Live Review :: The Family Rain :: Heaven, London - Nov 25 2013

Live Review

The Family Rain

Heaven, London

November 25 2013

Words: Andrew Major

Photo: Joe Parry

History tells that bands containing any number of siblings generally work pretty well: Kings of Leon, Oasis, The Jackson 5 - the list goes on - and now has a new addition in the form of blues-rock brothers The Family Rain. Neatly filling the gap in the current music scene made vacant by the late White Stripes and the increasingly quiet Kasabian, they burst onto said scene in 2013 and already radio regulars with a string of thumping singles behind them.

For a band still in the developing years of their career, the trio have certainly amassed an impressive arsenal of stand-out tracks to choose from, due to this they have the ability to select a beautifully textured and varied set of absolute face tearing, riff lead stadium anthems and delicate melodious grass-roots blues. The venue lends itself perfectly a band of The Family Rain’s stature, blurring the lines between an intimate garage rock show and a more impressive, polished live performance and also allowing for an eerily back-lit stage to illuminate the brothers and increase their already impressive stage presence. The band jerk into action with opening track ‘Carnival’, an oldie but a goodie and perhaps a fairly odd choice to open with, The Strokes tinged melodies seem to divide the crowd between what one can only assume to be the ‘new’ fans and the ones that have been there from the start. ‘Friction’ eases the anxiety of both the band and crowd with a groove you can get your hips into, another track from the band’s earliest sets and lacking in their now well known, heavier, blues rock sound.

‘Binocular’ is as grass-roots as The Family Rain get with an insanely catchy guitar riff come vocal melody, clearly a fan favourite with a rousing chorus and complete with some Jack White-esque screeching outro vocals. With the mood set for the remainder of the show and the crowd howling for something with a little more punch, they were assured not to panic, with the resonating words of front man William Walter: “We’re gonna get heavier than that next, are you ready?” And with that bearded boys from Bath unleash new track ‘Sister Hooks’, laced with grimy garage swagger and some more homage being paid to the great Jack White. The moment most of the crowd had been waiting for arrived in the shape of ‘Pushing It’. A small pocket of the crowd seems to appreciate the tight, punchy delivery where as others are content to remain slowly sipping at their pints with a vague nod of the head. The set itself is well dispersed with more well-known tracks like ‘Reason To Die’, ‘Pushing It’ and ‘Feel Better (Frank)’ all keeping the momentum up, whilst giving the band a chance to showcase newer additions ‘Alexander’ and ‘Sister Hooks’. The show is topped off with sure-fire crowd pleaser ‘Trust Me…I’m A Genius’. Fuzz is the name of the game with bass and guitar taking it in turns to fully engage in some indulgence to complete a tight and highly competent set.

The Family Rain undoubtedly have a long way to go to get themselves up there with other must-see live acts but given their rapid rise to headline touring and support slots for the likes of Jake Bugg and Miles Kane, it can be pretty much assured that if they keep the wheels in motion after the release of their debut album ‘Under The Volcano’ (due for release in February 2014) you’ll be seeing their name next a ‘Sold Out’ sign at some much larger UK venues in years to come.

November 29 2013 - Hot Top Ten

LONDON GRAMMAR - NIGHTCALL
A year ago we said here they were one to watch, and it seems the trio are now virtually unstoppable.





GHOST BEACH - MOON OVER JAPAN
Free download from Soundcloud of this track by the New York duo which wad originally out back in the summer.





KNOCKING GHOST - FOOLS
Early 80s style pop electronica from this London duo. B-side to 'Soul Inspiration', their December 2 digital release.





LOOM - LICE
The post-punks deliver up more dark grunge and gravelly guitars on the title track from their debut EP out on December 2.





COLD CROWS DEAD - MAN IN BLEAK
Brighton-based psych of Murray Macleod of The Xcerts and producer Paul Steel. Taken from their debut release 'I Fear A New World' out December 2. Catch them on a run of UK dates next month.





FISHDOCTOR - JACKETS
New single from the Brooklyn six-piece that we first heard back in the summer. Check them out here





ELIZA AND THE BEAR - IT GETS COLD
Euphoric folk pop from the London five-piece alikened to Beirut and Two Door Cinema Club. This latest single has already been Zane Lowe's 'Hottest Record In The World'.





THE NATIONAL POOL - BETTER
Soulful electronic rock (using synths and vocoder) with added vocal effects, from Baltimore duo. This is their third digital single, released on December 3.





THE RELAYS - LAST NIGHT SHE SAID
Debut single from the indie rock quartet, with enough catchy riffs to gain them.notice.





DIOS MIO - PROTO
One of two new tracks from the London four-piece who combine melodic, ethereal sensibilities with fuzzy guitars and rich vocal and instrumental textures.

Introducing :: Roo Panes

Folk pop singer/songwriter/guitarist - and Burberry model - Roo Panes is about to release the title track of his upcoming EP 'Land Of The Living'.

The results of spending a year writing and recording, the 24-year-old from Wimborne, Dorset - although now London-based - drops the package on December 2 thru CRC Music. Having previously released two EPs - 'Once' in April last year, followed by 'Weight of Your World' - it was the Burberry campaign - for which he also wrote the music - in which he and actress Gabriella White were featured walking through London, that set his star in the ascendant.

Playing 12 string acoustic guitar, mandolin and six string guitar, Roo Panes further demonstrates on 'Land Of The Living' his songwriting craftmanship, as well as intimate vocals and melodic rhythms.

Roo Panes plays London's Bush Hall on December 10.

The Family Rain Enjoy The Silence Of Depeche Mode

Fresh from playing London's Heaven, the Bath three-piece The Family Rain unevil their cover of Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy The Silence'.

"We wanted to cover a song that was completely different in style to what we do and see how we could make it work," says drummer Tim Walter, of the track which you can stream below - and which also featured in series six of 'Made In Chelsea'.

The Family Rain play the reminaing two dates on their present tour: tonight, November 27, at Southampton Joiners, and tomorrow at Thekla, Bristol.

Their debut album, 'Under The Volcano', is released on February 3 2014.

[Video] Superhumanoids - So Strange

If you didn't catch them lastnight playing London's Birthday's venue - their debut UK show - then you may now have to head over to Europe to catch LA pop trio Superhumanoids.

