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Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Ten Fé - Still In Love (Official Video)

Ahead of the band's new album ‘Still In Love’, set to be released on January 24, 2025, Ten Fé have today shared the record's title track, accompanied by its official video. Featuring their laid back southern-style guitars and swooning melodies the track once more serves up an exciting new chapter for the outfit as their shared vocals and rousing instrumentation build towards its gorgeous crescendo. Speaking on the story behind the project, Leo from the band says; “Rob, Ben and I have been playing music together for a long time, way over a decade. We've lived together, played together, busked together, travelled all over the world together - we've shared some real highs, and the fair share of requisite lows. There was a time after the release of our last record, where we all went our separate ways - we went to live in separate countries - England, France and Ireland. For a good while we had no contact and really no plan of playing together again. Gradually we formed a connection again, and began to play together.” Take a listen for yourselves below.


‘Still in Love’ Album Tracklist:
1. Still in Love
2. Everland
3. All Night
4. Caroleen
5. Any Time Soon
6. Half Light
7. Thommy
8. Middle of my Head
9. For A Second Time
10. Space Invader
11. Meant for Me

f: www.facebook.com/tenfemusic

two blinks, i love you - baby drums (Official Audio)

Photo: Ross Carrigan

Ahead of the release of his new extended player entitled ep2, out this Friday November 22nd via Heist or Hit, Liverpool songwriter two blinks, i love you shares new single ‘baby drums’. Built around its driving guitar melodies, the track's swirling wholesome energy showcases an uplifting side to his music as we get a joyous final preview of what's to come. “It's got loads of heart this one and that's why I think it felt like a good closer!” Liam Brown explains. Sharing more about the upcoming release he goes on to say “ep 2” as a whole is combing through a lot of different feelings over the past year. Some of the songs on here are quite retrospective about loss. It presents itself in different ways that I didn’t even recognise until listening to them back; at the time I thought it was hidden in lots of subtext but in actuality it wasn’t. Some of the other songs however, are more love songs. I always love how direct and charming a plain and simple love song can be, not particularly the most poetic or the most dramatic by any means, but speaking of the smaller insignificant things and the idiosyncrasies of moments unique to your experience with love and everything surrounding that, whether that be friendship, the city you live in, or the city you visit for a week.” Take a listen to baby drums for yourselves below.

i: https://www.instagram.com/twoblinksiloveyou/

Monday, 18 November 2024

Live Review: The Royston Club - Tramshed Cardiff, 14 November 2024

"We really don't come here enough" Tom Faithfull exclaimed as The Royston Club took to Cardiff's Tramshed. With the Wrexham-based outfit on Welsh soil, it was always set to be a rampant affair, but little prepared the excited fans for what was in store as they kicked off their 6 night sold-out run with a show to remember, bringing that Friday feeling a day early.

With a triumphant display of their indie rock prowess, cementing their place as one of the most exciting acts on the scene, the band wasted no time in getting things moving. As they swaggered on to the stage, the North-Wales outfit exuded confidence, opening with tracks like Blisters and The Patch Where Nothing Grows. The crowd, an eclectic mix of long-time fans young and old, erupted in cheers as they jumped front to back just two songs in. 

Working their way through their euphoric set-list, each track was a masterclass in their dynamic sound, showcasing punchy riffs, heartfelt lyrics, and the charismatic vocals of frontman Faithfull which readily sparked enthusiastic singalongs throughout. 

With an already burgeoning discography, the band's newer tracks hinted at an ever evolving sound, suggesting that The Royston Club are far from peaking creatively as they shared a selection of live debuts as the crowd lapped it up. There was also time for an anthemic unreleased single filled with sprawling melodies, alongside a magnetic cover of Pulp's Disco 2000.

From 52's explosive guitar fuelled choruses, to the unmistaken riffs and huge crowd eruption on Mrs Narcissistic as fans readily swayed and arms and bodies collided, the band's tight musicianship and their ability to capture the spirit of the room meant the energy inside remained electric from the first to the very last notes. It's nice to see them not participate in the outdated and cliche encore too as they packed in even more tracks to their ecstatic performance.

With their innate ability to turn a mid-sized venue like Tramshed into a vibrant celebration that saw the roof raised spoke volumes about their potential to scale even greater heights. And if this performance was anything to go by, their future holds a promise for big endeavours.

