Monday, 30 January 2012
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The Harlots at The Monarch
It's been a while but the blog is back for 2012 and where better to start than with my favourite Brit Pop inspired musicians - The Harlots - live at The Monarch last night. This was my first taste of the brand new line up. Still providing their audiences with tight guitar driven tunes - old faithfuls Sherwin and Kike have been joined by two new members Florent and Adam, have decked themselves out in a sharp uniform of white shirts and black ties and honed a strong setlist making them a worthy headline act. My initial impression? This is a band that knows what it wants: more gigs, more recordings and more recognition; and justifiably so.
Last night they headlined the Feed Your Head night in Camden and were a welcome relief after two disappointing support acts. They treated us to classics such as Babel, Red Dress and Ragged Rose as well as playing new tracks including latest single Be Mine. Despite a comedic interruption from an over eager fan - the group worked through their repertoire like consummate professionals - responding to the audiences enthusiasm for certain tracks and eeking out every last note; leaving us wanting more. They seemed much more together, much more engrossed and most importantly they were really enjoying themselves.
Things are certainly moving upwards for the group - a solid new line up, a 2 track demo recorded and ready for release next week, a fancy new website and PR strategy and a signature style both musically and visually emerging - it looks like 2012 is set to be a good year for The Harlots. They've come a long way from their debut acoustic gig in front of a group of friends and a couple of unsuspecting locals at The Crowne pub in Cricklewood a year ago. A year on and with a succession of gigs over the coming months the time has come to put on a skinny black tie, get yourself a front row seat and jump on the juggernaut that is The Harlots bandwagon - before it leaves you behind. This is set to be an epic 12 months for the band. You heard it here first.
Read: www.theharlotsmusic.com/fr_intro.cfm
Follow: Twitter Facebook
Last night they headlined the Feed Your Head night in Camden and were a welcome relief after two disappointing support acts. They treated us to classics such as Babel, Red Dress and Ragged Rose as well as playing new tracks including latest single Be Mine. Despite a comedic interruption from an over eager fan - the group worked through their repertoire like consummate professionals - responding to the audiences enthusiasm for certain tracks and eeking out every last note; leaving us wanting more. They seemed much more together, much more engrossed and most importantly they were really enjoying themselves.
Things are certainly moving upwards for the group - a solid new line up, a 2 track demo recorded and ready for release next week, a fancy new website and PR strategy and a signature style both musically and visually emerging - it looks like 2012 is set to be a good year for The Harlots. They've come a long way from their debut acoustic gig in front of a group of friends and a couple of unsuspecting locals at The Crowne pub in Cricklewood a year ago. A year on and with a succession of gigs over the coming months the time has come to put on a skinny black tie, get yourself a front row seat and jump on the juggernaut that is The Harlots bandwagon - before it leaves you behind. This is set to be an epic 12 months for the band. You heard it here first.
Give them a chance if you like: melodic, anthemic guitar driven tunes akin to The Stone Roses, Beatles, Oasis, The Verve
Listen:
Latest tracks by TheHarlots Listen:
Read: www.theharlotsmusic.com/fr_intro.cfm
Follow: Twitter Facebook
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Music for Meals gig at Old Queens Head, Islington
I haven't blogged for ages but today I have a very good reason to get back on it. I went to a bloody brilliant night at The Old Queens Head in Islington yesterday, organised in aid of Mary's Meals. The phenomenally talented Tinashe was on the bill so I knew it was going to be good but I was not prepared for the full force of talent that was unleashed on me in this intimate gig on the Essex Road.
First up was singer songwriter Frank Hamilton - a rather cute looking chap with a guitar and a harmonica who sang beautiful songs about lost loves, London and his home town of St Ives and a haunting cover of Please please, please let me get what I want. Sweet, endearing and easy on the eye and ears!
Next up was the wonderful Tinashe who has been absent from the gig scene most of the year whilst he writes his follow up to debut album saved. I have been patiently waiting for something from him all year and was last night treated to a 5 song stripped back acoustic set. For those of you who have never heard of this man, you have missed out. His music is sweet and uplifting and he is so incredibly talented. His vocals dominated the room we were in, to the point where he probably didn't even need a microphone. My only criticism is that it wasn't long enough, I needed more!
