The Great Escape - Saturday Preview

By Saturday you might be feeling a little bit tired and more likely a little hungover but don't let that ruin your experience (remember to pace yourself), there still one last day to go. Saturday is usually the busiest day of the festival too as people who couldn't get time off work head to the coast and as ever, there are plenty of acts on offer for us to watch. Below are my five picks for Saturday at The Great Escape 2014.

Powder Blue - TGE Page

VENUE / DATE & TIME

AUDIO

10th May 2014 6:45pm - 7:15pm

BLIND TIGER

10th May 2014 1:45pm - 2:15pm

Powder Blue sum up The Great Escape to me, getting the chance to see a band who probably wouldn't be playing in the UK if it wasn't for the festival and the opportunities it brings, it's the Canadian quartet's debut time on these shores so I've naturally no idea what to expect from a live show but from what I've heard so far, I cannot help but be excited...

"Run" is intense, buss saw guitars and throbbing bass colliding the eerily sweet vocal harmonies and "Dream in Black" sounds like an haunted, creatures of the night version of Warpaint. That sort of introduction is surely enough to have you queuing outside the venue before they start (behind me of course).

Blessa - TGE Page

VENUE / DATE & TIME

KOMEDIA

10th May 2014 3:30pm - 4:00pm

KOMEDIA STUDIO BAR

10th May 2014 9:30pm - 10:00pm

Another band I've talked about here at great length are Blessa, the recently released "Unfurl" exemplifies exactly why I have and exactly why I think you should go and watch them. An immaculate guitar pop gem which combines a dreamy, exotic melody with seduction and beauty, the sort of band that should be playing on the NME stage aren't because they don't sound like a Libertines / Oasis / Strokes clone. Ah well, more fool them and more joy for us...

Fickle Friends - TGE Page

VENUE / DATE & TIME

GREEN DOOR STORE

9th May 2014 9:15pm - 9:45pm

MESMERIST
10th May 2014 4:15pm - 4:45pm
(An Alternative Escape Show)

Local band Fickle Friends will be another act I'll be seeing for the first time over the weekend (as I have said already, I think it's the point of TGE, to see new acts) and will possibly be one of the few occasions where I'll be likely rubbing shoulders with the 'cool kids'. Their track "Play" sums up why, the perfect blend of radio friendly excitement and made for summer melody which combines infectious, chiming guitars, bouncing synths and a sweetly, soft vocal. It's impossible not to bop your head along in approval.

Novella - Facebook

VENUE / DATE & TIME

THE LOFT
10th May 2014 3:40pm - 4:00pm (an Alternative Escape show)

Novella have been quiet so far this year, hopefully because they've been holed up in a studio finishing their debut album but they play a rare live show as part of the Alternative Escape.

I've seen Novella countless times before over the past three years but I'm always left craving more afterwards, there's no other new guitar band that comes close to the London based group, one of a handful of bands who genuinely excite every time. Letting their music do the talking with long crawling sections of hypnotic guitars, a precise rhythm section and hazy vocals. It ticks all my boxes (I hope the 20 minute set time is wrong, that's about three tracks!)...

Eliza Shaddad - Facebook

VENUE / DATE & TIME
HEINEKEN STAGE
8th May 2014 5:00pm - 5:30pm
BRIGHTON MUSEUM
10th May 2014 9:15pm - 9:45pm

LATEST MUSIC BAR

10th May 2014 10:45pm - 11:15pm (an Alternative Escape show)

Last but certainly not least in my series of preview posts for this years festival is Eliza Shaddad, perhaps not for the partying sort but for those with a more open mind, Eliza is a guarantee to get your Saturday evening off to the most serene and spine-tingling of starts.

Take a listen to her recent track "You For Me" if you want to understand why, how could a listen to it not make you feel all sort of giddy, happy thoughts. A soft, haunting stunner. The rest of Eliza's live set is no different.

Novella #4 - Follow

Facebook / novellaband.com

Running a new music blog that prefers to praise ahead of grumble (the opposite of reality!) means I'm often declaring many different acts as my new favourite thing, in reality there's probably not more than a couple of handful of bands that I can attentively follow to devote levels, one of those bands is most definitely Novella...

