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Kill The Young - We Are The Birds, We Are The Bees We Are The Telephone Trees
2007-08-09 03:05:27
- The thinking behind the title of Kill The Young's latest single, ‘We Are The Birds , We Are The Bees We Are The Telephone Trees ' may be forever a mystery. Indeed, it gives nothing away save for the slight whiff of pretension. So, what I actually got - an accessible and catchy little number destined for NME club nights - was not at all what I expected. The sound of frontman Tom Gorman's Strokes-esque delivery, harmonising with a tonally identical ascending/descending guitar riff, initially sits awkwardly with the bog-standard rock chorus. But give the single a chance and you'll quickly grow to love it. 'We Are The Birds...' is an exquisite, energetic rock party tune that will sit comfortably in a playlist alongside the likes of last year's ‘I Like The Way You Move' by Bodyrockers. Despite going down the traditional cop-out route of only offering a couple of remixes as B-sides, Kill The Young manage to defy expectations again with the ‘South Central Extended Re-Ed


Oh No! Oh My! - Between The Devil And The Sea EP
2007-08-08 18:18:04
- 'Between The Devil And The Sea' is a very welcome stopgap EP from this exciting Nashville band. Mainly comprised of songs written by their old band The Jolly Rogers (that explains the appearace of 'A Pirate's Anthem', then), it still manages to sound like a progression from their self-titled debut album, continuing its breezy twee-pop style whilst building on it. Opener 'Oh Be One' and 'The Party Punch' in particular pile guitars, 'oohs' and anything else they feel like on top of each other, creating the band's lushest-sounding songs yet. As well as their skill for crafting pop hooks (the keyboard riff on 'Our Mouths Were Wet' is all the proof you'll need for that), their other strong point is Greg Barkley's vocals, a distinctive nasal style mastered by Thom Yorke and last seen in Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. There will be few surprises for those familiar with them except perhaps 'The Bike, Sir', a strange but charming one-minute ditty which, like


heartyeah - Traps
2007-08-08 16:11:19
- It goes without saying that any album that kicks off with a track entitled “Erotic Vodka Stories” is going to be an “interesting” listen. Imagine The Young Knives being tortured to a soundtrack of glitchy electronica and you've probably got a good idea what the opening cut on heartyeah's debut album sounds like - and this is one of the more “commercial” moments… I wasn't expecting the pairing of Warren Myles and Jack Fabian to live up to the hype of their press release – “heartyeah formed through a love of late 80's shoegazing, chart topping pop and fucking loud house” – but do these boys deliver on this enticing prospect? hellyeah! “Traps ” verges into avant-garde/industrial thrash territory at points but it's not without merit even if it might drive you insane at various points. “84 Detroit Throwdowns” is truly bizarre, coasting along on a squonky guitar riff it sounds like it was recorded in a cardboard box for twenty pence, beats appear to have been litera


Forms Forms Forms - Ratta Tatta EP Sampler
2007-08-08 13:23:52
- GIITTV have given these three lads some good press before, but it evidently isn't enough. There's no beating around the bush: Forms Forms Forms implore, through the accompanying press material to this sampler, the reviewer to give them a chance and propel their currently dawdling bandwagon on to pastures new. Forms Forms Forms go back to basics, providing straightforward guitar pop with a sense of urgency and electricity in its atmosphere. Opener Three Drains harks back to early Blur in spirit, roaring through its sub-two minute length like a twister through north London. The chirpier A Light Within has a distinctly live, distinctly London feel to it, while Out Of Your Depth is an arresting assault of sketchy guitar, trashy drums and angry vocals. With that said, the three-piece's claim to be unashamedly pop therefore doesn't hold as much water as they'd have you believe. Forms Forms Forms create guitar songs that don't try to be pretentious, or clever for clever's sak
Read more: Sampler

Lost and Found video.Taken By Trees
2007-08-07 10:30:46
- "Lost And Found" is the first single to be released from Taken By Trees debut album 'Open Field'. Taken By Trees is Victoria Bergsman's new project. Its released as a download and 7" on the 13th of August, take a moment out of your day as we have the beguiling video for your viewing please here: Real Player Windows Media You may recognise Victoria Bergman's utterly unique voice as that which formerly graced The Concretes. Victoria was singer and songwriter for The Concretes for 11 years up until deciding to leave the band in July 2006. Then again you may recognise Victoria's voice from one of the biggest and most popular singles of last year - namely, Peter Bjorn & John's infectious 'Young Folks' single. Her backing group is a virtual indie super group, including fellow Peter, Bjorn & John co-horts Bjorn Yttling on various instruments and string arrangements, and John Eriksson on all 'very personal' percussion instruments, marimba and vibraphone(Peter