In the meantime, enjoy the track taken from their 'Exhibitionists' album, 'So Strange' - and the striking new video below was directed by David Altobelli and Taylor Cohen,

Superhumanoids play the following forthcoming dates:

November 27 - Labozaal, Leuven, Belgium

November 28 - Le Guess Who? 2013, Utrecht, Netherlands

December 01 - Bi Nuu, Berlin, Germany

New Track From East India Youth

East India Youth - aka William Doyle - in advance of his debut album 'Total Strife Forever', which is out next year - has released 'Dripping Down', a melodic patchwork of chorus and vocals.

Listen to the track below. Also, this Saturday, November 30, East India Youth will be at the Independent Label Market in Spitalfields Market, London, on the Stolen Recordings stall. Available will be 100 hand screen printed 10" copies of 'Dripping Down', which comes backed with a new track which does not appear on the album. Also chance to hear hgim doing a little DJing too, around 2pm.

East India Youth's 'Total Strife Forever' is released on January 13 2014 via Stolen Recordings.

[Video] MT - Alpha Romeo

MT have released a video to accompany their single ‘Alpha Romeo’, set to drop on December 2, along with details of an official launch party at the brand new Hackney venue, Oslo, on November 28.

The forthcoming single ‘Alpha Romeo’ was produced by Dan Grech (Vaccines, Lana Del Ray) and is a pop anthem of seismic proportions, complete with hook-laden melodies and an unshakeable rhythm section that guarantees it to be one of the catchiest songs of the year. The accompanying B-side, ‘77’ produced by Charlie Huggall (Florence and The Machine, Swim Deep) continues in the same vein with massive pop hooks and thunderous synths.

To celebrate the new release and launch party, MT are currently offering free tickets to their launch party at Oslo to all those who register for them at www.MTManyThings.com.


LIVE DATES

Nov 28 – LONDON – Oslo (‘Alpha Romeo’ launch show)

Album Review :: TOY - Join The Dots

TOY

Join The Dots

December 9 2013 (Heavenly Recordings)

9.5/10


Words: Dave Beech

The first track on the second album from London's TOY is seven minutes given over entirely to an almost sinister ensemble of psychedelic and ominous background whirrs, a relentless hi-hat beat, and abrasive, sporadic guitar work. It's an intimidating introduction for someone who is completely unfamiliar with a band who have always been in my peripheral, but never my focus. As it happens, however, the seven minutes of 'Conductor' prove to be vastly different from what the rest of the album has to offer.

With three out of five members of the ill-fated and terribly named Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong in the band, you could be forgiven for thinking that their music would be of a similar, mid-00s, indie ilk, but that's where you would be wrong. Instead, the second album from TOY builds on much the same foundations as it's predecessor; fusing together psychedelic tendencies with a much more matured blend of indie sensibility that's draped lavishly with a penchant for shoegazing. It's an ambitious record, and one which goes from strength to strength as the album progresses.

An early highlight comes in the form of titular track - and first single release - 'Join the Dots'. The track is an eight minute epic of hazy, melody driven vocals and krautrock inspired synth/bass duality. It's an impressive, if not slightly lengthy, song in which the band's passion for psychedelia is allowed to run riot after the four minute mark. The single version of 'Join the Dots' doesn't find itself is as long as that which is here, and the descent in to psychotropic oblivion, while present, is on a far smaller, more radio-friendly scale.

That aside, while the certainly do have more than a passing appreciation for psychedelia, there are plenty more accessible tracks here too. 'Endlessly' upholds nostalgic, almost twee pop ideals, and gives way to a much more laid-back, dream-pop driven second half of the record that floats towards closing track 'Fall Out of Love' - a further ten minutes of sullen basslines and unusual vocals that are enshrouded in a perpetual drone. Once again the track finds itself slipping into a tripped out breakdown that rattles and floats towards the song's conclusion. It's a much lighter trip this time, benefiting wholly from the lack of oppression such as that featured midway through the aforementioned 'Join the Dots'.

On first hearing TOY, as a band, seemed to be heavily indebted to the sounds of yesteryear, intertwining psychedelic breakdowns with shoegazey vocals and krautrock electro. However, it's the combination of these defining facets that allow the music TOY make to feel completely and utterly of the moment. It may not be a hugely original sound, but not often does psychedelia sound this crisp, this refined. And 'Join the Dots' should act as a testament to a band that, with their second album, have really found their footing and wholly come in to their own.

First Listen :: Bleeding Heart Pigeons

Bleeding Heart Pigeons are the three-piece from Limerick who have quietly been creating a mini buzz (as well as being championed by Villagers’ Conor O’Brien) with their anthemic, up front music. Now with their self-titled EP released on December 16 via Virgin, and the remaining live dates of the year, that buzz looks set to become louder for the three teenage friends.

Their sound is often like a vying for prime attention between different aspects of the music. They fuse guitar attacks with ambient piano, aggressive drums against an almost sweetly lilting synths, and a soaring, raw vocal. Debut tracks 'Visiting Myself In Hospital', is an angular, psych-vibed guitar and drum experience, whilst 'Catharsis' - seven and a half minutes in length - careers through a dramatic range of styles.

The guys have been playing a handful of Irish/UK gigs supporting Little Green Cars/Bell X1. Remaining dates are:

With Little Green Cars:
Sat 7th Dec - Vicar Street, Dublin (SOLD OUT)...
Fri 13th Dec - Dolans Pub, Limerick (SOLD OUT)

With Bell X1:

Fri 20th Dec - Vicar Street, Dublin
Sat 21st Dec - Vicar Street, Dublin (SOLD OUT)


Bleeding Heart Pigeons are: Mícheál Keating - Vocals, Guitar; Brendan McInerney - Drums, Backing Vocals; Cathal Histon - Synthesizers, Sampling, Percussion, Backing Vocals.

FACEBOOK

EP Review :: Casual Sex - The Bastard Beat

Casual Sex

The Bastard Beat

November 25 2013 (We Can Still Picnic/Tri-Trone)

8/10

Words: Dave Beech


The Facebook page of Glaswegian quartet Casual Sex, declares the music the band are making as 'sleaze' - nothing more, nothing less, and it's easy to see why. 'The Bastard Beat' EP is chock-full of dirty basslines, off-kilter grooves and lyricism that harbours all the bite and snarl of punk. It's dirty and guttural, but in the best kind of way

From the first moments of opening track 'Nothing On Earth', it's clear that as a band, Casual Sex are as debased as their name suggests. A loose, muted funk guitar forms the basis of the track whilst singer Sam Smith channels his inner Lou Reed for the vocal track. Conversely, later song, 'What's Your Daughter For' shuffles and limps it's way to it's conclusion, all the while purporting a more ominous feeling than the tracks that it proceeds. It really is hard to put any generic label on Casual Sex, each track featured on 'The Bastard Beat' EP exhibits something different from the last, even if it's just slightly at times, and it affords the record a huge sense of forward momentum. From the deranged almost psychobilly stylings of 'The Sound of Casual Sex' to the frenetic and jaunty titular track 'The Bastard Beat', nothing feels old or rehashed.