I've been hooked on them since their debut songs "The Things You Do" and "Oh Brian" over two years ago now and soon rushed out to see the London quartet (I think Iain on drums has been officially added to the bands ranks). I remember them opening at Corcisa Studios and soon after they were supporting Dum Dum Girls and Veronica Falls amongst others. The buzz was apparent and fulfilled by 2012's debut EP and subsequent single "Mary's Gun", the former appearing  at number eight in my releases of 2012 list, a 'sumptuous cocktail of sugary vocals buried in a sea of hazy, grungy guitars and battering drum beats'. Novella have also appeared on my 'ones to watch' posts for the past two years - I'd call that almost stalking!

Recently news and shows have been sparser as the band have been tucked away working on their debut full length, I missed a recent show at The Lexington but earlier caught the band at a blistering show at Scala and now we've been treated to the first signs of the recordings with new track (although one which has featured in the bands live set for a while now) "Follow". Taken from a four track EP Murmurs, an aperitif for a full length next year, and released on cassette next week, Monday 14th October via Italian Beach Babes with a special free show at the Shacklewell Arms this Friday to launch it - details.

The tracks long winding intro hints at what is to come, a raw, sprawling blend of gazing pysche-guitars with repetitive rhythms infecting your head before finally, just after the two minute mark Hollie's typically luscious vocals enter, floating nonchalantly with a dreamy hush adding an additional layer of hypnotic beauty to this spacey, exhilarating track.

Just Music That I Like's Favourite Albums of the Year 2013 - Part Four

Just Music That I Like's Favourite Albums of the Year 2013 - Part Four

Previously posted: Part One // Two // Three // Four // Five

10. Hannah Cohen - Child Bride

 Facebook // Order CD/LP

Hannah Cohen was an artist I don't think anybody had heard of this time last year, her introduction to the world of music (after a successful career as a model) was the haunting beauty "The Crying Game", which stirs up powerful emotions on its place towards the end of the Hannah's debut LP, the melancholic Child Bride, fluttering between those painful and torn moments are a couple of upbeat numbers like "California", a light and breezy departure where loosely strummed guitar and sweetly cooed vocals let in rays of sunshine, bright and catchy, it's a welcome addition to the record but it is those aching, heart wrenching moments that stay with you the longest.

"Don't Say" is simply divine, the sweeping guitar waltz and gentle drum brushes provide space for Hannah's vocals to pierce your heart, her voice is genuinely gorgeous possessing a devastating tone that is capable of shining like a star,or being sweet and mysterious, or being haunting and emotional, and then heartbroken all in the space of half an hour. You can pick your own superlatives, Hannah Cohen deserves them all.

The instrumentation is equally elegant as the central theme of love lost tugs at your every sense, it remains delicate and controlled throughout but once in a while it shimmers and swells luxuriously, never better than on the sublime "The Simplest" and another of the stand-out's "Shadows", a fragile, ethereal ballad that's one of the more heartfelt tracks in an album of them.

Child Bride is the perfect soundtrack for a candlelit evening in with a loved one, or alone if you'd rather

9. Allo Darlin' - Europe

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Allo Darlin's second LP Europe is one of those rare albums which flows perfectly without any duff tracks over forty minutes so full of sunshine and wistful memories it can't help but bring out memories, which as with life, are good, bad but on the whole, a journey likely to leave you overwhelmingly fuzzy inside.

Lead single "Capricornia" is a joyous, sweet slice of pure pop about vocalist Elizabeth Morris' home country, it will definitely steal your heart with its fun-filled guitars jangles, colourful drum splashes and pitch perfect vocals, mood inducing and just lovely.

Elsewhere Europe similarly shines, whether it's the albums beautifully crafted ballad "Tallulah" which sees Allo Darlin' go back to their roots with Elizabeth's emotional lyrics pouring out over simple uke plucks, or the wistful highlight "Some People Say" it's utterly glorious, bright and immediate with rich guitar-led melodies that are so irresistibly charming you'll soon be bouncing around your room. "Northern Lights" is another moment to saviour, unashamedly upbeat with sunshine guitar jangles and pitch perfect vocals. Simply put, Europe is a real gem.

8. Novella EP

 Facebook // Order LP

Novella's self-titled EP might only be five tracks in length but is deserving of it's place here as it's one of my most listened to releases of the year, and if a list about your favourite albums of the year isn't almost a copy of what you've been listening to most, then you are doing it wrong...

