Albums of 2010: #7: I Speak Because I Can

#7: 'I Speak Because I Can' by Laura Marling

I recall first seeing Laura Marling in 2007 at my first Camden Crawl, having found her through my regular, geeky online trawls through blogs and the world of Myspace music, and managed to fall in love with her somewhere between the time she started and the time she finished her first song. I blogged about her here wayyy back on April 9th that year (PROOF!). A jaw-droppingly beautiful first album that ached with a wealth of knowledge years beyond her young age appeared in 2008 and it took another couple of years for Miss Marling to return with 'I Speak Because I Can', another release that oozes a melancholy folk ethos that yet again evokes the wisdom of a much more mature folk mistress.

The tracks here haunt the recesses of the mind, embedding themselves via a simple array of classical instruments, cutting through the heart and soul with a preposterous precision thanks to the crystal clear clarity in the tone and lyrics tumbling from the mouth of Marling. 'Devil's Spoke' rumbles into existence to mark her return, dipping into a dark blues territory thanks to a subtely rollicking riff. She soon settles down with the melancholy-tinged 'Blackberry Stone', dropping into innately personal mutterings of 'You never did learn to let the little things go', almost whispering into your ear as if stretched out beside you (which I would love very very very much).

There is a sophistication on offer that puts the recent cutesy indie folk scene dominant in Britain (Mumford and Noah etc) to shame (however much she was a part of it), taking her cues from the likes of Joni Mitchell and Nick Cave to take heartfelt tales and transform them into soaring melodies and deeply intimate lyrical reflection. Nick Drake-like storytelling is at the heart of Marling's approach, settled so softly and yet oh so powerfully in 'Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)', a wintery wilderness of self-awareness. Each new release and appearance from Marling has my heart racing and my mind melting, such is the fragility and beauty on offer, poised in an alluring delicacy that seems both so personal and yet so distant.

#2: Matthew and the Atlas

Artist of the Day #2:
Matthew and the Atlas

Americana folk should be seen as the bigger, bolder and brasher brother to the recent surge of British Mumford and Marling folk. For some reason, the home nation of Bob Dylan manages to evoke a stronger sense of true heritage when it comes to bedraggled vocals, steadily cautious guitar pickings and an array of traditional percussion.

So, to see a London band, with a vocalist from Aldershot, swell with folk stylings that so vividly recall dusty, backwater Wyoming wilderness, the split between Americana and British folk begins to shake and shatter in the wake of growling vocals about life and love. Matthew & the Atlas are fronted by Mathew Hegarty, a singer who expels a voice so mired in husk and whiskey, managing to resonate an American accent without the usual nasal schtick.

It is difficult to understand how such experience in terms of lyrical content, vocal strain and melodic meandering can spurn from such a young group of British musicians, but it is simply wonderful to listen to regardless. The Nick Drake-like purr of 'Come Out of the Woods' is singed with a slow burning flicker of soul and sadness, whilst 'Beneath The Sea' feels like Tom Waits with a taste for world music.

Give them a listen and maybe pop along to see them at the Luminaire on the 16th December, I shall see thee there.

Matthew and the Atlas

Camden Crawling Commentary and Crap... (Part Deux)

'Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.' ~Maya Angelou


Here is the much belated second part of my Camden Crawl experience, as I stumbled around on a Sunday through a heady mix of booze and bands...

--------------------------------------

Arriving at Camden around half an hour before bands were due to really kick off the evening events, we headed to the VIP bar to drink/starspot/soak up some atmosphere. I have never felt more alt-celebrity in my life. Flanked by Rox, Vivian Girls and Comanechi (trying to blag free drinks), whilst We Are Scientists played a secret, mini, acoustic set above my heads...

I could get used to this...

We headed downstairs to see Male Bonding at Dingwalls, a shabby cesspit of a venue (which is a compliment, trust me) where I had previously seen a young Miss Marling at my previous Crawl in '07.