Having a professional sound engineer for a singer has definitely worked in the band's favour. The production across the whole of 'The Bastard Beat' is close to perfect, and it's what allows the record to feel like a singular entity, despite the varying nature of the tracks it contains. It's rare for a band with a sound that's inherently rough by it's nature, to sound this polished and this accomplished. And while it is still occasionally rough around it's edges, it is just an EP, and one can't help but think that this could be a launchpad for the band to go on to bigger things. Having already supported Franz Ferdinand on their recent tour of the States, it's clear that people are starting to sit up and take notice, and rightly so.

First Listen :: The Suits

The Suits are a New York electronic four-piece who formed in 2011 when meeting at Fordham University, and who are already onto their second self-released album - despite still being in college.

'Navy', released on October 27 is the latest offering from the bunch of 20-year-olds, and you can stream it in full below. Not out-and-out electronic as we may know it since The Suits also manage to throw in more of an indie pop feel (on the catchy 'Stars'), soul touches ('I Need A Surprise'), and a slight jazz feel ('This Place We Go') for good measure.

"Basically, we're just a few college aged kids that like to make music for fun," says guitarist Eric Grossman.

Best tracks: Stars, To The End, This Place We Go.

The Suits are: Eddie Gore - vocals; Mike Sanz - drum machine; Eric Grossman - lead guitar; Ian Grotton - bass.

FACEBOOK

November 22 2013 - Hot Top Ten

DEXTERS - THE HARD WAY
Newly released single from the brash, but melodic, London guitar band.




FAKE OUT - FOLLOW ME
Lo-fi laptop debut demo from Luke Morgan, one half of the recently disbanded Birmingham duo Heavy Waves.




JOANNA GRUESOME - TUGBOAT
The Cardiff fivesome's Alanna McArdle takes on the Galaxie 500 cover as the B-side to latest 'Sugarcrush' single.





WHISTLEJACKET - NINETEEN
Follow-up to their superb debut 'March Hare, and who we featured here back in September. An equally lush psych soundscape.





AVEC SANS - SHIVER
Fine exponents of electro pop. (Check out the new remix of this track by Ecstasy too.) The duo next play live on November 28 opening for Little Boots at London's Heaven.





MEMORY MAZE - MODERN SPRING
Dreamy, lo-fi shoegazey psychedelia...just about covers it. Whatever you want to call it, London-based multi-instrumentalist Gavin Ellis, aka Memory Maze, has it covered on this melodic soundscape, released on December 9.





EDA - WE ARE ONE
New single from the Glasgow-based four-piece EDA (Eat Dr Ape), out November 30, that combines rock with an electronic groove.





UMMAGMA - ROTATION
One side (with 'Live And Let Die') of the double A single, released by Emerald & Doreen Records on December 9, from the Canadian-Ukrainian dream pop duo.





CROWS - SILVER TONGUES
Second single release for the darkly menacing Crows - produced by the ubiquitous Matt Johnson (MJ) of Hookworms - who look like they could just take on 2014 in a big way.





WARPAINT - LOVE IS TO DIE
Three years on from their debut, the LA girls gear up for their forthcoming new 'Warpaint' album released on January 20 2014.

[Video] Connan Mockasin - I'm The Man, That Will Find You

Connan Mockasin unveils the Daniel Bretron directed video for 'I'm The Man, That Will Find You', as well ad announcing a run of UK dates for early New Year.

Mockasin’s first album, the 2010 released 'Forever Dolphin Love' pricked the ears of Erol Alkan, who then signed the New Zealander on the spot to his (then) new label, Phantasy.

The new album ‘Caramel’ was released on Phantasy earlier this month. Its inventive and unique brand of mutated, lustrous soul, was almost wholly self-recorded over a month in a Tokyo hotel room.

Mockasin has also been writing more material for Charlotte Gainsbourg after penning the exquisite ‘Out Of Touch’ for the actress/singer’s 2012 mini-album.

2014 UK TOUR DATES

Jan 22
Glasgow King Tuts

Jan 23
Birmingham Hare & Hounds

Jan 24
Manchester Soup Kitchen

Jan 25
Brighton The Haunt

Jan 28
London Shepherd's Bush Empire

Evian Christ Streams EP Track

Evian Christ, aka Merseyside-born producer and recent Kanye West collaborator on 'Yeezus' Joshua Leary, has revealed details of a new EP.

The 'Waterfall' EP is set to drop early next year via Tri Angle Records. Check out first track 'Salt Carousel' below.

Evian Christ plays TRANCE PARTY LDN: w/ Holy Other (dj), Jam City, Arca, Vessel, Wanda Group at Corsica Studios, London tomorrow, November 22 and TRANCE PARTY MCR: w/ Holy Other (dj), Arca, Lukid, Vessel, Wanda Group at Manchester's 2022NQ on November 23.

[Video] Whales In Cubicles - Golden Medal

London-based trio Whales In Cubicles have released a brand new track ‘Golden Medal’. Their debut album, 'Death In The Evening', recorded at Monnow Valley Studio with producer Nick Mailing, is released on January 27 2014 via CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH Records.

Since releasing the debut single ‘We Never Win’ in 2012, Whales In Cubicles have carved out a distinctive niche within the UK music scene, creating complex but often minimalist soundscapes that owe more to 90s alternative rock than psychedelia.

Watch the new video to ‘Golden Medal’ below. The track is available now as a free download by clicking here





LIVE DATES 2013

Nov 14th – BOURNEMOUTH – 60 Million Postcards (w/ Future Of The Left)

Dec 08th – MANCHESTER – Sound Control

Dec 09th – SHEFFIELD – The Harley

Dec 10th – BRIGHTON – Green Door Store

Dec 11th – BRISTOL – Start The Bus

The band will also be touring in support of the album in January/February 2014.

