show a day is more the loading and the waiting around, but if you can keep up your adrenalin the whole time and just kind of rip through it, it won’t really be that tough. The main problem will just be getting stuck in traffic and trying to get around London.” It seems then that Cancer Bats never really waver from going at 100% and there is no reason why they shouldn’t. Cormier gives some perspective “We don’t seem to do much half way. In hindsight we only realise when we are driving 1000 hours to get somewhere to play one show and then turning round and driving 1000 hours back. We are just like ‘Man, sometimes we are so stupid’. It’s made us stronger as a band and as friends so I wouldn’t change it at this point, I love the way that we do things.” As it looks, it is set to be an incredibly exciting year for Cancer Bats with the band hitting the road once again in one of their most intense tour schedules to date, but as we have seen the band is purely doing what they love. This matched with the blistering Dead Set On Living, destined to touch even more hearts and will certainly be an electrifying addition to 2012’s hardcore catalogue. Cancer Bats hope for these events? “I hope no one is bummed out. That is my main hope. Everyone’s stoked, no one’s bummed.” Catch Dead Set On Living on the 16th April on Hassle Records. Join Cancer Bats on the ‘Pentagram’ tour on the 21st
April. David Sullivan
Audio Addict
8
Nik Birkenmeyer
GROUPLOVE Before starting their UK tour, GROUPLOVE took some time to sit with us and talk about their story, their friendship and the upcoming tour. Take four guys and one girl, put them in a lost village in Crete during an art residency, and you’ll get what you need to create GROUPLOVE. 5 unique characters that met during their summer holidays in Greece. Some call it fate, others timing. But these 5 were definitely made to meet and make music together. Stepping into their tiny dressing room is enough to feel that the bond that unites them is more than simple friendship. Some people say that friends are the family that you choose. GROUPLOVE are family. ‘We have this ability to cry when we’re apart, but when we’re all together, we’re like this very strong and happy person. We inspire each other.’ You feel this communion when you listen to their songs. Energetic, excentric, cheerful songs that make you want to bounce up and down with your friends until the sun sets and rises again. Each of them being talented, they all bring their ideas into the creation process, they all have their moment on stage, ‘we balance each other, we’re all very creative. There is not one person that does one specific thing, it’s exciting for everyone’. They all had been in bands before starting GROUPLOVE but «this is he biggest thing (they’ve) been into.». And all the years they spent not doing well serves them now to truly appreciate
14
what they have. ‘We know how it feels to be overlooked, how important it is to have a good audience to get better and better!’. A few years have passed and GROUPLOVE are now ready to go on their second headlining tour in the UK, starting in Brighton. ‘We’re super excited, we have not been here since September, we can’t wait to play in front of new audiences. The crowds are more enthusiastic, it makes us better, we can try new things on stage.’ From their performances, you can expect jumping, dancing and howling, in other words expect to go wild and let loose for an hour and a half. Not matter where they play, who the audience is, they’re always 100% into their performance. Christian lets go of everything while on stage. ‘It’s a subconscious kind of letting go. I could not do what I do on stage if I didn’t let go. If you don’t see me do that, then I’m in trouble’. Their affection toward each other breathable at every single moment of the show. And if you look closely enough in between two songs, you’ll notice this five-letter word written in black on their skin: GROUP, another sign of their friendship that they got when Sean landed in LA from London. The chemistry they have must be a strong part of their
success, and the GROUPLOVE frenzy is not likely to stop anytime soon as the festival season will kick in soon, giving GROUPLOVE more chances to make crowds bounce up and down to the rhtythm of the music. Coralie Pilte
Audio Addict
10
UNSIGNED DJS Southampton’s Solent University very own DJ’s and Producers take time out to get involved with our quick fire questions. With venues such as Junk, Pop, Soul Cellar and Rhino being covered by the cities newest, underground producers and performers.
Name: Mitchell Stevens DJ Name: Cholombian What's Your Sound? Ambient music, with large elements of hip hop and r&b Inspirations? Bjork, James Blake, Massive Attack. I'm listening to a lot of newer music that's influencing me too right now. Where Do You Play? I hold residencies at Pop, Junk, Unit and The Cellar.