Kicking off with "Eat Yourself" Novella introduce their sumptuous cocktail of sugary vocals buried in a sea of hazy, grungy guitars and battering drum beats, it's all kind of wonderful, the ultra catchy "Don't Believe Ayn Rand" perhaps does it even better... Dreamy, psychedelic guitar lines and luscious vocal harmonies one moment and then seconds later, they're making a whole lot of noise with sprawling, fuzzed out guitars and big pounding beats.

The hypnotic "You're Not That Cool" is my highlight from the EP, slowing building around droning riff cycles moody and nonchalant until it explodes for the last two minutes under an avalanche of noise, one of my favourite tracks of the year. Bring on Novella's debut full-length in 2013 (hopefully).

7. First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

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The Lion's Roar takes the First Aid Kit to another level, their impeccable debut 'The Big Black & The Blue' focused on delicate acoustic picks and beautiful layered harmonies, here the sisters are backed by a full band, the title tracks vocal tone is just as stunning whilst its soaring country-waltz tinged arrangements and stomping drums sweep you away on its emotive, beautiful journey. Lyrically the developments are just as obvious, alongside "Ghost Town" I'd place "The Lion's Roar" as their darkest track to date, honest and plaintive reflections that (cliché time) are mature-beyond-their-years.

Sincere and heart-felt, latest single "Blue" the perfect insight to their beguiling balance of sweet voices and rich production with earlier single "Emmylou" another catalyst for the sister's successful year, combining a classic contemporary country sound with the sister's heavenly vocal harmonies, it's simply gorgeous. One listen and it's obvious that the track is a tribute to a whole number of legendary country artists, Carter, Cash, Harris and Parsons are all name checked in the chorus and the sisters managed to earn rare praise from Johnny Cash's daughter along the way. It's not hard to realise why, their music is so majestic, their voices are so beautiful, First Aid Kit deserve all the praise they are getting as they become real darlings of the folk world.

6. Shrag - Canines

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Canines, Shrag's third and in my opinion best LP is to put it succinctly, all kinds of awesome, with swaggering bass and a stomping drum beat the track "Devastating Bones" is easily the best biology lesson you'll ever have, raw and exuberant, much like the album it is taken from, it sizzles with melodious delight from start to finish.

Earlier lead single the wonderful "Show Us Your Canines" also sums up the feeling of the album perfectly, infectious pop music with mood-enhancing melodies, racing rhythms and more bounce than your average trampoline exhibition. Equally brilliant is the punchy "Tendons in the Night", Shrag take a tough, fuzzy pop-rock approach to most the album and throughout show themselves capable of effortlessly crafting dance-friendly indie pop gems that are dynamic, distinctive and compulsive. From the scuzzy bass-lines and skittling drums to the call and response boy/girl vocals and shimmering keys with boy/girl shouty vocals that range from bitter-sweet to lusciously syrup.

Other highlights include "On The Spines Of Old Cathedrals", "Chasing Consummations" and the slow build-up of the epic closure "Jane With Dumbbells" - the whole fucking thing really.

Tips For 2013 - Part Three

The third part of my ones to watch for 2013. If you are interested in the previous parts, you can find them at the following links: Parts One // Two.

Let's Buy Happiness - Facebook

In my review of my tips of 2012 I said much of what I have to say about Let's Buy Happiness, so excuse me for repeating it again...

Let's Buy Happiness are a band I've been following for a while, I've been smitten with the bands shimmering guitar lines and Sarah Hall's heavenly vocal purr since I first saw the band at The Great Escape in 2010. I originally picked them as one of my 'Tips for 2011', a year which saw them releases a couple singles ("Fast Fast" and "Dirty Lakes") and play a few high billing sets. I expected 2012 to be the year the band released their debut album and fulfilled all the blog praise received from people much more in the know than me. However, it hasn't quite turned out that way, besides a digital only single in June it's been pretty much silence from the North-East quartet.

The track was actually a re-working of an old Let's Buy Happiness too, "Works Better on Paper" was originally released on the debut LBH EP in 2010, this version was pared back from the original version with a gentle, languid tempo and delicate instrumentation making Sarah Hall's soft, celestial vocal the main instrument. It worked to perfection, magically complimenting sleepy drums and guitar effects, "Works Better on Better" was just overwhelmingly beautiful.