First Listen :: Death And The Penguin

The debut single from recently formed London-based four-piece Death and the Penguin, 'Strange Times' is now available as a free download (and due to be included on the next Big Scary Monsters compilation).

Named after Andrey Kurkov’s satire of post-Soviet Ukraine, Death and the Penguin was formed in early 2013 by four friends in the directionless and turbulent haze of post-graduate limbo.

'Strange Times', is an impressive statement of intent. Relentless in pace with all the volume and energy of hardcore bands such as Pulled Apart By Horses, it drives forward with profound lyricism and off-kilter rhythms contrasted by hooks big enough to rival any pop band.

The video was shot and directed by Oxford film-maker Sam King (Gunning for Tamar, Spring Offensive) in a listed building deep in South London under the shadow of a towering clock face.

Debut EP 'Accidents Happen' is due out early 2014.

Death and the Penguin are: Tobias Smith (Vocals, Guitar); Christopher Olsen (Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals); Andrew Acred (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals); Timothy Brennikmejer (Drums, Percussion, Vocals)

Watch the video below. For a free download of 'Strange Times' click here

First Listen :: Major Leagues

Brisbane lo-fi garage-pop four-piece Major Leagues have released a new single off their debut EP 'Weird Seasons'.

'Silver Tides’, which is out now, follows-on from their previous singles ‘Teen Mums’ and ‘Endless Drain’.

Due to be released on December 6, the EP drowns in fuzz and feedback, channelling influences such as The Breeders, Dinosaur Jr. and My Bloody Valentine, while referencing pop sensibilities that nod more to the melodies of 60s surf and garage pop.

Major Leagues are: Anna Davison - lead vocals/guitar; Vlada Edirippulige - bass; Jaimee Fryer - guitar/vocals; Jacob Knauth - drums

FACEBOOK

Vuvuvultures Share New Video As They Embark On Tour

As they head out on the road today - starting tonight in Brighton - London-based visceral quartet Vuvuvultures have released the video for album track 'Empurrar/Puxar' - apparently Portuguese for Push/Pull - their recently released debut album.

Full list of dates here. Slaves who we featured here support on all.

November 20
Brighton, Green Door Store

November 21
Bristol, The Louisiana

November 22
Newcastle, TBC

November 23
Glasgow, King Tuts

November 24
Sheffield, The Great Gatsby

November 26
Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

November 27
Oxford, Academy 2

November 28
London, Hoxton Bar & Kitchen

November 29
Liverpool, The Shipping Forecast

November 30
Leeds, Wharf Chambers

December 01
Manchester, Band on The Wall

[Video] Post-Ape - The World Is Over

London producer Post-Ape whom we introduced here a few weeks ago, has now unveiled the video to accompany his debut single release, 'The World is Over', out on December 2.

First Listen :: Jonny On The Rocks - The Undertow

Jonathan Nunes-Simone, aka Jonny On The Rocks, is another unknown quantity, although from what we can gather from his Soundcloud feed, he can be found hopping between Toronto, Brooklyn and LA, and what's more, the producer/artist has just put out a rather good track, 'The Undertow'.

Watch the video below - if it bears a resemblance to Luc Besson's The Big Blue, that's because that's what it is. Deep blue sea, swimming dolphins and beautiful layered vocals over the top.

TUMBLR

[Video] Crows - Silver Tongues

Gritty London rock quartet Crows, having released new track 'Silver Tongues' at the end of last month (via their own label, Dophinarium) - a follow-up to their 'Frankish Empire' debut - have added the equally disturbing video - see below...if you dare.

The dark, menacing hardcore brutes play their last gig of the year at The Victoria, Dalston this Friday, November 22, opening for Loom, which all in all, should prove to be quite a night.


FACEBOOK



Crows - Silver Tongues from Dolphinarium on Vimeo.

First Listen :: Groves

Having played just two live shows so far, both within the last week, and with little else known about them, Groves are still largely an unknown and untried entity.

However, the London five-piece has started to get themselves talked about amongst the blogging cognoscenti, so they must be doing soemthing right. One of the things that is defintely on the right path are the tracks that they have uploaded to Soundcloud. Not many mind you - just two, in fact - but enough of a taste to whet the appetite for more.

'Paperback', below , travels along a four-minute space, that rests somewhere in between Alt-J and GAPS.

Keep watch on their Facebook page for an upcoming December 14 London date.

FACEBOOK

Ecstasy Stream 'FRNDS 4 LYF'

Since our first hearing and chat with Ecstasy back in January - see here - they have kept a rather low profile, bar the occasional track uploaded to Soundcloud and very cheeky little unannounced gigs here and there.

The latest from the London four-piece - Laura, vocals; Joe, synth, samples; Rosemary, synths; James, guitars/synths/percussion) is 'FRNDS 4 LYF', taken from their forthcoming EP 'Exhale' to be released on December 9 via National Anthem - the label also responsible for Chvrches and Haim. Like the former, they utilise dreampop layered synths, catchy hooks and an impressive overall quality that has made them a name - if still a somewhat elusive one - on many people's lips.

Ecstasy play Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London tomorrow, November 20 with Amber Run.

FACEBOOK

Listen to 'FRNDS 4 LYF' below, together with EP title track 'Exhale'.

Watch New Sheen Video For 'Hey'

(Photo: Keira Anee Cullinane)


Following the release of their much hyped track ‘Lovelust’ as a free download earlier this year and a series of infectious live shows and festival performances, London based six-piece Sheen, a band synonymous with dreamy daze-like vocals and soulful rhythms, have released their debut double A-side single ‘Skylarks'/'Hey’ this November.

On the new release, ‘Skylarks’ is an aggressive full-on homage to nostalgic memories that sees the group channel early 90’s shoegaze, while ‘Hey’ moves into rolling Pixies-esque basslines and glitter-like guitar work that evokes empty East-end streets and youthful innocence. Released on their own imprint 078 Recordings, ‘Skylarks'/Hey' was recorded and mixed with Samantha Bennett (Boy Kill Boy, The Horrors) and mastered by Grammy nominated producer Mandy Parnell (Animal Collective, PJ Harvey, Bjork) in Black Saloon Studios. The new single release precedes the band’s debut album release next year.

Watch the video below to 'Hey', shot by Anand Damodaran.