1990s - You Made Me Like It
2007-08-06 10:37:31
- The second single from Scotland's 1990s is a huge step on from their debut release See You at the Lights, which although a good tune, didn't ignite in the way that it could have and perhaps should have done. With this release the power-pop trio may have hit onto a winner. The opening guitars are sharp as a knife, the vocals burst through walls and despite being ever-so-nearly melody shy, the song is extremely catchy. The dance-easy beat will please indie clubbers and the happy go-lucky vibe of the track should make the likes of Xfm sit up and take notice. The 1990s sound like a band having a lot of fun making their records, and what with an album, Cookies, already available at the local HMV, this single should rack up a few more admirers and propel the band into the hottest of spotlights.


Garbage - Tell Me Where it Hurts
2007-08-10 10:30:01
- “Tell Me Where It Hurts” In my middle ear doctor, quick switch it off! Yes it's the return of flame haired Scottish siren Shirley Manson, and her pop/rock-backing band of (bunch of old men)Butch Vig and co. At their best Garbage weren't a bad little act, emerging amidst the pre Brit pop melee, Manson's vaguely angsty vocals, topped off nicely with an up-tempo synthetic rock sound that threw as many hopeful inoffensive hooks onto a wall as is possible in a three minute single. Take their best song, “Stupid Girl,” with that clicking beat and slide rule riff, its tale of destructivity: casually built up into a sneering pop beast. But often their mix of pop and rock, over tipped the balance into indulgence and over commerciality. Take the silly Garbage by numbers rocker of “Push It,” and the over wrought strings of bond theme “The World is Not Enough.” But Manson's attitude clearly hit a nerve with many females seeking icons of empowerment in a confusing post feminist cultur


Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass
2007-08-10 10:18:55
- No one really cares about Hip-hop anymore! Strong words for an unknown Internet reviewer such as myself, to utter I'll admit. But It's become old, dull and uninspiring on many levels. Turntableism? It's A parody of itself. If it's not Kid Koala, chances are you've heard it before. Commercial produce? Even Kanye West admits defeat these days. And now this apathy is infecting the underground. When, of all people, Aesop Rock creates a single that's worthy of a reaction no better than a yawn, you know it's the end. Release Date: 28/08/07
Read more: Aesop Rock

Kate Nash - Made Of Bricks
2007-08-09 16:51:43
- Upon the surprise success of debut single ‘Foundations' which shot to a respectable #2 spot in the charts, Kate Nash's debut album was brought forward to release months ahead of schedule. Unfortunately this rush to the shelves might have damaged what sounds close to the catchiest indie-pop soundtrack of this ‘summer.' Firstly, to discard of the comparisons with the quite chavtastic Lily Allen who, despite singing nothing but praise for what she calls “the next best thing”, is well and truly slipping away into Nash's shadow. And for good reason; Nash's tracks, although in much the same storytelling style, have a sincerity and frankness that feels neither phony nor exaggerated. Too many parallels can be drawn between the two and ‘Made of Bricks ' benefits hugely from a simplistic, wholesome approach to the instrumentals that allow for Nash's ultimately more tuned and pure voice to shine through. Collectively the album is a 50/50 selection of feel good summer sing-a


Servant, The - How To Destroy A Relationship
2007-08-09 15:20:35
- Tired of only being able to image what it would have been like if, in another parallel universe, Liam Gallagher is actually a right softie and fronting Starsailor? Mmmm no didn't think you were, but just incase you feel the urge, London four-piece The Servant are here to make that dream a reality, bless 'em. If your getting a little fed up of band wagon jangley indie scenester bands, your really not going to find much comfort in The Servant. They rarely explore anything close to uncharted territory; more often than not choosing to retreat to the comfort of the Morning Glory and some Performance and Cocktails of their circa 1997 CD collections. What they do, they do well. ‘Sleep Deprivation' would have most likely been a huge hit at the tail end of Brit-Pop, and stands up as a high quality rock song now. Listening to The Servant is a bit like listening to Jet, you think you know it's not too bad – but I've just heard this a billion times before and I'm already sick of it.
Read more: Relationship

