I think it's sometimes difficult to review an act and try and make them appeal to a mass market. For some artists it's easy, for example take Anna Sweeney, The Detours or even Jay Ingram. It's so easy to put things down and make them appeal to an audience that spans such an obscure and eclectic demographic. When it comes to the Metal Genre it's so much harder to put it down in a way that people can understand. That is: if when you're reviewing it, it appeals to you in the first place.
Not long ago I reviewed the first release from Chaos! Ayrshire's newest metal band. I felt that even then I was struggling to make them appeal to a mass market, but then I realised that I shouldn't worry about making my words appealing, the music speaks for itself. The first two tracks I reviewed were "Running Away" and "Let me go" you can read that blog HERE.
Since the release of those two tracks Chaos! have exploded over the internet in a 'Music Releasing Frenzy' as I like to call it, so much so that my news feed often gets cluttered up. Not that I'm complaining, I make a joke of it now and again but I do love seeing bands work hard to get their music out there because it's not an easy task.
More recently the band release 'Fall' from their upcoming E.P (although with the way things are going, I can see this E.P turning into a debut album)
Once again Anna's vocals are nothing short of outstanding. I commented a few months back that Anna just had to get a bit more control over her voice and that is exactly what she's done. She's taken an already strong voice and built on it with precision and grace to bring out something that isn't far removed from Cristina Scabbia who is one of my all time favourite vocalists in this genre.
Instrumentation is another part of Chaos that seems to have dramatically improved over the last couple of months. There's something very precise about the way that the guitar has evolved over the course of the last couple of tracks. 'Fall' is a song that doesn't have to rely on over the top Metal Riffs, it has such a balance of Riff and Melody that it makes it such a strong piece of music. Metal music has evolved over time and I think that Chaos! have managed to bring together a lot of the various styles together in one EP.
Listening to 'Fall' I couldn't help think of Breaking Benjamin with a Female Vocalist and a bit more metal. So simple yet so complex at the same time. So captivating that even the non-metal fan would love it. In my opinion it's their best so far. Hopefully they can keep it up.
AND
You can catch them at the 13th Note on February 12th! For a mere £4 (UUC Presents).......yes it's a shameless plug and I don't care
Saturday, 2 February 2013
The Colour of Logic
As I said before I've been so busy that I've not had time to get any reviews typed up so I'm determined that this week I will work through every single thing that I've been sent and any gigs that I've been to. I'm going to start with 'The Colour of Logic'
I actually went along to 'Box' on Sauchiehall Street back in December to see this band perform in what was their first outing as a band. I know from experience that the first show as a band can be a nerve wracking experience, especially when you're performing in front of a crowd who have never heard of you or heard any of your material. However 'TCOL' managed to pull it out of the bag and then some. To watch them perform you would have thought that this band had been together for a number of years. If only they managed to fill up a bit more of the stage rather than looking stiff at certain points then this band could be up there with some of the best acts I've witnessed in the last twelve months.
I was actually sent some tracks a good while back to listen to and as most people do, you end up getting a favourite track and that's the one that really sticks with you. So I'm going to start with that one right now.
'Traveler in Time' just hit me like a car the first time I heard it. It has a strange sort of R.E.M feel about it, I can't quite place my finger on it. The composition of the track is really well crafted from start to finish and it really personifies the band as a whole.
'Beyond the stars' is another track from 'TCOL' which really is a stand out track. The song is not a heavy vocal based track like 'Traveler in Time' instead 'Beyond the Stars' really makes the craftsmanship on guitar stand through. There's actually something very Sam Pacetti'ish about the guitar work on this track that makes me love it.
The Colour of Logic are a fantastic group of musicians who appear to have came together and brought all their skills to the table. There's no over the top instrumentation, no hard to connect with lyrics. There's nothing but pure talent within this group and it's a group who quite frankly could keep releasing tracks like what I've heard and I would buy every single one. I think to really get to know how fantastic this band are you really need to see them perform live. I for one am definitely a fan!
You can check out their Facebook by clicking right here!