Sheen play the following upcoming live dates in London:

November 19 - The Macbeth (w/ Tripwires)

December 10 - The Waiting Rooms (w/ Matthew and Me)

Check out 'Skylarks' here.

Whistlejacket Stream 'Nineteen' In Advance Of Psychfest - The Trip

London outfit Whistlejacket have just unveiled a new track to follow on from their acclaimed 'March Hare'. 'Nineteen' evokes a similar psych/shoegaze sound. Listen to the track below.



The five-piece - hotly touted by The Horrors' Faris Badwan - play at The Shacklewell Arms this Saturday, November 24 as part of the all-dayer and one arm of the five-day psych fest The Trip, being run by Bad Vibrations, Lanzarote Events and the Quietus. Full listings below.

Whisteljacket's 'March Hare' appears on the forthcoming compilation 'The Reverb Conspiracy – Volume Two', a 16-track album bringing together some of Europe’s most interesting emerging psych bands. Released on November 23, the double LP will be available in a limited, hand numbered edition of 1,000 180g white vinyl with deluxe gatefold packaging and artwork from Nonni Dead (The Dead Skeletons). 'The Reverb Conspiracy' is a co-release between Fuzz Club and The Reverberation Appreciation Society.

[Video] The Amazing Snakeheads - Flatlining

With second single release 'Flatlining' dropping on January 20 2014, Glasgow's three-piece The Amazing Snakeheads have joined forces with Alan Parks to bring you the video above.

Following their UK tour as special guests to the Jim Jones Revue, The Amazing Snakeheads are now on the road with Cerebral Ballzy as part of the NME Radar tour, which will see them performing at London’s Hoxton Bar & Kitchen on November 21.

Full dates are as follows:

November 19
Edinburgh Electric Circus #

November 20
Manchester Deaf Institute #

November 21
London Hoxton Bar & Kitchen #

November 22
Brighton Bermuda Triangle #

November 23
Nottingham Rock City Basement #

November 24
Bristol Exchange #

November 25
Birmingham Hare & Hounds #

November 26
Southampton Joiners #

November 27
Leeds Cockpit #

December 14
Glasgow Kinning Park Complex – The Amazing Snakeheads Christmas Party, with Future Glue and more special guests TBA.

# = NME Radar Tour with Cerebral Ballzy

Live Review :: Younghusband/Royal Blood/Telegram :: Barfly, London, Nov 11 2013

Live Review

Younghusband + Royal Blood + Telegram

Barfly, London

November 11 2013

Words & photos: Linn Branson


It has become increasingly common to find that it is not always the headliner that steals the night, but an artist further down the bill. So it was that this sold-out event, hosted by XFM's X-Posure, saw Brighton duo Royal Blood take the crown on what was their London debut. As they explode onto the stage in a wash of blue light, the room suddenly fills to every corner as punters leave their beers and merge as close to the front as possible, where an already solid wall has built up. There may just be the two of Royal Blood - Mike Kerr on vocals and bass, and Ben Thatcher on drums - plus a raft of pedals and amps, but what they lack in member numbers they more than make up for in decibels. And once they start, there's no let up - nor would anyone want it so. From the blues-infused opener 'Hole', through single B-side 'Come On Over' and the three-minute primordial 'Figure It Out', Kerr fires off riffs like bullets from a gun in rapid succession (bar a brief moment when a front row punter asked him to turn his guitar up...even he looked slightly taken aback at that; any louder and ears would have been bleeding), whilst his drum partner battered his kit like a boxer filled with pent-up aggression. As they draw to a close on current single 'Out Of The Black', there's a sense that these are destined to join indie 'royalty' in the top ranks over the next 12 months.

Telegram, who start the show, have seen themselves, in the space of just six months, go from east London unknowns, to a band that has debuted with a high velocity single, 'Follow', an almost endless non-stop touring schedule, and the approbation of many. The buzz band of the moment set the pace with their part motorik, part glam stomp, part psych style, and play like the undoubted future headliners they will shortly become, as guitars wail and frontman Matt Saunders employs his Welsh brogue to engage with lilting inflections on words. 'Eons ’, with its Supergrass likeness and on which guitarist Matt Wood remains intently bent over his instrument almost throughout as he inveigles one riff after another from it. Debut ‘Follow’ is the highlight of the set, with its striking opening chords and all three on guitar (Wood, Saunders, bassist Oli Paget-Moon ) working in fast-paced tandem, spewing out huge riffs like there is no tomorrow. When 'Folly' closes with its deadly arrangement of prog-like strikes, it is vain wish fulfillment that they might replicate the reverberating guitar elongated ending which they have been seen and heard to do at least once, extending to a further four or five minutes. Tonight it is not to be, but regardless, Telegram haved proved their worth.

There are two things about Younghusband that, perhaps inconsequential in the main, are still rather distracting: vocalist Euan Hinshelwood bearing more than a passing resemblance to Charlie Boyer (even down to wearing an identical fawn jacket tonight), and bassist Joe Chilton's hypnotic two paces forward-two paces back-two paces forward routine that is like watching a metronome - or a member of The Shadows, circa early 60s. But that aside, as they open on the now standard 'Comets Crossing' and the lavish psych sprawl of swirling guitars that is 'Left Of The Rocks', the dream-laden mood is set to continue largely through the rest of the six songs, most evidently on 'Constantly In Love' and 'Sunstroke'. 'Silver Sisters', with circling guitars and resonant vocal, together with the recently released debut album title track 'Dromes' both channel the finer elements of shoegaze. Younghusband have a natural flow and ease to their sound that makes it all sound so effortless; songs to become submerged in. Not drowning, just drifting on a languid sea of tranquility.

First Listen :: Slaughter Beach

You might well expect with a name like Slaughter Beach that this trio of Danes - Nikolaj Westi, Hasse Mydtskov, Mads Emil Aagaard - would be banging out some thrash metal or its nearest equivalent. Not so. The newly formed outfit, who released their debut single 'Made-Up True Love' in September, are more akin to MGMT - with a touch of grunge on the side.

'Spinning Globe' is a dreamy, laid-back affair, with lo-fi vocals and a pop sensibility.

Take a listen below.

FACEBOOK

[Video] Trampolene - Under The Strobe Light

Trampolene have unveiled the video to their debut single 'Under The Strobe Light'. Directed by Roger Sargent, and shot on a dark night this last September in Turnpike Lane, north London, the band skulk down alleyways, tooled up in leather.