Be sure to catch the band at these semi-intimate venues whilst you still have the chance as their performances continue to masterfully blend nostalgic echoes of indie with the invigorating energy and originality of a new generation.

*****

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Sam Fender announces third album 'People Watching'

Photo Mac Scott

Today sees Sam Fender return with news of his highly anticipated third studio record, People Watching. Set to be released 21st February 2025 via Polydor Records the first single and title track will be shared this Friday as we enter an exciting new chapter for the Newcastle artist. Sam produced his record alongside bandmates Dean Thompson and Joe Atkinson over two years, working firstly in London in 2023 with producer Markus Dravs, and then earlier this year in Los Angeles with The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel which will no doubt add a whole new dynamic to their sound. The album cover photograph (below) was shot by the renowned social documentary photographer Tish Murtha, who grew up in South Shields and documented marginalised communities and working-class life in Newcastle upon Tyne. Pre-order the album here.


People Watching Album Tracklisting:
People Watching
Nostalgia’s Lie
Chin Up
Wild Long Lie
Arm’s Length
Crumbling Empire
Little Bit Closer
Rein Me In
TV Dinner
Something Heavy
Remember My Name
 
Sam Fender Live – The People Watching Tour
 
2024 (support from Wunderhorse):
2nd December – 3Arena, Dublin (SOLD OUT)
4th December – First Direct Arena, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
6th December – Co-Op Live, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
7th December – Co-Op Live, Manchester (SOLD OUT) 
10th December – The O2, London (SOLD OUT)
12th December – The O2, London (SOLD OUT) 
13th December – Utilita Arena, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
16th December – OVO Hydro, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)
17th December – OVO Hydro, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)
20th December – Utilita Arena, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
 
2025 Europe (support from CMAT):
4th March – Olympia, Paris (SOLD OUT)
5th March – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg (SOLD OUT)
8th March – Halle 622, Zurich (SOLD OUT)
10th March – Palladium, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
12th March – Zenith, Munich
13th March – ChorusLife Arena, Bergamo
16th March – Uber Eats Music Hall, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
18th March – Afas Live, Amsterdam (SOLD OUT)
19th March – Forest National, Brussels (SOLD OUT)
 5th July – Rock Werchter, Belgium

i: https://www.instagram.com/sam_fender

Prima Queen - Ugly

Photo: Kiera Simpson

Following on from last month's single Fool, Prima Queen have today returned with their glistening new single Ugly. The new track comes spearheaded by news of the pair's debut LP ‘The Prize’, set for release April 25th 2025 via Submarine Cat Records. Filled with catchy choruses and towering pop sensibilities, the track serves as another exciting taste of what's to come. The release follows news of the band being announced as tour support for Everything Everything on their December UK live run, as well as landing a prestigious slot with returning indie favourites The Maccabees in London (All Points East) next year. Detailing their second LP, Prima Queen explained: “‘Ugly’ is about trying to maintain a festival romance in the real world. It was written after the ending of a situationship with an uneven power dynamic and after being let down repeatedly, coming to the painful acceptance that it will never be what you hoped for.” Commenting on their forthcoming record, the band added: “We’re beyond excited to finally be releasing an album out into the world! We’ve been working on it for such a long time and it feels like a real statement of our growth, both separately and together. It’s been our little secret for a while now and we can’t wait for it to be yours!” Take a listen to the new single for yourselves below.

Prima Queen is Louise Macphail (vocals / guitar) & Kristin McFadden (vocals / guitar)

i: https://www.instagram.com/prima__queen/

Lou Terry releases new album Building A Case; shares new single 'Green Man'

Photo credit: Louise Mason

Today sees Deptford-based songwriter Lou Terry release his much anticipated debut album, Building A Case, via Divine Schism. To coincide with the news the record's latest single Green Man has been given the video treatment courtesy of director Katie Tindle. "'Green Man' itself is a folk song," explains Lou. "One that treads the line between a DIY folk song and something with a larger, more ambitious arrangement. The nylon guitar, piano, bass and percussion all develop certain ideas, but there is little true repetition and the song morphs with respect to the thread of the story." Of that story, Lou offers: "It's a song that starts at the end of a walk, parting with someone at some traffic lights. The green man signals goodbye and the beginning of a dive into memory, of people and conversations, and contemplation of how to find love in all the wrong places." Take watch for yourselves below. 