I actually went along to 'Box' on Sauchiehall Street back in December to see this band perform in what was their first outing as a band. I know from experience that the first show as a band can be a nerve wracking experience, especially when you're performing in front of a crowd who have never heard of you or heard any of your material. However 'TCOL' managed to pull it out of the bag and then some. To watch them perform you would have thought that this band had been together for a number of years. If only they managed to fill up a bit more of the stage rather than looking stiff at certain points then this band could be up there with some of the best acts I've witnessed in the last twelve months.
I was actually sent some tracks a good while back to listen to and as most people do, you end up getting a favourite track and that's the one that really sticks with you. So I'm going to start with that one right now.
'Traveler in Time' just hit me like a car the first time I heard it. It has a strange sort of R.E.M feel about it, I can't quite place my finger on it. The composition of the track is really well crafted from start to finish and it really personifies the band as a whole.
'Beyond the stars' is another track from 'TCOL' which really is a stand out track. The song is not a heavy vocal based track like 'Traveler in Time' instead 'Beyond the Stars' really makes the craftsmanship on guitar stand through. There's actually something very Sam Pacetti'ish about the guitar work on this track that makes me love it.
The Colour of Logic are a fantastic group of musicians who appear to have came together and brought all their skills to the table. There's no over the top instrumentation, no hard to connect with lyrics. There's nothing but pure talent within this group and it's a group who quite frankly could keep releasing tracks like what I've heard and I would buy every single one. I think to really get to know how fantastic this band are you really need to see them perform live. I for one am definitely a fan!
You can check out their Facebook by clicking right here!
A whole lot of updates
It's been an incredibly busy couple of weeks. Sometimes I start to wonder how time manages to let me fit everything in. Of course I'm not the only who's busy recently, Rose Parade launched their Debut Video last week and last night they launched the Album at the 13th Note in Glasgow. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it, but I have heard that it was a terrific show. Facebook was loaded with people talking about it and it really just makes me wish that I had managed to be there.
I've discovered quite a few new acts over the last couple of weeks as well. 'Burn the Maps' are really standing out for me at the moment, and I would urge everyone to go and have a listen, I see big things from them in the future. They are going to be a huge hit in 2013 and I'm hopefully going to get along to a good few events.
Another piece of news I've had is that 'Twisted Illusion' (a band who really stood out for me last year) are taking the band in a whole new direction. I have no idea what direction they plan on going in, but I'm interested to see where it goes. They are apparently doing a preview of the new material in Box on the 20th of February so I'm going to try and get along and it would be good to see some other happy faces there.
I'm going to be busy on the 20th because on the same night I'm going to run around to King Tuts to see the fabulous Anna Sweeney perform. Anyone who follows my blog will know that I rate Anna higher than most performers on the circuit at the moment. She's just got such a big talent, and she's such a tiny person. I love her music and on top of that she's such a nice person to know that it makes it hard not to be a fan.
I also went to see 'Slutcake' last Friday. They're a band I've never saw live and in actual fact I probably wouldn't have heard of them if I hadn't been dragged to the gig by Mr Grant of Jiezuberband, but I really enjoyed it. I'm not a big covers band fan but they really know how to put on a show. Mo is a terrific front woman and the rest of the band are extremely talented in their field. It was a thoroughly enjoyable performance and a band who I would go and see again, possibly for all the wrong reasons but hey, we're all allowed our guilty pleasures.
I also finally managed to get a hold of Brendan Benson's newest album 'What Kind of World' For those of you who don't know, Brendan is in the band 'The Raconteurs' who to be honest I'm not a massive fan of but Brendan's solo work completely blows me away. It's very melodramatic and completely encapsulating. If you happen to come across the album I would definitely recommend buying it, or adding it to your wish list for the year.
Moving away from Music just for a moment;
The finale of Fringe was two weeks ago and I have to say I'm sad that it's ended. It was one of my favourite television shows of the last decade and it really gave me something to think about at the end of every episode. Walter Bishop is without doubt one of the best characters ever created for a television show and had given me countless hours of laughter and nonsensical enjoyment.