Name: Jonny Orwin DJ Name: Clueless What's Your Sound? Kinda scary minimalistic dubstep, i've tried doing the really heavy dubstep sound but I've really gone off it lately. Inspirations? Burial, Distance, Benton, Kryptic Minds Where Do You Play? I've played at unit, Rhino and am a member of DMU. I'm trying to mainly focus on making my own tunes at the moment. Future? I would love to write music for film, or at least get signed, but really I havent been producing for very long so there's still time
11 Audio Addict
Name: Jack MackMersh DJ Name: Pelikann Whats Your Sound? Heavy angry dubstep, or deep and heavy. generally pretty heavy stuff. Inspirations? Subscape, Caspa, Koan Sound, Distance. Where Do You Play? Pop, Junk, Soul Cellar, Used to play at Rhino. Future? Would love to get my name out there as a DJ and Producer, getting regular sets and hopefully a release within the year.
Name: Matt Beynon DJ Name: M.B.P My Sound: Mainly dark, minimal, techy Dubstep however I also play the more aggressive "Bate" stuff sometimes, and drum and bass occasionally Inspirations: Noisia, Skream, Truth, Distance, Koan Sound, Icicle, Requake & Badklaat, DJ Madd, Phaeleh, Kryptic Minds, Killawatt, Culprate, Biome. Just to name a few Where Do I Play: I've played at Dusk till Dawn in Bournemouth and The Cellar (soul cellar), Rhino, Pop and Unit in Southampton Future: Well at the moment, finish Uni whilst continuing to increase my knowledge in music production and develop my skills as a DJ, and make more of a name for myself in the local scene.
Find all the DJS at Soundcloud.com Copyright: Artists featured. Mikaela Osborne
Audio Addict
17
BIOMETRIX
Setting Circles
Biometrix aka Jamie Beard is not only a talented and successful dubstep artist but is the singer for Devon band Setting Circles in his spare time. There was no doubt that Beard was set to have a future in the music industry, having been a vocalist since the age of five and saxophonist from the age of ten. Continuing on from this, he became interested in DJ-ing. He produced music as Dee Jay Mee, with thudding bass and thumping beats, taking inspiration from Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Jack Beats and The Prodigy. He says, “I remember watching Kevin & Perry Go Large back when I was a kid, and I thought being a DJ was the coolest thing in the world, but I never expected to become one.” Under his new pseudonym Biometrix, Beard has great success as a dubstep artist. He has performed at many venues and frequently visits London; obviously a much sought after location for artists to play. Biometrix has shared a stage with many names including Skism, Bare Noize, Trolley Snatcha and Foreign Beggars. The success of Biometrix can only grow from now onwards. Musically, he is a high achiever and has more to give to dubstep fans nationwide. In his own words; “It’s all a bit surreal if you ask me, but let’s just hope it stays that way.” Eloise Woodward
Setting Circles are a prog rock band from Exeter, Devon. They are Jamie Beard, Jake Wall, Jack O’Hara and George Woodward. The band formed in early 2011 and claim that their collective influences are Karnivool, Alter Bridge, Tool and HIM; although their individual music interests vary. All of the members live and breathe music. Not only is it a hobby and the beginnings of a career, but they are pursuing music academically too. They are all studying at college or university. At only one year old, the Setting Circles have done very well for themselves. They have gigged all around Devon; been interviewed live on local radios and have a filmed interview on Youtube. They are also about to release their debut EP, Cappella. After the release of Cappella the band are hoping to continue promoting themselves via gigs, radio stations and sending out the EP in the hope of a signing. Woodward says “It’s great that we’re doing so well. I’ve really enjoyed playing gigs and doing interviews.” Eloise Woodward 18
Audio Addict
Setting Circles
Setting Circles
