Posted by admin on 8th February 2006
- Band / Artist : Lampshade
- Genre : Electronic / Rock / Jazz
- Sample Track Download : Sabaturu
- Buy CD : Buy
- Buy Digital Download : N/A
- Rating : 8 out of 10
Sometimes you receive an album that’s so good, you just can’t help but review it twice. OK, OK, maybe that is a bit misleading, but this is indeed the second time I have reviewed this album, but it’s wasn’t cos it’s a great album, which it is mind you, it’s because the system I’m using to create all these reviews, had a bit of a brain fart and managed to mangle my original review. Anyway, less on the harping about lost stuff and onto the album.
Within listening to the first 10 seconds of this album, I couldn’t help, but be reminded about the UK band Propeller Heads, especially track two with it’s featured vocalist, who I could swear is Tom Jones. Although I love my music, I’m at a bit of a loss when trying to specify the genre that some music falls under. I suppose I’m not far wrong, when I say this is a bit drum and bass, with some electronic and laid back jazz thrown in. I also have a category, which at times can probably be misconstrued, but I don’t mean anything derogatory when I say this is very monotonous music. By that I mean that the rythms repeat and loop quite extensively. Not that I find that a bad thing, by no means at all. I love this style of music. Philip Glass is another artist, that does this quite a lot.
It’s very difficult to pick out a stand out track, as I consider this to be more of a collective work, than individual tracks. But the first two tracks Moonjam and Wake Up are particular favourites of mine. This is an album that I find I can’t just have on in the background as I find my brain won’t leave it alone. A lot of electronic music is like digital wall paper, but this album is really engrossing and almost commands a captive audience.
Conclusion : A great album, with a real nice laid back groove. Turn on, tune in, chill out.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by admin on 6th February 2006
- Band / Artist : Syfer
- Genre : Rock / Metal / Screamo
- Sample Track Download : Follow Me
- Buy CD : N/A
- Free Digital Download : Download
- Rating : 7 out of 10
This is an interesting band from the UK, specifically South London, that submitted their stuff for review a little while ago. With 6 songs, this is a fair length EP, not that that has any real bearing, as the value for money quotient is not really relevant, as this is yet another band that has made their entire catalogue available for free download.
The EP opens with 7.7, a song influenced by the atrocities in London on the 7th July 2005. I especially love Follow Me, with it’s Sex Pistols / John Lydon vocal style. Elizabeth sees the band taking a more mellow direction. But for me the best track has to be She’s on Fire another of the slower paced songs, but that’s just the old fart in me.
A couple of the songs on the EP song would be classed by my oldest daughters as “Screamo” or “Screamo” influenced and I’m afraid that style of song, leaves me cold. Not that the music isn’t good, nor the majority of the singing, but the whole “Screamo” just confounds me. For anyone that doesn’t know what “Screamo” is, this Wikipedia link will hopefully explain.
On the whole this is a very accomplished EP and Syfer is a band I will be keep a track of in the future.
Conclusion : If you like your rock hard and loud, with the odd “Screamo” here and there, this is a no brainer one to get. Even if you don’t like “Screamo”, this is definitely one you should try out as the music more than speaks for itself.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by admin on 6th February 2006
Just a quick note to say the Indie Launchpad Podcast #4 has been released. Direct Link here.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by admin on 5th February 2006
With my blonde long haired wig and air guitar, I approached my CD player with a mix of trepidation and nervous excitement. With an album cover very reminiscent of Iron Maiden, I was looking forward to some perforated ear drums and I wasn’t disappointed. The first track explodes out of the gate and boy is it loud. However once you finally hear some vocals for the first time on track two, it’s hard to slow down the somersaulting brain. This is an unusual album to be sure. Try to imagine if you will, a combination of Iron Maiden, the 1980’s and Hilary Duff and you will be somewhat closer to knowing what to expect. Please don’t take that as an insult, like it probably sounds. OK so maybe Hilary Duff is a bit too much to take, how about former Go-Go Berlinda Carlisle, does that make it anymore credible?
This is power pop at it’s purest and most energising. In fact the band describes their brand of music as 80’s core, progressive pop and sex metal. If that isn’t a description to be conjured with, I don’t know what is.
The album really begins to come into it’s own with track 4, That Song (is Stuck in My Head) and this is indeed the song that brought Full Minute of Mercury to my attention. It’s funy the more I listen to the album, the more I can imagine the music being used on a John Hughes film, like Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles or Weird Science. I think this is a testament to the band as it’s no secret that they wallow in the bath that is the 80’s.
It’s not all headbanging hairdo heaven though. There are some more sedate songs on the album and they provide a nice breather from the frenetic pace of the rest of the album. Track 9, After You, see’s the band perform at a much gentler pace and it gives your ears a welcome break.
Conclusion : This is something out of the ordinary, but a breathe of fresh air none the less. With 19 songs, lasting nearly an hour, this is an album that is really going to give you a thorough work out.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by admin on 5th February 2006
The sound of the sixties seems to be making a come back of late. I’m not talking about the Beatlesque sound, as that’s always popular, I’m talking about R&B rock, as stylised by the early Rolling Stones, The Who and The Small Faces. This is rock at it’s purest and finest. High energy rock, with great lyrics and a nice tight performance.
The EP opens with The Devil Only Knows, but I’m sort of surprised that Crackerjack doesn’t get top billing, as this is the track that really sets the EP alight. The third track sees the band take a more mellow overall sound, but it’s still great rock.
I think if I were to pick anything negative to say about this EP, is that it’s not enough. This band needs a full album or another EP, NOW at the very least. But who am I to complain, the whole EP is available as a free download, but do not let that deter you. This is a cracking EP.
Conclusion : An absolute gem of an EP make no mistake.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