I'm still a bit undecided on WWE at the moment..........yes I still watch wrestling, no I don't care that you think it makes me a child, yes I know it's scripted!!.......The Rock as WWE Champion again? Not what I wanted to see, not that I have anything against The Rock but CM Punk really brought credibility back to that Championship with a terrific reign that lasted well over a year and is the longest reign in the modern day era.
Back to music;
Suspire, The Detours, Dee, Sonic Templars, Jay Ingram and Jesus Trip all take part in The Showcase at Stereo on the 24th of this month to find the Support Act for the o2 ABC show featuring Jiezuberband and Preacher. All six acts are truly outstanding and so it will be interesting to see who gets the slot.
February is a month full of some amazing gigs, I'm going to try and get along to as many as I can. I get invites to gigs every single day and I know how annoying it is when you try and promote a show and nobody shows up, but I promise I will try my hardest to get a long to many more this month than I did in January.
Music Reviews - I've been sent a lot of music to review recently, I've just been so busy with other stuff that I haven't really had the chance to get them done. Saying that though, I will work my through them this week and have them all up. Remember if you want your tracks reviewed send them over to uucmanagement@hotmail.co.uk
So that's all for just now, I'm going to leave you with a little bit of Brendan Benson to get your teeth into.
I've discovered quite a few new acts over the last couple of weeks as well. 'Burn the Maps' are really standing out for me at the moment, and I would urge everyone to go and have a listen, I see big things from them in the future. They are going to be a huge hit in 2013 and I'm hopefully going to get along to a good few events.
Another piece of news I've had is that 'Twisted Illusion' (a band who really stood out for me last year) are taking the band in a whole new direction. I have no idea what direction they plan on going in, but I'm interested to see where it goes. They are apparently doing a preview of the new material in Box on the 20th of February so I'm going to try and get along and it would be good to see some other happy faces there.
I'm going to be busy on the 20th because on the same night I'm going to run around to King Tuts to see the fabulous Anna Sweeney perform. Anyone who follows my blog will know that I rate Anna higher than most performers on the circuit at the moment. She's just got such a big talent, and she's such a tiny person. I love her music and on top of that she's such a nice person to know that it makes it hard not to be a fan.
I also went to see 'Slutcake' last Friday. They're a band I've never saw live and in actual fact I probably wouldn't have heard of them if I hadn't been dragged to the gig by Mr Grant of Jiezuberband, but I really enjoyed it. I'm not a big covers band fan but they really know how to put on a show. Mo is a terrific front woman and the rest of the band are extremely talented in their field. It was a thoroughly enjoyable performance and a band who I would go and see again, possibly for all the wrong reasons but hey, we're all allowed our guilty pleasures.
I also finally managed to get a hold of Brendan Benson's newest album 'What Kind of World' For those of you who don't know, Brendan is in the band 'The Raconteurs' who to be honest I'm not a massive fan of but Brendan's solo work completely blows me away. It's very melodramatic and completely encapsulating. If you happen to come across the album I would definitely recommend buying it, or adding it to your wish list for the year.
Moving away from Music just for a moment;
The finale of Fringe was two weeks ago and I have to say I'm sad that it's ended. It was one of my favourite television shows of the last decade and it really gave me something to think about at the end of every episode. Walter Bishop is without doubt one of the best characters ever created for a television show and had given me countless hours of laughter and nonsensical enjoyment.
I'm still a bit undecided on WWE at the moment..........yes I still watch wrestling, no I don't care that you think it makes me a child, yes I know it's scripted!!.......The Rock as WWE Champion again? Not what I wanted to see, not that I have anything against The Rock but CM Punk really brought credibility back to that Championship with a terrific reign that lasted well over a year and is the longest reign in the modern day era.
Back to music;
Suspire, The Detours, Dee, Sonic Templars, Jay Ingram and Jesus Trip all take part in The Showcase at Stereo on the 24th of this month to find the Support Act for the o2 ABC show featuring Jiezuberband and Preacher. All six acts are truly outstanding and so it will be interesting to see who gets the slot.