DUB T Luke Dyson Dub T is a drum and bass DJ and producer from Maidenhead who has relocated to Southampton for university and is hoping to get a foothold in the clubbing scene here in the south. He has supported big names in the drum and bass world whilst being a resident in Reading’s ‘Sub 89’, including the likes of DJ Hype, IC3, Nu:Tone and Logistics. “So far our experience with Sub 89 and Bassment has been really exciting and I’ve supported acts that I would never have dreamed of before.” Dub T, along with fellow DJ’s Bane and Kasium also run a drum and bass night of their own in Maidenhead called SubKulture, which has hosted acts like Benny Page, John B, Dub Phizix and soon to be Groove Rider and is gaining more and more attention in the Berkshire area. “We wanted to start a night of our own, so when one of our friends left to go travelling, we decided to honour his farewell with a big party for friends at a club in town and it so happened that the club really liked the vibe. Since then we’ve named it SubKulture and have been attempting to build more of a scene in Maidenhead.” Now that Dub T is living in Southampton he is attempting to get sets and residencies at the drum and bass events that happen all over the city, “I would really like to play at wax and release. I really like what they have going on at those nights. The scene here is better that at home, there’s a lot of events I’m looking forward to going to and hopefully will be behind the decks soon enough!” Sam Willis
14th Debbie Scanlan
The music that you stumble upon when least expecting it can sometimes leave you in awe of what you have just witnessed and this is the exact feeling that I got on a alcohol infused night out in march when I discovered 14th. The group in question are Tracey Duodu and Tom Barber who are a London based duo that specialise in beats with massive garage and 2-step influences and include soulful overtones which ooze from the velvet voice of Duodu. It is this magical combination which left me so utterly impressed when I heard and met them in Unit, Southampton, on the night in question. 14th are unsigned but are beginning to gain a large following on various social network and music sharing sites like Soundcloud as well as at live venues. They have also been featured on Rob Da Bank’s radio 1 slot as well as various blogs and internet publications including a gleaming portrayal in Guardian. co.uk’s new music section all of which seemed to express a lot of enthusiasm for their incredible sound. 14th have an E.P out called ‘Hide Yourself ’ that was released in mid November and has some beautiful tracks including their title track, all of which can be found on their soundcloud. They also told me that an album is in the pipeline and a new video for the song, Take Me There, has been released which will, presumably, be featured on the new album. 14th are a brilliant duo with huge potential and gleaming personalities to match and even if you’re not a fan of garage or electronic music it is extremely hard Audio Addict
19
LIVE
Bryony Curtis 20
Audio Addict
LIVE Marina and The Diamonds Shepherds Bush Empire 26/02/12
not being released until April 30th, the crowd still chanted alongside the energetic singer to Living Dead and Starring Role, both tracks that will appear on her new album, Electra Heart.
Glamour exudes from the eager popstress, Marina Diamandis, aka Marina and The Diamonds as she stands in front of her audience at Shepherds Bush Empire. Dressed in a ripped fifties style dressed with lace gloves and a bow in her hair, she strides onto the stage silently. To follow is a night of acoustic tracks, fan favourites, and a showcase of her latest, and so far unreleased album.
The live band that she has behind her play brilliantly throughout keeping up with Marina’s random improvisations. Stopping to speak to the crowd after almost every song, the crowd took the opportunity to shout out, “I love you Marina” and “adopt me!” to which she replied, “I love you too, as much as I can love a stranger.” Her charm and wittiness is part of what makes the half Greek, half Welsh singer so lovable and relatable.
The evening begins with Marina’s hypnotic version of Radioactive. The song, usually full of conventional pop attributes, had been transformed into an acoustic track, slowed down to a create a peaceful and haunting rendition. Her presence on stage and the way the crowd react to her is notable. She has some sort of power over her passive audience, who take in everything she sings and says to them. For many bands and artists, be ginning their set with a punchy and fast paced song gets the crowd involved and engaged, but Marina and The Diamonds chose the opposite path, yet the crowd was more entranced than ever.
Primadonna, set to be the debut single from her second album made its debut performance, allowing the audience to feel as though they have been given a treat, which indeed they had. The song is a mix of soft melodies and harsh dance beats that surprisingly complement each other.