When the organiser of the evening, Bobbie Gordon, took to the stage, I was simply blown away. A backing singer for an endless list of huge artists, Bobbie Gordon is a fresh, unique, soulful and beautiful singer who is definitely one to watch and is clearly wasted anywhere other than centre of the stage. Cheered on by family and friends, entertaining the audience between songs and sounding like the love child of Amy Winehouse, Etta James and Aretha Franklyn, this girl made my night.
The final act was Natty, mesmerising, awesome and a real privilege to listen to him in such an intimate setting. As his set progresed no one spoke and the entire room was hanging off every note and lyric that came out of his mouth, it was hauntingly beautiful in parts, uplifting in others and a brilliant conclusion to an epic line up.
The best £9.40 I ever spent and not only because it was for such a good cause. My final gig of 2011 was probably one of the best...
1.Frank Hamilton:
2. Tinashe
3. Bobbie Gordon:
4. Natty:
First up was singer songwriter Frank Hamilton - a rather cute looking chap with a guitar and a harmonica who sang beautiful songs about lost loves, London and his home town of St Ives and a haunting cover of Please please, please let me get what I want. Sweet, endearing and easy on the eye and ears!
Next up was the wonderful Tinashe who has been absent from the gig scene most of the year whilst he writes his follow up to debut album saved. I have been patiently waiting for something from him all year and was last night treated to a 5 song stripped back acoustic set. For those of you who have never heard of this man, you have missed out. His music is sweet and uplifting and he is so incredibly talented. His vocals dominated the room we were in, to the point where he probably didn't even need a microphone. My only criticism is that it wasn't long enough, I needed more!
When the organiser of the evening, Bobbie Gordon, took to the stage, I was simply blown away. A backing singer for an endless list of huge artists, Bobbie Gordon is a fresh, unique, soulful and beautiful singer who is definitely one to watch and is clearly wasted anywhere other than centre of the stage. Cheered on by family and friends, entertaining the audience between songs and sounding like the love child of Amy Winehouse, Etta James and Aretha Franklyn, this girl made my night.
The final act was Natty, mesmerising, awesome and a real privilege to listen to him in such an intimate setting. As his set progresed no one spoke and the entire room was hanging off every note and lyric that came out of his mouth, it was hauntingly beautiful in parts, uplifting in others and a brilliant conclusion to an epic line up.
The best £9.40 I ever spent and not only because it was for such a good cause. My final gig of 2011 was probably one of the best...
1.Frank Hamilton:
2. Tinashe
3. Bobbie Gordon:
4. Natty:
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Uh Huh Her, Nocturnes - The Review
First impressions are that Uh Huh Her have stepped it up a gear - this is a polished and neatly produced album. Much rockier than the first album 'Common Reaction'. It features tight drumming, crashing guitars and Camilla Grey's sweet vocals. Opener Marstorm is a winner and simply has to be played loud, with it's epic drumming and guitar riffs. . It is an excellent lead in to the next 40 odd minutes of new material. First single Another Case gave a sneak preview of what to expect and my immediate observation is that Leisha and Cam have built upon the positives of their first offering and now have a solid band sound, less synthesized than first time round. I also can't get enough of the drumming on this album, a noticeable addition from last time round. My stand out tracks are 'Marstorm', 'Human Nature', the sweet and slow 'Time Stands Still' and the dreamy 'Wake to Sleep'. 'Debris', is the only track to be solely produced by Leisha and is certainly the darkest track on the album - with guitars in overdrive mode and angry, snarly lyrics.
Uh Huh Her are described as an electro-pop band and in many ways that description still certainly fits but as any good band should, they are trying new things and developing their sound and this second outing is a very good effort. Hardcore Uh Huh Her fans will not be disappointed and it has certainly been worth the wait. Most importantly, with songs like Human Nature, this could be the album that awards them acclaim further afield than the Uh Huh Her faithful. It certainly deserves to, anyway.
Uh Huh Her 'Another Case' video:
Uh Huh Her are described as an electro-pop band and in many ways that description still certainly fits but as any good band should, they are trying new things and developing their sound and this second outing is a very good effort. Hardcore Uh Huh Her fans will not be disappointed and it has certainly been worth the wait. Most importantly, with songs like Human Nature, this could be the album that awards them acclaim further afield than the Uh Huh Her faithful. It certainly deserves to, anyway.