'Under The Strobe Light' b/w 'My Bourgeoisie Girl' is out on November 25, available as a limited edition 7" (250 copies on Mi7 records) and as an iTunes EP featuring extra tracks 'Very Thin' and 'Swansea To Hornsey'.

Track Of The Day :: Glitches - RGB

Glitches seem unable to make a bad single; previous efforts 'Warm Seas' and 'Only Time Will Tell' both washed over one like a melodic shower of warm rain. So one would not expect their latest work, 'RGB', to be any less heart-warming and delicious. And it isn't. Out December 2 on Club Kissability, it is a darkly melting piece of loveliness, which has echoes of early Foals, against a backdrop of soaring orchestration and chocolate-smooth, soul-rich vocals.

Watch the video below to accompany the track. Directed and choreographed by Holly Blakey (who previously worked with Jessie Ware), it utilises a choreographed dance form, in which the three Glitches members themselves take part. These could just be dance moves that the band may well see replicated by fans at their next gigs.

And talking of which, Glitches are to play a series of shows over the next fortnight, culminating with three release party dates in London. All are Free Entry, except for London.

November 21
60 Million Postcards, Bournemouth

November 23
Oakford Social Club, Reading

November 27
Nation of Shopkeepers, Leeds

November 28
Bungalows & Bears, Sheffield

December 4, 5, 6
The Bunker, London

Album Review :: Jake Bugg - Shangri La

Jake Bugg

Shangri La

November 18 2013 (Jake Bugg Records / Virgin)

7/10

Words: Alison Mack

The Nottingham lad whose skiffle-ease has wooed the masses and drawn comparisons to the likes of Dylan, Cash and Young, returns with his second album of rock n roll. Now if you're a fan of the Buggster this will no doubt supply enough to have you shaking-and-a-rattling. Aside from having taken on producer Rick Rubin (recorded at The Band's former Shangri La studio in Malibu, where the album title is taken from) there is little here, however, to supply any real surprises, and feels simply more like the 'Part Two' of his debut, which itself was only released in October last year - perhaps an indication that when you take a boy out of the council estate and slap him down in amongst the Hollywood big boys, it doesn't necessarily make for a better album.

There are the boogies, like the rockabilly of 'Slumville Sunrise' with a middle pummeled guitar solo, and 'Kingpin', the song about a drug dealer, chugs along a blues-rock path; meanwhile, album opener, the Dylan-styled 'There's A Beast And We All Feed It' takes the skiffle route. Mingling in amidst these are the lower tempo ballad 'A Song About Love', and the relationship lament 'Me And You', in which he lyrically alludes to the brief time spent with Cara Delevingne. 'Pine Trees', is effective in its stripped back acoustic basics of just him and a guitar. 'Shangri La' is a work of two halves basically, with the first supplying the rock - his big building electric rocker 'What Doesn't Kill You' being one - and the second, taking on the easier, rolling delicate contemplations.

First Listen :: Malka

Malka are a dreampop/shoegaze band that formed earlier this year, have a Peruvian vocalist, sing in Spanish, are based in New York, and there is not a lot, as yet, else that is known about them. They do, however, have a dreamy, hazy, lush-and-lovely quality to their melodies, that whether of not you understand Spanish, doesn't really make a lot of difference.

Vocalist Saric - who moved from Peru to New York City seven years ago - and drummer Dawson used to play in In Flight Radio five years ago, then in 2011 they formed a band called Shy Around Strangers, but after a year the singer left for personal reasons. However, the two paired up, invited the others to join and form Malka. Currently working on their debut EP, and planning some live shows for next year.

Listen to Malka's first two recorded songs - 'Mirame' and 'Mientras se Respira' - below. Both are available as free downloads.

Malka are: Darko Saric (vocals/guitar), Mike Dawson (drums), David Id (bass), EJ DeCoske (synths/guitar).


FACEBOOK

Rising Star Saint Raymond Shares 'Young Blood'

Following his self-released ‘Escapade’ EP earlier this year, Saint Raymond, aka 18-year-old Callum Burrows, now unveils a new track, 'Young Blood'. Already receiving plays on Zane Lowe's show - as his 'hottest record in the world right now’ - the Nottingham singer/guitarist, 'Young Blood' will be out on January 5 2014 thru National Anthem, digitally and on 7" vinyl.

With a catchy hypnotic melody, it is, as Lowe said, "the perfect slice of summer, just in time for winter."

Check 'Young Blood' out for yourselves below, as well as the 'Escapade' EP.



Saint Raymond plays a series of dates in November/December as support to Haim. Dates for his own tour next year are already being confirmed, preceded by a one-off before the start of the European tour in London.

November 20 (solo)
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London


November 21
Columbiahalle, Berlin

November 23
Zenith Grand Arena, Lille

November 25
Docks, Hamburg

November 26
Burgerhaus, Cologne

November 27
Melkweg, Amsterdam

November 30
La Gaîté Lyrique, Paris

December 01
Doornroosje, Nijmegen

December 02
Muziekcentrum Trix, Antwerp

December 04
UEA Norwich

December 05
Institute, Birmingham

December 06
Metropolitan Uni, Leeds

December 08
Ritz, Manchester

December 09
The Forum, London

December 10
The Forum, London

2014 (solo)

March 20
Cockpit, Leeds

March 26
Borderline, London

March 27
Institute, Birmingham

Slaves Ready For Vuvuvultures Tour

2013 seems to have been a year for duos, from Drenge to Royal Blood, and now Slaves are all taking on the big boys and playing it - loud. And they don't come a lot more raucous than this Kentish pair, fronted by Isaac Holman (22) on drums and vocals and Laurie Vincent (20) on guitar. And if you thought you'd seen it all, Slaves err to the side of difference with Isaac standing up in front of his drums - there’s no kick drum, just snare, two cymbals and floor tom; he replaces the thud of the kick by battering on the floor tom, propelling the sound forward with tribal rhythms and a seething vocal attack. Beside him Laurie peels off wave-upon-wave of brittle post-punk guitar noise.

Having already played storming shows and tours with Drenge, Andrew WK and The Skints as well as an incredible set at Reading and Leeds festival in August, they now emabrk on a UK support tour with Vuvuvultures across the remainder of November.

Listen to 'Beauty Quest; (taken from their 2012 mini album ‘Sugar Coated Bitter Truth’) below. Their next single, the garage rock inspired ‘Where’s Your Car Debbie?’ is set for a January release.