“I love you too, as much as I can love a stranger”
Marina and The Diamonds fires straight into the next few songs, from her debut album, The Family Jewels, all of which the crowd recognise and sing along to, word for word. Her sweet and innocent exterior is juxtaposed with her lyrics and the way she moves on stage. Punching her fists through the air and throwing her arms to the side, she moved to every beat of The Outsider, keeping the energy stable throughout. Homewrecker, creates a stir among the crowd. The song was exposed on NME’s website just one day before the gig. Before she begins she declares to the crowd that she is wearing her ‘homewrecker gloves’ and then jumpstarts the song which is half spoken and half sang. The night was full of a mixture of old and new songs, some previously never played live before and some that were played for the last time. The majority of her album was leaked online at the beginning of the year, so despite
As the set reaches its end Marina throws in some more crowd movers like Oh No! and Mowgli’s Road as well as playing Jealousy, a track that has never made it onto any album and has now been performed for the last time.
As she returns to the stage after a short break and to the demand of an encore she ends with Fear and Loathing a dramatic number with a slow and steady build up, and crowd and radio favourite, Hollywood which gets the crowd moving and dancing for the last time that evening. Throughout the set it is impossible to ignore the wide smile tattooed to her face. She is clearly appreciative of all the opportunities that have been thrown her way throughout her slow climb to the top. Her stunning voice and creative lyrical talents have made her unique and exceptional. Overall the music was exciting and there was an obvious transition, almost like watching her grow up from one album to the next, which has made every audience member anticipate her next release just that little bit more. Bryony Curtis
Audio Addict
21
LIVE
SLEIGH BELLS
Sleigh Bells Reign Of Terror N.E.E.T. Recordings Sleigh Bells have done it again. The pop noise duo blessed us with ‘Treats’ back in April 2010 and now they’re backbigger, better and cooler than ever. After signing with M.I.A’s N.E.E.T Recordings, ‘Reign of Terror’ has been highly anticipated with the releases of ‘Born to Lose’ and ‘Comeback Kid’ both satisfying our pop/punk/electronic needs and leaving us wanting more. Whatever genre you want to classify it under, Sleigh Bells are absolutely smashing it. The difference with this album in comparison to ‘Treats’ is the slowed down beats in tracks like ‘You Lost Me’ and ‘Road to Hell’. These tracks definitely come as a shock on the first listen of the album, especially for most Sleigh Bell fans that are expecting their speakers to be blown after the first few songs. For avid music listeners, and especially those who listen to Sleigh 22
Bells will appreciate the different vibes in this album, it was expected that the duo would experiment and try something a little bit different. If you aren’t really feeling the slowed down tracks you still cannot deny that Alexis Krauss oozes cool, her faultless vocals never fail to impress. Her strong vocals are suited to the shout your heart out songs such as ‘Crush’ but she shows off her vocal ability on this album in songs such as D.O.A and ‘Never Say Die’. There is no doubt about it; it was going to be hard for Sleigh Bells to come back with an album that was going to top ‘Tell ‘Em’ and ‘Infinity Guitars’. From slow epic beats to fast paced energetic anthems, every song on this album will get you nodding your head. Turn it up loud, give it a couple of listens and I assure you you’ll begin to love it, and your speakers will be intact this time. Naina Sethi
Audio Addict
LIVE
David Sullivan
TEN SECOND EPIC
In a sparsely filled Joiners any band would struggle to find the will to play at full throttle, however the Canadian pop-punk quintet Ten Second Epic stride onto the stage with as much vigour and energy as if they were gracing a stadium. It is coming up two years since the band first came to our shores and as their popularity may have increased within their home country Ten Second Epic are pretty much strangers to our ears, with three albums down, for most bands this would be a different story. Jumping straight into most recent single ‘Young Classics’ the band has a clear message to convey, they love their music, they understand that they have everything to prove over here but attack the Joiners in a way that screams ‘What have I got to lose’. Ten Second Epic are extremely tight musically mixing calming lulls with anthem in the making drops. The band seems genuinely honoured that anyone has come out to see them tonight and although the crowd may be few, the capacity is fans, singing and dancing. However the greatest awkward moment of the bands history may have arose, as an audience member joins them on stage and busts the worst moves of all time while masterfully destroying microphones and other stage equipment in his wake.