Elliot Minor - Jessica
2007-08-15 09:04:06
- The York based rock quintet are causing a quiet stir in the alternative scene. Elliot Minor are embarking on a nationwide tour in October taking in such esteemed venues as King Tut's and the Mean Fiddler. ‘Jessica ' opens in the style of early Idlewild and breaks into American drenched power-pop/rock that is of grandiose dimensions. Vocal mutli-tracking and harmonising gives the song a big sound which is further emphasised by the strings and piano that sit underneath the heavy guitars and drums in a Muse-esque way. Elliot Minor may well find favour with the Emo crowd aswell as those who sit on the pop/rock periphery and enjoy guitar noodling and drums that sound bigger than your house.


Dodgems, The - You're Not What You Used To Be
2007-08-15 08:30:20
- The Dodgems have sprung up from Arctic Monkey territory and look set to do their best to join Alex Turner and co on the national conscience. ‘You're Not What You Used To Be' is a riotous affair with raging guitar riffs and a big bluesey rock and roll sound that is more like the Kings Of Leon than their Sheffield brethren. This download only single comes complete with b-side ‘Swings And Roundabouts', a buoyant number with twinkly piano and shifts in dynamic that allow the band to experiment with their voice. This is arguably the more experimental of the two songs which finishes with a section, possibly from a demo, that demonstrates that the group have many more tricks up their sleeve than the a-side would lead you to believe. Currently supporting Jet-alikes The Checks, The Dodgems have a glorious opportunity to raise their profile. If they can explore the more intricate and untried side of their ideas, they've got a good chance of making the most of that chance and beco


GIITTV@ Field Day- 11th August.Battles, Electrelane, Foals, Fridge, 1990s
2007-08-14 09:40:42
- Since Field Day, Its become more important for me to write this review, to set the record straight rather than just the usual "get it in quick" reasons. People have been complaining. A lot. I have seen people describe the day as “abject misery”, “a fucking disgrace” and other such slurs. Naturally the promoters, Eat Your Own Ears and Adventures In The Beetroot Fields have responded, though the argument has been weak – the main response seeming to be “yeah, but the bands were good”. So it's about time there was a bit of an alternative opinion on this. Arriving with plenty of time to get some cash and a drink, we amble over to the main stage to catch Caribou. It's an interesting set up, with the two drum kits facing each other and a guitarist / bassist in the far corner of the little raised plinth on which they all stand. It's as if they're set up for a duel, and that's exactly how things kick off, the two drummers seemingly locked into some kind of Vulcan mind-meld as
Read more: August , Battles , Fridge

Ali Love - Secret Sunday Lover
2007-08-14 09:39:05
- On the back of an indie-cult following, thanks to the success of songs like “K-Hole”, Ali Love has changed direction somewhat with “Secret Sunday Lover” in the build-up to the release of his debut album. Unashamedly shiny and highly produced, “Secret Sunday Lover” is a slice of danceable, retro electro-pop. Sounding like a funkadelic song from the Jamiroquai back catalogue, it would serve as a great disco track with syncopated, offbeat rhythms and repetitive sequences. All in all then, a good outing and an outside bet for a sneaky single


TellisonThe Cavern, 19th Jul 2007
2007-08-18 18:16:03
- Tellison are here to show us all why everyone who's seen them play just won't shut up about how effin amazing these Hammersmith based Kingston scenesters are, and boy did they manage it! Tellison are joined on stage for one of their fledgling gigs as a five piece by Ben from Encyclopedia (who had not long since finished playing the support slot with his rather fabulous band. Blue Peter badge for the hardest working man of the night! ), who added some extra juicy guitar and keys to the already almighty sound. They come at you like a sledgehammer with short sharp shock punk guitars and pinpoint precise harmonies, like a Sweeney Todd barbershop quartet. Travailing the spectrum between Biffy Clyro, The Automatic and Get Cape – post hardcore fight pop, as it's becoming known – and Tellison deserve to become the kings of it. As fascinating and transfixing for their pop sensibilities, harmonies, clap-alongs and catchy riffs as for their punk ethos, aggression and shouting. A p
Read more: Cavern

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