Male Bonding fire off aggression in precise and compact blasts of music, shattering the hush of a packed room. The grunge punk ethos lies at the heart of the trio of masculine musical combatants onstage and they know how to grab attention and then punch attention in the face. Noise and movement take hold of the band with the likes of 'Nothing Hurts' rousing feelings of bile and lust in equal measure. An impressive debut album awaits on a shelf somewhere for you to go and listen...

Male Bonding's Myspace

--------------------------------------

Next up was the wonderfully named Gold Panda at the awesomely cramped conditions of the Barfly. Nothing short of a superb sonic assault ensued upon the jam packed, sweaty room, with a little space for some jerky dancing for the few taken over by the spirit of electro. Concussive vibrations and a shattering of any silence that could occur in the waves of noise that Mr Panda emanated, wearing a sinister panda hat atop his head (I WANT ONE...)

The indian base of 'Quitters Raga' imbues a dreamlike electronic sense, showcasing the talent for mixing and sampling embodied in the constantly shuffling and regenerating rota of tracks in the arsenal of Gold Panda. Great one eyed monsters of light swooped and dove over the audience as the speakers pulsated, sending the audience away dazed, confused but gloriously satisfied.

Gold Panda's Myspace

--------------------------------------

A trip to the Roundhouse with new and old friends alike to see Stornoway, an act I had checked out previously and held some small promise for after hearing a few catchy tracks here and there on the interweb. I was expecting calm melody and hum-a-long riffs scattered to-and-fro.

Instead, I got Coldplay meets Mumford & Sons minus any possibly decent hooks and interest. The band looked bored, the crowd looked bored and my interest was solely in the two drinks my best bud had decided to purchase for us. Two PINTS of white wine... [PICTURED...]

The mixture of forgettable music and slowly vanishing wine made up my mind, leading to a swift exit into the Camden night.

--------------------------------------

My last band of Camden Crawl came in the form of Veronica Falls at the nifty little Blues Cafe. The foursome trot out an impressive set of lo-fi loveliness in muffled tones and fuzzy murmurs. 'Found Love In A Graveyard' is somehow rollicking in its slow, low key fumbling method and the hopping bop and chant behind 'Starry Eyes' buzzes the Camden Crawl to a beautifully serene finale. Until next time....

Veronica Falls' Myspace

--------------------------------------

Some Mid-May Musical Moresomes (more crap basically)...

• The National's new album, 'High Violet', is particularly wonderful, depositing the band as one of the indie rock backbones of Americana...
• A collection of possible revolutionaries in Wu Lyf (or World Unite/Lucifer Youth Foundation), who have released a smatter of distinctly different and wonderful tracks, showcasing noise rock, hip-hop, dreampop amongst other stifling genres titles...
• M83 are fantastic. Now, Team Ghost (led by a former member of M83) are fantastic...
• Sleigh Bells kickscream their way into the hearts of the musical youufff with screeching and wailing and fantasmic upbeat tracks such as 'Tell' Em'...

Albums out over the next week or so that you should buy include;

• 'Sea of Cowards' by The Dead Weather [Jack White et al grind and grit their way through a second record]
• 'Here's To Taking It Easy' by Phosphorescent [American folk that shuffles and moseys its way into your mind]
• 'Infinite Arms' by Band of Horses [More beardy Americana, desolate and authentic]

--------------------------------------

Byeeeeeeeeeeee...keep your ears open and your mind wiiiide open....
x
X
X
x

What Would I Want? Music?

'Music is the poetry of the air.' ~Sviatoslav Richter

We near that event that some call Valentines Day but, for reasons too depressing to head into, I shall call Fuck You, Let's Listen To Some New Music Day. Not quite as catchy but it's a national holiday in progress. So, let's give you an agenda of new music for that lazy Sunday...