Besides the minor setback that leaves Joiners in stunned silence the band continue. ‘Suck It Up Princess’ is a strong comeback with huge encapsulating choruses and holds a great example of the stage presence Ten Second Epic hold. They seem strong and comfortable while making the most of what stage is provided. The band has crafted their set well and carefully, which is a true showcase of their career so far. Debut single ‘Count Yourself In’ is played with as much care and respect as when it was first written. Found within the mix of later recordings it proves that it has the criteria of a timeless record and in some cases is better than later recordings as ‘Everyday’ provides the same shameful musicality as Kids in Glass Houses’ ‘Undercover Lover’. Through the flow of glistening guitars and vocal harmonies similarities arise as in the mix of the pop punk sounding noise it can at times be hard to distinguish one song from another. Ten Second Epic it seems have well and truly found there sound and formula and are very happy to stick to it. Granted they are good at this and their skill within the genre cannot be frowned upon however this monotony could well be the reason why the band has a very long way before they even begin to crack the surface over here. David Sullivan
Audio Addict
23
Ian Cheek Press
Craig Finn Craig Finn Clear Heart Full Eyes Full Time Hobby Frontman of The Hold Steady, Craig Finn is stepping further into the limelight with his debut solo LP Clear Heart Full Eyes. Masterfully seeping with lyrical complexity, stories are grippingly created in every song. Full of beauty and laced feel good rustic notion, the earthy growl of Craig Finn is remarkably captivating. Clear Heart Full Eyes is developed from a challenge set by Finn himself to write a new song every day in his apartment in Brooklyn. Seemingly this would prove difficult for even the greatest of songwriters, however within Clear Heart Full Eyes this does not appear the case. With song themes stretching from relationships 24
to Jesus, inspiration must have been in plentiful outside a Brooklyn window. Songs narratives are of main focus and the music takes a quieter, more subtle approach. Within the LP however, stories are skilfully crafted and songs such as ‘Apollo Bay’ allows us to immerse in the tranquillity of the area. ‘New Friend Jesus’ welcomes you with open arms and works to heal while joyfully textured with female vocal addtions. At points Finn can come across as slightly preachy with the reoccurrence of religious themes that can at times be thrust directly in the face of the listener. However moving to Texas to finish the LP has offered a musical influence that invites you to cheerily link arms and partake in a hoedown with Jesus. Songs such as ‘Western Pier’ offers
Audio Addict
a foot stomping, thigh slapping, good time soundtrack to ‘Shannon’s’ poor mental health. For what should be a confusing musical collaboration, only works to highlight the quirky and vibrant song writing skill that Finn offers. Clear Heart Full Eyes is an incredibly honest record and Finn has truly opened himself up for the world to see in a way a solo career could only allow. The LP offers a variety of different experiences for a range of audiences and every song offers different viewpoints to truly be explored by the listener. However easy listening, Clear Heart Full Eyes presses for immense attention. Stories gracefully encapsulate the listener as they are welcomed eagerly to that of Craig Finn. David Sullivan
Ian Cheek Press
Turbowolf Turbowolf Turbowolf - Hassle Records Turbowolf’s self-titled debut is a 13 track onslaught of true British rock n roll grit. With a mass of electrifying riffs smothered in distortion and punk rock bounce, Turbowolf have created a gigantic record offering a rabid bite of intense sound. Within this however is an eerie undertone of haunting effects which throw mystery and psychedelic calm into the mass destruction as ‘TW1’ clearly shows. This instrumental interlude is nothing less than fascinating and is a welcome addition to the record. Although this is clearly a standalone sound, Turbowolf have crafted this LP to seamlessly flow between each surprise. Turbowolf are armed with a weighty sound that musically builds up into
moments of utter madness, but what songs such as ‘Read & Write’ highlight is that Turbowolf is not short of melody. Songs offer memorable courses very much reminiscent of that of a pop song, leading to a very likable edge. The wild erratic bursts of juggernaut power are enough to lift any head from the bar. This mix of galloping, hard driving riffs and wailing, yet contained, vocals offer a sound which is resonant to that of Aussie rockers Wolfmother. It seems that housing a ‘wolf’ with the name means an onslaught of exciting anthems. However Turbowolf bring something extra as electronics prove a substantial foundation to their extravaganza, acting as both a psychedelic rest bite and also an additional layer of madness to be consumed. Audio Addict