Uh Huh Her 'Another Case' video:
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials album launch
How do you improve on perfection? Ask Florence Welch, who appears to have done just that on her new album Ceremonials which was unveiled to the world last night at the Hackney Empire. From first impressions it blows the magnificent debut Lungs, completely out of the water. Having tried and failed on countless occasions to get tickets to see her perform, luck was finally on my side and last minute I got my hand on a pair of coveted tickets for her final gig of 2011.
Opening with "Only if for a night", Florence arrived on stage with a soaring gem of a song and the crowd went wild. She flitted around the stage, effortlessly belting out her new repertoire with total ease. The best word to describe the hour long set is mesmerising. Particular highlights were "No Light, No Light", "Heartlines", already released "Shake it out" and "What the water gave me", and "Lover to Lover". Florence also rewarded her fans with an epic performance of "Rabbit Heart" and the ever popular "Dog Days".
The real test of last night's gig was that the majority of the material was brand new but this didn't matter as every single number was stirring, epic and instantly exhilarating. For me music is important because of the way it can make you feel and what I heard last night made me feel jubilant. I felt like I was part of something really special, and was honoured even, to see Florence and the Machine live, in this relatively intimate venue, showcasing new material - that from this very first listen is undoubtedly going to be all anyone is listening to next year. This is the album of 2012, in the way that Lungs was the album of 2010. Ceremonials - buy it.
If you can't wait until the 31st then you can stream the album here:
http://eurotrashmusic.co/2011/blog/international/florence-the-machine-ceremonials-full-album-stream/#.Tqe77D_68Ts.twitter
Listen to Shake it Out
Opening with "Only if for a night", Florence arrived on stage with a soaring gem of a song and the crowd went wild. She flitted around the stage, effortlessly belting out her new repertoire with total ease. The best word to describe the hour long set is mesmerising. Particular highlights were "No Light, No Light", "Heartlines", already released "Shake it out" and "What the water gave me", and "Lover to Lover". Florence also rewarded her fans with an epic performance of "Rabbit Heart" and the ever popular "Dog Days".
The real test of last night's gig was that the majority of the material was brand new but this didn't matter as every single number was stirring, epic and instantly exhilarating. For me music is important because of the way it can make you feel and what I heard last night made me feel jubilant. I felt like I was part of something really special, and was honoured even, to see Florence and the Machine live, in this relatively intimate venue, showcasing new material - that from this very first listen is undoubtedly going to be all anyone is listening to next year. This is the album of 2012, in the way that Lungs was the album of 2010. Ceremonials - buy it.
If you can't wait until the 31st then you can stream the album here:
http://eurotrashmusic.co/2011/blog/international/florence-the-machine-ceremonials-full-album-stream/#.Tqe77D_68Ts.twitter
Listen to Shake it Out
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
New Uh Huh Her single
This week Uh Huh Her have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after Southwest Airlines discriminated against them for kissing on a plane. Two things to note here - rather sweetly Leisha and Cam are apparently now an item BUT more to the point it's astounding that in 2011 this sort of thing still goes on. I hope that in my lifetime I am able to live in a society where people are not judged on or defined by who they happen to love. Is this too much to ask for?
Anyway more importantly for all Uh Huh Her fans: this week the band have also released a new single from their hotly anticpated second album Nocturnes. Uh Huh Her have worked non stop all year. Not only have they produced this whole album themselves after splitting from their management, (they even sold stuff to fans to raise money to make the record), they have toured the US and Canada extensively and even put together an EP in a matter of weeks to tide fans over whilst they waited for the album to come out. The wait is nearly over for Uh Huh Her lovers as the album finally comes out on 11th October and yesterday's release of 'Another Case' offers a sneek preview of what to expect:
The dramatic drum intro, reminiscent of a marching band leads in to a rousing electro pop delight which sticks with their signature sound but indicates a more polished direction. Based on this song it seems that the band have built on their brilliant debut album 'Common Reaction' and taken their music to the next level. Cam and Leisha are both phenomenally talented musicians and hopefully this is the album that propels them to the level of notoriety they deserve based on their talents and songwriting alone.
Check out the new song below.
Anyway more importantly for all Uh Huh Her fans: this week the band have also released a new single from their hotly anticpated second album Nocturnes. Uh Huh Her have worked non stop all year. Not only have they produced this whole album themselves after splitting from their management, (they even sold stuff to fans to raise money to make the record), they have toured the US and Canada extensively and even put together an EP in a matter of weeks to tide fans over whilst they waited for the album to come out. The wait is nearly over for Uh Huh Her lovers as the album finally comes out on 11th October and yesterday's release of 'Another Case' offers a sneek preview of what to expect:
The dramatic drum intro, reminiscent of a marching band leads in to a rousing electro pop delight which sticks with their signature sound but indicates a more polished direction. Based on this song it seems that the band have built on their brilliant debut album 'Common Reaction' and taken their music to the next level. Cam and Leisha are both phenomenally talented musicians and hopefully this is the album that propels them to the level of notoriety they deserve based on their talents and songwriting alone.
Check out the new song below.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
I heart Hootananny
Hootananny Brixton has stolen my heart. Saturday nights will never be the same again. I'm a convert.
This seriously trendy and much loved pub (oh and it's totally free on Saturday nights by the way) bills itself as the best live music venue in London. Time Out called it "The best night out South of the River", I call it the best night out I've ever had in London; three weekends in a row.I can't help but ask what it is about this place though. It's not particularly glamorous, it's sort of in the middle of nowhere, but everything about this wonderful place excites me: the free entry, the jerk chicken, the reasonably priced drinks, lighting and stage area. Everyone is there to have a good time, hear some great music and let their hair down. I have so far not been disappointed with any of the bands I have seen and they have all been incredibly different. From funk and soul to gypsy folk to acid jazz...
Last Saturday I was introduced to an incredible band called The Killer Meters, by far the best band I have seen live for a while. Despite the fact that their songs were largely unknown, the crowd lapped up every note, drum beat and soaring vocal. I couldn't draw my eyes away from their phenomenal lead singer, Emma Prior, who had the stage presence of Beth Ditto/Florence Welch and Karen O all rolled in to one. The rest of the band were equally as skilled, with the drummer, almost resembling Slash with his top hat and curly hair, driving through the rhythms, and I have never seen anyone enjoy playing a bass as much as their bassist. All I wanted to do was dance and I didn't care what anyone else thought.
This is what Hootananny is all about - top quality live bands, unpretentious clientele with a willingness to embrace whatever band arrives to entertain them and a relaxed, vibrant and entertaining atmosphere where you can really let your hair down. I should know, I'm a regular now.
Click here for more on Hootananny
Check out the Killer Meters below and here
This seriously trendy and much loved pub (oh and it's totally free on Saturday nights by the way) bills itself as the best live music venue in London. Time Out called it "The best night out South of the River", I call it the best night out I've ever had in London; three weekends in a row.I can't help but ask what it is about this place though. It's not particularly glamorous, it's sort of in the middle of nowhere, but everything about this wonderful place excites me: the free entry, the jerk chicken, the reasonably priced drinks, lighting and stage area. Everyone is there to have a good time, hear some great music and let their hair down. I have so far not been disappointed with any of the bands I have seen and they have all been incredibly different. From funk and soul to gypsy folk to acid jazz...
Last Saturday I was introduced to an incredible band called The Killer Meters, by far the best band I have seen live for a while. Despite the fact that their songs were largely unknown, the crowd lapped up every note, drum beat and soaring vocal. I couldn't draw my eyes away from their phenomenal lead singer, Emma Prior, who had the stage presence of Beth Ditto/Florence Welch and Karen O all rolled in to one. The rest of the band were equally as skilled, with the drummer, almost resembling Slash with his top hat and curly hair, driving through the rhythms, and I have never seen anyone enjoy playing a bass as much as their bassist. All I wanted to do was dance and I didn't care what anyone else thought.
This is what Hootananny is all about - top quality live bands, unpretentious clientele with a willingness to embrace whatever band arrives to entertain them and a relaxed, vibrant and entertaining atmosphere where you can really let your hair down. I should know, I'm a regular now.
Click here for more on Hootananny
Check out the Killer Meters below and here
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