----------------------------------------------------------

Way back when I was still a student (last year), I hosted a specialist show on student radio (now known as Sonar Radio) all about brand spanking new music and the older influential artists that inspired the current trends, and had the pleasure of falling over many awesome artists, one of which I had the pleasure of seeing in Winchester not long ago.


Alessi's Ark is a solo folkstress with a style of music that can only be defined as Gorgeous, with a big ol' capital G. She has supported the likes of Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling, complementing their folk tales of woe and twee with her inventive and sweet songs such as 'The Horse' and 'Constellations'. The majority of my friends were deeply depressed that they missed the chance to purchase a copy of her album, wrapped in a hand-knitted bag, and I was deeply depressed that she didn't spot me from the stage and whisk me into a folk heaven involving her singing to me every night....

Alessi's Ark's Myspace

----------------------------------------------------------

She was supporting a huge group of folk troubadours from Brighton whose combined musical output swept the stage and the crowd into a folk frenzy (aka quiet, content and intelligent contemplation). Sons of Noel & Adrian use whistling and a whole host of musical instruments to craft intricate folk pop that tugs at the heart (and head) strings.

Sons of Noel & Adrian's Myspace

----------------------------------------------------------

Yet another group from Brighton AND another musical artist who I played on my specialist show last year, Esben and the Witch are making waves in the music-sphere at the moment, popping up on various Festival announcements. Very much a group rooted in literature and storytelling, tracks such as 'Marching Song' project an eery foreboding captivating when trapped within a four minute ditty. Echoes of Bjork and Portishead resonate through the sound of the group whilst allowing an individuality thanks to the emotion that embeds deep within their music.

Esben and the Witch's Myspace

----------------------------------------------------------

A few quickies to make sure you don't run low on New Music to munch on...

Male Bonding popped in to play for Huw Stephen's last night, whose show remains the last bastion of decency on Radio 1, showcasing their grunge-gaze rock that I love so much... Check out their Myspazz

Los Campesinos have a new album out NOW, so give this a listen and then go spend your pennies on it...Romance Is Boring...

These guys are pretty good; well I have listened to 'The Chemical Song' a few times over. They are called Citadels.

Gil Scott-Heron, the freaking legend that he is, has an amazing new album out called 'I'm New Here'. Hear the whole thing here on le Guardian and then go get it so you can listen to it FOREVER....

Finally, I have never been a big Peter Gabriel fan but this may change with an album covering David Bowie, Radiohead, Regina Spektor and Bon Iver...The Guardian, lovely people that they are, let you hear it here...

----------------------------------------------------------

So, go forth, listen and keep loving (except on Valentines Day, that is now for NOTHING but listening to new music, no lovey dovey crap there...)

Buh bye!
XxX
xx
X

Once again, I start again...

No explanations, just musical education... upwards and onwards....

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski

Pulled Apart By Horses are four lads who think up fantastic band and song names, hail from Leeds and throw caution and vocal chords to the wind, firing all 12 cylinders with their personal attempt at pounding out hard, fast and rhythmic riffs whilst hollering over the ruckus they create. They also manage to climb atop speaker stacks and injure themselves whenever possible...check out 'I Punched A Lion in the Throat' and 'E=MC Hammer'.

Pulled Apart By Horses Myspace

Brighton is a town of musical and artistic invention and The Mummers are keeping the bar high, fronted by Raissa Khan-Panni, a musician with a vast well of ability and experience despite her youth. Appearing on Jools Holland and releasing a debut album entitled 'Tale To Tell', the group should reach your radios and televisions imminently! Listen to their amazing cover of Passion Pit's 'Sleepyhead' (a band I mentioned at the end of last year in the last blog posting, who are now shooting into the stratosphere...) and the summery 'Wonderland', a track that will pick you up, lay you amongst the clouds and slowly lull you into contented slumber...