February is a month full of some amazing gigs, I'm going to try and get along to as many as I can. I get invites to gigs every single day and I know how annoying it is when you try and promote a show and nobody shows up, but I promise I will try my hardest to get a long to many more this month than I did in January.
Music Reviews - I've been sent a lot of music to review recently, I've just been so busy with other stuff that I haven't really had the chance to get them done. Saying that though, I will work my through them this week and have them all up. Remember if you want your tracks reviewed send them over to uucmanagement@hotmail.co.uk
So that's all for just now, I'm going to leave you with a little bit of Brendan Benson to get your teeth into.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Rose Parade - Grace
There are some artists who feature prominently on my playlist and then there are others who don't but really should. It's not because I don't rate them but because I simply, over time, forget to put them on. So it's always great when they come back to the forefront of my mind and I fire on a couple of tracks and get back in the mood.
Tonight I remembered that Rose Parade were launching their new video for "Grace" and so I started going back through the "Archives" as I like to call them (really it's just a stack of cds on a couple of shelves or folders on my HDD) and listening to what I call "Wee Gems" and it's safe to say that Rose Parade are back on my radar.
To top off listening to that fantastic music from their past I also managed to watch the new video, which if the hype was anything to go by, it was going to be fantastic.
I'm a big fanboy for music that's not considered "Mainstream" or "Commercial" although I'm also a big believer of not putting labels on music and letting the music describe itself. Whenever something new comes out from someone on the local scene, I am on it like a moth to light (I was going to use some sort of Jimmy Saville reference but thought perhaps it was too soon, or inappropriate)
Anyway I was waiting for 7pm and the video for Rose Parade's "Grace" didn't disappoint. The videography itself is stunning, and the lense effects really bring it to life. I'm also a sucker for silhouettes or shadows in videos, I don't know what it is but I love them and the use of them in "Grace" just adds to what already (for me) was an astonishing video.
There's something about it that makes me think of a dream sequence from a movie, I can't remember the movie at the moment but when I do I shall edit this. It's a video that keeps your attention, there's no over the top theatricals or loud costumes, there's no crazy make-up or un-necessary gratuitous dancing. It's a video that simply embellishes the music that it's showcasing.
Stepping away from the videography for a moment I have to say that "Grace" is a perfect example of why Rose Parade should be off making millions and touring the world. I've always loved their music and it's so great to see that even years later they can still pull out magic from what I can only imagine is a giant bag of tricks. It's so easy to be labelled these days, but with a band like Rose Parade who are far from a one trick pony, it's so easy to see why music shouldn't be labelled.
With the debut album on it's way, I for one am excited. Although I have to apologise to Ed, I was supposed to meet that crazy man to get tickets off of him for the launch night and things kept coming up and I never got round to getting one. One of those things that happens but I could kick myself in the face for it.
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Burn the Maps
I love listening to new music and it's even better when that music makes me have a wee dance to myself. Tonight is one of those nights, I'm currently sitting making my upper body listening to "Burn the Maps" a band who until about half an hour ago, I had never heard of. After 2 songs I had made up my mind that this is a band worth writing about and it will just be a short write up, because I really don't have to breathe these days. Also before you all start to say something about my dancing just remember what Friedrich Nietzsche said “Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music.” and I have no doubt that as soon as you hear this, you too will be moving.
"Lose Myself" is the first track I listened to and even though the recordings aren't fully produced studio album tracks the music is just fantastic. The song itself is such a simple piece of music but the way it's performed is nothing short of outstanding. I've been sitting trying to work out who "Burn the Maps" remind me of and I've came to the conclussion that it's a cross of early Biffy Clyro and Brown Bear and the Bandits. Which as you can imagine makes for pretty amazing music.
