REVIEWS ALBUMS NIC THOMAS
Sha La La Humble and sweet yet with some irresistibly catchy moments, Sha La La is a shining example of unashamedly accessible indie/pop and shows a huge amount of promise from this talented Welsh singer/songwriter. From the soaring harmonies over the opening Sky Is Wide Open through to the simple closing refrain on Sha La La each track is a lesson in producing memorable and well-written yet relatively simple songs with tasteful production levels which in no way detract from Thomas’ calling as a more than capable musician and songwriter. There’s nothing here that will throw the singer/songwriter genre into turmoil but what Thomas does, he does very, very well on what is an extremely enjoyable release. JS www.nicthomasmusic.com
ALIEN SQUARE
Yr Au’r Ar Baw Alien Square’s charmingly titled EP Yr Aur A’r Baw (The Gold and The Dirt) has a warm and almost surprisingly American folk-rock sound to it; surprising in that this North Walian group seem to have swerved wildly from the current Welsh language music vogue. Somehow a more mature sound, perhaps even slightly dated, rather than fashionably retro - the sixties American influences are apparent throughout the EP. However, these seem to be as diverse as they are obvious; from Eagles-esque guitar, to Neil Young lyrics and tone. Funky basslines and folksy riffs, slightly cheesy and simplistic in parts, but in keeping with their particular idiom. Perhaps a band to watch idly from the fringes on a sunny festival afternoon. JA www.facebook.com/AlienSquare
BAREFOOT DANCE OF THE SEA
Beneath Closed Eyes BDOTS are a vocal ensemble more than anything else, with all three members (including ex-Hot Puppy’s Bec and Beth) providing vocals and backing themselves with acoustic guitars, ukeles and minimal percussion. This ten song set features some gorgeous melodies and harmonies, particularly on the deceptively cheerful-sounding ‘I Won’t Think Of You’, and some classic song writing – album highlight ‘So It Goes’ is a heart-breakingly excellent exercise in intertwining guitar lines and luscious choral effects. Lyrical references to the sea, the land and olde artisan trades (see bluegrassy opener ‘The Build-A-House Song’) help to characterise them as typical British folk, and, while it might be a bit too twee for some, this album is a must have for fans of the genre. JOC barefootdanceofthesea.bandcamp.com
MAY 2012 | www.themmp.tv
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTORE
Jesus Christ Superstore Jesus Christ Superstore deal in a modern techno-poetry that is either intoxicating, odd or both. I should mention at the same time, it’s also kind of fun too. The Advantages Of Cybersex is traditional clubbing fare set apart by some interestingly conceived lyricism. Credit Crunch could fit in The Rocky Horror Picture Show but also rocks rather kookily along. Science Never Sleeps lies somewhere between the two, ending up almost like Gary Numan’s more recent output. It’s literally littered with fun, over-the-top, danceable tracks. Yet, there’s the feeling that lots of this material would work better in the club itself rather than in a sunny garden on a Sunday morning. Not a criticism, as in that context it would kick the proverbials into space. SMR www.mythic-loops.com
MAGPIE INSTINCT
Goalposts EP The talent factory that is Cardiff’s streets and suburbs continues to fire quality bands from its overactive conveyor belts. Magpie Instinct’s Goalposts EP offers opportunity to bask in the sunny jangle of late eighties melodic alternative indie-pop epitomised by The Las. The title track oozes this ambience, with slick interlacing guitars building to harmonised vocals and tight, determined percussive rhythms. Rudiments drops the pace somewhat and slips into an ever so slight dirge before the glockenspiel lightens the mood. But things are bright and breezy come closer Truth Man which passes by with dusty riffs, an interesting break and a catchy vocal hook. It’s early days for Magpie Instinct, but on the basis of this, and their live shows, there’s plenty of hope. SMR magpieinstinct.bandcamp.com
GRAND CANONICAL ENSEMBLE
“sobrellevar” Immersing oneself in a 90-minute album which has been physically released specifically on tape can seem a thankless task. However, in the case of Sobrellevar the effort is rewarded with some pleasing musical moments. Flowing along gently in a post-rock fashion, its ambience recalls Mogwai and Sigur Ros with atmospheric sound underpinning slow moving ostinati and occasional vocals. However, this is not something you’ll want to put on before a night down the boozer or to do some serious musical studying. It is much better suited to a good lie down with a soft, refreshing beverage after a hard day at ‘the office’. Give in to the delicate and melancholic guitar lines and just mong the hell out. JOC grandcanonicalensemble.bandcamp.com
ED STOCKHAM
Third Rail Just from the packaging it wasn’t too hard to tell that Ed Stockham was of the Jeffrey Lewis anti-folk ilk, even mirroring his cartooning capabilities. As with all lo-fi works, one has to accept the production for what it is, breathy and hissy, but it truly impresses with its melodic ideas and simplicity of construct. Tube To Victoria deploys this mantra effectively with jagged acoustic mingling with the sounds of a railway station. The simple plucking and self-deprecation of Burton Holmes, and the synth effects and wonky piano of 100 Balloons also offer interest. The downbeat mood can become a tad overwhelming when listening to the album through, but those who aren’t moved by Golden Box are stony folk indeed. SMR boxrocket.bandcamp.com
DIRTY GOODS
Dirty Goods Given that by now there’s probably some sort of constantly-updated online database of bands you’re allowed to like, it’s kind of refreshing to hear a band who are this unashamed of their poppy influences. Dirty Goods have all the shiny makings of Radio 1 A-listers, although it’s worth noting that for every empty, radiofriendly lyrical hook there’s a little glimmer of darkness – from the “nothing’s ever gonna change” frustration of ‘Surely Not’ to the confession that “I always knew I would never be with you” in ‘Hollywood’, there’s always the hazy hint that life isn’t such a killer party after all. Mind you, there’s still a lot to make you smile – their knack for a blinding synth line alone is enough to get Dirty Goods on the bands you’re allowed to like list for life. JDE facebook.com/dirtygoods
MR HUW
EP i’r Afiechydon Combining cute indie pop-rock and old children’s television show music, Mr Huw’s latest EP seems to embody the soul of happy kitschness! Retro electro sounds make this twangly guitar based release really very reminiscent of the childhood of anyone who may have been around in the seventies or eighties; though somehow manages to avoid sickeningly sentimental twee-dom. Indeed, it seems to effortlessly reach a pretty and melodic plateau that keeps your foot tapping and leaves you with the delicious after-taste of nostalgia in your ears. Welsh and English language lyrics, pretty and effective harmonies to catchy song structures and almost lo-fi production keep it simple and mellow. Makes one want to see it all performed live, special stuff indeed. JA mrhuw.com