As for 2013, the good news is that the album looks to certainly be on the cards for next year, a series of in the studio shots on facebook confirm as much, one (more) for the 2013 list then!

Three years in a row on my 'tips' lists, definitely time for an album!





Novella - Facebook

Another returning from last years list (sorry about the apparent lack of imagination, I'd rather call if faith in the bands I like) are Novella,one of the bands I'm most excited about seeing live again, I saw them plenty of times over the spring but their live performances dried up over summer until the autumn where our paths never crossed, I'm sure that will change in early 2013...

After a stunning self-titled EP released via Italian Beach Babes in March (now close to selling out its second pressing) and the aforementioned live shows I regard Novella as one of the best 90's influenced band in London today, the EP highlighted Novella's live sound, part dreamy psychedelia mixed with a whole lot of sprawling noise where sugary vocals buried in a see of hazy, grungy guitars and battering drums swirl around in your brain, it's all kind of wonderful, check out the excellent live video below if you don't believe me...

Latest single "Mary's Gun" hinted at more to come in 2013, a ferocious cocktail of pysch ambience with moody percussion and off-kilter grungy guitar fuzz, sure to get the adrenaline pumping and will (hopefully) lead to news of perhaps an album at some point next year. If you haven't already, make sure you check out Novella live.




PINS - Facebook

PINS came from nowhere to everywhere in the space of about a month earlier this year, a stunning double a-side tape which promptly sold out about three times catapulted the Manchester quartet to the quarters of pretty much every online music magazine. It's seldom I agree with enormous hype but on this occasion the buzz was definitely worthwhile with "Eleventh Hour" and "Shoot You" introducing an electrifying band with infinite potential around hard-hitting drums, brooding vocals and dark, echoey guitars.

The follow up was even better, more evolved and darker, “LuvU4Lyf” saw four raw tracks that were ferocious and perverse sound out a minimalistic, explosive treat. Led by the compelling Faith Holgate's howling cries the back-bone of Pins sound comes from droning guitar fuzz whilst the pulsating military like drum beat coupled with an equally powerful bass hits you in the guts like a ton of bricks, it was a stunning statement of intent which came on the aftermath of a signing to one of the UK's finest independent labels, Bella Union.

I've seen Pins live three times in the space of the past month or so, so where perhaps I might be now writing something the lines of I hope there's more to come, with Pins I know there is much more, with the highlights of their sets being some of the entrancing new tracks, "I Want it All" immediately comes to mind, I can't wait to hear them on record.

Tips for 2012 – One Year On (Part Three)

Here is the final part of three where I revisit my tips for the year. If you've missed the others you'll find them here: Parts One // Two.

Niki and the Dove - Facebook

Niki and the Dove were the only band I picked in my tips that ended up featuring in the BBC Sound of 2012, the latter inclusion meant the year started off well for the Swedish electro duo, their album Instinct followed in May and was a excitable collection of passionate electro-pop, booming percussion and Knife-esque vocal potency. It picked up some good reviews too(pitchfork gave it 7.9), but, and if you've followed this blog over the past twelve months you may have guessed, it's a sound I seem to have moved away from over the year...

I can't actually remember the last time I wanted to listen to them, so for me at least, and this blog is review my opinion in music, it seems that Niki and the Dove have passed me by, others though may think different.


Novella - Facebook

Novella have had a year of two halves, the first saw them release their self-titled EP via Italian Beach Babes in March (now close to selling out its second pressing) and play a host of London based shows. The bands sumptuous cocktail of sugary vocals buried in a see of hazy, grungy guitars and battering drums makes them one one of the best 90's influenced band in London today in my opinion, the EP highlighted Novella's live sound, part dreamy psychedelia mixed with a whole lot of sprawling noise, it's all kind of wonderful, listen to highlight "You're Not That Cool" if you don't believe me...

After which Novella were pretty quiet, seemingly spending the summer in the studio before returning in late autumn with some shows and a new single, "Mary's Gun", a ferocious cocktail of pysch ambience with moody percussion and off-kilter grungy guitar fuzz, sure to get the adrenaline pumping and (hopefully) a sure sign of more in come in 2013.