UK TOUR

NOVEMBER

Wed 20th Brighton, Green Door Store
Thu 21st Bristol, The Louisiana
Fri 22nd Newcastle, Venue TBA
Sat 23rd Glasgow, King Tuts
Sun 24th Sheffield, Great Gatsby HEADLINE SHOW
Tue 26th Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
Wed 27th Oxford, 02 Academy2
Thu 28th London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Fri 29th Liverpool, The Shipping Forecast
Sat 30th Leeds, Wharf Chambers

DECEMBER
Sun 01st Manchester, Band On The Wall

First Listen :: Paradise

London Paradise duo - Tony Harewood and Joseph Marshall - make that transcendant dreamy type of music that floats on high opver hills and vales - you know the thing: chilled out, blissful trippy tunes, which has seen them compared to Jagwar Ma, Spiritualized and Primal Scream.

Their new single 'Stars Shine Bright', backed with 'I Can Feel Your Love', mastered by MJ of Hookworms, is out on November 18 thru Dirty Bingo Records (digital and 7").

Check both out both sides here:






Woman's Hour have also done their own remix of 'Stars Shine Bright'.




Paradise play London's Shacklewell Arms on November 21, for their free entry single launch party , followed by Corsica Studios, London on December 5.


FACEBOOK

Japanese Gum Unleash 'Homesick' Ahead Of Album

Japanese Gum - the Italian-based electronic psychedelic duo of Davide Cedolin and Paolo Tortora - have announced the digital release of their new album ‘High Dreams’ on December 2, as well as unveiling a brand new album track - ‘Homesick'.

Known for their heavy use of soothing echoed vocals and dreamy loops, the Japanese Gum have purposefully shirked any attempts for simplistic definition by sharing stages with artists as diverse as ambient producer Teen Daze, Prince Rama and Brooklyn’s Selebrities, while the relaxed tone of their sound has also seen remixes effortlessly commissioned by everyone from Isan, Brothertiger, Sun Glitters, Slow Magic and Yawn.

The new album is a lush and fulfilling collaboration that carries on the bands tradition of exploring unchartered melodies, while intentionally building hypnotic and gorgeous climaxes throughout each track.

‘High Dreams’ will be available on December 2 from all good digital stores. A 12” vinyl version of the new album will also be released in early January 2014.

Having already wrapped up a European and American tour this year, with a particularly notable appearance at SXSW, Japanese Gum will be announcing new live dates in the coming weeks

First Listen :: Hey Bulldog

Hey Bulldog are a Manchester garage/blues-rock (with a little psych on the side) three-piece - named after the last song that the Beatles recorded in a room together. Iniotially the project of vocalist Rob Manton, he recorded the debut EP, 'New York City Blues', by himself with the aid of just a drum machine.

Now a fully-fledged band, they have been named by Steve Lamacq as his 'Unsigned Band of the Week' on his BBC Radio 6 music show, and airplay across Xfm and Amazing Radio.

Stream the latest release 'Numb' from the band below.

Check out Hey Bulldog on their next live date when they play Dulcimar Bar, Manchester on November 24 with Mazes.

Hey Bulldog are: Rob Manton, guitar/vocals; Matt Parry, bass/vocals; Ben Howarth-Lees, drums.

WEBSITE

Introducing :: Chris Preston

Chris Preston is a new Bath-based singer/songwriter. 'Bridges' is the first official release from the 18-year-old student (his debut offering - another from his forthcoming EP, ‘Hold On’, received 1000 Youtube hits in less than 24 hours) and if this is anything to go by, he has a bright future ahead. Shades of 'nu-folk' in a Stornoway/Ben Howard style - not to mention some rather nice bridges and settings in the video accompaniment, which you can view below.

"I got started writing solo music due to the frustrations of being in a band. It's refreshing to have creative control and no constraints, so to speak," says Chris. "It's easier to just sit down and write music as opposed to having to organise a band practise and having to do it there. I feel this way I've been able to write with greater freedom, and with more honesty."

Still to make his live debut, look out for him around December/early New Year at a venue near you.

FACEBOOK

November 15 2013 - Hot Top Ten

WOMAN'S HOUR - BLEEDING LOVE
London-based Cumbrian four-piece formed in 2011 now take Leona Lewis' belting smash and in X Factor parlance, 'make it their own'. Just released their own work, single 'Darkest Place' on Luv Luv Luv Records.





LUNGS - NOT MINE
Hailing from London, ex-Guillemots guitarist MC Lord Magrao and vocalist Susie Blake follow-up July's 'Faraway' with another languidly lovely dream-pop outing. Debut album expected next Spring.





NAKED (ON DRUGS) - LEE ANN'S SKIN
Manchester-based duo with their debut single out December 2. Vocalist Sebastien Perrin weaves his louche French vowels around Luke Byron Scott's snakelike guitar to create something quite mesmerising - or in their words, 'melodramatic porn'.





HOT MODELS - SUGAR TO ME
First heard this Manchester/Huddersfield four-piece when they unveiled 'Swim Away' back in August. Now back with this latest grungy garage rock track.





SKINNY DREAM - SURFERCAINE
We introduced this Southend outfit here back in March, and they have not disappointed so far with the sun-rippled shoegaze tracks they have unveiled, including their EP 'Crushing' released in June.





HATE NOTES - ELIZABETH
East London electro duo - Ben Davies and Kevin Deans - supplying some crunchy cubes on this new single.





CASUAL PANIC - HOT AIR
Bucks four-piece we introduced here last month, now harnessing their rock n roll sound on this new - hit - single.





MORNING SMOKE - MELANCHOLY
Taken from the Brighton quartet's forthcoming debut 'In Euphoria' EP. Blissed out, soaring piece of euphoric melancholy.





WEATHERBIRD - CHASING DRAGONS
Birmingham/Telford-based four-piece - still to leave their teens - with the second single release from their debut EP 'Cut Me Loose'. Fast building a name for themselves on the live circuit. One to catch.





SOUTHWAY - MIRROR TO THE HEART
Nice beaty electro bounce from this London duo, with one half (female) from Seoul - somewhere, going by an online video, they seem to already be a big thing.