The Mummers Myspace

Bradford has not held a great musical past but this may change with a young lady named Laura Groves, musically named Blue Roses. She fuses a Kate Bush sentiment with the female folk fallout of Laura Marling, ending up with a beautifully strung together self titled album that drifts along endlessly and joyfully. 'I Am Leaving' leaves a sweet taste in the mouth as the vocals swell and soothe over the space of three calm minutes. 'Does Anyone Love Me Now' showcases her ability to juggle lush alt-folk guitar with otherworldly strings and singing. Let her voice send you to sleep before everyone in the land is dreaming to her effortless melodies.

Blue Roses Mypace


First Aid Kit consists of two Swedish teenage sisters whose intense and beautiful songs recall the harmony and delicate nature of artists such as Devendra Banhart and Bright Eyes. Listen to the catchy and instantly noddable 'You're Not Coming Home Tonight'

First Aid Kit's Myspace


Fast paced kraut punk comes thick and ferocious from Not Squares, a band from Belfast. They know how to navigate synths and bass guitars with the utmost anger and musical cohesion, squealing and shouting as they do so.

Not Squares Myspace

Finally, Chew Lips are a London trio whose dancefloor friendly electro has smashed through various blogs and music magazines. 'Solo' and 'Toro' are two tracks that are guaranteed to move feet, hands and heads.

Chew Lips Myspace


That is all for now music lovers and brothers...tune in next week or the week after that or whenever I post something new...and keep you ears wiiiide open...
x
xx
xxx

Back to Business...

Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Back after a ridiculously long hiatus due to work, uni, life, the universe, everything...and me forgetting about this blog pretty much! Anyhoo, straight back into it all!

Firstly, I want to promote a band called Black Kids. They are an American indie rock band who have released an awesome EP called 'Wizard of Ahhhs' and supported various bands, gaining some critical acclaim in various media outlets. They are on various festival bills this summer to try and catch them if you are out and about this year!
Check out their debut single, the incredibly delightful 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You'.

Black Kids Myspace!

Also, a band that have already had a fair bit of coverage and are on the way up. MGMT blend electronica with synths and indie rock riffs to create fantastically engaging songs. Their first album 'Oracular Spectacular' was out very recently and should be on your buy list!
The opening track 'Time to Pretend' sounds like it came from musicians designed by a computer, straight out of a Wierd Science situation! Pure synth genius!

MGMT Myspace!

Finally, a couple of mentions to well known musicians who have new stuff coming out!

Firstly, theres the lovely Mystery Jets, who always get me dancing whenever I have witnessed a live show. They have a new single called 'Young Love' featuring my celebrity love Laura Marling, whom I have championed in an earlier post. It is a lovely jubbly tale of, well, young love!

Mystery Jets Myspace - Listen to 'Young Love'!

Lastly, We Are Scientists have a new track out as well. It is called 'After Hours' and is a charming track with cute lyrics and a cute catchy riff that gets riveted in your head after a couple of listens.

We Are Scientists Myspace - Listen to 'After Hours'!


Thats all...for now...folks!

xXx

"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. " Confucius

I am going to see a band on Tuesday night called Indigo Moss, a London based band who create inspiring rockabilly tunes such as the fantastically named 'Dang Nabbit' and 'Nature of This Town'. They are playing a fair few gigs over the next few months so check them out and try to go see them!

http://www.myspace.com/indigomoss

Cherry Ghost are an Indie/Country band with some catchy, awesome tunes, my favourite being 'Mathematics'. They have performed on Jools Holland and are doing Camden Crawl this year and people should expect something special from them very soon.

http://www.myspace.com/cherryghostband

Finally, a lady who I hope to see at Camden Crawl and need to tell her that my best friend is in love with her and her voice. Laura Marling is a solo artist who sings with a sultry voice capable of captivating whoever falls within its range. 'London Town', 'New Romantic' and 'Its Only My Opinion' show off her fantastic voice and song writing ability. She also appears on the new Rakes album on the gorgeous track, 'Suspicious Eyes'.

http://www.myspace.com/lauramarling

xxx

Oh and HAPPY EASTER!!