Rachel Sermanni - Facebook

Rachel Sermanni has probably done as well as anyone I tipped in 2012, with a host of gigs around the UK & Europe over the course of the year making the Highland lass a name on the lips of many, it was left to her album to turn them into putty in her hands, not a difficult job for a heavenly album (Under Mountains which came out in September) packed with to-die-for songs.

I've talked about many of Rachel's tracks here before, the exquisite and intoxicating "Waltz", the dark defiance of "The Fog" and the gorgeous, soothing tones of "Sleep" all favourites on the album, it offers a dozen finely crafted tracks in which Rachel's mesmerising voice resonates above genteel arrangements and stirring full band section on an album full of heartfelt emotion and stunning harmonies, one of the years finest, of that there is no doubt..

Stealing Sheep - Facebook

Stealing Sheep are another band who've had a fine year, a host of impressive support acts (most recently with Alt-J) and a debut album release in August (Into The Diamond Sun). Fulfilling the promise of the trio's earlier EP's it's a perfect summer's day album, mixing the gorgeous with the individualistic sounds that characterise Stealing Sheep.

I've talked about the band on numerous times in the past and I'm going to recycle some old words as they are about the best I can do to describe the album, "a delicious combination of spiralling vocal harmonies, psychedelic melodies and off-kilter drums (not to mention infectious hand clapping), impossible to pigeon-hole, Stealing Sheep deserve their own genre, one that's equally bonkers, enchanting and always fun" and beautiful, for Into the Diamond Sun is most definitely that.

The band also released one of the finest videos of the year with a live rendition of the albums highlight "Shut Eye" performed along with a host of fellow musicians who bring a whole variety of instruments to make a percussion filled wonder that's completely hypnotising. Watch it below:

2:54 - Facebook

I've done much better with bands releasing albums in this third part of my tips for 2012 and my final pick 2:54 also released their debut in 2012, another band which (in my opinion anyway) delivered upon the promise of their earlier singles, delivering an album brimmed with creeping guitar spirals and hauntingly melodic vocals, "Scarlet" oozes with eerie mood, "Creeping" has arguably the guitar solo of the year at its finale and "Sugar" is dark and driving with throbbing guitar lines and doomy atmosphere, something which can be used to describe much of the album for there's not much light here, I've seen some reviews fault that, I couldn't care less... 2:54 sounds just great to me.

When I saw the band a few weeks back at XOYO I commented afterwards that the hour long show almost felt like a greatest hit show, such is the standard of 2:54's material, not a bad feat for a band with just a single, an EP and an album to their name...

Novella #3 - Mary's Gun

Facebook

I'm trying something I've never done before and blogging on the move but it's releases like this that keeps the passion for music blogging going, so you'll have to excuse the grammar and spelling errors...

Not content with releasing one of the years stand out EP's Novella are back with the first song of their new single, "Mary's Gun", a ferocious cocktail of hazy, pysch ambience with moody percussion and off-kilter grungy guitar fuzz, sure to get the adrenaline pumping, play it loud and play it often.

Released November 26th via Italian Beach Babes it coincides with the girls return to live circuit at the same time, already electric another killer song such as this is only compounding my already sky-high opinion of the band. Order it here / Listen below.

The Great Escape 2012 - Saturday Review

I wake up to find myself faced with the last day of The Great Escape 2012, it has flown by. My day plan for Saturday had been arranged for weeks, it involved a trip to The Hydrant and then staying there, after a late breakfast I walk up London Road to find the venue, it's fair to say it's in a more 'undesirable' location to the rest of the festival. About three quarters of a mile from anywhere else and away from the seafront on a sunny day, it's not much of a surprise to find there aren't too many people there at half past twelve.

Added to the fact that the venue is, to put it succinctly, a shit hole. The Hydrant as a venue that might be okay to watch rock music by night but doesn't immediately appeal for a full afternoon's worth of folk. The mood is hardly helped by there being an abysmal selection of beers and the room being almost pitch black (hence a lack of photos). Still, I carry on regardless...

First up is Redwood Red, backed by Emma Gatrill on clarinet (who probably thinks I'm her stalker by now), her guitar plucks are delicate and fragile and her voice is rich and beautiful, the vocal harmonies extraordinary. It's a fine start to the day. We're even treated to a bit of tap-dancing / unorthodox beats at one point, if only there were some seats or light.

