This week our three guest reviewers take on another five new tracks and give them a spin through the headphones before they then air their opinion on each.
This week's panel: Kieran Loughran, bassist with rising Bolton band Jordan Allen; Hannah Thacker of music PR company CharmFactory; Neal Thompson, co-founder FOCUS Wales.
TALMA - LIFELINE
Released November 24, the new single from the London five-piece, merging an alt-math-rock vibe with tight guitars, plentiful hooks and bold vocals, ‘Lifeline’ explores “the juxtaposition of being surrounded by millions of people… but still feeling a sense of loneliness every day.” Catch live on December 6 at South London's New Cross Inn.
Kieran Loughran: A very catchy song with a strong vocal line with a mix of Morrissey and the Editors. Solid riffy tune. 4/5
Hannah Thacker: For fans of nostalgic, late ‘00s indie-rock, but not one for progressive new music fans. The percussion is steady, but tedious, the vocals are smooth, but could be more interesting, and the lyrics aren’t hugely impactful. Best part of the track is the break-down around the two-minute mark. 1/5
Neal Thompson: Not my cup of tea. Accomplished playing, but musically doesn't seem to develop as I feel like it needs to. 2.5/5
Total score: 7.5/15
COYOTE - SERPENT HOLLYWOOD
Lead track from the Dunedin, New Zealand alt-poppers' debut album 'Hotel For Dogs', released November 22. Comprised of brothers Louis and Jeremy Potts (of Rackets) and friends, they knock out a squally DIY affair of infectious melodies and inscrutable lyricism.
KL: Listening to this song is like being thrown back in time to the 60s/70s to a Hawkwind concert, with its very raw sound and airy vocals. 3/5
HT: Lo-fi, grungey, and a little bit wild. Great guitar work that is worth waiting for. This band very much has potential in the rising slacker scene, but still room for improvement. 3/5
NT: Sounds like it wouldn't be out of place on a compilation of tracks that didn't quite make it on to the Nirvana rarities boxed set - but that is in no way a bad thing. 3.5/5
Total score: 9.5/15
W.H. LUNG - WANT
Infectious, off-kilter third single from the psychedelic post-punk Manchester band, released November 24 via Melodic Records. Recorded by Matt Peel (Eagulls/ Pulled Apart By Horses), it's three and a half minutes of spacey addictiveness. Catch live at The Harley, Sheffield on December 2.
KL: Reminds us of The Charlatans and New Order in their prime, catchy keys as well. 4/5
HT: More people seriously need to know about this Manchester band! Combining hypnotic psychedelia, punkish outbursts and flavours of Joy Division. Although it doesn’t quite top debut 'Inspiration!' for me, it is yet another great track from the mysterious enigma, W. H. LUNG. 4/5
NT: Nice Kosmiche vibe, motors along lovely! 3.5/5
Total score: 11.5/15
SEVEN STORIES HIGH - APATHY
Energy driven lead single from the Swansea pop punk quintet's self-released (on November 24) 'Deadweight' EP. Catch live at The Lanes, Bristol on December 3.
KL: Heavy guitar riffs, huge builds. New Found Glory and A Day To Remember vibes. Love it. 4.5/5
HT: As someone who isn’t a fan of pop-punk, I was intrigued by the dimmed-out drums with burst into energetic interplay between the percussion and guitars. 'Apathy' is structured extremely well, hits with pauses and vocal shouts in all the right places, although this also does mean it’s a little predictable at times. Fall Out Boy lovers looking for something new, look no further. 3/5
NT: Not my thing, but definitely a slice of great pop-punk. 4/5
Total score: 11.5/15
THE NEW COAST - CAUGHT
Latest dreamy indie pop single, released November 24 through LAB Records, from Tunbridge Wells duo Nick Blyth and Chris Cheater. Born from an infatuation with American cinema and pop culture, The New Coast have created their own distinct style.
KL: Catchy dancy and groovy. A song that bring easy listening to a new level. 4/5
HT: Simply gorgeous. Reminiscent of the indie-R&B production of Majik, the pop romance of ISLAND, the cinematic synths of Lynda - The New Coast are bound to fit in very nicely in the blogosphere. With that reggaeton, step-on-step-off undertone, 'Caught' could easily find its way into people’s pick-me-up playlists and pop radio shows. All in all, it’s a winner. 5/5
NT: They could easily be the gig the Made In Chelsea cast attend in an episode. Polished and poppy. 3/5
Total score: 12/15
No comments:
Post a Comment