Tour Dates:
Nov 13th | Bristol, UK - The Lanes
Nov 14th | London, UK - 100 Club (supporting Califone)
Nov 17th | Brighton, UK - Pipeline
Nov 22nd | York, UK - Young Thugs
Nov 23rd | Blackpool, UK - Bootleg Social
Nov 24th | Twickenham, UK - Eel Pie Records (in-store)
Nov 29th | Norwich, UK - The Last Pub Standing
Nov 30th | Ipswich, UK - Smokehouse
Dec 4th | London, UK - The Windmill (album release show)

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Becky and the Birds - To trust you

Photo: Oscar Lindqvist

Ahead of the release of her debut album, Only Music Makes Me Cry Now, out this Friday 15 November, Swedish artist Thea Gustafsson – aka Becky and the Birds has unveiled the record's final teaser in To Trust You. Just shy of 2 minutes 30 seconds of pure pop indulgence, the track's soft notes and plinky synth melodies steadily dissipate in to choppy vocal samples and pulsating electronics as its charging guitars and percussion take hold. Sharing more details about the track’s thematic content Gustafsson goes on to say: “This song is for anyone who’s dealing with trust issues. When something has happened that broke your trust for someone, how do you find it again and not let it eat you up forever in every way possible? And most importantly, how do you trust yourself and your intuition without going insane? I wanted the production to work with this concept to soundtrack the madness and darkness that one can get stuck in.” Take a listen for yourselves below.

Only Music Makes Me Cry Now is out this Friday, available digitally and on Standard Black vinyl exclusively via the 4AD webstore. Find more information HERE.

Becky and the Birds Live Dates
14 November – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, Fotografiska
20 November – LONDON, UK, The George Tavern
13 December – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, Debaser

 i: https://www.instagram.com/beckyandthebirds

Monday, 11 November 2024

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Detroit

Photo Credit: Ellen Dixon

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (or pigs x 7 for ease) have today shared their first taste of new music since February 2023's Land of Sleeper album release. Unveiling Detroit, the track tackles an often fraught mental anguish as its grungy basslines and thrashing percussion take hold. Matt Baty shares further insight in to the track's creation,"Detroit reflects on the worst manifestations of male jealousy and resentment, and the ways in which a lack of accountability can lead to deflecting responsibility in exchange for blaming external forces like fate or God for perceived injustice" Take a listen for yourselves below with the Ellen Dixon directed video that perfectly captures the track's darkened energy. Proceeds which this track generates will be donated by the band to domestic abuse charities ahead of the tour. Bandcamp link HERE

UK 2025 Tour Dates:
3 April - Brighton, CHALK
4 April - London, KOKO
5 April -  Bristol, SWX
7 April - Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
8 April - Birmingham, The Castle & Falcon
9 April - Birkenhead, Future Yard
11 Apr - Manchester, New Century Hall
12 April - Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
15 April - Edinburgh, La Belle Angèle
16 April - Glasgow, St Luke's

EU 2025 dates:
17 May - Paris, La Maroquinerie
22 May - Cologne, Gebäude 9
23 May - Düdingen, Bad Bonn
24 May - Munich, Strom
26 May - Leipzig, UT Connewitz
27 May - Berlin, Säälchen
28 May - Hamburg, Knust

i: https://www.instagram.com/pigsx7

Live Review: Blossoms + Red Rum Club - Cardiff University Great Hall, 9th November 2024

Making their very welcomed return to the Welsh capital, Stockport's finest, Blossoms were back at Cardiff University Students' Union to give fans an unforgettable night of pure pop. Showcasing their knack for catchy hooks and crowd-pleasing energy, the band, on tour to promote their latest album Gary, brought a mix of fan-favourites and new material to a packed-out and enthusiastic crowd.

With it being a Saturday night the atmosphere inside was already palpable as Liverpool's Red Rum Club took to the stage in support. Building their sound from rehearsing in the non-gentrified reaches of Liverpool’s former docklands, the Merseyside outfit incorporate their gritty surroundings in to the heart of their music, and live, it truly came to life. Mixing high energy guitars underscored by their catchy trumpet-driven melodies, the band are distinguishably set apart from others in the scene and it plays in to their hand with wonderful results as the crowd eagerly lapped it up. From "Vibrate's" catchy choruses and "Vanilla's" thumping basslines to "Would You Rather Be Lonely" that sees towering pop sensibilities meet anthemic qualities, the band pack out their set list with infectious rhythms and sing-along vocals. Taking a moment to address the crowd, frontman Fran Doran thanked the audience for their vehement participation as the cheers resounded back. Red Rum Club have solidified their status as a must-see act and tonight only goes to show what they're capable of. 

With a short interlude ahead, the curated playlist pumped out the classics from Oasis to Courteeners, the latter being a band that first introduced me to Blossoms when they supported them almost a decade ago. It's funny how time flies. 

Tonight though, it's all about the Stockport five-piece as their distinct "Your Girlfriend" opener signified the start of the show with its cowbell intro.

What followed was a run through of their back catalogue as "I Can't Stand It" and "Getaway" were quick to get the crowd moving before they dived back to 2020's Foolish Loving Spaces LP for an extravagant rendition of "Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)", featuring their now signature freeze frame.

With the crowd readily in their palm, the band finally gave fans a taste of Gary. After all, that's what the tour is in support of as "What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?" sees Tom, Charlie and Josh instigate a conga-line across stage. Elsewhere "Perfect Me" sent the crowd to dizzying heights through its euphoric choruses before "Nightclub" sees Tom call through to a voicemail message, tailored to Cardiff before the track's 80's disco sound whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

Needing no introduction, Tom Ogden's on-stage charisma was again unmistakable as he engaged the audience with both light-hearted humour and personal anecdotes, telling the tale of how "Big Star" came to fruition. His rapport with the fans continued to add an intimate vibe to the packed venue as he channelled his inner Jarvis Cocker dance moves with big arm movements and lasso motions with the microphone cable. 

As their polished sound and undeniable chemistry as a band enhanced the impact of their delivery, songs like "Honey Sweet" and "At Most a Kiss" had the crowd chanting along, showcasing their talent for crafting music that's both catchy and profoundly impactful.

As the band returned to the stage, their 4-track encore brought the performance to close which included a touching performance of "My Favourite Room" that saw the band crouch down together centre stage adding to its affection, before Tom asked the all important question, "do you have 2 more in you Cardiff". A resounding cheer needed no further questioning as "There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)" and "Charlemagne" rounded up their denouement.

Blossoms had once again delivered another truly masterful performance, showing why they’re cherished as one of today’s most beloved bands. All that remains is Ireland and a 5 night residency in Manchester. Any lucky fans are in for a treat.

Blossoms Played
Your Girlfriend
I Can't Stand It
Getaway
Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
If You Think This Is Real Life
Perfect Me
The Keeper
Nightclub
Mothers
Care For
Honey Sweet
Big Star
I Like Your Look
At Most a Kiss
Why Do I Give You the Worst of Me?


Encore:
Gary
My Favourite Room
There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Charlemagne 

Thursday, 7 November 2024

Pem - Ellipsis

Photo credit / Ruby Pluhar

Today sees Bristol-based artist Pem return with the brand new single Ellipsis, her first work to be shared since the Cloud Work EP, released earlier this year. Standing as a testament to her incredible songwriting talents, its intricately layered instrumentation and soft glazed vocals add another impressive string to her bow as she once again teams up with acclaimed producer Ali Chant. On the new single, Pem says - "It’s called ellipsis because of those three dots at the end of the sentence that leave things unresolved. Ellipses aka grand miscommunications and aversions to concrete endings” Take a listen for yourselves below with the Genevieve Reeves directed video. 


UK Tour Dates - With W.H. Lung

November 16th | Manchester, New Century Hall
November 17th | Glasgow, Mono
November 19th | Newcastle, The Cluny 2
November 20th | Bristol, Strange Brew
November 21st | London, Islington Assembly Hall
November 22nd | Norwich, Voodoo Daddy's
November 23rd | Nottingham, The Bodega
November 24th | Birmingham, Hare & Hounds  

i: https://www.instagram.com/pemperry