Like Spinning is next, I've waxed lyrical about Kari's music on numerous occasions, so unless you are new here you've probably got the picture by now but her vocals are so gorgeous and soothing that I forget about the environment for a while. Backed by Anna's equally beguiling voice there's even a recent cover in the set, a wonderful version of Hannah Cohen's "Child Bride". Like Spinning deserve all the praise that comes their way.

After whichever random drink I decide is best of a bad bunch Laish take to the tall stage and I'm re-encountered with Emma and Martha Rose who plays violin in the folk-rock posse, their sweeping tracks are harmonious and dripped in luscious instrumentation, I find myself wishing their were some candles in the room, anything to bring some light or feeling to the venue. Did I mention there was one toilet. A venue that can hold about 200/250 people has one gentlemen's room. Good luck with that...

I quickly disappear for a coffee which turns out to be an ale because there wasn't any coffee and see some of Karima Francis, the venue gets suddenly busy. I think it's because Karima was the only act on the bill who made it on the iPhone. Although it seems Karima didn't look at that as she mentions not knowing about the show until half an hour before playing, you wouldn't have guessed as she bellows out her soul-pop tracks that will no doubt be troubling the charts before summer is over.

Slightly delayed it's Emily and the Woods up next, the sound where I was sitting (my legs had given up by this point and I made do with the hard, dirty floor) means I hear probably slightly more guitar than I should and not enough of Emily's soft, sweet vocals. There is a lot of new material and it's safe to say I'm excited to hear it properly. Emily is another well documented love of mine and her way with the crowd will no doubt have found her more friends.

My eyes decide they want some sunlight after over four hours in predominately the same rectangle shaped room so I decide to get some food and drop off my bag before heading out for the evening shift. I see Stealing Sheep as I exit and have a tangle of guilt but I saw them a few weeks ago and think I've made the right decision. A little rest later and expecting Audio to be busy I head there just as the doors open, the good news is they are handing out drink tokens for free Red Stripe - free and alcohol when used together are two words never to be sniffed at.

After I take my place at the front (stalker fan) it's not too long before Novella come on stage and they are as good as ever, sugary vocals buried in a see of hazy, grunge guitars and battering drums equally powerful and beautiful, not ones for audience interaction, Novella are still one of the best 90's influenced band in London today. My pre-gig expectations for the next band Fanzine are pretty low, it turns out of I've got them confused with another band and I quite enjoy them, their dreamy, slacker-pop sounds more American than London, their set soon flies by.

The venue is heaving by the point HAIM take to the stage, there is a notable air of expectancy, I'm not sure what to expect, it doesn't take very long into their set for me to soon decide they are amazing. Actually amazing. They swear too much in-between songs but musically they are brilliant, three sisters aged between 19 and 24 with a drummer who seems the butt of their jokes.

They are not a thing like their pre-show billing of R&B meets folk, Haim are 70's rock meets Fleetwood Mac. The harmonies are to-die-for, the guitars loud and the drumming intense. I said in my preview this could be a moment like Warpaint's show a couple of years ago and it turns out that I was right. Haim will be back in the UK soon and before the year is out they'll be on the lips of thousands of cooler people than I.

Lucy Rose is next at Blind Tiger, I'm soon beyond infuriated. I know it's quite late (about half ten) but if you come to watch a gig by a singer-songwriter surely etiquette dictates that you shut the fuck up. Perhaps not at a new music festival when there is every chance most of the crowd has been out enjoying the springs' sun for the best part of the day, after five or six songs I've had enough and decide to save Lucy's beautiful voice for a time when I can enjoy it without thoughts of cutting off a lot of people's tongues!

Instead I head to the sanctuary of the Pav Tav, I'm going to guess that is the only time this place has ever been called a sanctuary, it's a typical student filled hole, but at least you know what you are getting beforehand and I sample a few poor quality EPA's, though priced at £2.50 I can't complain.

It does leave a sour end to the weekend but one that looking back was filled with a lot of quality acts and a lot of value of the £40 ticket (super early bird and fees). I've talked about a couple of niggling points throughout my rambling reviews, still The Great Escape is still one of my favourite festivals of the year and I'm already looking forward to 2013's.

