Ghosts You Echo #2 - I'm Alive

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Ghosts You Echo have returned an altogether different beast with new demo track "I'm Alive" (and as a new streamlined trio), veering away from the ambient, emotive orchestrated synth pop of "Erika" and "Pull Through", the energetic "I'm Alive" is a faster, more menacing beast with juddering guitar, pulsating synth and crashing percussion duel with Victoria's searing vocals.

Completely destroying any of the comparisons I used on my 'Introducing' piece last year the ferocious track builds to something much darker, raw and exciting, incredibly, it's still only a 'very rough' demo. Ghosts You Echo don't have any gigs lined-up at the minute, I'm sure that'll change soon.

Tashaki Miyaki #3 - Demos

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A late night post, I'm shattered so hopefully when I read this back in the morning it makes some sort of sense. For those of you who read my earlier post, I ran the half marathon and then had a late lunch in a local pub which meant I fell asleep on my return home and unfortunately abandoned my gig planning evening (Bethnal Green is about 75 minutes from my house so it's not just a pop along gig), which is a bit annoying but enough, or this will start turning into some sort of online journal!

Tashaki Miyaki have been a favourite of mine since I discovered their sweet, languid fuzz-pop last March, a wonderful EP followed with highlights "Get it Right" and the reappearing "Somethin' Is Better Than Nothin'" the perfect summation of the bands Best Coast meets slowed down shoegaze, a random play of the former led me to search for new material by the Californian duo and I'm delighted to say that not only did I find some but it's just as magnificent.

"Best Friend" takes the relaxed vibe almost to the next level, lacking almost as much urgency as I did on my run today, the track slow and melancholic gently sways along with honey-honed vocals bathed in hazy reverb, metronomic drum beats and jangle guitar riffs, it's tranquil pop candy and just gorgeous (apparently the track is 10 months old - no idea where I've been!).

Heading to bandcamp I discover to more, "City" is equally woozy and fuzzy, the guitar almost howls and creates a somwhat spookier, creepy ambience while I probably don't need to tell you their version of "If Not For You" is similarly lazy day perfection, a crawling guitar solo brightens the middle section and the harmonious "ah ah ah" in the chorus adds syrupy dreams. I'm certainly looking forward to the full-length, I suspect many others are too.

Tashaki Miyaki head to Europe with dates still being finalised so keep an eye out for them.

Parakeet #3 - Shonen Hearts

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A quick update today folks, I'm off to run a half marathon in an hour (it starts 100 yards from my house which kinda rules out any excuse I've got not to), so I'm up early and passing the time whilst I should still be in bed, ho hum. I've already broken some of the 'Bloggers Style Guide' there, oh well, I don't agree with much of it in all honesty.

This blog isn't a piece of fine journalism and I'm not interested in making a career writing about music. Making obvious, condescending points and criticising grammar (I haven't read many blogs who don't follow at least basic English language principles and I'd personally prefer a down to earth approach rather than a blog that uses twenty words stolen from a thesaurus) alongside some pieces about how to look professional isn't a guide in my opinion. I'll settle with what I do already, if you don't like it, I doubt you are reading this.

I'm not starting any fights, The Recommender is a fine blog who discoverers some great new artists and writes about them in exemplary fashion, I just find the post a bit pointless and I guess it irks me that blogs need to come across as professional, leave that for the pro's and career-maker's (who'll actually get, or be aiming to get, paid). Hobby blogging (like this) should be for the love of music and with a busy life and full time job, I'm pretty sure 95% of my posts are littered with errors.

Parakeet, now playing as a trio with Jon Jackson on guitar, have released their third track "Shonen Hearts" which like their opening track "Tomorrow" is rough and tumble, 90's leaning pop-grunge, with in your face distortion and hard-hitting drums, the swirling guitar melody makes this one perhaps more pop leaning and the surging, fast-paced whirlwind is certainly going to make you want to nod your head in appreciation. Something you'll be able to do that live now, with Parakeet already playing their opening gigs with a couple of support slots, they headline Madame Jo Jo's on July 24th supported by the wonderful Novella - one gig I'll certainly be hoping to get to.

The Tuts - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm writing a blog post on my Friday lunch break, it's been one of those sorts of weeks. A working week that's only (so far) been two and a half days long and has felt ten times as long, a trip straight into London last night for a hat-trick of gigs (Bleech at Rough Trade, Carousels and Savages at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen and 2:54 at Scala) means that today to add to the bout of cantbearsed syndrome I'm pretty tired, so when I came to write a post I was looking for something upbeat, instant and fun, The Tuts offered just that...