I will get a proper review done of this band, and I hope that I can make it to a show in the near future but for now I recommend that you go and check them out.
http://www.reverbnation.com/burnthemapsband/songs
"Lose Myself" is the first track I listened to and even though the recordings aren't fully produced studio album tracks the music is just fantastic. The song itself is such a simple piece of music but the way it's performed is nothing short of outstanding. I've been sitting trying to work out who "Burn the Maps" remind me of and I've came to the conclussion that it's a cross of early Biffy Clyro and Brown Bear and the Bandits. Which as you can imagine makes for pretty amazing music.
I will get a proper review done of this band, and I hope that I can make it to a show in the near future but for now I recommend that you go and check them out.
http://www.reverbnation.com/burnthemapsband/songs
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
What a start to the year
Sometimes I feel like I don't get time to breathe. I've been so busy with organising the final 6 acts to play at the Showcase in Stereo on February 24th, we had between 150-200 acts enter and 90% of them were outstanding (granted there were a few who sounded like a queef) but we've managed now to get it down to the final 6 who now get a chance to go forward and have a chance to perform at the O2 ABC1 on April 27th supporting Jiezuberband and Preacher.The final 6 are Jay Ingram, The Detours, Suspire, Sonic Templars, Jesus Trip and Dee, and they are outstanding acts, it's going to be a tough call. Myself and Mikey from Jiezuberband announced the acts on Ronnie McGhies show on 3TFM yesterday and it was a great wee show. It was so odd being on the other end of a Radio Interview but I managed to behave myself which I'm pretty proud of.
I'm going to just run through the acts and give you an idea of what they're like:
Jay Ingram is an act who has supported Jiezuberband in the past, this was before I started managing the nutters but having listened to Jay's music I have to say I'm extremely impressed. For a solo performer his music has so much life and soul to it and it has been on my speakers quite often in the last couple of weeks.
The Detours are a band who I have been a big supporter of over the last year both as recording artists and live performers, they can bring such energy to every show.
Suspire are a great band who have had quite a bit of success in recent years. They are another band who have been on my speakers quite often since they applied, definitely a band worth checking out.
Sonic Templars have been a favourite of mine for quite a while now. "Human Connection" is one of my favourite tracks from the last year and so I'm so happy that they made it into the final 6.
Jesus Trip are a band who sound very Psychedelic and I'm really excited to actually see them perform live at the Showcase. They are actually playing as I type this and I can imagine them as being a brilliant set of live performers.
Dee is an act who has really stood out for me recently her music just grabs my attention and pulls me in, and if you read one of my blogs from a few months ago you can find out exactly why.
On top of all of this I've started marketing Tini Designs a local arts company who do Body Painting, Face Painting, Tattoo Designs, Murals, Artwork for Cd's and Books and so much more. So search them on Facebook if you need anything done.
It has been an insane start to the year. Tomorrow is actually my first day where I think I'm going to be able to relax and chill the hell out, although I say that but I know for a fact that I'll be running about like a headless chicken once the phone calls start coming in. I actually told a friend the other day that I "don't have time to shite" and I'm starting to feel that this might actually happen one day, I'll just explode from the inside. However this isn't a complaint, I absolutely love what I do and I wouldn't change it for anything.
I'm going to just run through the acts and give you an idea of what they're like:
Jay Ingram is an act who has supported Jiezuberband in the past, this was before I started managing the nutters but having listened to Jay's music I have to say I'm extremely impressed. For a solo performer his music has so much life and soul to it and it has been on my speakers quite often in the last couple of weeks.
The Detours are a band who I have been a big supporter of over the last year both as recording artists and live performers, they can bring such energy to every show.
Suspire are a great band who have had quite a bit of success in recent years. They are another band who have been on my speakers quite often since they applied, definitely a band worth checking out.
Sonic Templars have been a favourite of mine for quite a while now. "Human Connection" is one of my favourite tracks from the last year and so I'm so happy that they made it into the final 6.
Jesus Trip are a band who sound very Psychedelic and I'm really excited to actually see them perform live at the Showcase. They are actually playing as I type this and I can imagine them as being a brilliant set of live performers.
Dee is an act who has really stood out for me recently her music just grabs my attention and pulls me in, and if you read one of my blogs from a few months ago you can find out exactly why.