Camden Crawl 2012 Preview - Part Two

Following straight on with part two of my Camden Crawl preview, where part one concentrated on Saturday's acts, this part focuses on the final day Sunday. No beating around the bush, here are my six tips to watch. Venues and times currently unknown.

Evans The Death - Facebook

Another band I'm yet to catch live despite a few near misses are London based five piece Evans The Death, I'll aim to readdress that with their show at the CC, thunderous drums and urgent, scuzzy guitars make the bands blend of grungey power-pop some of the most intelligent and well crafted around at the minute and then when you factor in Katherine Whittaker's sublime vocals, both in terms of voice and delivery, you've got a band that really should be seen.

Lucy Rose - Facebook

Lucy Rose has already melted by heart and mind countless times, during 2012 she is set to do it many more (her debut full length is due later this year). I'm not the only person saying this and her show is (I imagine) set to be very busy, especially if her ever increasing facebook fan count is anything to go by.

If you've let Lucy pass you by so far, listen to her now, she has the type of voice that will soften even the hardest of souls and her beautiful, intimate acoustic songs are heartfelt, hushed and soothing, don't miss her.




Melodica, Melody & Me - Facebook

A new discovery for me (the band have been together for five years), the south London sextet Melodica, Melody & Me produce a charming and rich sound that flutters between nu-folk and roots influences but is very much their own.

What immediately strikes you are the beautiful vocal harmonies. The dual male / female voices perfectly compliment each other , soft and irresistible, it's not all about the vocals of course, the backing instrumentation is equally impressive. I won't start to attempt to cover all the instruments or sounds they make, just say if you've got this far reading this, then you're going to enjoy what lies below.

Novella - Facebook

Some of the bands I'm aiming to see are pretty straightforward choices and have been covered here on numerous occasions, one such instance is Novella. Another of my tips for 2012, I've been recently enjoying their debut self-titled EP (though the vinyl release has been delayed), the band, perfectly capable of producing dreamy, psychedelic guitar lines with luscious vocal harmonies one moment and then seconds later making a whole lot of noise, with sprawling, fuzzed out grungy guitars and big pounding beats. Novella are a great live band, see them for yourself.

Throwing Up - Facebook

If you want to see an act that will grab you by the balls (figuratively) over the course of the weekend may I suggest a trip to see Throwing Up. The London based trio are sure to deliver a show full of raw, blistering pop-punk energy with distorted guitar fuelled noise and fast, punchy drums.

To see what I mean, take a listen to their wonderful single "Big Love" below, leave the coat at home, this one could get sweaty.



Toy - Facebook

On of the bands of 2012 so far Toy heir first single "Left Myself Behind" summed up the buzz, an eight minute runaway rollercoaster that combines the best bits of psyche, krautrock and shoegaze in one glorious track, gorgeous shimmering guitars duel with the korg keys and the consistent drum beats, to keep it simple, it's one of the essential tracks of the last six months. Their second single "Motoring" is due April 16th (on 7″ and download via Heavenly Recordings) and confirms TOY as one of the UK's hottest new properties, aptly titled overloading fuzz-filled guitars and gaudy keyboards make for a slick, infectious ride. Truly superb, hard, dense, melodic, brilliant.



There we go, twelve acts to see over two days, I'm sure I'll manage to squeeze more into the weekend too.
You can view the full Camden Crawl line-up and purchase day / weekend tickets via the CC website.

Novella #2 - Don't Believe Ayn Rand / EP

Facebook / http://www.novellaband.com/

Exciting news from one of my tips for 2012, Novella, who earlier announced details of a new EP to be released via Italian Beach Babes on March 19th, (the five track self-titled EP can be pre-ordered the EP here). As a taster, one of the tracks "Don't Believe Ayn Rand" has been made available for free download (below).

Hinting at their explosive live show, the track is a sumptuous cocktail of part dreamy psychedelia and luscious vocal harmonies mixed with a whole lot of sprawling noise, trademark grungy guitar fuzz and big pounding beats. Consider the EP a must buy.

Novella support the incredible Veronica Falls on their March tour including a date at London's Scala on March 14th (full dates) - can't wait!