Psychedelic influences are a given a welcome nod on ‘Son (Sun)’ which seeps in the 60’s glory of The Who and early Pink Floyd with glistening guitars and vocal harmonies which would add a brilliant shine to a happy acid trip. Turbowolf’s debut album is a powerful ensemble offering a huge array of sounds and experiences that stretch across a vast spectrum. The technicality and creativity that has inspired this record has allowed Turbowolf a strong platform for their music to take hold. The psychedelic, rock n roll, pop madness is something unique and is a refreshing sound for British rock this year. David Sullivan
25
Ian Cheek Press
Daedalus’ Right Eye Daedalus’ Right Eye – Daedalus’ Right Eye EP – Unsigned The Bath quartet Daedalus’ Right Eye has created an inspiring debut EP oozing in youthful glee. Daedalus’ Right Eye offers a dynamic wall of sound seeping with bright melodies and glorious pop rock aesthetics. Daedalus’ Right Eye bids an intriguing mystery, with a name that exudes Greek mythology of the gods to the carefully crafted lyrical themes that generate a captivating story within every song. Daedalus’ Right Eye delivers 26
something extra above that of generic pop rock. Each song is intelligently created to offer an encapsulating melody of bright glistening sounds. Their lulling vocal harmonies produce both a huge atmosphere and also generate great sustenance and texture which glorify and justify the incredible song writing ability. ‘Mr. McKeif’ is an encapsulating anthem in the making, however offering a chorus that is eerily reminiscent of Busted’s ‘Air Hostess’ draws away from the enchanting Audio Addict
lyrical story slightly, but nobody’s perfect. Daedalus’ Right Eye has a powerful collection of intelligent and engaging songs that create a delightful debut EP. They offer an enjoyable formula of gritty pop rock and addictive vocal melodies that has the ingredients to generate mass appeal in a respectable way. David Sullivan
THOMAS WHITE
Cannonball PR
reminiscent of the Beatles; especially on the folky ‘That Heavy Sunshine Sound’ and he also seems to reference “Yellow Submarine” later on in the album! Well, why else would choose “sea of green” as part of a lyric? I know that part of this album’s charm is that it’s acoustic. However, a bit of drums on a couple of tracks would to give it some variety in it’s sound and also create a greater impact to some of the rhythmically driven tracks on the album such as “That Heavy Sunshine Sound” and the very Dylan “King of the Kingdom”. Despite this pretty minor nit pick, this album has some real stand out moments, like it’s finale “The English Sargasso”. It’s the longest track on the album, a celebration of good times had with his friends that he Took a trip out to see a friend misses. The synth strings call across the latter half of the Don’t even know if i’ll be back again ... track and really creates a serene picture and despite the minimal accompaniment, it still feels lush and full I miss Brighton town sounding thanks again to White’s skillful production work. That cold wet ground Yalla is a great effort by Thomas White. His blend of The album as a whole is very somber, factoring in White’s influences, his talent for songwriting, producing and his vocals set him apart from your average singer/ broad choice of chords, his distinctive George Harrisonsongwriter. This ‘difficult third album’ is quiet enough to meets-Thom Yorke style vocals and his production. This chill out to but interesting enough to really reflect on creates an echoed and grand effect, which enhances what he’s singing about. the minimal sound of the guitar, occasional strings and Tom Hutchin his voice. On certain tracks, White’s playing style is also 27 Audio Addict Yalla is the third studio album by Brighton based indie singer/song writer Thomas White. Interestingly the album was written over two weeks in the small town of Dahab, South Sinai and details the end of a long relationship, compared with the feeling of moving to a foreign country. Since the albums’ instrumentation is fairly bare bones featuring little more than White’s vocals and his acoustic guitar, the themes of travel and lost love sift out through his lyrics. A great example is the opening track, “All the Fallen Leaves”, which really does reflect the beginning of travel and missing home, especially with the minor chords and his harmonies which cement the lines: