Local rock band Broken Records were performing at Edinburgh’s Queens Hall as part of the Edge Festival and even before we got inside the venue you could feel the buzz surrounding these guys from the large crowd gathered outside.
Supporting Broken Records was Glasgow band, My Latest Novel who combines haunting drum beats with intensely dramatic vocals, which made for an eerily beautiful set.
As Broken Records take to the stage, you can definitely sense that these guys have come a long way, you can see the confidence that the seven-piece outfit have gained since last year’s performance at the cities Liquid rooms.
The impressive assortment of artists and instruments mean Broken Records are unbelievably loud and overwhelming, creating a theatrical experience for the audience.
It has been said that both bands bear a strong Arcade Fire influence, and I would agree. Broken Records maintain a somewhat rustic air about them, sporting casual waistcoats, baggy jumpers and fuzzy, perhaps unintentional beards. They play guitar and drums, but these sounds are bolstered by frequent use of double bass, fiddle and accordion.
The band gave an exciting and energetic performance of a flawless set. Each member of Broken Records displayed formidable talent and their particular method of instrument swapping and hopping allows them to create their own combination of memorable tunes, measured instrumentation and epic, emotional lifts.
Friday, 28 August 2009
ALBUM REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys, Humbug
Considering their previous successes, the third album from Arctic Monkeys had a lot to live up to. Humbug, co produced by Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, sounds a lot darker and grown up than earlier offerings from the Sheffield quartet.
It seems Homme encouraged the band to venture beyond their usual punky, aggressive impulses. The album kicks off with, My Propeller, guided along by hypnotic guitar and bass riffs, as well as ghostly backing vocals, nothing amazing, just a good song that seems to serve as an extended introduction to the next track.
Crying Lightning, their first single which has been released from the album is a great song, with the building tempo and tension finding release during the driving, catchy chorus. The band’s twisty-turny riffing is supremely honed on Dangerous Animals and Potion Approaching, the closest approximation to the old Arctic Monkeys.
If there’s to be one let down track on the album then its Fire and the Thud, even with the sultry Alison Mosshart’s backing vocals it’s a bit lacklustre and boring.
Cornerstone is great from the start, blending the evocative keyboards and soaring arrangements with Turner’s cheeky lyrics it’s light-hearted, chilled and a definite hit. This is followed by Dance Little Liar which is another great song, dark and low, builds up nicely to its conclusion with machine gun like guitar riffs from Turner and Jamie Cook.
The rapid, fiery tempo-changes of Pretty Visitors are nothing short of exhilarating. The album concludes on an eerie, sinister note with the dark, twisted song, Jewellers Hands.
Humbug is an unpredictable but mesmerising album that sees Arctic Monkeys being pulled in quite a few musical directions but also sees them return with their most thought-provoking, intelligent release to date.
Track listing:
1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching
6. Fire & The Thud
7. Cornerstone
8. Dance Little Liar
9. Pretty Visitors
10. The Jeweller's Hands
It seems Homme encouraged the band to venture beyond their usual punky, aggressive impulses. The album kicks off with, My Propeller, guided along by hypnotic guitar and bass riffs, as well as ghostly backing vocals, nothing amazing, just a good song that seems to serve as an extended introduction to the next track.
Crying Lightning, their first single which has been released from the album is a great song, with the building tempo and tension finding release during the driving, catchy chorus. The band’s twisty-turny riffing is supremely honed on Dangerous Animals and Potion Approaching, the closest approximation to the old Arctic Monkeys.
If there’s to be one let down track on the album then its Fire and the Thud, even with the sultry Alison Mosshart’s backing vocals it’s a bit lacklustre and boring.
Cornerstone is great from the start, blending the evocative keyboards and soaring arrangements with Turner’s cheeky lyrics it’s light-hearted, chilled and a definite hit. This is followed by Dance Little Liar which is another great song, dark and low, builds up nicely to its conclusion with machine gun like guitar riffs from Turner and Jamie Cook.
The rapid, fiery tempo-changes of Pretty Visitors are nothing short of exhilarating. The album concludes on an eerie, sinister note with the dark, twisted song, Jewellers Hands.
Humbug is an unpredictable but mesmerising album that sees Arctic Monkeys being pulled in quite a few musical directions but also sees them return with their most thought-provoking, intelligent release to date.
Track listing:
1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching
6. Fire & The Thud
7. Cornerstone
8. Dance Little Liar
9. Pretty Visitors
10. The Jeweller's Hands
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Nominations for MOBO Awards Announced
This year’s MOBO Awards are set to take place in Scotland for the first time and organisers have revealed the full list of nominations.
Traditionally held in London, MOBO celebrates music of black origin. The ceremony itself takes place on the 30th of September.
Tinchy Stryder, Dizzee Rascal, N-Dubz and Chipmunk lead the way with the most nominations this year.
The full nominations are:
BEST UK ACT
Alesha Dixon / Bashy / Beverley Knight / Chipmunk / Dizzee Rascal / DJ Ironic / Donae’o / Mr. Hudson / N-Dubz / Tinchy Stryder
BEST UK NEWCOMER
Alexandra Burke / Jade Ewen / JLS / Laura Izibor / Master Shortie
BEST R&B / SOUL ACT
Beverley Knight / Ciara / Jeremih / Keri Hilson / Lemar
BEST HIP HOP ACT
Chipmunk / Dizzee Rascal / Drake / Eminem / Kanye West
BEST VIDEO
'Bonkers' - Dizzee Rascal / 'Boy Does Nothing' - Alesha Dixon / 'Diamond Rings' - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande / 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' – Beyonce / 'Supernova' - Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Akon / Beyonce / Ciara / Drake / Eminem / Jay Z / Kanye West / Keri Hilson / Lady Gaga / Mariah Carey
BEST SONG
'Beat Again' – JLS / 'Diamond Rings' - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande / 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' - K.I.G. Family / 'Number One' - Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz / 'Strong Again' - N-Dubz
BEST ALBUM
'808s and Heartbreaks' - Kanye West / 'Catch 22' - Tinchy Stryder / 'Catch Me If You Can' – Bashy / 'I Am? Sasha Fierce' - Beyonce / 'Uncle B' - N-Dubz
BEST REGGAE
Movado / Sean Paul / Serani / Tarrus Riley / Vybz Kartel
BEST JAZZ ACT
Diana Krall / Herbie Hancock / Madeleine Peyroux / Melody Gardot / Yolanda Brown
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Amadou and Mariam / Baaba Maal / Eidee / Femi Kuti / K’Naan / Lira / Mujava / Nneka / Oumou Sangare / Salif Kelta
BEST GOSPEL ACT
Desire to Worship God / Kiki Sheard / Mary Mary / New Direction / Crew
Traditionally held in London, MOBO celebrates music of black origin. The ceremony itself takes place on the 30th of September.
Tinchy Stryder, Dizzee Rascal, N-Dubz and Chipmunk lead the way with the most nominations this year.
The full nominations are:
BEST UK ACT
Alesha Dixon / Bashy / Beverley Knight / Chipmunk / Dizzee Rascal / DJ Ironic / Donae’o / Mr. Hudson / N-Dubz / Tinchy Stryder
BEST UK NEWCOMER
Alexandra Burke / Jade Ewen / JLS / Laura Izibor / Master Shortie
BEST R&B / SOUL ACT
Beverley Knight / Ciara / Jeremih / Keri Hilson / Lemar
BEST HIP HOP ACT
Chipmunk / Dizzee Rascal / Drake / Eminem / Kanye West
BEST VIDEO
'Bonkers' - Dizzee Rascal / 'Boy Does Nothing' - Alesha Dixon / 'Diamond Rings' - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande / 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' – Beyonce / 'Supernova' - Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Akon / Beyonce / Ciara / Drake / Eminem / Jay Z / Kanye West / Keri Hilson / Lady Gaga / Mariah Carey
BEST SONG
'Beat Again' – JLS / 'Diamond Rings' - Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande / 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' - K.I.G. Family / 'Number One' - Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz / 'Strong Again' - N-Dubz
BEST ALBUM
'808s and Heartbreaks' - Kanye West / 'Catch 22' - Tinchy Stryder / 'Catch Me If You Can' – Bashy / 'I Am? Sasha Fierce' - Beyonce / 'Uncle B' - N-Dubz
BEST REGGAE
Movado / Sean Paul / Serani / Tarrus Riley / Vybz Kartel
BEST JAZZ ACT
Diana Krall / Herbie Hancock / Madeleine Peyroux / Melody Gardot / Yolanda Brown
BEST AFRICAN ACT
Amadou and Mariam / Baaba Maal / Eidee / Femi Kuti / K’Naan / Lira / Mujava / Nneka / Oumou Sangare / Salif Kelta
BEST GOSPEL ACT
Desire to Worship God / Kiki Sheard / Mary Mary / New Direction / Crew
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Flag Ban at Reading and Leeds Festivals
Organisers of the Reading and Leeds Festivals have confirmed that they are banning music fans from taking flags into the arenas at this years events. They have said flags will not be allowed in as they block the view of other people in the crowd.
The official websites for both festivals state: "No flags will be allowed into the arena. They restrict the view of people behind."
Melvin Benn, who runs both festivals, has said "The people behind them - not immediately behind them, but 20 or 30 rows behind them, can't see.”
Flags have been a festival tradition for the past couple of decades, but seemed to reach critical mass at this year's Glastonbury, particularly during Bruce Springsteen's headlining set.
Other changes for 2009 at both festivals include no on-site box office at the event itself, and no ticket collection point, as both events sold out weeks ago.
There is also a ban on aerosols over 100ml and gas canisters. Organisers also suggest that young-looking over-18s wear a wristband to prove they are old enough to buy alcohol.
The annual music events, which begin on Friday, will see 150 acts play over three days, including headliners The Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead and Kings of Leon.
The official websites for both festivals state: "No flags will be allowed into the arena. They restrict the view of people behind."
Melvin Benn, who runs both festivals, has said "The people behind them - not immediately behind them, but 20 or 30 rows behind them, can't see.”
Flags have been a festival tradition for the past couple of decades, but seemed to reach critical mass at this year's Glastonbury, particularly during Bruce Springsteen's headlining set.
Other changes for 2009 at both festivals include no on-site box office at the event itself, and no ticket collection point, as both events sold out weeks ago.
There is also a ban on aerosols over 100ml and gas canisters. Organisers also suggest that young-looking over-18s wear a wristband to prove they are old enough to buy alcohol.
The annual music events, which begin on Friday, will see 150 acts play over three days, including headliners The Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead and Kings of Leon.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
UK Government Details Crackdown on File-Sharers
The government has confirmed it is considering tough new measures to tackle illegal filesharing, possibly even cutting off the internet connections of repeat offenders.
An amendment has been made to the Digital Britain report, which was originally published in June, in order to give stricter punishments to persistent illegal downloader’s.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is understood to have personally intervened to make the penalties for internet pirates more severe, reports BBC News.
People who continually download illegal music and film content could have their internet connections cut off, under the new measures.
Initially, the report gave regulator OFCOM until 2012 to decide whether it was necessary to catch illegal downloader’s. However, a statement from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills released today (August 25) declares that the 2012 date is "too long to wait".
The report states that it should be up to internet service providers (ISPs) to catch and take action against offenders.
However, the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) argued that it shouldn't be within their remit to police the internet, stating that it is "disappointed by the proposal to force ISPs to suspend users' accounts".
Welcoming the move, the chief executive of music industry trade body the BPI, Geoff Taylor, said that digital piracy posed "a real threat to the UK's creative industries". "Today is a step forward that should help the legal digital market to grow for consumers," he said.
An amendment has been made to the Digital Britain report, which was originally published in June, in order to give stricter punishments to persistent illegal downloader’s.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is understood to have personally intervened to make the penalties for internet pirates more severe, reports BBC News.
People who continually download illegal music and film content could have their internet connections cut off, under the new measures.
Initially, the report gave regulator OFCOM until 2012 to decide whether it was necessary to catch illegal downloader’s. However, a statement from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills released today (August 25) declares that the 2012 date is "too long to wait".
The report states that it should be up to internet service providers (ISPs) to catch and take action against offenders.
However, the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) argued that it shouldn't be within their remit to police the internet, stating that it is "disappointed by the proposal to force ISPs to suspend users' accounts".
Welcoming the move, the chief executive of music industry trade body the BPI, Geoff Taylor, said that digital piracy posed "a real threat to the UK's creative industries". "Today is a step forward that should help the legal digital market to grow for consumers," he said.
Friday, 21 August 2009
Early Bird Tickets On Sale for Liverpool Sound City 2010
Early bird tickets for Liverpool Sound City 2010 have gone on sale. Liverpool Sound City 2010 will take place at various venues around Liverpool from 19th – 22nd May.
Festival wristbands, which allow access to all the shows at the event, are available now, priced at £40. Whereas full delegate tickets, which allow access to the gigs, events and conference, are priced at £100.
Liverpool's own, version of SXSW returns in May 2010. Showcasing local and national talent the festival is a chance for industry insiders, promoters, and tastemakers to sign the next big thing and music lovers to discover their favourite new band.
Various venues around the city's cultural quarter will provide a platform for bands and artists to show off their skills, but there will also be conferences and panels held over the weekend as well as label-hosted nights.
To buy tickets for Liverpool Sound City 2010, click here
Festival wristbands, which allow access to all the shows at the event, are available now, priced at £40. Whereas full delegate tickets, which allow access to the gigs, events and conference, are priced at £100.
Liverpool's own, version of SXSW returns in May 2010. Showcasing local and national talent the festival is a chance for industry insiders, promoters, and tastemakers to sign the next big thing and music lovers to discover their favourite new band.
Various venues around the city's cultural quarter will provide a platform for bands and artists to show off their skills, but there will also be conferences and panels held over the weekend as well as label-hosted nights.
To buy tickets for Liverpool Sound City 2010, click here
Thursday, 20 August 2009
PRS Foundation Offers Electronic Music Grants
The PRS Foundation for New Music is offering funding for musicians or promoters involved in electronic music to help put on live events.
Through its Live Connections funding scheme the organisation is offering grants of up to £5000 to anyone who wants to create a one-off live performance of original electronic music and who have plans for a live performance sometime in 2010.
PRS Foundation co-director Charlotte Ray has said that the scheme was created to encourage people to get their electronic music that they may have on their laptops out to audiences in a live setting.
The scheme is looking for proposals that demonstrate innovation in the live presentation of the music: for instance, in the use of unusual venues, a strong visual presentation or new methods of performing live.
As with all of the foundation’s live music grants, the funding opportunity is offered to collaborative partnerships of musicians and promoters where there is a track record of successfully carrying out an event.
Support is offered towards the costs of staging an event, including assistance on covering musicians’ fees, venue/equipment hire and promotion and marketing. The deadline for applications is Friday October 9.
One of last years successful applications involved live performances at the BFI Southbank in London when electronic music was used to accompany silent films. Birds Eye View received £3,000 from the PRS Foundation, towards their Sound & Silent’s season of live musical commissions to classic silent films that celebrate women in cinema.
You can find out all the information you'll need about PRSF funding schemes, and how to apply via www.prsfoundation.co.uk/liveconnections
Through its Live Connections funding scheme the organisation is offering grants of up to £5000 to anyone who wants to create a one-off live performance of original electronic music and who have plans for a live performance sometime in 2010.
PRS Foundation co-director Charlotte Ray has said that the scheme was created to encourage people to get their electronic music that they may have on their laptops out to audiences in a live setting.
The scheme is looking for proposals that demonstrate innovation in the live presentation of the music: for instance, in the use of unusual venues, a strong visual presentation or new methods of performing live.
As with all of the foundation’s live music grants, the funding opportunity is offered to collaborative partnerships of musicians and promoters where there is a track record of successfully carrying out an event.
Support is offered towards the costs of staging an event, including assistance on covering musicians’ fees, venue/equipment hire and promotion and marketing. The deadline for applications is Friday October 9.
One of last years successful applications involved live performances at the BFI Southbank in London when electronic music was used to accompany silent films. Birds Eye View received £3,000 from the PRS Foundation, towards their Sound & Silent’s season of live musical commissions to classic silent films that celebrate women in cinema.
You can find out all the information you'll need about PRSF funding schemes, and how to apply via www.prsfoundation.co.uk/liveconnections
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