"I Call You Up" is the debut track (though there are lots of live recording on youtube) by the London based trio and it's utterly delightful, a shining indie pop gem with a loveable 90's melody, crashing and bouncing with guitar-laden distortion and youthful harmonies, "I Call You Up" fits together perfectly, puts a smile on your face and sounds just great. The live videos hint at an energetic, kick-ass live show (as well as some gorgeous, harmonious acoustic ones), leading nicely onto this next paragraph about both my introduction to the band and a chance to catch them live.

I discovered the band through the line-up for a music festival I've already recommended, the Kiss The Music Weekender at The Sebright Arms, Bethnal Green (full event details) which takes place this very weekend with The Tuts playing on Sunday alongside other such wonderful acts as We Walk on Ice, Fountains and Hella Better Dancer. I'm running a half marathon that morning and then running there (probably not actually running, more likely stumbling)...

Haim - Forever (Video)

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As I previously mentioned in my review of The Great Escape, my favourite band of the weekend was a band I'd hardly listened to before it, one who'd been swept up in a frenzy of Internet buzz since they were one of NME's (amongst many others) highlights of SXSW and one I was unsure I'd be able to get along with in a live arena, I very quickly learnt that I did and Haim were my pick of TGE 2012. It wasn't just me either, both of my friends I shared a B&B with (and who actually saw the LA sister's other show) agreed as did may other writers and bloggers...

Haim had it all, brimming with confidence, personality and dare I say it 'cool' their harmonies are to-die-for and their guitar playing sensational, the live drumming intense and powerful, their live show oozed 70's American rock meet Fleetwood Mac which may or may not be apparent in their recorded material, of which so far is more anthemic and poppy, "Better Off" is big and bold with a harder synth edge than I remember from the live show while "Go Slow" is just gorgeous, a sultry, slow-motion groove that is probably the originator of the R&B references doing the rounds.

The band have just released a new video for probably the strongest of the three, "Forever", a hot, funk-laden melody and jagged guitars, it's got bounce, style and substance, one I dare even the grumpiest of grumps (that's quite often me) not to like. The video interlaces old footage of the girls on bikes with more recent footage where the bikes are somewhat upgraded alongside some rather suspect dancing in a hairdressers, who knows...

What is next for them? I'm going to guess a backlash. This is 2012, this is the Internet when a band gets popular they get slated, it's part and parcel... One thing for certain is that major labels will be trying their hardest to get them on board, Haim will be massive for sure but why do the words 'major' or 'mainstream' have to be frowned upon on blogs? I'm not sure, this one is simply a chronicle of my recent music tastes, I don't claim to have the answers. I'll let people who want to slate bands they don't care for do what they want to as long as it doesn't interfere with my enjoyment (I'm looking at you people who go to gigs and decide to chat), I'd rather post about the positives, it's slightly more rewarding.

Haim's debut EP also entilted 'Foever' is still available to download for free via their website. They also return to the UK, playing a sold-out show at The Barfly on Monday 18th June, I'll see anyone lucky enough to have tickets there.

The Sundowners - New Music "Introducing"

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Liverpool quintet The Sundowners are here to bring back the good times* of the late 60's and early 70's (*disclaimer: so I've heard, I was born in 1982 and if I'm honest am quite happy in 2012), lack of beards aside you'd even be forgiven their press shots were pictures of an early Fleetwood Mac, their harmonically brilliant songcraft takes you to the same level of musicianship, strength and beauty too. Gorgeous, nostalgic melodies and sweetly honed voices make for bright, dreamy pop that is sure to bring joy and have you tapping your feet in appreciation.

They've got two equally brilliant tracks up on their soundcloud to give you an introduction to their sound, the upbeat "Gone Into The Sun" and the similarly vibrant "No Goin' Back", both tracks are drenched in the rich, syrupy dual vocals of Fiona Skelly (brother Alfie takes care of lead guitar) and Niamh Rowe, whose stunning harmonies seemingly effortlessly blend with sun-kissed guitar shimmers and punchy drum beat kicks, the girls' paired delivery has a natural charm to it and the bounce of the melody from the tight rhythm section can do nothing but raise moods.

Luscious and cool, The Sundowners are currently lining up their debut single and I can see it being a huge, huge success.