James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
The Yorker presents this week's succinct guide to goings-on of the musical variety, both locally and nationally. Here you'll find previews of a selection of single and album releases from the week ahead, as well as a guide to the hottest tickets in town for live music.
Gigs
A very packed week of events. Deep breaths everyone.
Kicking off the week in The Basement, Monday evening sees York-based post-hardcore rockers Tomorrow We Radio play a headline set following the release of their debut EP, Sunlight. Although this particular brand of Hundred Reasons-influenced music may seem a little incongruous in such an intimate venue, the smaller space should create a highly charged atmosphere and for fans of the post-punk scene this looks to be a good gig.
The Feeling – remember them? They had a hit with that song about four years ago and were heavily over-played on virgin radio. Their “Search Every Corner” tour hits Fibbers on Tuesday night. Go along if that’s your sort of thing. Tuesday also sees an eclectic night of folk in The Basement, with singer Edwina Hayes taking a headline slot. Best known for her cover of 'Feels Like Home' featured in the film My Sister’s Keeper (that film with Cameron Diaz in that your girlfriend made you go and see), this could be an enjoyable evening that I’m sure lots of people would attend were it scheduled for Valentine’s day.
York Uni’s RAGlive takes to Fibbers on Wednesday evening for a night of comedy and music featuring Jay Foreman and Angry vs The Bear. Frantic, energetic, a guaranteed crowd, this an up and coming band that is definitely worth seeing. My highlight of the week.
Half way. Are you still with me? Need a quick break? Run and get a snack and then I’ll plan the rest of your week for you.
Thursday. Roll Deep (or at least a bit of them) are playing Duchess. Had a number one hit with ‘Green Light’. Yeah. Them ones. Duchess has the far superior iLiKETRAiNS on their stage on Friday night. Recently described on this site as melodic post rock with some thundering breakdowns, I would catch these guys before they get too big.
Sunday and Stereo showcases a host of York bands with a smattering of out-of-towners in brand new mini-festival, Shatterfest. Head on over about 2pm for an afternoon of rock and post-punk, featuring the likes of Mike TV and Uncommonmenfrommars (yes that is all one word), who are stopping off in York as part of their UK and European tour.
So there you go. More gigs than you could shake a stick at... if that’s what you really want to do. (Actual stick-shaking at said gigs inadvisable; sticks will most likely be confiscated, and you’ll look a bit weird.)
Albums
JAMES BLAKE RELEASES HIS DEBUT ALBUM TODAY! *CHEERS AND WHOOPS*! Following his two astonishing EPs of last year, Klavierwerke and CMYK, we have high hopes for his self-titled full length debut. Hopes of soulful grooves with an electro edge... Oh and Chase and Status are releasing No More Idols, which will be reviewed later this week.
Singles
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues (Written by Matt Tomlinson)
A very ‘as you were’ new track compared to their previous offerings, complete with trademark chilled out, strum-along melodies. It may have been Fleet Foxes who brought folk back onto Britain’s mainstream radar, but with Mumford & Sons now in the race, they’re sounding just a tad out of puff. If it weren’t for a hearty bridge that regains your attention, I’m afraid to say this free single would be a very meandering and half-baked ditty, managing to live down to its price tag.
Fenech Soler – Demons (Written by Alex Jackson)
'Demons' continues to develop Fenech Soler's electro-synth feel in a style that is reminiscent of MGMT or a softer Passion Pit. The track utilises keyboard, drum and a whole plethora of computerised sounds and is driven by the haunting 'Oooohs' that serve to exemplify the strength of Ben Duffy's vocal lead, which is mesmerising throughout. An excellent lift from the debut album of a very under-rated band.
Jessie J – Price Tag (Written by Faye Dobson)
As BBC Sound of 2011, Jessie J has a lot to live up to. The new single is worlds apart from first single ‘Do It Like A Dude’, which was an instant chart hit. Ditching the fast pace for ‘Price Tag’, Jessie shows off her honeyed vocals whilst keeping the song modern with stint from B.O.B. Singing of her love of making music purely for enjoyment, Jessie J comes across as charismatic and genuine and has captured listener’s hearts across the music genres.
You must log in to submit a comment.