Tips for 2012 - Part Four

Just Music That I Like's Tips for 2012 - Part Four.

Previous parts can be found here: One // Two // Three // Four // Five

Lucy Rose

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Another predictable choice for long-time followers perhaps, Lucy Rose showcased her rare talent on two gorgeous singles in 2011, both 'Scar' and 'Middle of the Bed' highlighted her spine-tingling vocals, effortlessly pure and beautiful and an extraordinarily intimate song craft. Her songs, though simple in melody, backed by hushed guitars and soothing  percussion the effect of her music is calming, heart-warming and one that induces the most beautiful of thoughts.

2012 promises to bring even more from Lucy, her debut album for starters, guaranteed to bring goosebumps to thousands of listeners up and down the country. Already renowned for her live show (she sold out London's Cargo without a release to her name) Lucy is sure to be a word on every radio station DJ's lips next year, before that, you can see her at Camden's Barfly on 31st of Jan - tickets.

Lucy Rose - Middle Of The Bed by Lucy Rose




Niki and the Dove

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The only one of my list to make the 'official' one, the BBC's Sound of 2012 (Lianne La Havas was very close), Niki and the Dove have featured in almost every 'Ones for 2012' list I've read thus far and with good reason, their flamboyant electro-pop is bright and dramatic, energetic and genuinely refreshing, N&TD make quite the change from the drab, dreary music which often finds its way into prime-time radio these days, the Swedish Duo an act with clear homage to 80's stars like Prince, Madonna and (uh-oh) Kate Bush are uplifting and fun.

There are elements of so many things in there the result could be horrendous; euro-dance, power pop, afro-rhythmic drums, yet horrendous is as far removed as possible from the end result, "Mother Project" showcases their more experimental side, distinctly Scandinavian atmospheres based around icy vocals and chilly beats (and not forgetting the pan-pipe solo) and "The Fox" the theatrical, with its anthemic arrangements and flickering synths, everything thus far has been eagerly lapped up and is quite, quite delicious.

Signed to Sub Pop, their new found fame will mean more is expected from them than perhaps just a month ago, still, I'm looking forward to hearing the result next year.

The Drummer by Niki & The Dove



Novella

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Novella could be another case of a tip too soon but I don't care, with just one 7" to their name (the perfect 'Oh Brian') to date the London trio/foursome (I'm not sure, their pictures / facebook seem to suggest it's a three piece but the three times I've seen them they've been a four piece backed by an exceptional, hard-hitting drummer -perhaps he's just for live-shows) are firmly amongst my favourite new bands.

The live shows point to my excitement surrounding the band, an intoxicating concoction of wholesome noise, a grungy assault of three way guitar fuzz and pounding beats with an added veneer of melodic sheen that's bewitching and brilliant.

Their latest track "Santiago" (from an incredible split record including Echo Lake and The History of Apple Pie released just this week (details and order here) and celebrated with a live show tonight - I'm going) gives a perfect indication, slightly more urgent pacing, led by galloping drum beat, thick guitars and girl group vocals, simply delicious.

Tips for 2012? I hope so, though 2013 will do me just fine.

Santiago by Novella.

Novella - New Music "Introducing"

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Uh-oh, here come another all-female lo-fi group... I jest of course, but here's a band that we might just need. Novella are a new(ish) London based group made up of Hollie Warren, Sophy Hollington and Suki Sou.

"The Things You Do" reminds me of two bands I wouldn't exactly say are too comparable. Canadian favourites No Joy and Smoke Fairies. The latter due to the start, with some intricate guitar-work and the former more apparent, with reverb-drenched guitar dirge noise that simmers throughout and ends with a big percussion-pummelling finale. It's pretty special.

"Oh Brian" combines an alluring cocktail of sumptuous melodic fuzz with nonchalant vocals, a gorgeous airy haze washes through and it make me go all warm inside.

"Beach Fatigue" is the most laid-back of the three track's on their soundcloud, taking its title quite literally with its chilled-out summers day vibe. Luscious, dreamy vocal harmonies and some wonderful guitar work. Quite delicious.

Novella play 1234 festival this weekend (shame I'm away as the line-up is pretty spectacular) and The Garage on 21st July, more to follow I'm sure.

The Things You Do by Novella.

Oh Brian by Novella.