On top of all of this I've started marketing Tini Designs a local arts company who do Body Painting, Face Painting, Tattoo Designs, Murals, Artwork for Cd's and Books and so much more. So search them on Facebook if you need anything done.
It has been an insane start to the year. Tomorrow is actually my first day where I think I'm going to be able to relax and chill the hell out, although I say that but I know for a fact that I'll be running about like a headless chicken once the phone calls start coming in. I actually told a friend the other day that I "don't have time to shite" and I'm starting to feel that this might actually happen one day, I'll just explode from the inside. However this isn't a complaint, I absolutely love what I do and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Reliving my childhood
First off I would like to say congratulations to Brown Bear and the Bandits and The Imagineers for getting into the suns "top tips for 2013" although anyone with any sense would have known that anyway. Both bands just go from strength to strength and it's always a pleasure watching them and listening to their music. 2013 holds big things for both bands, it's now just a formality.
Anyway moving on.
This weekend is the weekend that most of us adults have been looking forward to - "CITV goes Old Skool" two full days of classic television shows from our childhood back to back.
It started off with Mike and Angelo at 9.25 and I have never been so excited to see a childrens tv show in all my life. For me Mike and Angelo was my childhood show. I loved it when it aired and I loved it today, the memories just came flooding back. For those of you who don't know (and if you don't I'm disgusted) the show's about a boy and an alien who lives with him. Angelo being the Alien and Mike being the boy, not hard to deduce but sometimes our brains don't function. There's no story arc as such and most of what happens on screen is a load of nonsense but by god I can't stop loving that show.
Throughout the course of the marathon so far we've been treated to "Knightmare" "Raggy Dolls" "Super Gran" and even good old "Sooty"
Facebook and Twitter have exploded with people talking about their favourite shows and their favourite episodes. As I type "The Worst Witch" is currently gracing my screen and granted I was never a fan of that show, but I know that my sister loved it. Infact I think most of the girls in my class also loved it.
We've had so many great television shows over the years that when I look at what's on tv now it's so disappointing. I remember when they relaunched "Pinky and Perky" I was so excited and then when I saw it they had turned into a CGI adventure show, gone were the silly puppets and it just made me sad.
We live in a world now where Children watch shows like "Hannah Montana" and "Zoey 101" so I'm hoping that many a parent has sat their child down in front of CITV today and shown them what real childrens television is.
I hope that BBC follow suit someday and do an "Old School" marathon because personally........I'm a playdays kid at heart
Anyway moving on.
This weekend is the weekend that most of us adults have been looking forward to - "CITV goes Old Skool" two full days of classic television shows from our childhood back to back.
It started off with Mike and Angelo at 9.25 and I have never been so excited to see a childrens tv show in all my life. For me Mike and Angelo was my childhood show. I loved it when it aired and I loved it today, the memories just came flooding back. For those of you who don't know (and if you don't I'm disgusted) the show's about a boy and an alien who lives with him. Angelo being the Alien and Mike being the boy, not hard to deduce but sometimes our brains don't function. There's no story arc as such and most of what happens on screen is a load of nonsense but by god I can't stop loving that show.
Throughout the course of the marathon so far we've been treated to "Knightmare" "Raggy Dolls" "Super Gran" and even good old "Sooty"
Facebook and Twitter have exploded with people talking about their favourite shows and their favourite episodes. As I type "The Worst Witch" is currently gracing my screen and granted I was never a fan of that show, but I know that my sister loved it. Infact I think most of the girls in my class also loved it.
We've had so many great television shows over the years that when I look at what's on tv now it's so disappointing. I remember when they relaunched "Pinky and Perky" I was so excited and then when I saw it they had turned into a CGI adventure show, gone were the silly puppets and it just made me sad.
We live in a world now where Children watch shows like "Hannah Montana" and "Zoey 101" so I'm hoping that many a parent has sat their child down in front of CITV today and shown them what real childrens television is.
I hope that BBC follow suit someday and do an "Old School" marathon because personally........I'm a playdays kid at heart
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