Introducing :: 6 Minutes To Sunrise

6 Minutes to Sunrise are a four-piece alternative rock band from Southampton who formed early last year. Their latest single 'My Favourite Fantasy' was recorded and mixed at Monnow Valley Studios, and mastered at Abbey Road, and follows their acoustic 'Beautiful' which was released on a self-titled EP earlier int he year.



Having been featured on BBC Introducing South and supported the likes of Howler, they had steadily built up a growing local fan base with their brand of pop rock with melodic guitar riffs and yearning emotive lyrics.

The band play Joiners, Southampton tomorrow, Friday November 15, followed by Talking Heads, Southampton on December 6.

6 Minutes to Sunrise are: Cameron Davidson - Vocals, Guitar; Paul Jackson -Vocals, Guitar; Chris Griffiths - Bass; Chris Scott - Drums

FACEBOOK

[Video] September Girls - Heartbeats

'Heartbeats' is the first single from the forthcoming album by September Girls. Released through Fortuna POP! on December 16, it is "a tale of unrequited love and betrayal". The album 'Cursing The Sea' is set to follow on January 6 2014.

Watch the video the five Dublin girls have produced to accompany it below.

September Girls play Thomas House, Dublin this Saturday, November 16 with #1s and Faux Kings, and Róisín Dubh, Galway on December 7 with PINS.

The Jezabels Set For Sophomore Album/UK & Europe Tour

The Jezabels have announced that their second album, 'The Brink' will be released on February 17 2014 via Play It Again Sam.

'The Brink' was summoned from a dark place; despite the outstanding success of their masterful trio of debut EPs and then their first long player, 'Prisoner', which catapulted them from indie kudos to full blown mainstream success. The two solid years of international touring played a huge part in forming the abyss that welcomed the band when they pulled into their new base, London, at the end of that marathon cycle of gold, platinum, headline sold-out shows and festivals.

"We played between 180 and 200 shows last year and it was possibly a bit extreme," says vocalist Hayley Mary. "But the low came from not performing. We basically had a year off and I realised how much I live to do shows. For me, writing is the self-deprecating, self-loathing stage. We all had our reasons for feeling low at various times, but I felt like I was on the brink of a lot of things on this album. Some of them good, some of them bad: youth and age, alternative and pop, giving up and pushing through. I guess hope is part of that. And also fear."

It is these feelings and this precipitous state that the band have distilled into 'The Brink'. Produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat (Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, The Vaccines, Hurts), 'The Brink' is an album of songs that manifest all of those emotions into vaulting ambition. It is an utterly fearless record of youthful optimism achieved through hard won experience, taut with gleaming hooks, indelible melodies, all hammered out by a tight-knit band through dark days in a strange new city.

From album opener and title track 'The Brink' via the first single 'The End', to the closing bars of the finale 'All You Need', The Jezabels second album is a thrilling affirmation. It is a death defying balance of optimism and maturity; richness and simplicity. It is a the journey of a band dealing with loss of innocence, mortality, politics, isolation and unity all spun with silken ‘pop’ threads, which Hayley sees as being given to them through a greater appreciation of simplicity.


UK/EUROPE TOUR 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

Mon 24 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Tue 25 Manchester Gorilla
Wed 26 Glasgow Oran Mor
Fri 28 Belfast, NI Limelight 2

MARCH 2014

Sat 01 Dublin, Eire The Button Factory
Sun 02 Dublin, Eire The Button Factory
Tue 04 Bristol The Fleece
Wed 05 London Shepherds Bush Empire
Thu 06 Brighton Concorde 2

Sat 08 Brussels, Belgium Botanique Orangerie
Sun 09 Rotterdam, Netherlands Rotown
Tue 11 Paris, France La Maroquinerie
Wed 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands Bitterzoet
Fri 14 Hamburg, Germany Uebel & Gefährlich
Sat 15 Berlin, Germany Astra
Sun 16 Frankfurt, Germany Sankt Peter
Tue 18 Munich, Germany Freiheiz
Wed 19 Zürich, Switzerland Komplex Klub
Thu 20 Cologne, Germany Gebaude 9

Main support from CHAMPS on all UK & Eire shows


Watch the video for the single release (out December 2), 'The End' below.

Live Review :: The Bright Ones :: The Monarch, London, Nov 7 2013

Live Review

The Bright Ones

The Monarch, London

November 7 2013

Words & photos: Linn Branson


Having only seen one video of The Bright Ones - for their first single, 'Does She Make Noise?' - I'll admit to not being particularly au fait with what the four members of this Brighton post-punk outfit look like. Bar the obviously easily recognisable front presence of Christian Jegard - closely cropped dark hair, dark skinny jeans, dark jacket, dark shades - the others, more or less, just seemed to employ the generally punkish demeanor. They looked the part, anyway; complementing each other as a unit. So on seeing them live for the first time here at The Monarch, I was a little confused and bemused to say the least, for the band that pitch up on stage seem to resemble nothing of the band that was on the video, except for the vocalist.

Now I could be mistaken, but was this actually the same band? Jegard, all edgy-don't-touch persona was unmistakable, but the staid, bespectacled (nothing wrong in glasses mind; very now, in fact) look of the two guitarists and drummer, seemed at odds: while he looked like a band's frontperson, they look...well, they look like anything but what one would have expected, going by the aforementioned video. No criticism on how they sound, just the visual appeal was lacking for me. Were these guitarists even the original one from the video or replacements drafted in for the gig for some reason, I found myself questioning?

As to the actual music content, that stands up with the best. They kick off with the blistering new single 'Your Words Don't Bother Me But The Killing Hurts'; which, ad unlike 'Does She Make Noise?' (not in the set tonight) as 'Wrecking Ball' is from 'I See Fire' - and from what can be gathered, far more representative of their style in general. It's a killer of a two-minute tune; instantly recognisable on its opening guitar-driven psych punk chords. From hereon in there follows a touch of shoegaze ('Can You See Me') and a more rockier approach on 'Nothing To Say' and 'Control', which perhaps may indicate a band still to find their preferred niche? For my money, it's on the psych/shoegaze side which is where they would seem to excel. That is what held my attention at least. On leaving the venue, still puzzled by seeing a somewhat different sort of band to what I'd envisaged, I asked myself would I want to see them again? On the basis of the material and Jegard's delivery, both which hold up and are imminently entertaining, the answer is definitely yes. With an image adjustment and a little more pzazz insofar as the other members go to equate with the video (which you can view below for your own comparison), then the future of The Bright Ones could be very bright indeed.